Minutes 2017-10-17
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017
6:04 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at 6:04 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 all Councilors were present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS DEPENDABILITY: Fulfilling what I consented
to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting October 3, 2017 and
Amended City Council Minutes September 5, 2017.
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Strichik seconded the
motion. With no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Dr. Gerald Cimis, 141 N. Chestnut Street, addressed the Council regarding Agenda Item #8
(handout attached). Dr. Cimis urged the Council to follow the normal rebate or normal obligation
procedures.
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council regarding Agenda Item #8. Ms.
Finnegan went through a timeline for Project Showroom and noted at no time had she heard
mention of a Certificate of Indebtedness. Ms. Finnegan stated that she does not understand
why this is necessary step for such a small amount in light of the number of larger projects.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie requested a Point of Privilege. On behalf of the Prattville Exchange Club,
Clayton Bush presented Police, Fire and Sheriff Awards to the following:
Prattville Police Department: Officer Justin Thornell
Autauga County Sheriff’s Department: Deputy Joshua Averette
Prattville Fire Department: Captain Steven Johnston
Mr. Bush thanked the Council and the Mayor for the job they do for the City of Prattville.
Mayor Gillespie attended the Alabama Advanced Criminal Justice Academy Class Graduation
Ceremony today. The Prattville Police Department had three officers graduate from the
academy. Those officers will be introduced at the next Council meeting. The commitment and
sacrifice made by the Prattville Police Department and their families is invaluable to the City.
Last night, the Spring Hill Community experienced a shooting within their community. Good
people, good training, and good equipment enabled the Prattville Police Department to
apprehend the suspects without further danger to our City. Mayor Gillespie encouraged all to
keep the families of those involved in their thoughts and prayers.
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Alabama Power installed test LED lighting in the Spring Hill Community. These light
advancements appear to significantly enhance the lighting in the area at no additional charge
to the City of Prattville. The Parks and Recreation Department installed a solar LED light at
Upper Kingston Park. The City is also looking into solar lighting installation and improvements
to the Jasmine Trail Park as an upcoming project to be presented to the Council. Progress
continues in Prattville.
Mayor Gillespie noted that Agenda Item #2 is a positive and proactive financial decision. The
City has the cash on hand in the reserves from the one-cent sales tax to call the 2009-A general
obligation bond and warrants on December 1, 2017. This action will reduce the City’s
outstanding debt by $1,550,000.00 and save approximately $474,000.00 in interest expense.
This will also reduce the City’s final bond and warrants maturity, excluding the SRF drainage
project loans, by approximately 3 years. This project installed energy efficient improvements in
multiple City facilities. This is a budgeted expense in the Debt Service Fund for FY2018. The
City continues to work to be fiscally responsible with its tax dollars.
The Annual Halloween Candy Walk is scheduled for Monday, October 30th at 4:00 p.m.
A portion of Bridge Street will be closed on October 18, 2017, from approximately 7:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. for the Urban Management Division to place the lighted cover bridge.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
REPORT FROM FINANCE DIRECTOR:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley presented the finance reports for September 2017. The
General Fund Revenue report showed that year-to-date revenue was $35,321,601.97, an
increase of 1.19% in comparison to the prior year.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed revenue increased by 3.71% in comparison
to the prior year.
The Expenses by Department report showed that with 100% of the budget year complete,
overall expenses were at 93.6%. Total expenses were 6.4% below budget for the year.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net loss of ($53,856.90) for
September 2017. The net loss was due to three payrolls for the month, two re-roofs, and capital
outlay expenses. Expenses were below budget.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net income of $27,739.19 for
September 2017. Expenses were below budget.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed a net income of $24,490.70 for
September 2017. Expenses were below budget.
The Gas Tax Special Revenue Fund Income Statement, presented quarterly for July –
September 2017, showed revenue at 104.57% of amount budgeted for the year. Expenses
were below budget and many projects were re-budgeted in the FY2018 budget.
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The Capital Projects Fund Income Statement, presented quarterly for July – September 2017,
showed revenue showed Lodging Fee revenue at 100.29% of budget. Expenses were under
budget. Many projects were re-budgeted in the FY2018 budget.
The Group Health Fund Income Statement has had no supplements from the General Fund for
the last three months. Year-to-date, the General Fund supplemented the Group Health Fund
Account a total of $579,000.00.
The Bank Balances report showed a total cash balance of $22,544,035.29 as of September
30, 2017.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report show total debt at $34,032,580.00
as of September 30, 2017.
Councilor Cables asked what the Grant Revenue was in the Gas Tax Special Revenue Fund.
Finance Director Daniel Oakley replied that there is often a delay in reimbursements for paving
projects. These grant funds were tail-end reimbursements for previously completed projects.
Council President Striplin asked for an update on the audit. Mr. Oakley responded that final
revenue numbers for FY2017 will be available at next month’s meeting. The audit began last
week and should be complete no later than March 1, 2018.
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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 2017-A, PAGE 200
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 2017-A, PAGE 201
3. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Grant a Restaurant Retail Liquor License to
Kimberlias, LLC, d/b/a Kimberlias. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 202
4. RESOLUTION: To Re-Appoint Susan Jones to the Exchange Cooperative District.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Cables)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 203
5. RESOLUTION: To Accept Maintenance of Glennbrooke Subdivision Phase II, Plats 2A,
2B, 2C. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 204
6. RESOLUTION: To Accept Maintenance of Bridge Creek Reserve Subdivision, Plat 1B.
(Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
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RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 205
7. RESOLUTION: To Reject All Bids for Bid No. 17-019 for Federal Aid Project No. TAPMN-
TA14 (902) Cooter’s Pond Park Pedestrian Bridge and Walkway. (Sponsored By: Councilor
Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 206
Councilor Boone made a motion to place Item #’s 1-7 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor
Cables seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent Agenda. Council President
Pro Tempore Brown made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Strichik
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
AGENDA
1. ORDINANCE: To Exempt Certain “Covered Items” From the Municipal Sales and Use Tax
during the Last Full Weekend of February, 2018, as Authorized by Act 2012-256, Generally
Referred to as the “State Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday” Legislation.
(Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2017, PAGE 016
Councilor Cables made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Boone seconded the
motion. By point of order, it is necessary to that the council rules be suspended if immediate
action is to be considered. Councilor Starnes made a motion to suspend the rules and
Councilor Cables seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). There being no
discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds to Call the 2009-A General Obligation
Warrants in the Amount of $1,550,000.00, plus Accrued Interest. (Sponsored By: Council
President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 207
Council President Pro Tempore Brown 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:
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AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
3. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds for the Purchase of Sixteen (16) Sets of Personal
Protective Gear through the HGAC-Buy Purchasing Cooperative from NAFECO for the Fire
Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $29,872.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 208
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, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
4. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds to Long-Lewis of the River Region, Inc. for the Purchase
of Five (5) 2018 Ford Utility Police Interceptor SUV Vehicles for the Police Department at a
Cost Not to Exceed $135,270.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 209
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Cables seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Demolition of the Dilapidated Structure Located at
0 Washington Ferry Road and to Award a Contract A & C Construction Company, Inc. to
Complete Demolition at a Cost Not to Exceed $2,675.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 210
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Brown seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
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NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Demolition of Dilapidated Structure Located at 117 7th Street
and to Award a Contract to A & C Construction Company, Inc. to Complete Demolition at a
Cost of $8,975.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 211
Councilor Jackson 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, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
7. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2018 Budget and to Amend the Award of Bid No.
017-011 to Sabre Industries, Inc. for a 400’ Guyed Tower at an Additional Cost Not to Exceed
$21,425.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 212
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, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Issuance of the City’s Series 2017-B Limited Obligation
Certificate of Indebtedness with Regard to the Development Agreement By and Between the
City of Prattville, Alabama, and Akin Holdings XI Prattville, LLC. (Sponsored By: Council
President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2017-A, PAGE 213
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the
motion. Councilor Starnes asked City Attorney David McDowell to explain the process. Mr.
McDowell explained that the Development Agreement was approved by the City Council on
October 3, 2017, to provide for a rebate of one-half of sales tax collected according to the terms
of the agreement. This resolution authorizes the filing of validation proceedings in Circuit Court
to ensure that everything is in order. Once a court order is entered and Akin Holdings completes
requirements pursuant to the Development Agreement, the sales tax rebate will start. There
being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
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AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, stated that during the last validation proceeding in 2005,
a legal ad ran in the newspaper approximately three times and asked if that procedure would
be followed for the current validation. City Attorney David McDowell replied that the City would
follow the requirements of the statute.
Queenie Ezell, 270 Easy Street, addressed the Council requesting additional police protection
in her neighborhood. Recently two vehicles pulled into her driveway and a man was at her
garage door. When she turned on the garage light, the man jumped into one of the cars and
both cars pulled away. There are other events in the neighborhood, including a car stopping
and exchanging items. It is dark on the end of Easy Street and the street light at the corner of
Easy Street and Upper Kingston Road needs to be turned toward Easy Street. Ms. Ezell
responded to Council questions. Council President Striplin expressed appreciation to Ms. Ezell
for bringing this matter to their attention.
Patrick Tatum, 1218 County Road 57, addressed the Council regarding consideration of an
Entertainment District in downtown Prattville. Mr. Tatum stated that downtown Prattville is a
growing, family place and is busy Thursday through Saturday nights. Mr. Tatum added that to
allow an Entertainment District is not acceptable.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Starnes recognized Circuit Clerk Deb Hill in the audience.
Councilor Boone invited all to attend the YMCA Great Grits Cook-Off on Saturday, October 21,
2017. All entities work together for this wonderful cause.
Councilor Cables thanked Ms. Finnegan, Ms. Ezell, and Mr. Tatum for their comments.
Council President Striplin expressed appreciation to Clayton Bush and the Prattville Exchange
Club for recognizing Officer Justin Thornell, Deputy Joshua Averette, and Captain Steven
Johnston.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Boone made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 7:06
p.m.
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APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Albert Striplin, President
Prattville City Council