Minutes 2017-02-21
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017
6:03 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 6:03 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 TOLERANCE: Realizing that everyone is at
varying levels of character development.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting February 7, 2017
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the minutes and Council President Pro Tempore
Brown seconded the motion. With no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, asked for clarification of the color-coding on the City-Wide
Accounts Payable and Debt Balances finance report. Ms. Finnegan stated that she was under
the impression that the one-cent sales tax would be used for debts on the books at 2011. Ms.
Finnegan asked for clarification regarding debt payment for the Victory motorcycles, the aerial
fire truck, and the North Silver Hills Drainage Project.
Mayor Gillespie corrected the comment and clarified that the one-cent sales tax is used as
indicated in the Ordinance as adopted. Other general fund dollars are also used toward
payment of debt. More than just the one-cent sales tax is being paid toward the debt. Mayor
Gillespie invited Ms. Finnegan to contact his staff to set a meeting to further discuss this matter.
Ms. Finnegan asked if Consent Agenda Resolution #10 could be amended to include language
for the purpose of operating a drone. Council President Striplin replied that the specific
language of this Resolution was provided to the City to verify that the City of Prattville is a
subdivision of the State of Alabama.
Regarding Resolution #2, Ms. Finnegan asked for consistency in the language used in the
various resolutions regarding the Mac Gray Park Improvement Project. Council President
Striplin asked for comment from the Finance Director Daniel Oakley. Mr. Oakley replied that
the Mac Gray Park Improvement Project will be paid from Lodging Fees.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie thanked Alabama Forestry, Alabama Power, the Master Gardeners, and City
staff from the Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments for their assistance in a great
Arbor Day on Saturday, February 18, 2017. The Mayor also thanked Council members for
attending the event.
The 18th Annual Black History Program will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017,
at the Doster Community Center.
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The draft Stormwater Management Program & Plan is posted on the home page of the City
website for public comment. Citizen comments are very important to the process.
Councilmembers are encouraged to attend an upcoming Alabama Storm Water Forum.
Finance Director Daniel Oakley has updated the format of the accounts payable and debt
balance report. Mayor Gillespie commended Mr. Oakley on his hard work and efforts to make
things better one project at a time.
Contractors have started on the site work for the Public Works building and on the Mac Gray
Park Improvement Project. City crews are working on the Wright Street project. The Mayor
thanked Councilors for finding ways to fund these and other projects.
Council President Striplin recognized George Bowen, Jr. and his son Jackson. Jackson is a
member of Boy Scout Troop 111 and is working on his citizenship merit badge.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Councilor Starnes reported that the Judicial Committee met on February 17, 2017. The
committee heard an overview of the department, and discussed shortfalls, needs, and the
future move of the department.
REPORT ON STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley presented the finance reports for January 2017. All balances
reported were unaudited numbers. The General Fund Revenue report showed that year-to-
date revenue was $13,699,006.76, an increase of 24.60% in comparison to the prior year. Part
of this increase is a timing difference. The Finance Department staff was able to process most
business license renewals before the end of January. Last year, the processing of business
license renewals ran over into February.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed revenue increased by 8.39% in comparison
to the prior year. This is outstanding growth.
The Expenses by Department report showed that with one third of the budget year complete,
overall expenses were at 30.43%. Departments are tracking very well on the expense side of
the General Fund.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net income of $58,125.11 for
January 2017. Expenses were below budget.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net loss of ($34,065.55) for
January 2017. This loss is partially due to the once per year worker’s compensation payment
of $63,000, which was paid in January.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed a net loss of ($7,773.47) for
December 2016. Expenses were also below budget.
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The Group Health Fund report has been revised to a bar graph format, showing the monthly
revenue and expenses for FY2016 and FY2017 year-to-date. Expenses have outpaced
revenue and the General Fund has supplemented the Group Health Fund. The City is keeping
a close eye on the Group Health Fund, and looking at funding options and changes that may
be required next year.
The Bank Balances report showed a total cash balance of $24,566,768.63 as of January 31,
2017.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report show total debt at $38,385,963.92
as of January 31, 2017.
Councilor Cables asked if Mr. Oakley could give an educated guess on the claims total for this
year for the Group Health Fund. Mr. Oakley replied that January 2017 had the largest
supplement of close to $100,000.00. The balance is trending well for February 2017. The
General Fund has had to supplement the Group Health Fund each month since November
2016. The future total is dependent on the number and amount of claims filed.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Ken Colvert to the Industrial Development Board.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 026
2. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Lee Crawford to the Industrial Development Board.
(Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 027
3. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Clarence “Bo” Evans to the Industrial Development Board.
(Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 028
4. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Randy Grissett to the Industrial Development Board.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 029
5. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Lisa Miller to the Industrial Development Board. (Sponsored
By: Councilor Cables)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 030
6. RESOLUTION: To Ratify and Affirm Support of Project Fountain. (Sponsored By: Council
President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 031
7. RESOLUTION: To Surplus One (1) Loader from the Engineering Department. (Sponsored
By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 032
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8. RESOLUTION: To Surplus One (1) Vehicle and Various Equipment from the Police
Department. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 033
9. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Two (2) Vehicles from the Urban Management Department.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 034
10. RESOLUTION: To Declare that the City of Prattville Qualifies as a Political Subdivision of
the State of Alabama for the Purposes of Operating a Public Aircraft. (Sponsored By: Council
President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 035
Councilor Starnes made a motion to place Items #1-10 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor
Cables seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent Agenda (7-0). Council
President Pro Tempore Brown made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor
Boone 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. ORDINANCE: To Zone Property Located in Glenbrooke Subdivision Phase 5 to
R-3, Single Family Residential. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown)
HELD FROM JANUARY 17, 2017
ORDINANCE BOOK 2017, PAGE 002
This Ordinance was introduced at and held over from the January 17, 2017 City Council
Meeting. There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2017 Capital Projects Fund Budget and to Ratify and Affirm
the Release of Funds for Professional Services Provided by Larry E. Speaks & Associates, Inc.
for the Mac Gray Park Improvement Project for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost
Not to Exceed $30,876.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone)
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RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 036
Councilor Boone 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
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Renew the Audit for Sales Tax and Business
License Contract with RiverTree Systems, Inc. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 037
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
4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2017 Budget and to Award Bid No. 017-001 to Long-Lewis
of the River Region, Inc. for the Purchase of Two (2) 2017 F150 Extended Cab Trucks for the
Building Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $44,336.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 038
Councilor Strichik 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
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
5. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 017-002 to J & M Displays, Inc. for the July 4, 2017
Fireworks Display Program for the Performing and Creative Arts Department at a Cost Not to
Exceed $19,250.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017, PAGE 039
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Councilor Boone 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
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, thanked Council President Striplin for the answers given
to her questions.
Amanda Senn, 825 Dee Drive, spoke on behalf of the Montgomery Bicycle Club and as a
resident of Prattville. She asked the Mayor and Council to consider incorporating bicycle
infrastructure and sidewalks on Old Ridge Road, similar to the improvements previously made
to Old Farm Road. The Complete Streets project takes into account bicyclists and pedestrians
when developing areas. The Montgomery Bicycle Club would be happy to provide signage.
Council President Striplin assured Ms. Senn that these comments would be passed on to the
Street Department and taken under consideration.
Elizabeth Taylor, 335 County Road 4E, stated that at the first of the year, the Spring Hill
Community had some criminal activity. Community leaders contacted Councilor Jackson and
set up community meetings. Mayor Gillespie attended the meetings and community members
were more open to cooperate in improving the area. Ms. Taylor expressed appreciation to
Mayor Gillespie and Councilor Jackson, along with Chief Thompson, Assistant Chief Hamm,
Sgt. Kemp, Lt. Wagner, Captain Fowler, and Code Enforcement Officer Brandon Johnson, for
their assistance in the Spring Hill community. Mr. Johnson has worked diligently in the
community.
Council President Striplin thanked Ms. Taylor for her comments and for her leadership in
addressing the situation.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie requested a Point of Privilege and thanked Ms. Taylor for her leadership. The
city will continue to work to make progress in the community. The Mayor also thanked City
employees – no one person can do everything, it takes a community to make things happen.
Councilor Starnes stated it was great to see the Lodging Fee come into existence. The
improvements to Mack Gray Park will begin next week and should be completed in
approximately 120 days. The light poles are ordered. Hopefully upon completion, the City will
be able to expand to the next park and continue to make improvements.
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Councilor Cables thanked Chief Thompson and the Community Relations Unit for presenting
a program on community services and crime prevention to the YMCA on February 10, 2017.
Councilor Strichik thanked the citizens and employees for a successful Mardi Gras parade. The
weather was great. Councilor Strichik toured the new Public Safety Building – this beautiful
facility is something our whole community can be proud of.
Councilor Boone spoke on the events of the Special Event Department. The Way Off Broadway
Theatre is presenting “To Kill a Mockingbird” to rave reviews. The Black History Event will be
held on Friday evening. Anthony Brock is a fantastic young man who has done so much for our
community. Councilor Boone encouraged all to get involved and be a part of our community.
Council President Striplin expressed appreciation to City staff, the City Council and their
committees.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Starnes made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 6:43
p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Albert Striplin, President
Prattville City Council