City Council - Regular Meeting

Mark's Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the business meetings for the city of Prael. We have two items for 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 Mayor. Councelor here. Councelor Wley here. Councelor Strechett here. Councelor Lightland here.

All right. Having a quorum present, I do call this public hearing to order. Item number one on the public hearing for tonight is a resolution to authorize the mayor to have overgrown grass and weeds at 356 Booth Lane at 809 Dozer Avenue and at 221 Lee Drive abated and charge any incurred expenses for the abatement process pursuant to chapter 46 uh city of prowel 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 of this item? All right, hearing none. Uh the public hearing for this item is closed. The second item for public hearing tonight is an ordinance to reszone property located inside the corporate limits at 1320 Old Ridge Road East from F to petitioner is Central Alabama Community College. Is there anyone here who wishes to speak in favor of this item? Yes, sir. If you will uh state your uh name and address for the record and then

carry carry forward. Yeah. Corey Shu uh with GMC. I'm representing the the community college on this. Um, so, uh, I guess if you would just state your name and who you're sh I'm with Goodwin Mills and Kwood. I'm representing the community college in this case. Okay. Um, yeah, I was just going to say uh this is a a pretty fairly simple really the the goal of this was just to match the zoning that the of the use of property itself was was the goal of this. So, I didn't know if there's any other questions from the uh council, but does anyone have any questions? Okay.

Thank you, sir. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak in favor of this item? Not seeing any. Is there anyone who wishes to speak in opposition of this item? All right. Not seeing any, uh, this public hearing on this item is closed. [snorts] All right. At this time, you're invited to stand for our pledge of allegiance and our invocation. The invitation will be given tonight by councelor Chambers. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat]

If you will bow your heads and pray with me, please. Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to come together tonight to serve the people of our city. We're grateful for the opportunity and the responsibility you you've given us. Lord, we ask for your guidance as we make decisions that affect the lives of others. Help us to listen well, to speak with kindness, and to work together with unity and respect. Remind us that we're here not for ourselves, but to serve, and to do so in a way that honors you. As sons and daughters of yours, help us to reflect your love, your fairness, and your wisdom in everything we do. Bless our community, our families, and those who call this city home. When we leave here tonight, let's go forward with peace in our hearts and purpose and our steps. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Amen. All right, Madam Clerk, will you please call the role? Councelor Newman, here. Councelor Jackson here. Councelor Chambers here. Councelor Merritt here. Councelor Wley here. Councelor Stretch. Councelor Langley here.

All right. Having a quorum, I do call this meeting to order. Character trade of the month is creativity. Approaching a need, a task or an idea from a new perspective. Next item on our agenda is approval of minutes. You all received the following minutes uh before the meeting and have hopefully had time to review those. These will be the city council meeting October 21st of 2025, the city council organizational meeting November the 3rd of 2025, the city council meeting November the 4th, 2025. The public hearing and the city council meeting for November the 18th, 2025. At this time, the chair will entertain a motion to approve these minutes.

So move. All right. Motion by councelor Merrick. Do we have a second? Second. Second by councelor. I'm just kidding.

All in favor of approving the minutes, please signify by raising your right hand. Any oppose like sign and any abstensions? And the minutes are approved. All right. At this time, we welcome any comments from persons present regarding items that are on tonight's agenda. Anyone who wishes to speak on items on tonight's agenda, please line up in the middle aisle. You'll be called up to legibly print your name and address and then when called upon you will have five minutes to address the council. Please state your name and address and then you may begin to speak. Yes, sir. M.

Good evening.

Want to say congratulations to you all. I've been out of country, so I haven't had the opportunity to come to the city council meetings, but congratulations to you all. And um I'm hoping that in this new um quadrilla, we can work together to do what's right for Preva and not for certain people. With that being said, I'm looking down here and I'm glad that y'all bringing this up to um to a ordinance to establish the city of travel code ordinance um chapter 2 because what I'm seeing is a blatant disrespect and it's needed because if y'all if y'all vote on something and it's need and say to be done, covering it up with some fur trees ain't the way to go about it. you we you know we've been told many times coming up here oh how professional um the executive branch is but yet he's the main one to get up here and call names and does little petty stuff in and around the community that stuff got to stop because y'all work together checks and balances that's what it's for I purposely two years ago made a comment saying that you all work for the mayor he got up here and correct Ed, I wanted him to do that because then he know that y'all supposed to work together and everybody don't work for him. And if you think I'm lying, go back and look at the videos. I purposely did. I intentionally did that. So, I'm asking let's work together to do what's right for the whole community and not just for some. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. Is there anyone else who would like to speak for items that are on tonight's agenda? Good evening. Patrick Lucas, 1211 Caliber Cross in Preville, Alabama. Um, just want to read something I sent to some of you guys. Some of you guys might have it and some don't, but I'll read it so that people can hear what I wrote. As chairperson of the county Democratic Party, a veteran, a pastor, a husband, a father, a grandfather, I write not only from a place of public responsibility, but from deep personal investment in the city I call home. As a lifelong resident of Pratt Venata County and a committed community leader, I am compelled to speak on behalf of many citizens who are deeply concerned about recent actions that undermine the authority of our city council and erode trust in our local government. I also want to tell you guys thank you because I know I think it was a 5 to2 vote on this venue over here, but I want to say thank you to the council. During a recent private city council meeting, our duly elected legis legislative body voted 5 to2 to remove a name from a public venue. The mayor did not receive proper authorization to name the venue in the first place. That original decision did not follow the appropriate law with transparency or in accordance with the responsibilities entrusted to the council by the people of the city. Yet, despite a clear and lawful vote by the council, the mayor has chosen not to implement that decision. This is not merely a disagreement over a name. It is a

disregard for the democratic process and the voices of the citizens represented by the council. It also raises a serious and troubling question. If code enforcement can come to my home into the home of everyday citizens to strictly enforce rules, ordinances, resolutions, and regulations passed by the city council. Why aren't the mayor and the members of the executive staff seemingly allowed to ignore these same rules without any uh action or repercussions? Why are the laws and policies passed by this and past city councils fully applicable to the people of Prattville but not consistently applied to those working in city hall? Are we to understand that only this mayor and those chosen by them are the truly preferred and what is called the preferred community? Let's be clear. This is not about race. It's not about gender. It's not about socioeconomic status. It's not about political ideology. It's about right and wrong, legal and illegal. It is wrong to actively and continually defy the city council. It is wrong that even as community members speak in support of council acting that this executive body and it staff flood social media with posts designed to send a clear message that they believe themselves to be above the rules and above the law. that is preposterous and is unacceptable in any city that claims to value good governance and equal treatment under the law. We believe in accountability. We believe in the separation of powers and we believe that when the council vote, it is not offering a suggestion. It is issuing a directive that must be honored. I call on the mayor to respect the authority of the council and to uphold the decisions made on behalf of the people of Pratville. I also urge my fellow citizens to remain engaged, informed, and vocal in defense of a transparent, honest, and accountable local government. One of the issues I

have, we can, it's okay to disagree, and I said this earlier. It's not about just a name. When people say, "Well, it's not the name that bothers me." Well, why not call it Malcolm X venue? Why not call it Sally Hutnuck venue? Why not call it Johnny Apple Seed Venue? If the name is not that important, so we say, then why not name it those things? But my point is this. You have a lot of folks who every time something come up, we don't agree. Well, they just race bait and they just No. The law, the rules and regulations should apply to each and every one of us, not some. And when we say for liberty and justice for all really have a good evening. Please remember that comments for this section are for items that are on tonight's agenda. Hello, my name is Jessica Hayes. I'm at 1954 Chancellor Ridge Road and I am here to speak about the agenda item about the setting the procedures for naming um facilities. Um it is not hard to change a social media account name, the page that could have been done immediately after the decision was made on back in November 4th. That is not hard. It is not hard to purchase a vinyl banner with City of Prattville's logo over it. Instead, we spend $10,000 on shrubbery that's one ugly, two going to have to be removed when the signage goes back up. What is going on?

What accountability is there about this issue? This is like a teenager sulking and being defiant because he was told no. Is that how we're going to operate? Thank you for your time. Yes, sir. Jessica, may I ask you a question? What kind of facts figures? Where did you come up with your figure of $10,000? I saw that as a post on social media, Facebook. Yes. Now, that might be inaccurate and I can be wrong

very much. Yeah. and that's fine, but it still would cost money. It still was something that was delayed. It was something that did not need to happen and it's going to have to be removed anyway. So, it's still the principle and the social media accounts have still not been changed and that can be done immediately. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone who would like to speak on an item on tonight's agenda? All right. Not hearing any. Mr. Mayor, do you have a report? Yes.

Thank you. Good evening, counselors, and everyone else here. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving as I did. This season always reminds me of the many blessings we enjoy as a community and as a state. You know, as we reflect on gratitude, I'd like to acknowledge an important moment in our history. This week marks 70 years since Rosa Park refused to give up her seat on the Montgomery bus. Her act reminds us that one person standing just 5' 3 in tall, 140 lbs, and 42 years old at the time may not be able to do everything, but they can make a difference. Her courage continues to inspire so so many. and counselors. Regarding dilapidated structures, uh, bringing this up from our last council meeting, I have confirmed that emails and updates have been going out to the full council since September of 2024. As of today, two of the three properties in question are not compliant with our secondary permitting process. The third pro property located on Eisen Street is currently under review determine its compliance status. I will provide additional information as soon as it is available. Council President, uh, at this time I would like to request a point of privilege. I'd like to ask Andrew ODM to present a detailed timeline for the property uh, at 1037th Street and any other structures he feels necessary.

Yes, sir. Thank you.

Good evening, council. So, I will start with 1067th Street. And as I stated in my last timeline regarding this property, on October 20th, 2025, uh Jonathan Smith, planning director, emailed the Robinson's attorney and specifically stated the seven steps and criteria that needed to be taken. The first of which was submit a building permit application with a site plan showing the footprint of the existing home. Uh it's my understanding Robinson's came by the planning department this morning and asked about the next steps and again they were provided this information in addition to the contract uh that was signed. That's the last update I have on the Robinson's property on 1037th Street. If you'll bear with me, I know this timeline is pretty lengthy. I'm going to go through it as quickly as I can uh because this was requested by the council at the last meeting for a detailed history of this property. So, April 2nd, 2024, code enforcement noted a potential dilapidated structure at 1037th Street. Then the case was sent to building official for inspection. April 18th, the building official inspected the property and found that it was in violation of the 2021 International Building Codes. That same day, the case was opened by code enforcement. Also, on April 18th of last year, signs were placed in the yard of the property. Notice was sent by certified mail per the tax assessor's records. And on April 24th and 25th, code enforcement officer Mr. Mr. Johnson spoke with Jacqueline Jones who stated the family did want to bring the property into compliance after receiving

the notice. On May 9th, the violations for 1037th Street and 1067th Street were found to be mixed up. The building official redid the paperwork for both properties and the timelines were started over for both properties. The noted violations for 1037th Street included that the residents and at that time three accessory structures on the property were unsafe and dilapidated and harboring rodents. On May 9th of last year, notice was sent certified mail delivered on May 28th and the note on the US Postal Service site shows no access to the delivery location as of May 10th, 2025 or 2024, I'm sorry. On June 26, 2024, a reinspection was conducted on the property to find that no improvements had been made and no further contact was made from the property owner within the 45 days of the notice. And again, that's the restarted date of notice. On July 16th, there was a council resolution to declare the property at 1037th a public nuisance that must be repaired or demolished. On a on August 20th, code enforcement moved forward and saw quotes for the cost of demolition of the residential structure and three accessory structures. The three quotes 20,750, 18,600, and 17,000. The lowest quote was received from 80 82 auto parts at a cost of 17,000 for all four structures. On August 21st of 2024, Captain Stagger sent an email to the council asking for guidance on six dilapidated structure cases, effectively putting everything on hold and asking for a response by Labor Day. September 9th of last year, Captain

recorded no email response from any counselor. Therefore, he advised code enforcement to proceed with five of the six cases. The one case that did not proceed at that time was the Robinson case. And at that point, the Robinsons had retained an attorney and that's why that case was not moved forward with September 12th. After discussing with myself, the case was put on hold, noting that more heirs needed to be notified and restarting the 45day deadline. On December the 19th, 2024, code enforcement reached out to Kcha Hall, one of the property owners, to discuss the property and inquired about the other owners. Miss Hall advised that she would get Mary Davis, Jacqueline Jones, and Gwindelyn Williams to get in touch with with his office. December 23rd of last year, code enforcement returned a phone call from Jacqueline Jones and discussed the current status of the structures on the property. Miss Jones reminded code enforcement of our conversation on April 24th and 25th of that last year where her family expressed their intention to bring the property into compliance. Code enforcement informed her that they would be mailing the relevant documents for the case and once they are sent the 45day timeline would begin. Code enforcement also explained that she has the right to discuss the matter with the city council. Code enforcement then requested the contact information uh for the other property owners. [clears throat and cough] On December 26th of last year, after speaking with all three property owners, code enforcement sent new notices and started the 45day timeline again. On February 4th of this year, Miss Jones called and left a message. Code enforcement officer Johnson returned the call where Miss Jones requested to set up a meeting on February 5th at 11:00

a.m. On February [snorts] 5th of this year, [clears throat] Captain Walker, Lieutenant Amos, code enforcement officer Johnson met with Jacqueline Jones, Miss Hall, and Miss Williams to discuss the dilapidated structure case for 1037. Code enforcement reviewed with the owners the reasons for the property being dilapidated and addressed the conditions of the various buildings on the site. Code enforcement also discussed the necessary steps to extend the case timeline. The primary requirement for an extension is the submission of a complete and detailed contractor's estimate including specific dates for the completion of each task. and they were given a deadline of March 17th on February 5th in which to submit this estimate. They revised there would be specific deadlines that must be adhered to in order to proceed with the project. On March 17th, more than a month and a half after that February 5th meeting, code enforcement reinspected the property and found it was still in a dilapidated condition. On March 17th, the same individuals met with the property owners once again to address the lack of any progress with the property. A letter was sent that outlined the property owner's intention to delay the process before code enforcement escalated the case to the city council. Code enforcement discussed the possibility of demolishing one of the back structures on the property and remodeling the house. However, when code enforcement acquired about obtaining a timeline or estimate from a contractor, it was revealed that the original contractor had never provided an estimate or a timeline for the work. [clears throat] Also, on March 17th, code enforcement explained the next step in the process

would be sending the case to the city council for April 2nd, 2025. Uh the individuals at the meeting suggested they may contact the mayor or city council members to address the issue directly. Code enforcement advised them if they would provide an estimate or a timeline before noon on March 25th, code enforcement would consider halting the escalation to the city council. However, if they did not receive such documentation, we would be obligated to forward the case to the city council for further action. On March 25th, there's a note that no documentation was provided by the owners or representatives. On April 22nd, a reinspection was conducted prior to moving forward with the property on the council agenda. Code enforcement found that two of the structures at the rear of the property had been demolished. However, there were no permits issued for the address, nor was there a request for reinspection for showing work that had been accomplished. Code enforcement set the case for review in six months since some progress had been made. On October 18th or October 8th of this year, an email was sent to Miss Hall, Miss Williams, Miss Jones, and Mr. Boyd, the contractor, to inquire about the status of the property plans. Code enforcement gave the property owners until the close of business on October 13th to respond. On October 13th, the contractor responded to an email stating the family planned to have a roofer address the roof and chimney issues. According to the contractor's email, he intended to follow up with the roofer to confirm a date and times to inspect the property. However, Mr. Boyd did not provide any further updates. Uh, it's noted that no property owners reached out to the city in October. On October 25th, code enforcement then

contacted 82 Auto Parts to inquire about an updated estimate since two of the accessory structures had been removed. 82 Auto Parts provided an updated estimate of $10,300. On November 4th, the council resolution to authorize the demolition of the residential structure and award the contract to 82 Auto Parts for $10,300. On November 6th, after being contacted by counselor Jackson, Mr. Boyd reached out to request additional time to address the matter. Code enforcement apologized to Mr. Boyd for notating his response on October 13th in the case notes and let him know that code enforcement still has not had contact with the property owners, which is the requirement per state law. On November 6, the city clerk noted that the resolution, which was passed by the council, did not include the language of the accessory structure, which was part of the quote of 10,300. City clerk spoke with the city attorney and he advised that there would need to be an additional resolution to correct the language of the original resolution to include the accessory structure. On November 13th, code enforcement officer Johnson returned a call from Miss Jones and informed her that no work had been observed on the property since April of 2025 when the two structures were removed, nor had any contact been made since March of 2025. Miss Jones stated that she was not aware of any pending action regarding the demolition of the property. Code enforcement reminded her of the two prior meetings held with her and the other owners during which code enforcement explained that if work ceased and did not continue in a timely manner, the city would have to move forward with enforcement. Code enforcement also explained the new process involving the dilapidated structure permit application and

outlined the required documentation. Code enforcement advised her to contact the planning department to ensure she has all the necessary information for the application. On November 14th, while leaving city hall, code enforcement, Johnson saw Mr. Boyd and Miss Jones at approximately 11:35 a.m. Mr. Boyd asked about the dilapidated permit application. And while they were just informed about the process, code enforcement explained this was a new step that was not available when the case was opened initially. Code enforcement directed them to the planning department. On November 14th, 2025, Miss Jones, Miss Williams, and Miss Hall met with the office manager at the planning department at noon for approximately four hours and discussed the property what would be required for the property. Mr. Boyd, the contractor, and Germaine, a nephew, were also in attendance at the start of the meeting. Mr. Boyd left around 12:30 p.m., and Germaine left approximately 2 p.m. The planning department did not specify the accessory structure part to the family, but gave them until December 1st to submit the required paperwork to go along with the demolition permit application. On November 18th, the council resolution to correct the language to include the accessory structure along with the residential structure um and award the contract 82 auto parts was passed. Also on November 18th, the family spoke at the city council meeting requesting more time and asking for clarification on the specific needs to bring the property into compliance. Uh myself met with the family after the meeting to discuss and they were also provided with my contact information. Uh the city council advised the family if they did get the permit it would be

good for six months and if making progress it could be extended. Uh it's noted that yesterday, December 1st, 2025, that all documentation was not submitted by the deadline, but the family did submit a letter requesting more time. I do note that the letter included a project overview which included a few bullet points. Owner verification established. Plan of action prior to permit issuance. Tarping roof and add-on structure. Chimney engineer to inspect the chimney soundness. Engage the services of a structural damage engineer. Seek financial assistance to help complete storm damage repairs. Seek additional time to complete the remaining project. obtain non-demolition letter in good faith from the city and county of Prattville. And then finally, 113 Ism Street, if you bear with me, this timeline's much shorter. Um, September 20th, 2024, the property was sent to building inspector to see if it was a dilapidated structure. An email was sent to the city council informing them of the potential dilapidated structure and it was instructed to proceed with the process if we don't hear from the council by October 14th, 2025. On September 30th, the building inspector completed his inspection. Signs were posted on the property and letters mael out certified mail to the name and address on the tax records. On November 4th, the property was reinspected at 113 ISM. The code enforcement officer found the building to be in the same

condition as it was during the initial inspection. The officer also found the permit the owner pulled to repair the structure on December 24th. The permit was good for six months, so the deadline was set for June 3rd, 2025. A reinspection of the property was completed on the dilapidated structure at 13 Ism Street. The roof still had holes, windows were broken, and the doors were boarded up. The owners did pull a permit in December 2024, but the permit had been voided due to no work being completed on the structure. On June 4th of this year, the case was sent to be placed on the agenda for the June 10th city council meeting. On June 10th, a letter was uploaded to the council from Miss Townson to request more time to repair the property. On July 15th, 2025, Greer Services had a quote for the demolition of 5,700 and the case was sent back to the council for their approval. On July 26th of this year, code enforcement sent Miss Townson an email to inform her of the dilapidated structure permit application and where to deliver it to. Uh the application was attached to the email. On October 29th, code enforcement handd delivered the dilapidated structure application to Miss Townson at 102 White Oak Court. On November 4th, Miss Townson brought a copy of her completed permit application and she informed that it had turned into the planning department and she was informed that she had until December 1st to have the supporting documentation turned into the planning department. I have a note as of December 1st, 2025,

no response documentation or calls were received yesterday. However, on December 2nd, today, a handwritten letter was received. I'll read this letter. It says, "To whom it may concern, we, the family that is left to take care of 113 Isome Street property, will begin work on the front of the house and and have it completed by the end of December, weather permitting. decking and facial boards in January. We will continue on to the back as we are working with an out-of- pocket budget. The back has a two-part section, that second being finished in March. We will keep your office updated as our progress continues. All is contingent on the weather, also depending on when a permit is granted. And that is the end of my update. Thank you.

Thank you. Are any any counselors have any questions for Mr.

Yes, sir. Um, Mr. ODM. [clears throat] I know one of the issues I had after the meeting that we had to demolish the home on uh the Jones property on Seventh Street was when I did talk to the um property owner and the contractor the next day. I know I spoke with Miss Jones and she mentioned that um they had been working with a contractor. I did speak with the contractor and I was talking to him and I mentioned that according to the packet that we received that there had been no contact and of course you addressed here where the code enforcement because I did ask Mr. the contractor to submit well forward the email correspondence with code enforcement to us. So, I know that was part of my decision making to condemn the property because it said that did not have uh contact with the either a party, but they did. Also, looking at the packet that we received, um it seemed that uh apparently there were five members of the estate. And according to the packet that we received, we only have a certified letter that was sent to one of the surviving members of the estate. It did not include anyone else's information. Um, so that went into part of my decision to tear down the property. But going back and after I talked to Miss Jones that morning, she mentioned that the house or apartment that the certified letter was sent to, the sibling did not live at that address. So, there were I think there's still three of them still alive, but our packet only showed uh a certified letter going to one and

she did not live at that address. And apparently she hadn't lived at address at that address maybe like a year and a half prior to us sending that. And then I did not see in the packet where we sent um a certified letter to any of the other members part of that estate. And in this email here, it said that there were five. So that went into decision making process as well. Um because this is all we had and if this is what we have, that's what we make our decision on based it looks like as if they had not communicated and then that we had reached out to the uh decision makers in that family even though it only shows that we had one. Um, also going back with Mr. Boyd and talking to him. Um, well, no, let me get off of that. I got a bunch of notes I was making while you were talking. Um, one of the issues I had the next day was the new process that we have in place as far as the application is concerned. So once Mr. Boyd sent that email to us showing his correspondence with with uh code enforcement, I went online to see where the dilapidated structure application was. where there was not one online. So, I ended up questioning and code enforcement did send it to all of us and I know that they gave them basically a 24-hour turnaround to have this application done. Everyone saw the individuals that were here. They're elderly in individuals. And so, um,

for them to have a 24-hour turnaround at that time to go over this process and fill out an application because I think even in the process in this timeline that you talked through where they spent several [snorts] hours down here code enforcement and I think talking to Mr. Boyd, he had spent many hours talking to them, you know, just trying to help them through this process. So it's a new process and I think with this being such a new process and then I think some uh responsibilities have been remove from have been moved from code enforcement to planning. We got a new process and I think I even mentioned before that maybe we need to kick the application process and some of these steps back to committee so that we're educated as a a a governing body as to how this process works and then possibly also if we can help educate our constituents because this has been a hot topic. And so they went over to coding for I mean to planning and obviously planning this is all new to them. They were saying they even told them hey this is all new to us as well. So I think with this being such a sensitive issue and a hot topic. I just think again I'm going to say we need to extend some grace to some of these older people in our community um with these processes especially when you're talking about using technology uh changing up processes and changing up steps that I have no clue what the changes are you know and I'm sure if the public if we don't know the public don't know and like I said that even that day I think there were some correspondence I was like where do I find this application and I know we extended them to some time until yesterday, but we did just have the holidays and everything else is going on. I think even Miss

Jones mentioned to me that, you know, all of that she had been under the weather and her siblings had been under the weather. So again, I think you take into consideration all of those things when we're making a decision. And I think it's going to be important that this body here go back and look at the steps and the processes to make sure that everything is tightened up, make sure we're following what we need to do to take care of these people because we can sure I mean it it doesn't mean anything to some people because I think from from their standpoint this is a hundred year old home and if we just raise our hands to tear down their property It's not going to mean anything, but to them it may mean the world. And I think we need to as a governing body kick this back, make sure we sit down with planning, make sure we sit down with code enforcement, sit down with you, Andrew, to go through our process to make sure we have this tightened up and that all of us are educated on it. make sure we can educate the public because we don't need to have any missteps or issues with anyone's property because I did talk to them as well. They have already invested about 15 to $20,000 into uh tearing down some of those uh other structures around the house. So, it's not as if they haven't been trying, but again, they are older and then they do have other issues. But I just think it's time for us as a governing body to um tighten up our process and make sure we're doing right by the people moving forward. So I don't know if we need to see some uh demolition until we rework this process and work through this and uh move forward.

Any other questions for Mr. Oden? and council Jackson, I will address just briefly the notice issue. So, per the state code, what we're required to do for dilapidated structures is send it to the tax address of record. So, that is what is what is done. And I know I was asked specifically about this property um early early on in the process because it was a state property and of course there's numerous heirs. So with that, in addition to sending it to the tax notice, I advise code enforcement, follow the rules of civil procedure, run publication as well, which is a common method used in the legal world to provide notice when there are numerous errors to a specific piece of property. Uh, but I agree it, you know, it is a new process and we're trying to work through it. And I think communication is key and good faith steps moving forward. That's going to be what it takes. Any other questions from Okay, thank you.

[clears throat]

Thank you for that. Um, Councelor Jackson and and and city councilors. Uh, we will work with the property owners once again to ensure that they understand the process and and the new process that we're talking about here is actually giving them some additional grace. is actually giving in my opinion a broader safety net for them, but it's also giving protection to the city uh city councilors and others as well because there have been some cases where someone comes in, gets a building or demolition permit, mostly a remodeling permit maybe, and they don't do anything with it, then they come back and that's how the politics gets involved in here. And I have to say that our code enforcers, our planning department, um, all very professional. They are human as well. And I think listing some of this timeline, you can actually hear how human they are because they're giving them additional time trying to work with them. I know Sally Owens and in the planning department over there, I think she spent more than four hours with the Joneses or the 103 uh owners there. And so there has been a lot of uh additional time trying to help them through this process. But uh rest assure that uh we will work with them again to sure they understand the process. However, the council has already authorized staff take action on this on this address. But we will work uh with them to because once the any structure vehicle whatever might happen to be whatever is demolished um you cannot bring it back. So, we want to uh make certain we follow all the all the processes, but the new process, and I'm saying this for others out in video land, the new process actually adds additional safety nets out

there for whatever property owners there are. Uh, as far as 107th Street, staff has been directed by council to gather and provide additional documentation. This information will be brought back to the council just as soon as possible. councilors. Uh I have received documentation from my library regarding the cost stabilization needs of the building. The estimated cost is approximately $375 to $400,000. I have an exact price on that. I uh pass along to council president in here, but uh Mr. President, uh how would you like to proceed on this matter? Um, so being a matter of urgent need, uh, I would like to at this point go ahead and, um, pass that to the facilities committee, uh, which Council Jackson chairs and then, um, hopefully have them review that and have, um, a solution or a resolution ready by the next meeting if that's possible. And I would like to say again for others listening uh this is basically a stabilization process. It is the building will still be unlevel in that corner. Uh still be some additional work. Um what I have picked up from from some library staff is what they would like to do is actually if there will be a larger greater plan down the road building an additional square footage area in in front of this building. Some that was discussed when we were on site a few weeks ago. They would like to leave this area as storage and that way you don't have to spend the additional money to levelize it and uh and open it up to the general public. So they see that in a a positive manner for this which will save us some monies along that line. Uh but again to my recommendation that as it was discussed many many times with

councelor Strickland where this uh library process would be recognized as education and actually I hope that uh council will uh utilize some of that money for this project and hopefully the next round of project [clears throat] to increase the square footage of the library. And again, I guess for the record, I would prefer a new building itself, remove this one, but there has been a lot of um studies looking to see where could it be built and then also the I guess basically the sands of time. We're not standing still for anyone. So, yes,

I'll wait for um councelor Jackson to call that meeting. Counselors, uh some of our history of North Highland Park has been lost to the sands of time. And I mention this because it has been brought to my attention that the city received federal funds in the 1970s which designated NHP as an LWCF park and in accordance with federal requirements. I will have the appropriate plaque installed on site just as soon as possible. Uh I know there's been a lot of reason why I say it's been lost to the sands of time for a while. I thought forever and ever that we the city owned the park and come to find out in 2016 or so we the city did not own it. Uh the North Island Community Center thought they owned it. Come to find out the board of ed owned it. And as research was done I believe it was in the late 50s or so uh the board of ed was uh leasing renting renting the property to the city of Praval. But uh so that park um and we have found some other documentations where I think it was in the 80s we were told we need to put up a plaque and so that has not gotten done but we will get that done just as soon as possible. Additionally, we're not being able to lo locate any documentation ina indicating that North Highland Park, Newton Park, Vista Point or the Grove were ever formally approved by the city council. We need to have further discussions on this, especially considering the ordinance before the council tonight. And also, Council Langley, you requested that I send this council the city attorney's comments regarding the pay plan. After reviewing the matter, I realize these comments have already part of the official council record voted on November the 11th, 2025. So, each of you should already have that information. Councilors, I want to briefly note as we see tonight a seating adjustment for our

city attorney. After hearing feedback from some city councilors, the city attorney sitting beside the mayor is not a neutral look. He has decided to relocate his seating. We should avoid undue pressure as this is not reflective of the professional standards that should guide our work. Our attorney's role is to provide impartial legal advice to the council and the administration, not to navigate individual preferences, preferences or political pressures. I respectfully ask that we uphold a professional environment that allows him to perform his duties without interference. Also, I'd like to ask some questions about agenda item number two if I might because there are so many questions about previous names recently mentioned. Newton Park, North Island Park, Vista Point, The Grove work um is will there be a work session on this? Is there a plan for that? because reading it over uh and there are some activities planned in some of these areas, the Grove for example, car shows, the farmers market and and so forth. U reading the ordinances I've interpreted um any publications about the Grove, any publication we might have about Vista Point, I guess basically any publication about North Island Park. um and in Newton Park and they have not been voted on that we can find records on. We have found records on so so many others but not these and there might be some others out there. So there are sometimes with legislative acts sometimes there can be some unforeseen consequences and I don't want to see that moving forward. So will there be a work session?

Will it be grandfathered in of of names? Yeah, there's no plans for a work session at this time.

Um, having gone through the ordinance and looking at it, there is an opportunity, I believe, for us to ratify and affirm names that um are in place and have been used. If if that be the case, it would it would come as a individual uh case by case on those if we determine they are not or have not been officially named. Well, if this is u approved tonight and um gone through the proper steps, the ordinance is approved tonight, gone through the proper steps um and there is some publications out there because I know um different departments have different mailouts, different activities going on and that might be in violation of the ordinance. What guidance do I have from the council? I I guess that would be um Mr. ODM, is it proper to discuss the ordinance with it not before us?

Yeah, I think this would probably be better placed in the discussion portion when this is before us and uh you know that point feel free to man answer the mayor's questions regarding it. Okay. Thank you. Well, um, just as a reminder, Spillway Park, uh, we'll have a ribbon cutting Thursday at 6:30. Our Christmas tree lighting Thursday at 700 p.m. Christmas parade Friday at 7 p.m. And, uh, council president, uh, that concludes my report. Yes, sir. Uh, at this time, are there any questions from the council for the mayor?

Yes. Two two quick questions. I know um I just sent you guys an email about trying to set up a meeting uh facilities meeting to discuss the library. Now you just mentioned uh using money from the education to address the library. Uh what's your thought process on that? Uh again there's been many many discussions with uh former council councelor Strickland and uh I think um it was very well noted talked about openly about you uh how important education is and the library was recognized as education component and also the um generations called at the time I think it's now called the Pratt and I think both of those were highly discussed where those should be recognized as education components. I believe that's a part of the spirit of um of that ordinance.

And I asked that just because I know with the education being a hot topic and how we spend money um just from your perspective because I mean if it if we end up going that route, you know, they're going to be tons of questions asked of the seven of us and of course including you. you know, why did you guys decide to use uh money from for the library from the education pot and not the facilities pot? Well, I'll be glad to give you my personal opinion on that if that's what you're asking for.

Like my personal Yeah. Yeah. Well, my personal opinion is I live, work, and and navigate around uh downtown and all over. I go down Douster Road, Douster Street, Pratt Street, uh Washington Street, you know, all that whole area. uh probably quite a bit more than the average person listening right now or in this room and uh I see all the traffic that is over there at the library. I have been to several functions where there's a lot um it might be very surprising to a lot of folks how large of a homeschoolbased um students that we have here in town that they use a lot of uh the library resources but then also we have a lot of seniors that I see down there utilizing some of the uh technology with the computers and so forth and uh it's also a a social gathering place for some so it's a very which to me is also a part of of education as well. Some of our social skills, soft skills has been known has been lost to I guess the sand of times again. But so to me it's very very important. I see it as a key key component of education for those various reasons and many more I could come up with. And my last question um you know with all the talk on social media people coming here discussing u with the naming situation um you've sat in this role that we've been in I don't know tw how many terms did you do?

One and a half on the council.

Okay. And it's just challenging, you know, with the naming and uh, you know, with us voting it down. Then people are saying, you know, they're still promoting it even though you guys uh voted it down. But from your perspective, how do we how should we address those concerns from the perspective as a council member when our uh constituents are saying, "Hey, you guys voted this down," but they're still promoting it on social media, Facebook, Instagram, you know, as if we don't have the power. So, how do you suggest we attack and well, not attack, but respond to those inquiries and concerns from our constituents when this type of with, you know, with this type of issue that we have before us?

Well, I think you can explain to him the mayor is waiting uh the spirit of cooperation. when I received a letter, um we looked in ways that uh thought we could um honor some of the letter that was sent to me by the council president. Uh the three trees that were put up there that seem to be in question and again definitely not $10,000. That's some Facebook land numbers there and everything else. But uh and to go in a little little more detail on that one if if you don't mind.

Yes, sir. Um uh there's several projects that we have before us in the very near future. Uh some are are in various areas of the community. Some are I just put it that way. But the the three trees are in question. Uh they uh they can be easily replanted, repurposed, recycled in a in a very positive way in another area. But as soon as soon as the council uh gives us some clear directions on what to do uh as far as the name, we'll be glad to move forward with it.

And I'm glad you brought up the trees. I I forgot about those. Did they cost 10,000? Because I've got so many calls and texts and I'm like I have no clue. Would you like to know how much?

Sure. They're approximately $225 a piece. But again, we have plans for future use of those. Just like um we have recycled, repurposed, we we the city put up a swag chain fence over here by the primary school years and years ago and the board of ed has replaced that with a more of a modern looking full fence and they gave us the swag chain back and we have it being repurposed for another project. So we uh are I'm very proud of our staff. We seem to to uh pinch pennies very very well. Thank you.

Thank you. Are there any other questions for the mayor? Okay.

Thank you. Not not necessarily a question, but I I would like to um discuss with you this week the possibility of uh possibly getting the planning director, maybe uh code enforcement directors or or people that are over code enforcement um together to look at uh after the first of the year, of course, get get the holidays out of the way. uh maybe to have a a a council work session to completely look at the entire process, the ordinance that's associated with the process. Um discuss all the different facets of it to make sure that we are clear on it. And then that would give us the information necessary to determine uh whether there needed to be maybe some changes to the process or some changes to the ordinance itself. Um but we can we can discuss that. be glad to or uh don't want to pick on our city clerk over here or her staff, but uh you know be glad to meet with you anytime like we have been meeting on a semi-regular basis, but uh be glad to set up uh have someone some city staff to set up a meeting for for our for the future uh look at those different ordinances.

All right. Thank you, sir. Thank you. All right. This time we'll move into reports from the council on special committees. Council Newman, nothing at this time. Council [clears throat] Jackson, no. Councelor Chambers, sir. Councelor Merrick, no sir. Councelor Strick, no. Councelor Langley,

uh, yes. [clears throat] Not necessarily a report from a committee meeting, but I do want to acknowledge our sanitation department. And on Friday when we were all off work, our sanitation workers were hard at work um at 6:30 that morning. And I appreciate that. and Tracy, you're always here in in that back seat back there. And just um give your guys give your guys a big thank you from the city of Prattville for going the extra mile and for working when when we're not. We're sleeping late and they were out slinging trash and it was cold outside. So, thank you very much.

All right. And I have none. Tonight, we have the opportunity to create a consent agenda. There are 10 items to be considered on this agenda and they are as follows. Number one, a resolution to authorize the mayor to have overgrown grass and weeds at 356 Booth Lane, 809 Doure Avenue and 221 Lee Drive abated and charge any incurred expenses for the abatement process pursuant to chapter 46 city of Prattville code of ordinances. Resolution number two to authorize the city attorney to affix the cost for the removal of garbage and rubbish at 464 Dawson Street. Item three is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 505 Mockingberg Court 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 four is a resolution to authorize the city attorney to affix the cost for the removal of stagnant water and garbage and rubbish at 105 Griffith Avenue. Item number five is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 1406 Long View Heights 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 six is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 321 Martin Luther King 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 seven is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish and stagnant water at 725 Hillrest 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 462 West Drive 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 nine is a resolution to appoint

Elizabeth Paige Hartley to the Historic Preservation Commission. And item number 10 is a resolution to appoint councelor Wade Newman to the planning commission. All right. Do I hear a motion to create a consent agenda? So motion made. Is there a second? Second by councelor Jackson. All in favor of creating a consent agenda. Please raise your right hand. All oppose like sign. Any abstain? Consent agenda is now before us. Do I hear a motion to adopt the consent agenda? All right. Motion is made by councelor Jackson. Do we have a second? Second.

Second by councelor Newman. Is there any discussion on the consent agenda? Right. Not hearing any. All in favor of adopting consent agenda, please raise your right hand. All oppose like sign and any abstain. And the consent agenda is adopted. We'll now move into our regular agenda. Item number one on our regular agenda um is an ordinance to reszone property located inside the corporate limits at 1320 Old Ridge Road East from Fest Agriculture Recreational District to institutional district. Petitioner is Central Alabama Community College. This was introduced on 114 2025 and this ordinance is now properly before us. Is there any discussion on this ordinance? All right, not hearing any. All in favor of this ordinance, signify by raising your right hand. Any opposed like sign and any abstain? The ordinance is adopted. Second item on the agenda is an ordinance to establish city of Pratville code of ordinances chapter 2 administration article 2 city council division 3 setting procedures for the naming and renaming of municipally owned properties. Councelor Langley, will you introduce this ordinance by title only?

I thought you just did that. Yes. And you yeah do it again. To establish the an ordinance to establish the city of Prattville code of ordinances chapter 2 administration article 2 city council division 3 setting procedures for the naming and renaming of municipallyowned properties. So moved. All right. We have a motion. Thank you. Do we have a second? Seconded by councelor Newman. As a point of order for this ordinance to be considered tonight. It will require suspension of the rules. Do I hear a motion to suspend the rules? So moved by councelor Jackson. Second.

Seconded by councelor Newman. Madame clerk, will you conduct a roll call vote? Councelor Newman, yes. Councelor Jackson, yes. Councelor Chambers, yes. Councelor Merritt, yes. Councelor Wley, yes. Councelor Stretch, Councelor Langley,

yes. All right, we do have a motion to uh suspend the rules and this ordinance is now properly before us. Is there any discussion? Yes, sir. I just I'd like to get some questions answered that you had in regards to uh any what's the plan and name of any city owned properties like retroing and things that like we started getting in that conversation. I'd like to kind of continue that and see what pe what everybody has as far as what they're thinking on that.

Um Mr. ODM, as far as the legalities of the ordinance as it is written, um would there be a process for uh ratifying and affirming names that are already there? Would it cause issues with names that are being used that were not um approved through the council through through a council action?

Council president. So currently the ordinance does apply to all municipally owned property. I mean that would include properties some of the ones the mayor mentioned Vista Point Park, the Grove, uh other properties that did not go through the council approval process. I do note under section 34 subsection five, it does have an avenue for replication of an existing name. Um, and just kind of thinking through this, one of the ways that could be done is compile a list of all currently named properties that did not go through the official naming process and perhaps do a resolution, one resolution that just listed all those, ratify and affirmed all of those. But I think in the interim, the mayor did bring up a good point about the publication that has gone out for some of those u how this ordinance would affect that. Um, so I mean that of course the council would be free to carve out any exceptions to that. Um, and list properties that would be subject to that exception or properties that would not be covered by that that exception. Okay. Um, so I I guess what I'm hearing you say is that if we pass the ordinance as it is now, we're not going to continue to use one name that is not supposed to be used. We're going to use multiple names that are not supposed to be used because of the passing of the ordinance. Now,

that's correct.

Okay. All right. Are there are there any other comments or questions? Any amendments that you might suggest that would help us out with this tonight? I think a a clear and concise amendment uh that could not create a lot of confusion would be to put something such as if a property has not previously been named by the council, but has been in existence for more than six months. Uh then that would be accepted from section 34 subsection 4. Of course that would cover Vista Point Park, The Grove, things of that nature if if my timing is correct. So can I make a comment?

Sure.

So you know the intent of this is for housekeeping. That's what the intent of this is for is to make sure we get a process in place because I mean we have a textbook example right here with the one that we're dealing with and now many others of why we need a process. If there was ever an example, we have it in front of us. This isn't an attempt to uh defame or demean or sink any of the parks and wrecks or public facility names in the city. We just want to do housekeeping. This is abs actually probably a really good time to to do this. Um, you know, under uh 3-4 subsection or number one, the official naming and renaming of municipality owned property shall be approved by the council resolution during a regular. I mean, I would think we could bring in an amendment. I mean, I have an amendment here now. I think we could quickly write an amendment in the same manner tonight to bring forward that would address anything that has been pre-existingly named because we have authority to go back and rename something. So even if we did a cart blanch approval of existing names and then say in another month or two or three we realize one of those wasn't isn't accurate or we have an issue with it, we can come back and address it because it's in this ordinance that we can do that.

So I don't see an issue with amending this with a quick uh amendment that addresses pre-existing named facilities and parks and so forth staying like they are and becoming official now. And then if we do find something that's an issue, we address it like the ordinance gives us the authority to do. Now, I I appreciate that. And I'd also just mention it, my main concern, too, has been like any with the Christmas season coming up, events, things like this that people are trying to put out there on social media that are going to use those those names that we technically have not. Yeah, I agree.

That's why I'm asking that is because is that going to get us in any kind of, you know, corner? Um, or do we need to try to do something to try to at least temporarily clean that up so we can if these if these these locations or these people want to have some some events at these locations that they can use that name and they can put that out there and nothing's coming back on us after we approve this or if we approve this again. We should be able to address that cart blanch tonight before we approve it. adding a line that says pre-existing parks names remain in effect and become official words to that effect upon the passage of the resolution. And then if we do find a problem with one, we now have the authority through this name process to go back and make a correction to it. You know, I don't think I personally don't want Newton Park to not be called Newton Park, for example, or Farmers Grove. I have no issue with those. But if we did find an issue,

but if they're going to have an event at Newton Park, we need to make sure we're we're covered. That's what I'm trying to address. Yeah. We address it tonight with a with an amendment to the ordinance. We should if we can do that. If we can do that, then yeah. Yeah. I'd like to do that because I agree with counselor that chambers that we should fix it. You know, that's what this is for is an administrative cleanup. Okay. So, I just want to make sure so I'm not totally confused on this. anything that's named right now is going to stay the name or are you saying with this there's an option to change that name somewhere down the road? So I was saying

we have to and if someone brings it up to change it we vote on whether or not it's changed. So it has to be unanimous. Yeah. Yeah. And the and the issue is we have things that are in a mixed state right now. We're finding we have some things that have been officially named and some things that haven't been. And this ordinance, when we put it into effect, needs to fix that. It's an administrative housekeeping ordinance. It's to say all these parks are officially named what we've been calling them. And we have a process now going forward on how we'll name all facilities. And in this ordinance, we can rename something if we want to. So, if for example tonight we pass it with the two amendments

that we want to put in there, the one about making them official tonight and the other one that I have, then we would be set on all names, they'd all be official. And if for some reason you didn't like Newton Park and you brought it up and we all unanimously agreed, we could change the name of the park. We have the authority to do that now. The way we exist now, we have a hodgepodge of officially named and unofficially named parks and we need to clean it up. And that's what we would do with this ordinance. And adding that amendment to make them official tonight would fix that and allow us to address it in the future. I didn't realize we had so many that weren't officially named until Mayor brought it up.

And I'm on the same line. I I just want to make sure again that we're covered and uh people will be safe to be able to use these names if they're going to have a events and that uh it nothing's going to come back on the council for that. Mr. President. Yes, sir. If I might. Thank you.

Yes. also uh not only protect uh the council our citizens but also the employees because I have heard because I guess for the record uh staff and I have not been a part of any of this. That's why I'm asking some of the questions but you know what I've heard from other elected officials is that uh there's been one attempt to put a name on the agenda. There's also been some talk about uh um uh terminating employees if they advertise some And I mean this is just um I think is the process um has not been well thought out but again too I have not been on the inside uh even though I suggested that welcome to be a part of it but um I know this is council action but sometimes when you have some um internal input and I'll say that uh there's not there's been very very very little internal input on this uh outside of the council. Again, I don't know what the council's been doing, but uh I need to make certain that our city employees are not going to be having to be worried about their jobs.

So, none of that language is in here. How easy it can be that I guess basically one way to put it to put the horse the cart before the horse. And so, can I address some of that?

Yes, sir. Council Ne. It is true there have been since I've been elected at least I have attempted to put something together that would be functional for the city to use and streamlined effective and efficient and I've worked really hard on it and there's been several iterations Paula can attest to this several iter and Andrew as well several iterations where I've started from a a base and spital a few things and pass some things around asked for feedback from every counselor um trying to do something that we could get fixed as quickly as possible. And yes, there have been some I I personally said, you know, if you know, we need to address put some teeth in it. If somebody does something they shouldn't, maybe they should be terminated. I did say that. Then I realized it didn't need to go in there because we already have processes in place to deal with terminating employees. So, I took it out. And yes, I hadn't haven't um uh uh ran it by anybody but the counselors because we were trying to get our act together to present it. And that's what we have tonight is what I think is a really good ordinance that that addresses what the council can do in naming and and administratively ensuring that we have a streamlined, professional, thorough uh good process in place. I do have one amendment that I want to add that I've been working on today which I think will address the things Mr. Bear that you're talking about. gives the council the flexibility to work with the city in a way because I had a military mindset around laying this out in the ordinance which was not the right way to do this. So I took that back. We've got one amendment that will give us the authority to work with the city and come up with a solution where we collaborate. So I'd like to work with that when we're ready to go with that. Um, so are we is is there an amendment for the previous named we were discussing that. Is that something we're not ready to introduce

yet? I mean, we we can do that from the for tonight though, right? Yeah, we we can enter the amendment. I'm just asking are do you need more time on that? Yeah, maybe a five minute recess to just get the wording correct. I have I have Does anybody have any issue with a fivem minute recess? I have no problem with that. at 7:21. Um, we will reconvene at 7:26.

You can Yeah, like that. Make sure you got That's it.

Good y'all. United States.

Yeah, I don't Well, there's different things.

She's like That's not All right. You ready? All right. We are uh reconvening at 7:32. It took a little longer than five minutes. All right, we will continue uh discussion on item agenda item number two.

Uh I'd like to offer up an amendment if I may, please. Yes, sir. Um I'd like to amend line 29 um on I guess it's page two. uh said to say uh existing informal names are accepted from section three to four 34 3 and four until officially named renamed or ratified by resolution of the council in accordance with this ordinance. So did you is that in the form of a motion? I motion that. Yes. Thank you.

All right. So that a motion to amend with the amendment in writing has been made by councelor Chambers. Is there a second to the motion? Seconded by councelor Merritt. All right. Is there any discussion on the motion to amend?

I have a question about it. Just as it's written existing informal names. What exactly does that mean? And does the structure across the street that seems to have an informal name or an unauthorized name? name. Is that an unauthorized name or an informal name? I don't want to blanket this one in under the name it is that's been approve un approved by by doing this. You understand? You understand what I'm saying? Would that catch 22 is what I'm saying?

Yeah. I think the only way would be to specifically list the address if you want to carve that out as an exception. I mean, in my my my viewpoint is it has not been named. So, it's not a an informal name. Even though the name is still being used, it's not in it's not an authorized name. So, I'm I'm hoping that existing informal names does not capture the one we're trying to name. It's the only one that hasn't been named. So, it doesn't have a informal name, does it? Does that make sense? It does.

So, I guess I'm just asking. I don't want to blanket that one in because we're dealing with it. I want to blanket all the others in. So, do you make the amendment stating [clears throat] uh existing and formal names are accepted yada yada yada in accordance with this ordinance except 124 West Main Street? Or or would we even need to do that? Is it is it an informal name? I guess is is it fall under the category of an informal name I guess is the question I'm asking because if it doesn't then we're fine. Yeah. And that's kind of why I made the suggestion existing six months prior. Okay. I think that would

kind of cover that. Um, if you didn't want to specifically list an address, I guess I would just ask how do you guys I mean what is anybody else have any thoughts on it? Because that's the only one that's not officially named and I don't know even though it's been going by the name that it was started with. I don't want it to fall in the informal category while we're trying to deal with that one. Right. Yeah. It it doesn't seem like adding that would do anything but to clarify and to be more specific. And I think that's a great idea to do that. Okay. Uh that is your motion to amend. If are you referring to putting the address in there? I'm fine with that. I

just with the exception of this particular address. That's fine for by me if we have to do that. That's I guess all I was asking. I'd like to make that motion to add that as well. All right. Would you mind rereading it? What was the address one? What we hold just one point of order. Um do you need does he need to withdraw his second Andrew since we have seconded that? I think proper procedure would be to vote on the initial amendment, vote it down and then make another amendment and read it in exactly how it needs to be voted on. Okay. So,

so we have a motion, a second, discussion. We have a motion. We have a second. We've had discussion. This is on the original um amendment as it is printed before us, which does not omit 124 West Main Street. Right. So, um all in favor of the amended motion, uh signify by raising your right hand. All right. All oppose like sign. and any abstain. Okay. And that amended motion, the amendment fails. All right.

Okay. I'd like to offer up uh under the motion for amendment. Again, line 29, uh, stating existing informal names excluding 124 West Main Street, Praville, Alabama, are accepted from section three to four, three and four until officially named, renamed, and ratified by resolution of the council in accordance with this ordinance. All right, we do have the motion and is is um in writing and now is there a second? Yes. Yeah. Yes. 24 was added in there. Is there a second? Second. Second by councelor Newman. All right. Any discussion on this amendment?

I I just want to make it clear. The only reason I'm asking for that accepted is to make sure it goes through the process the right way and that we we bring the rest up to code. Not to slide it or diss it. We're dealing with it. So, I'd rather deal with it. Okay. Any other discussion? All right. So all in favor of the amendment as it has been read and seconded signify by raising your right hand. All oppose like sign any abstain and the amendment passes. All right. Are there any other any further discussion or amendments to be offered?

Yes. I want to add an amendment to page two uh the line after 6 under section 3-4 number which would be number seven and I I pass it out to everybody. I don't know if you have it or not, Paula. I took it from you, I think, but I can read it in. It's the council has the authority to create committees, panels, or adopt additional procedures as necessary to effectuate, administr. So, we have a motion for that amendment. Is there a second? Second.

Second by councelor Langley. All right. Is there any discussion on this amendment? I I had I just want to bring out the reason this this I added this amendment was my initial intent was to write a a one-sizefits-all process and I realized that cannot be done because even trying to manage the the um um timeline would be very difficult. An ordinance is like a law and if we wanted to do it in 30 days and we have to have a public meeting and all these things it would make it very difficult to do. So my second approach was to add this amendment to the ordinance which basically gives the council the ability to create committees or panels or adopt additional procedures from this ordinance as needed. So there's a difference in dealing with a fire station for example and naming that as there is a public venue for example naming that. So, this gives us leeway as a council to say we might want to have just the fire chief provide names to us on a fire station, but we may want to have the mayor and his office and he can put together 10 people to decide how to name something or whatever we want to do. This gives us the ability to work through that because naming these facilities, it's not a one-sizefits-all. There's fire stations, there's sanitation buildings, there's, you know, whatever. So that's what this does is gives us the ability to pass this ordinance and then flex as needed when we're dealing with something we need to name. It may be a simple process for some buildings that the mayor's office executive office can recommend to us or that said department can whatever we want to do. This gives us the flexibility to do that. That's my intent.

All right. Is there any other discussion on this motion to amend? All right. Not hearing any. Uh all in favor of this motion to amend signify by raising your right hand. All oppose like sign. Any abstensions? All right. So now we have is there any other discussion or amendments to be brought before this ordinance as amended. All right. So now we have the amended ordinance properly before us. Is there any discussion on this ordinance as amended?

I I do want to make one more comment. Th this has been a very thorough vetting by several of us on the council. We've talked about it back and forth and and made different adjustments. And I think what we have in front of us is a very streamlined, proficient, robust, and ordinance to deal with naming going forward. And that's all I want to say. Any other discussion on the amended ordinance? All right. All in favor of the amended ordinance, please signify by raising your right hand. Any opposed like sign? Any abstain? All right. This ordinance is adopted. Next item on the agenda is uh resolution number three to authorize the mayor to enter into a construction agreement with the state of Alabama department of transportation ALDOT for industrial access project Bowen Way roadway widening and resurfacing project number I AR-001-0000-013 CPMS number 100081255 to benefit project magnol at a total cost not to exceed $1,183,000 net cost to the city zero. Council Langley, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes, sir. to authorize the mayor to enter into a construction agreement with the state of Alabama department of transportation ALDOT for industrial access project Bowen Way roadway widening and resurfacing project number I-00001-0000-013 CPMS number one0081255 5 to benefit Project Magnolia at a total cost not to exceed $1,183,000. The net cost to the city $0. So move

and re you have to read the read the entire thing this time. Yes. Thank you. I'm learning guys. Sorry. You're

fine. Whereas in resolution book 2025- A page 216 on July 15, 2025, the city council of the city of Prattville authorized the city to apply to ALDOT for industrial access road AR grant funding for roadway improvements in South Industrial Park. And whereas the city was awarded 1,183,000 in funding. And whereas the state of Alabama acting by and through ALDOT and the city of Prattville desires to enter into a construction agreement to widen and resurface Bowen Way to benefit Project Magnolia at a total cost not to exceed $1,183,000 net cost to the city $0 with said funds. Now therefore be it resolved that the city council of the city of Prattville enter into said agreement with ALDOT for the industrial access project widen and resurface Bowen Way from County Road 4 approximately 1300 square feet project number I-00001-0000-13 CPMS number 100081 1255. Be it further resolved that the city council does hereby authorize the mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution and that it be attested by the city clerk and the seal of the city affixed thereto. Be it further resolved that upon completion of the execution of set agreement by all parties that a copy of set agreement shall be kept on file by the city clerk adopted the second day of December 2025. So moved.

All right, we have a motion. Do we have a second?

Seconded by councelor Jackson. Is there any discussion? Not hearing any. All in favor of this resolution, please signify by raising your right hand. All oppose like sign. Any abstain? And this resolution is adopted. Next item on the agenda is resolution number four to authorize the release of funds for the purchase of one 2026 Caterpillar 308 excavator through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative contract number 011723-CAT from Thompson Tractor Company Incorporated for wastewater at a cost not to exceed $130,465. Councelor Chambers, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes, sir. Whereas Wastewater has identified a need to purchase one 2026 Caterpillar 308 excavator and whereas set equipment is available through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative contract number 011723-CAT from Thompson Tractor Company Incorporated at a cost not to exceed $130,465. Whereas this is a budgeted expense for the wastewater enterprise fund. Now therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of Bravo that funds in the amount not to exceed $130,465 for the purchase of set equipment are hereby authorized and approved to be paid to Thompson Tractor Company Incorporated and said funds are approved and appropriated from fiscal year 2026 budget line item wastewater enterprise fund capital outlay. So move.

All right, we have a motion. Do we have a second? Seconded by councelor Jackson. Is there any discussion on this item hearing? [clears throat] None. All in favor of this resolution, please signify by raising your right hand. Any opposed like sign and any abstain? And this resolution is adopted. Resolution number five to support renovations for the first and third floors of 124 West Main Street. Councelor Newman, will you introduce this resolution?

Sure. Whereas the city of council, I'm sorry. Whereas the city council, the city of Praval works through with the city of PEL economic development team to attract and retain businesses. And whereas in ordinance book 2025, page 024 on July 15, 2025, the city council authorized the mayor to enter into lease agreements with various small businesses to operate in the incubator spaces at 124 West Main Street. And whereas several businesses have shown interest in occupying space at 124 West Main Street and requested renovations to suit specific needs. And whereas the said businesses desire to have support for said renovation prior to signing commitments. Now therefore, be it resolved that the city council city tribal supports renovations first third floors. Uh be it further resolve the mayors hereby authorize execute any documents necessary to carry out this resolution. So moved.

We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Seconded by councelor Jackson. Is there any discussion on this? I um I had a couple of questions I wanted to ask before if that's possible to the economic developer. Yes. So Amy, I just wanted to um this I know this started in July of 2025, so I wanted to make sure that there was a couple questions I asked uh to make sure we're straight on this. And one of them was I've got three. One was what's the total expected cost of the renovations and who's paying for it.

Okay. Um council members, uh just some further information. So the public and there's no question as to what's being um asked here. There are interested parties on the first floor, two of those at this time and one on the third floor. All three of those spaces um one has already been renovated downstairs, so that one is ready to go. The other one is um on the external wall and that particular franchise owner is interested in putting a franchise in that facility but as you know you've been in that facility it is not currently in a state of occupying um for a restaurant which is what's interested there. So there are renovations needed to get it up to par. on the third floor. Same thing. Um there's an office space that has expressed interest. All of these will be rent paying customers as well as the renovation cost. A portion of that will be um paid back in the rent and on the third floor there will be partial funds paid back in monthly payments. Um so those renovation costs will be bid because it is over the threshold and that will come before the council uh to award funds once the bids uh come out and we know exactly what the funds are.

That answers the other two questions I had. Do we have tenant commitments which you just answered and will the lease agreements come back before the council? So

um so the leases themselves um will be signed um as appropriate by the mayor. Um, we vet each one of these. We look at their financial structure uh to make sure it's a good lease. We will not initiate any renovations until a permanent lease is signed to make sure that those lease dollars and renovation dollars are coming back in. The intent when this building was purchased, the bank facility was to renovate and create a small business incubator. So all of the floors will become that uh with that opportunity and create a revenue generation uh for that facility. So in a few years from now we will start seeing um a positive cash flow after paying for the renovations in the facility itself.

Any other questions? Any any questions for Amy? That answers all my questions. Thank you. Thank you.

All right. Are there any other questions or discussion on this item? All right. Not hearing any. All in favor of this resolution, please signify by raising your right hand. Any uh opposed like sign and any abstension? All right. This resolution is adopted. At this time, the council will welcome comments from persons present. Have anyone who wishes to speak line up in the middle aisle. You'll be called to legibly print your name and address and you'll have up to five minutes to speak and address the council. Uh, please state your name and address first and then you may begin to speak Jackie Nick 706 Running Brook Circle Prattville. I just want to thank you all. This has been the most transparent meeting I have been to and I've been coming to these for almost four years and watching the process as the um the agenda item number two with the ordinance of you guys working through that. Um congratulations. Thank you. Um more of that more of that. Uh that was I'm glad I was here to see it in person. Thank you so much. Um, this is the transparency that we the public want to see of watching you guys. You're you're working through it and, you know, bringing up the issues and and it was all done in front of us that we've not had that before. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Don't forget to sign in and then uh once you've done that then you can begin. Miss Barber, I've worked on the microphone for you, so it might work a little bit easier for you this time. Good evening everyone. Good evening. Amen.

And I want to apologize for when I was at the last meeting I forgot to say congratulation to all of you. In comment, new comment and I appreciate how y'all are addressing the meeting. I thank you all. But I have, you know me, I always have something to talk about and I'm still um what we got a letter at the North Highland Center for uh cold ethnic about weed and strawberries, whatever's overgrown. The thing is that historical North Highland Ration Center, that's not a legal group. But they sent it to the North Highland North uh community center too. We sent this letter and see it's on those five acres behind the North Howland Recreation Center, Memorial Community Center. So, I know we got to get some understanding of this because first of all, that group when they changed the name of the recreation center, North Highland Recreation Center, it was illegally done. They supposedly been did a quick claim deed back to the North Highland Recreation Center and it was never never done. I don't know who's responsible for making it go back the way it is, those five acres that sits behind the two acres that we have. And and then if if he's talking about the weeds and stuff that are growing up all up in there and the brushes and stuff,

if they you can go up there and clean it up, but the problem is when you start the cutting over there on the side where our building is is we have we going to have erosion. Do y'all need to come up there? You can go. First of all, I don't know why y'all want to charge North Highland Recreation Center for cutting the weeds and bushes there. I don't understand that. And then the next problem is if y'all want to cut it, we we we can't pay y'all. But y'all welcome to go up there and clean it up and then you going to see where that water is irrigating coming down and it's going to have erosion on the side of our building. So, I would love for the every city council, the mayor, whoever group y'all want to have come up there, go up there and clean it. I appreciate it. And then you going to see what I've been fussing about. If that y'all keep [clears throat] cleaning it up up there, then you going to see where that uh water is running and eventually our building going to probably slide on down over there. Then y'all going to have to pay us some more money. Y'all going to owe us, we ain't going to owe you nothing. And I know my time is running out. I had a lot to say, but I definitely want to talk about that. And that uh that that y'all need to get whoever that historical group is that that historical that's not legal. Get it together. We definitely need to get it together cuz first of all, we got to be up under that that falls under North Hall. So that got to be done differently. [snorts] And like I say, I really appreciate you all. I appreciate y'all listening at me. I have good comments sometime. And I

know I fuss a lot. I fuss because I care about our community. I care about our community. I'm not just saying just because I live in a black neighborhood. There's no such thing as all black or all white. Every neighborhood you got, you got these people. And I care about our communities. I care about our city. I was born and raised in Praville. And they call us African-American. I don't know. But I don't think I know I'm a black American because I was born and raised right here in Prattville. So [snorts] I care about what happened in Prattville. I care about whatever is going on because when people come, they not looking at you Africaname or whatever descendant um Caucasian or whatever. They looking at how people are moving in being neighbors to each other. And if you care about your community, you care about the city, if you can go in and do whatever y'all want to do. I know my time is up and I apologize, but we got to do better. If you all coming in, y'all said we going to work together. I'm ready for us to work together. It doesn't matter what neighborhood it in, but we need to start somewhere. And I'm still looking for I would like to find out. I know it's going to have to come at another time. I know the city always preparing for a project of a development in the next 5 years, 10 years or 20 years down the road. I want to know I don't know how I can get it. I came down to talk to the mayor, but there was they was having a planning committee committee meeting that afternoon. The day I spokman came, my daddy was sick. Then I started

feeling I had to go to the doctor. the very next day. But when I did come, they had a planning committee, so I couldn't talk to them, but I'm still looking for the plans. Thank you. And I appreciate y'all let me uh talk longer. Yes. So So um as far as the notification that was sent to you from code enforcement, um are just so I'm clear on it, are you saying that the name on the tax record is incorrect? Yeah.

Okay. That's okay. So that um of course I would advise you to follow up with the mayor's office in the morning and let's get with code enforcement. I I know we don't change tax records, but are we sending it to the correct place with the correct name, I guess, is is my question. Even though the tax uh form or the tax is incorrect, uh we need to make sure that we're getting it to the correct people with the correct name, I would think. Is that Mr. Odum? Is that That's correct. Okay.

And uh I'll be happy to meet with Miss Robinson after just to look up the address and see what it is listed on the tax records. Okay. Good. Thank you. And then we can hopefully get that straightened out with code enforcement or I guess somebody will have to straighten it out with the with the tax office. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Uh, yes. I think you hit the nail on the head just in. That's really a county tax records office situation there, which Miss Barber might have to go through some legal source to or maybe take a ride over there and talk with the county tomorrow. And uh, but I did call you the other day. Enjoyed our conversation. So yes sir, you come by anytime.

Okay. Thank you. And if I come, I can come. I got to take my dad to the doctor in the morning, but after I get there with his appointment, I'll try to come down. [clears throat] And I know it is a legal matter because then the courts when they went to court on this, that group that went to court, they told them it was illegally and they supposed been put it back into the North Highland Recreation Center. Well, I recommend you check with the county first. take your documents over there and maybe they [clears throat] can straighten this out with a few clicks of a of a mouse.

Okay. And the only the only only point I'm trying to make is that we the city in code enforcement don't I mean because if we send a notice and and nothing is done and then we start to take action we're going to be taking it against uh the name on the tax record which is incorrect and and I'm not sure that you know so if I mean I realize that it was sent to the right place. It's sent with the wrong name. So, if we take legal action, that's the name that we're going to use because that's the name in the file and we'll be taking action against somebody that don't even own the property. So, that that was my only part. So, they'll we'll we'll try to uh if you'll talk with Mr. ODM after the meeting, we'll try to help you to get

Yeah, because I got the thing the deed where they had a quick claim but it's supposed to turn back and they didn't do it. Okay. Okay. Thank you, ma'am. Does anyone else wish to address the council? Now, do you remember the name of the group? Sorry. Go ahead. I'm sorry. name of the group. Quick lane. Yes. The um it said they're historical North Highland Recreation Center Corporation and they are that group is that outreach reach one teach one whatever one community. Yeah. Okay. And I can I got all the names on the deeds that did this and signed it. They did the quit claim and then the judge said that what they did was illegal. Was illegal. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, ma'am. Uh, okay.

All right, Mr. One, I want to apologize for earlier because I didn't follow the proper procedure. So, I'm going to do it this time. Reverend Dr. L. White, 621 West 4th Street. Thanks, sir.

Um, I just want to say a quote by President Nelson Mandela. I was I had the opportunity to go to um Africa just recently and um I learned a lot over there. Pres president Nelson Mandela said for for to be free is not merely to cast off one chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. And I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society in which all persons, not some, all persons, will live together in harmony with equal opportunities. He also stated, "Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity. It's an act of justice." I don't have to go and talk about President Nelson Mandela history, but I got a chance to go to Robin Island, look in the very walked in the very cell that he he spent his time in. We as a society that lives in a fortunate county where we rank number four per capita need to look at our infrastructure. I have brought this up before but since we got a new um U Congress I mean u council I want to I want to bring it up again. We need to look at our mental health. What kind of facility? We cannot afford to take people over law enforcement, take them over to 31 on the other side of Montgomery and drop them off and think that's the answer. Lock [snorts and clears throat] them up in jail and think that's the answer. It's unfortunately some that's mental health, but as councelor Newman and as myself, we have a lot of veterans that have mental illness because they didn't come back the same way they left. And to and and to lock them up, that's an

injustice. to throw them over on the other side of of 31. That's an injustice. So, I'm asking if our new budgets don't come [clears throat] with new infrastructure on how to build a better hospital, how to take care of our mental ill, then are we doing a justice for all? With that being said, I want to thank the city for recognizing our veterans. However, I go around and look at every last one of them because I spent 25 years, 11 months, 11 days, deployed four different times. The thing that we need to do, need to tighten up on is I shouldn't see the same pictures for Memorial Day, for Veterans Day, and Armed Forces Day cuz each one of those have a separate meeting. Armed Forces Day is for all active duty members. All active duty member Memorial Day is for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us to be where we at today. That mean they lost their lives on foreign soil fighting for this country. Veterans Day is for everyone that got a honorable DD214. It's just that simple. So, I shouldn't see the same people on every last Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day. And I do. You think I'm blind? Ask my wife. I go and look at every one of them. Every time I go up up and down 31, I come back through the city, Tishnner Rock Avenue, down Main Street, and then also over the behind over there by the creek. And now I see that they have some even over there in that venue over there. I just ask that we honor who is honored the right way. I don't think that's too much to ask for.

Also, as in the future, let's look at bringing industries that pay a living wage. Do your do your research. When you talk about medium salaries, you got to look at medium how statistical as a medium. It takes the high salary and so if the if the high boss making $500,000, lower person making $15 an hour. Guess what? It going to look like he making$25 $30,000 an hour, but it's how many people at the top making the hundreds of thousand and how many people at the bottom making the lowest. and that industry we talked about before, they ain't making but $15 an hour. So, we need to look at that because you can't live in problem with $15 an hour. Thank you.

All right. Thank you. Does anyone else

chair, if I might, Mr. Dwight, if you don't mind, a couple of comments here. Um uh and on the banners, I'd like to get with you one day to get a little more input from you, but you are a little bit incorrect about the same banners being up time and time again because we actually have to we have so many of them we have to rotate them out and actually this last time I had a few people that called me up to ask them about their banner and I'm sorry you weren't able to be put up this time. So, there is a uh procedures that we go through on that and I would like to know a little bit more uh because I've gotten some conflicting information I believe on on some of it. But I'd like to get with you one day if you'd like to spend some time on that one. But now, what information do you have about your statement about the city of Prattville taking some of our mentally challenged on the other side of the

Thank you. 31. I mean, what information do you have there? Concrete information. the concrete information I have because I am doing the work. I go out there and feed the homeless with a group called Hope. If you if you if you think I'm lying, you can call over there and ask. I go over there and feed the homeless over there throughout Montgomery living in different cracks and crevices. And they ask me, "Where you from?" And I say, "Prava." I'm also from Praa. I said, "So, um, how did you get over here?" I was let off on the other side of 31. I ain't saying it's every one of them, but I'm saying several of them have said that. Did they say who let them off?

They didn't say what police officer or what county sheriff did it, but they did say a a police officer or a county sheriff did drop. Well, I want to guarantee the community here that the Proud Police Department is not doing that. Well, that is rock solid information. Well, I can only I'm not making this up and I have no reason to make this up, but I can tell you you can talk to the people that goes out with me and when they talk to me, they feel comfortable telling me that. I can guarantee you my comment is true and accurate. [snorts]

And I can also tell you that I have had some in the fatherhood class that was homeless that we couldn't get them in right away and they think I know they locked up. That I can't tell you for sure. Thank you, sir. Yes, ma'am.

Do I need to sign in again?

Uh, yes. Yeah. Go ahead. Sign. Okay. Thank you very much. My name is Jessica Hayes. I live at 19544 Chancellor Ridge Road. And I want to say again, I want to echo what Jackie said and say thank you very much for what you did tonight. That was amazing to see in action. [clears throat] And I really appreciate the effort and the open and transparent nature that y'all operated within. Um, in that vein, I want to ask if just one simple question first before I get into my other stuff is with those those decisions made tonight, will those changes be reflected? Will this council have those changes reflected online, on the website, social media, marketing materials, or will it continue to operate in the way that it has been over the past few weeks? That's not something you have to answer right now, but that is something I would like you to think about as the community deserves clarity and to understand that the authority rests with y'all. Next, um I want to thank you all because a few days ago I took my son to Miller Park over where we live and uh we noticed the new picnic tables and the new benches and it was a it was really nice. So, I really appreciate that. It is always nice to know that I can take him to a neighborhood park that is clean and well cared for and upgraded regularly. [snorts] And I appreciate that these improvements came together without myself or anyone in District 4 having to show up to beg for them

because there's another park that has had people begging for it for years. I think we all know what park that is. And I understand there's questions about everything. There's contract bids, but years of residents having to do it. And I show up one day at my park and there's a new p picnic bench. What's the difference? District 4 is the more fluent upper middle class and predominantly white neighborhood. And I didn't have to beg. And yet week after week or city council meeting after city council meeting, there are people here for years asking for the bare minimum for reservoir reserve walls and basketball courts to be improved. We are continuing the same pattern that has always happened in Prattville history and we have to stop it. And since I don't have to advocate for my district's parks and resources, I'm going to make it my mission to now advocate for those that are being ignored that aren't getting the resources. Now, I understand recently there was the 700,000 Yeah. 70k contract bid out. That's awesome. I'm very excited about that. And I will be making sure every two weeks that and at parks and wreck meetings and going up there with my own camera and being very annoying that that will be done and that will be seen through. And it would be nice to be able to actually have tangible updates provided based off of those um based off that report because we need to know. They've begged for too long.

And if I can show up and see a new picnic bench and new benches and play with my son happily, everyone else deserves that same right. So, thank you. Miss Hayes, just real quick. Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. No. Um, so I know the the bid was awarded and there was a timeline that was announced. I believe the mayor said that in one of his reports. Um, councelor Stitchett, do you want to address that? We Yeah. Um, it's the bids process has began again and u takes time. That's awesome.

Um, you are aware there's been some work done up there already, aren't you? So, you didn't mention any of that. You didn't mention about the bathrooms, the sidewalks to fixing the pavilion or any of the benches or the new playground improvement already, but there's still people that's been neglected. Kind of misled that a little bit. Things have been done up there. So, I know that you got the bench over in in Miller Park. Well, there's new benches also in North Highland Park and new things. Now, we're working toward more improvements. I've been on that for a long time on a lot of other projects. So, I just want to clarify that. It's coming. I can guarantee you that. And I do appreciate that. And I do appreciate that work. Really, I do. And but it can't be just left to not. I'm a manager and I have to keep making myself holding myself accountable. I'm a leader in my work and it's not just enough just to be like, well, I did that already. You have to be held accountable. And I know and I appreciate that. And the pavilion is beautiful. There is a lot of things but it has also taken a lot of people bringing attention to it and I didn't have to bring attention in my district. That's what the difference.

Yeah. Well, Miss Hayes, I appreciate you recognizing the benches and the picnic tables because that's what I asked. And I want to thank Kelly. I want to thank you, Robert, u for the things that you do on the on the parks and rec committee. But yes, so I don't want I I understand what your main point was tonight, but don't think that District 4 is just putting something out there. Oh, because there's a spot to put it. No, I pushed for that as I'm pushing for speeding if you noticed around both sides of Middle Park and I'm trying to work on speed bumps for that. And that was my main goal when I What about bathrooms? Sorry.

Well, no, no, that's okay. Let's talk about that after the meeting tonight. Okay. No, that's No, we can talk we can talk about that. But the main thing I I have pushed for that to get some things done in in regards to I appreciate that very much. Well, and I appreciate you uh and your son enjoying out there. Yes, he does. He loves Red Park is what he calls it. Thanks, M. Thank you.

Thank you. It's Miss Finnean. First of all, um, oh, John Lane Finnegan, 211 near Trace, I want to thank you about doing that, um, work meeting for all the, you know, the, um, procedures people have to go through when they're getting the dilapidated homes or the yards or something like that. In fact, one of the things from coming here is every time I hear an update on the um the 107, what is it? 1067 Street is the amount of uh permits they have to have. And I'm trying to think adding up in my head, I you go, it's this permit, this permit, this permit, this permit. So to have that and actually have a list, I would have no idea where to go and look for those on the city website. I haven't looked because I I [clears throat] haven't had to. But I think having a work session open to the public and informing them and then actually having a form and saying this permit, you know, is this amount, this amount, and this amount. That's always kind of um surprised me about how many permits are necessary. And also, I think that maybe with some of these individuals that maybe we can help them out financially. you know, I don't know if there's a pot we can draw from, but really and truly those those add up. So, I look forward to that very much. So, also regarding the um 124 um West Main, I was looking at in when I came before you, I was reading or I read the Orwin's Corning project agreement incentives and [clears throat] one of

those was number seven. and it says entering into a lease for office space during construction for less than fair market value. And I'm wondering if this build is where the office space is going to be and if that's on the third floor. I don't know. But, you know, if we're giving it away for less than fair market value, I think that that's something to be considered because I don't know how long or Owens Corning is going to take to be built, but they would be they're taking up that lease space that we could actually be giving to someone else at full market value. So, I again I don't know if that's where Owens Corning is going to have the office space, but if it is, I think that's something to consider. I I I really think it's unfair for other people that are going to be leasing the space that we've given them that incentive and we have local people that, you know, maybe want to use it. So, also the restaurant, I [clears throat] don't know if you vet what's coming in there, but I sure hope you do. I don't know any idea what kind of restaurant but it's a franchise and so I'm kind of going you know what are franchises and so please consider that also if you have the ability to do that but again thank oh excuse me allergies thank you again for that um for the having the um boy my brain's not working having having the uh

work session yes work session Thank you. Yeah, I can tell I'm tired too. Yard work. But anyway, thank you for that. Consider, you know, and as I said, I don't know who I'd find out the information if that's where Owens Corning is going in, but again, I think it's um something that needs to be considered since we're giving it from less fair market value. And if you remember, I've asked for the costs that these are getting for Owens Corning. So, I'd appreciate that. what a regular market value would be and what the um current mark value would be. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

Yes, sir.

Patrick Lucas, 1211 Caliber Crossing. I will be brief, but I want to recognize Miss Finnegan. Uh sometimes people say, "Do you love Prattville?" I watch her where we live. She's out there herself digging, putting plants down, putting and I mean it's just amazing. I don't care. It's 95 degrees out there. She's out there with her shelving. She got a bag. I stop. Hey sweetie. She come and she just go back to work. That's a true Pratt Villian that loves Pratt. And sometimes people take it out of context because we they say we complain and we but we love private just like everybody else. And our complaints are coming from a good place regardless of how you may feel about it. But that's a prime example of somebody her own time, her own resources where you turn in at at Winchester Ridge, she digging, she putting flowers. So that that says a lot. Uh the other thing and I I I I think it back of what they said. Tonight has truly been a great experience watching all of you guys. Put your heads together and that's all we've been wanting to see. Yeah. We we get up here, but I still give kudos where kudos are due. you all got in and and and put your heads together and and that's all we're asking for as citizens because we love Prattville just like you do and all we want is what's best for Prattville. And so [clears throat] I want to uh thank y'all for that. One more question. Will that name stay up over there or will it come down? I know it's been hidden since I heard it's not

official name. So would that continue to stay up? And if you can answer now fine if you can't but I just it's just a question will it come down because it's not a official place. So but again I thank all of you. All right we'll see if we can find that out. All right. This time we'll move into closing comments. Mayor.

Yes sir. Thank you. And I appreciate the counselors who spoke up about our parks. Um very proud of the accomplishments we've been able to make into um Low Picket Park over here. here. I know we've added new equipment, new benches, um fans, um just uh redoing the basketball court surface there. U up here at North Highland Park, there's been a lot of brand new picnic tables up there and picnic table areas. Um new bathrooms, new playground equipment, and but we still have one old picnic table up there. It's one of the ones that was put up there. might have been when our council president was working for the city and overseeing some of our parks about 75 years ago.

That wasn't that long, might I add. There's a slide up there that needs to go. That thing's from like when they invented slides. It's a heat element. It's mighty one of those old straight metal ones. It'll fry you in the summer. So, still mighty shiny and uh and still functional, but it's not rusty, which is amazing to me. But that that that's that needs to go.

But the picnic table, old picnic table is still up there. and some of that uh my opinion is there for us to show where we have come from and I think with the new equipment and new investments up there um certainly do appreciate uh uh everyone who has supported and and worked on that as well. But um some of my closing comments I have written down here is I just want to extend my sincere gratitude to all of our municipal employees. Your hard work, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to this community continue to inspire me because your efforts has truly become a destination. Whether it's our outstanding golf, our food establishments, the parade of pumpkins, our wonderful Christmas season, we're blessed to live in this town. We all proudly call home and your service plays a tremendous role in making Pratt the place it is today. Just want to again thank all of our city employees who work so long and so hard and sometimes um some actions and words really does not fit their their hard work and dedication in this community. So again, thank you city employees.

All right, Council Newman,

I'd like to say a couple things. First of all, I appreciate the collaboration from the council. I know a few people have made comments about it tonight and I know it's uh I think it's been very good as well, but there's a lot that goes on in the background that you don't see. There's even more double work that we've been talking quite a bit and dealing with a lot of things and I it's been exciting. It's been good. I I've talked to each of these counselors since I've been elected very a lot and I and I think that that that that's a a good thing and I I want to say I appreciate it. We we with collaboration I think is what we all need to do. I also want to shout out to Paula. I have put her through it since I've been here and I've learned a lot from her and I know a lot of I think I heard councelor Merrick once uh uh talk about her and I I want to say she's done she's put up with me and done a great job and I really appreciate her and uh Miss ODM as well. I've been I've been harassing them quite a bit here and but I also want to say to those of you that are here and those that are you that are watching we we've got to collaborate. It's very easy. Everybody does this polar polar fight and you know let's lead the way in collaborating. You know, everybody has valid points. We all have valid points. We all love our city and we're all working very hard. Let's channel that energy into one mainstream. We're all not going to get what we want. If I could get what I want all the time, but we can't. We know that. So, let's work together as much as we can and keep it in the road, not off in the ditch. It's easy to throw rocks, you know, but we're all working in this for the same thing, which is to make PREL better. Everybody, every city employee, the mayor, the council, all of us love this city. We want it to be good. Let's just collaborate. Let's get a little grace and let's collaborate. I appreciate everybody. I do.

Council Jackson, um I'm just glad to see some of y'all still here two and a half hours later. Um it's pretty neat. Um, I know too, um, I think the live streaming has been a hit. I've had multiple people text since we've been here, and I even heard from people at the from the last meeting. So, I think this is, uh, a nice move. Um, maybe it's going to get more people engaged and involved. Um, [laughter] um, thank you, Miss Miss Robinson. Miss Robinson, I see you back there, Miss Deborah. um just know that we're going to be continue working for you guys and we're definitely going to be doing our part to work with you all to help get your situation resolved. And also I just want to uh send some prayers up to you guys and Mr. Mr. do, you know, as he's um healing, you know, but we are definitely going to be working with you guys. And like I've said before, we want to make sure whatever processes we have in place um that that not going to be adding to any stress and unnecessary uh issues, especially for some of our seniors. But anyway, thank y'all. [clears throat]

Counselor Chambers, that joke's getting old. Why I tell you, uh, but I won't bellay her, but, uh, thanks to you guys. Um, I know we got put on the spot a little bit tonight, so um, I appreciate you stepping up and helping us. And as far as my comrades up here, too, working together to get some things done tonight. Just wanted to to say that. And thanks to everybody who did stick it out. And hello, Mom. Thank you,

Council Mary. [laughter] That's pretty good. Uh again, um we'll make it short, but again, your voice does matter. We appreciate you being here. Appreciate the ones that are watching us live. Um can't thank you enough. They're your your um the things you bring up do make an impact. So, thank you very much for that. Um just piggy back on what Mr. Mayor said earlier um the the ribbon cutting on the 4th uh spillway at 6:30, the lighting of the Christmas tree. We love all all of y'all to be there. I think um Councilman El Presidente will be leading Christmas carols for us. So uh uh the parade of course will be uh Friday as long as mother nature hangs in. And just in case if you do not know, we're doing the old route. So we're going to be starting the courthouse and we'll be going through town and finishing up at Stanley Stadium. So, I hope I didn't mean to take that from you, Robert, but uh thank you very much, Council Scheler Langley.

Thank you guys for coming. Thank you guys for speaking. It's always good to hear from you. And um yeah, I love the transparency. It can sometimes feel uh a little chaotic whenever everybody's going back and forth and we're trying to figure things out. And it's I just want everyone to keep in mind that's that's what real life looks like, you know, and so thank you guys for for everybody working together and and showing that um how the sausage is made up here. That was it was good, wasn't it? Thank you.

All right. And uh the only thing I would add and say is uh a couple of you mentioned tonight um I think Miss Robinson said it that um that she doesn't live in a black neighborhood. They're not black neighborhoods and white neighborhoods. They're neighborhoods. Uh and somebody else mentioned that uh you know they they want to see a time where we can all be together. And uh I personally believe in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And I believe that he will uh return one day and he will take me to an eternity to live with him. And I have yet to find in his word where there will be black or white neighborhoods in heaven. I believe we will all be the same. We will look the same. We will act the same. And we will uh rejoice and praise him the same. So I appreciate y'all bringing that up tonight. Um, our next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, December the 16th at 6 PM. Do I hear a motion to adjurnn? So move.

So moved by councelor Merrick. Second. Second. Second by councelor Chambers. All in favor say yes. Yay. Any oppose? No. We are journed.