Minutes 2021-12-071
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021
6:03 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 6:03 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Councilor Chambers gave the invocation. Roll was called with all Councilors present. Council
President Starnes declared a quorum.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS GENEROSITY: Managing my resources so I
can freely give to those in need.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and Council meeting November 16, 2021.
Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Chambers seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council regarding agenda item 5, a
resolution setting a public hearing for a lounge retail liquor license. She asked if the entity listed
on the current resolution was the same entity that requested a liquor license in July of 2021,
and if so, why would the Council go through the process again. Council President Starnes
explained each entity applying for a liquor license had a right for due process to have a public
hearing.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie reported today being the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl
Harbor. He reiterated that the attack claimed more than 2,400 American lives and was a
catalyst for the United States to enter into World War II. Mayor Gillespie recognized the
Montgomery Bus Boycott, a very important civil rights movement, that also began in the month
of December.
Mayor Gillespie advised the City’s Christmas Tree lighting, parade and ice-skating rink were a
huge success and thanked staff and volunteers who were instrumental in planning and
coordination of those events and attractions. He mentioned the Main Street Christmas event
is a week away. Mayor Gillespie asked that citizens remember the true reason for the season
and remarked that downtown Prattville’s winter wonderland environment is being recognized
as a Hallmark postcard moment, solidifying a true holiday destination. He thanked everyone
involved.
Mayor Gillespie reported on the recent excursion of 53 senior adults to the Biltmore Estate in
Asheville, North Carolina, as part of “Kelly and Kris Kids” and the Parks and Recreation
Department.
2
Mayor Gillespie touched on the need for a committee meeting to discuss utilizing federal
recovery money for a lateral rehabilitation assistance program. He reported the City has made
several attempts to secure federal grant funding for the widening of McQueen Smith Road and
the City was not awarded the RAISE grant. However, staff is working on Alabama
Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program-2 (ATRIP-2) funding. Mayor Gillespie
reminded the Council that tonight’s agenda included the purchase of right-of-way for the
widening project and requested that Councilor Jackson conduct a Street Committee meeting
in the near future to discuss this much needed improvement to McQueen Smith Road. He
included that this would be good debt to take on.
Mayor Gillespie reported he is working through challenges on the agreement with Pratt Mill
Properties LLC for the purchase of the Picker House and surrounding land. He stated there is
a possibility the Council would need to go into Executive Session for further discussion on the
purchase.
Mayor Gillespie concluded his report by mentioning the Autauga County Commission passed
their resolution to bring an ad valorem tax increase and is now making way for legislative
election approval. The proposed increase would fund education.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
None.
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 219
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 Rezone Property Located East of Scenic Hills Subdivision and West of
Cooter’s Pond from FAR (Forest, Agriculture, Recreation) to R-5 (Patio Garden Homes)
(Petitioners/Owners: John L. and Shelia Carroll) (Representative: Barrett-Simpson, Inc.)
(Sponsored By: Council Pro Tempore Boone)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2021, PAGE 032
3
This ordinance was introduced at the November 2, 2021, Council meeting. There being no
discussion, the 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 Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Lease Agreement Between the City
of Prattville and Fountain City BMX, Inc. to Continue to Operate a BMX Park Located on County
Road 4. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 220
Councilor Strichik 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, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Alabama Bass
Trail to Host an Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series Divisional on May 21, 2022, at a Net
Cost Not to Exceed $7,500.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 221
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
5. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing for a Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II (Package)
License for December 21 Inc. d/b/a Premier Liquor and Wine. (Sponsored By: Council
President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 222
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:
4
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Amended Purchasing Agreement
and to Release Funds for the Purchase of Body-Worn Cameras and In-Vehicle Camera
Systems and Licensing through the NPPGov Purchasing Cooperative from Axon Enterprise,
Inc. for the Police Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $82,710.00 (FY2022 Annual Cost
Not to Exceed $26,700.00). (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 223
Councilor Gornto 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, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
7. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located Inside the City Limits
at 200 Gin Shop Hill Road from B-2 (General Business) to FAR (Forest, Agricultural,
Recreation) (Owner: Stephanie Dupree) (Petitioner: Rodger D. Gandy, II). (Sponsored By:
Councilor Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 224
Councilor Striplin 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
Councilor Striplin read in the ordinance and made a motion to adopt. Councilor Jackson
seconded the motion. By Point of Order, the ordinance will be held until after the public
hearing on January 4, 2022.
8. RESOLUTION: To Reject All Bids Related to Bid No. 021-007 for a New Street Department
Facility for the Engineering Department. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 225
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:
5
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with YMCA of Prattville
to Acquire Right-of-Way (Tract 9) for the Widening of McQueen Smith Road from Cobbs Ford
Road to U.S. Highway 31 for Project No. DEMO-STPAA-A203 in an Amount Not to Exceed
$197,325.00 (Zero Cost to the City). (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 226
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Gornto seconded the
motion. By Point of Order, it is necessary that Council rules be suspended if immediate action
is to be considered. Councilor Gornto made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor
Chambers seconded the motion. Council President Starnes ordered a Roll Call Vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Starnes Aye
Councilor Gornto Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (7-0).
The resolution now being properly before the Council, Council President Starnes invited
questions and comments from the Council. There being no discussion, the resolution was
adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : STARNES 1
ABSENT : NONE 0
10. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Various Property
Owners to Acquire Rights-of-Way for the Widening of McQueen Smith Road from Cobbs Ford
Road to U.S. Highway 31 for Project No. DEMO-STPAA-A203 in an Amount Not to Exceed
$89,418.00 (Zero Cost to the City). (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 227
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Gornto seconded the
motion. By Point of Order, it is necessary that Council rules be suspended if immediate action
6
is to be considered. Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to suspend the
rules and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. Council President Starnes ordered a Roll
Call Vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Starnes Aye
Councilor Gornto Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (7-0).
The resolution now being properly before the Council, Council President Starnes invited
questions and comments from the Council. 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
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
None.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Chambers reiterated Mayor Gillespie’s remarks about the nostalgic look of downtown
Prattville. He thanked Kellie Cook and the Parks and Recreation Department team for their
time and effort. Councilor Chambers also thanked the many veterans and current military
personnel for their service to our country.
Council President Starnes reminded everyone that the next City Council meeting was
scheduled for Tuesday, December 21, 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 at 6:31 p.m. (7-0).
7
APPROVED:
___________________________
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
___________________________
Gerald “Jerry” Starnes, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Dawn Russell
Assistant City Clerk