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CC Minutes 2024.12.031 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY DECEMBER 3, 2024 The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:17 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 Jackson. Councilor Jackson arrived at 6:20 p.m. Council President Boone declared a quorum and called the meeting to order. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS HOSPITALITY: Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and friendship with others. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting, November 19, 2024. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Jackie Nix, 706 Runningbrook Circle, spoke in opposition to agenda items 4 and 6 and voiced her concerns of mismanagement and lack of transparency. Councilor Jackson entered the Council Chambers and took his seat on the dais at 6:21 p.m. Anthony Byrd, 828 Dunvegan Drive, spoke on his concerns with agenda item 3 citing concerns with the multi-unit housing, traffic and zoning. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie opened his report by stating he hoped all had a Happy Thanksgiving. The Mayor congratulated Council President Boone on receiving her Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) certification, joining himself and Councilor Jackson with the accomplishment. The Mayor continued his report by updating the Councilor on the library building stating the costs are estimated between $300,000.00 to $500,000.00 for repairs. Mayor Gillespie continued his report advising the Engineering Department will be testing a new 4-way stop at the intersection of 5th Street and Chestnut Street and urged residents to use caution in the area. The Mayor noted that the Council Chambers renovations would start on January 20, 2025, and that Council meetings will be relocated to the 2nd floor of the bank building located across the street at 124 W. Main Street. Mayor Gillespie noted Agenda Item #5 was for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant funding to assist with the widening of McQueen Smith Road and Agenda Item #17 was to lease the grassy area behind 135 N. Court Street for additional parking during City events. Mayor Gillespie advised the City of Prattville Tree Lighting ceremony would be held Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. with the Christmas Parade being Friday, December 6, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The Mayor reminded everyone that downtown streets would be closed to parking after 2:00 p.m. on Friday and that the bathrooms inside of City Hall would be open for use or if participants needed a break during the parade. 2 Mayor Gillespie closed his report by thanking all employees who have worked tirelessly on decorating the City. He goes on the thank Parks and Recreation, Cultural Arts, Urban Management, Facilities Management, Engineering for turning the City of Prattville into a Winter Wonderland. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 739 Silver Hills Drive and 1389 Padres Place 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 286 2. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Grant a Restaurant Retail Liquor License to Taqueria La Parroquia LLC d/b/a Taqueria La Parroquia. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 287 3. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 1946 Chancellor Ridge 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 288 Councilor Merrick made a motion to place item numbers 1-3 on a Consent Agenda and President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent Agenda (7-0). 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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: 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 289 Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion. 3 There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 2. ORDINANCE: To Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate Limits West of Carver Street and North of Dunvegan Drive and Portree Drive for the Proposed Kingston Heights from R-3 (Single Family Residential) to PUD (Planned Unit Development) (Petitioner: InSite Engineering). {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson} FAILED This ordinance was introduced on November 6, 2024, by Councilor Jackson and seconded by Councilor Whaley. This ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion. Councilor Chambers spoke on concerns brought forth during the Planning Commission meeting about a traffic study and noted there were a lot of constituents who voiced concerns over the density and safety of the area. Councilor Chambers called on City Engineer Paxton Reiss inquiring if a traffic study had been completed or submitted. Mr. Reiss advised the Council that he had not received information on a traffic study of the area. Council President Boone advised the Planning Commission did not recommend the rezoning of this property. There being no further discussion, the ordinance failed with the following results: AYES : NONE 0 NAYS : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 3. ORDINANCE: 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} ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 23 This ordinance was introduced on November 6, 2024, by Council President Pro Tempore Strichik and seconded by Councilor Whaley. 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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 4. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Douglas Darr to the Autauga-Prattville Library Board of Trustees. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick} 4 HELD UNTIL 12.17.2024 Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion. Councilor Jackson discussed concerns with Agenda Items #4 and #6. Councilor Jackson made a motion to hold this resolution until the December 17, 2024, council meeting and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the resolution was held with the following results: AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize City Staff to Submit an Application to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Funding for the Widening of McQueen Smith Road from Cobbs Ford Road to US-31 (South Memorial Drive). {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 290 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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 6. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Donnie Bethel to the Autauga-Prattville Library Board of Trustees. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick} HELD UNTIL 12.17.2024 Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion. Councilor Jackson made a motion to hold this resolution until the December 17, 2024, council meeting and Councilor Whaley seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the resolution was held with the following results: AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Elgin Street Sweeper through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative, Contract No. 093021-ELG, from 5 Sansom Equipment Co., Inc. for the Public Works Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $314,523.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 291 Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Sanders 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, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 8. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate Limits on Fairview Avenue from R-2 (Single Family Residential) to INST (Institutional) and R-3 (Single Family Residential) (Petitioner: Barrett-Simpson, Inc). {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 292 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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 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 January 7, 2025. 9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Kubota Skid Steer through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative, Contract No. 031121-KBA, from Capital Tractor, Inc. for Urban Management at a Cost Not to Exceed $75,504.54. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 293 Councilor Merrick 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 6 ABSTAINED : SANDERS 1 ABSENT : 10. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) 2025 John Deere Backhoe through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative, Contract No. 011723-JDC, from Warrior Tractor & Equipment Company, Inc. for Wastewater at a Cost Not to Exceed $183,759.33. {Sponsored By: Councilor Sanders} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 294 Councilor Sanders 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, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 11. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate Limits at 879 Washington Ferry Road from B-2 (General Business District) and R-2 (Single Family Residential) to INST (Institutional) (Petitioner: First Pentecostal Church). {Sponsored By: Council President Boone} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 295 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, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : Councilor Whaley 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 January 7, 2025. 12. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Kubota Backhoe through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative, Contract No. 0311321-KBA, from Capital Tractor, Inc. for Facilities Maintenance at a Cost Not to Exceed $41,791.98. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 296 Councilor Whaley made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion. 7 There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : SANDERS 1 ABSENT : 13. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) 2024 Ford Maverick Truck through State Contract No. MA220000003128 from Stivers Ford Lincoln, Inc. for the Sanitation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $30,465.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 297 Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Sanders 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, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 14. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Sain Associates, Inc. for Planning and Engineering Services for McQueen Smith Road from Cobbs Ford Road to US-31 (South Memorial Drive) for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Application for the Engineering Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $30,000.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 298 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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 15. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Kubota RTV from Capital Tractor, Inc. for Urban Management at a Cost Not to Exceed $19,893.23. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 299 Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion. 8 There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : SANDERS 1 ABSENT : Council President Boone called for a 5-minute recess at 6:59 p.m. Council President Boone called the council meeting back to order at 7:05 p.m. 16. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter Into an Amended Economic Development Agreement Between the County of Autauga and Long-Lewis of the River Region, Inc. in Support of Project FT to Extend Economic Development Incentives for Five (5) Years. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 300 Councilor Chambers 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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 17. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Lease Agreement Between the City of Prattville and the Autauga County Commission to Lease Property Behind 135 N. Court Street for a Total Cost of $10.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Sanders} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 301 Councilor Sanders 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, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : 18. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate Limits West of Rocky Mount Road and East of Magnolia Ridge from FAR (Forest, Agricultural, Recreation) to R-3 (Single Family Residential) and B-2 (General Business) (Petitioner: Jim Matthews). {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 302 Councilor Whaley made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion. 9 There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : Councilor Whaley read in the ordinance and made a motion to adopt that was seconded by Councilor Jackson. By Point-of-Order, the ordinance was held until after the Public Hearing on January 7, 2025. 19. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter Into an Amended Economic Development Agreement Between Autauga County, the Water Works Board of the City of Prattville and James Hardie Building Products Inc. in Support of Project Mayfield to Extend Economic Development Incentives for Two (2) Years. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson} RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 303 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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, WHALEY, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : Council President Boone asked City Attorney Andrew Odom to discuss the Christmas Parade from a legal standpoint. Mr. Odom spoke about research he was asked to conduct by Mayor Gillespie, Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Carter and Police Chief Thompson. Mr. Odom advised the City could face constitutional challenges by prohibiting the Prattville Prides float from participating in the parade stating it would be a prior restraint of speech which is against State and Federal laws. Mr. Odom advised that if an application was submitted and approved, the float would be subject to all the rules and regulations of any other float. Councilor Jackson discussed emails regarding concerns from the public and asked Mr. Odom his thoughts. Mr. Odom advised there is no state law prohibiting “Drag” nor is there any mention of the wording in that context in any City Ordinances. Council Jackson discussed an email asking to put an ordinance into place to hinder their participation in the parade. Mr. Odom advised, that considering the timing, if an ordinance was to go into place, that would be considered a prior restraint because it would be targeted to limit a specific speech. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Carly Lawson, 1511 Trolley Road, discussed the parade and inclusion, participation, and being a part of the community. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik asked Ms. Lawson if the organization had read and was following the parade rules and if there would be any drag participates in the parade. Ms. Lawson answered yes, the rules have been read and followed and Ms. Fountain City is be on the float in an evening gown with crown and sash. Ms. Lawson advised there would be no performances or dancing. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 10 asked if any literature would be handled out to any children or any negative displays of Jesus on the float, to which Ms. Lawson responded no to both questions. Jessica Hayes, 1954 Chancellor Ridge Road, spoke on the constitution, first amendment protections and her concerns of differences and injustices within the community. Nekisha Robinson, 673 Covered Bridge Parkway, discussed poor living conditions and the need for an audit at Covered Bridge Apartments along with her concerns with wiring, heat and mold. Mayor Gillespie suggested Ms. Robinson speak with legal counsel to discuss rent payment based on the described situation. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik inquired if these issues were limited to one unit or the entire complex. Ms. Robinson stated the entire complex is in need of repairs. Council Whaley advised he has spoken with the Fire Chief regarding her concerns with smoke detector and she should be hearing back from him. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik asked Mr. Odom if the business owner contact information would be on file with the City. Mr. Odom stated that the business entity doing business should have proper identification with the City as well as the Secretary of State office. Barbara Robinson, 123 White Oak Court, thanked the Mayor and Council for the sidewalks and parking restrictions on Court Street and on helping people, the home and family on 8th Street and North Highland Park. Cecile Douglas, 203 Gail Street, spoke on the authority and responsibility of the Council, parade, differences in people, rights and respect and opposition of indecent exposure on floats. Mary Ellen Johnson, 209 Kay Street, spoke on her concerns and hopes for the Christmas parade. Cinde Schafer, 466 County Road 40E, spoke on the preserving of historic Prattville, the Christmas parade and preferences. Ted Holley, 1864 Pendlebrook Drive, spoke on the sidewalks on Old Ridge and Cobbs Ford thanking the Council for them and the Christmas parade, as well as concerns and influences to children. Christine Ross, 399 Greystone Way, spoke on the parade, participation of the parade, tradition and influences to children. Sarah Sanchez, 1050 Choctaw Ridge, spoke on the parade and actions, protection of minors and use of the constitution. Lori Herring, 225 Stewart Street, spoke on the ways communities protect children, the parade, protection of children during the parade and her concerns with the float. Will Sanchez, 1050 Choctaw Ridge, spoke on concerns of protecting children, freedoms of speech, past pride events, his concerns of what will happen in the future and on passing an ordinance to protect children. Kim Edwards, 2312 County Road 77, discussed the parade approval process and rules of the parade floats and on a future City ordinance. Jackie Nix, 706 Runningbrook Circle, spoke on the parade float. 11 Adam Hunt, 304 Cranbrook Court, discussed the parade and commented on concerns regarding inappropriateness. Willie Sayer, 346 S. Washington Street, discussed the parade float and his concerns of inappropriateness. Amber Fry, 748 Glennbrooke Boulevard, spoke on the parade float and the dress. CLOSING COMMENTS: Councilor Jackson stated he hoped everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Councilor Whaley spoke on faith, his beliefs and freedom of speak noting he prays for the entire community. Councilor Whaley asked that everyone remember the meaning of Christmas. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik stated he hoped everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and got to spend time with family noting his family would be growing with the announcement of an engagement. 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 8:16 p.m. (7-0) APPROVED: Paula G. Barlow City Clerk Lora Lee Boone, President Prattville City Council SUBMITTED BY: Loucretia Harrell Assistant City Clerk