CC Minutes 2024.12.171
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2024
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6:04
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 HOSPITALITY: Cheerfully sharing food,
shelter, and friendship with others.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting, December 3, 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 (7-0).
Council President Boone recognized Autauga County Emergency Management Agency
Director David Bagley in the audience.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Karen Cooper, 804 Cobblestone Curve, spoke on the library board, applicants, staffing and
benefits of the library.
Lacy Southland, 1938 Briarwood Street, s poke in opposition of library appointments, library
positions, employment and the removal of books.
Angie Hayden, 910 Silver creek Court, spoke on the library, board members, staffing and her
concerns with books being removed, litigation and board appointments.
Amber Fry, 748 Glennbrooke Boulevard, discussed library board appointments and
qualifications of board members.
Sara Sanchez, 1050 Choctaw Ridge, spoke in favor of the board appointment, the previous
tabling of the motion and qualification of the board members.
Councilor Jackson commented the tabling of the motion was to gain more information.
Will Sanchez, 1050 Choctaw Ridge, spoke on the safety of children, content in the library, and
in favor of the library appointments.
Councilor Jackson inquired about attacks on books by black and brown people being removed
and banned.
Mr. Sanchez spoke on book equality.
Ted Holley, 1864 Pendlebrook Drive, commented on the tennis courts in Newton Park and
seeing more hiking and bike trails, night vision goggles and getting away from electronic voting.
Diane Rolling, 119 Magnolia Drive, spoke in favor of the library appointments and the
qualifications of applicants.
Lori Herring, 225 Stewart Street, spoke on values in the community and her concern with books
and being in favor of library appointments.
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Jackie Nix, 706 Runningbrook Circle, commented on books being banned, her concerns about
neutral board members, putting the library first, and against the library appointments.
Lenny Schaffer, 1277 Ridge Trail, spoke in favor of library appointments and books that are
appropriate for children.
Rachel Bulger, 109 Spanish Oak Drive, compared the sections of the library with movie ratings
and spoke on being neutral.
Ell White, 621 West 4th Street, spoke on funding of the library and the appointment process.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie opened his report discussing the Ec onomic Development team meeting with
Director Boswell at the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to discuss
grant funding for upcoming projects. The Mayor noted the City Council meetings would be
relocating to the 2nd floor of 124 W. Main Street beginning January 9th due to the Council
Chamber renovations. Mayor Gillespie continued his report with project updates to include the
new 4-Way stop being placed at Chestnut Street and 5th Street after December 18, 2024, urging
citizens to use caution in this area; the Fairview Avenue construction work on some Saturdays
due to some crews not working the week of December 23-30, 2024, and the Bell Park drainage
project having materials on site with work to begin soon.
Mayor Gillespie informed Councilor Jackson of the need for a Street Committee meeting before
the second Council meeting in January to discuss the Rebuild Alabama Act funding and local
paving projects. The Mayor noted that with the passage of additional funding, Agenda Items 3
and 5 would add additional tennis courts to Newton Park, and Agenda Item 12 the Alabama
Bass Trail Tournament would take place at Cooters Pond.
In closing, Mayor Gillespie thanked all of the employees for their hard work including Parks and
Recreation, Cultural Arts, Urban Management, Facilities Maintenance, and Engineering for
turning the City into a magical Winter Wonderland. The Mayor also thanked the Police
Department for the extra patrols during this time of year. Mayor Gillespie noted this final City
Council meeting reflects the productive and impactful year for our community, tackling
challenges losses, and achievements and laid the groundwork for continued progress in
Prattville.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
None
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley provided the following report on City Finances for November
2024
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $5,010,932.78 – total revenue collected in November
o $5,658,440.49 – total revenue collected fiscal year to date. Amount reflects an
8.65% decrease from prior fiscal year due mainly to property tax collections
fluctuating from November to January and when the City gets the checks in
from the County.
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• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $3,838,596.44 – tax revenue collected in November
o 2.62% - increase over November 2023
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 16.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 15.55% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $215,684.72 – net income from operations for November
o 16.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 16.21% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o $59,501.87 – net income for November
o 16.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 17.33% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o $98.71 – net income for November
o 16.67% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 7.64%- portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Bank Balances Report
o $45,622,256.49 – total of all bank balances at the end of November
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $54,766,065.97 – total debt balance city-wide at end of November
o $22,965,815.97 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of November
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 708
Waverly Lane and 217 Clubview Drive 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 304
2. RESOLUTION: To Grant 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 305
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 231 Caroline Drive. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 306
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Stagnant
Water at 403 Azalea Drive. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 307
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5. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 342 6th 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-B, PAGE 308
6. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 743 William Wood 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 309
7. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Policy for Mayoral Portraits. {Sponsored By: Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 310
8. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 611 Hatty 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 311
9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Lease Agreement Between the City
of Prattville and Fountain City BMX, Inc. to Continue to Operate a BMX Park Located on County
Road 4. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 312
Councilor Chambers made a motion to place item numbers 1-9 on a Consent Agenda and
Councilor Whaley 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
Chambers 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 :
AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Douglas Darr to the Autauga-Prattville Library Board of
Trustees. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
HELD FROM 12.3.2024
This resolution was held from the December 3, 2024, City Council meeting where Council
Merrick introduced the resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. This
resolution now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone opened the floor
for discussion.
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Council President Pro Tempore Strichik spoke on hearing from both sides and differences in
opinions. He discussed the neutrality of candidates and the use of the library within the
community.
Councilor Jackson spoke on the library being in litigation and protecting children, the City, and
its taxpayers. He discussed social media exposure and finding neutral candidates.
Council President Boone discussed the recommendation process , what has been done in the
past, and the tradition of the Council with accepting nominees the board recommends. She
asked if this process would be continued or what a completely new process would look like.
Councilor Jackson asked Councilor Whaley about an email sent regarding the library.
Councilor Whaley elaborated that the email asked, what liability the City will assume for the
actions of an appointee, what process for an appointment has been in the past, and if it is to
be changed what are we doing with suggestions from the board moving forward?
City Attorney, Andrew Odom referenced Chapter 45 et seq, Code of Alabama, as to the City's
legal obligation for appointees once on the board. He advised that there was nothing in the
Code of Alabama that would place an independent board's actions back onto the City . He
continued to discuss the powers of oversight the City would have, essentially once the board
members are appointed, they operate at their own legal standing but they are still subject to
the Alabama Code of Ethics and criminal laws.
Councilor Jackson commented on staffing concerns.
Councilor Jackson made a motion to hold this resolution until the January 7, 2025, City Council
meeting, and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion.
Council President Boone opened the floor for discussion on the motion to hold. Councilor
Chambers discussed the change in this process and his concerns with how it will affect this
board or other boards and candidates in the future.
Councilor Jackson expressed his concerns with the process and wanted to gain more
information with this being a trending subject that has gained national attention.
The motion to hold failed with the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, STRICHIK 2
NAYS : SANDERS, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, BOONE 5
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
The original resolution was now back before the Council. There being no further discussion,
the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : SANDERS, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, BOONE 5
NAYS : JACKSON, STRICHIK 2
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
2. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Donnie Bethel to the Autauga-Prattville Library Board of
Trustees. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
HELD FROM 12.3.2024
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This resolution was held from the December 3, 2024, City Council meeting where Council
Merrick introduced the resolution and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. This
resolution now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone opened the floor
for discussion.
There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : SANDERS, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, BOONE 5
NAYS : JACKSON, STRICHIK 2
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
3. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 024-016 to David Bulger, Inc. for Newton Park Tennis
Complex Improvements – Phase 2 for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to
Exceed $812,909.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 313
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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2025 Budget and Award Bid No. 024-017 to See the Night,
LLC for Night Vision Binocular Goggles for the Police Department at a Cost Not to Exceed
$116,496.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 314
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.
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 :
5. ORDINANCE: To Amend Ordinance Book 2020, Page 022, Section 5, to Temporarily
Change the Location of City Council Meetings. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik}
ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 024
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Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor
Whaley seconded the motion. By Point-of-Order, it is necessary that Council rules be
suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik
made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. There
being no discussion, Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call Vote for the suspension of
rules.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Sanders Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
Councilor Whaley Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (7-0).
The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone invited
questions and comments from the Council.
There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
6. ORDINANCE: To Set Salaries for Elected Positions for the 2025-2029 Quadrennium.
{Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
ORDINANCE BOOK 2024, PAGE 025
Councilor Whaley made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Merrick seconded the
motion. By Point-of-Order, it is necessary that Council rules be suspended if immediate action
is to be considered. Councilor Merrick made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor
Sanders seconded the motion. There being no discussion, Council President Boone ordered a
Roll Call Vote for the suspension of rules.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Sanders Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
Councilor Whaley Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (7-0).
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The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone invited
questions and comments from the Council.
There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : SANDERS, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, BOONE 5
NAYS : JACKSON, STRICHIK 2
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) 2024 Ford
F-350 Truck through State Contract No. MA220000003128 from Stivers Ford Lincoln, Inc. for
the Fire Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $61,258.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 315
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 f ollowing results:
AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Election Agreement between the
City of Prattville, the Autauga County Commission, the Autauga County Board of Registrars,
and the Autauga County Probate Judge to Include the Use of the DS200 Electronic Vote
Tabulators and the ExpressVote ADA-Compliant Ballot Marking Devices at a Cost Not to
Exceed $20,000.00 Per Election. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 316
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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
9. RESOLUTION: To Amend Resolution Book 2024-A, Page 149, Authorizing the Agreement
with Engineers of the South LLC for Professional Engineering Services for Newton Park Phase
2 Improvements for the Parks and Recreation Department to Include Additional Services in an
Amount Not to Exceed $44,500.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 317
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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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
10. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2025 Budget and Amend Resolution Book 2021, Page
066, for the Purchase of a 2021 or Newer Wheeled Coach Ambulance to Include an Upgraded
Power Ferno Cot for the Fire Department for an Additional Cost of $17,425.39. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 318
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 : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
11. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Louis C. Colley as Municipal Court Judge. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 319
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.
Councilor Jackson asked City Attorney, Andrew Odom about an email regarding amending
group health benefits on both appointments.
Mr. Odom advised he was not included in the original email and it was only forwarded to him
just prior to the meeting and that he did not have time to read it or research any details.
Council President Boone advised this was not anything new and that this subject had already
been discussed with the Human Resources Director, Lisa Thrash, and other Human Resource
attorneys. She explained this was a housekeeping procedure and re-appointment and that
there were no new benefits offered. Councilor President Boone expressed her comfort and
confidence in the decision and wording.
Mr. Odom informed the Council that any ordinance or resolution that was passed could be
revisited by motion for reconsideration at the next council meeting.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
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AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
12. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Alabama Bass
Trail to Host an Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series Divisional on April 26, 2025, at a Cost
Not to Exceed $8,500.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 320
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
13. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Bradley E. Ekdahl as City Prosecutor. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2024-B, PAGE 321
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,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Karen Cooper, 706 Cobblestone Curve, spoke on concerns with handling issues with the library
and parade, how the decision can affect Prattville’s future, social injustices, and inclusivity.
Jackie Nix, 706 Running Brook, spoke on the library and revisiting the Resolutions to appoint,
conducting more research, a process for board appointments , and looking into the library's
financial statements.
Debra Robinson, 118 Cosby Court, spoke on the Character Trait of the Month and hospitality.
Dianne Rolling, 119 Magnolia Drive, wished everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.
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Ted Holley, 1864 Pendlebrook Drive, spoke on caution and awareness around EMT blasts,
cyber-attacks, communication, water supplies, and having processes in place in events of
these situations.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie thanked all City employees, the Council, and the Citizens of Prattville.
Councilor Sanders wished everyone and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Councilor Jackson wished everyone a Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas and thanked all
City employees and first responders.
Councilor Chambers wished everyone and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year noting new
members on the Council.
Councilor Merrick wished everyone and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thanked
the Police and Fire Departments and Departments.
Councilor Whaley reminded everyone as they enjoyed the festivities to do so safely and to
reflect on the true meaning on Christmas.
Councilor Strichik commented on Prattville being ranked 3rd in the state on Christmas attraction
and congratulated Judge Colley on his reappointment.
Councilor Boone wished everyone and Merry Christmas and congratulated Judge Colley on
his reappointment.
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 7:59 p.m. (7-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Loucretia Harrell
Assistant City Clerk