Minutes 2014-07-15
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014
6:02 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at 6:02 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 Councilor Boles was
recorded as being absent.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS HUMILITY: Acknowledging that
achievements results from others investment in my life.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council July 1, 2014.
Councilor Boone made a motion to approve the minutes and Councilor Starnes seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were approved (6-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Dr. Gerald Cimis, 141 North Chestnut Street, offered suggestions for minor changes to the
proposed Financial Management Policies. Dr. Cimis suggested adding language “except in
emergency situations” to Item (4) under Budget Management Policy, “The City will maintain
a minimum unreserved General Fund balance of no less than 15% of annual operating
expenditures.” Dr. Cimis also recommending adding language referencing applicable sales tax
rebates to Item (6) under the Debt Management Policy. Dr. Cimis provided Councilors a
handout listing existing City sales tax rebates.
Mr. Ross Miller, owner of 209 Jay Street, asked the Council for clarification of the 90-day
extension to bring the dilapidated structure into compliance with City codes. Mr. Miller
understood that he would have 90 days from the date the Resolution was adopted on May 6,
2014. Mr. Miller added that 90% of windows have been replaced, doors have been ordered,
overgrown hedges have been cut, and the mimosa trees have been removed from the
property. Mr. Miller asked for the courtesy of an extension until August if he misunderstood
the deadline to bring the structure into compliance.
Council President Wood thanked Mr. Miller for bring this matter to the Council’s attention
and asked him to speak with Code Enforcement Officer Carl Wilson to review the paperwork
to see if an error had been made on the date. Mr. Wilson stated that any progress to the
property has been accomplished in the last twenty-four hours. Permits have not been pulled
from the Building Department for the property. There is more damage to the structure than
the replacement of windows and doors. Mr. Wilson added that the Resolution would
authorize him to obtain quotes from certified home builders and bring that information back
to the Council on August 5, 2014. Mr. Wilson asked to be allowed to go ahead and proceed
with this matter.
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin asked Mr. Wilson if he anticipated receiving bids
from contractors between this meeting and August 5, 2014. Mr. Wilson replied he did
anticipate in receiving bids, and noted that his concerns were to seal the exterior of the
structure to prevent any additional damage to the interior of the structure.
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Council President Pro Tempore Striplin asked if Mr. Miller could continue to work on the
structure until August 5, 2014. Mr. Wilson responded that the property owner could continue
to work on the property. Council President Pro Tempore Striplin asked if property owners are
required to obtain a permit to work on their own property. Mr. Wilson replied that in this
situation, due to the structural nature of work involved, the property owner would need to
obtain a permit.
Councilor Chambliss asked Mr. Wilson to provide a timeline to get to this point. Mr. Wilson
explained that notification is sent to the property owner and other interested parties. The
property owner has thirty days from the date of the notice to request a hearing before the
Council. If the property owner requests a hearing, the City is held in abeyance until the
governing body acts. If a hearing before the Council is not requested, the property owner has
forty-five days from the date of the notice to bring the property into compliance before the
City may take action. Mr. Wilson added that several other property owners were notified of
dilapidated structures at the time the notice for 209 Jay Street was mailed. Several of those
dilapidated structures have been removed, including AAA Muffler and 506 North
Northington Street.
Council President Wood asked Mr. Miller to be in touch with the Code Enforcement Officer.
Councilor Chambliss encouraged the Council to allow the process to continue and act on Item
#2 tonight.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie thanked the City employees and Partners of Prattville volunteers who helped
make the 4th of July Parade a successful event. The day included celebration of faith, family
and freedom.
Mayor Gillespie and Finance Director Doug Moseley will travel to New York City this week to
meet with Standards & Poor for a bond rating review.
The FY2015 Mayor’s Budget will be presented to the Council at either the first or second
meeting in August. The budget hearing date has not yet been determined.
Council President Wood acknowledged the items Dr. Cimis mentioned regarding the
Financial Management Policies for the City. Council President Wood asked the Council to
move forward with Consent Agenda Item #3 and Agenda Item #1 as these items are needed
for the meeting with S & P. The Financial Management Policies can be amended from time to
time as needed.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin reported that the Sanitation Committee met on July
14, 2014. The committee reviewed the revenue and expenses for the department, reviewed
ordinances relating to sanitation, and discussed a proposed route optimization plan for
garbage and trash. The City will initiate a 45-60 day notice period to all citizens prior to any
changes in garbage or trash routes. A FY2014 budgeted packer truck purchase will be
postponed in order to review specific truck needs and technology advancements. The
committee also discussed equipment and qualified personnel needs for FY2015.
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The Wastewater Committee will meet on July 21, 2014 at 8:30 a.m.
Councilor Boone serves as a member of the 911 Board. Councilor Boone reported that the 911
Board met last week. The State has completed a financial and compliance audit on the 911
Board for the last two fiscal years. The audit found the Board in total compliance with no
findings and a few bookkeeping notes. 911 funding must be utilized for staffing and
equipment needs. Dispatch services are paid by the City and County.
Council President Wood reported that the Finance Committee also met on July 14, 2014. The
committee discussed the City’s finances as a whole. Council President Wood stated that the
committee is in agreement with Consent Agenda Item #3 and Agenda Item #1 and urged the
Council to move forward with these items.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the financial reports for June 2014. The Unaudited
Revenue Report for June 2014 showed that with 66.67% of the year complete, the City has
received 77.58% of budgeted revenue. Compared to the prior year, revenue for the month of
June appeared to be -6.17%. Report notes explained differences in revenue collected prior
year to current year. When differences were factored out, the organic difference in revenue
was -1.18% for the month of June and +0.05% year-to-date.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison compared current and prior year collection of taxes for June
2014 and June 2013.
The Unaudited Expense by Department Reported showed that with 75% of the year complete,
departments are running at or below budgeted expenses. Overall, departments have spent
$1.1 million less than the prior year. Part of that difference included the funding transferred
to the General Health Fund in the prior year.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a year-to-date net of $80,529.35.
With 66.67% of the year complete, 69.63% of budgeted revenue has been received. With 75%
of the year complete, expenses were at 59.75%.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed that with 66.67% of the year
complete, 68.34% of budgeted revenue has been received. With 75% of the year complete,
expenses were at 73.23%.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed that with 66.67% of the year
complete, 62.01% of budgeted revenue has been received. With 75% of the year complete,
expenses were at 61.96%. The suspense account balance as of June 30, 2014 was $66,388.00.
A portion of this balance was revenue to be posted and a portion was pass-through funds to
be sent to other agencies.
The Bank Balances Report showed total cash available as of June 30, 2014 at $16,068,216.67.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report showed the total amount due as of
June 30, 2014 at $47,442,170.10.
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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 Chambliss)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 107
2. 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 Chambliss)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 108
3. RESOLUTION: To Adopt Financial Management Policies for the City of Prattville.
(Sponsored By: Council President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 109
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda and
Councilor Brown seconded the motion. The consent agenda was approved (6-0). There being
no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : BOLES
AGENDA
1. ORDINANCE: To Establish an Investment Policy for the City of Prattville. (Sponsored By:
Council President Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 023
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 be considered. Councilor Boone made a motion to
suspend the rules and Councilor Chambliss seconded the motion. The rules were suspended
(6-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : BOLES
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Code Enforcement Officer to Proceed with the
Demolition or Repair of the Dilapidated Structure Located at 209 Jay Street. (Sponsored By:
Councilor Chambliss)
HELD UNTIL AUGUST 5th
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Councilor Chambliss made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Starnes seconded
the motion. Councilor Chambliss asked City Attorney David McDowell if issues needed to be
cleaned up in the Resolution regarding the July 7, 2014 deadline and the fact that shrubbery
had been cut around the property. Mr. McDowell recommended holding the Resolution until
the next Council meeting on August 5, 2014. The Code Enforcement Officer could obtain
estimates from home builders and report back to the Council at that meeting. Councilor
Chambliss moved to hold the Resolution until the August 5, 2014 meeting and Council
President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the
Resolution was held with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : BOLES
3. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 014-009 to CMA Technology Solutions for One (1) AIX
Server and to Release Funds to Spillman Technologies to Migrate Data to Server for the
Information Technology Department at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $44,264.00. (Sponsored
By: Councilor Boles)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 110
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Chambliss seconded
the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : BOLES
4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2014 Budget and To Enter into an Agreement with Sain
Associates, Inc. to Provide Preliminary Engineering Services in an Amount Not to Exceed
$25,000.00 for Modifications Within the Alabama Department of Transportation Right-of-Way
at the Intersection of AL 14 and Old Farm Lane. (Sponsored By: Councilor Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 111
Councilor Brown 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, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : BOLES
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COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Richard Minnigh, 105 Asbury, informed the Council of a discrepancy in the speed limit signs
on 4th Street. The speed limit is 40 mph headed out of town and 45 mph headed back into
town because the step down sign was never replaced when the bridge was finished. Street
lines have not been painted from Tichnor Street at S. Court Street to 4th Street.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Council President Wood thanked those who attended the Council meeting. Council President
Wood also thanked the City employees, Mayor and Council members for the job they do for
the City.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Council President Pro Tempore
made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. There being no
discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 6:47 (6-0).
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Willie L. Wood, Jr., President
Prattville City Council