PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2008
6:04 P.M.

The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:04 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, Councilman Wood gave the invocation.

THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS GENEROSITY: Carefully managing my resources so I can freely give to those in need.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 18th City Council Minutes.

Councilman Renegar made a motion to approve the minutes and Councilman Gillespie seconded the motion. The minutes were approved (7-0).

COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:

Bob Lee, 112 Quail Run, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council to congratulate the Mayor for being nominated and elected to the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities. Mr. Lee also distributed copies of a newspaper article regarding ideas for conserving energy.

Councilman Renegar congratulated Mr. Lee on receiving the Pat Partridge Award during the annual Farm City Week Banquet, which was held in Autaugaville last Saturday night.

Mike Ray, 640 Mimosa Road, Prattville, Al 36066, appeared before the Council regarding a newspaper article that he read regarding the City’s proposal of contracted garbage services. Mr. Ray stated that in his opinion this will be a controversial issue, an exclusive contract, and therefore should be put out for bid. He further stated his desire to read the contract prior to its approval. He also requested that a public hearing regarding this issue be postponed until early next year.

Joyce Rice, 806 Wynwood Drive, Prattville, AL 36066, appeared before the Council to state that she believes Prattville currently has the best garbage/trash service in the surrounding areas. Ms. Rice requested the public hearing be held after the first of the year.

John Dozier, 188 Ridgewood Road, Prattville, AL 36067, came before the Council in opposition to the proposed contracted garbage service. Mr. Dozier stated that he fears that the service would start out in a positive manner but will soon turn negative for the citizens.

Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council to ask for several points of clarification regarding the newspaper article on the proposed contracted garbage service.

John Wilkerson, 1612 Guiding Way, Prattville, AL 36067, came before the City Council to state that he will gladly give up his current garbage cans for twice weekly pick-up service.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Mayor Byard reported that he has met with Sanitation Department employees on numerous occasions regarding the proposal. He reminded those in attendance that these employees will not lose their jobs but will be transferred to other departments. He further stated that since our city does not produce enough garbage to sustain a transfer station, it is not feasible to rebuild what was destroyed in the February 17th tornado.

The Mayor reminded everyone of the following upcoming events: Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 4th at 5:30 p.m. and the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 13^th at 4:00 p.m.

Mayor Byard challenged city employees to be 100% in giving to United Way.

Commendations were presented to the following soccer teams: 2008 Prattville 15 and Under All Stars, for winning the State Championship title; 2008 Under 17 River Region Rapids ’92, for winning the Division II Alabama State Cup; and 2008 Under 19 River Region Rapids ’90, for winning the 2008 Flint River Fall Finale U17-19 boys division and was also named tournament champion.

COUNCIL REPORTS:

Council President Argo informed members of the Council and others in attendance that the Finance Committee has met regarding agenda item numbers 4, 5, 6, and 7.

AGENDA

1. ORDINANCE: REQUEST TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 424 OLD FARM LANE FROM FAR TO B-2. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2008, PAGE 024).

The Ordinance was introduced at the November 4^th council meeting and a public hearing was held at 6:00 p.m. this evening. There being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following vote:

2. RESOLUTION: TO RE-APPOINT JAMES H. SANFORD TO THE LEGENDS PARK IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008-A, PAGE 065).

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:

3. RESOLUTION: TO RE-APPOINT JOE TURNER TO THE LEGENDS PARK IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008-A, PAGE 066).

Councilman Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Miller seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following vote:

4. RESOLUTION: TO AWARD BID NO. 08-017 TO VICTORY CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE FOR ONE (1) 2009 3500 SLT CHASSIS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008-A PAGE 067).

Councilman Boles made the motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Gillespie seconded the motion. During discussion, Councilman Gillespie expressed his appreciation for the purchase being made locally. The Resolution was adopted with the following vote:

5. ORDINANCE: TO ESTABLISH EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE FOR COLLECTION, HAULING AND DISPOSAL OF RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLABLES.

Councilman Miller made the motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilman Renegar seconded the motion. By point of order, the Ordinance was held until the December 16th council meeting. Council President Argo called a work session for Monday, December 8th at 5:30 p.m. and a Public Hearing for Monday, December 15th at 6:00 p.m.

6. RESOLUTION: REQUEST TO RELEASE CAPITAL FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF SIX (6) E-CITATION SYSTEMS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008-A, PAGE 068).

Councilman Wood made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Fank seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following vote:

7. RESOLUTION: TOAWARD BID NO. 08-014 TO GILMORE FORD, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF FOUR (4) 2009 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTORS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2008-A, PAGE 069).

Councilman Gillespie made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. During discussion, Councilman Gillespie stated his appreciation for purchasing the vehicles locally. Mayor Byard reminded councilmembers that a Resolution to order 3 impalas off state contract would be on the December 16th agenda. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following vote:

CLOSING COMMENTS:

Mayor Byard updated the Council on the continued progress of the on-going creek walk project.

Councilman Wood stated that Mr. Charlie Hildebrand has contacted him regarding a project that he would like to discuss. He further stated that he will be speaking with the Council in the near future regarding Wilson Pickett.

Councilman Renegar stated that he will call a Fire Committee meeting prior to the December 16th council meeting.

Councilman Boles asked for assistance with re-setting the timer on the traffic light at Silver Hills Drive and East Main Street.

ADJOURN:

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Renegar made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded. The meeting closed at 7:10 p.m.

______________________
Gina P. Smith
City Clerk

______________________
Dean R. Argo, President
Prattville City Council