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Minutes 2018-03-20 1 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018 6:00 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Council President Striplin gave the invocation. Roll was called and all Councilors were present. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS DECISIVENESS: Processing information and finalizing difficult decisions. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting March 6, 2018. Council President Pro Tempore Brown made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. With no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Due to the large number of visitors present at the meeting, Council President Striplin requested that those who desired to speak line up in the outside aisles. Speakers were given a three- minute time limit and Council President Striplin would provide a courtesy signal at the one- minute mark. Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council regarding Agenda Item #1. Ms. Finnegan provided a history of the project beginning in March 2012. Ms. Finnegan stated that she has never been against this project, but thought it would be a private project. With the number of ongoing projects, including James Hardie, the Public Health Department, Akins Development, and the Road and Bridge Project, Ms. Finnegan expressed concern that a project which she believes should have been private enterprise will now be on the shoulders of the citizens. Mickey Thompson, Uncle Mick’s Cajun Market & Cafe, 136 West Main Street, noted that any developer could build 150 apartments. But, saving these historic buildings is a once in a lifetime project. The Gurney building burned down and is gone. Tallassee has lost two cotton mills. It would be a travesty to lose these buildings. Mr. Thompson encouraged the Council to move forward with this project. Herbie Johnson, 1429 Martin Luther King Drive, a lifelong resident of Prattville and former Autauga County Sheriff, stated that he worked at Continental Eagle as a young man and his father worked at Continental Eagle for 42 years. The City lost the cotton mill on this side of the creek due to fire and the old Pratt house is gone. Sheriff Johnson encouraged the Council to move forward with this project, citing its importance to downtown Prattville. Amy Brabham, 136 First Street, Economic Development Director for the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke on behalf of the economic impact of the project. The Chamber’s Economic Development Group conducted an economic impact analysis on Project Abraham. Dr. Brabham provided an overview of the tremendous positive impact this project will have on the City of Prattville. 2 MAYOR’S REPORT: The City is fortunate to have many partnerships which have helped move Prattville forward from the time of Daniel Pratt. As a mechanized, service-oriented organization, success is owed to our citizens and employees. We are blessed in so many ways. The lodging tax allows out-of-town guests to help fund projects for the City. The Parks & Recreation Department has benefitted from the $1.50 per room per night lodging fee approved by the Council. Public Works Director Dale Gandy formally introduced two employees: Assistant Public Works Director Jonathan Larkin and Wastewater Foreman Vince Deramus. Finance Director Daniel Oakley formally introduced two employees: Revenue Clerks Mary Ricker and Tracy Ebersole. The Public Safety Building has allowed for other departments to expand at City Hall. The Human Resources, City Clerk, and Judicial Departments have moved to new spaces. The Finance Department will temporarily move into the old Human Resources space while their area is remodeled. The Wilson-Pickett Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at Pratt Park. A concert featuring Soul Train will begin at 6:00 p.m. There will be seven different children’s activities during the festival. The Wilson Pickett memorabilia exhibition will be held at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery from March 29 – April 14, 2018. Prattville Dixie Youth Baseball held its opening day on March 10, 2018. Daniel Pratt was the entrepreneur that founded and influenced this community, as well as multiple generations since 1839. Resolution #1 on the agenda tonight has been a long time coming. It has been a labor of love with a great deal of community support. With this project Daniel Pratt’s influence will carry on for generations to come. Projects do not just happen. They take time, funding, and reason; and in this case a historical reason. This long awaited project is a way for us to protect our heritage, our history, and influence descendants for generations to come. On the agenda tonight, Resolutions #3 and #4 are TAP projects previously approved by the Council. ALDOT is requesting that the City ratify and affirm agreements for the engineering services for the city’s reimbursement of these expenses. The Facilities Committee communicated its recommendation to move forward with Resolution #5 for the replacement of the HVAC system for the Family Support Center when the need arose. The Council may consider a From the Floor Resolution tonight to authorize the trade-in of 2 Kenworth trucks from the Sanitation Department toward the purchase of a new truck. The 3 Public Works Department has shown much progress under the direction of the Public Works Director. The new Gin Shop steam whistle is located at the Prattville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Each property along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail will have a signature event. Mayor Gillespie expressed thanks to Dr. Bronner, RSA Director, for the continuing impact Robert Trent Jones has had on this community. The whistle will sound at 4:00 p.m. each day. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None REPORT ON STATUS OF CITY FINANCES: Finance Director Daniel Oakley presented the finance reports for February 2018. The General Fund Revenue report showed that year-to-date revenue was $17,373,659.62, an increase of 0.24% in comparison to the prior year. The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed revenue increased by 6.84% in comparison to the prior year. The Expenses by Department report showed that with 41.67% of the budget year complete, overall expenses were at 44.00%. The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net income of $225,034.64 for February 2018. Overall expenses and operating expenses were below budget. The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net loss of ($24,373.75) for February 2018. This was due to the purchase of two loads of garbage cans during the month. Expenses were below budget. The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed a net loss of ($1,450.81) for February 2018. Collections picked up during the months of February and March. Expenses were slightly below budget. The Bank Balances report showed a total cash balance of $23,408,665.05 as of February 28, 2018. The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report show total debt at $63,039,243.87 as of February 28, 2018. This balance included the $17 million SRF for the Pine Creek Plant Expansion Project. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. RESOLUTION: To Declare Various Weeded Lots to be a Public Nuisance, Order Their Abatement and Set a Public Hearing per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 033 4 2. RESOLUTION: To Surplus I. T. Equipment from the Information Technology Department. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 034 3. RESOLUTION: To Surplus One Vehicle from the Police Department. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 035 4. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Vacate Certain Property Located within Golson Place Subdivision Plat No. 1. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 036 Councilor Boone made a motion to place Items #1-4 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the items were placed on a Consent Agenda (7-0). Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE AGENDA: 1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter Into a Project, Development and Cooperation Agreement Between the Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority (HPRA), Pratt Cotton Gin Mill, LLC, and the City of Prattville for the Purpose of Economic Development. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin) HELD FROM MARCH 6, 2018 RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 037 This Resolution was held from the March 6, 2018 meeting. Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 5 2. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2018 Budget and to Award Bid No. 018-004 to Sunbelt Fire, Inc. for One (1) High Pressure Breathing Air Compressor for the Fire Department at a Cost of $19,213.20. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 038 Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 3. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2018 Budget and to Ratify and Affirm Authorization for the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Civil Southeast, LLC for Engineering Services for Project #TAPMN-TA15(948) for the Maple Street Sidewalk-Historic District Improvements Project at a Cost Not to Exceed $29,640.00 (Net Cost to the City Not to Exceed $5,928.00). (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 039 Council President Pro Tempore Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2018 Budget and to Ratify and Affirm Authorization for the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Civil Southeast, LLC for Engineering Services for Project #TAPMN-TA16(944) for the Pratt Street Sidewalk Improvements Project at a Cost Not to Exceed $19,790.00 (Net Cost to the City Not to Exceed $3,958.00). (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 040 Council President Pro Tempore Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 6 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 5. RESOLUTION: To Ratify and Affirm the Purchase and Installation of HVAC Equipment at the Family Support Center at 113 West Main Street for the Facilities Maintenance Division at a Cost of $6,550.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 041 Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore Brown seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 6. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds for the Purchase of One (1) 22-Yard Side Loader Kenworth Truck from Ingram Equipment Company, LLC through the NJPA Purchasing Cooperative for the Sanitation Division at a Cost Not to Exceed $210,625.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Cables) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 042 Councilor Cables made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 7. ORDINANCE: To Exempt Certain “Covered Items” From the Municipal Sales and Use Tax During the Third Full Weekend of July 2018, as Authorized by §40-23-210 Through 40-23-213, Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended, and Act 2017-120, Generally Referred to as the “Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday” Legislation. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin) ORDINANCE BOOK 2018, PAGE 004 Councilor Cables made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the council rules be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Boone made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN, 7 STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 8. FROM THE FLOOR RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Trade-in of Two (2) 2016 Kenworth T370 Trucks to Ingram Equipment Company, LLC Towards the Purchase of a Replacement Truck. (Sponsored By: Councilor Cables) RESOLUTION BOOK 2018, PAGE 043 Councilor Cables made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. By point of order, the council rules must be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Boone made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. The rules were unanimously suspended (7-0). There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council regarding the need to fill the webmaster position as soon as possible. Citizens unable to attend the council meetings would be able to view the videos and the financial reports. With all of the garbage cans ordered and distributed, Ms. Finnegan encouraged the Council to strengthen enforcement of how the garbage cans are handled. With the construction of sidewalks along Maple Street, Ms. Finnegan also requested the Council to consider a crosswalk from Doster Street across Selma Highway for safety reasons. Ms. Finnegan again mentioned the honeycomb fountain located on Highway 31 and suggested it would make a nice addition to Pratt Park. CLOSING COMMENTS: Councilor Starnes expressed thanks to Tom Newton for his leadership and for the number of man hours the City, HPRA, and Pratt Cotton Gin Mill, LLC have invested in this project. Councilor Strichik agreed with Councilor Starnes comments and added that he is humbled to be a tiny part of preserving history with this investment in the future. Council President Striplin recognized a scout in the audience and asked him to introduce himself. Scout Ryan Holtzscher with Troup 156 is working on his Citizenship in the Community badge. 8 Council President Striplin expressed appreciation to all for their hard work to bring this Development Agreement to fruition this evening. He also expressed appreciation to the audience for their attendance at tonight’s meeting. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Boone made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 6:54 p.m. APPROVED: ___________________________ Cathy Dickerson City Clerk ___________________________ Albert Striplin, President Prattville City Council