| 2009-03-19 City Council Meeting |  |  |  |
 PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Thursday, March 19th at 6:00 p.m. 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 SINCERITY: Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 3rd City Council Minutes and March 10th Public Hearing 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: Bob Lee, 112 Quail Run, Prattville, AL 36067, appeared before the Council to distribute copies of a newspaper article regarding energy conservation. Vince Jones, 1134 Perrydale Loop, Prattville, AL 36067, directs the Summer Slam Basketball program. He appeared before the Council to encourage continued support and sponsorship for the program which is free to the community. Councilman Boles questioned Mr. Jones as to the amount of funds needed for jerseys for players and Mr. Jones stated that 36 jerseys would cost approximately $500.00. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Byard announced the opening of Girls softball at 9:00 a.m. at Mac Gray Park on Saturday, March 21st and also Dixie Youth Baseball at noon at the David D. Whetstone Sports Complex. The Mayor also reminded everyone of the following events taking place on Saturday, March 28th: North Highland Fun Day; The Arts Festival at Pratt Park, with a variety of food and various entertainment including 3 bands. Mayor Byard advised the Council that it would be necessary to go into executive session to discuss possible litigation. COUNCIL REPORTS: Council President Argo reported that Fire Captain Dallis Johnson of the Prattville Fire Department is available to answer questions regarding agenda item number 3. He further stated that the Finance Committee met on and approved item number 4. Council President Argo also reminded members of the Council that 2 items would be introduced from the floor. The first Resolution is to appoint Councilman Miller to the Planning Commission and the second item is to amend the procedure for providing the council agenda work packet by going paperless AGENDA 1. ORDINANCE: TO AMEND PRATTVILLE CITY CODE ARTICLE IV SECTION 13-128, HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE CHARGES. The Resolution was held from the March 3rd council meeting and a public hearing was held on March 10th. Councilman Renegar made a motion to offer a substitute Ordinance and Councilman Gillespie seconded the motion. SUBSTITUTE ORDINANCE: TO AMEND PRATTVILLE CITY CODE ARTICLE IV SECTION 13-128, HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE CHARGES AND 13-129, BILLING PROCEDURES. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2009, PAGE 001). Councilman Gillespie stated his plans to monitor the process over the next 1-2 years. Councilman Miller echoed Councilman Gillespie’s comments and stated an affirmative plan to explore opportunities for recycling efficiencies. He further added that there may be a need for revisions in the future but for now, he is supportive of the substitute Ordinance that Councilman Renegar is proposing. Council President Argo passed the gavel to President Pro-Tempore Miller and asked to be recognized. Councilman Argo stated that it is difficult to support the graduated increase when the sanitation fees are being subsidized. He also stated that he understands Councilman Renegar’s goal to lessen any financial hardship that may be placed on senior citizens due to the rate increase. However, Councilman Argo stated that he will not support Councilman Renegar’s proposal due in part to his belief that there are citizens in addition to seniors who may also need the financial discount. He further stated that there are no clear-cut answers for all of the problems with this issue. Councilman Argo suggested that phase 2 of the increase go into effect on October 1st. Council President Pro Tempore Miller asked Councilman Renegar if he would be willing to consider Councilman Argo’s recommendation but Councilman Renegar stated that after speaking with particular people about the economy, he is certain that his proposal is what is best for the citizens. The gavel was passed back to Councilman Argo. The Ordinance was substituted (5-2) with Councilmen Wood and Argo opposed. There being no further discussion, the substituted Ordinance was adopted with the following vote:
2. RESOLUTION: TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING TO GRANT A RETAIL BEER LICENSE, ON PREMISE ONLY, TO RORY SMITH, FIRST FAMILY RESTAURANTS, INC., D/B/A SHONEY’S RESTAURANT. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2009, PAGE 022). Councilman Wood made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Gillespie seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following vote:
3. ORDINANCE: TO AMEND CHAPTER 5 OF THE PRATTVILLE, CITY CODE: BUILDINGS; CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED ACTIVITIES AND CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE II, SECTIONS 10-8 THROUGH 10-46; FIRE PREVENTION CODE. (ORDINANCE BOOK 2009, PAGE 002). Councilman Renegar made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilman Boles 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 Miller seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). During discussion, Fire Captain Dallis Johnson clarified that in the near future, legislation would make it mandatory for all cities to adopt the 2006 International Code Council. Prattville currently follows the 2003 International Code Council guidelines, which causes delays for contractors. By adopting the procedure now, Prattville will be ahead of the curve. There being no further discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following vote:
4. RESOLUTION: TO AUTHORIZE AND APPROVE A MERCHANT AGREEMENT WITH MERRICK BANK CORPORATION AND ETS CORPORATION FOR CREDIT/DEBIT CARD PROCESSING SERVICES. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2009, PAGE 023). Councilman Miller 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:
5. RESOLUTION: TO APPOINT COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE TOM MILLER TO THE CITY COUNCIL POSITION OF THE CITY OF PRATTVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2009, PAGE 024). Councilman Fank made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Renegar seconded the motion. Because the Resolution did not appear on the agenda and was introduced from the floor, 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). There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following vote:
6. RESOLUTION: TO AMEND RESOLUTION BOOK 2008-A, PAGE 049 TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND CRITERIA FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COUNCIL MEETINGS, AGENDA AND AGENDA PACKET. (RESOLUTION BOOK 2009, PAGE 025). Councilman Gillespie made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilman Fank seconded the motion. Because the Resolution did not appear on the agenda and was introduced from the floor, it is necessary for the rules to be suspended if immediate action is to be taken. Councilman Fank made the motion to suspend the rules and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (7-0). There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following vote:
CLOSING: Councilman Wood invited everyone to attend the annual North Highland Park Fun Day, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 28th. He also reminded everyone of the annual Boys and Girls Club dinner on April 11th. Councilman Renegar encouraged everyone to see the Way off Broadway Play “Dearly Beloved,” which is currently showing at the Cultural Arts Center. Council President Argo called a work session for March 31st at 6:00 p.m. at Doster Community Center. Representatives of Urban Collage will update councilmembers on the status of Project Prattville. Mr. Argo also reminded those in attendance that the Council will go into executive session with the motion to adjourn. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council, City Attorney David McDowell presented a written statement to the City Clerk with an explanation for the need to go into executive session. The statement will be made a part of the official record. Councilman Renegar made a motion to adjourn and Councilman Fank seconded the motion. The meeting closed at 6:51 p.m.
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