Loading...
Minutes 2021-09-071 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 6:02 P.M. The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 6:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Councilor Gornto gave the invocation. Roll was called with Councilors Striplin, Jackson, Starnes, Gornto, Strichik, and Boone present. Councilor Chambers was absent. Council President Starnes declared a quorum. Council President Starnes advised that Councilor Chambers was traveling from Birmingham and would arrive to the Council meeting late. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS ATTENTIVENESS: Showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided attention. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and Council Meeting August 17, 2021. Councilor Gornto 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 6-0. COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council regarding agenda items 8 and 9. Ms. Finnegan stated she went to the Revenue Department to research ownership of the building related to agenda item 8. Council President Starnes confirmed HPRA owns the building. She said she did not understand how the Council could approve a funding allocation for a project to the Autauga County Heritage Association when the building is owned by another entity. She also questioned how the allocation amount of $76,800.00 came about. Mayor Gillespie advised that the Autauga County Heritage Association gave a presentation to the Finance Committee at the end of August. Council President Starnes added that a proposal was handed out to the committee for their review and it included documentation outlining the cost for planning phase and feasibility study. Ms. Finnegan asked if the public would be able to see the proposal. Ms. Finnegan cited verbiage from agenda item 9 and asked for clarification on what “certain disproportionately impacted communities” would be. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point of Privilege to introduce Central Alabama Community College (CACC) President Jeff Lynn. Mr. Lynn addressed the Council about the college’s planned expansion in Prattville that would incorporate additional academic programs and an overall economic benefit to the local economy. He requested $4 million from Autauga County and the City to support the Initial Capital Investment. Mayor Gillespie thanked Mr. Lynn for presenting to the Council. Mayor Gillespie reported that the City faired well during the last severe weather events. He attributed the success of the City on the commitment of its employees and their vision of achieving high standards. Mayor Gillespie thanked all City employees, department heads, and citizens for working together in the last ten years. He mentioned that the City no longer employs the method of lump sum budgeting, but relies on line item budgeting, and in the future hopes 2 to see a multi-year budgeting approach. Mayor Gillespie advised the Council that the Fiscal Year 2022 budget was distributed and ready for review. Mayor Gillespie reported that there will be a 911 Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the Public Safety Building scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. Also, the Symetra Tour will return to RTJ Golf Course September 17 – 19, 2021. Mayor Gillespie summarized his good news bad news to include stormwater and sewer projects that are still active in the area and to utilize caution when in construction zones, especially Washington Street and Bunch Avenue. REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Councilor Striplin reported the special committee on Patio Liquor Service met on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. All seven committee members were present and included Chief Terry Brown (Fire Department), Chief Mark Thompson (Police Department), Mr. Scott Stephens (Planning Department), Mr. Tim Stafford (Historic Preservation Committee), and Councilors Jackson, Gornto and Striplin. ABC license holders and the public were invited to make comments and ask questions. There were no formal recommendations made, but the committee discussed several topics. Additional information was requested concerning number of currently operating patio licenses and their location and current City building code related to permanent fencing versus fire safety issues for ingress and egress. The committee will hold a follow-up meeting on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Councilor Strichik reported that on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, Police Department representatives, City Attorney Andrew Odom, and citizens met to discuss possible changes to the proposed ordinance on the treatment of dogs and dog tethering. Councilor Strichik advised that the ordinance is on the agenda, but he will make a motion to hold over again to complete the review and drafting of amendments. Council President Starnes reported that the Finance Committee met on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, in Council Chambers. During the meeting, Autauga County Heritage Association gave a presentation. The committee discussed requesting an Attorney General’s opinion on police jurisdiction, the upcoming fiscal year budget, City holidays, increasing the City’s capitalization threshold, American Rescue Plan allocation requests, and property appraisals. CONSENT AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: To Reschedule the Public Hearing to Consider the Revocation of Bama Lanes Prattville LLC d/b/a Blue Iguana Bar’s Business License. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 153 2. 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-A, PAGE 154 3 3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the City Attorney to File “Weed Liens” on Certain Properties. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 155 4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the City’s Capitalization Threshold for Certain Classes of Assets. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Boone) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 156 Councilor Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-4 on a Consent Agenda and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the items were placed on a Consent Agenda (6-0). Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBERS 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: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 157 Councilor Gornto 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, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBERS 2. ORDINANCE: To Pre-Zone Property Located Outside the City Limits South of Old Ridge Road Adjacent to Glennbrooke 8 as R-3 (Petitioners: David L. Avant/Diane R. Avant) (Representative: Barrett-Simpson, Inc.). (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers) HELD FROM AUGUST 3, 2021 ORDINANCE BOOK 2021, PAGE 025 This ordinance was introduced at and held over from the August 3, 2021, City Council meeting. There being no discussion, the ordinance was adopted with the following results: 4 AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBERS 3. ORDINANCE: Petition for Annexation of South of Old Ridge Road Adjacent to Glennbrooke 8 (Petitioners: David L. Avant/Diane R. Avant) (Representative: Barrett-Simpson, Inc.). (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers) ORDINANCE BOOK 2021, PAGE 026 Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Council President Pro Tempore Boone seconded the motion. By Point of Order, it is necessary that the Council rules be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Strichik made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6- 0). There being no discussion, the ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBERS 4. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances Chapter 10 Animals, Article II. Dogs, Section 10-42, Inhumane Treatment of Dogs Prohibited and Section 10-43, Dog Tethering. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) HELD FROM AUGUST 17, 2021 TABLED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 TO SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 This ordinance was introduced at and held over from the August 17, 2021, City Council meeting. Councilor Strichik made a motion to table the ordinance until the September 21, 2021, City Council meeting and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. The ordinance was tabled until September 21, 2021, with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBERS 5 5. ORDINANCE: To Terminate the Temporary Moratorium on Permits and Approvals for Multi-Family (Apartment) Developments. (Sponsored By: Councilor Gornto) ORDINANCE BOOK 2021, PAGE 027 Councilor Gornto made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Strichik seconded the motion. By Point of Order, it is necessary that the Council rules be suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Councilor Jackson made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Striplin seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There being no discussion, the ordinance was adopted with the following results: AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 6 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : CHAMBERS At 6:34 p.m., Councilor Chambers arrived at the City Council meeting and seated himself at the dais. 6. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2021 Budget and to Release Funds for the Purchase of One (1) 2020 John Deere 85G Excavator through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative (Contract Number 032119-JDC) from Warrior Tractor & Equipment Company, Inc. for the Engineering Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $129,851.12. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 158 Councilor Jackson 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 7. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds for the Purchase of Two (2) Gravely ProTurn 672 XF3 DK Commercial Mowers through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative (Contract Number 031121-ACO-1) from Prattville Outdoors for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $24,767.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 159 Councilor Strichik 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: 6 AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS, STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7 NAYS : NONE 0 ABSTAINED : NONE 0 ABSENT : NONE 0 8. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2021 Budget and Authorize the Release of Allocation Funding to the Autauga County Heritage Association for the Planning Phase and Feasibility Study for a Pratt Museum of Southern Industry in an Amount Not to Exceed $76,800.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 160 Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Striplin 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 Amend the FY2021 Budget and Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Pratt Mill Properties LLC to Purchase Property for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $1,050,000.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik) HELD OVER TO SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore Boone seconded the motion. Councilor Strichik stated that initially he had concerns about sponsoring the resolution. He spoke with Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Cook who advised that acquiring the property would be beneficial to the department and the City. However, Councilor Strichik was concerned that funding would place a strain on the department’s budget and did not want to burden taxpayers. Councilor Strichik received confirmation that COVID-19 funds were available to be used for the purchase and with those advisements, Councilor Strichik agreed to sponsor the resolution. Councilor Striplin questioned the City Attorney, Mr. Odom, if purchasing land by the City was considered permanent in nature. Mr. Odom advised that it was. Councilor Striplin stated that Council rules adopted at the beginning of the quadrennium specified that no ordinance or resolution permanent in nature would be adopted at its first introduction unless unanimous consent was obtained for immediate consideration by the Council. Mr. Odom agreed with Councilor Striplin’s assessment. Councilor Striplin indicated concern about the property being purchased for Parks and Recreation Department. Councilor Jackson was curious about how other municipalities went about vetting what projects would receive portions of the emergency relief granted to the City. He advised that reaching out to the public through surveys and forums would be a good idea and asked if that was considered. Council President Starnes did not 7 recall that those methods were utilized. Councilor Jackson commented that several areas affected by the pandemic would benefit from allocations like small businesses, citizens who needed rental payment assistance, broadband projects to get students access to the internet, infrastructure, and upgrades to parks already owned by the City. Councilor Jackson advised that he had a district meeting to hear concerns from the community, but felt it beneficial to have a city-wide forum regarding the usage of COVID-19 allocations and to do what is best for citizens in need. Council President Starnes advised that there was approximately $5 million remaining from the relief funding and would take into consideration Councilor Jackson’s recommendation to hold public forums. Mayor Gillespie thanked Councilor Jackson for his suggestions and advised that several projects were being looked at to improve several parks in the City. Councilor Jackson asked if the usage of the funding followed guidelines set forth by the federal government in relation to the purchase of the property mentioned in the resolution. Council President Pro Tempore Boone advised that the Finance Director researched guidelines and found no issue with funds from the COVID-19 allocation going toward the purchase of property for the Parks and Recreation Department. Council President Starnes ordered a vote for the suspension of Council rules. The motion to suspend the rules failed to receive unanimous consent with Councilors Chambers, Starnes, Strichik and Boone voting Yes and Councilors Striplin, Jackson and Gornto voting No (4-3). The resolution was held over to the September 21, 2021, City Council meeting. 10. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2021 Budget and to Ratify and Affirm a Single Payment of Premium Pay Per the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to Regular Full- time and Part-time Employees in the Amount of $1,416,674.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 161 Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. Councilor Striplin asked why the resolution dealt with amending the budget to utilize fiscal recovery funds and General Funds sales tax instead of entirely relying on fiscal recovery funds. Council President Starnes explained that a certain group of employees exceeded the earning threshold and in order to pay all employees, there had to be funds pulled from another source. There being no further 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 Council President Starnes advised the Council would vote to enter into Executive Session to discuss matters related to commerce, economic development, project funding, real property purchase and/or lease. Councilor Chambers made a motion to enter into Executive Session and Councilor Gornto seconded. Council President Starnes ordered a Roll Call vote. 8 ROLL CALL VOTE: Councilor Striplin Aye Councilor Jackson Aye Councilor Chambers Aye Councilor Starnes Aye Councilor Gornto Aye Councilor Strichik Aye Councilor Boone Aye Council President Starnes advised that Executive Session would last thirty (30) minutes to one (1) hour and upon return the Council would complete remaining agenda items. The Council entered into Executive Session at 6:59 p.m. and returned to regular session at 7:22 p.m. 11. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Negotiate Real Estate Terms and Conditions for Project KATZ. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes) RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 162 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 COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, asked what “certain disproportionately impacted communities” would be considered in relation to agenda item 9. She asked how COVID-19 affected a piece of land and why the City would pay $1,050,000.00 for a piece of land. Patrick Lucas, 1211 Caliber Xing, addressed the Council about what was being done to help the community. He mentioned the Parade of Pumpkins, Christmas decorations, and the purchase of property from Pratt Mill Properties LLC. Mr. Lucas stated that there are citizens within Prattville that were not on public sewage and parks that needed upgrades. He asked why Ms. Finnegan’s questions went unanswered. Mr. Lucas said that the City Council is responsible for the citizens of Prattville. He asked if Juneteenth was in the FY2022 budget. El White, II, 621 West 4th Street, addressed the Council about the City’s decision to use COVID- 19 money on purchasing property. He asked if the City considered any analysis to make the decisions for the good of every citizen. Mr. White commended the three Councilors who voted against the suspension of the rules in regards to the resolution on the agenda that proposed to purchase property from Pratt Mill Properties. He stated that he does not feel that this purchase would benefit the City of Prattville as a whole and that the Council needed to look at other parks and projects. He suggested the money be better used for infrastructure, broadband, and upgrades to the power grid. Mr. White also verified that Councilor Jackson did conduct a district meeting at which he attended to discuss infrastructure. Mr. White asked the Council what was 9 going to be done about Blue Iguana Bar. Council President Starnes advised that a Public Hearing was scheduled for October 5, 2021, to hear the community’s concerns about revoking the business license the bar. CLOSING COMMENTS: Council President Starnes announced there would be a budget hearing on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Strichik made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 7:33 p.m. APPROVED: ___________________________ Lisa Byrd Interim City Clerk ___________________________ Gerald “Jerry” Starnes, President Prattville City Council SUBMITTED BY: Dawn Russell Assistant City Clerk