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Minutes 2019-06-04 1 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2019 6:55 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 6:55 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Council President Striplin gave the invocation. Roll was called and Council President Pro Tempore Brown was recorded as absent. Council President Pro Tempore Brown was out of the country. Councilor Boone left the meeting at 6:56 p.m. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS TRUTHFULNESS: Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting May 21, 2019. Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. With no discussion, the minutes were adopted (5-0). Councilor Boone returned to the meeting at 6:58 p.m. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, spoke in reference to Mr. Darren Smith’s comment during the Public Hearing that 400 units in the proposed apartment complex was a conceptual plan. The 400 units were shown in the application presented to the Planning Commission. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie thanked Council President Striplin for keeping municipal employees and their families in Virginia Beach, VA in his prayer. House Representative Jimmy Martin also passed away over the weekend. The Mayor asked all to keep his family in their prayers. Mayor Gillespie thanked the American Legion Post 122, the VFW Post 1349, and the City departments that assisted in making the Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony a success. The heat did not deter the citizens of Prattville from honoring their fallen. The Mayor added this is one of the many reasons he is proud of Prattville. The Parks and Recreation Department reported that there were 960 participants at the Retro Pool Party on Memorial Day. The Prattville Farmer’s Market at The Grove kicked off on Saturday, June 1, 2019, with great participation. Mayor Gillespie encouraged all to make time to visit the Farmer’s Market this season. A Public Hearing was held today regarding the City of Prattville’s eligibility to apply for CDBG grant funds. Mayor Gillespie looks forward to more discussions on this matter with Council members and the citizens of Prattville. 2 Mayor Gillespie noted that City staff has been working with the developer of Winchester Ridge Plat 1 and encouraged the Council to move forward with acceptance of maintenance on Agenda Item #1. Councilor Starnes asked if the R-4 rezoning passes in Agenda Item #3, is there any guarantee that the project will be high end apartments. Mayor Gillespie asked City Planner Scott Stephens to come forward. Mr. Stephen responded that City staff will look at zoning requirements and make sure the development plan meets those requirements. There is nothing in the zoning ordinance pertaining to price points or rental prices. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Councilor Cables reported that the Sanitation Committee met on May 29, 2019 to discuss recycling in the community. CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Various Weeded Lots Abated per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2019, PAGE 065 2. RESOLUTION: To Declare Various Weeded Lots to be a Public Nuisance, Order Their Abatement and Set a Public Hearing per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2019, PAGE 066 Councilor Strichik made a motion to place Items #1-2 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor Boone seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the items were placed on a Consent Agenda (6-0). Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Accept Maintenance of Winchester Ridge Plat 1. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone) HELD FROM MAY 7, 2019 RESOLUTION BOOK 2019, PAGE 067 The resolution was held over from the May 7, 2019 City Council Meeting. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: 3 AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN 2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Various Weeded Lots Abated per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) HELD FROM MAY 7, 2019 RESOLUTION BOOK 2019, PAGE 068 The resolution was held over from the May 7, 2019 City Council Meeting. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN 3. ORDINANCE: To Rezone Property Located at Old Farm Lane South and Vista Point Blvd. from B-2 (General Business) to R-4 (Multi-Family) (Petitioner: MVAH Holding, LLC). (Sponsored By: Councilor Cables) HELD FROM MAY 7, 2019 HELD UNTIL JULY 2, 2019 The ordinance was held over from the May 7, 2019 City Council meeting. Councilor Cables thanked all who spoke for or against this rezoning. Councilor Cables added that the City went through this issue a year ago and many of same concerns were brought up at that time. There is a housing issue in the United States, Alabama, and Prattville. The question is how to address the issue. If the rezoning is voted down tonight, the company will be required to wait 365 days to re-apply for rezoning. He explained that he does believe this project has potential for a good product. Councilor Cables made a motion to hold this item for thirty days and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. Councilor Starnes requested a roll call vote: Council President Striplin Aye Councilor Jackson Aye Councilor Starnes Nay Councilor Cables Aye Councilor Strichik Aye Councilor Boone Nay There being no further discussion, the ordinance was held over until the July 2, 2019 City Council meeting with a vote of (4-2). 4 4. ORDINANCE: To Zone Property Located at Co. Rd. 4, South Industrial Park and Corley Road to M-2. (General Industry). (Petitioner: City of Prattville). (Sponsored By: Councilor Cables) HELD FROM MAY 7, 2019 ORDINANCE BOOK 2019, PAGE 006 The ordinance was held over from the May 7, 2019 City Council Meeting. There being no discussion, the ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN 5. ORDINANCE: To Zone Property Located at Interstate Court/Business Park Drive to B-2 (General Business) (Petitioner: City of Prattville/Owner: MRT, LLC). (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown) HELD FROM MAY 7, 2019 ORDINANCE BOOK 2019, PAGE 007 The ordinance was held over from the May 7, 2019 City Council Meeting. There being no discussion, the ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN 6. ORDINANCE: To Establish a Pre-Trial Diversion Program. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) ORDINANCE BOOK 2019, PAGE 008 Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the council rules be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Boone made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There being no discussion, the ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN 7. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2019 Budget and to Release Funds for the Purchase of Six (6) X Series Defibrillators from Zoll Medical Corporation through the NPPGov Purchasing 5 Cooperative for the Fire Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $195,464.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) RESOLUTION BOOK 2019, PAGE 069 Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN 8. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2019 Budget and to Release Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Konica Minolta Bizhub C759 Digital Printer/Copier/Scanner from Royal Office Equipment for the Human Resources Department in an Amount Not to Exceed $10,950.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2019, PAGE 070 Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN 9. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Rezone Property Located at Rocky Mount Road and Old Farm Lane from FAR (Forest, Agriculture, Recreation) to O-1(Office District) (Petitioner: Southern District Church Extension Fund, Inc.). (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown) RESOLUTION BOOK 2019, PAGE 071 Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN Councilor Boone introduced the ordinance printed in Resolution Book 2019, page 071. Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. By point of order, this ordinance was held until its Public Hearing on July 2, 2019. 6 10. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Zone Property Located at Old Farm Lane and Covered Bridge Parkway (Parcel 24) to FAR (Forest, Agricultural, Recreation) (Petitioner: City of Prattville/Owners: Alice Avant Wilson and Brentwood Landing II Apartments, LTD.). (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown) RESOLUTION BOOK 2019, PAGE 072 Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Boone seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN Councilor Strichik introduced the ordinance printed in Resolution Book 2019, Page 072. Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. By point of order, this ordinance was held until its Public Hearing on July 2, 2019. 11. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Zone Property Located at Old Farm Lane and Covered Bridge Parkway (Parcel 19) to FAR (Forest, Agricultural, Recreational) (Petitioner: City of Prattville/Owners: Alice Avant Wilson and Brentwood Landing II Apartments, LTD). (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown) RESOLUTION BOOK 2019, PAGE 073 Councilor Cables made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : BROWN Councilor Cables introduced the ordinance printed in Resolution Book 2019, Page 073. Councilor Cables made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. By point of order, this ordinance was held until its Public Hearing on July 2, 2019. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Marianne Dillard, 1822 Jenny Drive, thanked Councilor Boone and Councilor Starnes for researching the items on the agenda. Ms. Dillard stated that citizens left the meeting tonight in protest of the vote and that citizens have lost confidence in the council. Commissioner Larry Stoudemire, 320 Washington Street, asked Councilor Boone to talk with the Mayor and City Engineer regarding paving of Johnson and Robinson Streets. Councilor Boone responded that this has been discussed in the past years and they will revisit this matter again. 7 Elizabeth Taylor, 335 County Road 4 East, stated that when officials were elected to office, the citizens put these issues in their hands. She further stated that she understands there is concern regarding apartment complexes being affordable or low income, causing school overcrowding, and creating traffic issues. Ms. Taylor added she was disappointed with the racial undertones she felt tonight. These are the same people that she shops with and attends PTA meetings with. She urged citizens to not compare Prattville with Montgomery. Prattville is the Preferred Community. Ms. Taylor stated that between the City Council, the Mayor, and the Police Department, things will stay under control in Prattville, adding we cannot complain about something that has not happened. Ms. Taylor is putting her trust in the Council to make the right decision of what is best for the City of Prattville. Patrick Lucas, 2325 ____________, Wetumpka, AL, stated that he owns a house in Prattville, but lives in an apartment in Wetumpka. His sons played ball and graduated in Prattville. Mr. Lucas moved to Wetumpka last year because of a coach’s comments. All low-income individuals are not thugs. People want to live in peace and not have their homes or vehicles broken into. Crime will be crime, but you cannot punish everyone because of a few people. Mr. Lucas added that Mr. Smith was disrespected at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Lucas urged the Council to look at the bigger picture. Councilor Starnes stated that he disagreed with Mr. Lucas regarding racial undertones and criminals. Councilor Starnes noted that 60% of his case load while in Autauga County were white, adding that a criminal is a criminal. Councilor Starnes clarified that he did not feel that anyone disrespected Mr. Smith tonight. Richard Harrison, 121 Irma Street, stated he was insulted at being called a racist. Mr. Harrison added that race was not mentioned. Mr. Harrison stated that he has served twenty-five years in the military and has treated all people fairly. Councilor Starnes asked Mr. Harrison to state where he retired from. Mr. Harrison responded he retired from the Alabama National Guard with twenty years full time service and five years part time service. His first tour of duty and last tour of duty were in Prattville. Councilor Starnes asked if Mr. Harrison agreed that the army is biggest melting pot of races. Mr. Harrison agreed and added there are people from other countries. Mattie Johnson, 110 Cosby Court, stated that her area was a low crime area. The people who committed crime in the area did not live there. Ms. Johnson encouraged all to be the change you want to see. Her daughter will soon retire from the military and is moving to Enterprise, Alabama. Ms. Johnson added that housing was not available for her daughter in Prattville. CLOSING COMMENTS: Councilor Jackson stated that he was offended by the comment thanking Councilors Starnes and Boone for doing their research. Each Councilor has gone over and beyond to do their research on this issue. He added that he is heartbroken and saddened at how a few members of the Preferred Community have handled these home units coming to Prattville. Councilor Jackson stated that he cares about this community and represents all of Prattville. To label people that live in multifamily home units as thugs and criminals is wrong. Some top-level city officials live in multi-family units. Councilor Jackson asked what about the single mom who 8 cannot afford a single detached home, the newly graduated teacher who cannot afford to purchase a home, or the divorcee who had to sell their home in the divorce. We live in a day and age where it is not always feasible to purchase a home for various reasons, including family size, marital status, age, job, income and credit rating. Councilor Jackson added that he has recently attended a conference in Washington DC and spoke with elected officials for this area; infrastructure and housing were hot topics. New and existing industry look at the infrastructure of an area before relocation; housing is part of that decision-making process. Councilor Jackson added that he enjoys being able to live, work, and play in this community. Many people are not able to do the same because housing is not here. The economy is good, and growth is here. Councilors were elected to make decisions based on what is best for the people and the community. Prattville is a growing municipality that needs housing of all types. Councilor Starnes thanked all who came and showed their concern at tonight’s meeting. There were residents from Wetumpka, Millbrook, Deatsville, and Prattville who spoke passionately about what is right and what is wrong. The council will continue to review these issues over the next thirty days and hopefully come to a conclusion. Councilor Cables thanked each person who attended tonight’s meeting. He added that it is an honor to sit on the Council and be a public servant. While it is impossible to please all of the people all of the time, it is important to listen to both sides of any type of issue and to listen to each and every person. The conversations need to continue. Council Cables requested the City Clerk to provide the name of each individual who spoke at tonight’s meeting. Councilor Strichik noted that the passion shown at tonight’s meeting was incredible. He added that it is an honor to serve this great community, the Preferred Community. Councilor Strichik noted that he did hear some implied undertones. Councilors have gathered facts, studied the facts and figures provided, and have done their due diligence. Growth will happen in the community. Businesses and merchants want people in the city; those tax dollars go back into the community. Other communities will be glad to prosper and grow. It is important to hear both sides of the argument, but name calling is not necessary. Mr. Smith did not deserve to be insulted tonight. Councilor Strichik offered apologies to Mr. Smith. The City of Prattville does not build hospitals and is not in the school business at this time. Councilor Strichik added that he is a proud citizen of Prattville and that it is an honor to serve this community. Council President Striplin expressed appreciation to all in attendance at tonight’s meeting. This is the opportunity for the public to participate. Councilors will continue to review the information. All are entitled to the facts, but not entitled to create their own facts. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Strichik made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (5-0) at 7:59 p.m. 9 APPROVED: ___________________________ Cathy Dickerson City Clerk ___________________________ Albert Striplin, President Prattville City Council