Minutes 2019-12-17
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019
6:02 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 6:02 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Council President Striplin gave the invocation. Roll was called and all Councilors were present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS GENEROSITY: Managing my resources so I
can freely give to those in need.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting December 3, 2019.
Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion. With no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
The Mayor thanked the Prattville Police Department for their active response throughout the
City last night handling numerous power-related alarm calls and weather-related incidents
during the weather event. Thoughts and prayers are extended to those communities that
experienced loss of life and storm damage.
Mayor Gillespie provided an update on the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Update. City staff
has reviewed qualifications, past work product, and checked references on the three firms
which responded to the RFQ. All three firms are reputable and well-qualified. City staff will
continue to discuss scope of work and contract terms and will present the information at a
Finance Committee meeting. The Mayor noted that the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning
Update is significant and expressed hope that work sessions will be held before it is
implemented.
The Mayor encouraged the Council to move forward with Consent Agenda Item #2 to provide
Tier I retirement benefits to Tier II employees. This will be a strong hiring and retention tool.
A resolution is expected from the floor to award the bid for the sidewalk project for Silver Hills
and Overlook subdivisions. This project will include approximately 3,000 linear feet of sidewalk
and will connect segmented sidewalks, as well as provide handicapped accessibility.
Mayor Gillespie attended the State of Alabama Bicentennial Celebration at the State Capital
over the weekend. While there, he had the opportunity to visit with numerous elected officials
and various citizens of Prattville.
The Mayor noted that Christmas is certainly in the air. The Prattville Pops performed over the
weekend. The Way Off Broadway Theatre presented “Elf-The Musical” and the cast did an
excellent job bringing this Christmas story to life. Mayor Gillespie expressed appreciation for
the continued success of the Cultural Arts Division of the Parks and Recreation Department.
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Barbara Simpson, Cultural Arts and Special Events Coordinator, and Brittany Glenn, Festival
Coordinator, were awarded a $10,000.00 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts for
the Wilson Pickett Arts Festival and received an A-rating. Mayor Gillespie commended them
for their hard work and commitment.
Mayor Gillespie thanked Councilor Jackson for his efforts in upcoming events honoring Coach
“Lo” Pickett. Several ceremonies will be held December 18, 2019, starting at Prattville High
School at 2:00 p.m. Following that ceremony, events will be held at “Coach ‘Lo’ Pickett Park”
(formerly Spring Hill Park) and at the Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Gillespie and Council President Striplin will meet with County Commissioners on
December 18, 2019.
The Mayor encouraged all to enjoy the Main Street Christmas Event tonight. Stores and
eateries will be open. A life-size snow globe is located in front of City Hall and horse and
carriage rides are available on Main Street.
Mayor Gillespie acknowledged and thanked Public Works, Engineering, and Parks and
Recreation employees who have helped decorate Prattville for this Christmas season.
The Mayor encouraged citizens to check the City’s Facebook and website for upcoming
sanitation holiday schedules. City Hall will be closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Mayor Gillespie wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New Year.
Councilor Starnes asked if all Tier II employees will become Tier I employees. Mayor Gillespie
explained that each municipality has the option to elect to have Tier II employees receive Tier
I retirement benefits. This change will cost the City of Prattville approximately $140,000.00 per
year. Tier II employees will also increase their contribution to the retirement system. As a
mechanized, service-oriented organization, qualified employees are a necessity. Through the
hard work of the Human Resources Director and Department Heads, workers compensation
costs are down, and employee morale and quality of work is up. The City has deserving and
qualified employees due to the benefits that the Council has made available to them. Councilor
Starnes agreed that this change will definitely help with recruitment and retention.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None
REPORT ON STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley presented the finance reports for November 2019. The General
Fund Revenue report showed that revenue was $3,363,937.09 in November, an increase of
18.39% in comparison to the prior year. Probably half of this increase is a result of timing
differences of when the City received larger property tax payments. Over the next couple of
months, this will smooth out.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed revenue increased by 4.02% in comparison
to the prior year.
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The Expenses by Department report showed that with 16.67% of the budget year complete,
overall expenses were at 18.73%.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net income from operations of
$308,799.64 for November 2019. Expenses came in at 9.01% for the first two months of the
year.
The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed a net income of $44,546.62 for
November 2019. Expenses were slightly under budget at 13.57% for the year.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed a net loss of ($8,464.18) for
November 2019. Expenses were under budget at 9.87% through November.
The Bank Balances report showed a total cash balance of $21,145,723.13 as of November 30,
2019.
The City-Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report show total debt at $52,530,206.38,
including non-enterprise fund debt of $19,752,012.31, as of November 30, 2019.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Various Weeded Lots Abated per Title 11,
Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2019-A, PAGE 193
2. RESOLUTION: To Provide Tier I Retirement Benefits to Tier II Plan Members Pursuant to
the Provisions of Act 2019-132. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2019-A, PAGE 194
Council President Pro Tempore Brown made a motion to place items #1-2 on a Consent
Agenda and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent
Agenda (7-0). Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor
Cables seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted
with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
AGENDA:
1. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds for the Purchase of Six (6) Dell Latitude 5424 Rugged
Laptop Computers from CDW-G, LLC for the Information Technology Department at a Cost
Not to Exceed $6,516.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2019-A, PAGE 195
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Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2020 Budget and to Release Funds for the Purchase and
Installation of One (1) Vertical Platform Lift for the Prattaugan Museum from Alabama Elevator
& Accessibility, Inc. at a Cost Not to Exceed $13,626.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2019-A, PAGE 196
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Brown seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
3. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 019-014 for Project No. TAPMN-TA18(937) for Sidewalk
Improvements Along Various Streets to Beasley & Company General Contractors, LLC at a
Cost Not to Exceed $213,645.00 (Net Cost to the City Not to Exceed $42,729.00).
FROM THE FLOOR
RESOLUTION BOOK 2019-A, PAGE 197
Council President Pro Tempore Brown made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor
Cables seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the council rules be
suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Starnes made a motion to
suspend the rules and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-
0). There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, BROWN,
STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK,
BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
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COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Ben Acres, 163 Primrose Drive, requested that the council consider adoption of an ordinance
to prohibit smoking and vaping at city sponsored public events. Mr. Acres state his primary
concern is the health and well-being of his family and other families throughout the community
being exposed to second-hand smoke. Mr. Acres provided several facts regarding the negative
effects of second-hand smoke. Mr. Acres’ wife suffered from an asthma attack for seven days
following this year’s Christmas Parade due to exposure to second-hand smoke. Mr. Acres also
discussed the challenges of enforcement during city-sponsored events. Enforcement
challenges should never be the primary factor in deciding whether to enact a law. Prattville
strives to be a community where progress and preservation go hand in hand, seeking
excellence in public safety and quality of life programs. Prattville is a community that cares
about the preservation of life and resources. Prattville must leave behind what has been the
norm for so long in regard to public smoking. Mr. Acres provided a sample ordinance to
councilors.
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, concurred with comments made regarding second-hand
smoke. Ms. Finnegan addressed comments she made at the November 5, 2019 council
meeting requesting when the October 17, 2019 Planning Commission video would be posted
online. Ms. Finnegan has also requested that the Board of Zoning Adjustment meetings be
recorded, as well as the Historic Preservation Committee. Ms. Finnegan thanked all employees
for their hard work for the City.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie noted this is the last council meeting of the year and thanked Councilors and
employees for their hard work. He wished all a blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year.
Councilor Jackson wished a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and encouraged all to
spend time with family and friends.
Council President Pro Tempore Brown thanked all employees who have helped make Prattville
so beautiful and breath-taking. She wished all a Merry Christmas.
Councilor Starnes wished all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Councilor Cable wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and echoed previous
comments. He receives daily comments from citizens about how beautiful Prattville is during
Christmas – this is a testament to the hard work of City employees. Councilor Cables
encouraged all to serve others who are less fortunate during the holiday season.
Councilor Strichik wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thanked Parks and
Recreation Director Kellie Cook for her hard work. The City is outstanding and tour buses have
stopped to take photos of the downtown Christmas decorations. Councilor Strichik encouraged
all to remember the reason for the season.
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Councilor Boone wished all a Merry Christmas. Downtown in beautiful and several groups of
older citizens from Prattville and Millbrook have someone drive them downtown at night to see
the lights and decorations.
Council President Striplin expressed his appreciation and offered thoughts in concurrence with
other councilors and the Mayor.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Starnes made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 6:37
p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Albert Striplin, President
Prattville City Council