CC Minutes 2022.03.151
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022
6:02 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 6:02 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 all Councilors recorded as present.
Council President Starnes declared a quorum present.
TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS ENDURANCE: The inner strength to withstand stress and do my
best.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council meeting March 1, 2022. Councilor Strichik made a
motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Gornto 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, commented on Item #11 on the regular agenda and # 6
on the consent agenda questioning the differences in prices. Ms. Finnegan also commented
on regular agenda item# 13 inquiring if the fees were included in the project pricing. Ms.
Finnegan then spoke in opposition to agenda item #15 and wants to know when citizens would
be able to see the amended agreement. Finally, Ms. Finnegan wanted clarification of consent
agenda items #2 and #3.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie, in honor of Certified Governmental Financial Management Month, recognized
and congratulated Daniel Oakley and his team for receiving a Certificate of Achievement of
Excellence in Financing for the annual comprehensive financial report for September 30, 2020
year-end. Mayor Gillespie advised Chris Neuenschwander with Jackson Thornton will be at
the April 19th meeting to discuss the audit.
Mayor Gillespie thanked the redistricting team consisting of the City Engineer, City Planner,
and Louis Hines of Alabama State University for the work throughout the redistricting process.
Mayor Gillespie advised that several maps showing current council districts, the census block
map, and a proposed map have been set up in the front foyer. Mayor Gillespie advised the
proposed maps were provided to Council and that a work session would be needed.
Mayor Gillespie cited the Attorney General's opinion on the police jurisdiction that was provided
to the Council from the City Attorney and recommended future discussions on this matter as
this is important for the growth and stability of our community.
Mayor Gillespie expressed appreciation to Councilor Striplin on the education meeting a few
weeks ago and wants to set up a meeting to get an update on the progress of the Education
Committee as he is getting multiple inquiries about the education funds.
Mayor Gillespie reviewed previous comments from meetings and Work Sessions about Item#
11 on the agenda, the purchase of P25 radios. He advised this is important to the needs of
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our citizens and public safety and is a responsible way to utilize the American Rescue Plan Act
2021 through the Cornonovirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery funds. Mayor Gillespie
encouraged the Council to support and move forward with the purchase for Public Safety.
Mayor Gillespie wanted to clarify that Item #15 on the agenda, the purchase of Pratt Mill
Property, removes 5 feet South of the Picker House to 40 feet North of the Picker House from
the property being offered to the City from Pratt Mill Properties (this encompasses the entire
Picker House being removed). Mayor Gillespie advised his office confirmed today, with the
Boutwells, that the triangular piece South and behind the Picker House would be included in
with the sale of the property to the City. Mayor Gillespie advised if the Council chooses to move
forward, that for simplicity and fiscal transparency, he and Daniel Oakley have requested some
amendments to reflect the dollar amounts for the purchase of the property plus subject closing
costs; noting the prior resolution was in a previous year’s budget. Mayor Gillespie commented
that once the agreement has been signed the landscape downtown will begin to be changed
starting with the block warehouse near the road being removed and parking improved. He
stated that parking, more pedestrian sidewalks and much more can be improved upon with this
purchase and renovation of this area.
Mayor Gillespie noted that Project Katz has been finalized and the City closed on the
Hancock/Whitney Bank yesterday. The City now owns the building and parking that went with
it and looks forward to utilizing it to its fullest extent and preserving the property in historic
downtown Prattville.
Mayor Gillespie commented that more progress is being made in Prattville and that the Maple
Street Pedestrian Bridge behind City Hall will start on March 28th. The project should be
complete by the middle of June, weather permitting. Mayor Gillespie stated that as crews are
prepping for the project, they are removing portions of the fence and the remaining fence will
be cleaned and repainted. Mayor Gillespie advised that all locks placed along the creek and
behind the fountain are in question and direction is pending. This is all part of the upcoming
improvement projects downtown that will give more opportunities for more walking paths
including on top of the levee.
Finally, Mayor Gillespie gave an update on the downtown paving. He stated that it has been
delayed because of weather and the new anticipated start date is March 28th with a two-week
projected timeline, weather permitting, with striping to start 30 days after paving is complete.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
None.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Deputy Finance Director, Carlee Sims, provided the following report on City Finances for
February 2022:
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $5,061,925.82 – total revenue collected in February
o $23,415,553.56 – total revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
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o $3,020,516.22 – tax revenue collected in February
o 9.50% - increase over February 2021
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 41.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 38.52% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $379,924.74 – net income from operations for February
o 41.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 28.93% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o $83,194.87 – net income for February
o 41.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 45.66% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o $34,930.40 – net income for February
o 41.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 30.20% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Bank Balances Report
o $36,988,672.90 – total of all bank balances at the end of February
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $47,166,996.17– total debt balance city-wide at end of February
o $14,639,746.17 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of February
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Grant an Amended Lounge Retail Liquor – Class
I License to 2650 LLC d/b/a Adrienne’s Bar. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 033
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Approval of a Debt Management Policy. (Sponsored By:
Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 034
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Approval of a Budget Management Policy. (Sponsored
By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 035
4. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish at 133
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Sycamore Drive, Prattville, AL 36066 to Be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance Pursuant to Sec.
46-4, City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 036
5. RESOLUTION: To Support the Historic Resource Survey Grant Application for Certified
Local Governments. (Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 037
6. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Various Mobile and Handheld Radios from the Fire and Police
Departments. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 038
Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to place item numbers 1-6 on a Consent
Agenda and Councilor Strichik 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 Chambers
seconded the motion. Council President Pro Tempore Boone noted that Items 2 and 3 on the
Consent Agenda were financial management processes and housekeeping for the bond
application and to make the department run smoother. There being no further 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. ORDINANCE: To Adopt a New Zoning Ordinance. (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers)
This Ordinance was introduced at the February 1, 2022, Council meeting. Councilor
Chambers made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion. 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
2. ORDINANCE: To Rezone Property Located Inside the City Limits in the Downtown Area
into the Downtown Overlay District. (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers)
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This Ordinance was introduced at the February 1, 2022, Council meeting. Councilor
Chambers made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Strichik seconded the
motion. 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. ORDINANCE: To Amend and Establish Fees for Development Applications and Permits,
Board of Zoning Adjustment, Planning Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission
Submissions. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
This Ordinance was introduced at the February 1, 2022, Council meeting and postponed until
the March 15, 2022, Council meeting. Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion
to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. 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
4. RESOLUTION: RESOLUTION: To Vacate a Portion of the Unimproved Yarbrough Right-
Of-Way. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 039
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 Grant a Lounge Retail Liquor – Class I License for Cloud 9 Hookah
Lounge. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 040
Councilor Strichik 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
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NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Sain Associates
to Develop a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $150,000.00 (Net Cost
to City Not to Exceed $30,000.00). (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 041
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
7. ORDINANCE: To Amend the City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 66 – Utilities,
Article I. – In General, Sec. 66-1. – Waterworks Board; to Amend Article III. – Sewers and
Sewage Disposal, Division 5. – Prohibited Discharges, Sec. 66-211. – Fats, Oils and Grease
Control; to Adopt Sec. 66-212; to Amend Division 9. – Enforcement and Penalties, Sec. 66-
326. – Punishment of Violators; and to Adopt Secs. 66-327 - 66-330. (Sponsored By: Council
President Starnes)
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Gornto seconded
the motion. By Point-of-Order, this ordinance was held until the April 5, 2022, Council
meeting.
8. ORDINANCE: To Amend the Stormwater Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)
Procedures in Compliance with the City of Prattville’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
Systems (NPDES) Permit. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Gornto seconded
the motion. By Point-of-Order, this ordinance was held until the April 5, 2022, Council
meeting.
9. ORDINANCE: To Amend the Post Construction Stormwater Management Procedures in
Compliance with the City of Prattville’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems
(NPDES) Permit. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
Councilor President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the ordinance and
Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. By Point-of-Order, this ordinance was held until the
April 5, 2022, Council meeting.
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10. ORDINANCE: To Establish Regulations for the Lateral Rehabilitation Assistance Program.
(Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
Councilor President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the ordinance and
Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. By Point-of-Order, this ordinance was held until the
April 5, 2022, Council meeting.
11. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2022 Budget and to Authorize the Release of Funds for
the Purchase of P25 L3 Harris Portable and Mobile Radios through State Contract #
T3004020005 from Communications International, Inc. for the Fire and Police Departments at
a Net Cost Not to Exceed $812,767.33. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 042
Councilor Gornto made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the
motion.
Councilor Gornto clarified that the difference in pricing from the last purchase to this time is
the difference between handheld radios versus vehicle radios and that the Fire Department
radios have to be heat-resistant. Council President Starnes also noted that this was using
American Rescue Plan funding and this is an allowable use for the funding. There being no
further 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
12. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 – Administration,
Article V, Investment of Municipal Funds. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2022, PAGE 011
Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor
Gornto seconded the motion. By Point-of-Order, Council rules must be suspended if
immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Strichik made a motion to suspend the rules
and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. Council President Starnes ordered a Roll Call
Vote for the suspension of the rules.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Starnes Aye
Councilor Gornto Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
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The rules were suspended (7-0).
The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Starnes called for
discussion from the Council. 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
13. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2022 Budget and to Authorize the Mayor to Enter into
an Agreement with Civil Southeast LLC for Professional Engineering and Architectural
Design Services for Stanley Jensen Stadium Improvements for the Parks and Recreation
Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $694,000.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 043
Councilor Strichik 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
14. ORDINANCE: To Adopt City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 50, Article III,
Division 1, Secs. 51 - 54 – Loitering. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
Councilor Gornto made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Strichik seconded the
motion. Council President Pro-Tempore Boone made a motion to postpone the ordinance
until the April 19, 2022, Council meeting. Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There
being no further discussion, the ordinance was postponed until the April 19, 2022, Council
meeting, with the following results;
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
15. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Amended Agreement with Pratt
Mill Properties LLC to Purchase Property for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Net
Cost Not to Exceed $975,000.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
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RESOLUTION BOOK 2022, PAGE 044
Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Boone seconded the motion. Councilor Strichik made a motion to amend resolution lines 3,
5, 17, 23, and 24, and provided an amended copy to all councilors. Council President Pro
Tempore Boone seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Council President
Starnes ordered a Roll Call Vote on the motion to amend the resolution.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin Aye
Councilor Jackson Nay
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Starnes Aye
Councilor Gornto Nay
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The motion to amend the resolution passed (5-2).
Councilor Striplin asked for a Point-of-Order and commented on the amended resolution as
to if the Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority purchased the Picker building, would the
buyer and/or seller of property around it, grant utilities and pedestrian walking access, as it
appears the building would be landlocked. There being no further discussion, the amended
Resolution was adopted with the following results.
AYES : CHAMBERS, STARNES, STRICHIK, BOONE 4
NAYS : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, GORNTO 3
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, inquired about the money for the Pratt Mill Property and
commented on the friends of the art fundraiser. Ms. Finnegan voiced safety concerns and
wanted to make sure priorities were not skewed. Ms. Finnegan also voiced her disagreement
with how the minutes are taken.
Marriane Dillard, 1822 Jenny Drive, spoke on Item #15 and inquired as to why the Picker House
was removed.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie thanked all for their hard work and dedication in this community and referenced
prior times when things were not so good. Mayor Gillespie spoke on the hiring incentives that
are available to law enforcement to assist in bringing quality employees to the City. Mayor
Gillespie also spoke on the progress of programs developing and enhancing the local workforce
through the schools.
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Councilor Jackson read a message from a Montgomery resident that was working in our City
and had vehicle troubles. The message commended Officer Dickens, as well as several other
businesses in our City for their assistance on March 1, 2022. Councilor Jackson thanked Chief
Thompson for talking with the kids at Alternative School and for his service to the community
and offered prayers for all officers for safety in the community. Councilor Jackson reminded
everyone that March 16th is Freedom of Information Day. The Freedom of Information Act was
passed into law in 1966 and opened up a wealth of information to America. Councilor Jackson
also reminded all that March is Women's History Month, National Kidney Month, National
Nutrition Month, and National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Council President Pro Tempore Boone thanked the Cultural Arts Department as they have put
on the Wilson Pickett Arts and Music Festival with more events coming in April. She advised
the City had the privilege of having Eddie Floyd in-person to perform last weekend and
encouraged all to show up and participate in these events.
Council President Starnes reminded the Council that they needed to be responsive to
Department Heads' requests for Committee meetings. He also announced there will be a Work
Session for public input on the redistricting of council districts pursuant to the 2020 census at
5:30 p.m. on April 5, 2022, before the next Council meeting.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Gornto made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion.
The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. (7-0).
APPROVED:
___________________________
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
___________________________
Gerald “Jerry” Starnes, President
Prattville City Council