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Minutes 2021-09-211 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 6:01 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 6:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Roll was called with all Councilors present. Council President Starnes declared a quorum. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS ATTENTIVENESS: Showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided attention. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and Council Meeting September 7, 2021, and Work Session September 14, 2021. Councilor Gornto made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted with a vote of 7-0. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Councilor Strichik gave the invocation. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, stated the draft agenda posted on the bulletin board at City Hall on Friday, September 17, 2021, showed the Finance Department for Project KATZ, but this evening’s agenda showed the Executive Department. She asked why there was a change. Ms. Finnegan addressed the Council regarding the resolution for agenda item 3 and stated she was against the purchase of the property. Ms. Finnegan addressed the Council regarding the resolution for agenda item 4 and stated that she was disappointed that citizens would not have any information about Project KATZ until 60 days after purchase of the property. Ms. Finnegan addressed the Council regarding the resolution for agenda item 7, asking why the cost for the Public Works project doubled and in agenda item 8, why vehicles for the Police Department were being purchased if there was nothing budgeted in capital outlay for the current fiscal year. Councilor Strichik asked Public Works Director, Dale Gandy, to explain why the Public Works project doubled. Mr. Gandy advised the project was bid out and it is unknown how vendors will price a project until bids are opened. Mr. Gandy stated that although the project was budgeted for $305,000.00, the department had reserve funds to cover the difference. Ms. Finnegan stated that the resolution for agenda item 7 stated that the line items covering the difference were labeled departmental revenues and asked what that would be. Finance Director, Mr. Daniel Oakley, advised that was a typo and should state reserves in both line items. Council President Pro Tempore Boone explained the City would use COVID-19 funds that are allocated for specific purposes to purchase property related to the resolution for agenda item 3 and the land itself was not affected by COVID-19, but citizens were. She stated purchasing the property would allow the City to open more outdoor areas for use by citizens and give them access to socially distanced exercise and events during the continued COVID-19 crisis. Clinton Robinson, 698 ½ Martin Luther King Drive, asked the Council what plans were outlined for North Highland Park. Mr. Robinson stated that the Board of Education owned it, but thought it was going back to City. Mayor Gillespie advised that communication with the Superintendent of the Board of Education was ongoing and plans would go to a committee in the near future. Mr. Robinson asked about materials used to pave Maple Street and when the City would pave 2 his street. Mayor Gillespie stated that the Engineering Department had several proposed projects in the works. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie thanked Councilors Striplin, Jackson and Strichik, for serving on the committee tasked to search for the new City Clerk. The resolution to appoint the City Clerk will be on the October 5, 2021, City Council agenda. Mayor Gillespie reported that the City recently hosted many out-of-town guests, to include the past weekend’s Symetra Golf Tour, which was successful. Mayor Gillespie congratulated this year’s Guardian Championship Winner, Huntsville native, Jamie Jackson. Mayor Gillespie appreciated the credit union allowing participants and guests a parking area close to Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and for bringing so many athletes and visitors to the community with these events. Mayor Gillespie reported that the Alabama Bass Trail held its last regular season event at Cooter’s Pond on Saturday. He thanked Parks and Recreation Department staff for their hard work. Mayor Gillespie congratulated Tom Frink and Bryan Talmadge, from Georgia, on winning 1st in the South Division. Mayor Gillespie requested a Point of Privilege and introduced Councilor Strichik. Councilor Strichik reported he had the honor to announce the opening game for the Prattville Youth Lions, part of the River Region Youth Football League. The Lions took on Pike Road. Councilor Strichik said it was a privilege to work with Parks and Recreation Department staff and to see all of the accomplishments of youth sports in the City to include baseball, softball, and soccer. He stated that revenues from concessions have skyrocketed since the City has taken over multiple sports leagues and teams and the success of the programs lies with the dedication and hard work from staff and volunteers. Mayor Gillespie added he appreciates the encouragement the community gives Parks and Recreation and so many compliments are received about the programs. Mayor Gillespie summarized efforts with the Mac Gray Park 2.0 project, noting things are coming along well even though weather delays hampered some original scheduling. He advised that asphalt for the parking lot was slated to begin next week and training for new staff was complete. Mayor Gillespie anticipated seeking an Attorney General’s opinion on certain City services provided within the Police Jurisdiction. He reiterated that with the release of the 2020 census population numbers, the City will be required to redraw districts. He advised that assistance with the logistics of redistricting would not have to be done in-house this time. Mayor Gillespie closed his comments by reminding everyone that in order to be successful at what you chose to do, you must be committed and make the necessary preparations. He advised that the Fiscal Year 2022 budget was on tonight’s agenda and adoption would allow the City to accomplish goals and maintain the high-quality services that the citizens of Prattville were accustomed to. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None. 3 REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES: The Finance Director, Daniel Oakley, provided the following report on City Finances for August 2021: • General Fund Revenue Report o $3,555,882.71 - total revenue collected in August o $43,181,910.01 - total revenue collected fiscal year to date • Tax Breakdown Comparison Report o $3,122,569.82 - tax revenue collected in August o 11.57% - increase over August 2020 • General Fund Expenditures Report o 91.67% - portion of fiscal year completed o 91.98% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Wastewater Fund Income Statement o $351,553.56 - net income from operations for August o 91.67% - portion of fiscal year completed o 73.96% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital projects and debt service) • Sanitation Fund Income Statement o $66,986.42 - net income for August o 91.67% - portion of fiscal year completed o 73.74% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date • Judicial Fund Income Statement o $260,921.64 - net income for August o 91.67% - portion of fiscal year completed o 84.71% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Bank Balances Report o $32,415,120.47 - total of all bank balances at the end of August • Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report o $52,119,699.07 - total debt balance city-wide at end of August o $18,685,199.07 - total non-enterprise fund debt at end of August CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Grant Permission to the Prattville Lions Quarterback Club to Collect a Parking Fee at Stanley-Jensen Stadium for the 2021 Football Season. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 163 2. RESOLUTION: To Waive Fee for the Autauga County Fair Organization during the Week of October 12-16, 2021. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 164 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 165 4 Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to place item numbers 1-3 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the items were placed on a Consent Agenda (7-0). Councilor Gornto made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Strichik 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 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: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 166 Councilor Gornto 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 2. 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 OVER FROM AUGUST 17, 2021 & SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 ORDINANCE BOOK 2021, PAGE 028 This ordinance was introduced at the August 17, 2021, Council meeting, held over from September 7, 2021, Council meeting and tabled until September 17, 2021. Councilor Strichik thanked all involved for their input and ideas on amendments to the original ordinance to ensure it would be enforceable and a solid piece of legislation for the City. Councilor Strichik stated there was a need to address inhumane treatment of dogs in the City’s Code of Ordinances. Councilor Strichik distributed copies of the proposed substitute ordinance to all Councilors. City Attorney, Mr. Andrew Odom, advised Councilor Strichik that he should make a motion to offer the substitute ordinance. Councilor Strichik made a motion 5 to offer the substitute ordinance and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. The motion to accept the substitute ordinance passed (7-0). There being no further discussion, the substitute ordinance 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 Amend the FY2021 Budget and Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Pratt Mill Properties LLC to Purchase Property for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $1,050,000.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) HELD OVER FROM SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 167 This resolution was introduced at the September 7, 2021, Council meeting and held until September 17, 2021. Councilor Jackson addressed the Council with his concerns about the funding source for the project and mentioned that several constituents from District 2 wished to utilize the funding for sidewalk improvements, walking trails and the elderly. Councilor Gornto agreed with Councilor Jackson’s concerns over the funding source. Councilor Gornto felt that spending over $1 million on the property was excessive and there are other areas of concern where American rescue funds could be used to include infrastructure and broadband. There being no further discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, CHAMBERS, STARNES, STRICHIK, BOONE 5 NAYS : JACKSON 1 ABSTAINED : GORNTO 1 ABSENT : NONE 0 4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2021 Budget and to Authorize the Mayor to Enter into Agreement to Purchase Project KATZ Property for the Executive Department in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,300,000.00, Plus Closing Costs. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) HELD OVER TO OCTOBER 5, 2021 Councilor Striplin made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. By Point of Order, it is necessary that Council rules be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Strichik made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. Councilor Jackson asked why the details of the project were not 6 available to the public. Mayor Gillespie advised that it was his understanding the stakeholders did not want details to be disclosed. Council President Starnes ordered a Roll Call Vote. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilor Striplin Aye Councilor Jackson Nay Councilor Chambers Aye Councilor Starnes Aye Councilor Gornto Aye Councilor Strichik Aye Councilor Boone Aye The motion to suspend the rules failed to receive unanimous consent and the resolution was held over to the October 5, 2021, Council meeting. 5. RESOLUTION: To Designate Legal Holidays for the City of Prattville for FY2021 - 2022. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 168 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 6. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Bobcat UV34XL Gas Utility Vehicle through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative (Contract Number 040319-CEC) from Bobcat of Montgomery for the Urban Management Division of the Public Works Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $15,427.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Boone) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 169 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: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 7 7. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2021 Budget and to Award Bid No. 021-005 to Webb Builders, Inc. for the Public Works Facility Phase 2 Improvements at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $670,019.00. (Council President Pro Tempore Boone) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 170 Council President Pro Tempore Boone asked Mr. Odom if the resolution should be read with the correct wording or an amendment be offered after reading the resolution in its entirety. Mr. Odom advised that the resolution should be read in and an amendment offered to correct the budget line item wording. Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to amend lines 36 and 37, replacing the word “revenues” in each line with “reserves” and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. The motion to amend the resolution was adopted (7- 0). There being no further discussion, the amended 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 Amend the FY2021 Budget and to Award Bid No. 021-006 to Long-Lewis of the River Region, Inc. for Twelve (12) 2022 or Newer Utility Police SUV Vehicles (All-Wheeled Drive) with No Pre-Installed Emergency Equipment for the Police Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $399,167.52. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 171 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. RESOLUTION: To Adopt the City of Prattville FY2021 - 2022 General Operating Fund, Gas Tax Special Revenue Fund, Debt Service Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Sanitation Enterprise Fund, Wastewater Enterprise Fund, and Judicial Special Revenue Fund Budgets. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 172 8 Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. Councilor Jackson thanked Mr. Oakley and the Finance Department staff for their time, effort and energy, for putting the budget together and answering questions in a timely manner. Councilor Jackson stated he would abstain from voting for the budget because he did not see enough money allocated to the underserved areas of the City. Councilor Jackson advised there were infrastructure issues, flooded yards making it difficult for citizens to leave home when it rains, poorly lit streets, and sewage backup. Councilor Jackson stated needs should come before wants. There being no further discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : CHAMBERS, STARNES, STRICHIK, BOONE 4 NAYS : STRIPLIN 1 ABSTAINED : JACKSON, GORNTO 2 ABSENT : NONE 0 10. RESOLUTION: To Appropriate Fixed Expenses, Salaries, and Continuing Policy Procedures Pending the Adoption of the City of Prattville FY2021 - 2022 Budget. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) TABLED INDEFINITELY Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to postpone the resolution indefinitely and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the motion to postpone the resolution indefinitely was adopted with the following results: AYES : CHAMBERS, STARNES, STRICHIK, GORNTO, BOONE 5 NAYS : STRIPLIN, JACKSON 2 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, requested the voting results for the suspension of rules on agenda item 4, agreement to purchase Project KATZ property for $1,300,000.00. She was unable to delineate “aye” and “nay”. Interim City Clerk, Mrs. Lisa Byrd, confirmed that Councilor Jackson voted “nay” on the suspension of rules. Ms. Finnegan asked why an approximate amount for closing costs was not included. She stated closing costs could add greatly to the total amount of the sale. Mayor Gillespie advised that Ms. Finnegan could set up a meeting with Mr. Oakley to gather that approximation. Ms. Finnegan stated that while researching the budget, she came upon the July 6, 2021, Council minutes, and advised that her comments were not represented correctly. She pointed out specifically the 12:54 mark from video. Ms. Finnegan recited the following minutes, “Ms. Finnegan stated that she opposed funding going strictly to traditional education, and was concerned that non-traditional education, like Children’s Museum would not be considered.” Ms. Finnegan said the minutes were opposite 9 of what she said on video. Ms. Finnegan stated, for the record, she wanted all of the education money, that one cent, to go to public education, the Autauga County Board. She did not want it farmed out to a children’s museum, or theater, etc. Dr. Jerry Cimis, 141 North Chestnut Street, agreed with comments made by Councilors Jackson and Gornto regarding the choice of funding in regards to the purchase of property. He stated that property was a strategic property and should be obtained, but maybe not with relief funds. He suggested contingency in the event the funding source gets challenged. CLOSING COMMENTS: Mayor Gillespie thanked the Council for passing the budget. He updated the Council on ongoing construction and the beginning phases for Washington and Third Street. He reiterated the use of caution in the Bunche Avenue and Easy Street construction areas. Mayor Gillespie touched on some of the stormwater challenges in Districts 6 and 7, and Selma Highway, and the sidewalk projects slated to begin. Mayor Gillespie thanked all employees for their hard work and dedication and thanked the citizens who sat on different boards and committees for their help. He emphasized the work of the City’s firefighters, police officers and public works department for their day-to-day interaction with citizens and voiced his appreciation for their dedication. Councilor Chambers thanked all the department heads and city employees for working hard to get the budget put together. He stated he looked forward to working with everyone as the new fiscal year begins. Councilor Strichik mentioned the recent committee fielded to select the City Clerk. He stated this was a difficult task. Councilor Strichik advised that there was still some legislation to follow as far as the appointment to City Clerk is handled, but wanted to extend his thanks to Mrs. Lisa Byrd for stepping into the Interim City Clerk position. He also mentioned the efforts of the Assistant City Clerk, Dawn Russell, and thanked her for filling in and working along side Mrs. Byrd. Council President Starnes thanked Mr. Oakley for a great job on the budget. He also thanked department heads for their input and assistance. He congratulated the dog lovers in the City and for the passage of the ordinance. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Strichik made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 7:09 p.m. APPROVED: ___________________________ Lisa Byrd Interim City Clerk 10 ___________________________ Gerald “Jerry” Starnes, President Prattville City Council SUBMITTED BY: Dawn Russell Assistant City Clerk