CC Minutes 2024.09.031
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 6:05 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik asked of a moment of silence in memory of Councilor
Albert Striplin who passed away on August 27, 2024, followed by the invocation. Roll was called
with all Councilors recorded as present. Council President Boone declared a quorum and called
the meeting to order.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS DILIGENCE: Focusing my effort on the work
at hand.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting August 20, 2024.
Councilor Chambers 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:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, spoke on Agenda Item #4 commenting the name should
be palace and not place.
Debra Robinson, 118 Cosby Court, commented on not knowing what tomorrow holds.
Ell White, 621 W. 4th Street, discussed Agenda Item #2 and his concerns having a majority
minority district, the Civil Rights Act of 1975 and the Census.
Joshua Pendergrass, 110 Heritage Hills Drive, (legally representing Debra and Robert
Robinson) spoke concerning the property at 106 7th Street and his desire for the City Council
to reconsider their decision from August 20,2024.
Jackie Jones, 5473 W. Shades Valley Drive, Montgomery, AL, spoke on the Council doing
what’s right, community and working together.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie opened his report thanking Council President Pro Tempore Strichik for the
moment of silence for Councilor Striplin and then continued by remembering and honoring
Councilor Striplin as a pillar in the community. Mayor Gillespie commended Councilor Striplin’s
leadership in the City of Prattville and celebrated his life noting he lived a distinguished and
honorable life of service by serving on the Prattville City Council from 2011-2024 and as Council
President from 2016-2020, as well as his service to numerous organizations like the Historic
Prattville Redevelopment Authority, Prattville YMCA, Prattville Kiwanis Club, First Methodist
Church, Autauga County Master Gardeners Association and his 35 years of service with the
Bank of Prattville. The Mayor continued remarking on how precious life is and commenting on
the two Selma community students who recently lost their lives asking to keep their friends and
family in prayer.
Mayor Gillespie continued his report by commenting on the 71 year tradition of the Prattville
Service League and their successful Labor Day barbeque. The Mayor thanked all the
volunteers and City staff who help facilitate and participated in the event. Mayor Gillespie also
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noted the Guardian Championship Epson Tour at Capitol Hill September 6-8, 2024, where the
City would welcome professional golfers to our community.
In closing Mayor Gillespie invited all to attend the 9/11 Ceremony that will be held September
11, 2024 beginning at 7:40 a.m. at the Public Safety Building.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Boone reminded all of the upcoming Budget Work Session that will be held
Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. noting it would be open for public attendance but
not for public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Restaurant Retail Liquor License to SEA Investments, LLC, d/b/a
Uncle Mick’s Cajun Cafe. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 213
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 102 E.
Bonanza Drive, 121 Quail Run and 1317 Huie Street Abated and Charge Any Incurred
Expenses for the Abatement Process Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of
Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 214
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 1001 Oates Road. {Sponsored By: Council Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 215
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 279 Gardner Road. {Sponsored By: Council Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 216
5. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Stagnant Water at 115 Ivey Lane 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 217
6. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Stagnant Water at 209 Caroline 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 218
7. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 221 10th 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 219
8. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Personal Property from the Parks and Recreation Department.
{Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 220
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9. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 231 Caroline 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 221
10. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 104 A Highway 82 W. 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 222
11. RESOLUTION To Set a Public Hearing for a Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II (Package)
License for Bhavani 2024 Inc. d/b/a Sam’s Wine and Spirits. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 223
12. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Duwan Walker to the Industrial Development Board.
{Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 224
13. RESOLUTION: To Ratify, Affirm and Appoint Joshua A. Bingham as Interim Fire Chief of
the City of Prattville. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 225
14. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) and Retail Table Wine (Off
Premises Only) License to Bhavani 2024 Inc. d/b/a McQueen Smith Shell. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 226
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-14 on a
Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The items were placed on a
Consent Agenda (6-0).
Councilor Merrick 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 :
AGENDA
1. 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 FROM AUGUST 20, 2024
ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 018
This ordinance was originally introduced on August 20, 2024, where Councilor Chambers made
a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Whaley seconded the motion. By Point-of-Order
the ordinance was held until the September 3, 2024, City Council meeting. The ordinance now
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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 :
2. 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 FROM AUGUST 20, 2024
FAILED
This ordinance was originally introduced on August 20, 2024, where Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Chambers seconded
the motion. By Point-of-Order the ordinance was held until the September 3, 2024, City Council
meeting. The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone
opened the floor for discussion.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to amend line 51 and 52 on page 4 to
read Doster Community Center, 424 S. Northington Street, Prattville, AL 36067, and Councilor
Whaley seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the amendment was adopted
with the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion on the amended ordinance. Councilor
Whaley addressed concerns regarding the redistricting process, guidelines and lack of
response to emails in reference to splitting census blocks. 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 Nay
Councilor Boone Aye
The ordinance failed with the following results: (3-3).
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) APC Battery
Backup through State Contract No. MA210000000211 from APC Networking Product and
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Services for the Information Technology Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $94,532.12.
{Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 227
Councilor Whaley made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion. 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 :
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) 30’ Olympia
Pre-Lit Tree, from The Christmas Palace at a Cost Not to Exceed $27,999.20. {Sponsored By:
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 228
Council Present Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to amend lines 4,16 and 26 to replace
the word Place with Palace and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. There being no
discussion, the amendment was adopted with the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the amended resolution and
Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for
discussion on the amended resolution. 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 :
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, spoke on her concerns with dollar amounts not being
included in the titles.
Christina Gardner, 1608 Trolley Road, commented on Councilor Striplin, her concerns with the
library board’s lack of transparency, funding, staffing and reduced hours of the library.
Thea Langley, 220 1st Street, spoke on concerns about the vote for 106 7th Street. Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik commented on the details and timeline leading up to the vote
made by the Council.
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Jackie Nix, 706 Running Brook Circle, commented concerning the property at 106 7th Street,
leaders of Prattville, and concerns with about books and funding for the library.
Ell White, 621 W. 4th Street, spoke concerns with the upcoming budget, amounts and
percentages of the pay increases and being good stewards of money for the community.
Barbara Robinson, 123 White Oak Court, spoke on the processes for dilapidated structures
and weeded lots expressing her concerns with fees added to property taxes and the
community.
Robert Robinson III, 118 Cosby Court, spoke on the property at 106 7th Street and on the
character of the Council.
Lavandalyn Robinson, 118 Cosby Court, spoke on wisdom, understanding, fairness and her
family history and heritage in Prattville.
Caryl Lawson, 1511 Trolley Road, spoke on 106 7th Street, serving the community with humility
and the Council being held accountable.
Patrick Lucus, 1211 Caliber Crossing, discussed concerns with integrity, humility and concerns
for the citizens of Prattville.
Hedi Evans, 409 Martin Luther King, commented on historical homes and reconsidering the
vote for 106 7th Street.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie commented on the upcoming Budget Work Session referencing the 2.5% merit
increase along with 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for employees and invited the Council to
reach out with any questions or concerns.
Councilor Jackson commented on the Budget Work Session and noted the email for citizens
to send their questions to Councilors. Councilor Jackson continued by honoring Councilor
Striplin noting his honesty, character, humility, integrity and their friendship.
Council President Boone reminded all about the Budget Work Session on Thursday,
September 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. and stated the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting
will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Merrick made a motion
to adjourn and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 7:21 p.m. (6-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
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Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Loucretia Harrell
Assistant City Clerk