PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2006

CALL TO ORDER: The Prattville City Council met in public hearing on Tuesday, August 1st at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Council President Argo called the meeting to order. Roll was called and Councilmen Gillespie, Wood and Miller were recorded as being absent. Councilman Gillespie arrived at 6:05 p.m.

AGENDA

1. RESOLUTION: TO DECLARE VARIOUS WEEDED LOTS TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING THEIR ABATEMENT PER §11-67-1 ET. SEQ., OF THE CODE OF ALABAMA, 1975, AS AMENDED.

Mr. Richard Harris, 519 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council regarding his property located at 519 North Court Street, which is one of the properties listed in this Resolution. Mr. Harris stated that he has complied with the City Code by cleaning up the property. He further stated that he has contracted with a professional lawn care service to handle the maintenance of the property on a bi-monthly basis.

Mr. Harris expressed his frustration over the fact that the only notification he received regarding this issue was by certified mail. He also stated that a letter sent by general delivery would have been sufficient and would have appeared less threatening.

Councilman Argo apologized to Mr. Harris for any inconvenience imposed on him by the City and explained that normal procedure is for personal contact to be made or a letter sent by general mail prior to certified mail delivery.

Mr. Harris stated that he is renovating this property and plans to open a business at this location in the future.

Mr. Charles Green, appeared before the Council on behalf of his parents who own the property located at 1274 Adell Street, Prattville, AL 36066. Mr. Green stated that his parents received notice by certified mail as their first notification as well. He further stated that he would have preferred a notice placed on the door.

Jim Byard, 227 South Washington Street, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council on behalf of the owner of the property located at 814 Newton Street, Prattville, AL 36067. Alabama Power Company has an easement across the property and they have agreed to poison the kudzu which is the main reason this property was listed as an overgrown lot. Therefore, the Mayor respectfully requested that this property be removed from the list of weeded lots.

City Planner Joel Duke clarified that normal procedure for this policy is for the City Code Enforcement Officer to make personal contact with the property owners prior to sending certified mail. However, the process was shortened this particular time. During discussion, Councilmembers questioned if additional information could be placed in the letter to citizens. Mr. Duke stated that he would be willing to work with City Attorney David McDowell to determine if something may be added to strengthen the law.

Councilman Fank asked if the letters were sent certified mail simply to insure that someone signed for the letter and Mr. Duke clarified that was the intent. Councilman Argo reminded members of the Council that the reason for changing to the process followed under the Code of Alabama was because it helped to streamline these issues and move things along in a more timely fashion. He further thanked those in attendance for appearing before the Council and for cleaning up their properties.

ADJOURN:

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Macready made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded. The meeting closed at 6:20 p.m.

APPROVED:

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Gina P. Smith
City Clerk

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Dean R. Argo, President
Prattville City Council