Minutes 2015-02-17
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015
6:00 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, 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 all Councilors were present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS AVAILABILITY: Making my own
schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting February 3, 2015.
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Brown seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie reported that it is Severe Weather Awareness Week. The Mayor thanked the
Council for providing time, tools and talent to allow City departments to be prepared for cold
or severe weather.
Mayor Gillespie urged the Council to move forward with the appointment of Brad Ekdahl as
City Prosecutor in Item #5. Judge Colley facilitated the interview panel for City Prosecutor,
consisting of Council President Wood, Finance Committee Chair; Councilor Starnes, Public
Safety Committee Chair; Mayor Gillespie; and Police Chief Thompson.
Councilor Starnes requested an update on the status of dilapidated structures, particularly the
structure located across the street from the First United Methodist Church on North Chestnut
Street. Mayor Gillespie responded that City staff has been working together to develop a
punch list to help move forward with approximately six structures. Inspections are being
completed and letters will be sent to property owners. With Council approval, there will be a
recommendation to move forward by Resolution with demolition or repair of the structures in
April. By State code, property owners would then have a ten-day window to appeal. Shortly
after that ten-day window closes, with Council approval for expenditure of funds for either
demolition or repair, the City would move forward with either City crews or outsourcing of
those projects.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the finance reports for January 2015. The
Unaudited General Fund Revenue report showed that overall revenue was down 11.99% in
comparison to prior year. Fees were down 47.40% due to the reduction in ambulance fees
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from Autauga County with the non-renewal of the contract. Overall, with 33.33% of the year
complete, 32.89% of budgeted revenue has been received.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed revenue increased 2.99% in comparison to
the prior year. The lodging tax collections were down due to two hotels submitting their
lodging fees late.
The Unaudited Expenses by Department report showed department expenses either under
budget or at budget.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed income in-line with the budget.
With 33.33% of the budget year complete, expenses were at 52.63%. This was due to early
payoff of the SRF loan.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed income and expenses in-line with
the budget.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed that with 33.33% of the budget
year complete, revenue was at 22.83%. Expenses were also below budget. The suspense
account included revenue to be processed.
The Bank Balances report showed a total cash balance of $15,063,608.50 as of January 31,
2015.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report show total debt at $41,869.59 as of
January 31, 2015.
Councilor Boles asked if cash is available to make the bond payment due in May. Finance
Director Moseley replied funds are on-hand for the bond payment due in May. Councilor
Boles asked if the ambulance fees could be shown separately from fees in the finance reports.
Finance Director Moseley will break the information out in future reports.
AGENDA
1. ORDINANCE: To Surplus One (1) Vehicle from the Public Works Department/Facilities
Maintenance Division. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Striplin)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2015, PAGE 007
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor
Whiteside seconded the motion. By point of order, the council rules must be suspended if
immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Boles made a motion to suspend the rules
and Councilor Starnes 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 Surplus One (1) Vehicle from the Public Works Department/Urban
Management Division. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2015, PAGE 008
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Starnes seconded the
motion. By point of order, the council rules must be suspended if immediate action is to be
considered. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin 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 Appoint James H. Baker to the Airport Authority. (Sponsored By:
Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2015, PAGE 015
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Brown 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
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with the State of
Alabama Regarding the Continuation of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process
for the Montgomery Transportation Study Area. (Sponsored By: Councilor Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2015, PAGE 016
Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boone 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
5. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Bradley E. Ekdahl as City Prosecutor. (Sponsored By:
Council President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2015, PAGE 017
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Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor
Boles 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: None
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie requested a Point of Privilege to allow newly appointed City Prosecutor Brad
Ekdahl to address the Council. Mr. Ekdahl thanked the Council for the tremendous honor to
serve in this position.
Mayor Gillespie presented the Severe Weather Awareness Week proclamation to Autauga
County EMA Director Ernie Baggett. Mr. Baggett commended the Fire, Police and other City
departments, and the Mayor’s office, for working together with EMA. Mr. Baggett quoted
Governor Bentley stating we seek to be over-prepared and under-whelmed.
Council President Wood thanked all City employees, the Council, and the Mayor for a job well
done. The Council President encouraged Councilors to continue to work through their
committees.
The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, February 23, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
The upcoming annual North Highland Park Community Fun Day will celebrate twenty-five
years. The event will be filled with food, fun and fellowship. The Mayor and Councilors are
invited to enjoy lunch at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will be given to the well-
deserving ROTC.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Starnes made a motion
to adjourn and Council President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned (7-0) at 6:19 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
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___________________________
Willie L. Wood, Jr., President
Prattville City Council