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CC Minutes 2022.10.04PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2022 6:03 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 6:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Council President Boone gave the invocation. Roll was called with all Councilors recorded as present with the exception of Councilor Gornto. Council President Boone declared a quorum and called the meeting to order. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS RESPECT: Treating others with honor and dignity. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting September 20, 2022, and Special Called City Council Meeting September 26, 2022. Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the minutes and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT'S AGENDA: None. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point -of -Privilege to introduce Mr. Jeremy Pyles, Chairman of Distinguished Young Women of Autauga County. Mr. Pyles presented Miss Hannah Roberts as the 2023 Distinguished Young Woman of Autauga County. Miss Roberts was one of twelve participants who received high marks in all categories and ultimately earned the title along with $4,350.00 in college scholarships. Mr. Pyles advised Miss Roberts will represent Autauga County in January 2023's state competition. Miss Roberts is a senior at Prattville High School, a representative in the Student Government Association, member of the National Honor Society and serves as a PHS Ambassador. She is a competitive dancer and active member of First Baptist Church. After graduation, Miss Roberts plans to attend Auburn University. Miss Roberts thanked all for their support and said it was an honor to represent Autauga County and the City of Prattville. Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point -of -Privilege to introduce Mr. Tracy Simpson, new Sanitation Department Head. Mr. Simpson stated he was grateful to lead the Sanitation Department in the capacity as superintendent and now as department head, vowing to continue to make progress in sanitation. Mayor Gillespie thanked Councilors for their support of the City's 2022-2023 budget. The budget allows City merit employees to receive a 3% Cost -of -Living raise effective this week. Mayor Gillespie emphasized the importance that employees are taken care of as they provide the top-notch services to citizens and visitors of Prattville. He added that with the passage of the budget, discussion was needed to address School Resource Officers with the Autauga County Board of Education and would provide more information to the Council before the next scheduled meeting. Mayor Gillespie reported progress on the Pratt Mill property closing and the change of landscape downtown as demolition is taking place near the old Gurney building. He requested Council action to amend language in City of Prattville Code of Ordinances 50-49, so alcohol can be served in the area being called "Spillway Park" in conjunction with November's Dinner in the District, hosted by the Prattville Chamber of Commerce and Prattville City Fest. Mayor Gillespie advised local paving will begin November 1, 2022. Areas will be noisy and inconvenient during the process. He mentioned the widening of Highway 82 is progressing with asphalt and the first phase should be complete in December with the second phase beginning shortly after. Mayor Gillespie reiterated that Washington Ferry Road will be closed starting October 10, 2022, and reminded everyone to be vigilant in that area. Mayor Gillespie advised that a Street Committee meeting is needed as soon as possible to discuss several topics. Mayor Gillespie reported Pratt Park surfacing is underway and the playground area is expected to be open to the public by October 15, 2022. He asked that visitors to the park not cross the orange construction tape for safety reasons. The new restroom associated with the playground is expected to be operational by the end of November. Mayor Gillespie reported the City Attorney was working with the Board of Education on an ambulance service agreement for Stanley Jensen Stadium. Additionally, the pre -bid meeting for qualified contractors regarding stadium improvements is set for October 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., with construction slated to begin in November. Mayor Gillespie anticipates Newton Park improvements to be bid in the next couple of weeks. He added the pedestrian bridge project is near completion with dirt and grass waiting to be delivered. Mayor Gillespie reported that earlier in the day, he and several other Councilors participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Prattville Early Learning Center on McQueen Smith Road. Mayor Gillespie advised he wanted to discuss the road widening project after the new year. Mayor Gillespie promoted the Parade of Pumpkins, which kicks off October 21, 2022, and runs through October 31, 2022. He invited all to attend Sunday's Jeepers Creepers car show at Spillway Park between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Additionally, the Fall Farmers Market will be held Saturday, October 15, 2022. A complete listing of events is available across the City's social media platforms. Mayor Gillespie closed his report by requesting support for Agenda Item 10, relating to design services through Goodwyn Mills Cawood for North Highland Park. He thanked Council President Pro Tempore Strichik for sponsoring the resolution. Mayor Gillespie provided history of the area, highlighting it being a vital part of the community. Mayor Gillespie thanked Mr. Pete Taylor of the North Highland Community Center for all of his hard work and dedication to the community. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None. CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Stagnant Water at 311 Walker Street to Be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance Pursuant to Section 46-6, City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes} RESOLUTION BOOK 2022-13, PAGE 198 2. 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: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2022-13, PAGE 199 Councilor Starnes made a motion to place item numbers 1-2 on a Consent Agenda and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent Agenda (6-0). Councilor Striplin made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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 AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Stagnant Water at 907 Brookwood Drive Abated Pursuant to Section 46-6, City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes} RESOLUTION BOOK 2022-B, PAGE 200 Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore 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 2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Stagnant Water at 1105 Deramus Street Abated Pursuant to Section 46-6, City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes} RESOLUTION BOOK 2022-B, PAGE 201 3 Councilor Starnes 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 3. 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: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2022-B, PAGE 202 Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. A gentleman from the audience advised the violation at 118 Guilford Lane had been corrected. Council President Boone advised the Public Hearing for the resolution was held at 6:00 p.m. and the gentleman should speak with Code Enforcement at the end of the meeting. 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 4. ORDINANCE: To Rezone Property Located Inside the City Limits at Beacon Hill Estates off Indian Hills Road from FAR (Forest, Agriculture, Recreation) to R-2 (Single Family Residential) (Petitioner: City of Prattville). {Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin} ORDINANCE BOOK 2022, PAGE 038 This ordinance was read in at the September 6, 2022, City Council meeting, where Councilor Striplin made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS NONE 0 ABSTAINED NONE 0 ABSENT GORNTO 5. ORDINANCE: To Rezone Property Located Inside the City Limits at 849 Franklin Street from M-2 (General Industry) to FAR (Forest, Agriculture, Recreation) (Petitioner: Jonathan Mitchell). (Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin} ORDINANCE BOOK 2022, PAGE 039 4 This ordinance was read in at the September 6, 2022, City Council meeting, where Councilor Striplin made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS NONE 0 ABSTAINED NONE 0 ABSENT GORNTO 6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with BWS Technologies, Inc. for Information Technology Services at a Monthly Cost Not to Exceed $4,312.00 plus an Annual Cost Not to Exceed $5,500.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Boone} RESOLUTION BOOK 2022-13, PAGE 203 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 7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with BWS Technologies, Inc. for Web Services at an Annual Cost Not to Exceed $8,760.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Boone} RESOLUTION BOOK 2022-B, PAGE 204 Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore 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 8. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located Inside the City Limits at 1099 Doster Road from FAR (Forest, Agriculture, Recreation) to M-2 (General Industry) (Petitioner: Graham Packaging Company, LP). (Sponsored By: Council President Boone) RESOLUTION BOOK 2022-13, PAGE 205 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 Councilor Striplin read in the ordinance and made a motion to adopt that was seconded by Councilor Jackson. By Point -of -Order, the ordinance was held until after the Public Hearing on November 1, 2022. 9. ORDINANCE: To Amend the City of Prattville Code of Ordinances by Amending Section 38-321, Article V, Chapter 38, License Classification Codes, Amending Section 38-322, Article V, Chapter 38, License Fee Schedule and Adding Sections 38-700 to 38-730, Article IX, Chapter 38, Short -Term Rentals. {Sponsored By: Council President Boone} FAILED Council President Pro Tempore Strichik read the ordinance in by title and made a motion to adopt. However, there was no second. Council President Boone announced the ordinance failed after confirmation from City Attorney Andrew Odom. 10. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC for Engineering Design Services at North Highland Park at a Cost Not to Exceed $120,000.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik} RESOLUTION BOOK 2022-B, PAGE 206 Council President Pro Tempore 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS NONE 0 ABSTAINED NONE 0 ABSENT GORNTO COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Carolyn Wood, 133 Livingston Circle, questioned the Council as to why Prattville Pickers charged 9.5% tax on consignment booths, but no tax is charged at yard sales. Council President Boone advised Finance Director Daniel Oakley would be able to better answer her question and directed Ms. Wood to speak with him after the meeting. Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point -of -Privilege and addressed the Council on the failure of the ordinance relating to Short -Term Rentals and requested reconsideration from the Council to adopt the ordinance, with rules suspended for immediate passage. He understood there may still be issues with the ordinance, but wanted something definitive on the books for the Finance Department to utilize when business licenses started to come in. Mayor Gillespie reiterated that after passage, the document should be reviewed on a regular basis and could be amended by the Council at any time. Councilor Starnes advised he was against Short -Term Rentals, but would entertain rules to allow them in certain areas, or zones, of the City. Councilor Starnes added that Short -Term Rentals to him were businesses within a residential area. Mayor Gillespie mentioned if no ordinance was enacted, complaints from citizens could not be adequately addressed. Councilor Starnes stated he would sponsor a Short -Term Rental ordinance that included "zoning". CLOSING COMMENTS: Mayor Gillespie thanked all departments for working diligently on the City's budget. He added the Short -Term Rental ordinance was not a perfect document, but it was progress. Councilor Striplin agreed lots of work went into drafting the Short -Term Rental ordinance. He stated he was willing to collaborate with Councilor Starnes to incorporate the zoning idea and some other points. Councilor Chambers congratulated Mr. Simpson on his appointment to department head and looked forward with continuing to work together on the Sanitation Committee. Councilor Chambers also congratulated Miss Roberts being named Distinguished Young Woman of Autauga County. Councilor Starnes congratulated Mr. Simpson and thanked him for his hard work through the years. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik congratulated Mr. Simpson on his appointment to department head. He reminded all in attendance that it is Homecoming Week for Prattville High School and invited everyone to attend this evening's parade. The homecoming game is scheduled for Friday at 7:00 p.m. Council President Boone advocated for Breast Cancer Awareness month by wearing pink this evening and encouraged women in the audience to get screened. She mentioned that breast cancer also affects men. Council President Boone voiced her disappointment with the failure of the Short -Term Rental ordinance, as much work and time on all sides of the issue came together to draft the document. She would like to see the establishment of legislation to allow for framework on fees and basic enforcement. Council President Boone congratulated Mr. Simpson and applauded the Sanitation Department's customer service. Council President Boone announced the next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council, Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. (6-0). APPROVED: Paula G. Barlow City Clerk Lora Lee Boone, President Prattville City Council SUBMITTED BY: Dawn Russell Assistant City Clerk