CC Minutes 2024.09.171
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 6:02
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. 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 September 3, 2024 and
Budget Work Session September 5, 2024. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a
motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Chamber seconded the motion. There being no
discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Karen Cooper, 804 Cobblestone Curve, spoke on Consent Agenda Item 10 and recommended
the recognition of Juneteenth as an official holiday for the City of Prattville and authorizing the
utilization of Spillway Park for events.
Ell White, 621 W. 4th Street, spoke on the budget, BVCV litigation, the library, paying for debts,
raises and changes in the cost of living.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie opened his report commenting on the Redistricting Work Session and reports
from City Attorney Andrew Odom concerning Bittle versus Bulger. In addition, the Mayor
acknowledged Information Technology Day, thanking the City I.T staff. Mayor Gillespie
discussed vacancies on several boards and committees to include the Board of Zoning
Adjustments (BZA), thanking Greg Duke for his time served and thanking Councilor Whaley
and Councilor Chambers for serving on boards.
Mayor Gillespie reported on projects and progress in Prattville noting the opening of Cavender’s
Boot City and the widening of Fairview Avenue which has 250 more working days left in the
project. The Mayor advised there would be a ribbon cutting for the new Engineering Building
Tuesday, September 24, 2024, and noted the progress on the new Public Safety Building.
Mayor Gillespie discussed Bell Park and the piping project which will also include removal of
fencing and the building of new restrooms at North Highland and Lo Pickett Parks. The Mayor
updated on the progress at Spinner’s Park, noting upgrades to three dirt infields and the
restroom will begin in the next few weeks. Mayor Gillespie also noted the progress at North
Highland Park with the outdoor lighting for the basketball courts and contractors beginning
concrete work for the new four-square pad. The Mayor advised there were many parks and
activities to choose from in Prattville, commenting on fall baseball, softball and soccer along
with the Friday night lights, and gave a progress update on Stanley Jensen Stadium.
Mayor Gillespie thanked the City of Prattville and commended the youth on their participation
with the 9/11 ceremony. The Mayor commented on being proud of the community and the
patriotism that was shown and never forgetting our heroes. In addition, the Mayor discussed
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social media posts and comments along with his concerns regarding targeting employees and
possible steps moving forward advising actions can affect not only individuals, but families.
In closing, Mayor Gillespie commented on the budget being a living document that is fair and
balanced. The Mayor described the budget as a roadmap in the community made of many
departments and serving the citizens well, that includes several projects, pay raises, vehicle,
and additional hiring showing progress within the City of Prattville.
COMMENTS 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 August
2024.
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $4,187,784.74 – total revenue collected in August
o $53,618,921.20 - total revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $3,663,478.20– tax revenue collected in August
o 0.74% - increase over August 2023
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 91.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 86.18% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $555,666.40 – net income from for August
o 91.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 81.09% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o $90,392.50 – net income for August
o 91.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 91.24% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o $7,457.71– net income for August
o 91.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 79.40%- portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Bank Balances Report
o $53,791,428.80 – total of all bank balances at the end of August
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $55,025,182.22 – total debt balance city-wide at end of August
o $23,169,932.22 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of August
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 1105
Deramus Court, 1397 Cubs Place, 403 Azalea Drive and 104 New Moon Court Abated and
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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 229
2. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass and
Weeds at 1676 S. Memorial Drive, 449 Dawson Street, 1780 E. Main Street and 711 Doster
Road 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 230
3. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 571 Lower Kingston 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 231
4. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 1390 Cubs Place 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 232
5. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 416 Old Farm Lane North 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 233
6. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 1624 Dodgers 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 234
7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 1946 Chancellor Ridge Road. {Sponsored By: Council Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 235
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 1146 Gaddis Avenue. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 236
9. RESOLUTION: To Waive Fee for the Autauga County Fair Organization during the Week of
October 8 - 12, 2024. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 237
10. RESOLUTION: To Designate Legal Holidays for the City of Prattville for Fiscal Year 2024-
2025. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 238
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Councilor Jackson made a motion to place item numbers 1-10 on a Consent Agenda and
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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 Merrick 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. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for Replacement Fencing at Mac Gray
Softball Complex from Walls & Son Fencing LLC for the Parks and Recreation Department at
a Cost Not to Exceed $99,120.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 239
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor
Chambers 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 :
2. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 024-008 and Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an
Agreement with Alexander Sealcoating & Striping, Inc. for the Extension of Interstate Court at
a Cost Not to Exceed $231,286.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 240
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick 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 :
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Ram 2500
Truck through State Contract No. MA220000003316-12 from Stivers Chrysler Dodge Jeep
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Ram for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $43,575.00.
{Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 241
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor
Whaley 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 Award Bid No. 024-010 and Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an
Agreement with Murphy Excavation, LLC for the Alabama Department of Environmental
Management (ADEM) American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Drinking Water/Wastewater
Project for Bell Park Drainage at a Cost Not to Exceed $154,275.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 242
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Chambers 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 :
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Ram 1500
Truck through State Contract No. MA220000003316-7 from Stivers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $39,834.08. {Sponsored By:
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 243
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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 :
6. RESOLUTION: To Adopt the City of Prattville FY2024-2025 General Operating Fund, Gas
Tax Special Revenue Fund, Debt Service Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Sanitation Enterprise
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Fund, Wastewater Enterprise Fund, and Judicial Special Revenue Fund Budgets. {Sponsored
By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 244
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for
discussion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : JACKSON 1
ABSENT :
7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Implementation of the Firefighter Education/Certification
Program. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 245
Councilor Whaley made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick 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 :
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Sign Contracts for Services for Community
Initiatives, City-County Services, and the Autauga County Emergency Communication District
(E-911) as Allocated in the FY2024-2025 Budget. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 246
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor
Chambers seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion.
Councilor Whaley inquired of the Mayor about the One Community contract for services and
the completion of projects. Mayor Gillespie advised that current ongoing projects would be
completed along with other projects in the new contract to include the College Heights marker
on the Heritage Trail.
Councilor Jackson encouraged the North Highland Community Center and other non-profits to
discuss funding for requested projects with the Mayor and Finance Department next year to
have a greater impact by partnering with the City on more activities and initiatives benefiting
the community.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY,
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STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : JACKSON 1
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
9. RESOLUTION: To Appropriate Fixed Expenses, Salaries, and Continuing Policy Procedures
Pending the Adoption of the City of Prattville FY2024-2025 Budget. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Chambers}
FAILED
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. Council President Boone noted this resolution was
precautionary in the event the budget did not pass, however because the budget did pass it is
recommended that this resolution be voted down. Council President Boone opened the floor
for discussion. There being no discussion, the resolution failed with the following results:
AYES : NONE 0
NAYS : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
10. RESOLUTION: To Declare a Council Vacancy in City Council District 1. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-A, PAGE 247
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik 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 :
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Lloyd Bittle, 1403 Morningview Drive, thanked the Mayor and City Attorney Andrew Odom for
assisting with investigating Bittle v. Bulger, and also expressed his concerns with surface
mining in a FAR (Forest, Agricultural, Recreation) zone. Councilor Whaley asked Mr. Odom if
this information had been brought to the Planning Department. Mr. Odom stated that a
recommendation was made for the Planning Department to review the zoning documents.
Debra Robinson, 118 Cosby Court, spoke on her desire for the Council to reconsider the
decision made on 106 7th Street.
Ell White. 621 W. 4th Street, discussed his concerns with the passed budget, litigation, pay
increases, and the need for a forensic audit of the City.
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Sarah Sanchez, 502 Greystone, thanked the Council for level funding for the library, and spoke
on the library’s new policy aligning with the Alabama Public Library Service policy, new staff,
new books being purchased and appointments to the board.
Barbara Robinson, 123 White Oak Court, discussed her concerns with the budget and City
finances and inquired who receives the funds when liens are affixed for abatements or
demolitions. Mayor Gillespie explained the City pays the vendors once the work is completed
and once the lien is paid the money comes back to the City to reimburse for the expenses
spent. Ms. Robinson also spoke on her concerns with the property at 106 7th Street.
Jackie Nix, 706 Running Brook Circle, commended the Council for hearing the concerns on the
library and especially Councilor Whaley for investigating and discussing concerns with the
library during the Budget Work Session. Ms. Nix also spoke on reduced services and hours of
the library and books not being purchased.
David Greenawalt, 1537 Windy Meadows Road, thanked the Mayor and Council for their
service and commented on the 237th anniversary of Constitution being ratified which gives
people the freedom to gather and discuss our opinions. Mr. Greenawalt also discussed the
positive aspects of the library, the placement of books and filling the vacant position on the
board.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Merrick thanked Greg Duke for his service on the BZA, to the community and at
Riverside Church.
Councilor Whaley discussed information he researched and answers he received concerning
the library regarding funding, staffing, operations and the purchasing of books discussed at the
Budget Work Session clarifying the email he referenced was not an official request from the
library. Councilor Whaley advised he spoke about his concerns with the library director and
they shared they are conducting a staff analysis to see which positions are needed in the library
and discussed the recent hiring of seven staff members. Councilor Whaley also advised the
library was working on returning to the previous hours of operation and has ordered 559 books.
Council President Boone stated the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be held
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Council President Boone advised there was a need to enter into Executive Session to discuss
legal matters with their attorneys for issues which are not yet currently in litigation but
imminently likely to be litigated if the governing body pursues a proposed course of action. She
advised that City Attorney Andrew Odom submitted a letter signifying the legality of this action
and that Executive Session would last approximately half an hour.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to enter into Executive Session and
Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
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Councilor Whaley Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The motion to enter into Executive Session was passed with a vote of 6-0.
The Council entered into Executive Session at 7:06 p.m. and returned to Regular Session at
7:35 p.m.
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 7:35 p.m. (6-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Loucretia Harrell
Assistant City Clerk