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2025.03.18 CC Minutes1 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025 The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the temporary Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of 124 W. Main Street. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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: City Council Meeting, March 4, 2025. 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 (7-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: NONE MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie opened his report noting the City did not receive any damage from the severe weather this past weekend. The Mayor asked for a Point-of-Privilege introducing George Walthall with the Autauga County Master Gardeners Association. Mr. Walthall and fellow Master Gardeners in attendance invited the Council to attend the Autauga County Master Gardeners Association Kick-Off Meet & Greet on April 3, 2025, at the Prattvillage Garden. Mr. Walthall advised that the 2025 Autauga County Master Gardeners Conference would host approximately 285 participants and 20 vendors in our City, having a significant economic impact. Mr. Walthall noted the $11,000,000.00 impact that Master Gardeners had on the State of Alabama in 2024, with approximately $245,000.00 of that being to the Prattville community. Mr. Walthall continued by noting the Grow More, Give More program through the Autauga County Master Gardeners, where over 1,600 pounds of fresh vegetables were grown and donated to the Autauga Interfaith Care Center by local Master Gardeners. Mayor Gillespie continued his report thanking the Autauga County Master Gardeners for their support in the community to include the Arbor Day tree giveaway and commended the Autauga County Partners Against a Littered State and the Sanitation Department for their successful free community shred event. Mayor Gillespie thanked the Autauga County Emergency Management Agency and Prattville Fire and Police Departments for their hard work and dedication at the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) during the recent severe weather. The Mayor also thanked Marcos Pizza and Uncle Micks Cajun Cuisine for providing food for the EOC. Mayor Gillespie noted the EOC did not have to be activated after the storms, but several neighboring communities did sustain damage asking to keep them in our thoughts and prayers. The Mayor thanked all City departments for their preparedness, along with the Prattville Baptist Hospital and the Autauga County Board of Education for opening up the new kindergarten as a safe place. 2 Mayor Gillespie continued his report by commenting on the partnerships with the Autauga County Board of Education and Central Alabama Community College, mentioning the recent donations of ambulances from the City of Prattville Fire Department to utilize in training the next generation workforce. Mayor Gillespie noted the Autauga Prattville Public Library has reopened today around 4:00 p.m. after repairs have been completed to a section of the library. The Mayor thanked the Council for the support and noted this is a temporary solution and this should be revisited within the next six months. Mayor Gillespie noted that March is Certified Government Financial Manager Month. The Mayor recognized the Finance Department as well as other departments for the positive financial state of the City. Mayor Gillespie noted the City has been recognized with a professional certification for many years by the Advance, Grow, Accelerate Association (AGA), demonstrating competencies in our governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal controls, and budgeting at the federal, state, and local levels. The Mayor commended the Finance Department for their hard work and role in maintaining fiscal accountability in the City of Prattville. Mayor Gillespie closed his report by noting it takes time, tools and talent to complete projects, and the City is moving in that direction. Council President Boone commented that she and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik both stopped by the library today and checked out books. Council President Boone noted her book was checked out from the new book section, commenting that even though the library was not open to the public, they were still operating. Council President Boone encouraged the citizens to go out and support the library. Councilor Jackson commented that he had questions from constituents about discretionary funding for Councilors, and he wanted it to be clarified on the record that the City of Prattville did not have discretionary funding for individual Councilors/districts. Mayor Gillespie noted that since his time on the Council and remembering back to his father's time on the Council, there has been no discretionary funding for individual Councilors or districts; instead, the City of Prattville funds projects within each district in its yearly budget that is passed by the Council. The Mayor commented that projects are typically driven in three ways: departments, reoccurring, and specialty/quality of life projects, which may also be brought through grant funding. Mayor Gillespie continued by giving examples of a few projects to include McQueen Smith Road/Tara Drive traffic light, noting that materials should be arriving in late April and that by May/June, the traffic light should be installed, Stanley Jensen Stadium, Newton Park and North Highland Park. Councilor Jackson asked for an update on the local paving start date and commented on the process of how streets are scheduled to be paved. Mayor Gillespie advised that his office is working on a list to provide to the Council of tentative completion timelines for current City projects. The Mayor also noted the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Highway 31 project is ongoing as well as the ALDOT Highway 82 project, which should be completed in the next month or two. Mayor Gillespie advised the asphalt paving plan and funding has been increased over the years; commenting that paving 3 projects are fluid, but that the previous and current City Engineer have a process and schedule for the repaving of City streets. The Mayor encouraged the citizens to report issues through the City’s work order system on any immediate concerns. Mayor Gillespie also commented on the Fairview Avenue project being behind schedule but noted that traffic seems to be flowing even with the continued lane closures for the project. Councilor Whaley asked about the opening of the library, inquiring on the long term plan for the location/operation of the library. Mayor Gillespie commented that the repairs were not a “fix” for the library but more a temporary opportunity to reopen the library and that all options are being reviewed. The Mayor advised that with many departments and structural engineers working, they have been able to reopen the library facility, and it is safe for public occupancy, but that a more permanent solution would be needed. Mayor Gillespie advised that the approximately $20,000.00 plus that has been spent was a good investment, but all future options need to be considered. The Mayor advised that the City owns the property the library building sits on and that the City provides funding, but the City does not operate the Library and noted the original building was a joint project with Autauga County and funded partly with a grant. REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES: Finance Director Daniel Oakley provided the following report on City Finances for February 2025. • General Fund Revenue Report o $5,628,734.70 – total revenue collected in February o $28,269,936.76 – total revenue collected fiscal year to date • Tax Breakdown Comparison Report o $28,269,936.76 – tax revenue collected in February o 0.86% - decrease over February 2024 • General Fund Expenditures Report o 41.67% - portion of fiscal year completed o 33.68% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Wastewater Fund Income Statement o $356,637.29 – net income from operations for February o 41.67% - portion of fiscal year completed o 34.71% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital projects & debt service) • Sanitation Fund Income Statement o $130,916.16 – net income for February o 41.67% - portion of fiscal year completed o 34.98% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date • Judicial Fund Income Statement o $142,283.60 – net loss for February due to the quarterly metro jail payment o 41.67% - portion of fiscal year completed o 31.03%- portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Bank Balances Report o $45,261,281.27 – total of all bank balances at the end of February • Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report o $53,368,217.51 – total debt balance city-wide at end of February 4 o $22,545,217.51– total non-enterprise fund debt at end of February COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: NONE CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Kyle Glover to the Industrial Development Board. {Sponsored By: Councilor Sanders} RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 062 2. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Sara N. Thompson to the Industrial Development Board. {Sponsored By: Councilor Sanders} RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 063 3. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Duwan Walker to the Industrial Development Board. {Sponsored By: Councilor Sanders} RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 064 4. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 1811 Jenny 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 2025, PAGE 065 5. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 106 Lilac 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 2025, PAGE 066 6. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 325 New Moon 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 2025, PAGE 067 Councilor Jackson made a motion to place item numbers 1-6 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 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 5 AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Initiate the Termination of Membership Process with Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (CARPDC). {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik} RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 068 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. Councilor Whaley inquired if the City utilized any regional opportunities/services offered by CARPDC other than grants, noting that the City may need to be a member to be eligible to participate in those. Mayor Gillespie thanked Councilor Whaley for his questions, noting that he had served as a Board member for CARPDC and could attest to the challenges within. The Mayor advised that the City had been a member of CARPDC for over 20 years, with the dues being tied to the population size of Prattville. Mayor Gillespie advised he had been in discussion with the Board Chair and has communicated his concerns with past and present members. Mayor Gillespie noted the City has utilized CARPDC for a few economic development projects in the past but that the membership fees were only the beginning amount; there are specific costs associated with each project, and you are required to pay those costs in addition to the membership dues to utilize CARPDC services. Mayor Gillespie commented that the return on investment with monies spent has not been successful. Councilor Whaley voiced his belief that there was strength in numbers versus a City alone and this may not be the time to leave the membership with the many changes with federal grants/funding. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : SANDERS, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5 NAYS : WHALEY 1 ABSTAINED : JACKSON 1 ABSENT : NONE 2. ORDINANCE: To Establish the Use of the D200 Electronic Vote Counting System and the ExpressVote ADA-Compliant Ballot Marking Device or Any Subsequent Model Devices Utilized by the Autauga County Commission in Compliance with §17-7-21, Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended, in City of Prattville Municipal Elections. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers} ORDINANCE BOOK 2025, PAGE 008 Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Council President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. By Point-of-Order, it is necessary that Council rules be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Whaley made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Merrick 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 6 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. Councilor Jackson inquired on the type of voting machines and their security. City Clerk Paula Barlow advised that the machines named are the same machines that Autauga County has utilized since 2016, and this was a housekeeping ordinance to name the ExpressVote ADA- compliant ballot-marking machine being utilized. There being no further 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 : NONE 3. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2025 Budget and Award Bid No. 025-003 to David Bulger, Inc. for Vista Pointe Park Improvements for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $1,455,475.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik} RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 069 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 : NONE 4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2025 Budget and Release the Funds for the Exterior Updates at Fire Station No. 1 to NBC Acoustics, Inc. at a Cost Not to Exceed $51,300.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley} RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 070 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: 7 AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, MERRICK, WHALEY, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a General Services Agreement with Krebs Engineering, Inc. for the North Highland Park Improvement Project for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $62,060.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik} RESOLUTION BOOK 2025, PAGE 071 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 : NONE COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Marty Roney, 1038 Wright Street, commended the Sanitation Department for the work they do. Jackie Nix, 706 Running Brooke Circle, commented on the lack of advertisement of the library’s re-opening and the need for transparency. CLOSING COMMENTS: Councilor Jackson thanked the Fire and Police Departments for their response to the house fire on Cosby Court stating they showed great compassion for the resident and the neighborhood. Councilor Jackson also commended the departments for their support of employees with peer support programs. Council President Boone advised that the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be held Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 124 W. Main Street on the 2nd floor. 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 6:59 p.m. (7-0) APPROVED: Paula G. Barlow City Clerk Lora Lee Boone, President Prattville City Council