2025.05.20 CC Minutes1
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 6:04 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, Councilor Merrick gave the invocation. Roll was called with
all Councilors recorded as present, with the exception of Councilor Whaley. Council President
Boone declared a quorum and called the meeting to order.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS COMPASSION: Investing whatever is
necessary to show concern through words and actions.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting, May 6, 2025. Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes, and Councilor Jackson
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
NONE
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie opened his report with a Point-of-Privilege to the American Legion’s State
Commander Willie Rogers and local Commander Charles Marsh.
Commander Rogers explained that he has transitioned into the Commander of the State of
Alabama position, and Commander Marsh has transitioned into the local Commander position.
Commander Marsh invited the Council and Mayor to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at
11:00 a.m. Monday, May 26, 2025, in front of the Autauga County Courthouse, with a luncheon
to follow at the American Legion.
Commander Rogers announced that the Alabama American Legion’s Officers of the Year
awards were given to Prattville Police Department’s Officer Darryl Hall and Officer Kelly
Williams, and Prattville Fire Department’s Assistant Chief Richard Roberts; noting these
individuals will be given their honors and medals on June 29, 2025, at the American Legion’s
Convention, where they will advance to the nationwide competition for the National American
Legion award.
Mayor Gillespie continued extending a Point-of-Privilege to Julie Waldo, the 2024 and 2025
individual Alabama High School Athletic Association 1A-3A State Golf Champion. Julie has
won over 40 junior golf tournaments, noting Julie is verbally committed to play for Conference
USA and Jacksonville State entering 2026. The Mayor congratulated Julie on her outstanding
golf history, and awarded Julie with the Mayor’s coin. The Mayor thanked Julie for being a part
of Prattville.
Mayor Gillespie continued his Point-of-Privilege, inviting River Jones to come forward. The
Mayor noted that River won the Alabama State Championship in Greco style wrestling for his
weight class and has earned All-American status for taking 1st Place in Folkstyle wrestling. The
Mayor awarded River with the Mayor’s Coin.
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Mayor Gillespie opened his report by thanking Councilor Jackson and Whaley for their recent
representation of the City of Prattville at the Alabama League of Municipalities Annual
Conference in Huntsville. The Mayor continued his report, commenting on the official ribbon
cutting for Stanley Jenson Stadium, which took place on May 16, 2025, noting that the first
event to be held at the stadium would be the 2025 Prattville High School graduation ceremony
on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The Mayor turned the microphone over to Parks and Recreation
Committee Chair Robert Strichik.
Councilor Strichik commented on the ribbon cutting and advised that attendees were able to
tour the stadium and facilities after the ribbon cutting. Councilor Strichik thanked the Councilors,
Parks and Recreation, and Finance for their assistance in making this project happen. Council
Strichik concluded by commenting on his excitement for the upcoming graduation and the
home football opener game in August against Stanhope Elmore High School.
Mayor Gillespie continued his report, congratulating Prattville Police Department’s Kelly
Williams and Daryl Hall, along with Prattville Fire Department’s Richard Roberts, on receiving
the 2025 American Legion Officers of the Year award.
Mayor Gillespie asked for Council support on Resolution Number 3, stating longer delivery
times for receiving and upfitting these vehicles, and the need for reliable police vehicles. The
Mayor announced the Autauga Creek Improvement Committee (ACIC) received a $4,190.00
grant from the Alabama Scenic River Trail Water-Way Enhancement Program for a portable
launch system that will be placed along Autauga Creek. Mayor Gillespie thanked Dawn Russell
and ACIC for facilitating this project and for ACIC’s partnership in bringing so much life to our
creek area.
Mayor Gillespie reported the Fairview Avenue project is temporarily at a standstill due to design
issues, which are being reviewed by SAIN Associates. The Mayor stated the work should start
back next week.
Mayor Gillespie provided an update on the North Highland Park project, stating that there will
be a delay as there were several items that Krebs Engineering identified as needing adjustment
on the project.
Mayor Gillespie noted that the traffic signal project on Tara Drive at McQueen Smith Road
should start on June 1, 2025, and take approximately four weeks. The Mayor explained that
once construction is completed, the traffic lights will be set to a flashing mode for an adjustment
time. Mayor Gillespie commented on the Youth and Senior Fishfest, stating everyone enjoyed
reeling in the fish and invited everyone to attend next year.
Mayor Gillespie advised that the annual Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony would be held
Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Autauga County Courthouse. The Mayor
reflected on the meaning and the sacrifices made for our freedom, stating Memorial Day is a
reminder of the cost of liberty.
Mayor Gillespie invited everyone to the pool on Monday, May 26, 2025, for the official pool
opening with Retro Pool Day, stating that with summer coming up, he also wanted to extend
his gratitude to the local educators for all they do throughout the year.
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Mayor Gillespie closed his report commenting on The Pratt Project resolution, stating that, like
our library, the PRATT should be considered an opportunity for education outside of the
classroom.
Councilor Jackson inquired if the City would announce the Fairview Avenue plans on social
media.
Mayor Gillespie assured Councilor Jackson that they would keep citizens informed via social
media regarding the Fairview Avenue project.
Councilor Jackson inquired about the email received regarding an issue with the North
Highland Park renovation.
Mayor Gillespie stated that he would get with Councilor Jackson after the meeting regarding
the design issues with the renovation, noting the concern about the former swimming pool area.
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 April 2025.
•General Fund Revenue Report
o $4,349,154.55 – total revenue collected in April
o $36,683,654.69 – total revenue collected fiscal year to date
•Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $3,805,029.89 – tax revenue collected in April
o (7.79%) - decrease over April 2024
•General Fund Expenditures Report
o 58.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 63.35% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
•Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $708,297.33 – net income from operations for April
o 58.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 55.93% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
•Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o ($5,096.94) – net loss for April
o 58.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 50.04% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
•Judicial Fund Income Statement
o $16,907.54 net income for April
o 58.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 53.32% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
•Bank Balances Report
o $43,416,644.23 – total of all bank balances at the end of April
•Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $53,162,154.03 – total debt balance city-wide at end of April
o $22,339,154.03 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of April
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CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Special Retail More Than 30 Days Alcohol License for The
Kitchen Table LLC d/b/a The Kitchen Table. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 126
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 124 Warwick Drive. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 127
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 325 Festival Drive. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 128
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 413 New Moon Drive. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 129
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to Affix the Cost for the Removal of Garbage
and Rubbish at 711 Running Brook Circle. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 130
6. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 464 Dawson 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 2025-A, PAGE 131
7. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass and
Weeds at 203 Azalea Drive, 1270 Cooper Avenue, and 105 Thames 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 2025-A, PAGE 132
8. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing for a Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II (Package)
License for Alabama Enterprise 1 LLC d/b/a ZSPIRITS. {Sponsored By: Councilor Whaley}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 133
9. RESOLUTION: To Submit the 2024 Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) Annual
Reports for the Autauga Creek and Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Facilities to the Alabama
Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). {Sponsored By: Councilor Sanders}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 134
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to place items 1-9 on a Consent
Agenda, and Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent
Agenda (6-0).
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda, and Councilor Sanders
seconded the motion.
There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results:
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AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
AGENDA
1.RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2025 Budget and To Pledge and Authorize Funding for
Eligible Expenses for the Design and Construction of the PRATT Over Five Years for a Total
Pledge Not to Exceed $2,000,000.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 135
Council President Boone passed the gavel to Council President Pro Tempore Strichik.
Council President Boone introduced the resolution and made a motion to adopt, and Councilor
Jackson seconded the motion. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik opened the floor for
discussion.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik asked the Finance Director, Daniel Oakley, to speak
on the funding for the project.
Mr. Oakley explained the breakdown of the one-cent sales tax funds and accounts and further
explained how the funds are distributed based on the Resolution that the Council passed,
stating the funding for this project would come from the miscellaneous education funding
account that was not previously allocated.
Mayor Gillespie explained the dedication to this project by former City Councilor Albert Striplin
and noted the development since the Education Reserve Funds were set up in 2021.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik added that The PRATT would also serve as Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education.
Mr. Oakley commented that the resolution also stated that THE PRATT would host many
school field trips.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : SANDERS, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik passed the gavel back to Council President Boone.
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2. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase
of Lighting Services through Alabama Power for the Spillway Park Renovations Project at a
Cost Not to Exceed $124,399.42. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 136
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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of Seven (7) 2025
Police Utility SUVs with Installation and Purchase/Installation of Fleet Emergency Equipment
Under Bid No. 024-012 for the Police Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $388,080.00.
{Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 137
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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Gravely
OVIS 40” Mower through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative, Contract No. 112624-ACO,
from Live Oaks Outdoors LLC d/b/a Prattville Outdoors for Urban Management at a Cost Not
to Exceed $32,254.56. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 138
Councilor Merrick 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
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5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Construction Engineering and
Inspection Agreement with Krebs Engineering, Inc. for Comprehensive Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance for Downtown Pedestrian Paths and for the Transportation
Alternative Program (TAP) Project No. TAPAA-TA24(925), CPMS Ref# 100077818 and
100077819, at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $62,000.00 (Net Cost to City Not to Exceed
$12,400.00). {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 139
Councilor 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of Two (2) Wright 61”
Mowers from Live Oaks Outdoors LLC d/b/a Prattville Outdoors for Urban Management at a
Cost Not to Exceed $22,856.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 140
Councilor Merrick 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with UniFirst
Corporation for Employee Uniform Services through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative,
Contract No. 011124-UFC, Until March 25, 2028, at the Approximate Cost of $1,300.00 Per
Week. {Sponsored By: Councilor Sanders}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 141
Councilor Sanders 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
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8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Civil Southeast to Submit an Application to the Alabama
Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for the FY2026 Transportation Alternative Program
(TAP) for Sidewalk Improvements along Washington Ferry Road, Selma Highway, and
McGriff Street. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 142
Councilor 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
9. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Kinder Morgan
Operating LLC “D” and Products (SE) Pipe Line Corporation to Convey a Permanent
Easement. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2025-A, PAGE 143
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution, and Councilor
Jackson seconded the motion. With this resolution being of a permanent nature, by Point-of-
Order, the Council rules must be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor
Merrick made a motion to suspend the rules, and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion.
There being no discussion, Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call Vote for the
suspension of the rules.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Sanders Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (6-0).
The resolution 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : WHALEY
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COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
NONE
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie wished everyone a happy summer and a safe Memorial Day weekend
while reflecting on the cost of our freedom.
Councilor Sanders congratulated the state and local commanders of the American Legion,
Julie Waldo and River Jones, on their accomplishments. Councilor Sanders wished everyone
a safe Memorial Day weekend and reflected on those who gave all leading up to the
weekend. Councilor Sanders closed by thanking Ann Boutwell and Don Edgeworth for their
work on The PRATT and the exciting future it holds.
Councilor Jackson congratulated Mr. Edgeworth on the exciting future of The PRATT
project. Councilor Jackson noted the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for this country.
Councilor Chambers congratulated Julie Waldo on her championships and commented on
his excitement for The PRATT project, thanking everyone for their efforts. Councilor
Chambers expressed his gratitude towards the American Legion on their invitation, and
concluded by wishing everyone a Happy Memorial Day weekend, and thanked those who
have served and passed.
Councilor Merrick commented on his excitement for The PRATT and thanked everyone
who has served and lost their lives, noting that for their sacrifice, we have our freedom.
Councilor Merrick thanked the public for attending and encouraged the Council and Mayor to
attend the Memorial Day ceremony downtown in front of the Courthouse on Monday, May
26, 2025.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik congratulated the individuals helping with The
PRATT project. Councilor Strichik extended his gratitude to those who sacrificed their
lives for our country.
Council President Boone expressed her excitement for the educational opportunity that
The PRATT will offer in the future and explained that this project has been in the works,
dating back to former Councilor Striplin’s tenure.
Council President Boone advised that the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting
would be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, on the 2nd floor of 124 W. Main Street.
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 7:00 p.m. (6-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone
President Prattville City Council
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SUBMITTED BY:
Alexandria Dunklin
Assistant City Clerk