Minutes 2016-04-19
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016
6:00 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Council President Wood gave the invocation. Roll was called and Councilor Starnes was
recorded as being absent (arrived at 6:15 p.m.).
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS FORGIVENESS: Releasing feelings
of resentment.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting April 5, 2015.
Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Boone seconded the
motion. With no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Chris Neuenschwander, with Jackson Thornton, presented the financial statement for year
ending September 30, 2015. Mr. Neuenschwander thanked all City staff who worked
diligently to provide information for the audit review. An unqualified opinion was issued on
March 28, 2016. The financial statement includes information on the City of Prattville, the
Library, the Airport and the Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority.
Mr. Neuenschwander congratulated the City of Prattville for earning the GFOA Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the prior year. An application has been
submitted to GFOA for the current financial statement.
The net income was $9.8 million; the prior year net income was $7.8 million. Revenues have
increased and the City has kept expenses down. The City had $16.3 million in cash at year
end. Debt at year end was $43.3 million, a decrease of over $3 million for the year. The City
refinanced over $12 million in debt, resulting in savings of over $1 million over the life of the
bonds. In FY2015, the Governmental Accounting Board required that the net pension liability
be included in the financial statement. The City has $12 million in net pension liability. With
the ratio of liability and investments, this liability is 76% funded. The City had $6 million in
unassigned net equity at year end. The City held expenses to budget during the year. There
were no instances of non-compliance in meeting auditing standards or in the single audit.
Mayor Gillespie thanked Mr. Neuenschwander for a good report and thanked the Council for
their leadership. The Mayor thanked Finance/IT Director Doug Moseley for his due diligence
and hard work. The Mayor also thanked the Human Resources Department, the City Clerk’s
office, Public Safety, Public Works, and all Department Heads for their hard work.
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The Crappie Masters Tournament will begin on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 and will launch
from Cooters Pond.
The annual Water Festival will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2016. The Planning
Department, Parks & Recreation Department, and other city employees will assist in this
event to educate our 4th graders on the importance of clean water.
The Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic will be in town beginning May 2, 2016. City crews have
coordinated to provide support via public safety, special events and public works.
The Sanitation Department has taken delivery of all new garbage trucks. The golf event team
had signage made to fit into the brackets mounted on the trucks to display ads for the
tournament. The display space will also be used to advertise public service announcements
and other special events, such as CityFest, the Mayor’s Bike Ride and Touch-A-Truck events.
The Chamber of Commerce will hold CityFest on May 13-14, 2016. They are celebrating their
30th year with some old favorites and some new attractions.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Councilor Whiteside reported that the Vehicle Maintenance Committee met on April 13, 2016
to discuss the current budget to date, the FY2017 budget, and items needed in the upcoming
budget year.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the finance reports for March 2016. The Unaudited
General Fund Revenue report showed that with 41.67% of the budget year complete, 56.57%
of budgeted revenue has been received. Revenue was up 4.07%, or $772.775.51, in
comparison to prior year.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed revenue increased 10.50% in comparison to
the prior year.
The Unaudited Expenses by Department report showed that with 50% of the budget year
complete, expenses were at 47.65%.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed that with 41.67% of the budget
year complete, revenue was at 42.48%. Expenses were at 48.79%, with 50% of the budget year
complete.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed that with 41.67% of the budget
year complete, revenue was at 41.13%. Expenses were at 39.87%, with 50% of the budget year
complete. The next income statement will show payment for the new sanitation equipment.
Councilor Starnes arrived at 6:15 p.m.
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The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed that with 50% of the budget
year complete, revenue was at 33.69%. Expenses were at 37.46%, with 50% of the budget year
complete. The revenue should increase this month with income tax interceptions.
The Gas Tax Special Revenue Fund Income Statement for January – March 2016 showed
revenue at 57.80%, with 50% of the year complete. Expenses showed at $154.68%. This was
because only the City’s portion of project costs is budgeted. The City will be reimbursed the
balance of project costs.
The Capital Projects Fund Income Statement for January – March 2016 showed revenue and
expenses in line with the budget. The trust fund payment was received last week.
The Group Health Fund Income Statement for January – March 2016 showed a year-to-date
decrease of $178,650.84. January and March showed a positive net for the month. This fund
balance is being closely monitored and funding adjustments will be made during the next
budget year.
The Bank Balances report showed a total cash balance of $19,927,663.66 as of March 31,
2016.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report show total debt at $37,724,679.02
as of March 31, 2016.
Agenda Item #3 for the purchase of police vehicles includes several budget amendments,
including a decrease in the amount budgeted for fuel for the police department and increasing
Gain from Sale from surplus vehicles and Proceeds from Insurance. The remainder of the
funds will come from Reserves.
Councilor Boles asked if the savings in fuel purchases were from use of the newer police
vehicles. Mr. Moseley replied partially, but also due to lower fuel costs.
Council President Wood asked what type of reserve account. Mr. Moseley replied General
Fund Reserve Account.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Various Weeded Lots to be a Public
Nuisance and Ordering Their Abatement per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama,
1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2016, PAGE 071
2. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Grant a Retail Beer (On or Off Premises) and
Retail Table Wine (On or Off Premises) to Autauga Creek Craft House d/b/a Autauga Creek
Craft House, LLC . (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2016, PAGE 072
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3. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Grant a Retail Beer (On or Off Premises) and
Retail Table Wine (On or Off Premises) to Prattville Wharf Express d/b/a Prattville Wharf
Express, LLC. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2016, PAGE 073
4. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Two (2) Vehicles and Various Equipment from the Police
Department. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2016, PAGE 074
5. RESOLUTION: To Surplus One (1) Vehicle from the Fire Department. (Sponsored By:
Councilor Boles)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2016, PAGE 075
6. RESOLUTION: To Declare Landers McLarty a Non-Responsible Bidder for Bid No. 016-
006. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2016, PAGE 076
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to place Items 1-6 on a Consent
Agenda and Councilor Whiteside seconded the motion. The Items were placed on a Consent
Agenda (7-0). Councilor Boles 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, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, WHITESIDE, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
AGENDA
1. ORDINANCE: To Amend Ordinance Book 2011, Page 024 to Change the Legal
Description for Districts 1, 3, 5 and 7. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2016-A, PAGE 009
Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Boles seconded the
motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the council rules be suspended if immediate
action is to be considered. Councilor Whiteside made a motion to suspend the rules and
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-
0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, WHITESIDE, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
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2. ORDINANCE: To Establish the Use of the D200 Electronic Vote Counting System or Any
Subsequent Model Device Utilized by the Autauga County Commission in Compliance with
§17-7-21, Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended, in City of Prattville Municipal Elections.
(Sponsored By: Council President Wood)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2016-A, PAGE 010
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor
Brown 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 Whiteside seconded the motion. The rules were suspended
(7-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, WHITESIDE, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
3. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and to Award Bid No. 016-006 to Long-Lewis of
the River Region, Inc. for the Purchase of Five (5) 2016 or Newer Police Interceptor SUVs at a
Cost Not to Exceed $139,195.00. (Sponsored By: Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2016, PAGE 077
Councilor Boles 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, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, WHITESIDE, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jim and Brenda Skelton, 122 Sycamore, addressed the Council regarding heavy traffic on
Fairview Avenue. Mr. Skelton presented a handout to the Mayor and Councilors (copy
attached). Mrs. Skelton expressed concern over the difficulty in turning left from Fairview
Avenue onto Sycamore Drive due to extremely heavy traffic. Drivers are impatient or
distracted and will try to pass on the right on through a field or to the left into oncoming
traffic. Ms. Skelton requested that the Council consider a turn lane along Fairview Avenue.
Mayor Gillespie thanked Mr. and Mrs. Skelton for bringing this matter before the Council.
The Mayor explained that funds have been budgeted for Highway Projects/Infrastructure
Reserves. There is currently $300,000.00 in this fund. Mayor Gillespie noted that the process
is slow. Councilor Brown and the Street Committee are reviewing the issue and the City is
working through the MPO to locate funding for this project. The Police Department has a
presence in the area to monitor traffic.
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Eddie Barnes, 762 Stapleford Trace, addressed the Council regarding the proposal from the
Highland Ridge Home Owner’s Association presented at the last council meeting outlining
proposed changes to Section 54-2 of the City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, specifically the
maintenance of sidewalks. Mr. Barnes thanked the Councilors who attended the last
association meeting. Mr. Barnes asked for a status update on the proposal to take back to the
association.
Council President Wood explained that requests normally go through the council committee
and the administration. Councilor Brown added that the first step is to take the proposal to
the city attorney for review. A previous council put this ordinance into place and the
committee needs to determine why the ordinance was originally adopted. The Streets
Committee will review the proposal.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Council President Wood thanked all, including councilors and employees, and encouraged
committees to continue to meet as Fy2017 budget preparation begins.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Boone made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Boles seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 6:40
p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Willie L. Wood, Jr., President
Prattville City Council