Minutes 2012-04-171
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
6:03 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 6:03 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Council President Renegar gave the invocation. Roll was called and all councilors were
recorded as being present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS DETERMINATION: Proposing to
accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of opposition.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting April 3, 2012 and Work Session April 9,
2012. Councilor Striplin made a motion to approve the minutes and Councilor Brown
seconded the motion. The minutes were approved (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Lonnie Brand, 258 Teri Lane, asked what the $10,000 in consulting services would provide in
Item #2. Councilor Striplin responded that the Resolution had been presented at a previous
council meeting and held until tonight’s meeting. Councilor Striplin reported that at the
Finance Committee meeting, he asked that this Resolution be voted down. The consulting
services would have provided assistance to the Wastewater Department in developing a
master plan, budgeting, and planning for capital improvements as a new Enterprise Fund.
Mr. Brand asked why Councilor Striplin requested that the Resolution be voted down.
Councilor Striplin replied that Mayor Gillespie indicated he would take care of it.
Mr. Brand asked if the application for a special needs baseball field in Item #4 would require
city funds. Council President Renegar responded that this is a pass-through application and
the city will incur no debt and no expense. The YMCA will take care of the grant match and
upkeep of the project.
Mr. Brand asked for more information regarding Item #5. City Engineer Robby Anderson
responded that this was a continuation of a multi-stage project started in 2009 to widen
McQueen Smith Road from East Main Street to U. S. 31. At a public hearing, new information
was brought forth pertaining to this project. Additional items are needed that were not in the
original contract, including signalizing the intersection of Terra and McQueen Smith,
additional work on the water lines, and additional turn lanes at McQueen Smith and Cobbs
Ford Road. This project is likely to continue into 2013 and the city will have to meet new
requirements. Councilor Wood asked how long this project would take. Mr. Anderson
responded that he hoped to have another public hearing with the plans scheduled for later
this year and he anticipates the project to take anywhere from 3 to 5 years. Council President
Pro Tempore Fank asked if the scope of this project will include bike and pedestrian paths.
Mr. Anderson replied that this project does not include a bike path, but does include an 8’-
wide sidewalk for pedestrians and bikes. Council President Pro Tempore Fank added he
would like to see biking and pedestrian paths incorporated into all future projects of similar
nature. Mr. Anderson responded that those types of improvements will be a requirement
from the Federal Highway Administration. Councilor Miller asked if the 8’-wide path will be
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immediately adjacent to the pavement. Mr. Anderson explained that the 8’-wide path will be
spaced similar to the existing sidewalk. The 8’-wide path will be located at the backside of the
right-of-way and there will be a grass area between the road and the path.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie presented a proclamation honoring the Character Coalition to David Lewis
and Mary Ann “Boo” Rogers. The proclamation declared April 15-21, 2012 as “Character
Week” in the City of Prattville. The Mayor stated that they are the driving force behind
Character in Prattville and reminded everyone that the character traits read monthly at the
City Council meetings come from them. The Mayor thanked Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Rogers for
the impact they have on the citizen’s lives.
The Mayor noted that this is National Volunteer Week and the Autauga Creek Improvement
Committee was a nominee for the River Region Volunteer of the Year award.
The Mayor received a phone call from a citizen reporting that she had broken down in
Prattville when a police officer not only stopped to help her, but he actually drove to the store
to get oil for her car and then added the oil. The citizen tried to offer the officer money, but he
refused to accept it. Mayor Gillespie thanked Officer Greg Varner and reminded everyone that
actions like this make Prattville what it is.
Mayor Gillespie added that over 75% of the people in this room volunteer their time and
efforts. If not for our volunteers, we would not have the quality of like that we do. The Mayor
thanked those who do volunteer.
The Mayor introduced John-Paul O’Driscoll, Chairman of the Autauga County PALS. John-
Paul O’Driscoll announced that PALS will hold its annual Spring Clean Up event on Saturday,
April 28, 2012. This event is in conjunction with statewide PALS efforts. Mr. O’Driscoll
informed everyone that the Spring Clean Up group would coordinate at Pratt Plaza and the
Autauga Creek Improvement Committee would coordinate at Fat Boys. Mr. O’Driscoll also
encouraged any churches that wanted to participate to contact him. Mr. O’Driscoll announced
that once per quarter, Beautification & Litter-Free Awards will be made to homes, businesses,
or schools that are clean and well kept. The public, a customer, employee, owner or elected
official may make a nomination. The winner of this award is announced publically and given a
sign to display in their yard. The upcoming electronic recycling event will be at Pratt Plaza on
May 12, 2012.
Mayor Gillespie reminded the Council that Item #4 would be no cost to the City and thanked
City Engineer Robby Anderson for his report on Item #5.
Prattville Downtown Unlimited will hold a “Magic on Main” event on Thursday, April 19,
2012. The Relay for Life will be at the Prattville East YMCA on Friday, April 20, 2012. “Touch-
A-Truck” will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Pratt Park. “Bark in the Park” will be held
on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Cooter’s Pond. “All the Kings Women” will be shown on
Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Prattville Creative Arts Center.
Mayor Gillespie reiterated his appreciation to Officer Varner and to all the city employees
who volunteer their efforts to the community.
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The Mayor asked the Council to give authority to fill three open positions in the Sanitation
Department at the next Council meeting.
The one year anniversary of the tornado outbreak in Alabama is approaching. After attending
an event at Boones Chapel, the Mayor reflected on how lucky Prattville was over the past year.
The IT Study was discussed at the Finance Committee Meeting and the city is currently
evaluating the recommendations.
Councilor Miller asked for an update on a policy to handle future fun runs and parades with
the expense and police commitment the City bears as a result of these events. The Mayor
responded that a citizen-based committee had not been formed for such purpose, but one
suggestion being discussed is to have all of the organizations that participate in these events
throw one large event with the proceeds to go towards any future events throughout the year.
The Mayor would get a report to Councilor Miller.
REPORT ON STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Interim Finance Director, Doug Moseley, presented the Council with a Revenue & Expense
Report through the month of March 2012, as attached. $2.9 million in revenue was brought in
during the month of March. The total revenue for this year is $17.5 million or 54.37% of the
budgeted amount. With 50% of the year complete, the city is ahead of the curve in revenue
collection. Business License revenue is up 2.64% over last year at this point. The staff is up-
to-date posting this revenue. Lodging tax, alcohol tax, and rental tax are lagging behind the
budgeted amount. Overall expenses are in line and under budget. Operationally, to date the
City has spent $1.4 million dollars less than last year. The Wastewater and Sanitation
Enterprise Funds are both running in the black. Revenue and expenses for both are running
on track.
Mr. Moseley provided the Fire Department statistics requested by Councilor Striplin. This
information will be added into the statistical information in the next audit.
The debt service payment due in May is in the debt service account and should be transferred
to Regions by the end of the week. Accounts payable is current within 30-days or less. The city
now owes only two months to the group health account.
Councilor Boles asked for information regarding the $3 million debt service payment due in
October. Mr. Moseley responded the October payment will be included in the next fiscal year.
Mr. Moseley added that the line of credit has been paid down. Councilor Boles noted that the
city has spent 53% for the year and 82% has gone to debt service. Councilor Boles added he
appreciated this good report.
Councilor Miller asked if a report on the health care fund could be presented similar to the
wastewater and sanitation funds. Mr. Moseley responded that he is working with Jackson
Thornton to set up an internal service fund for the health care fund. This would provide a
clear picture of the status of the health care fund and clear up the general fund books. Claims
and deductions would show in the internal service fund. With an internal service fund, the
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only item to hit the general fund would be the money the city puts into the health care fund. It
will provide a clear picture of what the city is spending.
Councilor Miller noted that Mr. Moseley is on the right track and asked that the report also
include the status of the reserve fund. Mr. Moseley replied that the general fund has not paid
the March and April payment to the reserve fund, which equals $330,000. There is currently
$1.3 million in the health reserve fund.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Renegar announced that Jeff Keith, a member of the Autauga County
Board of Education, was in attendance at tonight’s Council meeting.
Councilor Striplin requested that the Wastewater and Sanitation Committee members let him
know their availability so they may schedule meeting.
Council Miller asked for a Point of Personal Privilege which he was granted. Councilor Miller
stated that he missed the last meeting because he was on a medical mission trip to the
Dominican Republic and it was a life changing event. Due to expanded duties at work,
Councilor Miller stated he is not planning to seek re-election. Councilor Miller stated that it
had been a privilege serving with each of the councilmembers. With only four months until
the election, it is appropriate to announce this now so that potential candidates are aware.
Council President Pro Tempore Fank requested the Councilor Brown and Councilor Striplin
let him know their availability for a Leisure Services and Urban Management meeting.
Council President Renegar reported that the Finance Committee met last night and discussed
a number of items. If any councilmember has questions regarding the meeting, please contact
Council President Renegar or the Mayor. The minutes for this meeting will be on the city
website.
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 Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2012 PAGE 035
Councilor Wood made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Fank seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
RENEGAR, MILLER, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Waste Water Budget and to Authorize the Mayor to Enter
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into a Contract with Goodwyn Mills & Cawood at a Cost not to exceed $10,000 for
Consulting Services. (Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin)
(HELD FROM FEBRUARY 7, 2012)
This item was held from the City Council meeting on February 7, 2012. There being no
discussion, the Resolution failed with the following results:
AYES : NONE 0
NAYS : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
RENEGAR, MILLER, BOLES, FANK 7
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
3. 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 Fank)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2012 PAGE 036
Councilor Miller 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,
RENEGAR, MILLER, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
4. RESOLUTION: To Sponsor a CDBG Application for the Construction of a Special Needs
Baseball Field to be Located between the East YMCA, Smith Center and Daniel Pratt
Elementary School. (Sponsored By: Council President Renegar)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2012, PAGE 037
Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor
Miller seconded the motion. Councilor Miller asked who owned the property to be used for
this project. City Engineer Robby Anderson responded that the YMCA owned the property.
Councilor Striplin announced that he would endorse the project, but must abstain from
voting because he is a YMCA board member. Councilor Miller, also a YMCA board member,
must abstain from voting. Council President Renegar noted the vote will still require the
majority of four to pass. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with
the following results:
AYES : WOOD, BROWN,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : STRIPLIN, MILLER 2
ABSENT : NONE
5. RESOLUTION: To Enter into a Supplemental Agreement with Sain Associates, Inc. to
provide Engineering Services in amount not to exceed $113,813.00 (net cost to City not to
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exceed $22,762.60) for the Widening and Resurfacing of McQueen Smith Road South
Project No. STPOA-7812. (Sponsored By: Councilor Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2012, Page 038
Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Fank seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
RENEGAR, MILLER, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Mr. Lonnie Brand, 258 Teri Lane, stated that the Council recently voted for two (2) mayoral
portraits and wanted to know when they would be purchased. Council President Renegar
informed Mr. Brand that the council was looking into a process that would produce a portrait
quality product for a lower cost than an actual portrait; quotes are currently being obtained.
Mr. Brand asked why Councilor Brown’s photo was not in the foyer and Councilor Brown
responded that she planned to wait to see if she was re-elected as to not waste city funds.
Council President Pro Tempore Fank and Council President Renegar agreed that Councilor
Brown’s photo should be completed and placed in the foyer. Council President Renegar
expressed his shock that Councilor Miller would not be running in the upcoming election and
assured him that he would be missed. Council President Renegar thanked Councilor Miller
for his service.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Boles made a motion to
adjourn and Councilor Miller seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 7:01 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Michael E. Renegar, President
Prattville City Council