Minutes 2014-10-211
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2014
6:03 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 21, 2014, at 6:03 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 were recorded as being
present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS LOYALTY: Using difficult times to
demonstrate my commitment to those I serve.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting and Public Hearing October 7, 2014.
Councilor Boone 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:
None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie requested a Point of Privilege. Ms. Darrue Sharpe, on behalf of the Exchange
Club, recognized the Fireman and Policeman of the Year. Captain Paul Middlebrooks was
honored as the Fireman of the Year. Fire Chief Terry Brown noted that Capt. Middlebrooks
retired on September 30, 2014, after twenty-five years of service with the Prattville Fire
Department. Capt. Middlebrooks was a tremendous leader in the department and is still
being utilized by the department. His service epitomized character, tradition and honor.
With a tie for Policeman of the Year, Investigator Steven Ashley and Investigator Ty
Thompson were both recognized. Police Chief Mark Thompson noted that these two officers
represent the future of Prattville. Both investigators provide outstanding service to the
department and protection to the citizens behind the scenes. Sgt. Harrell expressed
appreciation to both officers for their dedication and service to the department, and thanked
their families for allowing them to serve.
Mayor Gillespie thanked the families for their sacrifices to allow these officers to serve.
Mayor Gillespie recognized Domestic Violence Coordinator Debby Yarbrough. The Autauga
County Domestic Violence Task Force invited all 7th and 8th grade students to participate in
an essay contest to bring awareness to teen dating. The following students placed in the essay
contest:
1st Place: Cade Woodruff
2nd Place: Karington Andrews
3rd Place: Kaleyah Bristow
4th Place: Telisa Smith and Kayla Barton
As the winning first place teacher, Mrs. Lucas also received $50 for school supplies.
Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Cook submitted grant proposals for two Legislative
Tourism grants. Through the endorsement of Senator Bryan Taylor, grants were awarded in
2
the amount of $1,500.00 for the annual Fountain City Arts Festival and $3,000.00 for the
Creekwalk Concert Series.
The 33rd Annual Spinners Pumpkin Patch Arts & Craft event will be held in Spinners Park on
October 25 and 26, 2014.
The Annual Halloween Candy Walk will be held downtown on Thursday, October 30, 2014,
from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Participants are asked to bring a canned food item to support the
Autauga Interfaith Care Center.
Mayor Gillespie asked the Council to move forward with Agenda Items #2 and #4. Agenda
Item #2 is to amend the City Code to allow for efficiency changes for the Sanitation Division
of Public Works. Agenda Item #4 will allow the City to co-sponsor the Crappie Masters
tournament with the Elmore County Commission.
The Mayor recognized the importance of social media and noted that with support of many
partners, the City of Prattville has surpassed the City of Tuscaloosa in the number of “likes”
on Facebook.
Council President Wood congratulated the Public Safety employees for their
accomplishments, and thanked the Exchange Club and the Autauga County Domestic
Violence Task Force for their efforts to help move the City forward.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Wood reported that the Finance Committee met on Monday, October 20,
2014. The meeting was productive and the committee concurs with the Mayor’s statements
regarding tonight’s agenda.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the Financial Reports for September 2014. The
Unaudited General Fund and Capital Projects Fund Revenue report showed that with 91.67%
of the year complete, 99.70% of budgeted revenue has been collected. Year-to-date revenue
has increased by 2.16%, or $712,978.63, over the prior year.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report compared tax revenue collections for September 2014
to the prior year. Tax revenue was slightly down for the month of September, but tax revenue
had a significant increase of 7% in September 2013. Tax revenue will be monitored in the
upcoming months.
The Unaudited Expense by Department report showed that 92.79% of budgeted expenses
have been spent. The year is 100% complete, but there are accruals to be posted. When
compared to the previous year, expenses were down $1,176,968.80. A contributing factor to
the difference was that funds due to the Group Health Fund were paid in the previous year.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed with 91.67% of the revenue year
complete, 94.09% of budgeted revenue has been received. With 100.00% of the expense year
complete, expenses were at 92.69%.
3
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed with 91.67% of the revenue year
complete, 92.82% of budgeted revenue has been received. With 100.00% of the expense year
complete, expenses were at 95.38%.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed with 100.00% of the revenue
year complete, 90.56% of budgeted revenue has been received. The suspension account
balance was $79,792.42. When those funds are broken out to various agencies, a portion will
be revenue. With 100.00% of the expense year complete, expenses were at 83.79%.
The Group Health Income Statement showed a net loss for the year of $367,667.26. There
were a number of high expense claims during the year. An increase in the City’s funding to the
Group Health Fund has been included in the new budget year.
The Bank Balances Report showed total cash available as of September 30, 2014 at
$16,807,454.71.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report showed the total amount due as of
September 30, 2014 at $46,851,881.95. The City will pay off the 2004SRF and move funds
over to pay the remainder of the 2007 warrant at the end of November. The debt balance will
reduce significantly in the next two months.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. RESOLUTION: 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 Chambliss)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 161
2. 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 Chambliss)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 162
3. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Jerry Crosby as a Supernumerary Member of the Board of
Zoning Adjustment. (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambliss)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 163
4. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Michael Whaley as a Supernumerary Member of the
Board of Zoning Adjustment. (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambliss)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 164
5. RESOLUTION: To Name Voting Delegate and Alternate for the National League of Cities’
Annual Business Meeting in Austin, Texas. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 165
6. RESOLUTION: To Accept Maintenance of Glennbrooke Subdivision Plat 1, Plat 1A and
Plat 1B. (Sponsored By: Councilor Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 166
4
Councilor Brown made a motion to place Items #1-6 on a Consent Agenda and Council
President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. The Consent Agenda was accepted (7-
0). Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambliss
seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted
with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
AGENDA:
1. ORDINANCE: To Surplus Two (2) Vehicles from the Police Department. (Sponsored By:
Councilor Chambliss)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 034
Councilor Chambliss 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 Boles made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor
Boone seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). There being no discussion, the
Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. ORDINANCE: To Amend City Code, Chapter 66, Article IV. Solid Waste, Divisions 1, 2, 3
and 4, Sections 66-387 through 66-495. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin)HELD UNTIL NOVEMBER 4, 2014
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 Brown seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-
0). Councilor Starnes noted that there had been discussion regarding lawn service companies
being required to pay to have grass clippings removed. Mayor Gillespie stated that verbiage is
included in the proposed ordinance regarding commercial accounts, but that the ordinance
provides the Public Works Director with more latitude in day-to-day operations. Councilor
Starnes expressed concern that citizens may have to pay to have grass clippings picked up by
the lawn service companies while they are paying for this service through their water bill.
Councilor Boles added that he would like to see language regarding contractors dumping
roofing materials, carpet, and padding at the curb. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin
5
read Section 66-461. Councilor Starnes stated that he would like a clause or section included
in the Ordinance addressing grass clippings in order to protect the citizens. Council President
Pro Tempore Striplin requested a Point of Privilege and asked City Attorney David McDowell
for an interpretation of Section 66-461. Mr. McDowell explained that the lawn care company
is responsible to haul off the residue and debris. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin
stated he has the opposite issue in his district. A lawn care contractor places all the grass
clippings from his business at the curb for pickup by the City. Councilor Starnes made a
motion to hold the Ordinance and Councilor Chambliss seconded the motion. There being no
further discussion, the Ordinance was held until the November 4, 2014 meeting.
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Advance Travel Funds for the National League of Cities’
Annual Conference to Be Held November 18-22, 2014 in Austin, Texas. (Sponsored By:
Council President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 167
Councilor Brown 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, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter Into an Agreement with Crappie
Masters, Inc. to Co-Sponsor a Two-Day Crappie Tournament at a Cost Not to Exceed
$10,000.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boles)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 168
Councilor Boles 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, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Joint Funding Agreement with
U.S. Geological Survey for the Operation of a Streamflow Gaging Station on Autauga Creek
for FY2015 at a Cost Not to Exceed $15,900.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 169
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, BROWN, STARNES,
6
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
6. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 014-010 for the Purchase of Four (4) Additional 2015
Police Interceptor SUV Vehicles for the Fire and Building Departments at a Cost Not to
Exceed $104,072.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boles)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 170
Councilor Boles made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Chambliss seconded
the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
7. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 014-010 for the Purchase of Eight (8) Additional 2015
Police Interceptor SUV Vehicles for the Police Department at a Cost Not to Exceed
$208,144.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambliss)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 171
Councilor Chambliss 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, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : BOLES
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: None
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie thanked General Government, Public Safety, Public Works, and Quality of
Life employees for their efforts day in and day out. The Mayor also thanked the Councilors for
their service.
Councilor Starnes expressed his appreciation to all departments and to the Mayor for a
wonderful job.
Council President Wood expressed appreciation to all City employees and to Councilors.
When there is not quite an understanding, it means working together to gain an
7
understanding. Council President Wood encouraged Councilors to use their microphones and
asked to be recognized during discussion.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Boles made a motion to
adjourn and Councilor Boone seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 6:56 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Willie L. Wood, Jr., President
Prattville City Council