PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 6, 2004
6:00 P.M.

1. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Restaurant Retail Liquor License to Joan Ravencraft, d/b/a Ms. Joni’s Italian Country.

Ms. Joan Ravencraft, 702 Thomas Avenue, Prattville, AL 36067 appeared before the Council to ask for it’s support regarding her application. She stated that she had information from the ABC Board and the Responsible Vendors Program in reference to what is required of establishments that serve alcoholic beverages. She further stated that her place of business would not be a lounge and the alcohol would not be served near the entrance of her restaurant.

Mr. Roger Parks, Pastor of Heritage Baptist Church, 928 Running Brook Drive, Prattville, AL 36066 appeared before the Council in opposition to the application. Pastor Parks stated his concern for the safety of church members, as well as people of all ages who use the family life center located at his church. He also stated that there are activities scheduled at the center throughout the week in addition to the Wednesday and Sunday services.

Councilman Hall thanked Pastor Parks for making his facility available for citizens and organizations to participate in sports.

Councilman Miller expressed his appreciation to Pastor Parks for offering his facility for families to gather for New Year’s Eve.

Mr. Jerry Horne, 314 Cambridge Street, Prattville, AL 36067 came before the Council to state his opposition to the Resolution. Mr. Horne stated that he is a member of Heritage Baptist Church and is employed at International Paper Company. He also shared concern for the safety of citizens who travel through the intersection at Highway 82 and South Memorial Drive, which is located near the restaurant.

Mr. Jeff Benefield, 715 Old Creek Road, Prattville, AL 36066 appeared before the Council in opposition to the Resolution. Mr. Benefield encouraged the Council to vote against the application and provided them with statistics of drunk drivers.

Mr. Keith Edwards, Youth Pastor at Heritage Baptist Church, 709 Summer Lane, Prattville, AL 36066 came before the Council to ask that they vote against the Resolution.

Mr. Rick Vasquez, 256 North Northington Street, Prattville, AL 36067 appeared before the Council in opposition to the Resolution. Mr. Vasquez is an active member of the military and is currently stationed at Gunter. He encouraged Ms. Ravencraft to reconsider her decision to serve alcoholic beverages. He also
expressed his excitement over having an Italian restaurant in Prattville and assured Ms. Ravencraft that he would support her business and would encourage other members of the military to patronize her restaurant. He expressed his concern for the availability of alcohol to young military members.

Councilman Wood questioned Mr. Vasquez if alcohol was served to military members at Gunter and Mr. Vasquez stated that it was.

ADJOURNMENT:

Councilman Macready made the motion to adjourn and Councilman Hall seconded the motion. The meeting closed at 6:22 p.m.

APPROVED:

______________________
Gina P. Smith
City Clerk

________________________
Dean R. Argo, President
Prattville City Council