City Council - Regular Meeting

All right. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the business meetings for the city of Prattville. We do have one public hearing tonight before we move into our regular council agenda. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Councelor Newman here. Councelor Jackson here. Councelor Chambers here. Councelor Merrick here. Councelor Wley here. Councelor Stretchett here. Councelor Langley here.

All right. Having a quorum present, I call this public hearing to order. One item on our public hearing tonight is a resolution to authorize the mayor to have overgrown grass and weeds at 1619 and 1621 East Main Street abated and charged and any incurred expenses for the abatement process pursuant to chapter 46 city of Pratville code of ordinances. Is there anyone here who wishes to speak in favor of this item? Not seeing any. Is there anyone here who wishes to speak in opposition to this item? All right. Hearing none, we call this public hearing closed. At this time, you're invited to stand for the pledge of allegiance and the invocation which will be given by myself tonight.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Bow with me, please. Heavenly Father God, we come before you tonight, Lord, just thanking you first and foremost, God, for your grace and continued mercy that you show us each day. Father, we we pray um for repentance where we have failed you, God, and and for the areas of our life where we've allowed the enemy to uh to creep in. God, we pray that you strengthen us to defend those off. And Lord, we just thank you for the blessings that you continue to give us each and every day. Yeah, we now ask that uh Lord, you just give us clear minds and and clear conscience and be uh be be willing to listen uh to the things that are said here tonight and to conduct a professional manner the business of the city. Uh we do thank you again uh for each one that's here tonight. God, we pray your blessings upon them and it's in Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Amen. All right, madame clerk, will you please call the role? Councelor Newman here. Councelor Jackson here. Councelor Chambers here. Councelor Merrick here. Councelor Way [clears throat] here. Councelor Stretchett. Councelor Langley here.

All right. Having a quorum present. We do u have a quorum. I call this meeting to order. The character trait of the month is responsibility. That is knowing and doing what is expected of me. Next [clears throat] item on our agenda is to approve minutes. These were sent out ahead of time, so everybody should have had an opportunity to uh receive those and look over them. They are for our city council meeting dated January the 6, 2026. Uh public hearing that was dated January 20th, 2026 and city council meeting also for uh January 20th, 2026. At this time, the chair will entertain a motion to approve these minutes. So moved. Moved [clears throat] by councelor Chambers. Do we have a second?

Second. Second by councelor Newman. All in favor of approving the minutes, please signify by raising your right hand. And these minutes are approved unanimously. All right. At this time, [clears throat] we will welcome any comments from persons present regarding tonight's agenda. Uh we'll have anyone who wishes to speak on these items on tonight's agenda line up in the middle aisle. You'll be called on to print your name and address. You'll have up to five minutes to address the council. We ask that you state your name and address and the item numbers in which you intend to speak on. All right. Not seeing anyone. Mr. Mayor, do you have a report?

Yes. Thank you. Good evening, counselors. February 2nd through 6 serves as Alabama Severe weather awareness week. So weather here in Alabama can be unpredictable as we definitely have seen over the last several days past weeks with a mix of rain, thunderstorm warning, extremely cold temperatures and icy conditions. Um

that is Alabama sometimes. But I'll remind you to be prepared when severe weather strikes. Do not forget to take advantage of the sales tax holiday which runs from Friday, February the 20th through midnight on Sunday fe February 22nd. This is a great opportunity to stock up on emergency supplies. Know your safe place, have a weather alert system, create an emergency kit, and most importantly, stay informed and be ready. And I'd highly recommend a generator in the back backup as well. counselors. As I attended the EDAA winter conference last week along with our economic develop economic development director and others, uh we received numerous positive comments about our city and its amenities. The feedback was overwhelmingly encouraging and reflects the hard work, dedication, and shared vision of our departments and employees. It's clear that our team takes pride in the community we serve and their efforts continue to make our city a safe, clean, enjoyable place to live, work, and visit. Up on the screens, you can see an engineering drawing of the North Highland Park basketball courts there. Again, this is not an artist rendering, but an engineer drawing. Construction is in its full swing. Contractors working through the wintry weather to complete the final component which will complement the other improvements made by city crews including upgrades to playground equipment, walking path, pavilion, new restroom construction, lighting and dedicated parking. Councilors, I just wanted to make everyone aware that um be creating a new internal policy for city staff. Uh some of the reasons for this is to remove our professional city staff from the political crosshairs and ensure consistency, transparency, and accountability and how code enforcement and matters are handled.

When a code enforcement issue becomes politicized, staff will notify all municipal elected officials and ask the council district representative where the property is located to provide direction on whether to proceed. If no response is received within 14 days, violation will be deemed approved for code enforcement to proceed. Decision is not to proceed. A written reasoning for that from the council district district representative will be required for the record. This approach provides clarity for staff, protects them from undue pressure, and ensures that elected officials rather than employees are accountable for decisions that have political implications. It also reinforces the proper roles of staff and elected officials while keeping the process fair, documented, and consistent for everyone involved. Counselors, please uh do not forget the Marty Gro celebration being rescheduled. We'll kick off Saturday, February the 14th at 10:00 a.m. with food, specialty vendors, and children's activities. The parade will roll out at 12:00 p.m. And I hope everyone will join us for this exciting event. Lastly, I want to remind everyone that in honor of Black History Month, I hope everyone will plan to attend the city of PRP's 25th annual Black History program on February the 27th at 6 PM at Dawson Community Center. The guest speaker will be Wanda Battle. Uh I've seen this program progress over the years and very and we had our little um absence there during the pandemic and I think uh they have really really improved the program and so I would encourage everyone to to show up for counselors. That's the end of my report.

All right. Does anybody has any questions for the mayor? What time is what time is the event on the 27th? Uh 6 pm. 6. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? I have a question. Mayor Gillespie, can you talk a little bit more about your u change of policy in regards to the code enforcement? Uh to what degree? What what portion of it?

Well, all of it. I'm in in my opinion. I would just like to hear more about what brought this decision on and if it requires council um approval in terms of any type of ordinance because it is changing the policy um permanently, but it feels to me that it puts us as a council in a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. um a a entity, a home, property is turned in by code enforcement and if we vote or if we approve that we endorse that um okay, then we've got x number of people upset with us for that. And then if we don't approve that by not responding in 14 days, well then we've got the other half upset with us. So I I don't understand why that is being put it to me this is and and and then number two who determines if it's political or not you know to me it it politicizes the code enforcement office more doing it this way than it it needs to be because we have no control whatsoever. or if it's if it's a law, um if it's a code for the city of Prattville, then the city of Prattville to me, we we enforce it.

Excuse me, mayor, if you don't mind raising that microphone up just a little bit. Thank you. I guess I just don't understand how we got to to this point. Well, you're part of the history here. As far as the demolition of the Robinson home, is that what you're referring to? You ought to know how we got here. and internally working with uh our city staff and city attorney and um but uh and some of this is actually you know on February the 28th you actually asked that a um one item be removed from the agenda before it came up here. So it's somewhat piggybacking what you have already done.

You mean January 28th you're talking this year? Yes, sir. Yes, I did. I did contact um referring to a home on Cobblestone curve 800 block of cobblestone. Yes. Right.

So, it's just pretty much letting everybody let make certain that everybody is copied on there, whether it's uh all of the council, the mayor, all of the department heads that need to be a part of that. And uh so again, it's some of what you have already done. I I did I did contact to let um her know the city clerk Paula know that the First Baptist Church of Prattville was wanting to come in and help those on Cobblestone curve. Yes. But I did not make the determination whether or not we move forward with any type of condemnation or demolition or you know that kind of thing. So, I'm just trying to understand the role that the council is going to play in some of these bigger um items and entities that come before the city. Um and and maybe this is something that from a code enforcement perspective, we can in one of our work sessions, we could have code enforcement to come and and educate us a little more um about this process. Well, we have a very good group of professionals inside our city workforce and these code enforcers are there to enforce the ordinance that the council has implemented. And I know over the past there's been some um request for additional code enforcers. And so I guess most of the council up here can agree with that because we have had some challenges over the years of keeping some and now we've got two and uh they're doing an excellent job. But obviously there's been some that um are not liking um how they do business. And since you brought up the Robinson House, you know, that was definitely politicalized.

And uh so this is some of the areas that I'm trying to get our professional employees out of being the in the crosshairs of politics. And again, I think your example here of 800 block is is um not far off from what I'm trying to do. Okay.

Because you did stop it from moving forward. And it it may be that I am overthinking you know this. I just when I saw this I'm I don't have a solid understanding of not necessarily a a small issue um with cobblestone but looking toward the bigger issues. And so maybe Andrew um I can come and and talk to you about that because I do have some liability questions um as far as that goes as well. Well, the the thought process is is that uh if code enforcers see something, they will say something to the elected body before they start the full process. If they get a call in about a complaint, they will ride by and look at it. And again, before they start the full process, then they will reach out to the whole body along with legal staff here and other staff members. And then if it is deemed to move forward, we move forward.

So prior to prior to anything happening, we would be notified. Yes. Which of course in so many cases, you've already been notified already because when it comes to dilapidated structures, uh the whole council has been getting that information for over a year. And then you get some great workup documents. But it takes a lot of time to to work a case because the code enforcers have to be prepared. Help me out. Uh Andrew, they got to be prepared for court because at some shape, form or fashion, this could go to court. So that's basically what they're working toward is building a case.

Yes, mayor. That's correct. And particularly with dilapidated structures, they're very strict notice requirements, procedural requirements. Uh, so I think it will help on the front end just to have that feedback and give counselors the opportunity to reach out to these owners on the front end and hey, is there a particular hardship or a circumstance going on before it gets to the council process,

right? And then that way hopefully you have that two weeks or so that um maybe you can reach out to them, reach out to a church group or whatever and uh it gives a little bit of a buffer. We have to be very cautious there because of weedyed lots might be one thing. Um garbage and rubbish totally different thing. Dilapidated structure it all depends on what degree it is and also how much politics is being played in in the arena. [clears throat]

So just for the record, what the dialogue that we have had right now has helped me immensely to understand exactly why I asked the question to understand the process and um what the intention is trying to avoid moving into uh the council agenda. My understanding just based on a text was that it was going to be on the agenda and then we were to make that final decision. So, thank you for that. I appreciate that. I Yeah, I don't believe that was ever um put in the text message that I sent. No, I'm not saying that it was it was it was me reading into something that I did not understand. So, that's exactly why I wanted to ask a question.

Basically, this is way for the counselors to be a little more proactive and um and make certain that um our our constituents are are watched out over by all of us. So, so I want to just for the record, [clears throat] lay the steps out again. You're saying code enforcement is going to go out if they [clears throat] see something, they're going to notify me or they're going to go ahead and go with the normal process and then I'll be notified.

And again, it depends on exactly which code violation there is. But uh they if you happen to be in district one then you will be the subject you will be the uh the email will be sent to you but the council will be copied along with several layers of staff right several level levels of staff.

So I'm not for or against this. I want to kind of see how this is supposed to play out. My concerns are you know I have a full-time job. I don't mind interacting with my constituents as much as possible, but if there's a queue of five, 10, 15 places that I have to go now, check before they move forward, that could cause a problem. So, I'm not saying that's going to happen. I'm just saying that's my concern. Um, I don't see why there would be an issue with the normal process we have for code enforcement now. I mean, most cities use the typical process we're using right now from what I would understand. And I don't know of any place I've ever been where a councilman has interjected in that. If it's out of compliance, you've got a hot water tank laying out in your front yard, you're out of compliance. And you know, that's very simple. So, if we're talking about stacking those on me to go out and ask why there's a hot water tank in your front yard, I mean, I don't mind doing it, but

I don't know if that necessarily needs to be in the process. It would strictly be voluntary on your end. If you don't want to, you don't have to. is just uh I think a way to uh potentially help our neighbors in the various districts and um and keep our city employees have those political crosshairs.

Yeah, I am, like I said, I'm going to reserve my feelings on it till we get a little bit better understanding of what we're doing, but um I don't see a problem in what we've been doing normally 90% of the time. And I know it's not a one-sizefits-all for some of the de demolitions of some of the structures. I know you stay on social media a lot, so please go back and look at some of the social media. Look what has happened over the last year plus. Uh um

I sat through the Robinson House out here the whole time it went on and I know exactly what you're talking about. And I'm not I all for deescalating and I'm not saying I'm opposed to it. I'm just saying I have some concerns about it. I want to make sure that the normal process seems to be working fine for hot water tanks in the front yard. And I don't know why that would require us to go out and talk to somebody about after code forcement's done it because code forcement knows the homeowner knows.

Well, there's so many cases just like the one I was talking about January the um 28th again. there's obvious obviously something there that uh sparked an interest and to hopefully get a get a church group out there and that comes about. Let me like I said I just wanted to make sure I clarify and we'll see how it plays out. But um I'm not so sure that interjecting the counselor into the code enforcement process necessarily is good every time. But I definitely agree that I want to be aware of well recommendation I might have is that when it does come up if it does come up just uh tell code enforcement to do their job

and then as it comes back up you'll have all the backup documents. um and code enforcement uh will be doing their job no matter what district we I understand we I'll discuss a little bit more. I won't talk take all our time now, but I'm not saying I'm opposed to the process. I'm just saying I have reservations and I want to make sure I understand if this is a change for the better necessarily.

Okay. Thank you. I do appreciate you clearing it up [clears throat] because I I you were talking a little fast earlier so it takes me a little time but now that you've cleared it up and it may be helpful. Um, I know I think um I did talk with a young lady from a local church um Church of the Highlands uh maybe Friday, but we did talk and one of the ideas they're looking to possibly serve and I know last year uh Brad Bulier did mention something about possibly working with some of the uh older people in the community, some of those that uh may have some issues with trying to get their yards and properties cleaned up. So, I had that conversation with her about some of the needs that we have. [clears throat] And um reached out, she did reach out to some of us about it. I know um she sent that email and I know Chambers has been involved um well included in the email but I think it's potentially a good idea because if these are some issues and we do have an opportunity to meet with some of these our constituents that have needs and just can't do like we had an older lady that came down several months ago that talked about some of our concerns. So it may be a positive on if we can get in get some help for some of those who can't help themselves on the front end where we can get some of the volunteers in the community. So I appreciate you clearing it up for me because that it it has some potential where we can get some of those in the community. So thank you.

All right. Are there any other questions for the mayor? All right. At this time we'll move into reports from council on special committees. Councelor Newman. Yes. Um, [clears throat] I have a uh information around a sanitation committee meeting on 12th February at 3 p.m. here in the council chambers. Okay. Council Jackson. No, sir. Council Chambers.

Uh, yes, sir. Actually, yesterday um at 4 p.m. we had, um, committee meeting for the police department, fire department, judicial, and it uh discuss goals, future needs, uh, recruitment and retention in some cases. Um, judicially we talk about core programs and uh increased case load and lording in the metro jail and it obviously um obviously personnel projects. So that's my report. Thank you. Councelor Merrick, no sir. And councelor Stitch. No. Councelor Langley. No sir.

All right. And I have none myself. All right. Tonight we have the opportunity to create a consent agenda. There are nine items that we may consider on this agenda and they are item number one, resolution to authorize the mayor to have overgrown grass and weeds at 619 621 East Main Street abated and charged and any incurred expenses for the abatement process pursuant to chapter 46 city of Pratville code of ordinances. Item number two is a resolution to set a public hearing to grant a restaurant retail liquor license to Logan's Roadhouse Enterprise LLC doing business as Logan's Roadhouse 472. [clears throat] Excuse me. Item number three is a resolution to surplus personal property from the city of Prattville. Item number four is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 410 Summer Hill Road a public nuisance and authorize the mayor to abate and charge any incurred expenses pursuant to chapter 46 city of Prattville code of ordinances. Item number five is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 1389 Padres's Place a public nuisance and authorize the mayor to abate and charge any incurred expenses pursuant to chapter 46 city of Prattville code of ordinances.

[clears throat]

Item number six is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 1624 Dodgers Drive a nuisance and authorize the mayor to abate and charge any incurred expenses pursuant to chapter 46 city of Prattville code of ordinances. Item number seven is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 1659 Dodgers Drive a public nuisance and authorize the mayor to abate and charge any incurred expenses pursuant to chapter 46 city of Pratville code of ordinances. Item number eight is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 613 Allenville Road a public nuisance and authorize the mayor to abate and charge any incurred expenses pursuant to chapter 46 city of Prattville code of ordinances. And finally, item number nine is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 833 cobblestone curve a public [snorts] nuisance and authorize the mayor to abate and charge any incurred expenses pursuant to chapter 46 city of Prattville code of ordinances. Do I hear a motion to create a consent agenda?

So move. Moved by councelor Jackson. Is there a second? Second. Second by councelor Newman. All in favor of creating a consent agenda, please signify by raising your right hand. And unanimously, the consent agenda is now before us. Do I hear a motion to adopt the consent agenda? So move. Moved by councelor Chambers. Is there a second? Second. Second by councelor Merritt. Is there any discussion on the consent agenda? Hearing none. All in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by raising your right hand. And this consent agenda is adopted unanimously. [clears throat]

We will now move into our regular agenda. Item number one on our regular agenda is a resolution to authorize a release of funds for the purchase of one 2026 Kabota tractor through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative contract number 082923- KBA from Capital Tractor Incorporated for urban management at a cost not to exceed $72,5027. Councelor Merritt, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes, sir. Whereas uh urban management has identified a need to purchase one 2026 Kubota M5-11 HDC 12 uh-1 tractor and where a said tractor is available through the source well purchasing cooperative contract number 082923- KBA from Capital Tractor Incorporated at a cost not to exceed $72,5027. And whereas this is a budgeted expense in urban management. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of Prabal that funds in an amount not to exceed $72,5027 for the purchase of said tractor are hereby authorized and approved to be paid to Capital Tractor Incorporated and said funds are approved and appropriated from fiscal year 2026 budget line item urban management- capital outlay. So move, Mr. President.

Thank you. We have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Second by councelor Chambers. Is there any discussion on this item? All right. Not hearing any. All in favor of this resolution, please signify by raising your right hand. And this resolution has passed unanimously. Item number two on our regular agenda is a resolution to amend the FY2026 budget and authorize the mayor to enter into a contract with Civil Southeast LLC for professional engineering services for the McQueen Smith Road at J Street intersection improvement project at a cost not to exceed $32,250. Council Langley, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes, sir. Whereas a need has been identified for professional engineering services for the McQueen Smith Road and J Street intersection improvements project. And whereas Civil Southeast LLC has the expertise to provide said engineering services at a cost not to exceed $32,250. And whereas section 39-2-2E1 code of Alabama 1975 as amended allows contracts to secure services with engineers possessing a high degree of professional skill to be let without bidding. Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of Prattville that the fiscal year 2026 budget is hereby amended as follows. Decrease engineering-engineering and drafting 32,200 32,250. Increase engineering- capital outlay $32,250. Be it further resolved that the mayor is hereby authorized to enter into said contract with Civil Southeast LLC for said engineering C services at a cost not to exceed $32,250 and funds are approved and appropriated from fiscal year 2026 budget line item engineering capital outlay. Be it further resolved that the mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. So moved.

Thank you. Do we have a second?

Second by councelor Jackson. Is there any discussion on this resolution? Okay. Not hearing any. All in favor of this resolution, please signify by raising your right hand. And this resolution is adopted unanimously. All right. Item number three is a resolution to amend the FY2026 budget and authorize the release of funds to replace the concrete pad at fire station number two to J&E Contracting LLC for the fire department at a cost not to exceed $28,750. Uh Council Chambers, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes, sir. Whereas a need has been identified to replace the concrete pad at fire station 2. And whereas J&E Contracting LLC has the necessary expertise to perform said project a cost not to exceed $28,750. And whereas pursuant to section 3921 code of Alabama 1975 as amended, said project is a public works project. Whereas section 39-22 code of Alabama 1975 is amended allows contracts for public works projects under 100,000 to be let without bidding. Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of Prabell that the fiscal year 2026 budget is hereby amended as follows. Decrease the fire/building maintenance by $28,700 and increase the fire capital outlay to $28,750. Be it further resolved that funds in the amount not to exceed $28,750 are said for said project is hereby authorized and approved to be paid to J& Contracting LLC and said funds are approved and appropriated from fiscal year 2026 budget line item fire capital outlay cap. Uh so move Mr. President.

All right we have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Second by councelor. Is there any discussion on this resolution? Okay, not hearing any. All in favor of this resolution, please signify by raising your right hand. Any opposed like sign? Any abstain? All right. This resolution uh is adopted. Oh, Marain. No, he voted for Yeah. Yeah.

All right. Fourth item on the agenda is a resolution to authorize the release of funds for the purchase of one Land Pride 10- foot rotary cutter from CRA Capital Tractor Incorporated for urban management at a cost not to exceed $24,298.72. Councelor Merritt, will you introduce this resolution, please?

Yes, sir. Uh whereas urban management has identified a need to purchase one land pride 10-ft heavy duty rotary cutter and whereas said cutter is available from capital tractor incorporated at a cost not to exceed $24,298.72 and whereas this is a budgeted expense in urban management. Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of travel that funds an amount not to exceed $24,298.72 for the purchase of said equipment are hereby authorized and approved to be paid to Capital Tractor Incorporated and said funds are approved and appropriated from fiscal year 2026 budget line item urban management capital outlay. So move Mr. President, we have a motion. Is there a second? Second.

Second by councelor Newman. Is there any discussion on this resolution? Not hearing any. All in favor of adopting this resolution signify by raising your right hand. And this resolution has been adopted unanimously. Item number five is a resolution to authorize city staff to make application to the Alabama Department of Transportation, ALDOT, under the Rebuild Alabama Act, RAA grant program for various roadway improvements. Councelor Langley, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes, sir. Whereas the city of Prattville has identified a need for roadway improvements along various roads within the city and whereas the city desires to make application for funding assistance for said roadway improvements under the RAA grant program. Now therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of Prattville that city staff is hereby authorized to submit the fiscal year 2026 RAA grant application to ALDOT for roadway improvements along various roads within the city. Be it further resolved that the city commits to matching funds for said project should the grant be awarded by ALDOT and implemented. Be it further resolved that the mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. So moved.

All right, we have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Second by councelor Chambers. Is there any discussion on this item?

Not hearing any. All in favor of this item, please signify by raising your right hand. And this this resolution has passed unanimously. All right. This concludes our regular agenda. At this time, council will welcome any comments from persons present. We'll have anyone who wishes to speak. Please line form a line in the middle aisle. You'll be called to print your name and address and then you'll have up to five minutes to address the council. Once you've done so, please state your name and address uh and then you may begin to speak. Um, Leam Mir, 301 Watumpa Street. Um, I do want to address something that was said, Mr. Newman, it really kind of is your job. I remember years ago when I lived on Sycamore, Dean Argo called me and said, "Your car is not tagged. You cannot have a car out there." So, he was my councilman. He took the time to call me. So, it kind of is your job if that's the new policy because that was the policy back then. If there was an infraction, then they the council person would call. I don't know if he was just doing that for me, but I think not. I think that that was kind of the what the rule was. I don't know if it's changed or not. Has it? I mean, I think that really count that that's what it was. Am I right? Go ahead.

I think that of course what I'm talking about is staff reaching out and then whatever the counselors decide on their own is how they decide to manage their their district. Okay. Because I thought it was that they needed to reach out if there was an issue then it would go to the council person then they would reach out to I know I have to you have over the years.

All right. Okay. The other thing is I don't know who currently the code enforcer is. It it could have been before. It could. But there's a thing called breaking the plane. Just like the police can't reach in your car. They cannot reach over a fence and take pictures of something even if they've had a complaint. You just can't do that. That's a constitutional. It's breaking the plane. They can't do it. I don't know if it continues to happen. I do know that I have seen it with my own eyes twice. So, I want you to be aware of that that that somebody one day is gonna get really pissed when somebody's reaching over their fence and taking pictures. They're going to have an issue with it. And so, I I just want you to be aware of that. I don't know. I don't know if they I have no idea who they are. I don't know if they are under the police department. Are they police or are they just granted this authority to do this? I don't if they're a sworn officer or not. I have no idea. But that break in the plane is going to become a very big deal. Somebody's gonna have not it's it won't be very good for all of you because the city will be in some issues. Okay, that's all I wanted to say. Thanks.

Thank you. And we will look into that. I will refer that um to the city attorney to provide Good evening.

Good evening,

Reverend Dr. L. White. The second, 621 West for Street. Um, I come to you to just um propose something. We talk about the houses that been dilapitated. Um, houses that been promised by certain politicians. Let's talk about, you know, politicizing thing. We had several citizens in this u great city of ours been promised that oh grants will be written for this, grants will be written for that and it was a no-show over the last few years. However, you know, because of some of the organizations that I belong to, I get to talk to politicians at both the national level, state level, and local level. Well, it was interesting. I had a conversation and we have a means if the city would write grants and match funds. It's it so happened to be called the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, Cardell, and I sat there and talked with the politicians and they got programs in place. All we got to do is write write a grant and y'all say all we got to do because we elected you. We pay you to be on the dasis. So we also pay for you to represent the citizens out here the the ones that can pay and the ones that can't. Montgomery has a pl in place that they match fund for fun and take care they moderate to low income families to make sure that they able to stay in their houses. So I ask you, if we got these um policies in place, why are we not doing it? Maybe we didn't know about it, but you know now. So I ask you go back when y'all go to y'all um y'all commission meetings, talk about these things and let's improve for all

citizen, not just for some. Thank you. Thank you, sir. President L. I'm sorry. What was the name of that again? I got the first three words, but not

okay. It's um it's the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission or um C as in Charlie, A is in Alpha, R is in Romeo, P is in Papa, D is in Delta, C is in Charlie. And see under their program, they got community and development. And that's where um you can use some of the money that they are match if you match it to help with low to moderate income. And Montgomery, if you go on there and look in the menu part, Montgomery actually have a section under there for critical housing that they actually assist. And and I know a lot of time you all go and look at different cities because it been city several time y'all took ordinance from uh Selma, Greenville, and different places. But if it's something to help our citizens, why can't we do it?

I'll definitely look into that. Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to address the council,

man? I don't miss being in this place. Ray BS 113 Hill Lane, Prival, Alabama. I want to bring you up a quick update on what's going with the library. So, um, we have taken advantage of y'all's graciousness to fix a building and taken inventory of all the books. The last group of people were going to do it. Never happened. We've completed in a bill [clears throat] the children's section will be done by this weekend. We're not allowed on the other side of the library right now. So, as soon as we are, we'll be head over heels in that. Um, we're just keeping all our staff working. So, I want to let you know that everybody with the library is getting paid and they are working and we open the other libraries up a little bit longer. Have a bigger staff out there. Starting in March, we will have the library hours extended to 8:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to try to help the patriots that get off work at 5 or 6 and can't get to the library. We are fully staffed now. It is not easy to find people willing to work for $12 an hour. And I'm I'm very very gracious for y'all's help to let us take our employees from $8 an hour to $12 an hour along with the county. But I want to let just give you a quick update what's going on with everything in the library with the building being shut down and what we're doing and taking advantage of the time that we have with the building being shut down. And Lord willing, this fixes it and we can work for the next one which is phase two. I'm meeting with the architect tomorrow because what we talked about was work [clears throat] something about approachments and all that, but I I'll get you a better plan after I sit sit down with the architect.

All right. Any questions? Yeah. Phase one, when when did you expect that to be ready? Two, three weeks. Two or three weeks. Yes. Two to three weeks. Any other question? Yes, sir. All right. All right. Thank you guys. Appreciate y'all what you do. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would address the council? All right, we'll now move in our closing comments. Mr. Mayor, councelor Newman.

Yeah, I just wanted to say a couple of things. My [clears throat] concerns around this new process are the process itself. It's not talking with the constituents. I don't have a problem doing that at all. That's not my issue. My issue is more so wanting to understand that if it stops at me until I give it the thumbs up or thumbs down, how long can that take each individual counselor uh depending on whatever else they've got going on. I don't see why the process needs to stop the way it's running right now. If there is an issue when when one comes in, we see them all come in. When they come in, if it's in my district, I look at it, see what it is, and if I feel I need to go out, I do that anyway. My concern is if there's one that's manageable. If there's 10 that may not be manageable. And I'm not saying there's been 10. I'm just saying my concern is around slowing the process down or stopping the process and then making me the sole guy to say don't worry about it. There are lots of things on here. Health uh disease prevention. You know, we've got all kinds of infrastructure issues, uh community safety issues, tall grass, fire, rats, snakes, rodents, ticks. There's all kinds of issues. That's why we have the ordinance in place. ordinance has been working this way without me saying stop or go. It it goes through if it's a if it's an ordinance non-compliance, it's an ordinance non-compliance. If you've got a hot water tank in the front yard, that's non-compliance. If a citizen comes in and has an issue with it or contacts me as soon as they get notified, I certainly go out and talk to them about it then. So, I'm I'm not saying that I don't want to interject myself into the process. I just don't want to stop the process or be the final decision maker. That's my only concern. I'm not saying I disagree with the mayor's process. I'm saying let let's see how it plays out. Let's get a little let's process this a little bit more and let's think about make sure we're we're doing it right. That's all because stopping a code enforcement process and me saying, "Oh, don't worry about it." Might not be the best thing either. They know more about this stuff than I do. I don't want to get into a political

thing where I'm saying, "That's my buddy. I don't want him to get a code enforcement issue, so I'm going to say no." You see what I'm saying? So, there's there's a little bit to this. I want to see how it plays out. All right. Thank you, Council Jackson.

Um, yes. [clears throat] Um, as you all know that February is Black History Month as we observe Black History Month and marked the approaching 100th anniversary of the first Black History Observer established in 1926 by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. We reflect not only on national icons but also on community members who contributed to history. Dr. Carter Carter G. Woodson established Dgro History Week in 1926 to emphasize the importance of studying, preserving, and teaching black Americans contributions as an essential part of the American narrative. Prattville's story features civil rights champions who fought for voting rights, public officials who broke barriers in local government and safety, cultural figures who influence extended beyond Alabama. This month is about remembrance, recognition, and responsibility. Honoring those before us and ensuring the contributions are never forgotten or diminish disinish diminished. Black history is American history and Prattville's history forms part of that history and you know we want to honor people like Sally May Hadnot who's a local civil rights history uh activist here uh Mr. Dan Howser Willie Wood senior um assistant chief Dian Thomas who was the first African-American assistant chief. You had um rock and roll hall of famer Wilson Picket who's from here. Um Captain Larry Nixon, he's the first black jail warden here. And also Willie Wood Jr. who was the first elected African-American in the city of Prattville and the first um black city

councilman. And um I know we all have benefited tremendously from all of them, especially Councilman Wood, myself being only the second African-American to serve on the city council here in Prattville. So that's very important and um we've all benefited from all of their sacrifices. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Chambers. Yes, sir. Councelor Mary, yes. Councelor Strick. Uh, yeah. Like to remind everyone this coming Thursday, um, February the 5th at 4:30 here in council chambers, we'll have a parks and recreation committee meeting. Thank you, councelor Langley.

Um, I just wanted to share a recommendation that I had from a constituent uh, yesterday. We were talking about the contracts for services that the city um joins in with different entities in the city of Prattville and they had a really awesome recommendation because we do give money to various um nonprofit [snorts] I guess um corporations and they said what about getting a um spokesperson from each one of those and one per month come and kind of give the council an update on what is going on, what they're doing, what their needs are, and um just educating us more on what our money is doing in our community. And I thought that was a great idea. I don't know how we start that, President. Why, but I'm going to hand that great idea over to you at this point. [clears throat]

Well, Miss Barbara comes on time, so there's one down. We'll we'll start with Thank you. All right. And I guess the only thing I would say is thank you for being here. Thank you for your contributions to the meeting. Um, and thank you for those who are regular attenders and uh take the time and effort to to be involved and to pass information along to us as well. Our next um regular schedule meeting is Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 at 6 PM here in the council chambers. Do I hear a motion to adjurnn? Move by councelor Chambers. Is there a second? Second. Second by council Langley. All in favor of adjournment say yes. Yes. All right. And opposed, you can stay here.

That's right. We'll see you in two weeks. We are still sitting.