CC Minutes 2023.06.06PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023
6:03 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 6:03 p.m. in the
Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Councilor
Striplin gave the invocation. Roll was called with all Councilors recorded as present with the
exception of Councilor Gornto. Council President Boone declared a quorum and called the
meeting to order.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS OBEDIENCE: Quickly and cheerfully carrying
out the direction of those who are responsible for me.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting May 16, 2023. Council President Pro
Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Chambers seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0).
Council President Boone reiterated guidelines governing the public comment periods during
Council meetings.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT'S AGENDA:
None.
MAYOR'S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point -of -Privilege to introduce Julianne and Steven Hansen.
Mrs. Hansen gave an overview and history of the Alabama Poppy Project. The event honors
members of the United States Armed Forces who are no longer living. The 4th annual event
was held in historic downtown Prattville at Spillway Park and contained thousands of handmade
ceramic poppies. Mrs. Hansen thanked the Council and City for their support of the project.
Mayor Gillespie and Councilor Merrick were each presented with their own ceramic poppy bowl
to recognize their contributions with the opening ceremony held on May 26, 2023.
Mayor Gillespie was granted a Point -of -Privilege to introduce City Attorney Andrew Odom. Mr.
Odom explained the amendments to the weeded lot ordinance on tonight's agenda. He
reiterated the procedure of abatement and the City's process to recoup associated costs. Mr.
Odom clarified that costs for initial notice, research and advertisement fees run in excess of
$300.00 and this is before the property is cut. Council President Boone pointed out how time-
consuming and expensive it was on the City when a property is cited as a weeded lot.
Mayor Gillespie announced four cadets graduated from the Police Academy.
Mayor Gillespie advised certain updates to North Highland Park were to be completed before
the Juneteenth celebration and added that playground equipment and restrooms would be
coming in the future. He requested Council support for Agenda Item 9, dealing with
improvements for North Highland Park and Council sponsorship to consider naming the North
Highland Park pavilion after Mary Virginia Harris, the first black nurse in Prattville.
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Mayor Gillespie advised that June would be the last month FEMA would occupy the old
Hancock Whitney Bank building and that the City is actively working on a master plan for the
building.
In conjunction with the passage of House Bill 479, Mayor Gillespie requested research into the
impact of reducing the City's tax on food sales.
Mayor Gillespie made clear he does not support four-story apartments. However, he supports
the overall concept of RiverFell PUD.
Mayor Gillespie advised the City needs lifeguards and interested persons should contact the
City's Human Resources Department. Mayor Gillespie outlined several Parks and Recreation
Department events to include the Alabama Bass Trail Tournament on Saturday, June 10, 2023,
at Cooters Pond; Dixie District Tournament on June 8-10, 2023, at Whetstone Baseball
Complex and Mac Gray 2.0; the Cam Taylor -Britt Youth Football Camp on June 17, 2023, at
Stanley Jensen Stadium; and the All -American Youth Sports Area Tournament on June 15-17,
2023 at Mac Gray Park 1 and 2. He advised the Prattville Farmers Market opened this past
Saturday and would be open every Saturday through August 26, 2023.
Mayor Gillespie closed his report by inviting Councilors to meet the City's new Code
Enforcement Officer after tonight's meeting.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik announced that next Tuesday would begin the Parks
and Recreation Department's free concert series at the Creek Walk / Spillway Park.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik advised the Parks and Recreation Committee met at
the Doster Community Center on May 31, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. and discussed North Highland
Park improvements, an update to Pratt Park pool maintenance costs, feasibility study for
Prattville Kindergarten and Whetstone Baseball Complex and the future of baseball in Prattville.
Council President Boone advised the Finance Committee met in the Council Chambers at City
Hall on May 23, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. and discussed matters of economic development in
Executive Session, the classification and compensation study, Autauga County Heritage
Association's request for allocation funding, TAP grant for ADA sidewalks in downtown
Prattville, a possible land swap between the Waterworks Board for property in the South
Industrial Park.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Re -Appoint Charles N. Knapp as a Member of the Board of Zoning
Adjustment. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 096
2. RESOLUTION: To Re -Appoint James "Greg" Duke as a Member of the Board of Zoning
Adjustment. {Sponsored By: Councilor Merrick}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 097
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3. RESOLUTION: To Re -Appoint Neal Parker as a Supernumerary Member of the Board of
Zoning Adjustment. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 098
4. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare the Abundance of Overgrown Grass and
Weeds at 220 Brookhaven Drive, 830 Cottage Lane, 909 Running Brook Drive, 106 Fireside
Loop, 217 Woodvale Road, 628 Shadow Lane, 118 Shelia Boulevard, 1039 Gipson Street, 221
Rosemary Lane and 206 Rosemary Lane to be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance and Order Their
Abatement Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored
By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 099
5. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish and the
Abundance of Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 202 Rosemary Lane to be Unsafe and a Public
Nuisance and Order Their Abatement Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code
of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 100
6. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish and the
Abundance of Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 209 Caroline Drive to be Unsafe and a Public
Nuisance and Order Their Abatement Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code
of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 101
7. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish and the
Abundance of Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 229 Camellia Drive to be Unsafe and a Public
Nuisance and Order Their Abatement Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code
of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 102
S. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish and the
Abundance of Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 809 Cottage Lane to be Unsafe and a Public
Nuisance and Order Their Abatement Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code
of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 103
9. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish at 604
Shadow Lane to be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance and Order Their Abatement Pursuant to
Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President
Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 104
10. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish at 850
Gillespie Street to be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance and Order Their Abatement Pursuant to
Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President
Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 105
11. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish and the
Abundance of Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 417 Bedford Terrace to be Unsafe and a Public
Nuisance and Order Their Abatement Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code
of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 106
12. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Declare Keeping Garbage and Rubbish,
Stagnant Water and the Abundance of Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 606 Shadow Lane to
be Unsafe and a Public Nuisance and Order Its Abatement Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq.,
City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 107
13. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Overgrown Grass and Weeds at 411
Hallmark Drive Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances.
{Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 108
14. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Stagnant Water and Overgrown Grass and
Weeds at 120 Beth Manor Drive Abated Pursuant to Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code
of Ordinances. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 109
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-14 on a
Consent Agenda and Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. The items were placed on a
Consent Agenda (6-0).
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
AGENDA
1. ORDINANCE: To Rezone Property Located Inside the Corporate Limits at the Northwest
Corner of McQueen Smith Road and Major Avenue from B-2 (General Business) and R-3
(Single Family Residential) to B-2 (General Business) (Petitioner: Webb Builders, Inc.) (Owner:
HD&D Land Company). (Sponsored By: Councilor Gornto)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2023, PAGE 010
This ordinance was introduced at the May 2, 2023, Council meeting where Councilor Gornto
made a motion and Councilor President Pro Tempore Strichik seconded the motion. There
being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
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AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
2. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) and Retail Table Wine (Off
Premises Only) License to MEMORIAL 23 INC. d/b/a Memorial Kwik Shop. (Sponsored By -
Council President Boone)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 110
Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick seconded
the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
3. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2023 Budget and Authorize the Release of Allocation
Funding to the Autauga County Heritage Association for a Capital Campaign Feasibility Study
for the Ginovations Museum Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $21,000.00. {Sponsored By:
Councilor Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 111
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:
AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
4. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of In -Vehicle Camera
Systems, Tasers and Service Contracts through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative,
Contract No. 010720-AXN, from Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the Police Department at a Total Five
(5) Year Cost Not to Exceed $1,611,890.56 (Year One (1) Annual Cost Not to Exceed
$322,381.20). {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 112
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik 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, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) Kubota M5-
111 Tractor through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative, Contract No. 031121-KBA, from
Capital Tractor, Inc. for the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department at Total Cost
Not to Exceed $63,054.41. {Sponsored By: Councilor Striplin}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 113
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:
AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
6. ORDINANCE: To Amend City of Prattville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 46 - Nuisances,
Article V. - Weed Control. (Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2023, PAGE 011
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the ordinance and Councilor
Chambers seconded the motion. By Point -of -Order, it is necessary that Council rules be
suspended if immediate action is to be considered. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik
made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. There being
no discussion, Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call Vote for the suspension of rules.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin
Aye
Councilor Jackson
Aye
Councilor Chambers
Aye
Councilor Merrick
Aye
Councilor Strichik
Aye
Councilor Boone
Aye
The rules were suspended (6-0).
The ordinance now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone invited
questions and comments from the Council. There being no discussion, the Ordinance was
adopted with the following results:
AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize Demolition and Removal of the Dilapidated Structure Located
at 339 West 4th Street and to Award a Contract to Craig Richardson at a Cost Not to Exceed
$9,400.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 114
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor
Merrick seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
8. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Release Funds for the Purchase of One (1) 2023
Ford F350 Cab Chassis and Remount of Type I Ambulance Box through the HGACBuy
Purchasing Cooperative, Contract No. AM10-20, from Southern Emergency Consultants LLC
at a Cost Not to Exceed $114,396.00. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 115
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor
Jackson seconded the motion.
Council President Boone reiterated that the Fire Department was down one ambulance, not
only utilizing one ambulance.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES STRIPLIN, JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
9. RESOLUTION: To Support Improvements to North Highland Park. {Sponsored By: Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik}
RESOLUTION BOOK 2023-A, PAGE 116
Council President Pro Tempore 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,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 6
NAYS NONE 0
ABSTAINED NONE 0
ABSENT GORNTO
Council President Boone stated that by legal definition, this portion of the Council meeting is
set aside to allow comments on items that are not currently on the agenda and ideally this time
should encompass comments on problems or future agenda items that the Council could and
will work towards resolving. She reminded all commenters to write and state their name and
address for the record and there would be a three -minute limit for each commenter.
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
C. J. Martin, 383 Sally Ridge Road, commented on the Miss Labor Day Pageant and BBQ this
year and Prattville Service League's involvement with the function.
Council President Boone recognized Autauga County Commissioner Larry Stoudemire in
attendance.
Barbara Robinson, 123 White Oak Court, thanked the Council for their support of North
Highland Park. She requested that Council commit to a ground -breaking ceremony for
community relations purposes and asked if she could get a breakdown of money spent on
upgrades at the park. Council President Pro Tempore Strichik advised he would follow up with
Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Cook on a ground -breaking ceremony. Ms. Robinson
asked if the park would be available for use for Juneteenth festivities. Mayor Gillespie advised
that it would be. However, the only restroom available would be one Port-O-Potty. Ms.
Robinson asked if water fountains would be included in the planned improvements. Council
President Pro Tempore Strichik advised that no other park in the City had a water fountain
other than the artesian well near Pratt Park.
Ell White II, 621 West 4th Street, thanked the Council for their support for Memorial Day events
to honor those who lost their lives for our freedom. He reminded all that today marked the 79th
anniversary of the Normandy D-Day landing and asked for a moment of silence. Council
President Boone obliged and a moment of silence was recognized.
Chuk Shirley, 217 Wetumpka Street, commented on the issue of certain books in the library
and the library's internet policy.
Robin Campbell, 5381 Oak Lane (Millbrook, AL), commented on the issue of certain books in
the library and censorship.
Caryl Lawson, 1511 Trolley Road, commented on the issue of certain books in the library and
parental responsibility.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Councilor Merrick thanked the Hansen's for their continuous efforts and time that goes into the
Alabama Poppy Project.
At approximately 7:00 p.m., Councilor Jackson exited the Council Chambers.
Council President Boone advised there was a need to enter into Executive Session concerning
economic development. She advised Mr. Odom submitted a letter signifying the legality of this
action and that Executive Session would last approximately twenty (20) to thirty (30) minutes.
Upon return there would be no further business to come before the Council.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to enter into Executive Session and
Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. Council President Boone ordered a Roll Call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Striplin
Aye
Councilor Chambers
Aye
Councilor Merrick
Aye
Councilor Strichik
Aye
Councilor Boone
Aye
The motion to enter into Executive Session was passed with a vote of 5-0.
Council President Boone requested that Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Cook and
Assistant Director Russ Sanders join the Council in Executive Session. The Council entered
into Executive Session at 7:01 p.m. to include Councilor Jackson and returned to Regular
Session at 7:40 p.m.
Council President Boone advised the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting was set
for Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
ADJOURN:
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 7:40 p.m.
(6-0).
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Dawn Russell
Assistant City Clerk
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