| 2008-10-06 City Council Meeting |  |  |  |
 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 6th at 6:05 p.m. immediately following the public hearing in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Council President Argo. Roll was called and all were recorded as being present. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Council President Argo gave the invocation. 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: September 16th City Council Minutes. Councilman Renegar made a motion to approve the minutes and Councilman Fank seconded the motion. The minutes were approved (7-0). COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT: Beverly Cimis, 141 North Chestnut Street, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council to invite them to the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Autauga Interfaith Care Center on October 26th from 2-4 p.m. Bob Lee, 112 Quail Run, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council in reference to an economic development issue on the evening’s agenda. He stated his concerns that the project was moving too quickly and encouraged the Council to proceed with caution. Jimmy Deas, 113 Greencrest Lane appeared before the Council twice regarding Resolution number 5 on the evening’s agenda, which deals with “Project K.” He recommended a public hearing be held regarding this issue. Councilman Gillespie stated that he has spoken with 65 people about “Project K.” He thanked Mr. Deas for coming to the meeting and he assured him that he will be asking for a public hearing. Clarke McLean, 1770 Tara Drive, Prattville, AL 36066, requested a public hearing on “Project K.” Robert Hodge, 1071 Arrow Head Drive, Prattville, AL 36067, requested a public hearing on “Project K.” Mr. Gillespie thanked Mr. Hodge for appearing before the Council and encouraged him to call his cell phone if he needed assistance in the future. Dennis Mullins, 111 Danya Drive, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council twice in opposition to “Project K.” Mr. Mullins requested a public hearing because in his opinion he feels that the citizens should be able to debate. Councilman Fank reminded Mr. Mullins that he is available by phone to answer any questions he may have. He further stated that he has received one telephone call from one constituent who discussed “Project K” with him who had a complete understanding of the issue at the end of the discussion. Council President Argo informed Mr. Mullins that a public hearing is not a debate. He went on to say that it is an opportunity for citizens to appear before the Council in an open meeting to speak in favor of or opposition to particular issues and to obtain additional information. He further stated that he has been contacted by one constituent who is opposed to “Project K.” Dwayne Bert, 1691 Windstone Way, Prattville, AL 36066, appeared before the Council to request that incentives no longer be given to companies who wish to locate in Prattville. Councilman Macready encouraged Mr. Bert and others in attendance at the evening’s meeting to observe the license plates on vehicles as they pass through the parking lots of our shopping centers. He stated that many of the vehicles are from surrounding counties. Council President Argo added that when companies show an interest in locating to Prattville, the City has no say in where they are placed. Gene Brown, 123 Lee Circle, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council in support of “Project K.” Mr. Brown stated that he has 33 years experience in federal and state government and he is very familiar with the public hearing process. He further stated that in his opinion there has been adequate publication within the last 2 weeks in reference to this issue. Jessica Rego, 1225 Conestoga Wagon Trail, appeared before the Council to voice complaints that her request from city staff for information regarding “Project K” went unanswered. She further complained that when she left a message for the Mayor to return her call, he called her place of employment rather than her cell phone number, which had been left with his secretary. She demanded a public apology from the Mayor for the manner in which her phone call was returned. Councilman Gillespie offered his cell phone number to Ms. Rego to be used in the future. Jewel Carr, 308 High Point Ridge, Prattville, AL 36066, appeared before the Council in reference to “Project K.” She asked for clarification regarding the possibility of taxes being raised. Council President Argo assured Ms. Carr that taxes would not be increased. Paul Beckman, Jr., 1803 Tara Drive, Prattville, AL 36066, appeared before the Council inquiring about information regarding Amendment 772, which was passed by the Alabama Legislature and whether or not the $9,000,000.00 for “Project K” will affect the City’s borrowing power. At 7:30 p.m. Council President Argo called for a 10-minute break. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Byard stated that during the break he spoke with Ms. Carr and told her that he would publicly offer an apology to Ms. Rego, who is her personal friend and co-worker. Mayor Byard apologized to Ms. Rego during the council meeting and Ms. Rego accepted his apology. Regarding “Project K,” Mayor Byard reminded those in attendance that the Alabama Legislature passed Amendment 772, which gives Municipalities and Counties the ability to offer incentives to companies who are interested in locating a business in communities of their choice. The Mayor reported on the success of the LPGA, which was held at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail two weeks ago. Mayor Byard reminded everyone of the Run-Off Election in Council District 6, which will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church. He encouraged voters in District 6 to go to the polls and vote and further wished good luck to Councilman Macready. The Mayor reported that Brazil-based Fras-Le purchased Haldex Friction, the local brake plant. The recent purchase saves 45 jobs and may increase the company’s employment in the near future. Mayor Byard reminded those in attendance that City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 13th for Columbus Day, but added that garbage routes will run as scheduled. The Mayor reminded members of the Council of the ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for the new Belk store at High Point Town Center on Wednesday, October 15th. He also reported that Kmart has plans for a grand opening on November 1st. COUNCIL REPORTS: None. AGENDA 1. RESOLUTION: TO GRANT A RESTAURANT RETAIL LIQUOR LICENSE FOR CINDY ENTERPRISES, LLC D/B/A PASTA PIZZERIA & GRILL. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008-A, PAGE 034). Councilman Macready made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Gillespie seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following vote:
2. RESOLUTION: TO GRANT A LOUNGE RETAIL LIQUOR, CLASS I LICENSE FOR BAMA LANES PRATTVILLE, LLC D/B/A BLUE IGUANA. Councilman Gillespie made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Renegar seconded the motion. During discussion, Councilman Fank stated that because there was no representation from Bama Lanes at the Public Hearing which was held at 6:00 p.m. this evening, he did not feel compelled to support the application. Councilman Gillespie made a motion to hold the Resolution until the October 21st council meeting. Councilman Renegar seconded the motion and the motion carried (6-1) with Councilman Fank opposed. 3. RESOLUTION: TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE EXCHANGE, SOUTH OF LEGENDS DRIVE FROM PUD TO B-2. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008-A, PAGE 035). Councilman Renegar made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Gillespie seconded the motion. There being no discussion the Resolution was adopted with the following vote:
Councilman Renegar introduced the proposed Ordinance and made a motion to adopt it. Councilman Macready seconded the motion. By point of order, the Ordinance was held until the November 4th council meeting. 4. RESOLUTION: TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING TO DECLARE VARIOUS WEEDED LOTS TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING THEIR ABATEMENT PER TITLE 11, CHAPTER 67 OF THE CODE OF ALABAMA, 1975, AS AMENDED. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008-A, PAGE 036). Councilman Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Wood seconded the motion. During discussion, Councilman Renegar offered an amendment to delete lines 9-11 on page 2 of the Resolution. Councilman Renegar stated that the property at 108 E. Teri Court was destroyed by the February 19th tornado. He also stated that he would influence volunteers to clear the lot. The vote to amend the Resolution was approved (7-0). There being no further discussion, the vote was called and the amended Resolution was adopted with the following vote:
5. RESOLUTION: TO SUPPORT PROJECT K. Councilman Wood made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Renegar seconded the motion. Councilman Wood made a motion to hold the Resolution until the October 21st council meeting to allow for a work session. Councilman Renegar seconded the motion. Councilman Gillespie moved to amend the motion to hold to include a work session followed by a public hearing. Councilman Fank seconded the motion. Councilman Renegar called for a division of the house and the amended motion failed:
The original motion to hold until the October 21st council meeting to allow for a work session carried. 6. ORDINANCE: PETITION FOR ANNEXATION FOR AVANT PROPERTIES, LLC. Councilman Miller made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilman Renegar seconded the motion. Because Ordinances are generally held for 2 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 Macready seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). During discussion, City Planner Joel Duke clarified that the Planning Commission recommended annexation of the entire property but the property owners were only interested in annexing half of the property. There being no further discussion, the Ordinance failed with the following roll call vote:
CLOSING COMMENTS: Mayor Byard informed the Council of the much needed upgrades to the council chambers that should begin next week. Councilman Renegar questioned City Planner Joel Duke about the rules for annexation procedures. Mr. Duke stated that there isn’t a waiting period for annexations. If property owners are turned down at one meeting, they may petition for annexation at the very next meeting. Council President Argo stated that a work session will be scheduled prior to the October 21st council meeting. 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 8:40 p.m.
______________________
_________________________ |
| Character Trait for May |
|
|
