Minutes 2020-10-20
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020
6:02 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 6:02 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Council President Striplin gave the invocation. Roll was called and all Councilors were present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS BOLDNESS: Courage to say or do what is
true, right and just.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting October 6, 2020.
Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor
Starnes seconded the motion. With no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
The Mayor noted that it was good to see everyone at the meeting, including the Council,
citizens, and Councilor-Elect Blair Gornto.
Mayor Gillespie thanked Council President Striplin for mentioning the recent fire victims in his
invocation. The fire at The Woods Apartments was a devastating night for them. The City is
thankful to have had the Fire and Police Departments on the spot and doing all they possibly
could to save lives. The incident is still under investigation. The community has reached out to
see how they can help those affected by the fire. The Autauga Interfaith Care Center (AICC),
under the direction of previous councilor Denise Brown, is a central location for donations. A
10,000-pound food drive is underway and yellow containers are located inside the front doors
of City Hall for those donations. A list of needed items is provided on the City’s website. A good
Samaritan dropped off twenty-five $100 gift cards in the Mayor’s office today. Those gift cards
will be turned over to AICC to distribute to fire victims. The Police, Fire, and Parks & Recreation
Departments were on-site the night of the fire. Parks & Recreation employees were moving
victims to a local church. The community continues to come together and those affected by the
fire are in our prayers.
On the consent agenda, Assistant City Clerk Jamie Clayton will once again step into the role
of Interim Clerk with the retirement of the current City Clerk. Mrs. Clayton also stepped into this
role for a short time in 2011 until Cathy Dickerson filled the position. Mayor Gillespie thanked
Ms. Dickerson for serving the City well. There will be a retirement party for Ms. Dickerson on
October 30, 2020. Unless a special meeting is called, tonight is the last official meeting for both
the City Clerk and Councilor Richard Cables.
The Prattville High School Homecoming will be held on October 23, 2020.
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Interviews for the position of Autauga County Superintendent of Education are now complete.
The interview processes were educational and eye opening. The Mayor looks forward to
working with the new Superintendent of Education.
Agenda Item #3 will support the Severe Weather Tax Holiday in February. Mayor Gillespie
recommended the purchase of generators during the tax holiday.
Mayor Gillespie thanked the Council for their support of Agenda Item #4 regarding sanitation
fees. The Mayor stated that he is proud of the progress that has been made to increase the
efficiency of the Sanitation Division. Costs have increased, including tipping fees. Mayor
Gillespie thanked Public Works Director Dale Gandy and Sanitation Superintendent Tracy
Simpson for negotiating the tipping fee rate for the City.
The 2nd Annual Parade of Pumpkins will be held October 23 – November 1, 2020. The first
annual event was a great success.
Mayor Gillespie noted that some things can be replaced and other things cannot be replaced
for the apartment fire victims. One thing that the community can offer is hope. The food drive
and gift cards are examples of how this community continues to pull together.
The FY2020-2021 budget will be ready to present to the Council in the near future.
Mayor Gillespie thanked Councilor Richard Cable for his service and commitment to the City
for the past four years. Councilor Cables will continue to serve the community in other ways.
The Mayor looks forward to working with the Council during the next Quadrennium, including
Councilor Chambers and Councilor-Elect Gornto.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Striplin reported that the Finance Committee met on October 15, 2020 and
all committee members were present. The committee discussed the need to name an Interim
City Clerk until the Council appoints a permanent City Clerk. The committee also discussed the
process to select a new City Attorney, proposed budget changes for the six departments under
the Finance Committee, and the vacant position of Economic Developer. The committee also
received up-dated information on two contract matters.
REPORT ON STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley presented the finance reports for September 2020. The
General Fund Revenue report showed that year-to-date revenue was $40,353,412.85, an
increase of 2.93% in comparison to the prior year.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed revenue increased by 6.19% in comparison
to the prior year.
The Expenses by Department report showed that with 100% of the budget year complete,
overall expenses excluding unbudgeted COVID-19 expenditures were at 93.71%.
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The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net income of $81,664.01 for
September 2020. Operating expenses were under budget at 83.05% and overall expenses
were under budget at 80.40%.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net loss of ($1,273.37) for
September 2020. This was due primarily to making two debt payments during the month.
Operating expenses were over budget at 116.90% and overall expenses were at 100.03%.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed a net income of $33,772.15 for
September 2020. Overall expenses were slightly over budget at 104.10%.
The Gas Tax Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed that revenue, excluding grant
reimbursement, came in under budget at 89.96%. The current year paving project began during
this last quarter and will continue into the first quarter of FY2021.
The Capital Projects Fund Income Statement showed the total project expenses incurred to
date to be $5,849,744.76. These projects primarily include:
• South Industrial Park Road & Bridge
• Mac Gray Park 2.0 Engineering
• Fire Station #4 Construction
• Fairview Ave Improvements
• MLK & Upper Kingston Paving
• Maple Street Drainage Engineering
The Group Health Fund Income Statement showed the net income to date at $89,801.76. This
included $265,000.00 in supplement transfers from the General Fund.
The Bank Balances report showed a total cash balance of $27,859,916.41 as of September
30, 2020.
The City-Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report show total debt at $57,249,937.14,
including total non-enterprise debt at $22,843,143.23, as of September 30, 2020.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Have Various Weeded Lots Abated per Title 11,
Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 158
2. RESOLUTION: To Declare Various Weeded Lots to be a Public Nuisance, Order Their
Abatement and Set a Public Hearing per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975,
as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 159
3. RESOLUTION: To Surplus One (1) Metal Building Located at 530 Doster Road from the
Public Works Department. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 160
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4. RESOLUTION: To Name Jamie Clayton as the Interim City Clerk of the City of Prattville.
(Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 161
5. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Danny Loftin to the Historic Prattville Redevelopment
Authority. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 162
6. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint David McIntosh to the Historic Prattville Redevelopment
Authority. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 163
7. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Edward Rouze to the Historic Prattville Redevelopment
Authority. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 164
8. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Matt Holtzscher to the Historic Prattville Redevelopment
Authority. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 165
9. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Michael A. Thompson to the Historic Prattville
Redevelopment Authority. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 166
10. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Andrew Reid Cavnar to the Historic Prattville Redevelopment
Authority. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 167
11. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Bradley J. Neave to the Historic Prattville Redevelopment
Authority. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 168
12. RESOLUTION: To Authorizing Civil Southeast, LLC To Make Application to ALDOT For
Roadway Improvements. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 169
Councilor Cables made a motion to place items #1-12 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor
Strichik seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent Agenda (7-0). Councilor
Strichik made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
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AGENDA:
1. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Lounge Retail Liquor -Class II (Package Store) License to
OMSHIV, LLC d/b/a Corner Package Store. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 170
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 020-008A to L & K Contracting Company, Inc. for the U.S.
Highway 82 Utility Relocation Project at a Cost of $166,936.00. (Sponsored By: Council
President Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2020-A, PAGE 171
Councilor Jackson 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 : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
3. ORDINANCE: To Exempt Certain “Covered Items” from the Municipal Sales and Use Tax
during the Last Full Weekend of February 2021, as Authorized by Act 2012-256, Generally
Referred to as the “State Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday” Legislation.
(Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2020, PAGE 020
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Council President Pro
Tempore 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 Starnes made a motion to
suspend the rules and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-
0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
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4. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 66-Utilities, Article
IV-Solid Waste, Division 2-Municipal Collection and Disposal Service, Section 429-Schedule
of Service Changes. (Sponsored By: Councilor Cables)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2020, PAGE 021
Councilor Cables made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Strichik 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 Boone made a motion to suspend the rules
and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). There being
no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: None
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie requested a Point of Privilege and presented Councilor Cables with a plaque
in honor of his service to this community as a councilmember from 11/7/2016 – 11/1/2020.
Councilor Jackson expressed his appreciation to Councilor Cables. Councilor Jackson,
Councilor Cables, and Councilor Strichik all came on Council together, and along with
Councilor Starnes, declared themselves the “Four Horsemen.” Councilor Jackson added that
since day one, Councilor Cables has shown continued support that he could always depend
on. Councilor Cables’ role on this council will be remembered for generations to come.
Councilor Jackson stated that he has never met a more kind-hearted, God-fearing, caring, and
supportive person than Councilor Cables. Councilor Cables has always shown patience and
has provided guidance and motivation when needed. Councilor Jackson expressed his
appreciation to Councilor Cables and wished him success is his future.
Councilor Jackson thanked City Clerk Cathy Dickerson for the flawless execution of her job as
clerk. Councilor Jackson added that she is a great asset to the Council and to the City and
thanked her for her assistance in making the council meetings run smoothly and for her
exceptional work behind the scenes. Councilor Jacks congratulated her on a job well done and
wished her well on her upcoming retirement.
Councilor Jackson had the opportunity to meet with victims of the apartment fire on Saturday.
In the words of President Ronald Reagan, “those that say we are in a time when there are no
heroes – they just don’t know where to look.” In respect to the tragic events in the apartment
complex in his district, Councilor Jackson thanked the heroes in the Fire and Police
Departments. Due to the heroic efforts of these first responders, there were no injuries or
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fatalities. Councilor Jackson also singled out Officer Danny Wilkerson. In talking with several
victims, one lady in particular said that Officer Wilkerson was able to pull her out of her
apartment. Every time Councilor Jackson has spoken with this victim over the last few days,
she is very emotional.
Councilor Starnes noted the many seasons he has spent with Councilor Cables, including Dixie
Youth baseball, high school, and now the political road together. There is no half-speed with
Councilor Cables - whatever he sets his mind to, he is full throttle. Councilor Cables started
running; then he was running marathons and triathlons. Councilor Starnes added that is has
been an honor and privilege working with Councilor Cables and that he looks forward to their
next season together.
Councilor Starnes expressed appreciation to Cathy Dickerson for twenty-five years of service
to various municipalities. He will never forget eight years ago the assistance provided when he
was trying to learn what to do and to meet the deadlines. Councilor Starnes added that It has
been an honor and privilege to work with Ms. Dickerson and wished her the best.
Councilor Strichik stated that is has been an honor and privilege, as well as a learning
experience, during this first Quadrennium. It has been tough at times and has made him love
this community even more. Councilor Strichik expressed appreciation to Council President
Striplin for his leadership and mentorship. He also thanked Council President Striplin for his
representation and leadership as Council President for the past four years. Council President
Striplin’s love for this community is unmatched.
Councilor Strichik has been friends, played little league, and went to school with Councilor
Cables. When Councilor Cables decided to run for Council, he called Councilor Strichik to ask
for pointers. Councilor Strichik added that he has never met a more sincere and honest person
that Councilor Cables. Councilor Cables is a brother in Christ, means a lot to this community,
and will be dearly missed on the Council.
Councilor Strichik thanked Cathy Dickerson for her professionalism and assistance to
councilmembers. The Council and others know how hard she has worked for this community.
He wished her well in the future.
Councilor Strichik welcomed Councilor-Elect Gornto and looks forward to working with him in
the next Quadrennium.
Councilor Strichik thanked the Fire, Police, and Parks & Recreation Departments for their
assistance during the tragic apartment fire. It is amazing how quickly these first responders
reacted and had things under control. During the continued turmoil of 2020, this community
again came together and reached out to those in need with faith, donations, and whatever they
could offer. Councilor Strichik added that he is proud of this City and grateful to be a part of it.
Council President Pro Tempore Boone noted that she still has the “Running Richard Cables” t-
shirt. Another runner was the Apostle Paul and he talked about running the race, looking
forward, and not turning back. There are two types of service to our community - civil service
and service to the Lord. She has seen both types of service in Councilor Cables. She expressed
tremendous respect for Councilor Cables’ willingness to answer a greater and higher calling.
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Councilor Cables will continue to do great things on the mission field – both at home and in
Peru. Council President Pro Tempore Boone thanked Councilor Cables for going, serving, and
honoring the call to run the race that is before him.
Council President Pro Tempore Boone expressed appreciation to Cathy Dickerson for her
professionalism. She has already had a phone call with Ms. Dickerson to express how she felt.
Ms. Dickerson does not let bias get in the way and does what needs to be done. Council
President Pro Tempore Boone added that it has been an honor to work with Ms. Dickerson and
thanked her for her service.
Councilor Cables stated that it has been an honor and a privilege to service our City. It is the
City he grew up in and he has known a lot of the people he has served with his whole life. It
has been such a blessing to serve the City together. Councilor Cables gave thanks to his Lord
Jesus Christ for blessing him with this opportunity. He also thanked the citizens of District 5 for
voting him into office 48+ months ago and allowing him to represent them. Councilor Cables
thanked Police Chief Mark Thompson, Assistant Police Chief Diane Thomas, Fire Chief Terry
Brown, all Department Heads and City employees for their hard work and dedication to this
great City. He expressed appreciation for these employees taking time to answer his calls and
questions.
Council Cables thanked Cathy Dickerson for all she has done to provide assistance over the
past four years. He wished her nothing but success in the next season of her life.
Councilor Cables thanked Mayor Gillespie for his time and friendship. Even when they differed
on an opinion, it was always done with honor and respect for each other despite the viewpoints.
Councilor Cables thanked his fellow councilmembers for a wonderful four years. He will always
treasure this season in his life, but most of all he will always value the friendships made. This
group has had an opportunity to grow over the past four years. Councilor Cables added that
he has gained a deep respect for anyone willing to step up and service their City in this capacity.
Councilor Cables wished Blair Gornto and his family well in this opportunity. He encouraged
Councilor-Elect Gornto to never be afraid to ask questions and to listen to and respect the
opinions of others.
Councilor Cables noted that looking back over the past four years, he is humbled to be sitting
in this seat. He hopes he has filled this seat with complete humility and integrity. He looks
forward to the next chapter of his life and hopes to continue to serve the people of this City in
a much different capacity. He thanked each person present from the bottom of his heart.
Council President Striplin thanked Cathy Dickerson for her nine years of service to the City of
Prattville. Her patience and expertise will be greatly missed. He thanked her for the guidance
and wisdom shared to help him carry out his role. A retirement reception is scheduled next
week.
Council President Striplin wished Councilor Cables best wishes on this new chapter of his life.
There will be many opportunities for Councilor Cables’ to continue to share his time and
outstanding talents in the community.
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Council President Striplin shared a quote – “the days are long, but the years are short.” During
these past four years, the Council has adopted many ordinances and resolutions. Some have
been great, many of them good, and a few probably fall into another category. Council action
is not the will of one individual; it is the conscious of the community executed by and through
your fiduciary responsibility. Council President Striplin expressed his appreciation to have been
a part of it.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Cables made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 6:51
p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Jamie Clayton
Interim City Clerk
___________________________
Gerald “Jerry” Starnes, President
Prattville City Council