CC Minutes 2024.11.191
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 6:03
p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Councilor Merrick 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 November 6, 2024.
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Chambers seconded
the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0).
Council President Boone invited Judge Bill Lewis, Timothy “Russ” Sander and family forward
for the swearing-in ceremony. Judge Bill Lewis swore in Mr. Timothy “Russ” Sanders as
Councilor of District 1.
At 6:05 p.m., Councilor Sanders took his seat at the dais.
Council President Boone recognized former Councilors Gary Whiteside and Ray Boles in the
audience and thanked them for their continued service to the citizens of Prattville through
various boards.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
NONE
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie asked for a Point-of-Privilege turning the floor over to Ray Boles Chairman of
the Autauga Prattville Public Library Board. Mr. Boles introduced Tammy Bear as the new full-
time Director of the library. Ms. Bear thanked the Council and noted the importance of the
Library to the citizens, as well as the community. Ms. Bear commented on working with all
citizens and the plan for the reopening of the library.
Mayor Gillespie asked to extend the Point-of-Privilege introducing Mr. Don Edgeworth
President of the Autauga County Heritage Association.
Mr. Edgeworth along with Cody Daughtry gave a presentation on the proposed plan for “The
Pratt” the vision of the new museum, venue and Genovations Center asking for support from
the City of $2,500,000.00 in September 2025. Mr. Edgeworth detailed the plans for other
stakeholders likely to participate and fundraising once the City committed to funding.
Mayor Gillespie continued his report by congratulating Councilor Sanders on his appointment
to District 1 stating he looked forward to working with him. The Mayor continued by commenting
on the Veteran’s Day ceremony thanking the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars
for including the City of Prattville in their ceremony. The Mayor also commented on the cards
the children from Prattville Kindergarten made for the local veterans.
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Mayor Gillespie gave an update on the Fairview Avenue project noting the contractor was not
on site the week on November 10-15, 2024, and has been late starting and using a skeleton
crew when on-site. The Mayor advised the City needed to pay close attention to this and future
projects with this contractor.
Mayor Gillespie advised the Council, with the support of Agenda Item 1, the Council Chambers
would be renovated and he showcased several renderings of the project. The Mayor noted that
meetings would need to be relocated during the renovations.
Mayor Gillespie advised the new large Council district maps had been placed in the Councilor's
mailboxes and the map has been posted on the City website. The Mayor advised City Planner
Scott Stephens was working on large individual district maps as well.
Mayor Gillespie closed his report by commenting on the many blessings we have and gave
thanks for the family, friends and the community that we call home. The Mayor wished all a
joyful and thankful Thanksgiving.
Councilor Jackson inquired about copies of the renderings of the Council chambers. The Mayor
advised Council Jackson to contact his office the following day to get copies.
Council President Boone recognized Autauga County Emergency Management Agency
Director David Bagley in the audience.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Boone advised the Finance Committee met on Friday, November 8, 2024,
where they were presented with information from the Autauga County Heritage Association, a
Library update, and an update on the new accounting software in Finance.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley provided the following report on City Finances for October
2024.
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $647,507.71 – total revenue collected in October
o $647,507.71 – total revenue collected fiscal year to date (excludes revenue
accrual amount for September revenue)
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $3,645,826.51 – tax revenue collected in October
o 0.19% - decrease over October 2023
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 8.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 8.28% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o ($396,638.19) – net loss from operations for October (due to September
Prattville Water Works payment being put back into the prior fiscal year)
o 8.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 8.67% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
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o ($286,815.14) – net loss for October (due to September Prattville Water Works
payment being put back into the prior fiscal year)
o 8.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 8.96% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o ($1,948.60) – net loss for October
o 8.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 3.29%- portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Bank Balances Report
o $45,935,706.85 – total of all bank balances at the end of October
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $54,821,065.97 – total debt balance city-wide at end of October
o $22,965,815.97 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of October
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 116 7th
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-B, PAGE 278
2. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass and
Weeds at 708 Waverly Lane and 217 Clubview 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-B, PAGE 279
3. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing for a Lounge Retail Liquor - Class I License for The
Assembly Cigar Lounge LLC d/b/a The Assembly Cigar Lounge. {Sponsored By: Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 280
4. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 1207 Camellia Woods Court 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 281
5. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 420 Old Farm 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-B, PAGE 282
6. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 102 W. Bonanza 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-B, PAGE 283
Councilor Merrick made a motion to place item numbers 1-6 on a Consent Agenda and
Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent Agenda (7-0).
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Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Jackson
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 024-014 to Bienville Construction Services, L.L.C for the
Council Chambers Renovations at a Cost Not to Exceed $453,195.00. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 284
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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of a Replacement
Motorola Flex Server through the H-GAC Purchasing Cooperative, Contract No. RA05-21, from
Motorola Solutions, Inc., for the Information Technology Department at a Cost Not to Exceed
$192,641.19. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 2 85
Council President Pro Tempore 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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
Council President Boone advised the Council had a need to go into Executive Session to
discuss matters related to the purchase, sale, exchange, lease, or market value of real
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property, but the Council would conclude all business prior to entering Executive Session and
would only adjourn once reconvened
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
NONE
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie welcomed Councilor Sanders and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving
noting that the progress in Prattville is building on success and shaping a brighter tomorrow for
everyone.
Councilor Sanders thanked the Council for the opportunity stating he looked forward to working
with each one and for the citizens of Prattville.
Councilor Jackson congratulated Councilor Sanders, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving
and reminded them to spend time with family and friends.
Councilor Chambers welcomed Councilor Sanders and wished everyone a Happy and safe
Thanksgiving.
Councilor Merrick welcomed Councilor Sanders stating he knew he would do great things for
District 1 and all of Prattville. Councilor Merrick also wished everyone a Happy and safe
Thanksgiving.
Councilor Whaley congratulated Councilor Sanders and thanked those in attendance for their
participation and input, as well as, wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik congratulated Councilor Sanders and wished everyone
a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council President Boone welcomed Councilor Sanders and advised the next regularly
scheduled City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Council President Boone advised the Council would go into Executive Session to discuss
matters related to the purchase, sale, exchange, lease or market value of real property, 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 thirty minutes and that once reconvened the Council would only adjourn.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to enter into Executive Session and
Councilor Sanders seconded the motion. Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Sanders Aye
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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 7-0.
The Council entered into Executive Session at 6:38 p.m. and returned to Regular Session at
8:23 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 Jackson seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 8:24 p.m. (7-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Loucretia Harrell
Assistant City Clerk