CC Minutes 2023.07.111
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023
6:12 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 6:12 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 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 DISCIPLINE: Choosing behaviors to help me
reach my goals.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting June 20, 2023. Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Merrick
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, commented on Consent Agenda Item 16, asking if there
was a timeframe for the work to begin. Mayor Gillespie stated fairly quickly, but did not have a
specific date.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point-of-Privilege to introduce Parks and Recreation
Department Director Kellie Cook, City Baseball Coordinator Tyler Cash, and the City’s 9U
baseball team. The team won the Dixie Youth State Championship and will represent Prattville
at the Youth World Series in Center, Texas on July 19, 2023. Mr. Cash thanked all involved for
a great season and recognized each player and all coaches with championship jerseys and
goodie bags. Mayor Gillespie thanked the coaches, parents and others involved for their time
and commitment.
Mayor Gillespie reported on the progress in Prattville to include the upcoming traffic signal work
at the intersection of McQueen Smith Road and Highway 31. He thanked Senator Chambliss
and Representative Starnes for their assistance with this project. Mayor Gillespie advised there
were some grant opportunities he would report on in the near future to help move forward on
other upgrades to the McQueen Smith Road area.
Mayor Gillespie recognized the Parks and Recreation Department for their hard work to put
together another successful Independence Day celebration. He thanked the Lion’s Club for
their partnership and providing BBQ at Pratt Park and thanked the City’s Public Safety teams
that were on hand to handle the threat of heat related incidents. Mayor Gillespie advised the
Cone Street project, near North Highland Park, and Newton Park tennis and pickle ball courts’
projects were progressing well. He reported the Thomas Avenue stormwater project is close to
finish and was happy with the current results, as Highway 31 is not flooding after rainfall. He
reminded all to use caution in construction areas and advised that paving and patching,
weather permitting, would be complete by the time school starts. Mayor Gillespie reported the
6th Street project would begin around the end of July beginning with a pre-construction meeting.
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Mayor Gillespie reminded all about this evening’s Creekwalk Concert Series event beginning
at 6:30 p.m. and the Farmer’s Market held on Saturdays beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Mayor Gillespie concluded his report by discussing freedom of speech at City Council meetings
and reiterated decorum during public comment periods. He mentioned incidents from the last
Council meeting that he felt crossed the lines of decent public comment. He noted that Council
Chambers were part of the work environment of City staff and excerpts read from books at the
last Council meeting had nothing to do with the work the Council is here to accomplish.
Additionally, if this type of reading would further be allowed, Mayor Gillespie requested that
Department Heads be able to excuse themselves from the Council Chambers during public
comment periods when excerpts from books are read. He stated that those excerpts were not
conforming to generally accepted standards of respectful and moral conversation.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 220
Brookhaven Drive, 830 Cottage Lane, 909 Running Brook Drive, 106 Fireside Loop, 217
Woodvale Road, 628 Shadow Lane, 118 Shelia Boulevard, 1039 Gipson Street, 221 Rosemary
Lane and 206 Rosemary Lane Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code
of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 129
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Garbage and Rubbish and Overgrown
Grass and Weeds at 202 Rosemary Lane Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of
Prattville Code of Ordinances {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 130
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Garbage and Rubbish and Overgrown
Grass and Weeds at 209 Caroline Drive Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of
Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 131
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Garbage and Rubbish and Overgrown
Grass and Weeds at 229 Camellia Drive Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of
Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 132
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Garbage and Rubbish and Overgrown
Grass and Weeds at 809 Cottage Lane Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville
Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 133
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Garbage and Rubbish at 604 Shadow Lane
Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By:
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 134
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7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Garbage and Rubbish at 850 Gillespie
Street Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances.
{Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 135
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Garbage and Rubbish and Overgrown
Grass and Weeds at 417 Bedford Terrace Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of
Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 136
9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Garbage and Rubbish, Stagnant Water and
Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 606 Shadow Lane Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq.,
City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 137
10. RESOLUTION: To Change the Date of the First City Council Meeting in August from August
1, 2023, to August 8, 2023. {Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 138
11. RESOLUTION: To Accept Improvements and Maintenance of McClain Landing Phase 1.
{Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 139
12. RESOLUTION: To Accept Improvements and Maintenance of McGriff Street Plat No. 1.
{Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 140
13. RESOLUTION: To Accept Improvements and Maintenance of Heather Subdivision Plat
No. 1. {Sponsored By: Councilor Gornto}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 141
14. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass
and Weeds at 758 North Court Street to be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance and Order Their
Abatement Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored
By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 142
15. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass
and Weeds at 118 Guilford Lane to be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance and Order Their
Abatement Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored
By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 143
16. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter Into an Agreement with the State of
Alabama Department of Transportation for Installation, Operation and/or Maintenance of Traffic
Control Signals at the Intersection of US-31 and McQueen Smith Road. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 144
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Councilor Jackson made a motion to place item numbers 1-16 on a Consent Agenda and
Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent Agenda (6-
0).
Councilor Striplin made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambers
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Support Funding for Construction of a Public Safety Training Facility, to
Support Funding for Construction of a Public Works Facility, to Support Additional Funding for
the Tier I Parks Projects and to Authorize the Finance Director to Seek Financing Options in
an Amount Not to Exceed $6,100,000.00 for Said Facilities and Projects. {Sponsored By:
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 145
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick
seconded the motion.
Councilor Striplin stated he supports the construction of a Public Safety training facility and
Public Works facility and the use of funds set aside for those purposes. He outlined an
alternative funding plan and inquired as to where the debt service would be for these projects.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : STRIPLIN 1
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
2. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 023-008 to Wyatt Sasser Construction LLC for Stanley
Jensen Stadium Improvements for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to
Exceed $16,781,320.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 146
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : STRIPLIN 1
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
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3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Seay, Seay &
Litchfield, P.C. for Architectural Construction Management Services for the Stanley Jensen
Stadium Renovation Project for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed
$405,000.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 147
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : STRIPLIN 1
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase
of One (1) 2023 Tiger Mid Mount Boom Mower through the Sourcewell Purchasing
Cooperative, Contract No. 070821-TGR, from Tiger Mowers for the Urban Management
Division of the Public Works Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $75,948.18. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Merrick}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 148
Councilor Merrick 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,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Flock Safety for
Camera Operating System Maintenance for the Police Department at a Total Five (5) Year
Cost Not to Exceed $75,000.00 (Annual Cost Not to Exceed $15,000.00). {Sponsored By:
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 149
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
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6. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase
of Analysis and Investigative Software through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative,
Contract No. 051321-MOT, from Motorola Solutions for the Police Department at a Cost Not to
Exceed $87,351.20. {Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 150
Councilor Chambers 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,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
7. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase
of One (1) 2023 John Deer 6105E Cab Tractor through State of Alabama Contract No.
MA999200000000020, from John Deere for the Urban Management Division of the Public
Works Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $73,586.72. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 151
Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Striplin seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Engineers of the
South for Preliminary Engineering Design Services for the Upgrading of the Autauga Creek
Wastewater Treatment Plant for the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department at a
Cost Not to Exceed $45,000.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Albert Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 152
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,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
9. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate
Limits at 2175 Cobbs Ford Road from FAR (Forest, Agricultural, Recreation) to B-2 (General
Business) (Owner: Christ Lutheran Church; Petitioner: Flowers & White Engineering, LLC).
{Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 153
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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,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
Councilor Jackson read in the ordinance and made a motion to adopt that was seconded by
Councilor Merrick. By Point-of-Order, the ordinance was held until after the Public Hearing on
August 8, 2023.
Council President Boone outlined new public speaking guidelines, stating that by legal
definition, this portion of the Council meeting is set aside to allow comments on items that are
not currently on the agenda, but was not a dialogue with the Council. Additionally, unlike Public
Hearings, where the law requires public input, a Council meeting is a business meeting for the
Council to conduct business and the law (Alabama Open Meetings Act) does not guarantee
the public the right to speak up and be heard. All commenters were instructed to line up by the
City Clerk and write their name and address then would be invited to the podium to state their
name and address for the record and be allowed up to three minutes to make comments.
Council President Boone asked all to be respectful to other attendees. It would be the policy of
the Council to no longer allow the reading of excerpts from printed materials aside from matters
currently pending on the Council’s agenda. She reminded all that the public was permitted to
send and/or discuss matters with their Councilor outside Council meetings or email the whole
Council at citycouncil@prattvilleal.gov. The Council reserves the right to end public comment
and remove any person who fails to follow the directions of the presiding officer.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, commented on employee out-of-office automatic replies.
She thanked the Urban Management Division for their prompt assistance with the removal of
debris around her residence.
Wilberto Sanchez, 502 Greystone Way, raised concerns over the Prattville public library. He
requested that library board members be removed from their positions and have the City
Council execute oversight. Additionally, he requested the public library disassociate itself with
the American Library Association.
Mary Ellen Johnston, 209 Kay Street, raised concerns over the Prattville public library book
selection. She would like to see a “parental guidance” label on books in the children and young
adult sections, if the subject matter warrants such an action.
Allen Bledsoe, 1711 Twelve Oaks Lane, raised concerns over the Prattville public library and
book selection. He questioned the current appointments to the library board.
Jay Jusino, 1548 Hawthorne Lane, raised concerns over the Prattville public library and its
agenda. He outlined a list of communist goals as entered into the United States Congressional
Record January 10, 1963.
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Chuk Shirley, 217 Wetumpka Street, raised concerns over the Prattville public library and
stated that reading excerpts was done to call out hypocrisy. Mayor Gillespie appreciated
meeting with Mr. Shirley yesterday evening and he would like an electronic version of Mr.
Shirley’s reference material to send to Councilors.
Angie Hayden, 910 Silver Creek Court, praised the Prattville public library staff for their
expertise. She encouraged everyone to research the public library’s Bill of Rights on the
American Library Association’s website.
Sarah Sanchez, 1050 Choctaw Ridge, raised concerns over the Prattville public library book
selection and encouraged all to review Alabama’s anti-obscenity enforcement act.
Tony Moore, 919 Highway 82 Bypass West, stated that funding should be cut from the Prattville
public library.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie thanked the Council for their hard work in moving the community forward. He
mentioned that several stakeholders have come together to discuss the challenges regarding
book selection at the library. He reiterated that he would disseminate any materials he received
to the Council for review. He advised the best way to contact him or the City Attorney is by
emailing mayor@prattvilleal.gov.
Council President Boone advised the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be
held Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 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 Merrick seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 7:22 p.m. (6-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Dawn Russell
Assistant City Clerk