Minutes 2014-03-18
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014
6:00 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 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 TOLERANCE: Accepting others at
different levels of maturity.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Minutes March 4, 2014.
Councilor Starnes 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 requested a Point of Privilege. Diane Steinhilber, Jackson Thornton,
presented the audited Financial Statement for the City for fiscal year ended September 30,
2013. Jackson Thornton issued an unqualified opinion on the financial statements based on
the audit conducted in accordance with governmental auditing standards. The highlights of
these financial statements included improved liquidity, reinvestment in capital, smart debt
management, and cost controls.
Mayor Gillespie presented Battalion Commander Michael Whaley with a Commendation
thanking him for a job well done over the last thirteen months on special assignment to the
Vehicle Maintenance, Sanitation, Facilities Maintenance, Urban Management, and
Wastewater Departments. The special assignment ended today and Battalion Commander
will return to his regular duties.
With no questions or comments from the Council, Mayor Gillespie left the meeting at 6:19
p.m. for another appointment.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
None
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the finance reports for February 2014. The
Unaudited General Fund and Capital Projects Fund Revenue report showed sales tax down
1.46% compared to February 2013, but up 2.46% year-to-date over last year. Overall, revenue
showed an increase of 2.17% compared to February 2013 and an increase of 4.12% year-to-
date.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed a decrease of 0.27% year-to-date. With
rebates included, tax collection for February was flat compared to the prior year.
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The Unaudited Expenses by Department report showed all departments in line year-to-date.
Expenses are down $176,000.00 compared to prior year.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed that expenses have slightly
exceeded revenue for the year. With 33.33% of the year complete, revenue was at 34.55%.
With 41.67% of the year complete, expenses were at 42.21%.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed that revenue has exceeded
expenses for the year. The department is building reserve funds. With 33.33% of the year
complete, revenue was at 34.51%. With 41.67% of the year complete, expenses were at 33.91%.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed the department on track with
revenue lagging. With 33.33% of the year complete, revenue was at 29.33%. With 41.67% of
the year complete, expenses were at 33.70%.
As of February 28, 2014, the Bank Balances report showed the total cash balance as
$14,893,687.89.
As of February 28, 2014, the City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report showed
total debt as $47,759,738.54.
Councilor Boles noted that local businesses suffered a decline in business during the freeze in
January, which could result in a decrease in sales tax remitted in February.
AGENDA
1. ORDINANCE: To Declare Various Equipment Surplus from the Police Department.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Chambliss)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, Page 007
Councilor Chambliss made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Starnes 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 Boles 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, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Hiring of One (1) Automotive Service Helper to Fill a
Previously Non-filled or Newly Budgeted Position in the Vehicle Maintenance Department at
an Annual Cost Not to Exceed $36,106.00 for Salary and Benefits. (Sponsored By: Councilor
Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 037
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Councilor Starnes 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
3. RESOLUTION: To Name Voting Delegate and Alternates for the Alabama League of
Municipalities Annual Convention in Mobile. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 038
Councilor Boles 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, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Renew the Audit for Sales Tax and Business
License Contract with River Tree Systems, Inc. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 039
Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin 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 Sign a Settlement Agreement with Marcus
Cable of Alabama, LLC d/b/a Charter to Collect Unpaid Franchise Fees. (Sponsored By:
Council President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014, PAGE 040
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin 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:
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AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
None
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Boles will call a Fire Committee meeting in the next week.
Council President Wood called Finance Committee meeting for Monday, March 24, 2014, at
9:00 a.m. in the City Hall Annex building.
All are invited to attend the annual North Highland Park Fun Day this weekend. Councilors
are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be served about 12:30 p.m.
Council President Wood thanked all department heads for their work and thanked Battalion
Commander Whaley for his assistance to the Mayor in the special assignment.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Boles seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Willie L. Wood, Jr., President
Prattville City Council