ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Robertsdale could see about two miles of new sidewalks at no cost to the city, Mayor Charles Murphy announced at Monday’s City Council meeting.

“This is coming from the stimulus money,” said Mayor Charles Murphy, adding that he was contacted by Alabama Department of Transportation last week.

Murphy stressed that the funding is not firm as yet.

If all goes as hoped, the city should see about $400,000 of work done. The last city sidewalk project paved about 1.25 miles and cost about $200,000, Murphy said.

“ALDOT wanted a list,” Murphy told the council, adding that the state was stressing projects in populated areas.

According to an e-mail from Murphy after the meeting, “The proposed sidewalk application would start at Palmer Place subdivision's entrance and run east across Highway 59 to College, it would then turn north on College and end at East Silverhill Avenue. We also applied for a sidewalk run from the intersection of Highway 90 and College, which would run east along Highway 90 to the entrance of South Field subdivision's entrance.”

“That would tie into the school,’ added council member Paul Hollingsworth. The new sidewalks would provide better access to Robertsdale High, where he works as an assistant principal, and to other schools in the city.

No matter what, the projects are going to happen quickly.

“They (ALDOT) wanted a quick snapshot,” said Murphy. “They are going to expedite everything.”

All council members were present for the meeting.

Murphy also asked the council to “reactivate” the Real Estate Committee in order to pursue acquisition of a piece of property needed for a sewer lift station. That request was approved.

Larry York, ride coordinator for the “Saddle Up for St. Jude” ride was at the council meeting to request the use of the city’s electronic billboard. The ride, which raised a little more than $17,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research hospital, will be held March 21 at Kaiser Farms off U.S. Highway 90 near Seminole and 10 miles east of Robertsdale.

According to York, the band “Alvarado Road Show” will play after the ride. The donation for riders 12 and over is $15, riders under 12 years of age are asked to donate $6.. All riders are asked to get sponsors. If a rider has any questions, they may contact York by calling 947-7605.

The council approved the request unanimously.

The council also voted to approved a Planning Department request that will rename South Eagles Lane, West Eagles Lane, North Eagles Lane and East Eagles Lane in the Cardinal Hills subdivision to Eagles Lane.

The council will take final action at their next meeting in March. According to city officials, only four structures will need to change their street numbers.

In other action, the council

— Voted to approve payment of $828,526.33 in city bills

— Voted to approve payment of $1,803 in invoices for the new Chamber of Commerce building. The last piece of work involves paving the parking lot, which Murphy says should be done soon.

— Was reminded that the city will have an Arbor Day celebration Feb. 28 at 9 a.m. at Garrett Park.