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Minutes 2012-02-071 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012 6:13 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 6:13 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 were recorded as being present. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS DEFERENCE: Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the taste of those around me. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council meeting January 17, 2012. Council President Pro Tempore Fank made the motion to approve the minutes and Councilman Miller seconded the motion. The minutes were approved (6-0). Council President Renegar announced that he would grant the Mayor a point of personal privilege for a special presentation and at the conclusion of the presentation the Council would go into Executive Session to discuss the good name and character of individuals. Mayor Gillespie began his special presentation which recognized air force and army service members for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The air force and army service members were asked to join the Mayor at the front of the Council Chambers. Mayor Gillespie thanked the service members and expressed his appreciation by saying that if it were not for their dedication we would not have the freedom we have today. The Mayor also thanked Council President Renegar for his service. Mayor Gillespie read the proclamation which paid tribute to these special citizens. The following service members were presented with a commendation from the City of Prattville: Major Gerald Starnes, Major Sean Butler, Major Carlos Poveda, Captain Robert Hughes (Wife Sara Hughes accepted), TSgt. Nichole Awolusi, and SFC. Chadwick Harris. Council President Renegar thanked the service members and welcomed them home on behalf of the Council. Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion that the Council g o into Executive Session and Councilman Wood seconded the motion. All were in favor and the Council went into Executive Session at 6:23 p.m. Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion that the Council go back into Regular Session and Councilman Miller seconded the motion. All were in favor and the Council went back into Regular Session at 6:36 p.m. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Ronnie Brant, 258 Teri Lane, Prattville, requested an explanation of item#1. 2 Councilman Striplin explained to Mr. Brant that item #1 would allow the opportunity to provide consulting services to the Waste Water Department, as well as management training, development of a managing team, implementation of a multi-year master plan, training in writing of managerial reports and assistance in interpreting and implementing financial reports. Mr. Brant thanked Councilman Striplin for his explanation and asked Council President Pro Tempore Fank, regarding item #3, what the seasonal Leisure Services employee’s general duties would be. Council President Pro Tempore Fank informed Mr. Brant that these employees would be taking care of the After School Day Care program. Mr. Brant thanked Council President Pro Tempore Fank for his explanation and asked Council President Renegar, regarding item #5, for an explanation of the contracts. Council President Renegar explained to Mr. Brant that in order for the City to provide services to, for instance a non-profit organization, the City must have a contract with that organization and the Council must authorize the Mayor to sign that contract. Mr. Brant thanked Council President Renegar for his explanation and asked Councilman Wood, regarding item #6, if there had been an increase in the required number of police officers that the City needs or if the City is short two police officers. Councilman Wood explained to Mr. Brant that the City is actually short more than two police officers, but at this time would like to hire at least two. Mr. Brant thanked Councilman Wood for his explanation. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie stated that the State of Alabama lost a true southern gentleman when Senator Mitchell passed away. Senator Mitchell will be missed and had been very gracious to Autauga County. The Mayor commented, regarding item #1, that the Waste Water Department has over 250 years of experience. The City should show the department respect and support by granting them at least 90 days to show improvement and at the end of the 90 days reevaluate the department. The Mayor asked that item #1 be held for 90 days or voted down. Rick Teague has a new plant supervisor Dale Gandy. With Human Resources’ help they have begun the process of repositioning personnel, which will cut down on overtime and maintenance cost. The Mayor asked that the Council pass item #5 and stated that the funds are available. Mayor Gillespie challenged the Finance Director, Doug Moseley, to begin paying the recipients of larger community initiatives monthly. This will make payments easier to budget. The Mayor asked that a Leisure Services Committee meeting be called to discuss the development of two parcels of City owned land into possible hiking/biking trails, equestrian 3 trails and an archery shooting range. This would encourage citizens to stay in Prattville on the weekends and engage in physical activity. The Mayor asked the Council to please take notice of the progress with the Creek Walk and the gazebo being built behind City Hall. The overtime in City departments is to date 4% less than targeted according to the first quarter overtime reports. The Mayor thanked the Department Heads for their efforts in keeping overtime down. A Job Fair will be held on February 13, 2012 at the Chamber of Commerce. This is an all-day event. The 13th Annual Program for Black History month will be held on February 17, 2012 at the Doster Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Mayor invited everyone to attend. The Mardi Gras Parade will be held February 18, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. and will follow the City’s normal parade route. C.J. Marshall will be the Grand Marshall. She was chosen by Kellie Cook and Mayor Gillespie due to her efforts to insure the event was able to happen. Guests from Romania will be in Prattville on February 20, 2012 and Mayor Gillespie will show them around. Presidents Day is on February 20, 2012 and garbage will be picked up that day. Mayor Gillespie plans to deliver his State of the City Address on Thursday February 23, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Council Boles expressed his excitement about the Mayor’s State of the City Address and encouraged all citizens to attend. He stated that any citizen interested in the hiking/biking and equestrian trails should contact him. Councilman Boles hopes to have the trails up and running by the summer and thanked the Mayor for his help with this project. Mayor Gillespie stated that he had spoken with Maxwell Air Force Base, the Eagle Scotts and bicyclists who are interested in volunteering to help with the trails. Councilman Miller asked the Mayor for an update on Continental Eagle. The Mayor reported that he had meet with a realtor and some investors last week and that they were looking at the community and what it has to offer more than the mill itself. Councilman Miller stated that the Continental Eagle property being in jeopardy has the Council’s attention because of its historic value and the contribution it makes to the character of this city. Councilman Miller commended the Mayor for doing everything he can to make sure that it is not jeopardized. Councilman Miller asked if the contracts referenced in item #5 were ready to be signed. The Mayor stated that all of the contracts were not ready to be signed. Councilman Miller asked the Mayor if the Library and Humane Shelter contracts specifically were ready to be signed and whether or not they would be getting a check tomorrow. 4 The Mayor reported that they would be receiving their allocations tomorrow and hopefully in the future the City will be able to pay them monthly instead of quarterly. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Councilman Wood reported that the Public Safety Committee did meet and discuss the hiring of police officers as requested by item #6. He urged the Council to move forward on that item. Councilman Miller reported on behalf of the Fire Committee that there would be an upcoming Insurance Services Organization (I.S.O.) visit and asked that Fire Marshal, Dallis Johnson, give the Council a brief overview. Fire Marshal Johnson reported that at the end of the month I.S.O. would be coming in to evaluate the Fire Department. At the end of the evaluation they will assign an I.S.O. rating which the Fire Department will provide to the Council. Councilman Miller asked when the City would know their I.S.O. rating. Fire Marshal Johnson responded that it takes approximately three months but he would double check. Councilman Miller asked that Battalion Commander, Mike Whaley to update the council on the Ambulance Contract with Autauga County. Battalion Commander Whaley thanked the Council for the opportunity to represent the Fire Department in this contract process. The County did not accept the original contract that was approved by the City Council on December 20, 2011. This new contract, which is Exhibit A on item # 4, allows the County to pay for the ambulance, finance charges and interest, in three equal annual payments to the City as opposed to paying it off in one year. The contract price is $380,000.00 a year plus the cost of the ambulance. This contract was approved by the County Commission earlier tonight. Under the previous contracts all revenues were subtracted from total operating cost which gave us net operating costs and the County would pay a percentage of the net operating cost. The new contract is a set contract price for three years plus the cost of a new ambulance. Councilman Miller commended Battalion Commander Whaley, Fire Chief Brown and the other Fire Department colleagues that helped move this contract along. Councilman Miller noted this is a much better contract than past contracts with the County. Council President Pro Tempore Fank reported that the Leisure Services Committee did discuss item #3 and their recommendation is to move forward with that item. Council President Renegar reported that the Finance Committee met last week and discussed items # 3, 5 and 6. The Finance Committee’s recommendation is to move forward with these items. AGENDA 1. SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION: To Amend the Waste Water Budget and to Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Contract with Goodwyn Mills & Cawood at 5 a Cost not to exceed $10,000 for Consulting Services. (HELD UNTIL APRIL 7, 2012) Councilman Striplin introduced a Substitute Resolution. Councilman Striplin made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Miller seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary for the council rules to be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilman Boles made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilman Miller seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). Councilman Striplin stated that with the Waste Water Department now operating as an Enterprise Fund department management will be expected to be more accountable to the Mayor and Council, the Waste Water Committee and the citizens of Prattville. The staff is not currently trained to meet these challenges. Councilman Striplin urged the Council to support an investment in the Waste Water Departments personnel. Councilman Boles suggested that the Council follow the Mayor’s recommendation and hold this Resolution for 90 days or just vote it down. At 7:17 p.m. the gavel was passed to Council President Pro Tempore Fank. Council President Renegar made a motion to hold the Resolution until April 17, 2012 and Councilman Wood seconded the motion. A roll call vote was requested and the Resolution was held until April 17, 2012 with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 5 NAYS : MILLER 1 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 At 7:20 p.m. the gavel was passed to Council President Renegar. 2. RESOLUTION: To Appoint James E. Miles to the Board of Zoning Adjustments. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012 PAGE 013) Councilman Wood made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. There being no discussion the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Hiring of Three (3) Seasonal Leisure Services Employees at a Cost not to Exceed $6,200.00. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012 PAGE 014) Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into Ambulance Contract with Autauga County. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012 PAGE 015) Councilman Miller made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Wood seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Sign and to Ratify and Affirm Any Contracts for Services for Community Initiatives and City-County Services as Specified in FY2011-2012 Budget. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012 PAGE 016) Councilman Boles made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Miller seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Hiring of Two (2) Police Officers for the Prattville Police Department at an Annual Cost not to Exceed $100,529.00. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012 PAGE 017) Councilman Wood made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 7. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Denise Brown as Council Member for District Three. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012 PAGE 018) Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Miller seconded the motion. Councilman Miller stated on behalf of the Council that having people come before the Council and be considered for this appointment was very commendable. The individuals that came before us less than 24 hours ago did a yeoman’s job 7 answering the questions and any of the individuals would have brought a lot of skills and talents to this position. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 At this time Denise Brown and her family joined Judge Louis Colley at the front of the Council Chambers. Judge Colley instructed Mrs. Brown to put her left hand on the Bible, raise her right hand and repeat the attached oath. After being sworn in Councilwoman Brown took her seat at the dais. Council President Renegar granted Councilwoman Brown a point of personal privilege. Councilwoman Brown thanked the Council for selecting her and expressed her excitement for working with her fellow council members in the future. 8. FROM THE FLOOR: RESOLUTION: To Mourn the Death of Senator Wendell Mitchell and to Recognize Him for His Many Years of Dedicated Service to His District and to the Citizens of the State of Alabama. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012 PAGE 019) Council President Pro Tempore Fank introduced this Resolution from the floor. Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Wood seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary for the council rules to be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). There being no discussion the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN, MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 Council President Renegar announced that the City would have a formal copy of the Resolution drafted with the City Seal and would be attaching a letter from the President of the City Council on behalf of the City Council expressing their appreciation and sympathy to the family. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: None CLOSING COMMENTS: 8 Mayor Gillespie commended everyone who went through the interview process for District Three. The Mayor congratulated Councilwoman Brown and looks forward to working with her. Councilman Striplin commended all District Three applicants and welcomed Councilwoman Brown. Councilman Striplin expressed his appreciation to Councilman Miller for how eloquently he commended all District Three applicants on the Council’s behalf. Councilman Wood reminded everyone of the 21st Annual North Highland Park Community Fun Day on March 24, 2012. The proceeds from this event will go to the Oasis of Hope Foundation which provides back packs to Autauga County students. Councilman Wood asked Fire Marshal Johnson what the City’s current I.S.O. rating is. Fire Marshal Johnson responded that it is 2. Councilman Wood commended all District Three applicants and welcomed Councilwoman Brown. Councilman Miller applauded all District Three applicants and expressed his delight that Councilwomen Brown was appointed and looks forward to working with her. Councilman Miller assured Councilwoman Brown that each of the council members would be more than willing to help her with any questions. The goal is for every Council member to be as successful as possible. Councilman Boles thanked all District Three applicants and welcomed Councilwoman Brown. Council President Pro Tempore Fank commended all District Three applicants and welcomed Councilwoman Brown. Council President Renegar congratulated Councilwoman Brown and thanked all District Three applicants. He encouraged citizens contact the Mayor’s office with the name and contact information of any Autauga County veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan, so that they may be honored. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the council, Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adjourn and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (6-0) at 7:42 p.m. 9 APPROVED: ___________________________ Cathy Dickerson City Clerk ___________________________ Michael E. Renegar, President Prattville City Council SUBMITTED BY: ______________________ Jamie F. McClellan Assistant City Clerk