CC Minutes 2023.07.181
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2023
6:01 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 6:01 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Councilor Merrick gave the invocation. Roll was called with all Councilors recorded as present
with the exception of Councilors Jackson and 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 July 11, 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 (5-0).
Council President Boone gave a synopsis on public comment periods that occur during a City
Council meeting and the sign-in procedures in place.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Dennis Mullins, 521 Weatherby Trail, Chairman of the Prattville Solid Waste Disposal Authority
(PSW DA), commented on Agenda Item 4, requesting the resolution be held until after his
meeting with Mayor Gillespie, which is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Mr. Mullins asked
to review Attachment A referenced in the resolution along with the contract for services.
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, commented on Agenda Item 4 requesting the resolution
be held so more research could be completed.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point-of-Privilege to introduce Jacob Gaitlin with Mauldin &
Jenkins, the City’s auditing firm. Mr. Jenkins gave the Council an overview of the firm’s
responsibilities for the external audit. The firm issued a clean opinion of the City’s financial
statements for Fiscal Year 2022, with no findings and one recommendation on where to record
pooled cash adjustments. He reminded all there will be one new requirement adopted for Fiscal
Year 2023, relating to a new way to record software. Mr. Gaitlin commended the Finance
Department staff for their efforts. Mayor Gillespie thanked all involved for their hard work.
Mayor Gillespie advised that after meeting with several public library stakeholders and board
members, there was an agreement that no additional books would be ordered by the library
until further notice, as a good faith effort for the short term. Mayor Gillespie pledged to continue
work to find effective solutions that would be good for all.
Mayor Gillespie spoke with Senator Chambliss regarding redistricting of the State’s
congressional districts and it was relayed that efforts to keep Prattville in one district is a top
priority. Mayor Gillespie reported that an agreement has been reached with Adrienne’s
Downtown Bar to build a beer fence with concrete money the owner previously set aside and
work should begin soon.
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Mayor Gillespie clarified that he contacted the Chairman of PSWDA, Mr. Mullins, last week to
notify him of the City’s desire to reclaim property and certain deed restrictions. Mayor Gillespie
mentioned there have been many conversations over several years regarding this venture
along with recent documentation sent to the Council by City Attorney Andrew Odom.
Mayor Gillespie plans for the upcoming fiscal year budgets to be presented to the Council prior
to the last City Council meeting in August. He reported that a restroom and the playground
system for North Highland Park are listed on tonight’s regular agenda. The 6th Street pre-
construction meeting was held today with a start date set sometime in August.
Council President Boone advised as soon as budgets were presented to the Council, she would
schedule a Work Session.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
None.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley provided the following report on City Finances for June 2023.
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $4,481,747.06 - total revenue collected in June
o $45,286,383.11 - total revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $3,734,461.32 - tax revenue collected in June
o 9.78% - increase over June 2022
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 75.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 70.74% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $250,782.19 - net income from operations for June
o 75.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 65.82% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o $83,212.17 - net income for June
o 75.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 70.70% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o ($156,922.54) - net loss for June due to metro jail payment
o 75.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 68.94% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Gas Tax Special Revenue Fund Income Statement
o $424,354.43 - revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Capital Projects Fund Income Statement
o $5,989,302.32 - total project and debt service expenses incurred to date
o Current Projects:
Parks & Rec Tier I Projects
Pratt Park, Newton Park and Stanley Jensen Stadium
East Main Street Sidewalks
Thomas Avenue Drainage
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Fairview Avenue Improvements
• Group Health Fund Income Statement
o $552,019.10 - net income to date
• Parks and Recreation
o $706,928.05 - total revenue collected fiscal year to date
o 75.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 85.50% of budgeted revenue earned to date
• Bank Balances Report
o $52,093,045.31– total of all bank balances at the end of June
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $57,589,521.56 - total debt balance city-wide at end of June
o $24,725,271.56 - total non-enterprise fund debt at end of June
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 130 Lee
Circle and 212 Edgewood Avenue 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 154
2. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Dilapidated Structure at 348 Doster Street to Be Unsafe and
a Public Nuisance. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 155
3. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish at 902
Washington Ferry Road to be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance and Order the 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 156
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development
Commission (CARPDC) to Submit a FY2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Large City Fund Application for Drainage Improvements Along Archie Lane, 10th Street and
Bent Tree Court. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 157
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-4 on a
Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The items were placed on a
Consent Agenda (5-0).
Councilor Striplin made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Merrick
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : JACKSON, GORNTO
AGENDA
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1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Construction of a Restroom at
North Highland Park from CAMCO Properties, LLC for the Parks and Recreation Department
at a Cost Not to Exceed $49,750.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 158
Councilor President Pro Tempore Strichik made 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, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : JACKSON, GORNTO
2. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 023-009 to Advanced Roofing Solutions, LLC for the Re-
Roofing of Fire Station #1 for the Facilities Maintenance Division of the Public Works
Department at a Cost of $129,500.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 159
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, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : JACKSON, GORNTO
3. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 023-011 to Lanier Plans, Inc. d/b/a Korkat for the North
Highland Park Playground System for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to
Exceed $66,303.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 160
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made 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, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : JACKSON, GORNTO
4. RESOLUTION: To Reclaim Property from the Prattville Solid Waste Authority. {Sponsored
By: Council President Boone}
HELD
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Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik seconded the motion.
By Point-of-Order, it is necessary that Council rules be suspended if immediate action is to be
considered due to its permanent nature. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion
to suspend the rules and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. There being no discussion,
Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call Vote for the suspension of rules.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin Nay
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
Due to a lack of a unanimous vote, the suspension of rules failed and the resolution was held
until August 8, 2023.
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with MBA Engineers,
Incorporated for Engineering Services for the Extension of Interstate Court for the Engineering
Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $57,000.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 161
Councilor Merrick 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, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : JACKSON, GORNTO
Council President Boone opened the meeting to public comments. All commenters were
instructed to line up by the City Clerk and write their name and address on the sign in sheet
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. She outlined 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. Council President Boone
asked all to be respectful to other attendees and City staff as the meeting is being streamed. It
would be the policy of the Council to no longer allow the reading of excerpts from printed
materials. She reminded all that the public was permitted and encouraged 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.
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COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, recommended that the City Council review all
documentation available regarding the resolution to reclaim property from PSW DA.
Diane Rolling, 119 Magnolia Drive, commented on upcoming budgets and recommended the
City hire more police officers with competitive pay.
David Greenawalt, 1537 Windy Meadow Road, commented on the location of certain books in
the public library and their content as it relates to minors. He thanked Mayor Gillespie for his
efforts to curb additional books being ordered by the library.
Hannah Rees, 101 Grove Court, described numerous library book’s content to the Council
using some explicit language. Council President Boone cautioned Ms. Rees that using terms
over a “PG” rating, would not be tolerated and further would result in her removal from the
Council Chambers.
Wilberto Sanchez, 502 Greystone Road, commented on the Council’s updated rules of
decorum for public speaking, ordering books for the public library and the content of those
books as it relates to minors. He thanked Mayor Gillespie for his efforts to curb additional books
being ordered by the library.
Rachel Daniels, 533 Weatherby Trail, commented that she hardly concurres with the previous
3 speakers.
Angie Hayden, 910 Silver Creek Court, commented on the selection of books in the children
and young adult sections of the public library. She does not wish to have books segregated in
the library and sees this as a form of censorship.
Anne Hollis, 1014 Choctaw Ridge, cited laws dealing with public morals and thanked the Mayor
for his concern about the issues at the public library.
Adam Hunt, 1304 Cranbrook Court, commeneted it was his responsibility as a parent to allow
his child to check out books in the library, likening it to allowing a child to go to the movies.
Chuk Shirley, 217 Wetumpka Street, supports moving books with certain content out of the
sections in the public library that are geared toward minors. He thanked Mayor Gillespie for his
efforts to curb additional books being ordered by the library.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie thanked the Council for their approval of the North Highland Park playground
system and mentioned that there was still more work to be done. He advised that some
Councilors had been in the collaborative efforts with the library and advised all they could reach
out to either him or the Council to relay ideas and suggestions.
Councilor Chambers thanked the Finance Department staff for their efforts and hard work
during the audit. He stated he was proud the City was financially strong.
Council President Boone advised the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be
held Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
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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 7:06 p.m. (5-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Dawn Russell
Assistant City Clerk