Minutes 2021-10-191
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021
6:02 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 6:02 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag,
Mayor Gillespie gave the invocation. Roll was called with all Councilors present. Council
President Starnes declared a quorum and called the meeting to order.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS PUNCTUALITY: Showing respect for others
by doing the right thing at the right time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and Council Meeting October 5, 2021. Council
President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Gornto
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (7-0).
Council President Starnes recognized Senator Clyde Chambliss, Autauga County
Commissioner Rusty Jacksland, and Autauga County Board of Education Members Eleanor
Ballow and Jim Manderson.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, addressed the Council about monies allocated for different
projects and her fear the City will go into debt. She cited recently adopted Project KATZ and
the purchase of the Boutwell property and resolutions on tonight’s agenda to include CACC’s
campus development and Parks and Recreations Department engineering agreements for
improvements to Pratt Park, Newton Park and Stanley Jensen Stadium. She mentioned that
there are other park renovation projects that do not have cost projections, and some large City
projects. Ms. Finnegan stated there has been discussion in partnering with the YMCA to
develop a new aquatics center. She stated she did not want the City to get into the same debt
situation like it did with the High Point project.
Jerri Young, 641 Mimosa Road, Camellia Estates Subdivision, addressed the Council about
an email she sent to Councilors on Sunday. She stated she was against giving money every
year for the operation and maintenance of a new building. She cited tonight’s agenda item
proposing the City give CACC over $2 million over a five-year period, although students who
attend will pay tuition. Ms. Young requested the City Council give Autauga County Technical
Center money without the Autauga County Board of Education having to submit a request since
CACC is teaching some classes at the technical center for upcoming graduates.
Diane Rolling, 119 Magnolia Drive, addressed the Council about the upgrades to Stanley
Jensen Stadium proposed on tonight’s agenda. Ms. Rolling opposed many of the proposed
upgrades likening them to college football stadiums at Auburn and Sanford. She favored new
locker rooms, renovated restrooms, and concession stand. She suggested that excess money
could be used to mitigate overcrowding at Autauga County schools.
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Anne DiPrizio, 916 Fairview Avenue, addressed the Council about her disapproval of spending
money on construction. She suggested that money should be spent on supplementing budgets
for schools in the county and help special needs students of color.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point of Privilege to introduce Mr. William Scott, Senior
Consultant with Tristatz, LLC. Mr. Scott presented each Councilor with a proposal packet and
spoke about ways Tristatz could help the City strategically plan, manage and track American
Rescue Plan appropriations. He mentioned that the company also has staff dedicated to help
with grant research, social media marketing and recovery/revitalization planning.
Mayor Gillespie mentioned that this week is Chamber of Commerce week and recognized the
President of Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Patty VanderWal. She was presented
a proclamation from Mayor Gillespie on Monday in recognition of this week. He thanked her
and the Chamber of Commerce with their involvement in the community.
Mayor Gillespie advised that over the weekend, the downtown area was hit with vandalism and
urged the Council to initiate committee meetings on loitering, Air BnB’s, and trailer parks. He
also encouraged the Council to have an American Rescue Plan work session.
Mayor Gillespie touched on the McQueen Smith Road enhancement project and the RAISE
grant submitted earlier in the year, which the City has not been awarded in any previous
submissions. Mayor Gillespie was hopeful to hear of the status around November 22, 2021,
and stated that it would be between $17 and $20 million for infrastructure. Mayor Gillespie
reiterated that McQueen Smith Road was growing and congestion in that area needed to be
looked at as soon as possible. He looked forward to the Council’s thoughts for a potential bond
issue.
Mayor Gillespie commented on his veto of the de-annexation petition resolution. He advised
his reasoning was communicated to the Council. Mayor Gillespie said the City is blessed to
have that small town feeling and it had lots to do with the large amount of property yet to be
developed, noting that those undeveloped areas do not have City streets, water or sewer
services. Mayor Gillespie advised he wanted to protect the corporate limits.
Mayor Gillespie expressed his excitement over the proposed funding for the permanent
campus for Central Alabama Community College. He said this endeavor is a great opportunity
for post-secondary education and workforce development in the community. Mayor Gillespie
communicated his appreciation having CACC as a partner. He thanked Senator Chambliss
and CACC President Jeff Lynn for their hard work.
Mayor Gillespie closed his comments reminding everyone about the City’s Parade of Pumpkins
beginning October 22, 2021, and ending on the 31st. There will be a free kids pumpkin
decorating class on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. outside the art house. Mayor
Gillespie thanked this year’s pumpkin sponsor, Randy Jones, for all of the pumpkins. He
mentioned the partnership with the Chamber of Commerce’s Artists on Main that was returning
on October 26, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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Council President Pro Tempore Boone advised that she did not receive the Mayor’s veto
response and asked when that was distributed. City Clerk, Paula Barlow, advised the Mayor’s
response was included in the Councilors’ packets at the meeting this evening.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Councilor Chambers stated that the Sanitation Committee met last Friday and discussed
servicing outside the City Limits and the purchase of a truck.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
The Finance Director, Daniel Oakley, provided the following report on City Finances for
September 2021:
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $3,324,898.16 – total revenue collected in September
o $46,506,808.17 – total revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $2,903,485.81 – tax revenue collected in September
o 21.81% - increase over September 2020
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 100.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 91.44% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $277,328.96 – net income from operations for September
o 100.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 86.79% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o $802,544.46 – net income for September
o 100.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 79.06% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o ($101,472.66) – net loss for September
o 100.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 103.14% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Capital Projects Fund Income Statement
o $9,000,682.76 – total project expenses incurred to date
o Current Projects:
Mac Gray Park 2.0 - Construction
Washington Street Drainage
Maple Street Drainage
The Mill City Street Improvements
• Gas Tax Special Revenue Fund Income Statement
o $441,142.10 – revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Group Health Fund Income Statement
o $23,579.89 – net income to date
• Parks and Recreation
o $615,604.33 – total revenue collected fiscal year to date
o 100.00% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 117.52% - portion of budgeted revenue incurred to date
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• Bank Balances Report
o $31,010,426.26 – total of all bank balances at the end of September
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $46,520,410.42 – total debt balance city-wide at end of September
o $13,085,910.42 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of September
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Various Equipment from the Executive Department. (Sponsored
By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 187
2. RESOLUTION: To Change and/or Adopt Street Name from Easy Court to Hadnott Way.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 188
3. 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 189
Councilor Gornto made a motion to place item numbers 1-3 on a Consent Agenda and
Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the items were placed on
a Consent Agenda (7-0).
Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambers
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
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 190
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, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
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2. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement to Purchase Stream
Mitigation Credits from Lone Oak Capital Management LLC for the Clean Water State
Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Thomas Avenue Drainage and Sanitary Sewer Improvements
Project for the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department at a Net Cost Not to
Exceed $177,712.80. (Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 191
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
3. ORDINANCE: To Exempt Certain “Covered Items” from the Municipal Sales and Use Tax
during the Last Full Weekend of February 2022, as Authorized by Act 2012-256, Generally
Referred to as the “State Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday” Legislation.
(Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2021, PAGE 029
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Striplin seconded
the motion. By Point of Order, it is necessary that the Council rules be suspended if immediate
action is to be considered. Councilor Gornto made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor
Strichik seconded the motion. Council President Starnes ordered a Roll Call vote for the
suspension of rules.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Starnes Aye
Councilor Gornto Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (7-0).
The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Starnes invited
questions and comments from the Council. There being no discussion, the ordinance was
adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
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NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
4. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 – Alcoholic
Beverages, Section 6-11 – Outdoor Alcohol Service. (Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2021, PAGE 030
Councilor Striplin made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor Jackson 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 Chambers seconded the motion. Council President Starnes ordered a Roll Call vote
for the suspension of rules.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Starnes Aye
Councilor Gornto Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (7-0).
The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Starnes invited
questions and comments from the Council. There being no discussion, the ordinance 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 Support an Expansion Project, To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a
Joint Post-Secondary Education Campus Development Agreement Between the Autauga
County Commission, the City of Prattville and Central Alabama Community College (CACC),
To Amend the FY2022 Budget, and To Approve the One-Time Expenditure of $2,600,000.00
and Five-Year Allocation of 25% of the Education One Cent Funds for the Purpose of
Educational and Economic Development. (Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 192
Councilor Striplin 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:
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AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
STARNES, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
Council President Starnes congratulated Mr. Jeff Lynn, CACC President.
6. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds for the Purchase of One (1) 2022 John Deere 333G
Compact Track Loader 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 $89,173.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 193
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Chambers 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 Award Bid No. 021-006 to Long-Lewis of the River Region, Inc., for the
Purchase of Five (5) Additional 2022 or Newer Utility Police SUV Vehicles (All-Wheeled Drive)
with No Pre-Installed Emergency Equipment for the Police Department at a Net Cost Not to
Exceed $166,320.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 194
Councilor Gornto 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
8. RESOLUTION: To Release Funds for the Purchase of One (1) 2022 Ford F150 ½ Ton
Extended Cab 4WD Short Bed Pickup Truck through the State of Alabama, Department of
Finance - Purchasing Division Contract T191, from Stivers Ford Lincoln for the Building
Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $25,270.00. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro
Tempore Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021-A, PAGE 195
Councilor President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor
Gornto seconded the motion.
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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
Councilor Chambers was granted a Point of Privilege and addressed the Council with his
apprehensions regarding the last three resolutions on the agenda. He stated he is a big
supporter of the Parks and Recreation Department and agreed that renovations are needed,
but he was not able to attend last week’s public forum and the ZOOM / YouTube options were
not operational on his end. Council Chambers conveyed that he wanted as much information
as possible on the projects in order to defend the amount of money being expended in the
event a constituent had questions or concerns. Councilor Chambers asked that the resolutions
be held for a couple of weeks so he could get more details and facts to share with his
constituents. Council President Starnes advised that Councilor Chambers should make the
motion after the introduction of each resolution.
9. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2022 Budget and to Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an
Agreement with Civil Southeast LLC for Engineering Design Services for Pratt Park
Improvements for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed
$106,600.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
HELD UNTIL NOVEMBER 2, 2021
Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion. Councilor Chambers repeated that he supports the Parks and Recreation Department
and acknowledged there is much work to be done. He stated that he would like a better
understanding and would like to hold a work session prior to voting on the resolution. Councilor
Strichik advised that there was a work session earlier in the year and the public information
meeting last Tuesday. Councilor Strichik mentioned that the resolutions on tonight’s agenda
were not to approve funding for any of the projects, only to vote on entering into an agreement
with two engineering development firms to work on the proposed projects. Councilor Strichik
invited Will Barrett, with Civil Southeast LLC, to address the Council on two of proposed
engineering design projects on the agenda, Pratt Park and Stanley Jensen Stadium. Mr.
Barrett advised that Civil Southeast LLC would lead the design portion of the projects and
stressed the improvements were badly needed. He advised that the point of a design
agreement was to create the platform for the improvements, not build anything and then
recapped the proposed improvements to the two projects. He stated that since there were so
many parts to the projects, phases would be implemented and phase 1 included the
engineering design. Phase 2 agreement would come after the updated cost estimate is
received and a complete design could be executed. Lastly, a contract would be bid out and
awarded to the lowest possible bid amount. Phase 3 includes construction monitoring,
engineering, specifications and materials testing. Councilor Chambers thanked Mr. Barrett for
all of his work, but still felt it necessary to postpone the resolutions and set up a work session.
Council President Pro Tempore Boone advised that all though she had been in several
meetings regarding the improvement projects, she too felt the need to have the Council as a
whole meet and discuss the projects in depth. Councilor Striplin echoed comments from
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Councilor Chambers and Council President Pro Tempore Boone. He added that the Council
needed the relevant information to get a better understanding of each project and the phases.
Councilor Chambers made a motion to postpone the resolution until the next Council meeting
on November 2, 2021, and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. There being no further
discussion, the motion to postpone the resolution until the next Council meeting passed with
the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
GORNTO, BOONE 5
NAYS : STARNES, STRICHIK 2
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
Council President Starnes advised there would be a work session regarding this resolution at
5:30 p.m. on November 2, 2021.
Councilor Strichik voiced his opposition of the postponement and another work session.
10. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2022 Budget and to Authorize Work Order No. 29/Project
No. PV-2111 with Engineers of the South LLC (EOS) for Preliminary Engineering, Surveying
and Design Phase for the Newton Park Improvements Project for the Parks and Recreation
Department at a Net Cost Not to Exceed $224,500.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
HELD UNTIL NOVEMBER 2, 2021
Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion.
Councilor Chambers made a motion to postpone the resolution until the next Council meeting
on November 2, 2021 and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. There being no further
discussion, the motion to postpone the resolution until the next Council meeting passed with
the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
GORNTO, BOONE 5
NAYS : STARNES, STRICHIK 2
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
Council President Starnes advised there would be a work session regarding this resolution at
5:30 p.m. on November 2, 2021.
11. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2022 Budget and to Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an
Agreement with Civil Southeast LLC, for Preliminary Engineering Design Services for Stanley
Jensen Stadium Improvements for the Parks and Recreation Department at a Net Cost Not to
Exceed $94,060.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor Strichik)
HELD UNTIL NOVEMBER 2, 2021
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Councilor Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Jackson seconded the
motion.
Councilor Chambers made a motion to postpone the resolution until the next Council meeting
on November 2, 2021 and Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. There being no further
discussion, the motion to postpone the resolution until the next Council meeting passed with
the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, CHAMBERS, GORNTO, BOONE 4
NAYS : JACKSON, STARNES, STRICHIK 3
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE 0
Council President Starnes advised there would be a work session regarding this resolution at
5:30 p.m. on November 2, 2021.
Council President Starnes asked for a report from the City Clerk regarding the vetoed
resolution. City Clerk, Paula G. Barlow, reported that on October 5, 2021, the City Council
adopted Resolution Book 2021-A, Page 185, a petition to de-annex property located north of
Ridge Trail and Ridge Terrace. On October 15, 2021, Mayor Gillespie vetoed the resolution.
Each Councilor was provided a copy of the vetoed resolution, along with a copy of the Mayor’s
written statement (attached) outlining his reasons for vetoing the resolution.
Council President Starnes stated the intent of the Mayor’s veto was given and requested the
Council’s intention. Councilor Chambers made a motion to reintroduce the resolution and
Councilor Gornto seconded the motion. Council President Starnes clarified that a “aye” vote
would be to override the Mayor’s veto and a “nay” vote would be to support the Mayor’s veto.
Council President Starnes directed the City Clerk to conduct a Roll Call vote.
The motion to reintroduce the resolution passed with the following results:
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 all business in front of the Council had concluded and
that the Council would vote to enter into Executive Session after the completion of comments
from persons present and closing comments from the Council.
Council President Pro Tempore Boone advised that a vote to adopt the reintroduced resolution
was still pending. Council President Starnes directed the City Clerk to conduct a Roll Call vote
to adopt the resolution.
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The resolution was adopted with the following results:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin Aye
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Starnes Aye
Councilor Gornto Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Richard Harrison, 121 Irma Lane, commented that he utilized his own time to research the
projects for the Parks and Recreation Department even though it was not his job to do so. He
said he was unsure how someone gets paid to do a job and failed to attend the work sessions
and committee meetings or do research.
Diane Rolling, 119 Magnolia Drive, commented on Pratt Pool. She stated that a possible
partnership with the YMCA and the City about new aquatics center located at the YMCA was
not discussed during the public information meeting last Tuesday, but was brought up in the
Parks and Recreation Committee meeting in July. She asked if there would be restrictions to
public access and what fees would be levied on citizens if the Pratt Pool was closed or moved
under the YMCA. She takes advantage of the free water aerobics at Pratt Pool.
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, asked if citizens would be allowed to give input before the
work session scheduled on November 2, 2021. She asked if citizens should email Councilors
before the meeting so ideas and concerns could be aired. Councilor Gornto advised that he
would appreciate citizens’ feedback and concerns prior to the meeting. Ms. Finnegan did not
know that she was allowed to present ideas during the public information meeting last Tuesday.
She asked if the twenty-five percent for CACC for five years would fluctuate if sales tax
collections were down. After conducting her research, Ms. Finnegan commented that Civil
Southeast was utilized by the City on twenty resolutions since January of 2020 and felt that
those services should be bid out.
Lia Muir, 301 Wetumpka Street, commented she was concerned about Pratt Pool closing. She
takes part in summer water aerobics and has over the years. Her concerns centered on
children who could not afford a membership and Pratt Pool was a service the City provided for
many years to its citizens. Ms. Muir suggested renovating Pratt Pool instead of partnering with
the YMCA.
Dave Burns, 150 Shady Oak Lane, conveyed his disappointment in the attitude displayed by
Councilors during the meeting. He encouraged the Council to hold themselves to the highest
standard as public servants and act accordingly. He understood that emotions sometimes get
in the way, but urged Councilors to remember they represent the City of Prattville.
David Lewis, 1420 Tullahoma Drive, responded to the comments about the YMCA taking over
the City pool. He stated that no one has approached the YMCA about taking over anything,
but the YMCA did approach the City about preliminary conversations regarding the future of
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aquatics in the City. Mr. Lewis advised that the City and YMCA have been partners enhancing
the lives of citizens for the last nine years with a quality swim program. Mr. Lewis reiterated
the YMCA had no desire to inhibit activities for any citizen and the role of the YMCA is to be all
inclusive. He advised that the YMCA provided many opportunities for anyone who could not
afford YMCA programs through scholarships. He advised that the figure referenced earlier in
the evening was simply an example of the cost of a proposed project that might possibly be an
asset for the community. Mayor Gillespie thanked Mr. Lewis for coming forward and clearing
the air. Mayor Gillespie thanked Mr. Lewis’ for his leadership and the partnership with the City
and YMCA.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Council President Starnes advised the next Council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday,
November 2, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.
Council President Starnes advised the Council would vote to enter into Executive Session to
discuss matters related to discussion of strategy in preparation for negotiations between
governmental entities and advised all business in front of the Council had concluded.
Council President Pro Tempore Boone made a motion to enter into Executive Session and
Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. Council President Starnes ordered a Roll Call vote.
The motion to enter into Executive Session was passed with the following results:
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 adjourn. The Council entered into Executive
Session at 7:27 p.m. and returned to Regular Session at 7:53 p.m.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Gornto made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion.
The meeting adjourned (7-0) at 7:54 p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
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___________________________
Gerald “Jerry” Starnes, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Dawn Russell
Assistant City Clerk