CC Minutes 2024.08.201
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2024
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 20, 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 DECISIVENESS: Processing information and
finalizing difficult decisions.
Council President Boone granted a Point-of-Privilege to Autauga County Probate Judge Kim
Kervin. Judge Kervin spoke on the need to have the City of Prattville Redistricting data to the
Autauga County Probate Office a year before the election. Judge Kervin explained the process
that her office goes through to input the redistricting data and the need for time for checks and
balances. Judge Kervin advised her office would work with the City of Prattville whenever the
data was transmitted to her office but emphasized having the data a year prior would be optimal
for the data to be input and checked.
Councilor Jackson inquired if the Autauga County Probate Office considered utilizing a
software that could input the data for them and Judge Kervin advised the software was costly
and something they would only utilize during redistricting times. She further advised that her
office would still perform manual verification. Judge Kervin concluded advising the software
was an advantage, but if something went wrong on an election day, the fault would be on her
office not the software, therefore they would take every precaution to ensure the information is
input correctly.
Councilor Chambers inquired how long would it take the data to be transmitted to the Secretary
of State’s Office so that candidates could get voter lists. Judge Kervin advised the list would
be uploaded automatically as information is input.
Councilor Jackson advised there may be a desire to possibly collaborate with the County to
obtain the software. Judge Kervin expressed her opinion that it was not worth $100,000.00 to
utilize once every 10 years.
Council President Boone spoke on the professional courtesy to the Autauga County Probate
Office stating this was a tedious process. Council President Boone closed by stating candidates
could start raising money a year out from the election and the need for transparency and the
timeliness for the process.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Redistricting Work Session July 30, 2024 and Public Hearing and
City Council Meeting August 6, 2024. 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 (6-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
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Debra and Robert Robinson, 118 Cosby Court, spoke on Agenda Item #2 and discussed what
steps they have taken to move forward, as well as plans and issues faced for the property at
106 7th Street.
Gerald Cimis, 141 N. Chestnut Street, spoke on Agenda Item #5 and his concerns regarding
transparency of the resolution and dollar amount not being listed. Dr. Cimis also spoke on his
concerns regarding the BVCV settlement, the timeline leading to it to date and using of funds
for infrastructure issues. Councilor Jackson asked Dr. Cimis if he felt this was a win for the
citizens of the City. Dr. Cimis responded no, and discussed funding acquired and other usage
for those funds.
Patrick Lucas, 1211 Caliber Crossing, spoke on Agenda Item #5 with concerns for the City and
tax payers, funding and issues in the community.
Councilor Jackson exited the Council Chambers at 6:28 p.m. and returned at 6:28 p.m.
Mr. Lucas continued to discuss redistricting and his concerns for all citizens. Councilor Jackson
inquired about communication with Councilor Striplin.
Ell White, 621 W. 4th Street, discussed Agenda Item #5 and his concerns with use of funds and
infrastructure issues. Mr. White also spoke on Agenda Item #7 and having majority minority
district. Councilor Whaley inquired if the proposed Redistricting Map 3 included a majority
minority district. Mr. White answered no, stating the numbers included other races not just
African Americans and voiced his concerns with non-U.S. citizens census numbers being tied
in.
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, commented on Agenda Item #5. She spoke on the timeline
leading up to the BVCV settlement, funding, staffing, infrastructure issues and salaries.
At 6:39 p.m. Council President Boone passed the gavel to Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik to speak on behalf of District 7. Councilor Boone addressed Ivey Classical and
concerns of funding the Charter School advising that City funds were not used to aid Ivey
Classical in any way. Councilor Boone continued by speaking of the Charter School being
competition to the City’s public schools and other private schools in the area which many
Councilors are invested in. Councilor Boone concluded stating the City of Prattville was
dedicated to public education. At 6:42 p.m. the gavel was passed back to Council President
Boone.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie opened his report by asking for a Point-of Privilege, calling Fire Chief Terry
Brown to the podium. Mayor Gillespie congratulated Chief Brown on his retirement on
September 1, 2024, and thanked him for his years of service, hard work and dedication. The
Mayor presented Chief Brown with a clock made from a saw blade found in the Mill Pond. Chief
Brown commented on the honor his career has brought him and the commitment, dedication
and friendships gained. He also thanked the citizens of Prattville.
Mayor Gillespie continued by reporting Deputy Fire Chief Joshua Bingham will be acting as
Interim Fire Chief and noted the Prattville Fire Department had six graduates from the
Paramedic class and all passed their national exam on the first attempt and received their State
of Alabama Paramedic license. The Mayor continued by advising that the City received the
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CSX Select Site Silver award for the South Industrial Park, advising this shows the City’s
dedication towards economic development and industrial parks. Mayor Gillespie also
discussed recent Police enforcement details and requested a Street Committee meeting to
review the traffic calming procedures that were requested by the Council. The Mayor advised
the hard copy of the proposed budget was placed in Councilors mailboxes with an electronic
version to go out the following day.
Mayor Gillespie notified Councilors of a summary of the adopted International Property
Maintenance Code that was placed in their mailboxes which could assist with addressing some
of the issues at Candlestick, Brandywine and Hilltop Trailer Parks in providing relief to the
community. Mayor Gillespie asked for guidance from the Council on how to proceed with the
issues through the court system whether it be through a nuisance abatement or injunction relief
to address the outstanding and ongoing challenges.
In closing, Mayor Gillespie reported there were numerous City of Prattville board vacancies
and encouraged the public to apply for open positions by visiting the website.
Council President Boone asked that the draft budget be placed online.
FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Councilor Chambers – Sanitation Committee Meeting held on August 12, 2024, topics
discussed included changes to the Code of Ordinances, new trucks, holiday incentive pay, and
the financial state of the Sanitation Department and buildings and lots.
Councilor Whaley – Public Safety (Police & Fire), Judicial, I.T. Committee Meeting held on
August 13, 2024, topics discussed included budgets and financials for Police, Fire, I.T. &
Judicial Departments, as well as the Code of Ordinances referencing noise, package stores
and liquor licenses and cameras in certain areas.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley provided the following report on City Finances for July 2024.
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $4,705,517.29 – total revenue collected in July
o $49,431,136.46 - total revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $3,867,239.45– tax revenue collected in July
o 0.47% increase over July 2023
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 82.55% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement
o $235,214.53 – net income from for July
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 75.28% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
• Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement
o $13,456.47 – net loss for July
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 83.22% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement
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o $402,667.22 – net income for July (due to $396,000.00 remaining budgeted
amount of transfer money between general fund to judicial. The $396,000.00
transfer was made during this month.)
o 83.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 76.26%- portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
•Bank Balances Report
o $54,662,344.08 – total of all bank balances at the end of July
•Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $55,040,182.22 – total debt balance city-wide at end of July
o $23,184,932.22 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of July
CONSENT AGENDA
1.RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass and
Weeds at 1105 Deramus Court, 1397 Cubs Place, 403 Azalea Drive and 104 New Moon Court,
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 196
2. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Stagnant Water at 403 Azalea 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: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 197
3. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Personal Property from Various Departments. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Merrick}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 198
4. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Personal Property from Wastewater. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 199
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 1391 Giants Drive. {Sponsored By: Council Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 200
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 1386 Serenity Drive. {Sponsored By: Council Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 201
7. RESOLUTION: To Adopt a Transportation Plan for Fiscal Year 2025 as Required by Act
2019-2 for the Rebuild Alabama Fund. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 202
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-7 on a
Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The items were placed on
a Consent Agenda (6-0).
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Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik 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 Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate Limits at 1241 Upper
Kingston Road from R-2 (Single Family Residential) and FAR (Forest, Agriculture, Recreation)
to FAR (Petitioner: Russ and Jessica Sanders). {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 015
This ordinance was originally introduced on July 16, 2024, where Councilor Jackson made a
motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The ordinance
now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone opened the floor for
discussion. 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
2. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Dilapidated Structure at 106 7th Street to Be Unsafe and a
Public Nuisance. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 203
This resolution was originally introduced on July 16, 2024, where Councilor Chambers made a
motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the
motion. The resolution was subsequently held until the August 20, 2024 City Council meeting.
The resolution now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone opened the
floor for discussion.
Councilor Jackson commented on the actions taken by the Robinsons. He asked City Attorney
Andrew Odom what are the recommendation to handle this resolution. Mr. Odom informed the
council and explained each option, voting down or postponing the date. Council President
Boone called Captain Staggers to the podium inquiring about the date of the photos given to
the Council. He informed the Council that the photos were taken the morning of the council
meeting. Council President Boone acknowledged no repairs have been made to the home,
only a dumpster being placed on site.
Councilor Whaley spoke to the Robinson’s daughter and the effort made to secure financing,
have a dumpster on site and obtain a permit. He stated that speaking with City Planner Scott
Stephens, he understood that a permit was issued and would be good for six months from the
time issued for work to begin. He also stated the permit may not supersede the dilapidated
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structure code. Councilor Whaley expressed that the Robinsons have made an effort to move
forward. There being no further discussion, Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Jackson Nay
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
Councilor Whaley Nay
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The Resolution was adopted with the following results: (4-2).
3. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances Chapter 50 - Offenses &
Miscellaneous Provisions, Article III. - Offenses Involving Public Peace and Order, Division 2.
– Noise. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 016
This ordinance was originally introduced on August 6, 2024, where Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Chambers seconded
the motion. The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone
opened the floor for discussion. Councilor Whaley made a motion to amend the ordinance §50-
75(b) Exemptions by adding #4 starting on line 56, and handed out the proposed
amendedment. Councilor Chambers seconded the amendment. The amendment passed with
the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion on the amended ordinance. There
being no discussion on the amended Ordinance, the amended Ordinance was adopted with
the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
4. ORDINANCE: To Repeal Chapter 109 – Floods, Article II. – Flood Damage Prevention, and
its Amendments and Replace it with Chapter 109 – Floods, Article II. - Flood Damage
Prevention 109-19 through 109-92, Inclusive. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 017
This ordinance was originally introduced on August 6, 2024, where Councilor Chambers made
a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. The ordinance
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now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone opened the floor for
discussion. 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
5. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget, Consent to the Settlement of Litigation styled BVCV
High Point, LLC v. City of Prattville, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama and to
Authorize the Purchase of Real Property. {Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 204
This resolution was originally introduced on August 6, 2024, where Councilor Chambers made
a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the
motion. By Point-of-Order the resolution of permanent nature was held until the next meeting.
The resolution now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone opened the
floor for discussion.
Councilor Whaley discussed his concerns on the deviation of the Comprehensive Master Plan
and the recommendation from the Planning Commission. Councilor Whaley stated he was not
in favor of using this property for City use or as an incentive, but instead searching for a
developer to purchase the property to recuperate the money spent.
Councilor Jackson spoke on his concerns of deviating from the Planning Commission’s
recommendation regarding the rezoning of the property, the use of the property to pay back
the citizens, as well as infrastructure needs throughout the City.
There being no further discussion, The Resolution was adopted with the following results:
(5-1).
YES : CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : JACKSON 1
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
6. ORDINANCE: To Grant a Franchise Agreement to Telepak Networks, Inc. d/b/a C Spire and
Its Affiliates (collectively, “C Spire”) to Construct, Operate and Maintain a Telecommunications
System in the City of Prattville and Set Forth the Conditions Accompanying the Grant of the
Franchise. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
HELD UNTIL 9.3.2024
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Whaley 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:
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Councilor Jackson Nay
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
Councilor Whaley Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
Without unanimous consent to suspend the rules, by Point-of-Order, this ordinance will be held
until the September 3, 2024.
7. ORDINANCE: To Amend Ordinance Book 2011, Page 024, Ordinance Book 2016-A, Page
009 and Ordinance Book 2020, Page 005 to Re-Describe the Legal Descriptions of City Council
Districts Pursuant to 2020 Federal Census and Designate Voting Locations. {Sponsored By:
Council President Boone}
HELD UNTIL 9.3.2024
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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 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 Nay
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
Councilor Whaley Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
Without unanimous consent to suspend the rules, by Point-of-Order, this ordinance will be held
until the September 3, 2024.
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Engineers of the
South LLC for Professional Design Engineering Services, Work Order No. 34 - Project No. PV-
2404, for Upgrades to the Autauga Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant at a Cost Not to Exceed
$1,440,000.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 205
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
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Council President Boone called for a five minute recess at 7:23 p.m.
The Council reconvened at 7:29 p.m.
9. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2024 Budget and Award Bid No. 024-012 to Stivers Ford
Lincoln Inc. for the Purchase of 2025 or Newer Police Utility SUVs with Installation and
Purchase/Installation of Fleet Emergency Equipment for the Police Department at a Total Cost
Not to Exceed $379,760.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 206
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
10. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 024-011 to Stone and Sons Electrical Contractors, Inc.
for the Tara Drive @ McQueen Smith Road Traffic Signal at a Cost Not to Exceed $231,567.26.
{Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 207
Councilor Whaley 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
11. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Construction of a Restroom at
Spinners Park from CAMCO Properties, LLC for the Parks and Recreation Department at a
Cost Not to Exceed $67,990.03. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 208
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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
12. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Seay, Seay &
Litchfield, P.C. for Architectural Design Services for the Vehicle Maintenance Office Building
Project at a Cost Not to Exceed $39,500.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
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RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 209
Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Whaley 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
13. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Reimbursement pursuant to the United States Treasury
Regulation Section 1.150-2 for Capital Improvements. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 210
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
14. RESOLUTION: To Appoint an Economic Development Director for the City of Prattville.
{Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 211
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick seconded
the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion.
Councilor Whaley expressed his concerns with the posted salary verses the salary offered for
the Economic Developer position along with the responsibilities as it compares to other
department head positions. Councilor Whaley expressed his concerns with the economic
development strategy and bringing other partners together to further economic development in
the area.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik discussed the qualification Dr. Amy Hilliard is bringing
to the City, her involvement with the James Hardie plant locating in Prattville, previous success
at the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, her grant writing skills and her successes in the
City of Auburn contributing to her being highly qualified for the role.
Councilor Jackson expressed citizens’ concerns and thoughts for the role to go back to the
Chamber of Commerce.
Council President Boone complimented Councilor Whaley on his comments stating they were
well thought out and that he made excellent points. She advised Councilors they could also
share their thought processes or ask questions prior to Council meetings.
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There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 4
NAYS : JACKSON, WHALEY 2
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
15. RESOLUTION: To Name Fire Station No. 4 in Honor of Fire Chief Terry D. Brown
{Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley and Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 212
Councilor Whaley 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
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Mary Adair, 106 8th Street, commented on North Highland Park and inquired about the time of
completion of improvements to the park. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik informed Ms.
Adair on improvements and upcoming plans for North Highland Park.
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, spoke against the BVCV settlement and Ivey Charter.
Gerald Cimis, 141 N. Chestnut Street, spoke on dollar amounts being entered on the title of
resolutions and on the options the Council had on the Resolution for Agenda Item #2 other
then voting yes or no.
Barbara Robinson, 123 White Oak Court, spoke on her concerns with the Resolution on
Agenda Item #2.
Patrick Lucas, 1211 Caliber Crossing, commented on the Robinson home and Agenda Item
#2.
El White II, 621 W. 4th Street, spoke on accountability, diversity and equality as well as citizen’s
rights of expression and homes in the community. Mr. White also commented on the success
of a backpack drive he hosted for area children.
Leslie Vaughn, 614 Coleman Way, spoke in opposition of the passing of Agenda Item #2,
weeded ditches, the need for sidewalks in certain areas and speeding.
Wade Newman, 960 Fireside Drive, spoke on being on the Montgomery Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO), the availability of federal funding for sidewalks and his thought that the
Economic Developer position would be better suited at the Prattville Area Chamber of
Commerce.
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CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Chambers thanked Chief Brown for his service to the City and welcomed Ms. Hilliard.
Councilor Merrick thanked Chief Brown for his service and welcomed Economic Development
Director Dr. Amy Hilliard to the City.
Councilor Whaley thanked Chief Brown for his service and addressed the Robinsons advising
there was a process for this and his regret that it did not work out.
Mayor Gillespie spoke of past challenges, the blessings the City has experienced, the
knowledge and experience Dr. Hillard brings to Prattville and cautioned that negativity can also
impact economic development in the community.
Councilor Jackson thanked Chief Thompson and the Police Department for cleaning up issues
in District 2 dealing with the recent shootings. Councilor Jackson thanked Chief Brown for his
service and the Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Cook for the work done at North Highland
Park. Councilor Jackson addressed the passage of the Resolution on 106 7th Street and his
displeasure and thanked the citizens for their involvement. Councilor Jackson expressed his
disagreement with the proposed map advising all were not in agreement with the proposed
changes.
Councilor Jackson began reading an email dealing with personnel issues. Mayor Gillespie
made an objection advising this was targeting employees. Council President Boone inquired
of City Attorney Andrew Odom as to the procedures and Mr. Odom referenced the Council
Rules of Procedure Section #13 advising the presiding officer has the authority to decide all
questions of order and if the decision is appealed by a member of the Council it would be ruled
on by the majority of the Council. Council President Boone asked Councilor Jackson to
continue with his closing comments, but not read the email. Councilor Jackson appealed.
Council President Boone called for a roll call vote of the members for Mr. Jackson to continue
with reading the email. The results are as follow:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Nay
Councilor Merrick Nay
Councilor Whaley Aye
Councilor Strichik Nay
Councilor Boone Nay
Council President Boone inquired if Councilor Jackson had any further closing comments.
Councilor Jackson commented on the challenge of being up front with people, but not being
allowed to have a question, to talk or say anything. He continued by discussing being
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threatened by a citizen and the need for prosecution of individuals who threaten elected
officials.
Council President Boone advised they are working on a date for the budget work session and
to look for the announcement soon and thanked Chief Brown for his service. Council President
Boone expressed her disappointment that the redistricting did not move forward this evening,
but she was looking forward to a vote on September 3, 2024. Council President Boone stated
the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
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 8:33 p.m. (6-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Loucretia Harrell
Assistant City Clerk