Minutes 2021-08-171
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021
6:02 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 6:02 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Council
President Starnes gave the invocation. Roll was called with all Councilors present. Council
President Starnes declared a quorum.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS FLEXIBILITY: Adjusting to change with a good
attitude.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and Council Meeting August 3, 2021. Councilor
Striplin made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion.
There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted with a vote of 7-0.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance to amend
Appendix A-Zoning in the City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. Ms. Finnegan spoke in
opposition to the proposed resolution to authorize the Mayor to sign an engagement letter with
Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C. for auditing services for Fiscal Year 2021. She proposed the
City bid the service out next year. She spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution
designating the Montgomery Advertiser as the newspaper the City of Prattville would use for
future legal publications and public notices. Ms. Finnegan asked when the Montgomery
Advertiser would publish legal ads and public notices. Council President Starnes confirmed
with Assistant City Clerk, Dawn Russell, that legal advertisements would run on Saturday.
Angie Hayden, 910 Silver Creek Court, spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance addressing
inhumane treatment of dogs and dog tethering. She described personal accounts of witnessing
and reporting instances of inhumane treatment of dogs and questionable tethering. She stated
she understood the City’s limited manpower and authority to attend to reports, but thought the
ordinance was a step in the right direction. Ms. Hayden offered her assistance to any special
committee established to refine the ordinance. Ms. Hayden stated that she would like to see a
clearly defined set of protocols for the City to utilize when called about suspected neglect or
abuse of dogs.
Lea Muir, 301 Wetumpka Street, addressed the Council with some of her personal accounts of
witnessing the neglect of dogs within the City. She stated she is an active rescuer of neglected
animals. She posed several general questions about the ordinance addressing the inhumane
treatment of dogs and dog tethering and requested to review the ordinance. Councilor Strichik
advised the ordinance would require amendments and concerns from citizens and the City’s
Police Department would be addressed. Mayor Gillespie advised that the ordinance is
available to review on the City’s website. He also mentioned the City’s cellphone application
where citizens could report nuisances and other issues on demand.
Jim DeBardelaben, Wetumpka, AL, introduced himself as the attorney representing Bama
Lanes Prattville. He spoke in opposition to the resolution to set a public hearing to consider
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revoking Bama Lanes Prattville’s business license. He voiced his concern that the loss of a
business license would be detrimental to his client and would cause the loss of jobs and a
substantial amount of tax revenue for the City. Mr. DeBardelaben requested an opportunity to
speak with law enforcement officials and the City Council before a public hearing is held to
discuss a solution that does not involve business license revocation.
Martha Walker, 940 Gaddis Avenue, introduced herself as a 17-year employee of the Blue
Iguana Bar. She spoke in opposition to the resolution to set a public hearing and consider
revoking Bama Lanes Prattville’s business license. She stated that it was not the owner’s or
employees’ fault that certain crimes occur in the area of the bowling alley or bar. She stated
that employees of the bar could not pick and choose who entered the establishments. She
pled with the Council not to revoke the business license and to think of the employees’
livelihoods.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie introduced Alabama Parks and Recreation Head Swim Coach, Joe Reynolds.
Coach Reynolds spoke to the Council about the Prattville competitive swim team. He outlined
past swimming greats to include several Prattville natives who received collegiate scholarships
for swimming. Coach Reynolds highlighted the individual 2021 APRA swimmers that included
Simeon Scott (U8 Boys – 3rd place Breast Stroke), Chase Woodard (U10 Boys – 3rd place
Breast Stroke, 2nd place 100 Individual Medley, 3rd place 50 Fly), Emmy Wesch (U10 Girls –
2nd place 50 Freestyle, 1st place 100 Individual Medley, 1st place 50 Back Stroke), Gabbi Brown
(U12 Girls – 3rd place 50 Fly, 2nd 100 Freestyle), Hannah Jones (U18 Girls – 1st place 50 Breast
Stroke, 3rd place 50 Freestyle), Gabe Rissman (U18 Boys – 2nd place 50 Breast Stroke, 1st
place 100 Individual Medley, 3rd place 50 Fly), Rocco Rissman (U18 Boys – 1st place 50 Breast
Stroke), and Cooper Womack (U18 Boys – 3rd place 50 Back Stroke, 3rd place 100 Freestyle).
He also mentioned that the U18 Boys won 1st place in the state for Medley Relay and Free
Relay, U10 Boys won 2nd place in the state for Medley Relay, U8 Girls won 3rd place in the
state for Medley Relay and the U10 Boys won 3rd place in the state for Free Relay. Mayor
Gillespie praised the accomplishments of the group of swimmers in attendance and a round of
applause was given as each swimmer was introduced to the Council.
Mayor Gillespie introduced Prattville Police Department Investigator, Mr. Joe Hicks, and Police
K-9, Bones. Mayor Gillespie honored K-9 Bones for his many years of service to the City of
Prattville and explained that a resolution approving K-9 Bones’ retirement to his handler, Mr.
Hicks, would be introduced later during the Council meeting. Mayor Gillespie touched on K-9
Bones’ many accolades in the detection of illegal drugs and drug activity during investigations
by the Prattville Police Department and other State of Alabama law enforcement agencies.
Mayor Gillespie presented K-9 Bones with his retirement badge and thanked him for his
service.
Mayor Gillespie introduced the City’s Planning Department Director, Mr. Scott Stephens. Mr.
Stephens reported on Census 2020 results for the City of Prattville. He pointed out the
population changes in Prattville and surrounding cities in Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery
counties, and briefly reported on the change of the City’s demographics. Mayor Gillespie
advised that Mr. Stephens would be tasked with analyzing population changes in order to begin
the preliminary stage of redistricting before the next election cycle.
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Mayor Gillespie advised that the Bridge Street project was near completion and other sewer
and street projects were active. Mayor Gillespie stated that construction was slower on Bunch
Avenue and Easy Street because of the lag time in receiving materials. He reminded that
everyone should use caution when traveling around and through construction areas and school
zones.
Mayor Gillespie requested the public attend the City’s September 11th Remembrance
Ceremony at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the Public Safety Building.
Mayor Gillespie spoke in favor of the ordinance addressing the inhumane treatment of dogs
and closed his comments by reiterating that City of Prattville was an equal opportunity employer
and the Public Works Department would host a job fair on Wednesday, September 1, 2021.
He also stated that the City’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget would be ready for the Council to review
prior to their next scheduled meeting.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Starnes advised that a Police Committee meeting was held at the Public
Safety Building on August 11, 2021, at 4:45 p.m. to discuss concerns about Blue Iguana Bar’s
mounting public safety issues, police jurisdictions, the proposed alcohol barrier ordinance, feral
cats and Air B and B’s. Council President Starnes stated that during the meeting, there was
representation from the City’s Police Department, Fire Department, Planning Department
which also represented the Historic Preservation Committee, and the Finance Department.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
The Finance Director, Daniel Oakley, provided the following report on City Finances for July
2021:
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $4,034,100.79 - total revenue collected in July
o $39,626,027.30 - total revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $3,508,081.39 - tax revenue collected in July
o 17.80% - increase over July 2020
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 69.47% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $189,216.97 - net income from operations for July
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 68.00% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o ($44,353.74) - net loss for July
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 68.53% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o ($7,787.42) - net loss for July
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 81.79% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
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• Bank Balances Report
o $37,919,958.25 - total of all bank balances at the end of July
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $52,134,699.07 - total debt balance city-wide at end of July
o $18,700,199.07 - total non-enterprise fund debt at end of July
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Signatures of City Officials with River Bank and Trust,
Trustmark National Bank, First Community Bank of Central Alabama, and Hancock Whitney
Bank. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 141
2. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Eric Morgan to the Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 142
3. 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: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 143
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Retirement of Police K-9 Bones from Police Service with
the City of Prattville Police Department. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 144
5. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing for Consideration of the Revocation of Bama Lanes
LLC Prattville d/b/a Blue Iguana Bar’s Business License. (Sponsored By: Council President
Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 145
Councilor Gornto made a motion to place item numbers 1-5 on a Consent Agenda and
Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the items were placed on
a Consent Agenda (7-0).
Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and
Councilor Gornto seconded the motion.
There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
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AGENDA
1. ORDINANCE: To Adopt Proposed Amendments to the City of Prattville Code of
Ordinances, Appendix A-Zoning, Article 6, Section 67 and Article 7, Section 71. (Sponsored
By: Councilor Chambers)
HELD FROM JUNE 15, 2021 & JULY 20, 2021
ORDINANCE BOOK 2021, PAGE 024
This Ordinance was first introduced on June 15, 2021, and held over from the July 20, 2021,
Council meeting.
There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : STRIPLIN, JACKSON 2
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
2. 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: Council President
Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 146
Councilor Gornto made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded
the motion.
There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
3. RESOLUTION: To Enter into a Cash Management Services Agreement with Trustmark
National Bank to Designate Deputy Finance Director, Carlee Sims, as an Authorized Customer
Representative. (Authority to Initiate Transactions). (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 147
Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor
Chambers seconded the motion.
There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
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AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
4. RESOLUTION: To Adopt a Transportation Plan for Fiscal Year 2022 as Required by Act
2019-2 for the Rebuild Alabama Fund. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 148
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Gornto seconded the
motion.
There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Sign a One-Year Engagement Letter with
Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C. for Auditing Services for Fiscal Year 2021 at a Cost Not to
Exceed $100,000.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 149
Councilor Jackson reverberated Ms. Finnegan’s opposition and asked why the City utilized the
same auditing firm for the last twenty-plus years. Mr. Oakley stated he was a firm believer in
Jackson Thornton because of the skill set, professionalism, and expertise auditors at the firm
possess. Mr. Oakley stated he was not opposed to rotating firms and suggested that if the
Council wished, firms should stay in place at least four to five years. He mentioned if this were
let for bid, the lowest bid would not be the most important criteria. Mr. Oakley explained that
services provided by the firm, qualifications, amount of staff available for an audit, expertise
and other specific factors should be considered. Council President Starnes asked if there
where any qualified firms in the City of Prattville. Mr. Oakley stated he felt more comfortable if
a Request for Proposal was developed before answering. Councilor Jackson asked if Mr.
Oakley was familiar with what other municipalities have in place. Mr. Oakley could only
speculate that other municipalities may use a fee base system, possibly rotate firms for a
certain time period, or even change firms as new governmental entities are elected. Mayor
Gillespie advised that he would entertain discussions with the Finance Committee.
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Striplin seconded
the motion.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
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AYES : STRIPLIN, CHAMBERS, STARNES
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : JACKSON, GORNTO 2
ABSENT : NONE 0
6. RESOLUTION: To Designate the Montgomery Advertiser as the Newspaper for the City
of Prattville’s Legal Publications. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 150
Councilor Striplin made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Gornto seconded the
motion.
There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
7. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds for the
Purchase of One (1) 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab Truck through State Bid
Contract Number T191L, Master Agreement Number MA 999 200000000211, from Donohoo
Chevrolet for the Fire Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $31,705.10. (Sponsored By: Council
President Pro Tempore Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 151
Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor
Strichik seconded the motion.
There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Police K-9
and K-9 Narcotic Detection/Handler Training from Alabama Canine Law Enforcement Officers
Training Center, Inc. for the Police Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $11,500.00.
(Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 152
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Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Gornto seconded the
motion.
There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
9. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances Chapter 10 Animals,
Article II. Dogs, Section 10-42, Inhumane Treatment of Dogs Prohibited and Section 10-43,
Dog Tethering. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
HELD TIL SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the Ordinance, and Councilor Chambers seconded
the motion.
By point of order, it was necessary that Council rules be suspended if immediate action was to
be considered. However, Councilor Strichik requested that Council rules not be suspended
and the Ordinance be held until the next Council meeting. City Attorney, Mr. Andrew Odom,
directed Captain James Harry, Prattville Police Department, to speak about his concerns during
the public comment period provided at the end of the Council meeting. Councilor Strichik stated
he wanted input from law enforcement officials and citizens. Council President Starnes advised
the Ordinance would be held over until the next Council meeting.
Council President Starnes advised that Councilor Gornto made a request to remove a tabled
ordinance.
ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 38 – Business
Licenses and Taxes, Article V, Section 38-515 – Outdoor Alcohol Service. (Sponsored By:
Council President Starnes)
HELD FROM JUNE 1, 2021; JULY 6, 2021; AUGUST 3, 2021; & AUGUST 17, 2021
TABLED ON AUGUST 17, 2021 TO OCTOBER 5, 2021
Councilor Gornto made a motion to take the Ordinance to amend City of Prattville Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 38 – Business Licenses and Taxes, Article V, Section 38-515 – Outdoor
Alcohol Service from the table and Council President Pro Tempore Boone seconded the
motion. Mr. Odom advised the Council they should first vote on the motion to take from the
table before entertaining any other motions. The Ordinance was taken from the table with a
vote of 5-2.
Councilor Gornto made a motion to amend line 58 of the Ordinance to read, “This Ordinance
shall become effective on December 1, 2021, and upon its passage and execution as provided
by law.’’ and Council President Pro Tempore Boone seconded the motion.
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Councilor Striplin asked if there would be any discussion. Mr. Odom advised there is no
discussion from taking a matter from the table and that Council President Starnes is directed
to ask if there is any discussion on the amendment.
Councilor Strichik was allowed to ask the owner of Adrienne’s Bar, Mr. Darry Edwards, if he
was satisfied with negotiations on the location and type of fencing he was to erect at his place
of business in order to become complaint if the ordinance were to pass. Mr. Edwards advised
that he did not have a clear indication of where a fence could be placed or what type of material
to use.
Council President Starnes requested clarification from Mayor Gillespie about Mr. Edwards
uncertainties since they were discussed during the Police Committee meeting. Mayor Gillespie
advised that with assistance from the City Attorney, Mr. Edwards’ specific issues would be
aired. However, with Mr. Edwards concession, he had yet to get on the HPC agenda as
directed during the Police Committee meeting. Mayor Gillespie advised that the City would
continue to negotiate with Mr. Edwards and reiterated that the substance of the ordinance was
not directed toward Mr. Edwards or his business.
At Council President Starnes request, the City Clerk took a Roll Call vote on the amendment
before the Council.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin Aye
Councilor Jackson Nay
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Starnes Aye
Councilor Gornto Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
There being no further discussion, the amendment passed (6-1).
Council President Pro Tempore Boone stated the Ordinance had been held long enough and
a vote should not be delayed any longer. She advised that the ordinance was only the
framework that allows a business with proper licensing to decide if they wish to entertain
serving alcohol outside the confines of their establishment.
Councilor Jackson responded by saying that discussion was worthy and necessary. Councilor
Jackson stated that it was his opinion the ordinance was brought up because of personal issues
that developed over a particular business several years prior.
Mayor Gillespie expressed his disappointment over Councilor Jackson’s comments and
repeated that proposed resolutions and ordinances do not come about because of personal
issues with any entity. He stated that proposals were brought before the Council to strengthen
the safety, security, and overall wellbeing of citizens who reside and visit the City.
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Council President Starnes invited Mr. Edwards to address the Council for the record. Mr.
Edwards stated that when his business’s liquor license was approved through the ABC Board
and City, the documentation included the proposed boundaries of an outdoor area to serve
alcohol. He stated that it appeared that stipulations in the ordinance and with code enforcement
would condense the original outside area.
Mayor Gillespie advised that Mr. Edwards wished to extend the outdoor perimeter into the
parking lot. He stated the initial plan was not viable and other options needed additional
research, such as the egress easement in the area, historic district designation where Mr.
Edwards’ establishment resides, and specific code mandates separate from the ordinance.
Council President Starnes invited Ms. Muir to address the Council for the record. Ms. Muir
stated that verbiage in the ordinance was misleading to her and she was not sure where she
could put up a barrier so patrons of her establishment could enjoy outdoor seating close to
Creek Walk.
Councilor Chambers asked Mr. Odom if the ordinance’s wording was standard versus other
municipalities. Mr. Odom stated yes and advised several sources were used to draft the
ordinance. Mr. Odom specified the ordinance was geared toward protecting the property or
business owner ensuring there is a designated boundary to delineate where alcohol is served
outside. Councilor Jackson advised that ordinances from other states he researched give
specific requirements for type of materials to be used, height restrictions, semi-permanent
placement and so forth. Councilor Jackson mentioned that during the last meeting, Councilor
Striplin’s motion to create a special committee with representation from HPC, Police, Fire, and
Planning to address ongoing concerns was passed. He disagreed that the Police Committee
meeting took the place of the special committee and advised that if constituents knew about
the topics discussed at the Police Committee meeting, they would have been present. Council
President Starnes advised appropriate notice was given in regards to the Police Committee
meeting.
Councilor Gornto asked what policy did other municipalities use to mitigate easement
constraints and upholding proper ingress and egress. Councilor Gornto deduced that Mr.
Edwards knew where his property boundaries were, but Mr. Edwards wanted to place an
outside barrier for alcohol service where City easement are located. Mr. Odom did not know
what other cities were doing to enforce easement boundaries.
Councilor Jackson asked the Mayor why the urgency to pass the ordinance in its current state.
Mayor Gillespie answered that the ordinance appeared on several agendas and staff invested
a significant amount of time to produce quality work products. Councilor Jackson stated that
he had not witnessed the work the Mayor described. Mayor Gillespie advised that he requested
feedback from both Councilor Jackson and Councilor Striplin. Councilor Striplin stated that he
would gladly provide amendments and feedback after meeting with the special committee.
Council President Starnes appointed Councilor Striplin to chair the special committee along
with Councilors Jackson and Gornto. Councilor Striplin accepted the task. Council President
Starnes ordered the special committee to report its findings within a month.
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Councilor Gornto made motion to table the Ordinance until October 5, 2021, and Councilor
Strichik seconded the motion.
There being no further discussion, the motion to table was passed with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK 6
NAYS : BOONE 1
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, asked who the HPC representative was at the Police
Committee meeting. Council President Starnes advised that Scott Stephens, Planning
Department, was the HPC representative. Ms. Finnegan asked where the preliminary agenda
was posted because one had not been posted on the bulletin board. Ms. Finnegan stated that
Mr. Stephens should not have been the HPC representative and it was her thought there would
be a special committee made outside of the Police Committee. Ms. Finnegan reiterated her
opposition of spending one million dollars on the Boutwell property.
Dr. Jerry Cimis, 141 North Chestnut Street, went over his interpretation of the parliamentarian
process, specifically tabling a matter. He stated that the outdoor alcohol service ordinance
should have died at a previous Council meeting.
Captain James Harry, Prattville Police Department, thanked the citizens who volunteered to
give feedback on the ordinance regarding the inhuman treatment of dogs and tethering. He
cited his personal concern for the health and wellbeing of animals. Captain Harry stated that
the wording in the ordinance would cause enforcement challenges and a blanket prohibition to
tethering City-wide was too restrictive. Captain Harry volunteered to review existing ordinances
and collaborate with the other stakeholders to recommend a set of amendments. Councilor
Strichik agreed the ordinance held gray areas and he was perceptive to making changes so
the ordinance would be the best fit for the community and law enforcement.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie praised the hard work staff and employees put into various projects. He stated
the resolutions and ordinances brought before the Council were important and enacting them
would give way to effectiveness and protection.
Councilor Striplin expressed his appreciation that the outdoor alcohol service ordinance was
once again held for further discussion and amendments and valued the opportunity to enact
an ordinance to deter inhuman treatment of dogs.
Councilor Jackson voiced his concern about being singled out because of his stance on certain
issues and asked that the Mayor and Executive staff not solicit the Police Chief or officers to
retaliate against him, his family, and constituents. He clarified his earlier comments about the
work ethic of staff and did not want a narrative created that he was speaking ill about employees
and staff. He said he appreciated what staff does on a daily basis.
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Council President Pro Tempore Boone expressed her disappointment that the Council meeting
did not make positive progress. She advised it was the Council’s job to pass resolutions and
ordinances and the City to run the day-to-day operations within the framework provided.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Strichik made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion.
The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 8:02 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Lisa Byrd
Interim City Clerk
___________________________
Gerald “Jerry” Starnes, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Dawn Russell
Assistant City Clerk