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CC Minutes 2024.05.211 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024 6:03 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 6:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Councilor Whaley gave the invocation. Roll was called with all Councilors recorded as present with the exception of Councilor Striplin. Council President Boone declared a quorum and called the meeting to order. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS THOROUGHNESS… Taking care of necessary details. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting May 7, 2024. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0). Council President Boone recognized Boy Scout Troop 111 and Girl Scout Troop 311 in attendance working towards the citizenship and community badges by observing tonight's meeting. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Reuben Gardner, 550 Selma Highway, spoke on Agenda Item 8, referencing the property’s address and his plans for the property. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik and Councilor Jackson inquired of a timeline for said repairs. Mr. Gardner also spoke on the zoning classification of 814 Wilberforce Avenue and how long it would take to complete the necessary repairs. Earnest Roy, 156 Durden Road, spoke on Agenda Item 10 inquiring of his options for the property, the demolition process and removing items from the residence before demolition. Council President Boone referred Mr. Roy to Code Enforcement to make arrangements and for the next steps of the process. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie opened his report with a Point-of-Privilege inviting Mr. Willie Rogers, American Legions Vice Commander for the State of Alabama and representatives with American Legion Post 122 to come and recognize Caden Walker for being awarded the 2024 American Legion State Oratorical Scholarship Champion. The Mayor made a second Point-of-Privilege calling Krystle Stell with Mauldin & Jenkins to give an audit update for the City of Prattville. Ms. Stell advised the City received a clean opinion for 2023 with no material weakness or non-compliances and noted the audit did not include the Autauga-Prattville Public Library nor the Prattville Airport Authority. Ms. Stell commended the Finance Department on their support and cooperation during the audit. The Mayor made a third Point-of-Privilege inviting City Planner Scott Stephens and City Attorney Andrew Odom to discuss Alternate Plan 1 on redistricting. Mr. Stephens advised the presented Alternate Plan 1 is a result of consultant building the map based on the feedback from citizens from the Public Hearing and online, feedback from Councilors and the adopted 2 guidelines. Mr. Stephens advised the full size map and flyers were in the front of City Hall and updated on the website. Mr. Stephens advised the next step of the process is a second Public Hearing on this map where the public is invited to attend. The meeting will be held in June and will be recorded, Mr. Stephens advised the public can still submit feedback and maps, based on the 2020 Census data and guidelines, through the dedicated email or online. Councilor Jackson inquired if alternate voting methods had been considered in the event that the City was not able to continue to have a majority/minority district referencing Pleasant Grove, Alabama. Andrew Odom advised, per their discussion, he has begun to research the alternate method of cumulative style voting to see if this is an option for the City. Mr. Odom noting Pleasant Grove moved to this style voting in 2019 and Chilton County in 1988 but that most of these types of voting method is by a Federal Consent decree or some type of settlement. Mr. Odom reiterated to Councilors to share the information on the next Public Hearing with their constituents, explaining the City wanted to get as much public input and feedback as possible on the proposed maps. Councilor Jackson asked for recommendations on how to get the information out about the next Public Hearing to ensure the public knows about it and is encouraged to give feedback. Andrew Odom advised to start by sharing the maps and guidelines with constituents and asking them for their feedback. Mayor Gillespie continued his report by giving updates on two upcoming projects to include the Sewer and Stormwater Project behind City Hall scheduled to start June 1st and will include adding more sidewalks and parking along the creekwalk and the Fairview Avenue Project which is scheduled to start the first part of July. The Mayor continued by discussing the new build to rent trend, building homes specifically to rent, and recommended not accepting infrastructure and street maintenance on these types of subdivisions just as the City does not accept the maintenance for vertical style apartments infrastructure and streets. Mayor Gillespie reminded everyone of the ground breaking ceremony for the new Police and Fire Training Facility on May 30, 2024. The Mayor continued by adding with Council support the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will be July 19-21, 2024 and Project Star Indoors will proceed to provide the Information Technology Department with a new work area in the old bank building and public bathrooms for downtown. Mayor Gillespie invited all to participate in the 2024 Alabama Poppy Project, hosted by Julianne Hansen Fine Arts and Pottery, being held at Spillway Park on May 24, 2024 at 7:15 p.m. and running through May 31, 2024. The Mayor also invited everyone to participate in the Annual Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at Autauga County Courthouse at 11:00 a.m. on May 27, 2024, sponsored by the American Legion Post 122 and VFW Post 1349. Mayor Gillespie continued his report announcing the annual Retro Pool Party at Pratt Park Pool on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and the Kayak Fun Run on Autauga Creek, Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. They Mayor announced the senior adult 3 water aerobics will begin on Monday, June 3, 2024 and will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. for the months of June, July and August, also noting the need for additional life guard and anyone with interest to contact Parks and Recreation. In closing, Mayor Gillespie announced the opening of the Prattville Farmers Market on June 1, 2024, which will operate on Saturday’s in June, July, and August from 7:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. stating more information on these events or others can be found on the City website www.prattvilleal.gov and social media. 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 April 2024. • General Fund Revenue Report o $4,927,836.34 – total revenue collected in April o $36,267,831.90 - total revenue collected fiscal year to date • Tax Breakdown Comparison Report o $4,126,523.01 – tax revenue collected in April o 6.71% - increase over April 2023 • General Fund Expenditures Report o 58.33% - portion of fiscal year completed o 52.41% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Wastewater Fund Income Statement o $341,499.35 – net income from for April (from operations) o 58.33% - portion of fiscal year completed o 48.43% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital projects & debt service) • Sanitation Fund Income Statement o 40,150.22 – net income for April o 58.33% - portion of fiscal year completed o 58.06% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date • Judicial Fund Income Statement o $30,605.19 – net income for April o 58.33% - portion of fiscal year completed o 51.84%- portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Bank Balances Report o $57,812,608.52 – total of all bank balances at the end of April • Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report o $55,633,334.45 – total debt balance city-wide at end of April o $23,778,084.45 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of April CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 1722 E. Main Street Abated and Charge Any Incurred Expenses for the Abatement Process Pursuant 4 to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 107 2. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 625 E. Main 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: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 108 3. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 1146 Gaddis Avenue 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} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 109 4. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 1946 Chancellor Ridge Road 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: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 110 5. RESOLUTION: To Submit the 2023 Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) Annual Reports for the Pine Creek and Autauga Creek Wastewater Treatment Facilities to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 111 6. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Equipment and Vehicles from Various Departments. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 112 7. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Vehicles from Wastewater. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 113 8. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Dilapidated Structure at 114 8th Street to Be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 114 9. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 2305 Cobbs Ford Road and 119 Overlook 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: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 115 10. RESOLUTION: To Consent to the Petition to Form The Riverfell Improvement District. {Sponsored By: Council President Boone} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 116 Councilor Jackson made a motion to place item numbers 1-10 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent Agenda (6-0). 5 Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Whaley seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results: AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN AGENDA 1. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances Chapter 46 - Nuisances, Article IV. – Abandoned Vehicles and Establish Section 46-106. – Regulation of Vehicles in Residential Areas. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley} ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 006 Councilor Whaley 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 Merrick made a motion to suspend the rules and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call Vote for the suspension of rules. ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilor Jackson Aye Councilor Chambers Aye Councilor Merrick Aye Councilor Whaley Aye Councilor Strichik Aye Councilor Boone Aye The rules were suspended (6-0). The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone invited questions and comments from the Council. Councilor Jackson inquired if Section 46-106 of the ordinance was referring to abandoned or inoperable vehicles and how will residents be made aware? Mr. Odom informed Councilor Jackson that this would pertain to properly licensed and registered vehicles that are parked outside of a driveway in a residential area in excess of 72 hours and that Code Enforcement would make residents aware. Mr. Odom also noted there is separate section for abandon and inoperable vehicles. Councilor Whaley commented that under Section 46-106c that a 10 calendar day notice to correct the violation would be issued. There being no further discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 5 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : JACKSON 1 6 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 2. ORDINANCE: To Exempt Certain “Covered Items” From the Municipal Sales and Use Tax During the Third Full Weekend of July 2024, as Authorized by §40-23-210 through §40-23-213, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, Generally Referred to as the “Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday” Legislation. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers} ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 007 Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the ordinance 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 Jackson 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 Jackson Aye Councilor Chambers Aye Councilor Merrick Aye Councilor Whaley Aye Councilor Strichik Aye Councilor Boone Aye The rules were suspended (6-0). 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Matching Funds for Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Project No. STPMN-0115(252) - Widening to Add Turn Lanes, Resurfacing and Traffic Signal Improvements on Fairview Avenue from SR-3 to Jasmine Trail at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $6,044,625.06 (Net Cost to City Not to Exceed $2,844,625.06). {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 117 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 7 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 4. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 024-004 to Construction One, Inc. for the Information Technology, Economic Development and Public Facilities Project Star Indoors at 124 W. Main Street for the Executive Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $1,574,686.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 118 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Sain Associates, Inc. for Construction Engineering and Inspection Services for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Project No. STPMN-0115(252) - Widening to Add Turn Lanes, Resurfacing and Traffic Signal Improvements on Fairview Avenue from SR-3 to Jasmine Trail at a Cost Not to Exceed $800,600.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 119 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Kubota Tractor from Capital Tractor, Inc. for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $26,695.63. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 120 Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 8 7. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Wright Riding Mower, from Ground Works Distribution LLC, for the Fire Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $15,713.60. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 121 Councilor Whaley 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Demolition and Removal of the Dilapidated Structure Located at 814 Wilberforce Avenue, Formerly Addressed as 809 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and Award a Contract to 82 Auto Parts and Wrecker Service LLC at a Cost Not to Exceed $13,500.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 122 Councilor Whaley made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. Council President Boone invited Police Captain Staggers to give a history of the property. Captain Staggers advised Code Enforcement has been dealing with this unsafe and dilapidated structure since 2019 and that on February 22, 2024, the Building Inspector Steve May issued a notice explaining the current violations of the 2021 International Building Code. A notice, to include current violations, was then sent to the owner of the property. Captain Staggers advised the property owner, Reuben Gardner, came to the Police Department and spoke with Code Enforcement personnel concerning potential repairs but gave no timeline for the repairs. Captain Staggers read a more detailed listing that Mr. May issued on April 30, 2024, regarding the violations of the property noting that no repairs had been made to the property. Councilor President Pro Tempore Strichik inquired of City Planner Scott Stephens why an address had never been assigned to the property as Mr. Gardner stated during his comments. Mr. Stephens advised the property was addressed as 809 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive but Mr. Gardner requested for the property to get a Wilberforce Street address which was granted on May 6, 2024. Mr. Stephens also advised that Mr. Gardner had submitted an application for a building permit on May 17, 2024, for roof repairs to the building. Council President Boone inquired of the cost of holding or stopping and restarting this process. City Clerk Paula Barlow advised it would not cost any more to hold the resolution but if the resolution was voted down there would be administrative costs to start the process over. Captain Staggers expressed his concerns regarding vendors and holding the resolution. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik inquired further regarding timelines, repairs and what type of progress should be considered based on the condition of the building. Council President Boone reminded all Councilors for the need for consistency in dealing with like resolutions. 9 Councilor President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to hold the resolution until June 18, 2024. The motion to hold failed without a second. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, BOONE 4 NAYS : JACKSON, STRICHIK 2 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Dump Trailer from True Pull Trailers LLC for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $10,434.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 123 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 10. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Demolition and Removal of the Dilapidated Residential Structure Located at 156 Durden Road and Award a Contract to 82 Auto and Wrecker Service LLC at a Cost Not to Exceed $9,500.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 124 Councilor Whaley made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik inquired of Captain Staggers if it was possible for Mr. Roy to remove the items requested from the property before it was to be demolished. Captain Staggers advised the had spoken to Mr. Roy after his public comments and they are arranging for Mr. Roy to be able to remove the items. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 5 NAYS : JACKSON 1 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN 10 11. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Krebs Engineering, Inc. to Make Application to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for the FY2025 Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Program for East Main Street Pedestrian Access Improvements. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 125 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : STRIPLIN Council President Boone thanked the Boys and Girl Scouts for attending as they exited the chambers. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Karen Cooper, 804 Cobblestone Curve, spoke on the library, book placement, book removal, and censorship. Christina Gardner, 1608 Trolley Road, spoke on the library board, library meetings, concerns on books, policy changes and board members. Jackie Nix, 706 Runningbrook Circle, spoke on the library meeting, thanking the councilors for their attendance and library board funding, budgets and settlements. Ell White, 621 W. 4th Street, spoke on the library and concerns of funds being wasted, a majority minority district and the need for an ordinance on weapons being discharged within the City Limits. Mr. White also requested of a moment of silence in honor of Memorial Day. Earnest Roy, 156 Durden Road, inquired on what rights and under what authority does the City have to demolish personal property. Council President Boone discussed the safety of the City and encourage Mr. Roy to submit a Public Records Request for specific information. CLOSING COMMENTS: Mayor Gillespie spoke on his appreciation for all the veteran’s and the Memorial Day Wreath Laying held Monday, May 27, 2024 at the Autauga County Courthouse. The Mayor also thanked the Council and Finance Department for a good financial audit. Councilor Jackson asked to honor the Mr. White’s moment of silence. Council President Boone paused the meeting from 7:40 p.m. -7:41 p.m. Councilor Chambers spoke on the Memorial Day ceremony and thanked all who served. He also thanked the Finance team. Councilor Merrick thanked all veteran’s and Mr. White and Mr. Newman for their service and sacrifice. Councilor Merrick also noted May being Asian Pacific Heritage month and this year’s theme is “Bridging History, Shaping Our Future”. He expressed his appreciation the way Prattville promotes different cultures among the community. 11 Councilor Whaley encouraged all to take a moment this Memorial Day to reflect on those who have lost their lives to give us the freedoms we have. He also thanked those who have come forth to voice concerns and being respectful in open dialog. Council President Boone advised the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be held Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 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 7:45 p.m. (6-0) APPROVED: Paula G. Barlow City Clerk Lora Lee Boone, President Prattville City Council SUBMITTED BY: Loucretia Harrell Assistant City Clerk