The Prattville City Council met in special session on Friday, January 14th at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall with Council President Miller presiding. Roll was called and all members were recorded as being present.

Council President Miller asked Mayor Byard if he had any comments he would like to make before his official resignation on Monday, January 17, 2011.

Mayor Byard thanked each Councilmember for the number of good things that have been accomplished and his encouragement for them to continue to move this City forward. He thanked the Council for their support and service to the City; he thanked the Department Heads and city employees for their hard work for all of the citizens of Prattville. He expressed that it has been an honor to serve the citizens of Prattville, his hometown in which he will continue to live. Mayor Byard thanked those who have supported, voted and prayed for him and his family. He continued on to say that he hoped that he has left a positive mark in Prattville’s history and is looking forward to his continued work with the community.

Council President Pro Tempore Gillespie stated that he voted for, supported and prayed for Mayor Byard and expressed his hope that he will continue to work for the City.

Councilman Wood stated that it has been an honor to serve with Mayor Byard. He continued by wishing him well as Director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

Councilman Argo reflected on the past twelve years of service and expressed his appreciation to the Mayor for never taking out his anger and frustration on those that angered and frustrated him. He stated that the Mayor has shined the most in difficult times and thanked him for being a great leader. He acknowledged Mayor Byard’s vision and that he has been unafraid to take risks, which will cause the City to grow because of his leadership.

Councilman Renegar thanked Mayor Byard for his encouragement to run for public office in 1992 and thanked him for their service together since 1996. He expressed his appreciation for their continued friendship.

Councilman Boles reiterated that he and the Mayor have not always agreed, but that he had voted for the Mayor almost every time he has run for public office. He thanked Mayor Byard for his leadership in the downtown revitalization and complemented its beauty. He stated that Mayor Byard’s leadership during hard times has been impeccable. Councilman Boles stated his belief that the Lord has placed Mayor Byard in a position to benefit Prattville even more. He wished Mayor Byard the best and said that he would continue to pray for him.

Councilman Fank thanked Mayor Byard for his friendship and service.

Council President Miller stated that he has been impressed by the Mayor over the past ten years and believed that the City would continue the work that he started. He further commended Mayor Byard on the phenomenal changes he has brought to the City.

At this time, Council President Miller explained that his new position and responsibilities at his job did not allow him to accept the responsibility of becoming Mayor at this time. He further stated that this was not an easy decision, but is willing to continue to serve as Council President, if that’s the will of the Council body. If the opportunity to become Mayor came at a different time, he may be open to that in the future.

Councilman Argo stated his uneasiness with the process of changing roles. While the Council is following the recommendation of the Alabama League of Municipalities, he feels it is a disservice for the Council to act so quickly and stated his desire that they had more time to look at options.

Council President Miller officially offered his resignation as President and passed the gavel to President Pro Tempore Gillespie.

Council President Gillespie accepted the role and asked for nominations for a Council President Pro Tempore. Councilman Boles nominated Councilman Miller. Councilman Wood seconded the motion.

Councilman Fank stated that while he respected the job that Councilman Miller has been doing, a Civics discussion he had with his daughter caused him to struggle with Councilman Miller’s unwillingness to serve as Mayor. He told Councilman Miller that it was not personal, but that he could not support his nomination.

Councilman Miller was approved as President Pro-Tempore with the following roll call vote:

Council President Pro Tempore Miller took a personal point of privilege to thank Councilman Fank for his candor and stated that he doesn’t take his vote personally.

Council President Gillespie passed the gavel to Councilman Miller and asked to be recognized. Councilman Gillespie stated that there is a lot of work to be done and the need to continue to move the City forward. He further stated that there are a lot of issues to overcome, and they would be dealt with as a united family front with open lines of communication and honesty.

Councilman Miller passed the gavel back to Council President Gillespie.

Councilman Argo reported that members of the City Council have been contacted by numerous citizens regarding the upcoming vacancy of the District 1 seat and the need for the Council to discuss how to proceed in filling the vacancy. He asked for discussion to determine the process.

Council President Gillespie reported that there will be an announcement regarding the procedure for filling the vacant Council seat at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 18, 2011. He also announced the open invitation to his swearing in ceremony at 5:00 p.m. on the same date.

Without being properly recognized by the council President, a citizen from the audience, Paula Griffith Barlow, asked for a moment of silence in memory of former officer Clint Walker, a Prattville Police Officer who we lost seven years ago on this date. Council President Gillespie recognized and acknowledged a moment of silence.

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 4:34 p.m.

APPROVED:

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Gina P. Smith
City Clerk

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Thomas M. Miller, President
Prattville City Council

Submitted By:

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Stephanie J. Southerland
Assistant City Clerk