CC Minutes 2024.11.061
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2024
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 6:01
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.
Council President Boone declared a quorum and called the meeting to order.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS BOLDNESS: Courage to say or do what is
true, right, and just.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting, October 15, 2024, and
Special Called Meeting October 23, 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:
None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie opened by asking for a Point-Of-Privilege introducing Senator Clyde Chambliss
and State Representatives Kelvin Lawrence, Van Smith and Jerry Starnes. The Mayor asked
Fire Chief Josh Bingham to give a report on the Swiftwater Rescue Team that deployed to
Garycreek, North Carolina for disaster relief. Chief Bingham advised Assistant Chief Ricky
Roberts, Captain Troy Aadson, Captain Nicholas Wirshing, Captain Clay Pegues, Sergeant
Kenny Barber, Sergeant Nick Salter, and Fire Medic Josh Shedd deployed and assisted with a
nine-day search and rescue mission in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Chief Bingham
thanked those individuals for their dedication to the Fire Department, the City of Prattville and
the Alabama Mutual Aid System (AMAS) team, along with their families and the people of North
Carolina.
Senator Chambliss spoke on the first commendation he witnessed, the significance of
recognizing these men and their families and the benefit of tonight for future generations. The
Senator asked City Clerk, Paula Barlow to read the Resolution presented. Representative
Starnes also thanked these men for their service and dedication. Assistant Chief Roberts spoke
of his appreciation on behalf on the team for the commendation presentation and thanked the
City Council, Mayor Gillespie, Chief Bingham, the department, and the City for entrusting and
providing the necessary equipment and skills to be prepared when needed.
Mayor Gillespie continued his report commenting on the election and voting participation, and
commended everyone who exercised their right to vote. The Mayor commented on the
interview process for the District 1 vacancy and expressed his appreciation to all the candidates
encouraging everyone to stay engaged and involved. Mayor Gillespie went on to discuss
repairs to the damaged wooden gate at the Spillway stating the Mill Pond has been drained
until these repairs are completed. The Mayor spoke on Agenda Item 3 funding options for
$14,935,000.00 noting the bond includes projects for the City Hall and Annex renovations, Vista
Point Park improvements, Public Safety Training Facility, Stanley Jensen Stadium renovations,
Newton Park Phase II, Spillway Park improvements and Laney Drive extension. Mayor
Gillespie advised payments for the bonds would come from the Parks and Recreation, Public
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Facilities and Infrastructure One Cent Funds. The Mayor further emphasizes the total includes
the original $6,100,000.00 requested and not in addition to it.
In closing, Mayor Gillespie reported on the needed repairs at the library noting the repairs are
estimated at over $300,000.00. The Mayor advised the repairs and financing are on the agenda
for the Finance Committee Meeting set for November 8, 2024. Mayor Gillespie also advised
the Council to get with City Engineer, Paxton Reiss on any paving project needs. The Mayor
noted the Parade of Pumpkins and Dinner in the District were both successful events and that
crews are actively transitioning to Christmas. Mayor Gillespie invited everyone to join the
American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars for the Veterans Day ceremony on Monday,
November 11, 2024, at the Autauga County Courthouse.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Councilor Merrick reported on an upcoming Cemeteries’ Committee meeting with dates to
come.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost of Demolition of the
Dilapidated and Unsafe Structure at 156 Durden Road. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 260
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 1274 County Road 85. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 261
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 403 Azalea Drive. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 262
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 106 W. Bonanza Court. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 263
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 231 Juniper Court. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 264
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost of Demolition of the
Dilapidated and Unsafe Structure at 114 8th Street. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 265
7. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Personal Property from the Sanitation Department. {Sponsored
By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 266
8. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Grant a Restaurant Retail Liquor License to
Apolonio Ramirez d/b/a El Chido 3. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 267
9. RESOLUTION: To Reject All Bids Related to Bid No. 024-015 for the 2020 or Newer Used
Knuckle Boom Truck. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
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RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 268
10. RESOLUTION: To Authorize City Staff to Make Application to the FY2025 Alabama
Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP-II) Annual Grant Program for
Turn Lane Improvements at Various Intersections. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 269
11. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 711 Doster 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-B, PAGE 270
12. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass
and Weeds at 739 Silver Hills Drive and 1389 Padres Place 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-B, PAGE 271
President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-12 on a Consent
Agenda and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent
Agenda (6-0).
Councilor Jackson 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, WHALEY,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
AGENDA
1. 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 the 2020 Federal Census and Designate Voting Locations. {Sponsored
By: Council President Boone}
ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 021
This ordinance was originally introduced on October 1, 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 October 15, 2024, City Council
meeting. During the October 15, 2024, City Council meeting this ordinance was again held until
the November 6, 2024, City Council meeting. The ordinance now being properly before the
Council, Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion. There being no further
discussion this ordinance was held with the following results:
AYES : CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, BOONE 4
NAYS : JACKSON, STRICHIK 2
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
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ABSENT :
2. ORDINANCE: To Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate Limits East of Grouby
Airport Road from FAR (Forest, Agriculture, Recreation) to B-2 (General Business District)
(Petitioner: Barrett-Simpson Inc.). {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 022
This ordinance was introduced on October 1, 2024 by Councilor Jackson and seconded by
Councilor Merrick. This 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, WHALEY,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
3. RESOLUTION: To Support Funding for Various City Projects and to Authorize the Finance
Director to Seek Financing Options in an Amount Not to Exceed $14,935,000.00 for Various
Budgeted Capital Projects. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 272
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor
Merrick seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion.
Councilor Jackson asked Councilor Strichik for a brief description of these projects. Councilor
Strichik noted the funding included projects for renovations to the City Hall Annex, Council
Chambers, Vista Pointe Park, Road Improvements, Newton Park Phase II, Stanley Jensen
Stadium, and Spillway Park.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of Various Office
Furniture through State Contracts for the Information Technology Department at a Total Cost
Not to Exceed $54,683.87. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 273
Councilor Whaley 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, WHALEY,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
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ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
5. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Advisory
Services Agreement with Local Government Services, LLC to Negotiate Video Services
Renewal Agreements between the City of Prattville and Spectrum Southeast, LLC l/k/a Charter
Communications and Knology of Montgomery, Inc. d/b/a WOW! at a Cost Not to Exceed
$32,000.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 274
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, WHALEY,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
6. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate
Limits West of Carver Street and North of Dunvegan Drive and Portee Drive for the Proposed
Kingston Heights from R-3 (Single Family Residential) to PUD (Planned Unit Development)
(Petitioner: InSite Engineering). {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 275
Councilor Jackson 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, WHALEY,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
Councilor Jackson read in the ordinance and made a motion to adopt that was seconded by
Councilor Whaley. By Point-of-Order, the ordinance was held until after the Public Hearing on
December 3, 2024.
7. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate
Limits at 1128 E. Main Street from R-2 (Single Family Residential) to O-1 (Office) (Petitioner:
John & Kathryn Little). {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 276
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, WHALEY,
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MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik read in the ordinance and made a motion to adopt
that was seconded by Councilor Merrick. By Point-of-Order, the ordinance was held until after
the Public Hearing on December 3, 2024.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jackie Nix, 706 Running Brook Circle, spoke on the library, open positions, concerns with the
current board, operations, and repairs of the library.
Barbara Robinson, 123 White Oak Court, spoke on the sidewalks on Court Street, safety
concerns, along with improvements and next steps for North Highland Park.
Ell White II, 621 W 4th Street, spoke on funding, zoning, and litigation. Mayor Gillespie
addressed Mr. White's inquiry regarding the litigation advising the Departmental Reserves
funds was not from other budgets and funds would be used to purchase the property, not to
pay for litigation. Mr. White also commented on redistricting, Veterans Day and additional
resources for veterans.
Council President Boone advised the Council would go into executive session to discuss
the general reputation, character and professional competence of individuals for the District 1
appointment, stating a letter had been provided by the City attorney verifying this is a qualified
reason for Executive Session. Council President Boone advised the Council expected to be in
Executive Session about one hour and that once reconvened the Council would vote.
Councilor Merrick made a motion to enter into Executive Session and Councilor Chambers
seconded the motion. Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
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 6:47 p.m. and returned to Regular Session at
7:49 p.m.
8. RESOLUTION: To Appoint a Councilor for District 1 for the Remainder of the 2020-2025
Quadrennium. {Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 277
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Before reading in the Resolution, Council President Pro Tempore Strichik thanked all of the
candidates for participating in this process advising this was a hard decision the Council had
to make noting there were many qualified candidates. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik
made a motion to adopt the resolution to include Timothy “Russ” Sanders as the appointment
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 : CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : JACKSON 1
ABSENT :
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Russell Sanders, 1241 Upper Kingston, thanked the Council for their confidence in him stating
he looked forward to working with the Council.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie thanked the candidates who participated in the interview process along with
the Council and the community as we move forward.
Councilor Jackson thanked all the candidates who participated and his desire for the
candidates to continue to be involved and engaged.
Councilor Chambers thanked the candidates and noted the process involved tough decisions.
He discussed other needs within the community and boards for people to get involved in.
Councilor Merrick thanked all the candidates commenting on this process not being an easy
thing to do. He also thanked the candidates for being active in their community and encouraging
them to continue to run in the future.
Councilor Whaley thanked every candidate for their willingness to participate in the interview
process. He discussed the upcoming City elections encouraging the candidates to qualify and
run.
Council President Boone stated the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be held
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. and the Finance Committee will be meeting on
Friday, November 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the HR Conference Room.
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 7:57 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