CC Minutes 2023.04.04PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023
6:09 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 6:09 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 recorded as present. Council
President Boone declared a quorum and called the meeting to order.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS WISDOM: Seeing and responding to life
situations from a perspective that transcends current circumstances.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting March 21, 2023. Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik 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 Boone recognized Eagle Scout Will Renfroe in the attendance this evening,
who is working on getting his merit badge.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT'S AGENDA:
Dr. Gerald Cimis, 141 North Chestnut Street, spoke in opposition of Agenda Item 2, stating that
it was against ethics law, state code and IRS guidelines to offer group health insurance to the
City Attorney, as an independent contractor.
MAYOR'S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie requested a Point of Privilege to allow Central Alabama Crime Stoppers
Director of Law Enforcement Relations Ray Wagner and Executive Director Tony Garrett to
present the 2022 Prattville Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year Award to Prattville Police
Department Investigator Robbie Jackson.
Mayor Gillespie requested a Point of Privilege to allow Ms. Pam Robinson and family to convey
their appreciation to Prattville Police Officer Russell Cannon for his courageous actions during
a house fire on March 27, 2023. Mayor Gillespie presented Officer Cannon with the Lifesavers
Merit Award for those actions.
Mayor Gillespie acknowledged this week as 911 Telecommunication Appreciation week. He
outlined the importance of 911 telecommunications and how the service protects first
responders and citizens.
Mayor Gillespie updated the Council on tornado damage from the last two weeks. He thanked
the Police, Fire, Public Works, Sanitation and Parks and Recreation Departments for their help
and assistance during the severe weather. Additionally, he thanked the lineman with Alabama
Power, who worked diligently to restore power in the City.
Mayor Gillespie reported the Selma Highway stormwater project was nearing completion.
Weather permitting, demolition crews will begin to tear down the fieldhouse at Stanley Jensen
Stadium on Tuesday of next week and bid opening for stadium renovations is slated for June.
Mayor Gillespie reminded all that the mandatory pre -bid meeting for the 6th Street Improvement
project would be this Thursday.
Mayor Gillespie closed his report by wishing all a Happy Easter
Council President Boone invited Autauga County E911 Director Becky Neugent to the podium.
Mayor Gillespie presented her (and staff with a proclamation honoring their work being a vital
link for emergency services. Ms. Neugent thanked the City Council and Mayor for their support
and acknowledgment. She also acknowledged her staffs diligence and hard work triaging the
many calls that are received through E911.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Personal Property from the Executive Department. {Sponsored
By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2021 PAGE 056
2. RESOLUTION: To Surplus Various Personal Property Items from the Information
Technology Department. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023, PAGE 057
3. RESOLUTION: To Reschedule the City Council Meeting of July 4, 2023. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Gornto}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023, PAGE 058
4. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Carol W. Pearson to the Industrial Development Board.
{Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023, PAGE 059
5. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass and
Weeds, Keeping Garbage and Rubbish and Stagnant Water at 1926 Tara Drive a Public
Nuisance and Order the Abatement Pursuant to Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama,
1975, Sections 46-4 and 46-6, City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023, PAGE 060
6. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing for a Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II (Package)
License for GAJANAN26 LLC d/b/a Bama Spirits. {Sponsored By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023, PAGE 061
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-6 on a
Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The items were placed on a
Consent Agenda (7-0).
Councilor Gornto made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Striplin seconded
the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the following
results:
AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT NONE
AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: Administration — Business License Revocation — Cloud 9 Hookah Lounge.
{Sponsored By: Councilor Gornto}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023, PAGE 062
Councilor Gornto 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,
MERRICK, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT NONE
2. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2023 Budget and Resolution Book 2021, Page 012,
Appointing Andrew Lee Odom as City Attorney for the 2020-2024 Quadrennium. {Sponsored
By: Council President Boone}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023, PAGE 063
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor
Chambers seconded the motion.
Council President Boone invited Attorney Hope Hicks, who specializes in employment law and
human resources related matters, to address the Council regarding the resolution. Ms. Hicks
advised she reviewed the premise behind the resolution to allow the City to extend group health
insurance benefits to the City Attorney. She outlined the functions associated with the position
and reported that the City Attorney's classification as an independent contractor was correct.
Additionally, she stated the City has the right to negotiate pay and offer benefits to the City
Attorney. She advised the Municipal Court Judge and City Prosecutor currently receive
benefits. Ms. Hicks stated that after extensive review of Attorney General opinions and
Examiners of Public Account reports, she could find no laws that prevent a municipality from
offering benefits, such as health insurance, to a City Attorney as part of the benefits package,
if the Council so approves.
Councilor Striplin stated he was not aware the municipal judge and prosecutor took part in the
City's group health insurance plan and advised he has concerns with the intent of the
resolution. Councilor Striplin suggested the Council instead approve an increase to the retainer
to Mr. Odom so that he could purchase his own health insurance. Councilor Gornto agreed
with Councilor Striplin's recommendation. Councilor Jackson advised he fully supports Mr.
Odom as City Attorney and asked Human Resources Director Lisa Thrash to explain how Mr.
Odom's salary was initially set. Mrs. Thrash advised that the salary for the position of City
Attorney was raised approximately 7 years ago from $16,000.00 to $23,000.00 after
researching other municipalities' pay scales. She further commented that for over twenty years,
these three positions have been classified this way including the City Attorney up until this last
appointment. Mrs. Thrash clarified that one judicial employee chose health benefits and one
did not, but that employee participates in the City's flexible benefits spending plan. She added
that these employees have the option to enroll in selected benefit plans each year during "open
enrollment". She stated that employees who are full-time, elected or appointed are eligible to
participate. Council President Boone stated she did not believe the resolution was changing
Mr. Odom's status from being an independent contractor. She advised that the City's benefits
are an attractive package to acquire and retain quality employees.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES CHAMBERS, MERRICK, GORNTO,
STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS STRIPLIN 1
ABSTAINED JACKSON 1
ABSENT NONE
3. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) and Retail Table Wine (Off
Premises Only) License to Shri Ganesh 25 Inc d/b/a Kwik Shops 130. {Sponsored By: Council
President Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023, PAGE 064
Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, GORNTO, STRICHIK, BOONE 7
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT NONE
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, voiced concerns over the hiring process the for Cemetery
and Grant Administrator.
Dr. Gerald Cimis, 141 North Chestnut Street, advised that he disagreed with the assessment
and conclusion Ms. Hicks relayed to the Council.
Ell White 11, 621 West 4th Street, commented on hiring people that are not qualified for positions
and reports of drugs and guns found at Prattville Junior High and High School with no criminal
charges.
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Patrick Lucas, 1211 Caliber Crossing, commented on the City's hiring processes, responses
to calls received in the College Heights area, and updates to North Highland Park.
Council President Boone addressed comments made on social media and this evening
regarding the hiring of the Cemetery and Grant Administrator.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Chambers thanked Will Renfroe for coming to this evening's Council meeting. He
thanked all First Responders for the job they do and wished all a Happy Easter.
Councilor Merrick also thanked First Responders for the job they do. He wished all a wonderful
Easter weekend.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik thanked the Parks and Recreation Department and
others for all of their hard work on the Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival and after event.
Council President Boone announced the next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for
Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
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There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor Merrick made a motion
to adjourn and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
(7-0).
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Dawn Russell
Assistant City Clerk