Minutes 2014-06-17
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
6:01 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at 6:01 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin gave the invocation. Roll was called and all
Councilors were present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS ENDURANCE: The inward strength
to withstand stress and do my best.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council June 3, 2014.
Councilor Boone made a motion to approve the minutes and Councilor Boles seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were approved (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie thanked all who had a hand in the success of the Farmer’s Market, located in
the Grove on Doster Road. The growers have sold out of produce and products for the last two
weeks. The Mayor expressed thanks to John Willoughby with the Alabama Farmers Market
Authority for his guidance and assistance in helping the City take over management of the
Farmer’s Market. The Mayor also thanked Barbara Simpson, Special Events Director for the
Performing and Creative Arts Department, for leading the effort. Five-star chef Paul Norton
will be on-site at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, June 20, 2014.
The Creek Walk Summer Concert Series will kick off on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, with the
Goat Hill String Band. Hotel owners have indicated that Tuesday night is their busiest night
and guests are asking for events unique to our great City. Mayor Gillespie expressed thanks to
all sponsors of the event and to Greg Duke for his assistance. The concerts are free to the
public.
Mayor Gillespie asked the C0uncil to table Item #1. The property owner has begun demolition
of AAA Muffler. This item was held over from the June 3, 2014 meeting.
The Mayor asked the Council to move forward with Item #4 to provide funding to refurbish
the Heritage Park fountain, Item #5 to accept ADEM funding and to request a formal budget
amendment from ADECA for the “Field of Dreams” project, Item #6 to make application for
an ADECA grant to provide a school resource officer and vehicle, and Item #7 to start the
process to refinance bonds.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Councilor Boone reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee fully support Item #4,
the refurbishing of the Heritage Park fountain. The fountain represents Prattville as the
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“Fountain City.” With all of the recent events and focus on our downtown, the City needs to
preserve the fountain.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY OF FINANCES:
Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the May, 2014 financial reports. The Unaudited
Revenue Report compared the revenue for May, 2014 to the prior year. Revenue has
increased year-to-date over the prior year by $159,000.00 or 0.67%. When the years are
compared apples to apples, without inclusion of the Alabama Trust Fund revenue or the
lodging fee, revenue has actually increased year-to-date by over 2%. Revenue collections are
on trend. With 58.33% of the budget year complete, the City has received 70.67% of budgeted
revenue.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison Report showed revenue running positive and on track.
The Unaudited Expense by Department Report showed departments in line with the budget.
With 66.67% of the year complete, departments have spent 65.12% of the budget. Revenue is
up and expenses are down for the budget year.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net year-to-date of over
$90,000.00. The department is on track with revenue and expenses.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net year-to-date of ($191,032),
due to accruals. This department runs tighter on their income statements.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed a net year-to-date of
($5,472.23). The suspense account showed a balance of $38,902.09. A good portion of that
balance is revenue, which will adjust back.
The Bank Account Balances Report showed total cash available as of May 31, 2014 at
$15,957,301.39. During the month of May, $1.3 million was moved from the General Fund to
the General Fund Reserve Account. The General Fund Reserve Account now has just over $2
million. The Industrial Park Development Fund was increased to $500,000.00.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances Report showed the total amount due as of
May 31, 2014 at $47,455,545.26. This balance has dropped significantly over the last couple of
years.
Councilor Chambliss asked if the Debt Reserve Fund has any cash flow issues. Mr. Moseley
replied that the City has made the debt payment due in May. Funds are already available for
the November, 2014 debt payment. The 2007 bond issue, callable in November, has a
balance greater than $10 million. Mr. Moseley has discussed with the Mayor and Finance
Committee the possibility of calling the approximately $1.5 million balance after the bank
qualified portion of the bond issued has been refunded.
Council President Wood announced that an Executive Session will be held at the end of the
meeting.
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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, PAGE 089
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, PAGE 090
3. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Retail Beer License (Off-Premises Only) and Retail Table
Wine License (Off- Premises Only) to Jaymanav Marketing, LLC d/b/a Purple Cow 108.
(Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 091
4. RESOLUTION: To Grant an Extension to Karen Golson for the Dilapidated Structure
Located at 923 Wilberforce Avenue. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 092
Councilor Chambliss made a motion to place items #1-4 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor
Boles seconded the motion. The Consent Agenda was accepted (7-0). Councilor Boone made a
motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Council President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded
the motion. There being no 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. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Demolition of Dilapidated Structures known as the AAA
Muffler Building, and Adjacent House, Located at 1254 South Memorial Drive at a Cost of
$11,000.00 and to Award Contract to Alvin Thomas, Inc. to Complete Demolition.
Sponsored By: Councilor Chambliss)
HELD FROM JUNE 3, 2014, HELD UNTIL JULY 1, 2014
Councilor Boles made a motion to hold the Resolution for two weeks and Councilor
Chambliss seconded the motion. Councilor Boles stated that the property owner has begun
demolition of the structures, but debris remains on the property. There being no further
discussion, the Resolution was held until July 1, 2014 with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
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BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 014-008 to Pyrotecnico for the July 4th Fireworks
Display at a Cost of $17,500.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 093
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Starnes seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for One (1) Generator and One (1)
Transfer Switch from Blossman Propane Gas & Appliance for the Fire Department at a Cost
Not to Exceed $13,900.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boles)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 094
Councilor Boles made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Chambliss seconded
the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution 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 Release Funds to Refurbish the Heritage Park Fountain for the Parks
and Recreation Department by Robinson Iron Corporation at a Cost Not to Exceed
$20,000.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 095
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Brown seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
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5. RESOLUTION: To Accept a $250,000.00 Grant from the ADEM Scrap Tire Fund and to
Authorize the Mayor to Submit a Formal Amendment Request to ADECA for CDBG Project
No. LR-CE-PF-13-008 for the “Field of Dreams” Project. (Sponsored By: Council President
Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 096
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor
Boles seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Make Application to the Alabama Department
of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) for Grant Funds for a School Relations Officer,
Training, and a DARE/School Relations Vehicle With a Match Not to Exceed $23,000.00.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 097
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution 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 Authorize Certain Actions with Respect to General Obligation
Refunding Warrants, Series 2014-A, of the City of Prattville. (Sponsored By: Council
President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 098
Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boone seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
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8. ORDINANCE: To Exempt Certain “Covered Items” From the Municipal Sales and Use
Tax during the First Full Weekend of August, 2014, as Authorized by Act 2006-574, Generally
Referred to as the “Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday” Legislation. (Sponsored By:
Council President Wood)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 018
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 for the council rules to be
suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Chambliss made a motion to
suspend the rules and Councilor Boles 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
9. ORDINANCE: To Surplus Equipment from the Police Department. (Sponsored By:
Councilor Starnes)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 019
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary for the council rules to be
suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Chambliss made a motion to
suspend the rules and Councilor Boles 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
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
David Lewis, 776 Stapleford Trail, speaking on behalf of the YMCA and all those working on
the Field of Dreams, thanked the City Council for their support of the item on the agenda. Mr.
Lewis publically recognized Teresa Lee and Joel Duke for their assistance in putting the
project together. Mr. Lewis thanked Mayor Gillespie and City employees for their help.
Everyone is invited to the ground breaking on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, and the ribbon
cutting to be held in late September for the Field of Dreams.
Robert Bishop stated that he had applied for a heavy equipment operator position in the
Sanitation Department. Mr. Bishop explained that he does not have a high school diploma or
GED, but he does have a CDL license and is qualified for the position. Mr. Bishop completed
CDL certification in 1989. Council President Wood noted that the procedures and rules in the
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Human Resources Department must be followed. Council President Wood thanked Mr.
Bishop for bringing this matter to the attention of the Council and referred the matter to the
Sanitation Committee.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie informed the Council that the new fire truck should be available to view by
the next meeting. The Mayor thanked all department heads and city employees for the job
they provide for the City.
Council President Wood announced that the Council needed to enter Executive Session to
discuss trade and commerce. City Attorney David McDowell had provided the City Clerk with
a letter of explanation for the Executive Session. That letter is made part of the official record.
Councilor Boles made a motion to enter Executive Session and Councilor Starnes seconded
the motion. With a vote of (7-0), the Council entered Executive Session at 6:37 p.m. Council
President Wood announced the Executive Session was expected to last about one hour and
the Council would re-enter Regular Session to adjourn the meeting.
Councilor Boles made a motion to adjourn Executive Session and re-enter Regular Session
and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. With a vote of (7-0), the Council re-entered
Regular Session at 7:32 p.m.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Council President Wood
adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Willie L. Wood, Jr., President
Prattville City Council