The Madison City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday night authorizing the issuance, sale and delivery of $7,525,000 principal amount of the general obligation taxable warrants to begin funding for The Shoppes of Madison.

The 266,000-square foot shopping center, which is being built by GBT Realty, is expected to be built near the site of the new Madison Hospital off Balch Road.

In addition to the major retailer, which is expected to be a Super Target, the Shoppes are also expected to include various sit-down restaurants, a major home décor store and other retailers.

“It’s the result of months and months of work. It’s something we’ve been working on for so long,” said Amy Furfori, community development and planning director.

“We feel it’s not only something the city wants, but also something the city needs.”

The Shoppes project was announced Jan. 21 during Mayor Paul Finley’s State of the City address at the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Connect 2011 event.

“What we’re all concerned with is finding stores people want, while also increasing the tax base,” Finley said.

A public hearing to discuss the Shoppes with the city’s residents has been set for Feb. 14.

In other actions, the council:

—Approved the annual appropriation to the Madison Beautification and Tree Board in the amount of $8,550. The MBTB organizes a wide variety of programs and initiatives, including monitoring the Rose Rosette Disease of the city’s Knockout Roses, placement of signature benches and trashcans throughout the city, Arbor Day activities, the Run Through the Roses race, Yards of Madison awards, Beautification awards and more.

—Awarded a bid to Galls, an Aramark Co., for new uniforms for the Madison Fire and Rescue Department.

—Authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with the Alabama Department of transportation for the installation, operation and maintenance of a traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 72 and the proposed Shoppes of Madison.

—Approved a resolution to extend the Balch Road widening project from Jan. 17, 2011 to Jan. 11, 2015.

“The original contract was for five years, and this project is funded with earmarked funds,” said City Engineer Gary Chynoweth. “We cannot go to the next stage until the earmarks are done.”

—Declared Feb. 7-11 National School Counseling Week.

—Declared January as National Radon Action Month.