CC Minutes 2023.12.191
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023
6:04 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 6:04
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 Council President Pro Tempore Strichik. Council President Boone
declared a quorum and called the meeting to order.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS GENEROSITY… Managing my resources so
I can freely give to those in need.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting December 5, 2023.
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Merrick seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (5-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, spoke on Resolution No. 5 and concerns of conflict of
interest in board appointees. Council President Boone advised board members would abstain
from voting on issues with conflicts of interest.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie opened his report commenting on the great turn out to the Christmas parade
and announcing Prattville officially being on list for the top five Hallmark towns in Alabama. The
Mayor congratulated all involved in the Christmas decorating for their hard work and
accomplishment transforming downtown into a Christmas wonderland.
The Mayor continued his report by congratulating the Finance Department on being awarded
their 9th Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for
excellence in finance reporting. Mayor Gillespie stated the City continues to show transparency
and dedication to fiscal responsibility.
Mayor Gillespie reported the Safe Haven Baby Box has been installed at Fire Station No. 4
and the official blessing of the box will be January 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. The Mayor further
announced that three candidates have qualified for District 5 City Council election and wished
them all the best during this special election.
Mayor Gillespie gave a project update on the Doster Road paving project advising crews should
start paving on January 2, 2024. The Mayor further stated as we close out 2023, the City of
Prattville has had a record number of projects including the most asphalt, concrete and park
improvements and that 2023 has been very productive for our community. The Mayor went on
to mention additional projects for 2024 to include the Bank Project and outdoor venue, the
Public Safety Training Facility, and the Engineering Department facility are all moving forward.
Mayor Gillespie thanked all Department Heads and Staff for making Prattville a wonderful
community to live work and play. The Mayor also thanked the citizens for their thoughts and
prayers for keeping everyone motivated in making Prattville better one project at a time.
The Mayor reminded everyone of the Home Town Family Nativity Scavenge Hunt December
21, 2023, thanking Judge Kervin and her team along with the Chamber of Commers for
organizing this event.
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In closing Mayor Gillespie thanked all of our military, public safety, public works and other
professionals and their families for their sacrifices and service especially during this Christmas
Season.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
None
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Deputy Finance Director Carlee Sims provided the following report on City Finances for
November 2023.
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $5,639,562.62 – total revenue collected in November
o $6,194,379.19 – total revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $3,716,900.54 – tax revenue collected in November
o 3.52% - increase over November 2022
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 16.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 12.83% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $110,560.55 – net income from operations for November
o 16.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 16.89% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o $230,628.51 – net income for November
o 16.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 20.05% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o $6,211.37 – net income for November
o 16.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 5.87%- portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Bank Balances Report
o $56,792,797.50 – total of all bank balances at the end of November
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $57,257,493.65 – total debt balance city-wide at end of November
o $24,393,243.65 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of November
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 1607
Buena Vista Boulevard 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}
2. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) and Retail Table Wine (Off
Premises Only) License to First Pike Inc. d/b/a Raceway 6708. {Sponsored By: Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik}
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3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to File a Release of Stagnant Water and
Garbage and Rubbish Lien on 1926 Tara Drive. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik}
4. RESOLUTION: To Support the City of Prattville Entering into a Joint Solid Waste
Management Plan (SWMP) with Autauga and Elmore Counties. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Chambers}
5. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Brandy Mitchell to the Industrial Development Board.
{Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin}
6. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 109 E. 4th Street a Public Nuisance
and Authorize the Mayor to Abate and Charge Any Incurred Expenses Pursuant to Chapter 46
et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik}
7. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Dilapidated Structure at 312 Marlette Drive to Be Unsafe and
a Public Nuisance. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
8. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 312 Marlette Drive a Public
Nuisance and Authorize the Mayor to Abate and Charge Any Incurred Expenses Pursuant to
Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President
Pro Tempore Strichik}
9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to File a Release of Garbage and Rubbish
Lien on 229 Camellia Drive. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
Councilor Chambers made a motion to place items on the Consent Agenda and Councilor
Striplin seconded the motion.
Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Striplin
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 : STRICHIK
AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Establish 2024 Redistricting Guidelines and Milestones. {Sponsored By:
Council President Boone}
HELD FROM 12.5.2023
This resolution was introduced at the December 5, 2023, City Council meeting, where Councilor
President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick
seconded the motion. The resolution was subsequently held until the December 19, 2023, City
Council meeting. The resolution now being properly before the Council, Council President
Boone opened the floor for discussion.
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Councilor Striplin commented on ensuring the City has the proper guidelines regarding the
redistricting process and questioned if there would be public input on the guidelines. Council
President Boone stating public input would be considered during Public Hearings and
throughout the process, but that the guidelines must be adopted before the City could get to
that part of the process. Council President Boone advised the guidelines were held over for the
two-week period to review, answer questions or gain additional information from outside
sources.
Councilor Jackson inquired of City Attorney, Andrew Odom, if districts had to be contiguous,
stating previous concerns on not having a district with minority representation. Mr. Odom
advised Councilor Jackson that the one person one vote goal is priority and that it may have to
be a non-contiguous district to accomplish the goal. Mr. Odom referenced the guidelines
wording stating “strive to” vs. “shall”. Councilor Jackson inquired if consideration was given into
reaching out to additional attorneys who have experience in redistricting and redistricting
guidelines. Mr. Odom stated the plan is to gain a consultant, preferably an attorney, who has
experience in this matter to gain expert input. Mr. Odom continues to state the redistricting
process will take a lot of public input and public hearings. Mr. Odom also touched on Councilor
Striplin’s concerns that the guidelines are just the starting point that lays out how the City will
move forward.
Councilor Striplin asked Mr. Odom if the guidelines could be modified once passed or were
they permanent in nature. Mr. Odom advised the guidelines were a resolution which could be
revisited, modified, or amended at any time, if necessary.
Councilor Jackson inquired of Mr. Odom if there was a need to have Council W ork Session to
review said guidelines so that all can have input. Mr. Odom stated the guidelines were sent
mid-November to all Councilors for review and that the process started with the establishment
of redistricting guidelines.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, BOONE 4
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : JACKSON 1
ABSENT : STRICHIK
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Elgin
RegenX Street Sweeper through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative, Contract No.
093021-ELG, from Sansom Equipment Co., Inc. for the Public Works Department at a Cost
Not to Exceed $298,867.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following
results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
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ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRICHIK
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Preliminary Engineering and
Construction Agreement with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)
for an American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Drinking Water/Wastewater Project for Bell Park
Drainage at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $202,500.00 (Net Cost to City Not to Exceed City
$52,500.00). {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded
the motion. 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 : STRICHIK
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Krebs Engineering,
Inc. for Construction Engineering Services for Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)
Project No. TAPAA-TA24(925) for Comprehensive Americans with Disabilities (ADA)
Compliance for Downtown Pedestrian Paths and Sidewalks for the Engineering Department at
a Total Cost Not to Exceed $51,400.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded
the motion. 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 : STRICHIK
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Krebs Engineering,
Inc. for Engineering Services for American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Drinking
Water/Wastewater Project for Bell Park Drainage at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $26,885.00.
{Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick seconded the
motion. 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 : STRICHIK
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6. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances Chapter 10 - Animals, Article
II. - Dogs, Section 10-43. - Dog Tethering. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik}
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Striplin 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 : STRICHIK
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, spoke of her concerns of water quality and being able to
keep up the infrastructure with growth in the City.
Jackie Nix, 706 Running Brooke Circle, spoke on the Library Board vacancies.
Christina Garner, 1608 Trolley Road, spoke on Library concerns and issues.
Ell White II, 621 W. 4th Street, spoke on diversity in the community and redistricting.
Craig Clement, 1317 Cherry Tree Lane, spoke on the Homeplace development and expressed
his concerns of creating more traffic on the bypass.
Dianne Rolling, 119 Magnolia Drive, spoke on traffic concerns.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.
Councilor Striplin wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Councilor Jackson expressed his gratitude towards time and effort to all who have helped with
the betterment of the community and overcoming obstacles and achieved progress. Councilor
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Jackson commended his fellow councilmen, the Mayor, City staff, community members, and
first responders for their collaboration, commitment and dedication to the City of Prattville.
Councilor Jackson wished everyone a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Councilor Chambers thanked everyone for making Prattville so great, he expressed it has been
a very productive year and looks forward to 2024. Councilor Chamber wished everyone a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Councilor Merrick commented on it being an honor to have worked with all the Councilors, the
Mayor, and City staff. Councilor Merrick also thanked the Police, first responders, Fire
departments, EMA and everyone who has made this a safe and wonderful community to live.
Councilor Merrick wished everyone a Merry Christmas, safe travels, and a Happy New Year.
Council President Boone wished everyone a Merry Christmas and expressed her excitement
to show her family the City of Prattville.
Councilor Boone advised the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be held
Tuesday, January 2, 2024, 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 6:52 p.m.
(5-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Loucretia Harrell
Assistant City Clerk