| 2009-03-10 Public Hearing |  |  |  |
 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER: The Prattville City Council met in public hearing on Tuesday, March 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Council President Argo called the meeting to order. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Council President Argo gave the invocation. All councilmembers were recorded as being present. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed amendment to Prattville City Code Article IV Section 13-128, Household Solid Waste Charges. Councilman Boles announced that he will leave the meeting at 6:30 due to the visitation and memorial service for his wife’s grandfather. Council President Argo reminded those in attendance that the proposed increase rate is not a set amount. It is merely a starting point for public comment. Tony Moore, 919 Highway 82 Bypass, Prattville, Al 36067, appeared before the Council in opposition to the $6.50 per month proposed fee increase. He recommended a $1.50 per month increase, which would raise the current monthly rate from $12.50 to $14.00. He further recommended that the concrete slab where the transfer station once stood, be used for a recycling center. Elaine Wilkes, (no address for the record) signed in to speak but declined when called upon. Mike Ray, 640 Mimosa Road, Prattville, AL 36067, came before the Council to speak in opposition to the proposed rate increase and also to the closure of the City’s transfer station, which was destroyed by the February 17, 2008 tornado. He recommended a rate increase of as little as possible. Councilman Gillespie questioned Mr. Ray if he recycles. Mr. Ray stated that he only recycles cans because it is not cost effective to recycle other products such as paper. Guy Martin, 350 North Northington Street, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council with a recommendation for the following: allow contractors to look at the transfer station; get bid proposals to rebuild the transfer station; raise the monthly garbage rates by $6.50 for approximately 6 months to help defer the cost of the construction of the transfer station, then lower the rates possibly to where they are now in an effort to keep the service in Prattville. Mr. Martin informed Councilman Gillespie that he does not recycle. Carolyn Scott, 104 Kingswood Drive, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council in opposition to any proposed rate increase. Sue Rector, trailer park off of Highway 14, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council in opposition to a proposed rate increase. Ms. Rector stated that she recycles and composts. Sam Smith, 107 Woodley Avenue, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council to state that he has no objection to the proposed rate increase. However, he does object to business owners being limited to 2 bags of garbage at the base rate and an additional $19.00 per month for each additional can or bag. Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace Street, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council in opposition to the proposed rate increase. She further stated that in her opinion, the 7 day advance notice of the public hearing was insufficient. Donald Green, 118 Camellia Drive, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council in opposition to the proposed rate increase. He stated the hardship the increase would impose on most families including those who may be on disability. Mr. Green further stated that he recycles. Dennis Mullins, 111 Danya Drive, Prattville, AL 36067, came before the Council with a proposed budget for the Sanitation Department for 2009. Copies were left with the City Clerk to be distributed to the Council. A copy will be made a part of the official record. Mr. Mullins stated that he is not opposed to a rate increase if it is deemed justified. He further recommended that the transfer station be repaired. Don Drasheff, 136 Quail Run, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council to state that he would like for the City to operate within its budget. He stated that he would also like for the transfer station to be repaired. Mr. Drasheff further stated that he does not recycle; however, he collects cans and places them near the curb. Mark Ford, 144 Melmar Drive, Prattville, AL 36067, signed in to speak but declined when called upon. Erby Dobbs, 537 Julia Court, Prattville, AL 36067, signed in to speak but declined when called upon. Jiggs Bowdoin, 1584 Hawthorne Lane, Prattville, AL 36066, signed in to speak but declined when called upon. Gene Hall, 206 Stewart Street, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council in favor of the proposed rate increase. Barbara Furman, 735 Rice Street, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council in favor of the rate increase. She thanked them for doing their jobs and for keeping the sanitation service in Prattville. This Ordinance is listed as item number 1 on the Thursday, March 19, 2009, council agenda. ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Renegar made the motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded. The meeting closed at 7:18 p.m.
APPROVED:
__________________________ Gina P. Smith
______________________________ Dean Argo, President |
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