CC Minutes 2024.02.201
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024
6:00 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 6:00 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 with the exception of Councilor Striplin. Council President Boone declared a quorum
and called the meeting to order.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS SINCERITY… Doing what is right with
transparent motives.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and City Council Meeting February 6, 2024.
Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Chambers seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (5-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie requested a Point-of-Privilege, inviting former District 5 Councilor Blair Gornto
to stand. The Mayor thanked Mr. Gornto for his hard work and dedication to the Council and
recognized him with a commemorative plaque. Mr. Gornto thanked his spouse, the Council and
the constituents of District 5 for allowing him to serve. In close Mr. Gornto wish the best of luck
to Councilor-Elect Michael Whaley.
Mayor Gillespie opened his report congratulating Councilor-Elect Michael Whaley for his win
for District 5 and thanked all of the candidates that ran. The Mayor spoke on the 39th annual
Arbor Day and the Right Tree, Right Place Program and thanked the Autauga County Master
Gardener’s Association, Alabama Forestry Commission, Urban Management and the Public
Works Department for hosting this event. The Mayor recognized and congratulated Patty
VanderWal for being selected for the U. S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce
Fellowship Program. Mayor Gillespie also announced it was National Engineers Week thanking
the City Engineer and the many engineers we work with.
Mayor Gillespie went on to discuss project updates noting the 6th Street paving started this
week and announced the Lower Kingston paving project is near completion. The Mayor
continued advising the Alabama Power utility relocation has started on Fairview Avenue.
Mayor Gillespie advised the demolition of the barbeque pit at Pratt Park has started with the
new structure scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day. The Mayor announced the Newton
Park ribbon cutting will be Friday, March 1, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Mayor Gillespie continued his report stating the City of Prattville will be participating in the State
of Alabama’s 13th Annual Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday weekend Friday,
February 23, 2024, through Sunday, February 25, 2024, urging citizens to take the opportunity
to stock emergency supplies during this tax-free holiday. The Mayor also invited all to join him
on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. for the Black History Month Program at the Doster
Community Center were Ricardo Bates will be the guest speaker.
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In closing, Mayor Gillespie announced the City-County Street Maintenance Agreement has
been reviewed by the City and County attorneys and engineers and will be signed later in the
week.
FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik advised the Parks and Recreation Committee met at
3:30 p.m. on February 15, 2024, at the Doster Community Center and discussed upcoming
project and park improvements along with progress to Stanley Jensen Stadium.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Daniel Oakley provided the following report on City Finances for January 2024
advising there was an 8.9% increase to the General Fund over 2023.
• General Fund Revenue Report
o $10,827,861.47 – total revenue collected in January
o $21,670,341.59 total revenue collected fiscal year to date
• Tax Breakdown Comparison Report
o $4,305,888.95 – tax revenue collected in January
o 7.38% - increase over January 2023
• General Fund Expenditures Report
o 33.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 31.67% - portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Wastewater Fund Income Statement
o $192,208.72 – net income from operations for January
o 33.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 30.70% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date (excludes capital
projects & debt service)
• Sanitation Fund Income Statement
o $19,299.33 – net income for January
o 33.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 35.84% - portion of budgeted expenses incurred to date
• Judicial Fund Income Statement
o $3,713.50 – net income for January
o 33.33% - portion of fiscal year completed
o 27.88%- portion of budgeted expenditures incurred to date
• Bank Balances Report
o $58,297,339.77 – total of all bank balances at the end of January
• Accounts Payable & Debt Balances Report
o $56,925,528.98 – total debt balance city-wide at end of January
o $24,116,278.98 – total non-enterprise fund debt at end of January
CONSENT AGENDA
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1. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 839 Heather Drive a Public
Nuisance and Authorize the Mayor to Abate and Charge Any Incurred Expenses Pursuant to
Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President
Pro Tempore Strichik}
2. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Stagnant Water at 1714 E. Main Street a Public Nuisance
and Authorize the Mayor to Abate and Charge Any Incurred Expenses Pursuant to Chapter 46
et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik}
3. RESOLUTION: To Declare the Garbage and Rubbish at 156 Durden Road a Public
Nuisance and Authorize the Mayor to Abate and Charge Any Incurred Expenses Pursuant to
Chapter 46 et seq., City of Prattville Code of Ordinances. {Sponsored By: Council President
Pro Tempore Strichik}
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to place item numbers 1-3 on the
Consent Agenda and Councilor Chambers seconded the motion. This item was placed on a
Consent Agenda (5-0).
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and
Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was
adopted with the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
AGENDA
1. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Advisory
Services Agreement with Local Government Services, LLC to Negotiate a Video Services
Renewal Agreement between the City of Prattville and DIRECTV, LLC at a Cost Not to Exceed
$8,000.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Jackson}
Councilor Jackson made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
2. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Memorandum
of Understanding with the Elmore County Commission for Quality of Life Improvements at
Cooter’s Pond Boat Ramp and Legends Parkway at a Cost Not to Exceed $200,000.00.
{Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
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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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
3. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Krebs Engineering,
Inc. for Engineering Services for Autauga Creekwalk/City Hall Sewer Improvements for the
Wastewater Enterprise Fund at a Cost not to Exceed $120,000.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Chambers}
Councilor Chambers 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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
4. RESOLUTION: To Amend the Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase
of One (1) TruNarc Solution Kit for the Police Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $29,751.86.
{Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
5. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Civil Southeast,
LLC for the Design and Bidding Services for a New Facility and Parking Improvements for the
Sanitation Enterprise Fund at a Cost Not to Exceed $74,500.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor
Chambers}
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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
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6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the July 4th Public Fireworks Display
Program for the Performing and Creative Arts Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $28,962.54.
{Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Strichik}
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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
7. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Release of Funds for the Purchase of One (1) KUHN SLC
126 Manure Spreader from SunSouth LLC for the Wastewater Enterprise Fund at a Cost Not
to Exceed $65,000.00. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
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 : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
8. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Slaughter &
Associates, PLLC for the Redistricting Project at a Cost of $25,000.00. {Sponsored By: Council
President Boone}
Councilor Merrick made a motion to adopt the resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik seconded the motion.
Councilor Jackson inquired of City Attorney Andrew Odem on the selection process for the
Redistricting Project. Mr. Odem replied he looked for responsiveness and experience with
redistricting and the Voting Rights Act. Mr. Odom advised Slaughter & Associates responded
with a custom packet that detailed their experience with over 170 governmental entities and
with the Voting Rights Act.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
9. RESOLUTION: To Amend the FY2024 Budget and Authorize the Release of Funds to
Purchase Certain Real Property Located off of Fleetwood Road, Adjoining City-Owned
Property at 691 Doster Road, for the Sanitation Enterprise Fund at a Cost of $1,500.00, Plus
Closing Costs. {Sponsored By: Councilor Chambers}
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Councilor Chambers made a motion to adopt the resolution and Councilor Merrick seconded
the motion. By Point-of-Order, it is necessary that Council rules be suspended if items are
permeant in nature. Councilor Chambers made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor
Merrick seconded the motion. There being no discussion, Council President Boone ordered a
Roll Call Vote for the suspension of rules.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Councilor Jackson Aye
Councilor Chambers Aye
Councilor Merrick Aye
Councilor Strichik Aye
Councilor Boone Aye
The rules were suspended (5-0).
The resolution now being properly before the Council, Council President Boone invited
questions and comments from the Council. There being no discussion, the Resolution was
adopted with the following results:
AYES : JACKSON, CHAMBERS,
MERRICK, STRICHIK, BOONE 5
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : STRIPLIN
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Christina Garner, 1608 Trolley Road, spoke on the library board and her concerns regarding meeting
and practices and advised a complaint was filed with the Alabama Ethics Commission.
Carol Lawson, 1511 Trolley Road, spoke on the library board, policies and book content.
Adam Hunter, 304 Cranbrook Court, spoke on the removal of books, the library board, warning stickers,
and the rights of citizens.
Karen Cooper, 804 Cobblestone Curve, spoke on the library board, meetings, and concerns for
librarians.
Amber Frey, 748 Glenbrook Boulevard, spoke on the library board and funding being taking away from
the library.
Jackie Nix, 706 Runningbrook Circle, spoke on the library board, warning stickers, library funding and
attorney fees.
Angie Hayden, 910 Silvercreek Court, spoke on the library, changes and reading policies.
Sam Olson, 2219 County Road 19, spoke on the library board and the issues not being the City’s fault.
Ell White, 621 West 4th Street, spoke on diversity in the community and his application being submitted
to the library board. Councilor Jackson inquired when was his application submitted. Mr. White
responded two weeks ago.
Lenny Schaffer, 1277 Ridge Trail, spoke on the library board and the discretion of labelling of books.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
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Councilor Chambers congratulated Councilor-Elect Michael Whaley.
Councilor Merrick congratulated Councilor-Elect Michael Whaley and recognized Christopher
Tarantino and Mark Rhodes for their candidacy.
Council President Pro Tempore Strichik congratulated Councilor-Elect Whaley and thanked the
unsuccessful candidates. He also recognized the Prattville Lady Lions and Coach Edwards on
a twenty-five point victory stating they are going back to the 7A Final Four.
Council President Boone congratulated Councilor-Elect Whaley.
Council President Boone advised the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be
held Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Council President Pro Tempore
Strichik made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Merrick seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 7:00 p.m. (5-0)
APPROVED:
Paula G. Barlow
City Clerk
Lora Lee Boone, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
Loucretia Harrell
Assistant City Clerk