Minutes 2013-09-171
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
6:03 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at 6:03
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
recorded as being present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS RESPONSIBILITY: Knowing and
doing what is expected of me.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting September 3, 2013.
Councilor Boles made a motion to approve the minutes and Councilor Starnes seconded the
motion. The minutes were approved (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
George Walthall, 216 Evergreen Street, Prattville, addressed the Council regarding Consent
Agenda Item #1. Mr. Walthall represents an individual whose property is listed in this
Resolution. Mr. Walthall assured the Council that the property would be cut to meet City
code.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie reported that the repaving of McQueen Smith Road is underway.
The 3rd Annual World Wide Day of Play, in conjunction with Nicolodeon, will be held on
Saturday, September 21,2013, at the upper level of Cooter’s Pond Park from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
With the assistance of the U.S. Army, this year’s event will include obstacle endurance courses
for different age levels.
The City operates as a mechanized, technology based, service-oriented organization with all
departments pulling together.
The proposed budget and reorganization for Public Works/Environmental Services has been
presented to the Council. The Council and Administration have worked together during
recent budget hearings. The proposed reorganization for Public Works/Environmental
Services will encompass the Sanitation, Wastewater, Urban Management, Facilities
Maintenance, and Vehicle Maintenance Departments. This proposed reorganization will
accomplish the expectation of efficiency in core services, including saving time, cutting costs,
and removing waste. The budget includes an Enterprise Fund for the Judicial Department.
The proposed FY2014 budget is fair and balanced and shows a commitment to this
community, while allowing room to retool and reorganize when needed.
Mayor Gillespie asked the Council to pass the proposed budget, entertain the reorganization
plan to be in place by January 1, 2014, and adjust employee holidays as discussed in the
budget hearings.
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REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the August 2013 financial reports.
The Unaudited General Fund and Capital Projects Fund Revenue Report showed revenue up
1.71% over last year for the month of August and up 6.58% year-to-date.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison showed the different types of revenue and how they
performed in August 2013 compared to the prior year.
The Unaudited Expenses by Department Report for August 2013 showed most departments
running at or below budget.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed 85.01% of budgeted revenue
collected with 83.33% of the year complete. Expenses were at 86.66% with 91.67% of the year
complete.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed 91.35% of budgeted revenue
collected with 83.33% of the year complete. Expenses were at 89.06% with 91.67% of the year
complete.
The Group Health Insurance Fund Income Statement has year-to-date brought in more than
$901,000.00 than was spent. This was due in large to the amount owed at the beginning of
the year from the general fund to the group health fund.
The Bank Balances Report showed a comparison of account balances at month end of August
2011, 2012, and 2013. At August 31, 2013, the total cash balance was $11,140,918.59.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances Report showed the amount due at month
end of August 2011, 2012, and 2013. At August 31, 2013, the total due was $50,593,303.21.
Councilor Boles asked if the money was available for the next bond payment. Mr. Moseley
responded that funds for the November payment are in the account.
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 2013, PAGE 137
2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Sign the 2013 Airport Improvement Funding
Grant Agreement Between the State of Alabama Department of Transportation and the
Prattville Airport Authority for Project No. 3-01-0060-015-2013. (Sponsored By: Councilor
Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2013, PAGE 138
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Councilor Boone made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda and Council President Pro
Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. The Consent Agenda was accepted (7-0). 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 Adopt the City of Prattville Fiscal Year 2013/2014 General Operating
Fund, Debt Service Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Sanitation Enterprise Fund, and Wastewater
Enterprise Fund, and Judicial Enterprise Fund Budgets. (Sponsored By: Council President
Wood)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2013, PAGE 139
Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boles seconded the
motion. Councilor Chambliss thanked the staff, department heads, Councilors, and Council
Committees for their efforts in developing the budget. Councilor Chambliss commended the
Mayor and staff for putting the City back on sound financial ground. Councilor Chambliss
introduced the following Resolution from the floor, amending Resolution Book 2010, Page
081 to rescind the requirement for Council approval to fill vacancies in existing staffed
positions. Any previously non-filled or newly budgeted positions which would add to the
City’s payroll would continue to come before the Council for approval.
FROM THE FLOOR: RESOLUTION: To Amend Resolution Book 2010, Page 081 in
Reference to Council Authorization for Hiring of Vacant Positions and to Establish Procedure
for Hiring of Previously Non-Filled or Newly Budgeted Positions. (Sponsored By: Councilor
Chambliss)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2013, PAGE 140
Councilor Chambliss made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boles seconded
the motion. Councilor Boles asked if the four week notice was too long if there is a need to
hire immediately. Councilor Chambliss explained that the wording was changed from
“required” to “requested.” If the Council is in agreement, the process could move forward with
less notice. This was meant to be a general guideline to allow the Council to have time to
consider and Council Committees to meet. The amendment was adopted (7-0). There being
no further discussion, both Resolutions were adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES,
WOOD, CHAMBLISS, BOLES,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
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2. RESOLUTION: To Express the Intent of the City Council to Request State Legislation to
Modify the Method of Abating Weeded and Overgrown Properties within the Corporate City
Limits of the City of Prattville. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boles)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2013, PAGE 141
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin seconded the motion. Councilor Boles stated that the Council passed a similar
Resolution last year, but the Alabama League of Municipalities had similar legislation and the
City was asked to remove their legislation. Representative Beckman and Senator Taylor have
agreed to sponsor this legislation again this year. If the League has a similar bill pass this
year, the City’s legislation would be a moot point. There being no further 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
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Tom Dirkse, 109 Tew Street, Prattville addressed the Council regarding trash and drainage
issues in front of his home. Mr. Dirkse asked that the council stop his neighbors from putting
their garbage in front of the drainage ditch in front of his home. Mr. Dirkse also requested
that the City maintain the drainage ditch as it is overgrown. He has gone online and
completed a work order for these issues. Mayor Gillespie assured Mr. Dirske that the City was
working to resolve these issues.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie expressed his appreciation to the City Council for their dedication and hard
work. The Mayor also expressed appreciation to department heads and employees. The City
has made great strides.
Council President Wood thanked the Mayor, City Council, and City employees for the work
put into this budget. Departments will be funded as needed with no need for furloughs or job
cuts and debt is being paid.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
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APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Willie L. Wood, Jr., President
Prattville City Council