Minutes 2011-06-21PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011
6:03 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at 6:03
p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag, Councilman Wood gave the invocation. Roll was called and all were
recorded as being present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS JOYFULNESS: Finding
satisfaction in what is good.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing & City Council meeting June 7, 2011,
Work Session June 13, 2011 and Public Hearing June 20, 2011. Councilman Argo made
the motion to approve the minutes and Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. The
minutes were approved (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S
AGENDA:
NONE.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie stated that there have been many changes in the operating budget and
the new line item budget format will be an improvement. The Governmental Accounting
Budget, as presented, did not include any new loans, but provided full disclosure of all
current loans. He further stated that if any member of the council is uncomfortable with
this type of budget, please do not support it.
Councilman Boles asked the Mayor if the Finance Committee is in favor of this type of
accounting.
Council President Renegar, Chair of the Finance Committee stated that they had no
formal recommendation at this time.
Councilman Wood stated that he agrees with what the Mayor is trying to accomplish,
but is uncomfortable with this type of accounting and will not support it at this time.
Councilman Striplin stated that there are three components in the proposed budget
changes, some of which he supports and some he doesn’t. He asked the Mayor to
consider re-submitting parts of the budget that may be more favorable.
Councilman Miller stated that there are parts of the proposal that can be labeled as
transparency.
Mayor Gillespie stated that he is longing for a reserve account, and working towards that
in the next budget cycle.
Councilman Boles asked that if this budget is adopted, the primary purpose is to give a
historical record so that it can be looked at in the future to see what has been done.
Mayor Gillespie stated that is correct and would like to review the budget on a 6 month
basis. For example, fuel costs fluctuate and would need to be adjusted over a period of
time.
Councilman Boles stated that he had compared the budget being prepared when he was
elected to office, to the previous three years budgets. He further stated that if the public
elects an entirely new governmental body, he would like those officials to have a clear
picture of what has been done in the past.
Mayor Gillespie commended Interim Finance Director, Doug Moseley, and Human
Resources Director, Lisa Thrash, on the time and effort they’ve spent on the budget.
REPORT ON STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Interim Finance Director, Doug Moseley, presented the council with a May Financial
Report, as attached. Business license revenue has increased. May Sales tax revenue is up
4.32% from the same period as last year. All tax revenue sources combined, the City is
up 3.94%, for the same period and 7.2% for the year to date.
Councilman Striplin expressed his concern with the City being 66 2/3 through the fiscal
year, and the sales tax revenue is 54%.
Mr. Moseley stated that the additional 1% sales tax is not being reflected yet, but would
before the end of the year.
Councilman Boles asked again if this report reflects the tax increase. He also asked if
any of these funds are going into the Insurance fund.
Mr. Moseley stated that the insurance fund is being funded weekly.
Mr. Moseley reported that he has received 9 responses to the RFQ for auditing services
and he is going to set up meetings with each firm and the Finance Committee.
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilman Argo reported that the Wastewater Committee and the Sanitation
Committee met this week regarding agenda item # 3 and recommends adoption of this
Resolution.
Councilman Miller reported that the Fire Committee met and that they have looked at
proposed changes in providing ambulance service to the County and they will be
meeting with City Attorney, David McDowell, along with Interim Fire Chief Brown and
Lt. Mike Whaley who have worked really hard and put a lot of time into looking at a
different approach to the contract. They also discussed staffing issues and he will be
updating the council.
Council President Pro Tempore Fank reminded the Leisure Services Committee that
they would be meeting the following morning, June 22nd at 6:30 at Jim’s.
Council President Renegar reported that the Finance Committee had met the evening
before to discuss agenda item #4 and have no formal recommendation at this time. He
further stated that the City is improving financially each and every day.
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. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011, PAGE
105)
Councilman 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, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
2. RESOLUTION: TO AWARD BID #011-001 TO CORNERSTONE CIVIL
CONTRACTORS, LLC FOR THE AERATION BASIN IMPROVEMENTS AT
AUTAUGA CREEK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$178,164.93. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011, PAGE 106)
The Resolution was held from the June 7th council meeting. During discussion,
Councilman Striplin asked for confirmation on the ability to finance this project. Mayor
Gillespie stated that the City was prepared and is only waiting on the approval of the
council. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
3. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
FOR SERVICES WITH GOODWYN, MILLS AND CAWOOD FOR A WASTEWATER
STUDY, WITH A COST NOT TO EXCEED $3,000.00. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011,
PAGE 107)
The Resolution was held from the June 7th council meeting. During discussion,
Councilman Boles asked Interim Wastewater Director, Rick Teague, if his department
could tell what was needed rather than contracting with an outside firm. Mr. Teague
responded by saying that they could make recommendations on replacement of
equipment, but not accurately on the underground lines. There being no further
discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
4. RESOLUTION: TO ADJUST THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 GENERAL OPERATING
FUND BUDGET.
The Resolution was held from the June 7th council meeting. The Resolution failed with
the following vote:
AYES : MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, 3
NAYS : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO, FANK 4
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
5. ORDINANCE: TO AMEND CHAPTERS 26 (BUILDING; CONSTRUCTION AND
RELATED ACTIVITIES) AND 105 (FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION) OF
THE PRATTVILLE CODE OF ORDINANCES.
Councilman Miller made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilman Fank
seconded the motion. By point of order, the Ordinance was held (7-0).
6. 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.
(RESOLUTION BOOK 2011, PAGE 108)
Councilman Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Argo
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
7. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A STORMWATER
DETENTION AGREEMENT FOR PENDLEBROOK SUBDIVISION. (RESOLUTION
BOOK 2011, PAGE 109)
Councilman Argo made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Fank
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
8. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY TO PROVIDE ELECTRICAL SERVICE AT 122
RIDGEWOOD ROAD. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011, PAGE 110)
Councilman Wood made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Argo
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
9. RESOLUTION: TO ESTABLISH 2011 REDISTRICTING GUIDELINES AND
MILESTONES. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011, PAGE 111)
Councilman Argo made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Miller
seconded the motion. During discussion, Councilman Argo reported that there had been
a public hearing held the night before where the public had an opportunity to address
the council on any ideas for the new district lines. He further stated that there have not
been any maps drawn at this time. Once a tentative plan is set, there will be another
public hearing for citizens to provide further input before finalizing the district lines.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following
results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
10. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH
BUFFALO ROCK FOR A SOFT DRINK MACHINE AT THE URBAN MANAGEMENT
FACILITY. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011, PAGE 112)
Councilman Striplin made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Fank
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
11. ORDINANCE: TO EXEMPT CERTAIN “COVERED ITEMS” FROM THE
MUNICIPAL SALES AND USE TAX DURING THE FIRST FULL WEEKEND
OF AUGUST, 2011, AS AUTHORIZED BY ACT 2006-574, GENERALLY
REFERRED TO AS THE STATE SALES TAX HOLIDAY LEGISLATION.
(ORDINANCE BOOK 2011, PAGE 021)
Councilman Wood introduced the Ordinance from the floor and made a motion to adopt
it. Councilman Boles seconded the motion. Because the Ordinance did not appear on the
evening’s agenda, it is necessary for the council rules to be suspended. Councilman
Wood made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilman Striplin seconded the
motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). During discussion, Councilman Wood stated
that while the country is facing tough times, and that while the city has increased taxes
and other fees, there is a desire to give something back to the citizens and urged support
of this Ordinance. There being no further discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with
the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Mr. Carl Viars, 139 Till Street expressed his appreciation for the paving of Fairview
Avenue/Highway 14. He also asked if the $10 sewage fees is a per person or per
household fee. Mayor Gillespie responded by saying there are adjustments that need to
be made and has requested a cost analysis.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie thanked all of the Department Heads and City employees for their hard
work, in doing so much more with less. He reminded everyone that we are 13 days away
from the July 4th parade.
Councilman Striplin expressed his appreciation to the City employees. He questioned
the expense of public nuisance lots and asked if there could be additional Administrative
fees added to their cleanup fees, such as $1,000.00 per occurrence.
Councilman Miller responded by saying that if an Administrative fee could be charged to
overgrown lot property owners that he would support it. He asked the Human
Resources Director, Lisa Thrash, if the increase in retirement deductions adopted by the
Legislature applies to City employees and is that employee increase within the council’s
discretion.
Mrs. Thrash responded by saying that when Governor Bentley signs HB414 the council
may choose to follow under that Legislative Act. There would be an increase of 2.25%
October 1st, and another .25% October, 2012.
Councilman Boles wished everyone a Happy July 4th and congratulated the Fireworks
Committee for finding funding for the Fireworks celebration.
Council President Renegar thanked each of those who contributed for the July 4th
Fireworks, and further thanked Cultural Events Director, Ms. Kellie Cook, for her
excellent leadership in the July 4th celebration. He further thanked those employees
working outside in the heat of summer. He also commended Interim City Clerk,
Stephanie J. Southerland, for her hard work.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Argo made a
motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Council President Pro Tempore
Fank. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Stephanie J. Southerland
Interim City Clerk
____________________________
Michael E. Renegar, President
Prattville City Council