PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2009
6:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER: The Prattville City Council met in public hearing on Monday, June 8, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Council President Argo called the meeting to order. Roll was called and Councilman Miller was recorded as being absent.

AGENDA

TO ALLOW PUBLIC INPUT TO HONOR WILSON PICKETT.

Autauga County Commissioner Sid Thompson, 508 Sheila Blvd., Prattville, AL 36066, suggested a museum of sorts. She recommended that the home in which Mr. Pickett was born be decorated with an iron bed, a quilt from Gee’s Bend, and Wilson Pickett memorabilia. She further offered her services to support these efforts in any way.

Robert Strichik, 880 Running Brook Drive, Prattville, AL 36066, recommended a music festival on a smaller scale than Montgomery’s Jubilee City Fest. He suggested the event take place in March, local bands be allowed to perform at or near the amphitheater at Pratt Park where alcohol would be sold by vendors.

Councilman Miller arrived at 6:12 p.m.

Gene Hall, 206 Stewart Street, Prattville, AL 36067, liked the idea of possibly naming the amphitheater at Pratt Park for Mr. Pickett. He voiced his opposition to an idea he had heard of renaming Autauga Creek for the legendary singer. Mr. Hall was also opposed to Mr. Strichik’s suggestion to sell alcohol at the park.

Richard Bailey, author/historian from Montgomery offered his services in helping the Planning Committee with ideas for research, advertisement, and suggestions for what will best serve the city and its citizens while honoring Mr. Pickett and his family at the same time.

Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, Prattville, AL 36067, suggested a statue of Mr. Pickett be placed along the creek walk.

Beverly Cimis, who lives on Chestnut Street, Prattville, AL 36067, recommended a music complex where children and young adults could practice their music in areas that may be sound proof.

Mary Rogers, 106 Eighth Street, Prattville, AL 36067, liked the idea of a 1-3 day(s) music festival with one headliner and different local bands.

Marcus Daniels, Billy Armstrong, and Wilbur Terrell, all former members of Clarence Carter’s band, offered to assist in the planning stages of this endeavor. They left their contact information with the City Clerk.

Tillie Jones, 406 Selma Highway, Prattville, AL 36067 suggested a walking trail with Wilson Pickett multi- media markers just off the creek walk.

Kim Evans and Reuben Gardner serve on the Planning Committee and agreed that they had heard some good ideas during the public hearing and they look forward to the next planning session.

Councilman Gillespie stated that he understands the three most popular ideas are the amphitheater, a statue, and the music festival.

Councilman Miller stated that it is apparent that the majority speaks of a desire to honor Pickett’s memory in more than one way.

Councilman Renegar thanked everyone for coming out to express their ideas and agreed that a music festival seems to be the popular choice.

Councilman Fank suggested that Pickett’s home that Commissioner Thompson spoke of, be moved from Wadsworth Loop Road to the downtown area for convenience.

Councilman Boles recommended various ideas such as informational plaques about Pickett along the creek walk, a music festival where you could charge $10.00 per person and the proceeds from the festival could be used to move the house. The second year proceeds from the music festival could be used to purchase a statue of Pickett.

Council President Argo stated that this should be a community driven effort. He also reminded those in attendance that everyone should remember Wilson Pickett’s legacy which is music. He further stated that he felt they should stay focused on a music festival.

Nathan Harris, a cousin of Wilson Pickett offered to help by speaking with other relatives to seek their input.

Councilman Wood thanked everyone for attending the public hearing and for sharing their ideas. He further stated that the Planning Committee will meet again within the next 2 weeks to move forward.

ADJOURN:

There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Renegar made a motion to adjourn and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. The meeting closed at 6:56 p.m.

APPROVED:

__________________________

Gina P. Smith
City Clerk

__________________________

Tom Miller, President Pro-Tempore
Prattville City Council