| 2008-02-19 City Council Meeting |  |  |  |
 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Roll was called and all were recorded as being present. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, President Argo gave the invocation. THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS DEFERENCE: Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those around me. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 5, 2008 Public Hearing and City Council Minutes. Councilman Renegar made the motion to approve the minutes and Councilman Macready seconded the motion. The minutes were approved (7-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: None. MAYOR’S REPORT: In the midst of the turmoil surrounding the aftermath of the tornado that hit our city just two days ago, Mayor Byard reminded everyone of the horrific tragedy that took place two weeks ago in Kirkwood, Missouri, when an enraged citizen entered a council meeting and gunned down several city officials. Mayor Byard asked everyone to remember the City of Kirkwood in their thoughts and prayers. Mayor Byard thanked city employees, including all first responders, and public works employees for going above and beyond the call of duty. He expressed his appreciation to the numerous agencies and volunteers that have helped clear our roads, clean our neighborhoods, and keep our citizens safe in the wake of this devastating time. The Mayor also thanked Governor Riley for the support he has shown Prattville. After a more extensive assessment of the affected areas, the Mayor reported that approximately 864 homes were damaged by the tornado, 150 of those were determined to be destroyed. It was also determined that over 100 businesses were damaged or destroyed. He further stated that since 98% of the homes and businesses were insured, there will be no federal declaration which means that the city will not receive federal funds. The Mayor reported that the Church of the Living Waters is the official “Help Center.” Businesses that have a current business license may stop at this particular location to obtain a permit. Other entities set up with a booth are the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Autauga Interfaith Care Center (AICC). Mayor Byard reminded everyone that volunteers must report to Pratt Court Baptist Church on Water Street to go through the proper channels for volunteer work. Councilman Miller expressed his appreciation to the Mayor for his leadership over the last two days. He thanked city employees for the tremendous amount of work they have produced. Councilman Gillespie echoed Councilman Miller’s comments. Council President Argo commended the City staff, the County and State Emergency Management Agency (EMA), and Alabama Power Company for doing a great job. He also expressed his admiration for what the Mayor does and how well he does it. Regarding the agenda, the Mayor asked for support on Ordinance number 1, which re-names a portion of Rocky Mount Road to Bass Pro Boulevard. He further urged support on Ordinance number 3, which allows $100,000.00 for plans for the Stanley-Jensen Stadium field house improvements and a press box. Councilman Wood questioned if plans include other agencies helping with funding the project. Mayor Byard responded by stating that preliminary plans are for the City to construct the press box and for the Quarterback Club and the Prattville High School Tech Center to donate the time and equipment for the field house. Council President Argo commended the Mayor for lowering the flags to half staff at all city facilities after the Kirkwood, Missouri shooting. He further recommended that we devise a plan to prevent such tragedies from occurring in our council chambers. COUNCIL REPORTS: Councilman Renegar complimented city staff on a job well done. Councilman Macready echoed Councilman Renegar’s comments. AGENDA 1. ORDINANCE: TO RENAME A PORTION OF ROCKY MOUNT ROAD TO BASS PRO BOULEVARD. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2008, PAGE 006). Councilman Miller made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilman Fank seconded the motion. Because Ordinances are generally held for two weeks, it is necessary for the council rules to be suspended if immediate action is to be taken. Councilman Fank made the motion to suspend the rules and Councilman Macready seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following vote:
2. RESOLUTION: TOAUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE AUTAUGA COUNTY FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008, PAGE 009). Councilman Gillespie made the motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Wood seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following vote:
3. ORDINANCE: TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF $1,595,000.00 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION WARRANTS, SERIES 2006. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2008, PAGE 007). Councilman Renegar made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilman Fank seconded the motion. Because Ordinances are generally held for two weeks, it is necessary for the council rules to be suspended if immediate action is to be taken. Councilman Renegar made the motion to suspend the rules and Councilman Fank seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). During discussion, Councilman Wood questioned if other entities would be involved in helping with improvements to Stanley-Jensen Stadium. Council President Argo stated that other entities have been included in meetings regarding the improvements to the stadium. He further stated that he feels confident that these entities will join the City in making necessary improvements. Councilman Gillespie stated that while he supports youth sports, he is opposed to the upgrades to Stanley-Jensen Stadium at this time because of the expense. He further expressed his desire to see other entities share in the cost of renovations. Councilman Renegar stated that he respects Councilman Gillespie’s views but he feels it is time to move forward. There being no further discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following vote:
4. RESOLUTION: TO AWARD BID NO. 08-001 TO DUPERON CORPORATION FOR ONE (1) DUPERON MECHANICALLY CLEANED BAR SCREEN. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008, PAGE 010). Councilman Wood made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Gillespie seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results:
CLOSING COMMENTS: Mayor Byard stated that reports today show that there were 223 walk-in volunteers, 87 pledge organizations for this weekend, and that the Small Business Administration (SBA) will be set up in a temporary office for 2 weeks at the Church of the Living Waters on Sheila Boulevard. Councilman Renegar expressed gratitude from the residents of District 5. Councilman Macready noted that he expects there will be future discussions regarding Stanley-Jensen Stadium. ADJOURN: Councilman Macready made the motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded. The meeting closed at 7:10 p.m.
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