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Minutes 2021-11-161 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021 6:01 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 6:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Councilor Jackson gave the invocation. Roll was called with Councilors Striplin, Jackson, Chambers, Starnes, Strichik, and Boone present. Councilor Gornto was absent. Council President Starnes declared a quorum and called the meeting to order. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS GRATEFULNESS: Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and Council Meeting November 2, 2021. Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council regarding agenda item 11. She asked why the City and Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority (HPRA) want to take responsibility over the levee. She is concerned that HPRA does not possess the necessary resources to tend to the levee, especially in an emergency event, leaving the City to intervene assuming the City will do so. Ms. Finnegan stated she researched HPRA’s land ownership in conjunction with the levee and asked why HPRA wanted additional land and the levee. She asked if FEMA signed off and asked that all oversight approvals be gathered before entering into an agreement. Matt Holtzscher, 246 Wetumpka Street, HPRA Chairman, addressed the Council regarding agenda items 10 and 11. He requested the Council’s support to finalize the development agreement for construction and repurposing of Daniel Pratt Gin Shop historic buildings and properties to first class, market rate apartments. He reiterated this large-scale project included public and private stakeholders that have been instrumental in overcoming several obstacles. Mr. Holtzscher thanked Mayor Gillespie and Councilors for their input and acknowledged City Engineer, Mr. Robby Anderson, and Waterworks Board Chairman, Mr. Buddy Buckner. Mr. Holtzscher also thanked representatives of Pratt Cotton Gin Mill LLC Daniel Hughes and Kea Calame and HPRA attorney, Bill Eskridge, for their support and partnership. Mr. Holtzscher advised that applicable city, state and federal approvals were secured so construction could begin. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point of Privilege to introduce Miss Amelia Robbins, 2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Autauga County. Miss Robbins was one of seven participants who received high marks in all categories and ultimately earned the distinguished title. She received $1,300.00 in college scholarships and will represent Autauga County in January’s state competition. She is a member of Prattville High School’s marching band color guard and an active member of the First United Methodist Church. After graduation, Miss Robbins plans to attend the University of South Alabama. 2 Miss Robbins said it was an honor to represent Autauga County especially since she was born and raised in Prattville. She added that Autauga County was a community of hardworking and caring people and she was thankful for the support. Miss Robbins looks forward to the next phase of competition in January. Councilor Strichik remarked that his wife was the 1989 Autauga County Junior Miss and acknowledged the hard work and dedication that goes into the event. Councilor Strichik mentioned the different categories the young ladies are judged on and congratulated Miss Robbins for her accomplishments. Mayor Gillespie confirmed that there was much going on throughout the City and he was proud of staff and crews as they are instrumental in so many ways. He thanked volunteers within the community for their hard work and dedication. Mayor Gillespie advised that vegetation and overgrowth around the pond westward on Third Street has been removed allowing a clear view of the Public Safety building. Additionally, the Christmas tree is being erected. He thanked all those involved with the levee and public safety projects. Mayor Gillespie reiterated a need for Council to look into Airbnb’s and regulations for those businesses to operate within the City. He stated this was paramount so identification of the short-term rentals could be completed and collection of lodging taxes begin. Mayor Gillespie advised he had come across emails concerning loitering and this was another subject the Council should address. Mayor Gillespie requested the Council place a moratorium on Airbnb’s so challenges, like business licenses could be addressed, unknowns researched and appropriate provisions put in place. Mayor Gillespie noted that the bulletin board was moved from inside City Hall to the front of City Hall for more visibility and ease of access to the community. He stated there was a need to remodel the Council Chambers, especially the audio/visual system with a current budget of $65,000.00 for the overhaul, but in order to incorporate structural changes and adhere to safety standards, the budget would likely increase. He wanted to communicate this project to the community as the first step and head in the right direction. Mayor Gillespie advised the Seventh Street sidewalk project was complete and thanked City Engineer, Mr. Robby Anderson, and the local contractor involved. He reported that Washington Street, Third Street and Bunche Avenue were all moving along and completion would be soon, weather permitting. Mayor Gillespie thanked Councilor Striplin for meeting this Thursday to discuss education opportunities revolving around the one-quarter of one penny the Council passed. He added that November 22 would be a big day for the City as it would be the day the recipients of the federal Department of Transportation RAISE grant would be announced. This grant would benefit the McQueen Smith Road project. Mayor Gillespie asked that everyone save the date for the City’s Christmas Tree lighting on December 2 and Christmas Parade on December 3, 2021. Council President Pro Tempore Boone asked Mayor Gillespie for clarification on the moratorium request. Mayor Gillespie advised that current Airbnb’s could be grandfathered in, but a work session with Council would be the best venue to decide details. Mayor Gillespie added that successful Airbnb’s did reside in Prattville, but there have been several complaints about other Airbnb’s to include parking issues, increased traffic and excess noise in residential 3 areas where some are situated. He stressed this type of business did not need to be a hinderance to neighborhoods and the community. Council President Pro Tempore requested a Point of Privilege and recognized Mrs. Julie Edwards’ presence in the Council Chambers this evening. Council President Pro Tempore Boone stated that Mrs. Edwards was an 11th grade American History teacher at Prattville High School and had great influence on her life. Council President Pro Tempore Boone thanked her for her service as an educator and instilling patriotism in so many lives. Councilor Jackson asked Mayor Gillespie if there was a count of operating Airbnb’s in Prattville. Mayor Gillespie stated that the total number of Airbnb’s was not available and deferred to the City Finance Director, Mr. Daniel Oakley, tying in the importance of business licensing to account for a total number of Airbnb’s and collection of applicable lodging taxes. He added that creating the guidelines for issuance of business licenses is greatly needed. Council President Starnes agreed that more dialogue on Airbnb’s is needed and it should include Chief Thompson with the Police Department. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None. REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES: The Finance Director, Daniel Oakley, provided the following report on City Finances for October 2021: • General Fund Revenue Report o $420,568.38 - total revenue collected in October o $420,568.38 - total revenue collected fiscal year to date (excludes revenue accrual amount for September revenue) • Tax Breakdown Comparison Report o $3,092,231.56 - tax revenue collected in October o 7.39% - increase over October 2020 • General Fund Expenditures Report o 8.33% - portion of fiscal year completed o 5.84% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Wastewater Fund Income Statement o ($99,658.06) - net loss from operations for October o 8.33% - portion of fiscal year completed o 4.61% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital projects and debt service) • Sanitation Fund Income Statement o ($90,394.85) - net loss for October o 8.33% - portion of fiscal year completed o 2.86% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date • Judicial Fund Income Statement o $12,519.86 - net income for October o 8.33% - portion of fiscal year completed o 2.06% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Bank Balances Report 4 o $30,575,514.69 - total of all bank balances at the end of October • Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report o $46,407,649.66 - total debt balance city-wide at end of October o $12,973,149.66 - total non-enterprise fund debt at end of October CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Kim Lamar Miers to the Autauga-Prattville Public Library Board of Trustees. (Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 205 2. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Stacey Lewis to the Autauga-Prattville Public Library Board of Trustees. (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 206 3. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Stagnant Water and Keeping Garbage and Rubbish at 1105 Deramus Court, Prattville, AL 36066 to Be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance Pursuant to Sections 46-6 and 46-4, City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 207 Councilor Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-3 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the items were placed on a Consent Agenda (6-0). Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Striplin seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 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 208 Councilor Strichik 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 5 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Hosting Agreement and to Release Funds for the Purchase of Cemetery Mapping and Record Keeping Software from Coyote Creek Digital d/b/a Cemify for the Executive Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $14,649.00 (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Boone) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 209 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter Into a School Resource Officer Agreement with the Autauga County Board of Education. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 210 Councilor Chambers 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Civil Southeast LLC for Engineering Services for ALDOT Resurfacing Project on Lower Kingston Road from 4th Street to Prattville City Limits for the Engineering Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $64,881.00 (Net Cost to City Not to Exceed $12,977.00). (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 211 Councilor Jackson 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 6 5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Civil Southeast LLC for Engineering Services for ALDOT Resurfacing Project on Doster Road from Marlette Drive to SR-3 (US-31) for the Engineering Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $82,920.00 (Net Cost to City Not to Exceed $15,584.00). (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 212 Councilor Jackson 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 6. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2022 Budget and to Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC for Engineering Services for Cobbs Ford Road Turn Lane Extension and Sidewalk Improvements between Silver Hills Drive and McQueen Smith Road for the Engineering Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $62,950.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 213 Councilor Jackson 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 7. RESOLUTION: To Support the Elmore County Commission in Their Proposed Local Legislation Regarding the Release of Restrictions on the One Percent (1%) Special District Tax. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 214 Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore Boone seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 7 8. RESOLUTION: To Support the Inteplast Engineered Films Prattville Expansion Project and Approve the Tax Abatement Application for the Purpose of Economic Development. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 215 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Alabama State University Center for Leadership and Public Policy for Redistricting Project at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $5,000.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 216 Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. Councilor Jackson stated it was a great idea to bring in Alabama State University for this project. He suggested that Council hold works sessions with the community to hear their concerns, examine their ideas and foster transparency within the process to ensure districts can be contiguous while adhering to all applicable laws. There being no further discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 10. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Amended and Restated Project, Development and Cooperation Agreement Between the City of Prattville, Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority and Pratt Cotton Gin Mill LLC. (Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 217 Councilor Striplin 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 8 11. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Allocation Funding to the Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority for the Levee Purchase Referenced in the Amended and Restated Project, Development and Cooperation Agreement Between the City of Prattville, Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority and Pratt Cotton Gin Mill LLC in an Amount Not to Exceed $500,000.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 218 Councilor Striplin 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : GORNTO 1 COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, asked for clarification on roads associated with the resolution passed from agenda item 6. Councilor Strichik explained that some street names change even though they are the same road in essence as with Cobbs Ford turning into Main Street. James Skelton, 122 Sycamore Drive, asked why two governmental entities scheduled their meetings at the same time. He cited this evening’s County Commission meeting prior to the City Council meeting. He said he hated to leave the Commission meeting, but felt compelled to attend the Council meeting because of its importance. Council President Starnes advised that County Commission meetings were scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. and normally last only 45 minutes, giving citizens enough time to attend the City Council meeting. Council President Starnes contended that sometimes, as in the case this evening, the subject being aired at the Commission meeting can cause an abnormal situation and a much longer meeting. Mayor Gillespie added that within the last 30 years City Council meetings have changed times, but the 6:00 p.m. start time seemed to be the best fit. Mayor Gillespie advised that if a citizen is unable to attend a Council meeting, the meeting is available to be viewed on YouTube by accessing the City’s website. Mr. Skelton advised he only wanted to address his concern because he noticed the Mayor, Mr. Oakley and others leaving the Commission meeting before it ended and they may have missed some important comments. Councilor Jackson asked if it was possible to make changes to Council meeting times to ensure that citizens and other interested parties would be able to attend other meetings in their entirety. Mayor Gillespie advised there have been a few times over the years that Council meeting times have changed to due Christmas or events of that nature. Council President Pro Tempore Boone advised that there was no way to change this evening’s meeting time because of the advertised Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m., which was set two weeks prior. She added if there was a consensus to change all meetings to another night or a later time going forward, that could be voted on. CLOSING COMMENTS: Mayor Gillespie thanked the City Council, various Board Members, and volunteers in attendance for their hard work. He wished everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving. 9 Councilor Striplin thanked his fellow Councilors for their support of the resolutions passed on agenda items 10 and 11. He echoed Mr. Holtzscher’s earlier comments that the intent of this evening’s resolutions should clear up the remaining major obstacles making the apartments a reality for the City. Councilor Striplin reiterated his concerns from the last Council meeting about re-districting done by the State Legislature relative to District 88. He stated that if implemented, it would create some challenges for Prattville going forward. Councilor Striplin anticipated the involvement with Alabama State University’s Center for Leadership and Public Policy would ensure a transparent process with redrawing of City Council district lines. Councilor Striplin closed his comments hoping that this year’s Thanksgiving is truly a time of giving thanks. Councilor Jackson prays that everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Councilor Chambers wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving and looked forward to the Christmas holidays. Councilor Strichik wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving and to enjoy time with family and friends. He reminded everyone about the City’s Christmas Tree lighting and parade in early December. Council President Starnes thanked all the volunteers who work countless hours to ensure preservation of historic buildings and capture the beauty of downtown Prattville. He advised the next Council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council, Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (6-0) at 7:09 p.m. APPROVED: ___________________________ Paula G. Barlow City Clerk ___________________________ Gerald “Jerry” Starnes, President Prattville City Council SUBMITTED BY: Dawn Russell Assistant City Clerk