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Minutes 2021-07-201 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021 6:17 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 6:17 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Councilor Chambers gave the invocation. Roll was called with all Councilors present and Council President Starnes declared a quorum. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS FORGIVENESS: Releasing feelings of resentment and not holding a grudge. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and Council Meeting July 6, 2021. Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted with a vote of 7- 0. Council President Starnes acknowledged retired Circuit Clerk Whit Moncrief, past City Council President Dean Argo, and County Commissioner Larry Stoudemire. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council regarding the resolution listed under agenda item five (5). She requested an approximation of accrued interest. Mr. Daniel Oakley, Finance Director, advised there would be less than $30,000.00 on the 2014 general obligation refunding warrants as long as the maturities were called on September 1, 2021, which was the plan of action for the Finance Department. Ms. Finnegan asked if there was a known amount to be given to the City for the division of opioid funds from litigation. Mr. Oakley did not have an approximation because of the ongoing litigation nor a timeframe when a settlement would be approved. Dr. Jerry Cimis, 141 North Chestnut Street, addressed the Council by continuing conversation on the proposed zoning ordinance. He stated the over restrictive language conflicted with the City’s comprehensive plan. He felt the City was targeting the R-4 designation and there was no reason the Council needed to pass the ordinance now. Councilor Strichik requested that Mr. Scott Stephens, Planning Director, address Dr. Cimis’ claims. Mr. Stephens acknowledged that Dr. Cimis concerns had previously been received and reviewed. Mr. Stephens advised that prior permits approved for construction would not be affected by the passage of the proposed ordinance. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie introduced the City’s new Economic Development Director, Josh Johnson. Mr. Johnson addressed the Council and stated that the City had great promise, potential and room for growth. 2 Mayor Gillespie asked Mr. Oakley to introduce the Finance Department’s new Deputy Finance Director. Mr. Oakley presented Carlee Sims to the Council. Ms. Sims addressed the Council and stated that she was looking forward to working with everyone. Mayor Gillespie acknowledged the Thompson Family in attendance and then introduced Tyler Cash and the Dixie Youth 2021 Single A Rookie All-Stars. Mayor Gillespie stated the group of under 6 age boys would travel to Texarkana, Arkansas, during the week, to play in the Regional World Series. Mayor Gillespie praised the accomplishments of the boys along with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department for their work and dedication to Dixie Youth Baseball. Mayor Gillespie mentioned this was the first time Prattville was sending a team to the World Series event. Mayor Gillespie presented each player with their official jersey. The team included Burke Brock, Colt Callaway, Cooper Meil, Kole Lively, Jase Hogue, Kotre Anderson, Korbyn Joyce, Luke Ballard, Timmer Herman, Gunter Brasher, Ben Smith and Colton Harris. Mayor Gillespie and Councilor Strichik wished Head Coach Justin Brasher and Assistant Coaches Josh Meil, Clay Callaway and Criss Brock safe travels and best of luck. Mayor Gillespie hoped the community was able to take advantage of the Back to School Sales Tax holiday occurring last weekend. He thanked the Autauga County Heritage Association for putting together the Founder’s Day event he attended earlier in the day at Daniel Pratt cemetery and expressed gratitude for City staff that keep the area maintained. Mayor Gillespie remarked on his visit to the City of Prattville’s STEAM Camp put on by Cultural Arts at the Doster Center with assistance from City departments and Partners of Prattville. He reminded citizens that they could search the City’s website for future events. Mayor Gillespie spoke about the stormwater and sewer projects in progress and mentioned that sidewalk projects would commence when the weather was cooperative. He asked that citizens continue to use caution when traveling around construction areas. Mayor Gillespie concluded his report by acknowledging the Prattville Swim Team’s accomplishments by dominating in District 5 competition and wished them luck during the ARPA State Championship in Albertville, Alabama. Councilor Jackson asked the Mayor if there were any plans in place to recognize Juneteenth next year or align City holidays with State of Alabama’s calendar. Mayor Gillespie advised that it was up to the Council to make those decisions and that budgeting was a key factor. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES: Daniel Oakley provided the following report on City Finances for June 2021: • General Fund Revenue Report 3 o $3,627,040.12 – total revenue collected in June o $35,608,176.51 – total revenue collected fiscal year to date • Tax Breakdown Comparison Report o $3,206,678.27 – tax revenue collected in June o 21.31% - increase over June 2020 • General Fund Expenditures Report o 75.00% - portion of fiscal year completed o 69.16% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Wastewater Fund Income Statement o $179,412.28 – net income from operations for June o 75.00% - portion of fiscal year completed o 57.01% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital projects) • Sanitation Fund Income Statement o $3,786.69 – net income for June o 75.00% - portion of fiscal year completed o 59.37% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date • Judicial Fund Income Statement o ($121,459.70) – net loss for June o 75.00% - portion of fiscal year completed o 76.05% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date • Capital Projects Fund Income Statement o $5,620,082.83 – Total project expenses incurred to date o Current Projects:  Mac Gray Park 2.0 - Construction  Washington Street Drainage  Bridge Street Sidewalks  Thomas Avenue Drainage - Engineering • Gas Tax Special Revenue Fund Income Statement o $310,886.07 – Revenue collected fiscal year to date • Group Health Fund Income Statement o $69,118.20 – net income to date • Bank Balances Report o $39,236,034.27 – total of all bank balances at the end of June • Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report o $52,207,816.84 – total debt balance city-wide at end of June o $18,773,316.84 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of June AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II (Package) License for PM MODI, Inc. d/b/a Premiere Bottle and Wine. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) FAILED Councilor Gornto made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. Council President Starnes stated he had reservations about approving the license because of items within the investigative report and the recommendation from the investigator to deny the issuance of the license. 4 There being no further discussion, the Resolution failed with the following results: AYES : NONE 0 NAYS : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 2. 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: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021, PAGE 124 Councilor Gornto made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore Boone seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 3. ORDINANCE: To Adopt Proposed Amendments to the City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, Appendix A-Zoning, Article 6, Section 67 and Article 7, Section 71. (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers) This Ordinance was introduced at the June 15, 2021 meeting and a Public Hearing was held on July 20, 2021. Councilor Striplin stated he understood there was a need to strengthen rules relative to apartments, but felt that the population moving from larger homes to smaller homes and apartments was growing. Councilor Striplin feared the requirements within the ordinance would stifle the ability for growth. He stated that the influx of public opposition made it difficult to support the ordinance. Councilor Gornto stated that Dr. Cimis’ concerns seemed valid and in combination with the established moratorium, he could not support the ordinance at this time. HELD FROM JUNE 15, 2021 HELD FROM JULY 20, 2021 TABLED TO AUGUST 17, 2021 Councilor Gornto made a motion to table the ordinance until August 17, 2021, and Councilor Striplin seconded the motion. There being no other discussion, the Ordinance was tabled until August 17, 2021, with the following results: 5 AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 4. RESOLUTION: To Declare Various Weeded Lots to be a Public Nuisance, Order Their Abatement and Set a Public Hearing per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021, PAGE 125 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, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 5. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2021 Budget and to Authorize the Release of Funds to Call Certain Maturities of the 2014-A General Obligation Refunding Warrants in the Amount of $1,030,000.00, Plus Accrued Interest. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021, PAGE 126 Councilor Chambers 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, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Redemption and Retirement of the Remaining 2015 General Obligation Refunding Warrants in the Amount of $4,450,000.00, Plus Accrued Interest. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021, PAGE 127 Council President Pro Tempore 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: 6 AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 7. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2021 Budget for the Redemption and Retirement of the Remaining 2015 General Obligation Refunding Warrants in the Amount of $4,450,000.00, Plus Accrued Interest. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021, PAGE 128 Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 8. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds to Prattville Farm Center Land Services for Land Clearing Services at Mac Gray Park and Cooters Pond for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $14,995.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021, PAGE 129 Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 9. RESOLUTION: To Change and/or Adopt Street Names in the South Industrial Park. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021, PAGE 130 Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results: 7 AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 10. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Submit a Letter to the Attorney General Supporting a Finalized Allocation Agreement on the Division of Opioid Funds. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021, PAGE 131 Councilor Striplin 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, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, asked if the bond payments were for High Point Center. Mr. Oakley advised that there were other development and improvement projects included. Ms. Finnegan asked if there was more money in addition to the $48 million and that it took fifteen years to pay the money. She asked the City Council not to put the City in any more debt. Patrick Lucas, 211 Caliber Xing, stated he sent a draft resolution to most of the Council regarding diversity within the community and proposed having a meeting with leaders to discuss issues faced by citizens specifically race. Ell White, II, 621 West 4th Street, addressed the Council regarding the celebration of Juneteenth. He mentioned diversity was not apparent within the ranks of City staff and would like to see a change. Mr. White promoted a back-to-school backpack giveaway at North Highland Community Center on July 24, 2021. CLOSING COMMENTS: Councilor Strichik welcomed new employees and thanked Dawn Russell for her assistance with Lisa Byrd and the Council. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Strichik made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 7:16 p.m. 8 APPROVED: ___________________________ Lisa Byrd Interim City Clerk ___________________________ Gerald “Jerry” Starnes, President Prattville City Council SUBMITTED BY: Dawn Russell Assistant City Clerk