Minutes 2015-12-15
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015
6:00 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Council President Wood gave the invocation. Roll was called and all Councilors were present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS COMPASSION: Investing whatever is
necessary to heal the hurts of others.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting - December 1, 2015. Councilor Boone
made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. With no
discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Dr. Gerald Cimis, 141 North Chestnut Street, addressed the Council regarding Item #1,
proposed business license exemption ordinance. Dr. Cimis acknowledged that this is a noble
cause, but expressed concern that a property owner with rental property could be exempt
from a business license under this proposed exemption. Dr. Cimis recommended that the
ordinance be amended to exclude certain types of business activities.
Councilor Whiteside noted that the proposed ordinance would exempt gross receipts in an
amount below the bid law from requiring a business license.
Council President Wood clarified with City Attorney David McDowell that if this ordinance, or
any other ordinance, required an amendment, the Council could adopt the amendment. Mr.
McDowell agreed.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie congratulated Councilor Denise Brown on earning her Certified Municipal
Official designation from the Alabama League of Municipalities.
The annual Christmas Parade, held on December 4, 2015, had the most participants of any
previous parade. Mayor Gillespie thanked the Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works,
and Engineering Departments, and everyone else who had a hand in making this Christmas
season special for the Partners of Prattville.
The Mayor went on to mention the following historic dates: December 15, 1791, Amendments
3-12 were ratified by Congress and then known as the Bill of Rights; December 14, 1819,
Alabama became the 22nd state admitted to the Union; and in 1839, Prattville was established
and is now known as the birthplace of Industry in Alabama.
2015 has been very fulfilling and rewarding. Prattville looks great and is on the move. Mayor
Gillespie thanked department heads, superintendents, and staff for all of their hard work and
dedication during this year. The City is a mechanized, service-oriented organization and it
takes everyone on get the job done.
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The Mayor thanked the Councilors for their hard work and thanked the Partners of Prattville
for their support of, love for, and commitment to Daniel Pratt’s village.
Mayor Gillespie wished all a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanzaa, and a
happy and safe New Year.
In a point of privilege, Assistant Chief Diane Hamm spoke on her recent training with the
FBI. Assistant Chief Hamm expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the
262nd Class. She thanked the Mayor and Chief Thompson for selecting her to attend and
thanked the Council for providing the necessary funding. Assistant Chief Hamm received a
vast amount of training and networked with law enforcement personnel from twenty-seven
countries. Training included public speaking classes and media relations. Assistant Chief
Hamm added that she hopes the City will continue to send law enforcement personnel for this
training.
Mayor Gillespie thanked Assistant Chief Hamm for representing the City of Prattville well.
Council President Wood also expressed pride in Assistant Chief Hamm’s accomplishments.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin reported that a Wastewater Committee meeting was
held on December 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Jim Marshall, Jackson Thornton Utilities,
provided a preliminary report on the current status of the Wastewater Enterprise Fund’s
financial position as the committee considers moving forward with Phase 1 of an upgrade to
the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility. The committee expects a more detailed report
in early 2016. With funds available to begin the yearlong engineering design, the committee
discussed the need to amend the Wastewater Enterprise Fund budget in January 2016 to
authorize the engineering design work for the Pine Creek Phase 1 project to proceed.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the finance reports for November 2015. The
Unaudited General Fund Revenue report showed that 8.21% of budgeted revenue has been
received. Year-to-date revenue has increased 4.54% in comparison to prior year.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed revenue increased 4.71%% in comparison to
the prior year. The lodging tax is down slightly due to the difference in the time events are
scheduled in comparison to the prior year.
The Unaudited Expenses by Department report showed most departments are in line with the
budget. Year-to-date expenses were at 17.71% of the budget. The Debt Service line item
showed an expense of $1.9 million in November 2015, which was the remaining balance due
on the 2006A bond.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net income for November 2015
of $35,512.49. The remaining SRF will be paid off in February 2016.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net income for November 2015
of $57,035.54. The equipment ordered for the Sanitation Department should be ready for
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delivery in the next two months. Mr. Moseley will seek the best financing rates from local
banks.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed a net income for November
2015 of -$19,390.72. The suspense account balance was $14,659.00. Collections in the
Judicial Department have reduced without JCS, but the department is in the process of
catching up.
The Bank Balances report showed a total cash balance of $15,808,134.47 as of November 30,
2015.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report show total debt at $38,561,463.40
as of November 30, 2015.
Councilor Boles asked what the balance due is on the 2006 SRF. Mr. Moseley replied that the
balance to be paid off in February is $420,000.00. Councilor Boles asked if Mr. Moseley
would include a column on the Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report to show the
original amount of debt due in 2011.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Kyle W. Glover to the Industrial Development Board.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2015-A, Page 155
2. RESOLUTION: To Surplus One (1) Vehicle from the Police Department. (Sponsored By:
Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2015-A, Page 156
Councilor Brown made a motion to place Items 1-2 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor
Starnes seconded the motion. The Items were placed on a Consent Agenda (7-0). Council
President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor
Whiteside seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted
with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, WHITESIDE, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
AGENDA:
1. ORDINANCE: To Amend Certain Provisions of the City of Prattville Business License
Ordinance to Add an Exemption for Certain Businesses Doing Business Only with the City of
Prattville. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood)
HELD UNTIL JANUARY 5, 2015
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Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor
Brown seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the council rules be
suspended if immediate action is to the considered. Councilor Boone made a motion to
suspend the rules. With no second to suspend the rules, the Ordinance was held over until the
January 5, 2015 meeting.
2. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 62, Division III
– Truck Routes, Sections 62-115-Established and 62-116-Prohibited. (Sponsored By:
Councilor Brown)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2015, Page 046
Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the council rules be
suspended if immediate action is to the considered. Councilor Boles made a motion to
suspend the rules and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. The rules were suspended
(7-0). Councilor Whiteside stated that during his time on the Council, he has had numerous
complaints regarding truck traffic from his constituents. He has pushed for a change in truck
routes for the safety reasons. There being no further discussion, the Ordinance was adopted
with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, WHITESIDE, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Fontenot
Benefits & Actuarial Consulting for GASB Statement 45 Actuarial Services at a Cost of
$5,000.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2015-A, Page 157
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, WHITESIDE, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and to Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an
Agreement with Montgomery County to Guarantee One (1) Bed Space for Juvenile Offenders
at the Montgomery County Youth Facility at a Cost Not to Exceed $15,000.00. (Sponsored
By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2015-A, Page 158
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Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Brown seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, WHITESIDE, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: None
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Starnes wished all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Councilor Boles wished all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and encouraged all to
remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.
Councilor Boone thanked those who helped with the Christmas decorations and helped
behind the scenes to make the Christmas Parade a wonderful event.
Council President Wood thanked those who attended the meeting and thanked all City
employees for the job they do for the City. Council President Wood thanked the Mayor and
Council for a job well done and encouraged the Council to continue to meet in their
committees. The Wastewater upgrades are an important issue needed to carry the City
forward. Council President Wood congratulated Assistant Chief Hamm on a job well done,
and congratulated Councilor Brown on earning her CMO designation and congratulated
Mayor Gillespie on earning his Advanced CMO designation. Council President Wood wished
all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Boles made a motion to
adjourn and Councilor Boone seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 6:38 p.m.
APPROVED:
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Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Willie L. Wood, Jr., President
Prattville City Council