CC Minutes 2023.08.08
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2023
6:02 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 6:02 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 and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik. Council
President Boone declared a quorum and called the meeting to order.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS ALERTNESS: Being aware of what is taking
place around me so I can have the right response.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting July 18, 2023. Councilor
Chambers made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Jackson 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:
George Walthall, 216 Evergreen Street, commented on Agenda Item 8 that affixes a lien on
339 West 4th Street for costs and fees incurred for demolition of an unsafe structure. He made
reference that personal property was removed from the premises and requested the resolution
be held until its sponsor (Strichik) is present.
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, commented on Agenda Item 2 that reclaims property from
the Prattville Solid Waste Disposal Authority (PSWDA). She asked in what ways was PSWDA
not performing its duties. Pertaining to Agenda Item 8, she asked about the difference in costs
from a resolution to award the contract on June 7, 2023.
Dennis Mullins, PSWDA Chairman, 521 Weatherby Trail, commented on Agenda Item 2. He
stated that PSWDA is a nonprofit entity that assists the City with solid waste removal and
oversees the landfill. Mr. Mullins advised the authority pays for liability insurance. He reported
PSWDA does not have the funds available to pay for the upcoming insurance premiums and
is looking for revenue avenues. He advised that PSWDA is willing to work with the City on the
reclamation of the property.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie advised that tomorrow kicked off the start of school for Autauga County and
many private schools in the area. He asked that everyone use caution while traveling,
especially around school zones.
Mayor Gillespie advised that the Mayor’s budget proposal (Department Head budgets) would
be delivered to the Council by Friday. He thanked everyone for their hard work and diligence
and commended departments being frugal with tax payer dollars.
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Mayor Gillespie gave a brief report regarding the Library Board meeting he attended last week.
He stated the board requested a meeting with County officials and himself and would report to
the Council on its outcome.
Mayor Gillespie advised the owner/operators of Adrienne’s Downtown Bar have changed the
scope of the work that was previously agreed upon. The owner has been advised that his point-
of-contact with the City is City Attorney Andrew Odom and there shall be no alcoholic
beverages served outside of the establishment until a beer fence is put in place.
Mayor Gillespie gave an overview on Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) project
to improve traffic flow and safety concerns on McQueen Smith Road, specifically US-31 from
CR-4 to CR-75 and includes a proposed “Continuous Green T-Intersection”. He relayed that
ALDOT will hold a public involvement meeting on August 15, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
at Centerpoint Fellowship Church and citizens may submit all comments and concerns to
ALDOT on or before August 25, 2023. He thanked ALDOT, the City Engineering Department
and Senator Chambliss and others who have worked to get the project started.
Mayor Gillespie closed his report with a brief update on the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive piping
project that will provide infrastructure improvements to areas North of Cone Street.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Boone requested that Councilors send her dates they are available in order
to schedule a Budget Work Session.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 758 North
Court Street Abated and Charge Any Incurred Expenses for the Abatement Process Pursuant
to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President
Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 162
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 118
Guilford Lane Abated and Charge Any Incurred Expenses for the Abatement Process Pursuant
to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President
Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 163
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Submit an Application to Alabama Department of
Environmental Management (ADEM) for Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Project
No. CS-010254-16 for Hilltop Sewer Improvements. {Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 164
4. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass and
Weeds at 1146 Gaddis Avenue, 360 Bent Tree Court and 244 Clubview Drive 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 165
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5. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Table Wine (Off Premises Only) License to BLUE JACK 22 INC
d/b/a Shell. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 20203-A, PAGE 166
Councilor Striplin made a motion to place item numbers 1-5 on a Consent Agenda and
Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent Agenda (5-0).
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Jackson
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO, STRICHIK
AGENDA
1. ORDINANCE: 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}
ORDINANCE BOOK 2023, PAGE 014
This ordinance was introduced at the July 11, 2023, Council meeting where Councilor Jackson
made a motion and Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the
Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO, STRICHIK
2. RESOLUTION: To Reclaim Property from the Prattville Solid Waste Authority. {Sponsored
By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 167
This resolution was introduced at the July 18, 2023, Council meeting where Councilor
Chambers made a motion and Councilor President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion.
There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO, STRICHIK
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3. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances Chapter 46 - Nuisances,
Article I. - In General, Sec. 46-4 and Article III. - Litter, Sec. 46-57. {Sponsored By: Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik}
ORDINANCE BOOK 2023, PAGE 015
Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Chambers seconded
the motion. By Point-of-Order, it is necessary that Council rules be suspended if immediate
action is to be considered. Councilor Chambers made a motion to suspend the rules and
Councilor Merrick 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 Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (5-0).
The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone invited
questions and comments from the Council. There being no discussion, the Ordinance was
adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO, STRICHIK
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Civil Southeast LLC
for Engineering Services for Hilltop Sewer Improvements for the Wastewater Division of the
Public Works Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $204,500.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 168
Councilor Striplin 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, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO, STRICHIK
5. RESOLUTION: To Surplus One (1) 2007 Freightliner M2 Truck and Authorize the Purchase
of a 2024 Kenworth T380 PACMAC Side Arm Truck through the Sourcewell Purchasing
Cooperative Contract Number 060920-NAF, from Ingram Equipment Company for the
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Sanitation Department at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $238,356.91 (Net Cost to City
$181,356.91). {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 169
Councilor Chambers 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, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO, STRICHIK
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Civil Southeast LLC
for Professional Engineering Design Services for Construction of a Public Safety Training
Facility for the Police and Fire Departments at a Cost Not to Exceed $153,000.00. {Sponsored
By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 170
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,
MERRICK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO, STRICHIK
7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Civil Southeast LLC
for Professional Engineering Design Services for Construction of a Public Works Facility for the
Engineering Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $26,000.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 171
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, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO, STRICHIK
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost of Demolition of the
Dilapidated and Unsafe Structure at 339 West 4th Street. {Sponsored By: Council President
Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 172
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Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick seconded
the motion. Councilor Jackson asked about the cost difference Ms. Finnegan alluded to during
public comment. City Attorney Andrew Odom advised the price difference from the resolution
to award the contract and now is this amount includes costs associated with the abatement
process, specifically publishing and filing fees. Councilor Jackson asked if there was a plan to
locate the personal property removed from Mr. Walthall’s property before acting on the
resolution. Council President Boone advised that Mr. Walthall’s attorney and Mr. Odom are
handling that issue. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO, STRICHIK
Council President Boone 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.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, commented on a professional services agreement for
Cobbs Ford Road turn lane extension and sidewalk improvements. She questioned why an
Advertisement for Bid noted East Main Street and advised she previously sought clarification
from the Engineering Department. Mayor Gillespie advised that addresses or named locations
can differ a small amount, but the engineering schematics are correct.
Lori Herring, 225 Stewart Street, representing Eagle Forum of Alabama, commented on the
rights of parents to pursue excellence in education for their children and the selection of books
in the public library’s children and young adult section.
Adam Hunt, 304 Cranbrook Court, commended the public library for the many events and
activities they sponsor for citizens. He does not agree with defunding the public library over
book selections and commented that it is a parent’s responsibility to police what their child
reads.
Samantha Diamond, 2219 County Road 19, thanked Mayor Gillespie for allowing a book
reading in Prattville on Saturday. She commented that she does not wish to see any group
censored Additionally, she does not wish for Alabama’s public libraries to cut ties with the
American Library Association.
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Wiberto Sanchez, 1050 Choctaw Ridge, thanked the Mayor for allowing a book reading in
Prattville on Saturday and commented on communist beliefs.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Council President Boone advised the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be
held Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Merrick made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
(5-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council