2025.03.04 CC MinutesPRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025
6:00 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at
124 W. Main Street on the 2nd floor. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Mayor
Gillespie 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 DISCERNMENT: Understanding the deeper
reasons why things happen.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting, February 18, 2025.
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the minutes and Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Ann Boutwell, 173 Pletcher Street, spoke against the design plans for Spillway Park stating
they did not follow the historic character of downtown.
Skip Lobmiller, 219 Doster Street, spoke against the design plans for Spillway Park stating it
was not consistent with the historical character of downtown.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik inquired of Mayor Gillespie if this project went before
the Historic Preservation Commission. Mayor Gillespie advised the project did go before the
Historic Preservation Commission and was approved. The Mayor encouraged everyone to sign
up for the MailChimp notifications that the City provides as a way of keeping up with all City
and board meetings. Council President Boone inquired if Chambless King was the architectural
group that was handling this project. Mayor Gillespie confirmed Chambless King Architects
was the architect for this project. Council President Boone noted that this was the same group
that handled another historic downtown project for the Mill Property.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie commented on the City of Prattville’s 24th Annual Black History Month Program
he attended on February 28, 2025, where guest speaker Dr. Brittney Anderson and other talent
were showcased. The Mayor continued his report commenting on Consent Agenda Items 6
and 7, noting that with Council approval, the City would be partnering with Central Alabama
Community College and the Autauga County Technology Center and Board of Education to
donate surplus ambulances for use in education training and workforce development.
Mayor Gillespie advised with Council support of Agenda Item 2, the City would add a turning
lane on Main Street on the North side of Pratt Street between the gas station and the
veterinarian's office to improve traffic flow. The Mayor continued his report commenting on
Agenda Item 9, stating that with Council support the geotechnical group could be on site
starting site services tomorrow.
Mayor Gillespie gave further project updates stating the City Hall parking lot project is finishing
and will include an additional 10 parking spaces for downtown, downtown Fourth Street is
getting repairs and improved sidewalks, and the Autauga Prattville Public Library repairs have
started and the library will tentatively be open for public use by the end of next week.
Mayor Gillespie advised the Highway 82 project is finishing and is scheduled to open next
month. The Mayor invited Councilors to attend the groundbreaking and ribbon cutting for the
Long-Lewis Ford Commercial Elite Services on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.,
commenting on the 10+ year partnership and the excitement of the new expansion.
Mayor Gillespie advised the Autauga County Partners Against a Littered State (PALS) is
hosting a free community-wide shred event on Saturday, March 8, 2025. The Mayor asked for
a Point-of-Privilege inviting Melanie Chambliss with Autauga County PALS to speak where she
commented on several community events hosted to help clean up Autauga County. Ms.
Chambliss encouraged everyone to participate in cleaning up their district and to share their
pictures with Autauga PALS noting that they also assist by providing bags and pickup. Ms.
Chambliss thanked the City for their support and partnership.
Mayor Gillespie reminded everyone to spring their clocks forward on Sunday. The Mayor invited
everyone to the Mustang Sally Car Show honoring Wilson Pickett on March 9, 2025, from 1:00
p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Spillway Park and announced the opening of Baseball season at
Whetstone Park on March 15, 2025.
Mayor Gillespie closed his report by advising everyone to stay weather-aware and safe tonight.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
None
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 711 Doster Road. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 046
2. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 110 Lee Circle 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 2025, PAGE 047
3. RESOLUTION: To Reject All Bids Related to Bid No. 025-002 for the Public Works Vehicle
Maintenance Office Building. {Sponsored By: Councilor Sanders}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 048
4. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Personal Property from Wastewater. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Sanders}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 049
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 1946 Chancellor Ridge Road. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 050
6. RESOLUTION: To Surplus One (1) 2009 Dodge 3500 Ambulance from the Fire Department
and Donate to the Autauga County Board of Education (ACBOE) for the Autauga County
Technology Center (ACTC). {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 051
7. RESOLUTION: To Surplus One (1) 2012 Dodge 3500 Ambulance from the Fire Department
and Donate to Central Alabama Community College (CACC). {Sponsored By: Councilor
Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 052
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-7 on a
Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The items were placed on a
Consent Agenda (7-0).
Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Whaley
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 Authorize the Release of Funds for the Construction of a Restroom at
Bell Park to CAMCO Properties, LLC for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not
to Exceed $77,000.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 53
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.
Councilor Jackson asked Council President Pro Tempore Strichik if he could explain the costs
and building layout to address questions asked of Councilors. Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik advised the building is approximately 600 square feet to include a storage area and it
equals out to approximately $128.00 per square foot which is comparable to industry standards
for current construction costs.
There being no further 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 :
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Turning Lane Project at Pratt
Street and Main Street to Alexander Sealcoating & Striping, Inc. at a Cost Not to Exceed
$91,548.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 054
Council Jackson 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 :
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Professional Services Agreement
with Rice Advisory, LLC for Financial Advisory Services. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 055
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,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase and Installation of
Playground Equipment at Cooters Pond Park to GameTime for the Parks and Recreation
Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $74,949.75. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 056
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.
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. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Krebs Engineering,
Inc. for Preliminary Engineering and Design Services for the Transportation Alternative
Program (TAP) Project No. TAPMN-TA25(933), CPMS Ref # 100079724 for Sidewalk
Extension on SR-14 (Selma Highway) from Maple Street to Washington Ferry Road at a Total
Cost Not to Exceed $63,000.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 057
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,
MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT :
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Chambless King,
LLC for Construction, Engineering, and Architectural Inspection Services for the Spillway Park
Improvements for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $82,197.00.
{Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 058
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.
Councilor Chambers asked Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Carter to give some
background on the process of the project to address the citizen’s concerns. Ms. Carter advised
the design plan went before the Historic Preservation Commission and was approved. Ms.
Carter also advised this was the same architect used in the private Mill Property renovations
and the Picker House projects so they were aware of the downtown's historic character.
Councilor Jackson inquired if there was time to consider concerns raised about the renovations
not following the downtown historic design. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik advised
the project was already approved and scheduled to start on Monday, March 10, 2025. Councilor
Whaley noted for clarification the City Council already voted to award the bid on this project,
and that this resolution was only for the Architectural Inspection Services.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : SANDERS, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : JACKSON 1
ABSENT :
7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Civil Southeast,
LLC for Construction, Engineering, and Inspection Services for Spillway Park Improvements
for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $30,500.00. {Sponsored By:
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 059
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, CHAMBERS, MERRICK,
WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : JACKSON 1
ABSENT :
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Strategic
Government Resources (SGR) to Conduct an Executive Search for a Planning and
Development Director for the City of Prattville at a Cost Not to Exceed $28,449.00. {Sponsored
By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 060
Councilor Chambers 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 :
9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for Geotechnical Site Services at North
Highland Park to GTEC, LLC for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost of $10,160.00.
{Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 061
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.
Councilor Jackson asked for verification that the company would be on site on Wednesday,
March 5, 2025. Mayor Gillespie advised that was correct with the passage of the resolution this
evening, the group would be on site tomorrow.
There being no further 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:
Barbara Robinson, 123 White Oak Court, inquired about extra restroom accommodations being
placed at North Highland Park for the North Highland Easter event on April 12, 2025. Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik advised Ms. Robinson the City is not able to provide additional
restroom accommodations for private events stating this was a consistent practice for the City
siting other private events held at Cooters Pond. Ms. Robinson expressed her contempt that
only one-stall restrooms were built at the park. Mayor Gillespie advised there were more
improvements in the future for North Highland Park and these concerns may be able to be
addressed depending on the bids. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik encouraged Ms.
Robinson to be sure to contact Parks and Recreation to ensure their group had the park
reserved for their event. Mayor Gillespie advised the park would likely be inaccessible starting
in mid-May. Mayor Gillespie also noted the funds for the North Highland Community Center
were increased during the FY2025 budget from $7,500.00 to $10,000.00 and those extra funds
could possibly be used for extra restroom accommodations for their Easter event. Ms.
Robinson invited the Mayor and Councilors to the Easter event on April 12, 2025, starting at
noon.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Jackson advised he has partnered with Central Alabama Works to bring a job fair to
North Highland Park on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, advising they are set to have at least
fifteen (15) companies/jobs on site.
Council President Boone advised the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be
held Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 124 W. Main Street on the 2nd floor.
Council President Boone advised the Council would go into Executive Session to discuss
legal matters with the attorney for issues not currently in litigation but imminently likely to be
litigated, stating a letter had been provided by the City attorney verifying this is a qualified
reason for an Executive Session. Council President Boone advised the Council expected to be
in Executive Session for 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 Merrick seconded the motion. Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call vote.
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 motion to enter into Executive Session was passed with a vote of 7-0.
The Council entered into Executive Session at 6:49 p.m. and returned to Regular Session at
7:28 p.m.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Whaley made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
(7-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council