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Minutes 2020-03-03 1 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 6:22 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at 6:22 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 PATIENCE: Confidence that what I have to say or do is true, right and just. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting February 18, 2020. Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. With no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Diane Rolling, 119 Magnolia Drive, addressed the Council regarding Agenda Item #1. Ms. Rolling provided a handout to Council President Striplin to be included in the minutes (handout attached). Ms. Rolling requested that the City repair sewer lines in the older neighborhoods before allowing for the development of additional homes. Ms. Rolling stated that she believes that sewer lines in her neighborhood have been replaced and are no longer orangeburg. Ms. Rolling also addressed speeding issues in her neighb orhood. A recent traffic study showed a daily average of 1,087 vehicles on Camellia Drive and 275 on Magnolia Drive. The new housing development will add additional traffic. Ms. Rolling encouraged the Council to vote no on the rezoning ordinance until the sewer and traffic issues are resolved. Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council regarding Agenda Item #1. Ms. Finnegan asked what the rush is voting on this item. Mr. Marshall has other development projects underway. Ms. Finnegan stated that she understood that the City wants the pecan grove property for an expansion of the Mac Gray Park and requested that the Council hold this item to see if the City can purchase this property from Mr. Marshall. Ms. Finnegan does not understand why Mr. Marshall wants to swap the pecan grove property and build on gravel lot property. Additional homes and additional park space will cause a tremendous increase in traffic. It may be that there does not need to be any development in the area at this time. Ms. Finnegan requested that the City have an in -depth conversation with Mr. Marshall. Councilor Boone noted that this item is not just on Mr. Marshall's timeline. The City has a timeline and as more time passes, the more prices change. Councilor Boone asked Ms . Finnegan if she has a suggestion where the funds should come from since she recommended the City purchase the property from Mr. Marshall. Ms. Finnegan responded that if the City has plans for the pecan grove property, this must be a done deal. Ms. Finneg an suggested that funds for the purchase of the property be made part of a bond issue. Chloe Miller, 135 Magnolia Drive, stated that as a new homeowner she is learning as she goes. There is a claim with Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation regarding a sewer back-up in her home and an adjuster came to her home last week. Ms. Miller asked if this would be 2 considered a City problem. Council President Striplin replied that it would depend on the findings. City Attorney David McDowell explained that a claim has been filed with Alabama Municipal Insurance Company and the adjuster is in the process of investigating the claim. The outcome will depend on the findings of the investigation. MAYOR’S REPORT: Super Tuesday is going well in the City of Prattville despite the rain. Mayor Gillespie expressed appreciation to all departments for working together during the rain events over the last several weeks. Without hard work and planning, these weather events could have caused many more challenges. The Mayor encouraged all to be engaged in the upcoming Comprehensive Plan and Census 2020. There will always be challenges and opportunities to improve this community. The Mayor noted that there has been much discussion tonight regarding sewer lines and the homeowners' responsibility for their lateral lines. Many neighborhoods with older sewer lines consist of either start-up families or retirees on tight budgets. There have been discussions with Council President Striplin and the Wastewater Committee about the po ssibility of a Lateral Rehabilitation Assistance Program (LRAP). The Mayor has talked with Senator Chambliss and local bankers about this type of program to assist homeowners in the replacement of their lateral lines. The Mayor's Executive Assistant Lisa Byrd has researched this issue. This type of assistance may require a legislative act. The City looked at an insurance program four to five years ago, but the program was more of a benefit to the company and not a good fit for the City. Councilor Starnes asked Mayor Gillespie to explain the LRAP program. The Mayor explained that when weather is dry, smoke is inserted into the main system and radiates into the laterals. If a homeowner's lateral is identified in need of repair, the City would have a list of licensed plumbers available for the homeowner to have their lateral line replaced. The City would loan the cost of the repair to the homeowner and the homeowner would repay the City with a monthly payment on their water bill. Again, this type of program ma y require a legislative act. The Mayor clarified that if both properties in the Park Lane Project (Agenda Item #1) were zoned the same, they would fit approximately the same number of lots. As currently zoned, the pecan grove would hold thirty-three lots. If rezoned to R-3, it would hold sixty-nine lots. The 21st Annual Black History Program was held at the Doster Center on March 6, 2020. The Mayor expressed appreciation to Latricia Gardner and her committee for their hard work in making this another wonderful event provided through the Parks and Recreation Department. The Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority (HPRA) has requested that the City move forward with purchasing the Creekwalk Park for the original purchase price of $75,000.00. The City is waiting for HPRA to hold a board meeting before bringing a resolution before the Council. The purchase of the Creekwalk Park will allow HPRA to pay off the grocery store loan, save on 3 interest, and cancel their flood insurance coverage. This will ensur e that taxpayer's dollars are utilized to their best use. Mayor Gillespie expressed pride in this community and the direction it is headed. Citizens continue to express how well various departments show devotion and compassion in serving the community. Mayor Gillespie recently had first-hand experience in needing medical attention for a family member. The Fire Department was able to respond and calm the situation while providing first-class medical attention. Mayor Gillespie noted he was able to observe their professionalism as both a family member and in his official capacity. The Mayor explained the need for additional personnel in Agenda Item #3. Cemetery records were previously held in the Planning Department and there were many challenges. Out of necessity, the cemetery records were brought into the Mayor's Office. Mayor Gil lespie expressed appreciation to Lisa Byrd for her hard work, dedication, and compassion shown to citizens in their time of need. A need has been identified for a person to enter these legal documents into the computer system. The Mayor recommended that th is be an appointed position. This position will require a special skill set. Once the records are as complete as possible and the project is ready to be moved to the proper department, the appointed position will no longer require funding. Baseball opening ceremonies will be held this weekend and softball opening ceremonies will be held next weekend. The Mayor expressed appreciation to the Parks and Recreation Department for the hard work to get fields ready for play. Sports are so much more than hitting, running, and throwing. The players build self -esteem and gain knowledge of how to interact with others. The Annual Celebration of the Arts Reception and Dinner honoring Jackson Bostwick will be held Saturday evening, March 7, 2020. The Mayor expressed a ppreciation for the time and backing that goes into this event to support the Prattville Creative and Performing Arts Council. Regardless of how the Council votes on Agenda Item #1 tonight, the Mayor will continue to work with all parties regarding this item. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Declare Renown Cargo Trailers, LLC a Non-Responsible Bidder for Bid No. 020-004 for a Cargo Trailer for Water Rescue Response. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) RESOLUTION BOOK 2020, PAGE 033 2. RESOLUTION: To Ratify and Affirm the Renewal of the Levy of 7 Mills Ad Valorem Tax in the City of Prattville. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2020, PAGE 034 Council President Pro Tempore Brown made a motion to place items #1-2 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. The items were placed on a Consent 4 Agenda (7-0). Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Starnes 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. ORDINANCE: To Rezone Property Located South of Ridgewood Road and West of Mt. Airy Drive from R-2 & R-3 (Single Family Residential) and R-5 (Patio Garden Homes) to R-3 (Single Family Residential). (Owner: City of Prattville) (Petitioner: James B. Marshall, Jr.) (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson) HELD FROM FEBRUARY 4, 2020 ORDINANCE BOOK 2020, PAGE 003 This ordinance was introduced at the February 4, 2020 meeting. Councilor Jackson made a motion to hold the ordinance for thirty days to allow Public Works Director Dale Gandy and staff to smoke test and to allow Mayor to discuss the purchase of the property with Mr. Marshall. Council President Pro Tempore Brown seconded the motion. Mayor Gillespie stated that the portion of motion tied to a smoke test is not necessary. The properties on the table are on a separate sewer system. The city sewer lines were shown on a map provided to Councilors (attached). Lateral lines are not shown on this map. The Mayor asked that the Council not tie a smoke test to this motion to hold. Mayor Gillespie also asked the Council to take into consideration the investment Mr. Marshall has made in the property. To sell the property, the cost that has been invested will likely be included in the purchase cost. The timeline to hold whether two or four weeks is not a challenge, but please do not tie into a smoke test. Councilor Boone stated that she respects Councilor Jackson and Council President Pro Tempore Brown's request to hold the ordinance. Councilor Boone feels that much has been done to save the City money by offering what the City has to get something that will better serve the City. On paper, the properties are equal in value. The true value of the pecan grove to the City is its location. The City is bartering or offering what it already has to obtain something of more value. This is the reason for not wanting to hold this item. Mayor Gillespie noted that the question has come up why look at building houses on gravel pit property rather than the pecan grove. The Mayor would prefer the park in the pecan grove property because it has great topsoil. A developer would need to clear the topsoil before starting development and the gravel pit property will save that cost. If the Council does vote on this item tonight, that does not mean that the land swap will happen immediately. The Mayor again requested that this item not be tied to a smoke test. This matter previously went to the Parks and Recreation Committee as deemed by the Council President. The Ma yor will continue 5 to talk with all parties involved and take information back to the Parks & Recreation Committee before bringing back to Council. Councilor Jackson asked what the rush is for rezoning the property and if the City is on a timeline. Councilor Jackson added that other parks are not up to par. Councilor Boone noted that the City is being prudent with time and this is an opportunity for profit. This does not have anything to do with the dire shape of any other park. Tournaments will bring money to the Parks and Recreation Department. The opportunity to move softball to Mac Gray 2.0 will open tennis opportunities for Newton Park. This will allow the City to seek federal grants for tennis. The Parks and Recreation Department has a long -term plan and is moving ahead on an opportunity. Councilor Jackson asked how much the City has made from travel ball and have we conducted a feasibility study to determine our needs. The playground equipment at the recently renamed Spring Hill Park needs to be updated. The City needs to look at the quality of life for all kids and at improving all parks. Mayor Gillespie noted that in the past travel teams have requested to utilize the Whetstone Complex, but at that point, the City was not in management of Dixie Baseball and Softball programs. Tournaments will bring in revenue, with some of that revenue being residual. At this point, the City is not holding tournaments at a level to fill up the hotels. At the end of the day, the City needs to service and care for its citizens, both young and old. If the May Gray Park 2.0 project goes through, this will open Newton Park to clear at least two existing fields for additional tennis courts. Councilor Jackson noted that the City needs a feasibility study and needs to look at the quality of life for our citizens and all parks. Councilor Jackson amended his motion to hold this item for approximately two weeks or until the Mayor has discussed the purchase of the property with Mr. Marshall. Council President Pro Tempore Brown seconded the amended motion. Councilor Starnes asked if there are any sewer problems on the property referred to as the gravel pit. The Mayor replied that there are no issues with individual houses on that line. This is a separate line that flows down to Autauga Creek. Public Works Director Dale Gandy explained the sewer flow from the map (attached). There are two dead -end manholes on Magnolia. Flow on the right manhole travels east and flow from the left manhole travels back west. On Mt. Airy Drive, there is another dead -end manhole. From Camellia Drive north, the flow travels east. From Primrose Drive down, the flow travels south. Councilor Starnes confirmed that the houses on Mt. Airy Drive are newer. Mayor Gillespie added that sewer should not be an issue with the zoning question before the Council tonight. The Comprehensive Plan should be able to address many of Councilor Jackson's questions. The City can nail down what it wants to do through the Comprehensive Plan and tie the budget to those needs. Sewers should not be part of the equation when considering this item. 6 There being no further discussion, the amended motion to hold failed with a vote of (3 -4): AYES : STRIPLIN JACKSON, BROWN, 3 NAYS : STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 4 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE There being no further discussion regarding the original ordinance, the ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 5 NAYS : STRIPLIN, JACKSON 2 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 2. ORDINANCE: To Repeal Section 66-21 of City of Prattville, Alabama Code of Ordinances, Chapter 66-Utilities, Article II- Water System. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin) ORDINANCE BOOK 2020, PAGE 004 Councilor Cables made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the council rules be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Boone made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). There being no discussion, the ordinance 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 Amend the FY2020 Budget and to Authorize Additional Personnel Positions at a Cost Not to Exceed $45,440.84. (Sponsored By: Council President Striplin) RESOLUTION BOOK 2020, PAGE 035 Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Strichik 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 7 4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2020 Budget and to Release Funds for the Purchase of an Executive Mobile Folding Stage System with Fixed Stair System and Guardrails from The Stage Depot for the Doster Memorial Community Center for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $13,533.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone) RESOLUTION BOOK 2020, PAGE 036 Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : JACKSON 1 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 5. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2020 Budget and to Release Funds to Ram Jack Foundation Specialists, LLC to Replace a Portion of the Floor/Basement Ceiling Structure and Install New Flooring in the Doster Memorial Community Center for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $29,650.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone) RESOLUTION BOOK 2020, PAGE 037 Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Starnes seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, BROWN, STARNES, CABLES, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : JACKSON 1 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement for Construction Engineering Inspection Services with Civil Southeast, LLC for ALDOT Project No. TAPMN - TA18(937) for Overlook and Silver Hills Neighborhood Sidewalk Connections for the Engineering Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $28,00 0.00 (Net Cost to the City Not to Exceed $5,600.00). (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Brown) RESOLUTION BOOK 2020, PAGE 038 Council President Pro Tempore Brown 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 8 7. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 020-004 to TNT Outfitters, LLC for the Purchase of One (1) Cargo Trailer for Water Rescue Response for the Fire Department at a Cost of $29,990.00 (Zero Net Cost to City). (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) RESOLUTION BOOK 2020, PAGE 039 Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Cables 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 COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, recognized the Public Works/Urban Management Division for the plantings and improvements made on the island at Pletcher Street and Maple Street. CLOSING COMMENTS: Mayor Gillespie expressed appreciation for the comments regarding improvements at Pletcher Street. The Public Works Division recently held a Town Hall meeting and is looking at holding a follow-up meeting at the greenhouses to showcase what Urban Management Superintendent Chris Wood and his staff are doing to beautify the city. Councilor Starnes asked City Engineer Robby Anderson to look at the condition of Jasmine Trail, from Edinburg to Fairview Avenue. Construction has caused some damage to the road. Councilor Strichik asked all to attend the opening date of baseball this Saturday and the opening day of softball next Saturday at Whetstone Park. It means so much to the players to see adults there supporting them. Councilor Boone stated that she resents the implication that she or the Parks and Recreation Department has any agenda that excludes any group or any part of town. Everything that she does is to best serve all citizens of our City. Councilor Boone reached out to Councilor Jackson and asked that he not act in a petty manner and realize that she was conducting business in the best way she knows how to for the City. Surplus money , as used for two items on this agenda, was also offered to Councilor Jackson for Spring Hill Park specifically to updat e equipment. Councilor Boone would happily vote to update equipment in Spring Hill Park with surplus funds. Councilor Jackson responded that he resented being called petty. Councilor Jackson had inquired about funding to update and improve park equipment at Spring Hill Park. Councilor Jackson had a fund-raising idea for Spring Hill Park, shared a fund-raising letter with Council, and was told to go ahead. 9 ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Starnes made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Cables seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 7:35 p.m. APPROVED: ___________________________ Cathy Dickerson City Clerk ___________________________ Albert Striplin, President Prattville City Council