Minutes 2012-01-171
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012
6:03 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at 6:03 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 were recorded as being
present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS AVAILABILITY: Making my own
schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council meeting January 3, 2012. Council President Pro
Tempore Fank made the motion to approve and Councilman Boles seconded the motion.
Councilman Miller applauded the new City Clerk and Assistant City Clerk for continuing the
tradition of providing good minutes. The minutes were approved (6-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace Street, Prattville, expressed disbelief at spending up to
$10,765 to hire two co-op high school student employees after Mayor Gillespie informed
Council members at the last meeting of an internal goal for department heads to cut the
current budget by one million dollars. If these employees are needed to enter business
licenses and other critical functions, then she suggested that the students be employed for
only the actual time required to complete those critical functions. Mrs. Finnegan further
noted that $10,765 is approximately one percent (1%) of the budget reduction requested by
the Mayor for this year.
Council President Renegar responded that he sponsored both of these Resolutions at the
request of Mayor Gillespie.
Mayor Gillespie stated that employees are multitasking in their positions. In the Finance
Department, the Interim Finance Director also oversees IT responsibilities. The Judicial
Department has lost personnel. With an increase in employee work loads, these expenditures
are money well spent and will help departments keep up to date. Mayor Gillespie thanked Ms.
Finnegan for bringing up good points.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie introduced Capt. Diane Hamm to the Council and audience and
congratulated Capt. Hamm on her promotion. Capt. Hamm started with the city in 1993. She
was promoted to Corporal in 1996. In 1997 she moved over to Investigator. She was promoted
to Sergeant in 2001, to Lieutenant in 2005 and now in 2012 she has been promoted to
Captain. Capt. Hamm thanked God for allowing her to get to this point in her career and
thanked the Mayor, Chief, and City Council members for entrusting the Investigation Division
in her hands.
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Mayor Gillespie has received phone calls and visits from citizens who now have lower water
bills with the new rates.
Mayor Gillespie met with the CFO of Continental Eagle. Continental Eagle has their property
for sale and continues to weigh their options.
Mayor Gillespie noted that it has been one year to the day since he was sworn in as Mayor. In
the past year, great strides have been taken to reach good financial footing. Full disclosure has
been the new motto at city hall. The city is a service oriented company and the citizens are the
paying customer.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade was a success. Mayor Gillespie thanked Autauga County
Improvement Association for the great event and CERT for their assistance with the parade.
CERT has saved the city thousands of dollars through their involvement with events. Mayor
Gillespie urged citizens and employees to check with the EMA Director regarding CERT
training. Training will begin on January 31, 2012. CERT training also helps citizens to be
more prepared in the event of a disaster.
Mayor Gillespie reported that department heads are reviewing power bills. Electricity costs
average $80 – 105,000 per month.
Mayor Gillespie urged Council members to approve items #5 and #6. The old GPS mapping
unit could not read through tree lines. The new unit will make mapping of manholes more
efficient. The Wastewater Department has a quarterly goal to clean 2,500 feet of sewer lines
per week and video 1,000 to 1,500 feet of sewer lines. Council members were provided
pictures of the progress made through the ongoing Autauga Creek Project. The change from
old technology to more effective technology was made possible through an ADECA grant. This
change should allow for a decrease in operating costs.
Mayor Gillespie noted that the sinkhole at North Court Street in item #8 was stabilized and
the bid process was followed. Bids were lower than initially expected and he urged Council
members to move forward. The funds for the project are available in the gas tax account.
Regarding item #12, Mayor Gillespie urged the Council to move forward with the Alabama
Fire College contract. He thanked Chief Brown and his staff for their work on this contract.
This will bring a satellite classroom unit to Prattville and in the long run may generate
revenue.
Mayor Gillespie announced the Recycling Citizens Committee will meet Thursday, January
20, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center.
Senator Shelby will hold a Town Hall meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2012
in the Council chamber.
The Mardi Gras Parade will be held February 18, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Mayor Gillespie thanked
C. J. Martin for stepping forward and raising $2,100 for this parade. In recognition of her
great efforts to ensure the Mardi Gras Parade would take place, the committee is naming her
Grand Marshall for the Mardi Gras Parade.
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Mayor Gillespie addressed a possible Resolution from the floor tonight with an expenditure of
$20,000 for a consultant for the wastewater plant. Mayor Gillespie stated this is pre-mature
and encouraged Council members to vote down the Resolution. Department Head Rick
Teague has made strides in the right direction. The department will produce quarterly reports
and the city has moved forward to realign employees to help make the department more
efficient. $20,000 is not a prudent expenditure at this time.
REPORT ON STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Interim Finance Director, Doug Moseley, presented the Council with a Revenue & Expense
Report through the month of December, as attached. Mr. Moseley noted that although the
city is 25% through the fiscal year, business license is 0.62%. Business license renewal forms
went out later than usual in December due to questions regarding the new immigration law.
Mr. Moseley reported that after taking out the 1% sales tax extension, the sales tax collections
are still up by 0.62%. This is significant since there were no new major retail businesses
established during the last calendar year. Revenues have remained steady.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison is a snapshot rather than a full revenue report. The list
provides information with line-by-line detail. In the December Unaudited Expenses by
Department Report, expenses are generally in line. The Vehicle Maintenance Department
Benefits are high due to health insurance costs for the department. Operational costs are
down $708,000 compared to last year. The city has paid one half of the bridge loan and the
third payment should be paid this month. There is only one payment left.
Enterprise Funds Revenue & Expense Reports are being compiled and will be provided to
Councilman Striplin for review. The Enterprise Funds are in the black and building a small
reserve for capital expense needed later in the year.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Renegar reported that the Finance Committee met and reviewed the
financial reports with Mr. Moseley and Mayor Gillespie. The Finance Committee also
reviewed personnel needs in various departments, including the need to hire co-op students.
Council President Renegar noted that the deadline for applicants from District 3 to apply for
the Council vacancy is Friday, January 27, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. To date, one letter of interest has
been received. Councilman Miller clarified that this is the current District 3, not the re-
districted lines.
AGENDA
1. ORDINANCE: TO SURPLUS ONE (1) VEHICLE FROM THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2012, PAGE 001)
Councilman Wood made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Council President Pro
Tempore Fank seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary for the Council rules
to be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilman Wood made a motion
to suspend the rules and Councilman Miller seconded the motion. The rules were
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suspended (6-0). Councilman Boles asked if these proceeds will go back to the general
fund. Mayor Gillespie responded the proceeds will go to drug proceeds. There being no
further discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
2. ORDINANCE: REQUEST TO SURPLUS ONE (1) VEHICLE FROM THE
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2012,
PAGE 002)
Councilman Boles made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilman Wood seconded
the motion. By point of order, it is necessary for the council rules to be suspended if
immediate action is to be considered. Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion
to suspend the rules and Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. The rules were
suspended (6-0). Councilman Boles noted the Resolution does not state where these
proceeds will be deposited. Mayor Gillespie responded the proceeds will go to the general
fund. There being no further discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following
results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
3. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $1,150.00 FOR THE CITY CLERK AND ASSISTANT CITY
CLERK TO ATTEND THE CERTIFICATION TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR
MUNICIPAL CLERKS AND ADMINISTRATORS & MASTER MUNICIPAL
CLERK ACADEMY. (Resolution Book 2012, Page 005)
Councilman Striplin made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro
Tempore Fank seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was
adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
4. RESOLUTION: TO EXPRESS THE INTENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO HAVE
TERM LIMITS OF TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE TERMS.
Councilman Boles made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Miller
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seconded the motion for discussion. Councilman Boles explained that politicians often
make statements in their campaign and never bring those items back up. This was a
campaign issue for Councilman Boles. Since elected, Councilman Boles added he has
learned that to limit the number of terms served would require the State Legislature to
pass legislation either statewide or across all Class 6 cities.
Attorney David McDowell explained that there are two possible issues: 1) to set term limits
would require state legislation, and 2) in order to pass, term limits would have to be
approved state-wide or applied to all Class 6 cities. There are approximately 15 or 16 Class 6
cities in the state. Every Class 6 city would be affected and all Class 6 cities would have to be
in favor.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution failed with the following results:
AYES : BOLES 1
NAYS : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER,
RENEGAR, FANK 5
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
5. ORDINANCE: TO SURPLUS ONE (1) TRIMBLE GEOXT HANDHELD GPS
UNIT FROM THE WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2012,
PAGE 003)
Councilman Striplin made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilman Wood
seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary for the Council rules to be
suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilman Striplin made a motion to
suspend the rules and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. The rules were suspended
(6-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
6. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $6,200.00 FOR ONE (1) TRIMBLE 6000 GEOXT
HANDHELD GPS UNIT FOR THE CITY OF PRATTVILLE WASTEWATER
DEPARTMENT. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012, PAGE 006)
Councilman Miller made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Boles
seconded the motion. Councilman Boles asked if the city has the funds available to
purchase the unit. Mayor Gillespie responded the funds are available in the Enterprise
Fund. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following
results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
BOLES, FANK 6
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NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
7. RESOLUTION: TO RE-APPOINT DONALD HERROD TO THE MEDICAL
CLINIC BOARD. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012, PAGE 007)
Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and
Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. Councilman Miller asked what this board does.
Attorney David McDowall explained that the Medical Clinic Board was instrumental to set
up bond issues. It is an Industrial Development Board conduit to float bonds. The best
example was the Charlton Place in Deatsville. There being no further discussion, the
Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
8. RESOLUTION: TO AWARD BID #012-001 TO TRI-COUNTY CONSTRUCTION
IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,601.00 FOR THE NORTH COURT STREET PIPE
REPLACEMENT PROJECT. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012, PAGE 008)
Councilman Woods made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro
Tempore Fank seconded the motion. Councilman Boles noted that there are two Tri-
County Construction firms in Alabama – Tri-County Construction, Inc. and Tri-County
Construction LLC. Councilman Boles moved to amend line items #18 and #26 to read “Tri-
County Construction, Inc.” By point of order, Councilman Striplin asked if “Inc.” or “LLC”
was correct. The information Councilman Striplin received from Chambliss Engineering
listed the company as “Tri-County Construction LLC.” Councilman Boles moved to amend
line items #18 and #26 to read “Tri-County Construction LLC” and Councilman Wood
seconded the motion. The amendments were approved (6-0). There being no further
discussion, the amended Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
9. RESOLUTION: TO GRANT A RETAIL BEER AND TABLE WINE LICENSE, OFF
PREMISE ONLY, TO KEITH BAKER AND BRIAN BAKER OF B & K
MANAGEMENT LLC, D/B/A PURPLE COW STORE 314. (RESOLUTION BOOK
2012, PAGE 009)
Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and
Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was
adopted with the following results:
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AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
10. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE HIRING OF ONE (1) CO-OP STUDENT
EMPLOYEE FOR THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED
$5,382.50. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012, PAGE 010)
Councilman Striplin made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Wood
seconded the motion. Councilman Miller noted that the Resolution states for the
remainder of the budget year, but earlier comments suggested the co-op students were
needed to work during business license season and help with other critical issues. Interim
Finance Director Doug Moseley explained that the Finance Department has lost one-half
of the personnel employed last year and the department must maintain internal controls.
The student co-op employee will not handle money, but will assist with copying, filing and
other tasks. The Revenue Officer and other revenue staff will continue to collect revenue.
Mr. Moseley added the department will utilize the student co-op employee through the
summer. Councilman Miller asked for the hourly wage. Human Resources Director Lisa
Thrash stated the student co-op employee will be paid $7.55 per hour. She further
explained that requirements under the new health care reform act require a certain
amount of salary for employees. Under the pay plan adopted two years ago, there are no
minimum wage positions. The level of tasks required in the position deemed it necessary
to pay this hourly rate. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted
with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
FANK 5
NAYS : BOLES 1
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
11. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE HIRING OF ONE (1) CO-OP STUDENT
EMPLOYEE FOR THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED
$5,382.50. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2012, PAGE 011)
Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and
Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was
adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
FANK 5
NAYS : BOLES 1
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
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12. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
WITH ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE AND PERSONNEL STANDARDS
COMMISSION TO UTILIZE THE PREMISES LOCATED AT 290 ECHLIN
BLVD., PRATTVILLE, AL TO HOST A REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER.
(RESOLUTION BOOK 2012, PAGE 012)
Councilman Miller moved to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Boles seconded the
motion. Chief Brown explained the concept began six years ago. The City Council and
administration provided the facility and training tower and the department provided
quality instructors. Chief Brown thanked Comm. Allen Owens and Lt. Roberts for their
hard work. Chief Brown anticipates a reduction in the training budget as a result of the
regional training facility. If the Council moves forward with the contract, Chief Brown will
meet with Alabama Fire College & Personnel Standards Commission on Wednesday,
January 18. Prattville will be the first of six regional training facilities in Alabama.
Councilman Miller noted that the procedure required a proposal, being graded, and
several site visits. Chief Brown added that the decision also included quality of instructors,
proximity to the interstate, type of facilities, hotels and quality of life. Comm. Owens noted
that 35 departments submitted applications and only 6 will be chosen as regional training
facilities. Councilman Miller commended Chief Brown, Comm. Owens and all staff for
bringing this project to this point. Council President Pro Tempore Fank added, as a point
of privilege, that he served on the Fire Committee during his first term. This was a vision
that has come to fruition and will generate savings to the city and allow recruits to be
closer to their families during training. He also noted that the project had community
support. Leadership Autauga County provided the ladder for the training tower.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR,
BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES WITH GOODWYN, MILLS & CAWOOD.
COST NOT TO EXCEED $15,000. CONTRACT EXPIRES ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2012.
Councilman Striplin introduced the Resolution from the floor and Councilman Miller
seconded the motion. Because this item did not appear on the agenda and was brought from
the floor, it is necessary for Council rules to be suspended. Council President Pro Tempore
Fank moved to suspend the rules and Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. The
motion to suspend the rules failed (5-1) with Councilmen Boles opposed. The Resolution
will be held until the February 7, 2012 Council meeting.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
John DeVoe, 510 Vindale Road, stated that although the League of Municipalities approved
the special selection process to fill a vacant council seat, holding a special election would
maintain the integrity of the process. The selection process usurps the role of the citizens of
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the district. He asked the City Council to reconsider and give the people of the district a
special election.
Lora Lee Boone, 210 Fawn Lane, commented on citizens remembering what candidates say
when running for office. With the example of trash cans, she thanked Council members for
their ideas and added that she is glad when some ideas do not pass.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilman Wood commented that the District 3 seat is available and the process is in place
to fill the seat. He asked Attorney David McDowell to speak to filling the vacancy, noting that
the Council can fill the seat or the Council can not fill the seat and wait until the municipal
election in August. Mr. McDowell responded that he understands there is no legal
requirement for the Council to fill the seat.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Council President Pro Tempore
Fank made a motion to adjourn and Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned (6-0) at 7:22 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Michael E. Renegar, President
Prattville City Council