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Minutes 2015-06-02 1 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015 6:28 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at 6:28 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Council President Pro Tempore 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 May 19, 2015. Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Brown seconded the motion. With no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council regarding Item # 4. Ms. Finnegan suggested that the City use all of the grant money, if awarded, for drainage improvement and none for the demolition of the old Gurney Building. Council President Wood stated that the demolition was added to the grant application to increase its chances of being approved. City Planner Joel Duke added that the CDBG comes up once a year. Drainage issues are not considered high priority but blight is. The City is attempting to take advantage of an opportunity to receive $400,000.00 in Federal money. Councilor Boone added that safety also played a role in the decision to include the demolition. Students walking to and from the Junior High School pass the vacant building daily. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie was granted a point of personal privilege to present JoAnn Johnson, of the Autauga Creek Improvement Committee with a plaque recognizing her dedication to the City of Prattville and the ACIC. A lot of improvements have been made to the City through volunteers like Ms. Johnson. Ms. Johnson is a partner in Prattville who has dedicated so much time to the community. Ms. Johnson thanked Mayor Gillespie for helping to start the ACIC. She has been honored to volunteered to help improve the City. Fire Chief Terry Brown presented Fire Captain Robert Van Valkenburg, with a Certificate of Recognition from Governor Robert Bentley for his completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program. Chief Brown noted the importance of this four year curriculum in the National Fire Academy. Captain Van Valkenburg is the first employee of the City to achieve this accomplishment. Information from the papers by Captain Van Valkenburgh is published on the National Fire Academy website. Fire Chiefs from all over the country view this information. Chief Brown was deeply honored to present this certificate to him. Chief Brown presented Captain Van Valkenburg with a plaque which under the authority granted by the 111 Congress of the United States of America and under the recommendation 2 of the faculty of the National Fire Academy conferred the title of Executive Fire Officer to Captain Robert Van Valkenburg. Captain Van Valkenburg thanked God for giving him the guidance, direction and strength to get through this program. Captain Van Valkenburg interviewed several people during this process and thanked Mayor Gillespie, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Teresa Lee, Human Resources Director Lisa Thrash, City Planner Joel Duke, City Engineer Robby Anderson, Patty VanderWal of Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, Marty Roney of the Prattville Progress who help get information to community and Crystal Ousley of the Autauga County EMA, for their help and participation. He interviewed several more people in Fire Department to assist in collection of data and thanked Chief Brown, Deputy Chief Dallis Johnson, Assistant Chief Michael Whaley, Battalion Commander Owens and Sergeant Hill for their help and participation. Captain Van Valkenburg thanked all members of Prattville Fire Department for participating in various surveys and multi-phased questionnaires to assist in the research for comparative analysis against the rest of the United States. He also thanked his two editors, Craig Sikes from Prattville Fire Department and his wife Mrs. Claudia Van Valkenburg The Mayor thanked Captain Van Valkenburg for all of his dedication and hard work. The Mayor thanked the Human Resources Department for all their hard work and working with A.U.M. to improve the promotion process for the Fire and Police Departments. Police Chief Mark Thompson thanked the Council and Mayor’s office, Paula Barlow of the Prattville Police Department, the Human Resources Department and A.U.M. for making it possible for 31 officers to be promoted or moved to investigations since 2014. The Mayor announced the following promotions in the Prattville Police Department: Corporals: Officer Jason Kephart promoted to Corporal 5/24/2015 Officer Robby Dean promoted to Corporal 5/24/2015 Officer Brandon Amos promoted to Corporal 5/24/2015 Officer Kevin Karr promoted to Corporal 5/24/2015 Sergeants: Investigator Donnie Martin promoted to Sergeant 4/26/2015 Investigator John Lee promoted to Sergeant 5/24/2015 Investigator Sean Malloy promoted to Sergeant 5/24/2015 Captains: Lieutenant Pat Kowalczyk promoted to Captain 5/24/2015 Lieutenant Jeff Hassell promoted to Captain 5/24/2015 Investigators: Corporal Tom Tousignant will be assigned to Investigations 6/7/2015 Officer Mike Smith will be assigned to Investigations 6/7/2015 Officer Scott Baxley will be assigned to Investigations 6/7/2015 3 Officer Johnathan Snyder will be assigned to Investigations 6/7/2015 Officer Jason Hamm will be assigned to Investigations 6/7/2015 Officer Nick Cigelske will be assigned to Investigations 6/7/2015 Sergeant Troy Aadson has been invited to compete in the 4th Annual Fire Fighter Throw Down hosted by Fire-Rescue International. Out of thousands of firefighters, Sergeant Aadson was one of only 100 chosen to compete. The Mayor knows the Sergeant Aadson will represent this City and his family well in August. The Mayor invited all to join him Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. at Doster Center to welcome the Crappie Masters tournament to Prattville. The Mayor thanked the Street Committee, it’s Chair Councilor Brown and the entire Council on their due diligence in finding the funding to move forward in the near future on the list of paving projects. The Mayor asked that the Council hold Item #1 for approximately 90 days. Judge Booth is presently working on this property and the one across the street. He has conveyed that he has purchased the materials needed and will have the outside of 101 North Chestnut Street presentable in 90 days. The Mayor asked that the Council move forward on Item #2. The property owner has partially disassembled the house, but has not made any further positive progress at 843 Peachtree Street. The Mayor is awaiting additional information regarding Project Fountain and requested that the Council hold Item #3 until the next Council meeting. Item #4 is a worthwhile project. The City has gone through the planning grant process in order to make some significant improvements in the historic College Heights area of District 2. The Mayor asked that the Council move forward on this item. The Mayor hoped to see everyone at the Prattaugan Museum after the conclusion of the meeting. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Council President Pro Tempore Striplin reported that the Sanitation Committee met Monday, June 1. Director of Public Works Randall Lucas and Superintendent of the Sanitation Department Walter Love reported the conversion of routes went smoothly. A few residents went from bags to cans to help improve route efficiency and some had their day of pick-up changed. Some residents were accustomed to putting their trash out at 10:00 a.m. and with the route change their pick-up came earlier. When calls were received, the Sanitation staff personally went to each residence to pick up the garbage and explained the new procedure. Everyone was informed that trash should be out by 7:00 a.m. on the day of pick-up. The department has gotten very positive feedback. The marketing, website, cards and door hangers helped make this possible. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin thanked all employees that were involved. 4 Based upon budgeted personnel hours, the Sanitation Department is approximately 10,500 short or 7.3 personnel below its budget. All positions open are being advertised. The Committee has reviewed the procedure and fees associated with large-item single trip pick-ups and truck load costs for residents. These generate significant road-side debris. The committee was informed that the Sanitation Department has the greatest number of workman’s compensation claims. Mr. Lucas reported to the Committee that the garbage truck fleet is ageing, and not as efficient as it once was. Options for leasing equipment will be reviewed in the up-coming budget year. In the past the department has paid cash for a new truck every 18 months. The committee is reviewing using those same funds to lease several new trucks. They are also reviewing truck features and options that could potentially reduce the number of workman’s compensation claims. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin reported that the Wastewater Committee met Monday, June 1, 2015. The Wastewater Department is approximately 5.2 persons below its budget its budget. All positions open are being advertised. Three Capital Improvement projects which have been approved by the Council are awaiting a time line from the contractor, and good weather before they begin. Parts for the ultra-violate upgrade system at Pine Creek are being inventoried and assembled for testing before installation. Installation is expected to be mid-July. Notice to proceed concerning the new SCADA software was issued on May 1st, in order to ensure the project is completed on time. The assessment for a 2 million gallon (plus) per day increase, proposed for the Pine Creek facility is going smoothly. Mr. Lucas and Greg Thompson, with Engineers of the South, have requested a special committee meeting to review this project, which will include a time line, cost estimate, financing options and a review of fees for the recovery of these capital costs. As soon as this information is ready for presentation the committee will begin its review. Councilor Starnes reported that the Public Safety Committee met on May 28, 2015 to discuss dilapidated structures and public nuisances. CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Declare Various Weeded Lots to be a Public Nuisance and Ordering Their Abatement per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2015, PAGE 064 2. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Retail Beer (On or Off Premises) and a Retail Wine (On or Off Premises) License to Prattville Pizza Kitchen d/b/a Midtown Pizza Kitchen. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2015, PAGE 065 5 3. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Various Weeded Lots to be a Public Nuisance and Ordering Their Abatement per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2015, PAGE 066 Councilor Boone made a motion to place Items #1-3 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. The items were placed on a consent agenda (7-0). Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Council President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Structure Located at 101 North Chestnut Street to Be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) HELD FROM 5/5/2015 AND 5/19/2015 HELD UNTIL 9/1/2015 This Resolution was introduced on May 5, 2015. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to hold the Resolution until September 1, 2015 and Councilor Whiteside seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was held with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 2. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Structure Located at 843 Peachtree Street to Be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2015, PAGE 067 This Resolution was introduced on May 5, 2015. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: 6 AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 3. RESOLUTION: To Support Project Fountain. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood) HELD FROM 5/5/2015 AND 5/19/2015 This Resolution was introduced on May 5, 2015. Councilor Boone made a motion to hold the Resolution until June 16, 2015 and Councilor Brown seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was held with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Submit a CDBG Application for Demolition and Drainage Improvements in the MLK Neighborhood for a Project Totaling $653,500.00, Including a Cash and/or In-Kind Local Match of $203,500.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Wood) RESOLUTION BOOK 2015, PAGE 068 Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boles seconded the motion. There being no discussion the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 5. ORDINANCE: To Zone Property Located at Glenbrooke Subdivision to R-3, Single Family Residential and R-5 Patio Garden Homes. (Sponsored By: Councilor Brown) ORDINANCE BOOK 2015, PAGE 029 This Ordinance was introduced on May 5, 2015. There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results: 7 AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 6. ORDINANCE: To Zone Property Located at Rocky Mount Road at Old Farm Lane to R-4, Multi-Family Residential. (Sponsored By: Councilor Brown) HELD INDEFINITELY This Ordinance was introduced on May 5, 2015. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to hold the Ordinance indefinitely and Councilor Boles seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Ordinance was held with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace Street, Prattville AL, asked that the Council Packet be made available to the public on the Friday before a Council meeting. Councilor Brown explained to Ms. Finnegan that the Council does not receive the draft packet until Friday. The councilors need time to review it, so that they can properly answer questions once it is made public on the Monday before the Council meeting. Ms. Finnegan asked if the Council could receive the packet earlier, so that it could be made public earlier. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin explained that there is a process in place. The Council has a deadline on 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before the meeting to submit an idea. The City Clerk Department and City Attorney then have to draft Resolutions or Ordinances from that submitted idea and put together a draft packet. That draft is then sent to the Councilors on Friday to be reviewed and approved. The packet should not be made public before the Council has approved its content. Ms. Finnegan asked if the Agenda page could be made public on Friday. Council President Wood informed Ms. Finnegan that the Council would take her request into consideration. Ms. Finnegan requested that the City consider putting sidewalks along Main Street because she has seen several citizens walking from the area near the railroad trestle on Main Street to the area near Winn Dixie. Council President Wood stated that area has received some improvements and he hopes that the City is able to make more. Matt Holtzscher, 246 Wetumpka Street, introduced himself as President of the Autauga County Heritage Association and thanked the Council for approving the new roof and wheel chair lift on the museum. Mr. Holtzscher invited the Mayor and Council and employees to the museum after the meeting for refreshments to show the ACHA’s appreciation. CLOSING COMMENTS: Mayor Gillespie thanked Mr. Holtzscher. 8 Mayor Gillespie thanked City Engineer Robby Anderson and his employees for all the work they have done to improve curb appeal on E. Main Street and in the Martin Luther King area. The Mayor thanked all employees and the Councilors for all that they do. Council President Wood reminded everyone that a Work Session has been called for Monday, June 8, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the Doster Center. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss annexations. Council President Wood thanked all employees for their hard work. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Boles made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 7:23 p.m. APPROVED: ___________________________ Cathy Dickerson City Clerk ___________________________ Willie L. Wood, Jr., President Prattville City Council SUBMITTED: ___________________________ Jamie Ferrari Assistant City Clerk