Minutes 2011-09-061
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011
6:04 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at 6:04 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Councilman Argo gave the invocation. Roll was called and Councilman Miller was recorded as
being absent.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS THOROUGHNESS: Details that
influence my quality of work.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing & City Council meeting August 16, 2011, Public
Hearing & Work Session August 30, 2011. Councilman Argo made the motion to approve the
minutes and Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. The minutes were approved (6-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
John Z. Lee, 819 Cottage Lane, Prattville, AL, read a prepared statement on behalf of the
Prattville Police Officer’s Association asking the Council to freeze employee contributions to
the city’s self-funded insurance program. He stated that the employees have taken
considerable cuts to their household budgets due to the freeze on merit raises and overtime,
unpaid furlough days, unpaid holidays, and insurance premium increases. Another insurance
premium increase will again affect the bottom line for Prattville police officer’s income. He
requested no insurance premium increases be implemented until the city provides their
dedicated funding.
Council President Pro Tempore Fank stated that he sponsored the Resolution and wants to
stop any additional increases. Human Resources Director, Lisa Thrash, is still shopping
options for the insurance. Therefore, Mr. Fank will make a motion to hold this Resolution
until further information is gathered.
Ed Packard, 809 Cottage Lane, Prattville, AL read a prepared statement and asked that the
council hold agenda item number 2. He stated that he had raised legitimate concerns at the
Public Hearing which was held on August 30th. He has requested documents from the City
Attorney that he would like to review before the council takes action on the redistricting.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie introduced Heather Wilson, Deputy Commissioner of Prattville Dixie Youth
Baseball, and Commissioner, Kip Williams, who presented a check for $10,000.00 to the
Leisure Services Department for the David Whetstone Sports Complex.
Mayor Gillespie expressed his appreciation to the Youth Baseball for their continued efforts
for improvements to the Complex.
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The Mayor reported that August sales tax with the $.01 sales tax increase have provided
$1,766,960.00, less rebates of $1,702,000.00, compared to August, 2010 collections of
$1,391,000.00.
Mayor Gillespie thanked Webmaster, Teresa Lee, for being elected to the Board of Directors
for the National Association of Government Webmasters representing the southern region.
She will take office November 1st for a two year term.
The Mayor thanked the Council for their show of support on Resolution #9 and invited
everyone to the 9-11 ceremony at Fire Station #3 on Sunday, September 11th at 7:46 a.m. and
to a moment of remembrance at noon at Prattville City Hall around the flag pole.
LPGA is next week and reminded everyone that there is no admission charge. They are
accepting donations for the Wounded Warriors Association. Haley Lawrence, a graduate of
Prattville High School, attending Troy University, recently participated in qualifying rounds
to fill a spot on the Tour.
Regarding agenda item #1, Mayor Gillespie asked the council to vote no, and let his office
handle this internally per the Insurance Committee recommendations.
Regarding agenda item #10, Mayor Gillespie presented recommendation for Fire Chief: Terry
Brown and Michael Rogers; for Police Chief: Tim Huggins and Mark Thompson.
Mayor Gillespie presented his 2012 budget package which was prepared with Human
Resources Director, Lisa Thrash, and Interim Finance Director, Doug Moseley. He stated that
the budget is based on the $.01 sales tax increase being extended through September, 2012.
He explained that enterprise fund accounts are being formed to help build reserve funds for
the Wastewater and Sanitation Departments. The Mayor stated that the budget doesn’t
include furloughs, but does include several benefit options. He also reported that the $.01
sales tax increase has collected $1,387,376.60 and $1,692,971.90 has been paid towards bond
issues since May 1st.
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilman Argo reported that the Wastewater Department studies are ongoing and there
will be options available in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Argo asked the council to move
forward on agenda item number 2. The Redistricting Committee is ready to move forward.
Council President Pro Tempore Fank, as Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee,
thanked the Dixie Youth Baseball for their generous donation and assured them that it would
be well spent.
Council President Renegar also thanked the Dixie Youth for their contribution.
Council President Renegar announced a Public Hearing to hear public comments regarding
the 2012 budget on Monday, September 12th at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City
Hall. There will be a Council Work Session immediately following the Public Hearing.
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President Renegar requested the council to go into Executive Session prior to voting on
agenda item #10 on advice of legal counsel.
1. RESOLUTION: TO DECLARE A FREEZE ON EMPLOYEE HEALTHCARE
PREMIUM CONTRIBUTIONS.
Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to hold this item for two weeks.
Councilman Argo seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the Resolution
was held with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
2. ORDINANCE: TO RESTRUCTURE THE COUNCIL DISTRICTS INTO SEVEN
DISTRICTS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELECTION OF A COUNCIL PERSON
FROM EACH DISTRICT AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE
MAYOR AT LARGE. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2011-A PAGE 024)
A public hearing was held regarding this item on August 30th with one citizen in attendance to
speak in opposition to this Ordinance. Councilman Argo explained that there was a consent
decree in 1988 and 1992 requiring the city to make sure that there was at least one council
district that allowed the opportunity for the election of a minority. Since 1988, a plan similar
to this has been submitted and approved by the Department of Justice. The City of Prattville
does not have a minority population large enough in one area of the city to allow the
minorities to have an opportunity for representation in government. The minority population
is located throughout the city. Councilman Argo encouraged support of this Ordinance and
the submission to the Department of Justice. Council President Pro Tempore Fank asked if
there is an issue with the district lines, if the Department of Justice will tell us to re-draw the
lines. Councilman Argo stated that the only issue they may have would be the lines of District
2 not being contiguous. However, the DOJ has received and approved similar lines since
1988. There being no further discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following
results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
3. 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-
A, PAGE 012)
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A public hearing was held regarding this item at 6:00 p.m. Councilman Striplin made a
motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Wood seconded the motion. There being no
discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
Because Ordinances are generally held for 2 weeks, it is necessary for the council rules to be
suspended on agenda item numbers 4 and 5 if immediate action is to be considered.
4. ORDINANCE: REQUEST TO SURPLUS VARIOUS EQUIPMENT FROM THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2011-A, PAGE 025)
Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilman
Argo seconded the motion. Councilman Argo made a motion to suspend the rules and Council
President Pro Tempore Fank seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There
being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
5. ORDINANCE: REQUEST TO SURPLUS TWO (2) TRACTORS FROM THE
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2011-A, PAGE 026)
Councilman Argo made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Council President Pro Tempore
Fank seconded the motion. Councilman Wood made a motion to suspend the rules and
Council President Pro Tempore Fank seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0).
There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 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-A, PAGE 013)
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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, ARGO,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
7. RESOLUTION: TO ACCEPT MAINTENANCE OF RIVERCHASE NORTH
SUBDIVISION PLATS 4A, 4B, 4C AND 5. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011-A, PAGE
014)
Councilman Boles 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,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
8. RESOLUTION: TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR A RESTAURANT RETAIL
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR GEORGE HARVEY RUSSELL, OWNER, D/B/A THE
CAFÉ, LLC. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011-A, PAGE 015)
Councilman Wood 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, ARGO,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
9. RESOLUTION: TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE
OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11TH. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011-
A, PAGE 016)
Councilman Argo made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Striplin seconded
the motion. Council President Pro Tempore Fank thanked President Renegar for sponsoring
this Resolution. Councilman Argo also thanked President Renegar for his sponsorship. There
being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
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AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
Councilman Boles made a motion to go into Executive Session at 7:08 p.m. and Councilman
Argo seconded the motion. All were in favor (6-0). Councilman Argo made a motion to return
from Executive Session at 7:46 p.m. and Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. All were
in favor (6-0).
10. RESOLUTION: TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF
THE POSITIONS OF THE FIRE CHIEF AND THE POLICE CHIEF. (RESOLUTION
BOOK 2011-A, PAGE 017)
Council President Pro Tempore Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman
Argo seconded the motion. Councilman Wood offered an amendment to line 29 to insert the
the name Terry D. Brown and another amendment to line 35 to insert the name Timothy E.
Huggins. Councilman Striplin seconded the motion. Councilman Boles made note that he
supported the amendment to line 35, but not the amendment to line 29. The amendments
were adopted (5-1) and (6-0). There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted
with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
RENEGAR, BOLES, FANK 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Lonnie Brown, 258 Teri Lane, Prattville, AL, asked when the proposed budget would be
available. Mr. Brown stated that he will be reviewing the budget thoroughly.
Mayor Gillespie stated that it would be on the city website after lunch tomorrow.
Council President Renegar offered to provide Mr. Brown a hard copy of the budget.
Mr. Mark Thompson, 311 Abington Street, Prattville, AL, thanked the Mayor and City Council
for allowing him to be considered for the position of Police Chief and offered his assistance in
the future of the Police Department. He also congratulated Chief Huggins.
Councilman Argo expressed his appreciation to Mr. Thompson for his interest and wished
him and his family the best.
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CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie thanked the employees and the council for their hard work. He stated that he
is looking forward to working with Chief Brown and Chief Huggins.
Councilman Wood congratulated Chief Brown and Chief Huggins and further applauded each
of the candidates. He also thanked the employees and the citizens of District 2.
Councilman Argo congratulated Chief Brown and Chief Huggins and wished each of them
well in their continued efforts to move the city forward.
Councilman Argo reported that a legal ad that has been published in the Prattville Progress
regarding a local bill to rearrange the boundary lines of Autauga and Elmore counties and
asked if anyone was aware of the purpose of the ad to please address the council regarding
this.
Councilman Boles congratulated Chief Brown and Chief Huggins.
Council President Pro Tempore Fank congratulated Chief Brown and Chief Huggins and
applauded them for the work they’ve done during their Interim period. He further expressed
his appreciation to all of the city employees for a tremendous job. He encouraged everyone to
come together as the city family we’ve become.
Council President Renegar thanked the Interview Committee and congratulated Chief Brown
and Chief Huggins. He further reminded everyone of the Public Hearing and Work Session to
be held Monday, September 12th.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Wood made a
motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Council President Pro Tempore Fank. The
meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Stephanie J. Southerland
City Clerk
____________________________
Michael E. Renegar, President
Prattville City Council