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Minutes 2014-08-05 1 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 6:10 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, at 6:10 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 Chambliss was recorded as being absent. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS JOYFULNESS: Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council July 15, 2014. Councilor Boone made a motion to approve the minutes and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were approved (6-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Ross Miller, 209 Jay Street, updated the Council on the progress made on the dilapidated structure. Mr. Miller reported that a contractor has been hired. Building Official Anthony Connell had inspected and approved the repairs made to the structure. Construction was completed on August 4, 2014. The final inspection of the structure should be completed this week and painting should be completed next week. Council President Wood explained that this item was included on the agenda after being held for two weeks. Council President Wood encouraged Mr. Miller to meet with Code Enforcement Officer Carl Wilson. Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, questioned why the dollar amount was not included in the title of Item #2. Council President Wood explained that the Resolution authorizes the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU contains the details of the agreement. City Attorney David McDowell explained that the title is for identification purposes and the body of the Resolution includes binding information. Ms. Finnegan asked if the Facilities Maintenance Superintendent in Item #3 is a new position or takes the place of the budgeted Division Director position. Finance Director Doug Moseley stated that the position is the budgeted position with a name change. The salary remains the same as the budgeted salary for the Division Director position. Ms. Finnegan asked for clarification of position titles included in Item #4 Agreement with AUM for consulting services. Fire Chief Terry Brown explained that AUM will conduct a study to validate the current testing and promotional process for all positions. The cost of the study will be spread over three years and is budget neutral. The cost will be paid out of Training and Operational funds. To meet National Standards for the National Fire Academy, two name changes occurred in positions: Lieutenants are now Captains and Battalion Commanders are now Battalion Chiefs. There were no changes in salary or job descriptions. 2 Ms. Finnegan questioned the cost of the AUM study. Councilor Boles responded that the Fire Committee conducted an in-depth study before presenting this item to the Council. The process will protect the employees and citizens of the City of Prattville from future lawsuits and the cost of the study will be spread over a three-year period. Ms. Finnegan questioned if the audit in Item #5 was sent out to bid and asked for a breakdown of the cost of a single audit. Council President Wood replied that the City is in the process of looking at bidding out future audits. The cost of the single audit is $12,000.00. Finance Director noted than it the last five years, there was one year without a single audit. Ms. Finnegan asked if the vehicle purchased in Item #6 will require additional equipment. Police Chief Mark Thompson explained that the vehicle will need additional equipment, including lights and radio. The equipment is included in the current budget and is in stock. Ms. Finnegan asked for an explanation of Item #9 and the cost to the City. The Mayor explained that the application is for $10,000.00 in grant funds to be used to offset the cost of a new roof for the Museum. The total estimated cost of the roof is $20-25,000.00. Ms. Finnegan requested a breakdown of the cost of the communications tower in Item #10 and how much property is included. Mayor Gillespie explained that the total purchase cost is $80,000.00 for the tower and approximately 7 acres of property. The tower will provide improved communications for first responders. Ms. Finnegan asked for information regarding franchise agreements in Items #11 and #12. Ms. Finnegan stated that the total cost of expenditures shown on the agenda total $393,378.00. With the costs included in Item #2, the total is approximately $2.6 million. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie and Finance Director Doug Moseley met with Standards & Poor. Mr. Moseley informed the Council that the City has secured a two-step ratings increase with S&P. This is significant in light of the single step increase last year. The City has moved forward with bond refinancing and will see savings of $1,084,000.00 over the life of those bonds. Council Wood noted that those savings were increased by $100,000.00 or more due to the ratings upgrade. The Mayor will present the FY2015 Mayor’s Budget to the Council on August 19, 2014. The date for the budget hearing has not been set. Changes in the upcoming budget will include moving 911 charges into the Police Department and Fire Department budgets as a direct cost, moving the janitorial staff into the Facilities Maintenance Department, creating a line item for cemeteries, and moving trust fund money into the paving projects line item. The Mayor and other City staff visited Robinson Iron to check on Heritage Park Fountain renovations. The fountain should be completed by the end of the week and an event will be held to celebrate Prattville’s 175th year and the return of the Heritage Park Fountain. The Musgrove family commissioned the fountain in 1989 and the base of fountain was the first of its kind crafted at Robinson Iron. 3 The 3rd annual National Night Out is tonight from 5-8 p.m. tonight. This event pulls the community together and promotes some of the equipment utilized by first responders. Mayor Gillespie and Council President Wood attended the EDAA Conference. Key points from the conference included job retention, job creation, location and accessibility, workforce development, quality of life in the community, and education. All of these add up to a community working together. Most items on agenda tonight are about moving the community and Partners of Prattville forward. Consent Agenda Items #1 and #2 and Agenda Item #1 help citizens be good neighbors. Items #3, 4, and 5 address maintenance of city buildings, promotional processes, and the requirement of an audit. Item #10 will provide a needed communications tower. Item #2 is an economic development partnership about job retention, job creation, and a partnership of local governmental entities. Item #2 is not levying any new taxes. Item #2 is a partnership of unified government and, most importantly, is about public education, public safety, and public traffic patterns. Mayor Gillespie urged the Council to approve Item #2 or to work with State government to repeal Amendment 772. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Councilor Boone reported that the Parks & Recreation and Urban Management Committees met today to review their budget and to formulate ideas on how to best use funds in the next fiscal year. 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 112 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: Council President Pro Tempore Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 113 Councilor Boles made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda and Councilor Brown seconded the motion. The consent agenda was approved (6-0). There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 4 AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Code Enforcement Officer to Proceed with the Demolition or Repair of the Dilapidated Structure Located at 209 Jay Street. (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambliss) HELD FROM JULY 15, 2014 RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 114 This Resolution was held from the July 15, 2014 City Council meeting. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Long-Lewis of the River Region, Inc., Autauga County, Laney Properties, LTD and the Prattville Water Works Board for the Purpose of Economic Development. (Sponsored By: Councilor Brown) RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 115 Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boles seconded the motion. Councilor Boone stated that several citizens have contacted her directly to discuss concerns and ask questions. After taking the time to hear the talking points and the long range plans, most have had a favorable response. Questions have been addressed and answered. Councilor Boone encouraged those with questions and concerns to contact their councilor. The Council is willing to take the questions and hear the concerns. Over the years, Councilor Boone has heard the reoccurring concern of how to keep business or bring business into Autauga County. This is what needs to be done to keep business in Autauga County. This is a forward step for the City of Prattville to keep business here and increase the tax base. This is a tri-government partnership between the County, the City and the Board of Education. The City will realize increased and improved infrastructure and public safety. The new tax base has just begun to grow. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Hiring of One (1) Facilities Maintenance Superintendent to Fill a Previously Non-filled or Newly Budgeted Position in the Facilities Maintenance Department at an Annual Cost Not to Exceed $60,140.00 for Salary and Benefits. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood) RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 116 5 Councilor 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 : BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 5 NAYS : STRIPLIN 1 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter Into an Agreement with Auburn University at Montgomery, Organizational Consulting Solutions, University Outreach, to Provide Consulting Services to Develop and Validate the Promotional Process of Sergeant, Captain, and Battalion Chief with the Fire Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $73,000.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boles) RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 117 Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. Councilor Boles noted that the Fire Committee met and is in favor of this item. Councilor Boles would like to sit in on the meetings with AUM and report back to the Council. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Sign a One-Year Engagement Letter with Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C. for Auditing Services for Fiscal Year 2014 at a Cost Not to Exceed $91,000.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 118 Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Brown seconded the motion. With no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 6. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 014-010 to Autauga Automotive, LLC, d/b/a Gilmore Ford (Now Known as Long-Lewis of the River Region, Inc., d/b/a Long-Lewis Ford), for One (1) 2015 Police Interceptor SUV for the Police Department at a Cost of $26,018.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 119 6 Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boles seconded the motion. With no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 7. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2014 Budget to Make Payment to Central Alabama Crime Stoppers for a Contract for Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $2,500.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 120 Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boone seconded the motion. With no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 8. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Z Master Toro Lawn Mower from Prattville Outdoors for the Urban Management Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $12,720.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone) RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 121 Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. With no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Submit an Application to the Alabama Historic Commission for a FY2015 Capital Enhancements Grant. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 122 Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Brown seconded the motion. With no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 7 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 10. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Marcus Cable of Alabama, LLC, for the Purchase of a Communications Tower and Property at a Cost Not to Exceed $80,000.00, and to Release Additional Funds for Improvements at a Cost Not to Exceed $48,000.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boles) HELD UNTIL AUGUST 19, 2014 Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. Council President Wood stated the City Attorney had informed him that the Resolution needs to be held. Councilor Boles made a motion to hold the Resolution and Councilor Boone seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was held with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 11. ORDINANCE: To Grant a Franchise Agreement to Marcus Cable of Alabama, L.L.C. d/b/a Charter Communications to Construct, Operate and Maintain a Cable System in the City of Prattville and to Set Forth the Conditions Accompanying the Grant of the Franchise. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood) ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 24 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 Boles made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 12. ORDINANCE: To Grant a Franchise Agreement to Knology, of Montgomery, Inc. to Construct, Operate and Maintain a Cable System in the City of Prattville and to Set Forth the Conditions Accompanying the Grant of the Franchise. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood) ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 25 Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Boone 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 8 the rules and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 13. ORDINANCE: To Surplus Two (2) Vehicles from the Facilities Maintenance Department. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone) ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 26 Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Council President Pro Tempore Striplin 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 Starnes seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 14. ORDINANCE: To Surplus One (1) Generator from Fire Station 1 for the Fire Department. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boles) ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 27 Councilor Boone 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. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Boles seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS 15. ORDINANCE: To Surplus Equipment from the Wastewater Department. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Striplin) ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 28 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 Boles made a motion to suspend 9 the rules and Councilor Boone seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, BOLES, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBLISS COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, asked for clarification of questions asked earlier. The Facilities Maintenance Superintendent is a currently budgeted position. In the Fire Department, Sergeant, Captains and Battalions Chiefs are currently budgeted positions. The franchise agreement is with Knology of Montgomery, Inc. rather than with WOW. City Attorney David McDowell explained that the company operates at Knology of Montgomery. To Councilor Boone’s comments, Ms. Finnegan stated she wished those thoughts had been considered when the 2005-2006 incentives were under consideration. CLOSING COMMENTS: Mayor Gillespie noted that the upgrade in the bond rating was significant. It is not common to receive a one-step upgrade, followed by a two-step upgrade the following year. This is a result of hard work by the council, department heads, employees and citizens of Prattville. The Mayor expressed appreciation to the community groups working through the City. Councilor Brown recognized Autauga County Commission Chairman Carl Johnson and thanked him on behalf of the Council for partnering on this project. The Streets Committee will meet on August 6, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. in the Annex. Councilor Boles expressed his appreciation to Mayor Gillespie, Councilor Brown, C0uncilor Chambliss and all those who took time out of their schedules for the months of tireless work between the City, the County, and the Board of Education. Councilor Boles thanked Finance Director Moseley for his hard work. The rating upgrade speaks well of the department heads and the citizens of Prattville. Councilor Boles thanked all involved for their time and energy. Council President Wood recognized Autauga County Commission Chairman Carl Johnson. The County Commission dealt with the same issue at their meeting tonight. Council President Wood thanked all attending the meeting. He thanked the Council for their hard work and encouraged them to continue to meet in their committees. Council President Wood noted that Stivers Ford in Montgomery has recently gone through this same process with the City of Montgomery. The Facilities Maintenance Department will become part of the Sanitation and Wastewater Committee. 10 ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Boles made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (6-0) at 7:14 p.m. APPROVED: ___________________________ Cathy Dickerson City Clerk ___________________________ Willie L. Wood, Jr., President Prattville City Council