Minutes 2011-10-041
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
6:02 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at 6:02 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 Council President Pro
Tempore Fank was recorded as being absent.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS DEPENDABILITY: Keeping my word,
even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing & City Council meeting September 20, 2011.
Councilman Argo made the motion to approve the minutes and Councilman Miller seconded
the motion. The minutes were approved (6-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Mr. J.B. Burt, Pastor of New Vision Baptist Church, Prattville, AL, addressed the council
regarding the alcohol license that had been granted to The Café at the previous meeting. He
expressed his concern with alcohol being sold next door to a family entertainment center.
Council President Renegar explained to Mr. Burt that this portion of comments from the
public is exclusively for items on this evening’s agenda. Councilman Boles asked for an
exception to the rules, which President Renegar granted. Mr. Burt spoke on behalf of Debbie
Brooks, owner of Wonder World, and the concerns with alcohol being sold next to an
establishment where children are gathered.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie spoke regarding agenda item #2, and stated that the adoption of this study
could find a savings of approximately $200,000.00 or more. Our IT budget is 4% of the city’s
budget, while most cities IT budget is 2%.This is included in the proposed 2012 budget.
Regarding agenda item #3, this will allow Human Resources to process paperless direct
deposit and improve efficiency in both the HR and Finance departments. The savings will
include approximately $1,000.00 yearly for postage and $4,800.00 per year in the HR
department.
The Mayor reported that the September sales tax revenues collected are $1,766,067.33, after
tax rebates $1,698,312.85, which is a 3.86% increase without the $.01 tax increase, and a
37.88% increase with the $.01 tax increase. Total year to date increase is 1.82% from the prior
year without the $.01 increase.
The Autauga County EMA has received some Homeland Security grant money which they
purchased message boards/radar signs and they have given those to the City.
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Mayor Gillespie reminded everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Friday,
October 7th, Kellie Cook, Cultural Arts Director will be turning the fountain pink at 7:00 a.m.
He also stated that the Fire Department is selling pink t-shirts for $12.00 and the proceeds
will be donated to Joy to Life.
Prattville Downtown Unlimited, along with the City of Prattville, will be sponsoring the
annual Candy Walk on October 28th and the movie, Casper, will be shown on the Creekwalk
directly behind City Hall at dark.
October is also Domestic Violence Prevention month.
Wednesday, October 5th is International Walk to School day.
The Spinners Pumpkin Patch will be held October 22nd and 23rd at Spinners Park, which will
include a Fun Run and numerous other activities.
The Autauga County Fair will be held October 4th – 8th and encouraged everyone’s
participation.
On October 18th at 3:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Capital, there is a push to split
Prattville from District 88. Please contact your Representative and encourage them to keep
Prattville in District 88.
Mayor Gillespie thanked all of the city employees for their efforts in pulling together for the
City.
The Mayor announced that his Executive Secretary, Jamie Moncrief, has announced her
resignation and expressed his appreciation for all of her hard work and stated that she would
be missed a great deal. She has been a mainstay at City Hall and he thanked her for all that
she has taught him during his time as an elected official.
Councilman Miller asked for an update on the City’s response to the new Immigration Law.
Mayor Gillespie responded by saying that the City would be following the guidelines given
and would be requesting documentation for legitimate reasons.
Councilman Miller encouraged contact with the Alabama League of Municipalities to ensure
proper guidance.
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Council President Renegar reported that the Finance Committee has met and they have taken
suggestions, concerns and comments regarding the proposed budget and are trying to
incorporate those comments. The hopes are to have the budget ready by the second meeting
in November.
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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-
A, PAGE 024)
Councilman Miller 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 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
2. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH BWS TECHNOLOGIES FOR AN IT STUDY FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2012 AT A COST OF $7,500.00. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011-A, PAGE 025)
Councilman Striplin 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 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
3. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES (INCODE) TO ADD TYLER
OUTPUT PROCESSOR TO THE CURRENT SOFTWARE PACKAGE IN THE
AMOUNT OF $5,813.00 FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND FINANCE
DEPARTMENTS. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011-A, PAGE 026)
Councilman Wood made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Boles seconded
the motion. Councilman Miller questioned if adoption of this Resolution will process direct
deposit for employee paychecks. Mayor Gillespie stated that it would. Councilman Miller
stated that while he supports the Resolution, he expressed his concern that some employees
may drop their bank accounts in light of banks charging more fees for amenities such as debit
cards and checking accounts. The Mayor reported that the current policy requires all new
hires to sign up for direct deposit. Councilman Argo asked how this software fee, as well as
the previously adopted Resolution, will be paid since there is not an adopted budget.
Councilman Argo made a motion to amend line 31 following $5,813.00, to add the following:
“and the funds will be appropriated from the general fund”. Councilman Boles seconded the
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motion to amend. The amendment was adopted (6-0). There being no further discussion, the
amended Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
Councilman Argo made a motion to reconsider Resolution #2 and Councilman Wood
seconded the motion. The motion to reconsider was adopted (6-0). Councilman Argo made a
motion to amend line 26 to replace the words “Information Technology, Professional Services
line item in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget” with “General Fund”. Councilman Boles seconded
the motion to amend. The Resolution was amended (6-0). The amended Resolution was
adopted as follows:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
4. RESOLUTION: TO RE-APPOINT STEVE BURTON TO THE LIBRARY BOARD.
(RESOLUTION BOOK 2011-A, PAGE 027)
Councilman Boles made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Striplin seconded
the motion. Councilman Argo questioned why the Resolution is a re-appointment if he is
replacing Shirley Laseter. City Clerk, Stephanie J. Southerland, explained that while Mr.
Burton is a current member, he is replacing another member’s term which will leave his
current appointment vacant. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted
with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
5. RESOLUTION: TO PRESENT NOMINEES FOR THE AUTAUGA COUNTY
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2011-A, PAGE 028)
Councilman Argo made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Wood seconded
the motion. Councilman Wood questioned why there is a blank on the Resolution and if there
was no one else interested in being named a nominee. Mayor Gillespie responded by saying
that there were other candidates that were considered, but weren’t reachable prior to the
meeting. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following
results:
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AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, ARGO,
MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
Councilman Argo made a motion to Reconsider Resolution Book 2011-A, Page 019, To Grant
a Restaurant Retail Liquor License for George Harvey Russell, owner, d/b/a The Café, LLC,
which was adopted at the previous meeting. Councilman Boles seconded the motion to
reconsider. He, along with other council members, has since been confronted by constituents
regarding this business being located next to Wonder World. Councilman Argo and
Councilman Miller stated that no one appeared at the Public Hearing or City Council meeting
regarding this item. Councilman Argo stated that he would like to change his previous vote in
favor of the liquor license. Councilman Miller asked if all required notification had taken
place. City Clerk, Stephanie J. Southerland, responded by saying that the required sign had
been placed in the store window for two weeks and the ad had been published in the Prattville
Progress for two consecutive Saturdays. Council President Renegar asked if the business has
already received their license, which Chief Huggins responded that he can’t verify that.
Councilman Wood asked for clarification on the vote that is before them. Councilman Argo
explained that the vote before them is the vote to reconsider the previously adopted
Resolution. The motion to reconsider was adopted with the following results:
AYES : ARGO, MILLER, RENEGAR, BOLES 4
NAYS : STRIPLIN, WOOD 2
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
There being no further discussion, the Resolution failed with the following results:
AYES : WOOD, MILLER, RENEGAR 3
NAYS : STRIPLIN, ARGO, BOLES 3
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
Councilman Argo thanked the council for the opportunity to correct his vote from the last
meeting.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Allison Gray, 1698 Old Country Road, Prattville, AL, stated that she would like to see the sales
tax increase be extended to get the City out of the current financial mess that it’s in. She
further expressed her opinion that the city can’t afford to cut public safety; it’s a human
interest issue.
Lonnie Brown, 258 Teri Lane, Prattville, AL, asked if granting a liquor license and then taking
it away opens up a legal issue. He also asked if the next Finance Committee meeting is open to
the public.
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Council President Renegar stated that Finance Committee meetings are open to the public.
Carl Hawthorne, 704 Emerald Drive, Prattville, AL, expressed his concern that the council
can change their mind on granting a license.
Council President Renegar stated that a council member who votes on the prevailing side of
any item can bring that item back before the council at the very next official meeting with a
majority vote.
Mr. Hawthorne stated that he has heard rumors that the city may be cutting three holidays
and that it is his opinion that this is a hypocrisy, that the council is placing the city’s financial
burden on the backs of city employees. Mayor Gillespie stated that the proposed budget is
reflective of the current eleven holidays, with the option of cutting holidays.
Mr. Hawthorne stated that Councilmen Argo and Fank were quoted as being against cutting
holidays, Councilmen Striplin, Wood and Miller were not quoted, and Councilmen Renegar
and Boles were quoted as supporting the cuts and asked for an explanation of cutting the
employee cost percentage of the budget from 56% to 50%. He suggested that while 15% of
employee costs have been reduced in the past nine months, and the $.01 tax increase has
been in place the city has collected approximately $2.4 million, and cut expenses in excess of
$1.6 million bringing total net revenue of $4 million, with the budget being balanced on the
backs of city employees. He asked that the possible reduction in holidays be put on the back
burner until retirement options and attrition reduce the current number of employees. He
further stated that the reduction of three holidays would result in a savings of $133,000.00
which is 3/10 of 1% of a $40 million budget and asked the council to consider keeping the city
employees in line with surrounding cities and their allowed holidays.
Councilman Boles stated that he agreed with President Renegar in the reduction of personnel
costs to 56%, while most private businesses maintain employee costs at 50%. He further
stated that businesses are in the businesses of making a profit, while the city is in the business
of taking money and citizens as well as city employees have been affected by the current
financial situation.
Mr. Hawthorne reiterated his opinion that the largest percentage of cuts have been on city
employees. He requested that the State of Alabama gets fourteen holidays and they’re not
being cut, stop furloughs, treat employees’ right and stop giving them lip service.
Allison Gray commented that she wasn’t aware that there was a plan to cut employee
holidays, and asked that the council not spend money and train employees for them to
transfer to other cities with better employee packages.
Mayor Gillespie responded by saying that the city has probably one of the best insurance
packages of other cities. We are self-insured through Blue Cross and are looking at
Workman’s Compensation rates for a possible reduction in costs. He further stated that it is
his opinion that most employees aren’t here solely for their pay.
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CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie thanked the City Council for wearing their pink shirts tonight in honor of
Breast Cancer Awareness. He reminded everyone of the Candy Walk and movie on October
28th, and keeping District 88 intact on October 18th. He also thanked the council for their
service.
Councilman Argo spoke regarding House District 88, and the Legislature choosing not to
reapportion their own lines. There will be 21 meetings over the next 20 days asking for public
input regarding the reapportionment of the legislative districts. There is a move to divide
House District 88 which he is opposed to and stated that it is not in the best interest of the
City of Prattville and encouraged every citizen to come speak at the October 18th meeting.
Mr. Argo addressed comments made by Mr. Hawthorne and Mr. Brown regarding the liquor
license vote for The Café. The ABC Board grants liquor licenses and the city’s role does not
guarantee the approval of such, but gives guidance to the ABC Board.
Councilman Miller stated that the previous vote for The Café was a 7-0 vote in favor of
granting the license.
Councilman Boles encouraged everyone to attend the October 18th meeting and start calling
your local politicians to change their minds regarding the division of the District. He asked
everyone to call Senator Taylor over and often, [Senator] Beckman and the Governor’s office.
Mayor Gillespie directed everyone to the city’s website regarding information for District 88.
Council President Renegar corrected Councilman Boles that Mr. Beckman is our State
Representative, not our Senator.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilman Argo made a motion
to adjourn and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Jamie F. McClellan
Interim City Clerk
___________________________
Michael E. Renegar, President
Prattville City Council