Minutes 2012-08-211
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012
6:11 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 6:11 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Council President Renegar gave the invocation. Roll was called and all Councilors were
recorded as being present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS ALERTNESS: Being aware of what is
taking place around me so I can have the right response.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting July 17, 2012; City Council meeting and
Public Hearing August 7, 2012. Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to
approve the minutes and Councilor Boles seconded the motion. The minutes were approved
(7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Council President Renegar announced that there were no Agenda items. At this time the
Council will take comments from persons present regarding any item of business.
Michelle Stice, 1189 East Main Street, Prattville stated that she was a new business owner in
Prattville and is not able to sell her product out of another business. Mrs. Stice explained that
this hinders new business owners and reduces revenue for the City. Mrs. Stice asked that
citizens be able to have an unlimited number of yard sales but only be allowed to hold them
on the weekends. She explained that the yard sales would bring people into the City and the
City would be collecting more yard sale fees, which would increase revenue. Councilor Boles
asked that these issues be looked into at the next Finance Committee meeting.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie was granted a point of personal privilege to allow Captain Zachary Burton to
speak before the council. Captain Burton explained that he and his unit Alpha Company, First
Battalion, 31 Aviation Regiment of Montgomery, had returned from deployment in
December. On August 1, 2012 Captain Burton’s unit had their annual “Family Day”. The City
allowed them to use Cooter’s Pond Park as the venue. Many of the people that attended stated
that it was the best “Family Day” thus far. Captain Burton appreciates that the City of
Prattville gives back and stated that it was honor to serve Prattville. He then presented the
City with a flag that was flown on Mission 1106, over Baghdad Iraq, on November 11, 2011.
Council President Renegar welcomed Captain Burton and his unit home.
Mayor Gillespie presented commendations to Sgt. Ronald Evans, Captain Zachary Burton,
CW2 Kevin Townson, CW2 Scott Carr, SPC Anthony Greathouse, SPC Allen Adams and Sgt.
George (Norm) Brooks.
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Mayor Gillespie reported that the City had received a new Police Interceptor that was recently
purchased, and that it was in front of City Hall.
The Mayor wished all of the candidates luck in the upcoming election.
Mayor Gillespie stated the City website is a great resource and urged people to go to help
answer their questions regarding the City.
Council President Renegar recognized Eagle Scout pack #600.
Councilor Miller noted that this was the first Council meeting since Pratt Park won the
“America’s Favorite Park” contest, and wanted to thank the City’s staff. Councilor Miller gave
special thanks to Leisure Services Director Drew Peterson and Webmaster Teresa Lee.
REPORT ON STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Interim Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the Council with a Revenue & Expense
Report through the month of July 2012, as attached. The Revenue Report shows revenue
running in-line. Sales tax is almost where it should be and the lodging tax is still down.
Budget total is 75% through the year; we have received 83.31% of revenue budgeted year-to-
date.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison compares the major tax accounts to last year.
The July Unaudited Expenses by Department reports shows that most departments are at or
below budget for the year. This is a positive sign that departments are conscious of the budget
and spending only where necessary. Year-to-date, the city has spent 68% of budget and is
83.33% through the year.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund is running in the black. The City has received some grant
money that was deposited into the fund. The Sanitation Enterprise Fund is also running in
the black. It is lagging behind the Wastewater Enterprise Fund because they have less
revenue and high expenses. The Sanitation Enterprise Fund is covering its cost. The
Sanitation Department will hopefully be able to purchase new equipment within the next
several months.
The one cent sales tax will fall off at the end of December. The Budget that has been prepared
is built with the assumption that the one cent sales tax will fall off. The Budget is in the black
with a slight reserve built in. This year the City only loses $2 million in revenue. Next year the
City will lose an additional $4 million. If personnel is not cut, between the budget that is
about to be presented and the FY2014 Budget the City is left with $7.4 million to cut $4
million off of. This leaves $3.4 million available. The power bill, insurance and fuel cost for
one year is $1.3 million.
Council President Renegar announced that there would be one more Finance Committee
meeting to review the budget before the next Council Meeting. The Mayor would like to
present the budget at the next Council Meeting.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
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Councilor Miller stated that he had sent out an email, subsequent to a generator catching fire
at Fire Station II. The email alluded to the fact that a Resolution for an emergency purchase
may have to come from the floor tonight. Fire Chief Terry Brown has researched the situation
and come to the conclusion that it is not as urgent as was initially thought. Chief Brown
explained that they still have a portable generator to run the radios. There is time to do the
research before purchasing a new generator. The Fire Department’s new ambulance came in
and should be in service by tomorrow. This brings the fleet up to six. Chief Brown hopes to
have one more by October which will bring the fleet up to 100%.
AGENDA
None
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Council President Renegar thanked Eagle Scout pack # 600. He also thanked the Military and
welcomed them home on behalf of the Council.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Boles made a motion to
adjourn and Council President Pro Tempore Fank seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned (7-0) at 6:51 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Michael E. Renegar, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
___________________________
Jamie F. McClellan
Assistant City Clerk