CC Minutes 2023.08.15
1
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2023
6:02 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 6:02 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Councilor Striplin 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 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 August 8, 2023. Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Chambers
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0).
Council President Boone recognized Autauga County Commissioner Larry Stoudemire in the
audience. She then 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:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, commented on agenda item #10 and thanked all involved
in the decision to bring it to Prattville.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie asked for a person Point-of-Privilege and thanked City First Responders for
attending to his family during a critical health situation.
Mayor Gillespie reported the Mayor’s (Department Head) Budget was sent to out to Councilors
electronically last week and is being provided in hard copy tonight in their boxes as well as will
be posted online when instructed. He stated the budget was a little over one hundred and
twenty million dollars and potentially included a contract for services for the Autauga-Prattville
Public Library. The Mayor gave a report of a meeting with library officials, County
Commissioners, attorneys and some City officials including discussions on current issues and
focusing on the sexually explicit materials available in print and images in the current 13-18
year old young adult section of the library. Current Library Director Andrew Foster discussed
the potential of a “New Adult” section which targets ages 18-25. Mayor Gillespie stated the
proposed new section would help further classify books falling in the adult category by content
and page count, but he failed to see how this remedies the issue of sexually explicit material
being in the young adult section which begins at age 13. Other discussion involved a potential
library cart system that would prohibit minors from checking out sexually explicit materials. He
further reported the library stated they would resume ordering new books immediately which
will be monitored closely. Mayor Gillespie advised the willingness to compromise is there, but
there is still much work to be done.
Mayor Gillespie reported that with the support of the Council on Agenda Item No. 10, the City
of Prattville will become home to a Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station #4. He stated the
2
Safety Device is in the proposed budgeted, but with a partnership with Kids to Love Foundation,
the box and installation is being covered by the foundation for up to $18,000.00.
Mayor Gillespie gave paving project updates referencing Agenda Item No. 4 and No. 8 involving
construction agreements with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) on the
resurfacing of Lower Kingston Road and Doster Road which are scheduled to be let by ALDOT
on August 25th. He further stated he recently got back from an ALDOT public meeting at
CenterPoint Church where discussion on current plans including a double left turning from 31
onto Hwy 82 were discussed to help alleviate congestion.
Mayor Gillespie continued by giving an update on the Thomas Avenue stormwater project
commending the design work. He advised the work is completed, has been tested, and is doing
well. He further stated the sewer portion of the project is ongoing. Mayor Gillespie commended
all for getting the road repairs done and back open to meet the back to school traffic demand.
He continued by stating that paving patches are in place but full paving is to come before the
project is complete.
Mayor Gillespie gave an update on the North Highland Park project advising the playground
has been ordered with a 12-week lead time for installation. He further stated the restroom
construction will begin after some logistical items are remedied. Mayor Gillespie noted that
lighting and security discussion for the area are ongoing and further reminded everyone to use
caution in the area of Cone Street near Martin Luther King Drive with ongoing piping projects.
Mayor Gillespie turned the floor over to Council President Pro Tempore Strichik to announce
an event. Councilor Strichik invited all out to a “Meet the Lions” annual pep rally event on Friday,
August 18, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. at Stanley Jensen Stadium to meet cheerleaders, Junior High
School and varsity football players as well as hear the Pride of Prattville Band.
Taking the floor back Mayor Gillespie advised he looked forward to the event. He continued his
report by giving an update on the Fairview Avenue project. He advised the City Engineer and
his staff have been working to get this project ready to bid later this year with hopefully seeing
construction to start in January or soon after.
Mayor Gillespie ended his report recognizing a “Locks of Love” display in the back of the
chambers that was discussed at the Historic Prattville Commission meeting. He advised locks
have been capriciously placed on bridges and fencing in downtown Prattville compromising the
welds and the integrity of the structures and will be removed. Mayor Gillespie further advised
that a type of the displayed sample will be permanently placed behind City Hall for this purpose
and made a final call for all to get their current locks from the bridges and fencing before they
are cut off.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Councilor Chambers advised the Sanitation Committee met on August 10, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
in the Council Chambers and discussed the Sanitation financial status, fleet status, renewal of
the solid waste disposal recycling contract, the Solid Waste Management Plan(s) and reviewed
the Sanitation 2023-2024 Budget.
Council President Boone reminded all about the scheduled Finance Committee Meeting set for
Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to discuss the FY2023/2024
3
Budget. She also advised there would be a Budget Work Session on Tuesday, August 22,
2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers for the Council as a whole. Council President
Boone asked that the FY2023/2024 Budget be placed online when available.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley provided the following report on City Finances for July 2023.
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $4,317,342.01 - total revenue collected in July
o $49,603,725.12 - total revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $3,821,606.44 - tax revenue collected in July
o 2.10% - increase over July 2022
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 79.24% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $115,418.79 - net income from operations for July
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 73.55% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o $28,214.10 - net income for July
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 77.59% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o $21,085.53 - net income for July
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 71.75% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Bank Balances Report
o $51,624,404.67– total of all bank balances at the end of July
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $57,511,884.41 - total debt balance city-wide at end of July
o $24,647,634.41 - total non-enterprise fund debt at end of July
Council President Boone thanked Mr. Oakley for getting the budget to the Council. Mr.
Oakley advised the budget would be placed online on the morning of August 16, 2023.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Garbage and Rubbish at 902 Washington
Ferry Road 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 173
2. RESOLUTION: To Grant Permission to the Prattville Lions Quarterback Club to Collect a
Parking Fee at Stanley-Jensen Stadium for the 2023 Football Season. {Sponsored By: Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 174
4
3. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Personal Property from the Sanitation Department. {Sponsored
By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 175
4. RESOLUTION: To Adopt a Transportation Plan for Fiscal Year 2024 as Required by Act
2019-2 for the Rebuild Alabama Fund. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 176
5. RESOLUTION: To Ratify, Affirm and Authorize the City of Prattville to Participate in the State
and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). {Sponsored By: Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik }
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 177
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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 (6-0).
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Purchase of One (1) 2023 or Newer 100’ E-One Ladder
Truck from the HGAC-Buy Purchasing Cooperative, Contract Number FS12-19, from Sunbelt
Fire, Inc. for the Fire Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $1,499,998.00. {Sponsored By:
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 178
Councilor President Pro Tempore Strichik 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
2. RESOLUTION: To Amend FY2023 Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds for the
Purchase of One (1) 2024 Kenworth T480 Garbage Truck through the Sourcewell Purchasing
Cooperative, Contract Number 091219-THC, from Ingram Equipment Company for the
5
Sanitation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $328,949.57. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 179
Councilor Chambers 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
3. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate
Limits East of Bridge Creek Road and West of Parkview Drive from FAR (Forest, Agriculture,
Recreation) to R-2 (Single Family Residential) (Petitioner: Goodwyn Building Company, Inc.)
(Representative: Larry E. Speaks and Associates) (Owner: Frances Carter Estate). {Sponsored
By: Councilor Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 180
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
Councilor Striplin 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
September 19, 2023.
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City of Prattville to Enter into a Construction Agreement
with the State of Alabama, Acting by and through the Alabama Department of Transportation
(ALDOT), for ALDOT Project No. STPMN-0121(252); CPMS Ref# 100073419, for the
Resurfacing on Lower Kingston Road from 4th Street to Breakfast Creek Road at a Total Cost
Not to Exceed $457,978.98 (Net Cost to City Not to Exceed $114,494.75). {Sponsored By:
Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 181
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
6
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds to Perform Sewer Repairs Along
Moncrief Street to Murphy Excavation, LLC for the Wastewater Division of the Public Works
Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $43,500.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 182
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
6. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 023-010 to Murphy Excavation, LLC for Parking Lot
Improvements for the Sanitation and Public Works Departments at a Cost Not to Exceed
$282,325.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 183
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, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds to Perform Sewer Repairs Along
Washington Ferry Road to Murphy Excavation, LLC for the Wastewater Division of the Public
Works Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $41,650.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 184
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
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City of Prattville to Enter into a Construction Agreement
with the State of Alabama, Acting by and through the Alabama Department of Transportation
(ALDOT), for ALDOT Project No. STPMN-0121(251); CPMS Ref# 100073334, for the
Resurfacing on Doster Road from Fleetwood Road to SR-3 (US 31) at a Total Cost Not to
Exceed $555,222.06 (Net Cost to City Not to Exceed $138,805.52). {Sponsored By: Councilor
Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 185
7
Councilor Jackson 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
9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of Four (4) AS950 All-
Weather Samplers from HACH for the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department at
a Cost Not to Exceed $32,739.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 186
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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
10. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Safe Haven
Baby Boxes (SHBB) and Kids to Love Foundation for the Placement a Safety Device at Fire
Station #4 located at 820 Old Ridge Road, Prattville, AL. {Sponsored By: Council President
Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 187
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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
11. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds for the
Purchase of One (1) 2022 Ford F350 4x4 through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative,
Contract Number 060920-NAF, from Ingram Equipment Company for the Wastewater Division
of the Public Works Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $128,862.00. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 188
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:
8
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : GORNTO
12. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Construction of a Restroom at
Lo Picket 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}
FROM THE FLOOR
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 189
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to bring the Resolution from the floor
and Councilor Jackson 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 Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (6-0)
The resolution now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone invited
questions and comments. Councilor Striplin asked how quickly the project would start. Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik called Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Cook to answer
the inquiry. Ms Cook advised this was the same design and contractor as the North Highland
Park restroom. The idea was the contractor would start on the Lo Picket Park restroom because
of logistical issues at North Highland Park but those seem to be worked out so they will start
on the Lo Pickett Park restroom as soon as the North Highland Park restroom is completed.
There being no further 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
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
9
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 of Council meetings or email the whole Council at
citycouncil@prattvilleal.gov. Council President Boone asked those commenting to not speak
about other people and to only address the issue at hand. 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 she was in favor of the resolution from the
floor and inquired about getting a copy of it. Council President Boone deferred to City Clerk
Paula Barlow and Ms. Barlow advised to put in a Public Record request. Ms. Finnegan inquired
to whom questions about the budget should be directed and her desire to adopt an open
checkbook for citizens to see where money is spent. Council President Boone advised to direct
questions about the budget to the Finance Director.
El White II, 621 W. 4th Street, spoke well wishes for the Mayor and his family. He further
commented on the need for ordinances for animal defecation on public property and golf carts
on sidewalks. He also voiced his concerns on the random discharge of weapons in District 1.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Jackson commended the First Responders and specifically the Police Department
for their response to a tragic incident of a 16 year old being shot. He advised he witnessed the
compassion of officers first hand and also had the family reach out to him commending the
officers.
Councilor Merrick offered well wishes for the Mayor and his family as well as condolences to
the Chief of Police and his family. He also thanked the Engineering Department for their work
in assisting with a drainage issue in the Lake Haven area.
Council President Boone reminded all about the Finance Committee Meeting and Budget Work
Session and then advised the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be held
Tuesday, September 5, 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 Striplin seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 7:01 p.m. (6-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council