City Council - Regular Meeting

question. All right. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the business meetings for the city of Prattville. We have one item for public hearing tonight and then we will move into our regular council agenda.

Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Councelor New here. Councelor Jackson here. Councelor Chambers here. Councelor Merritt here. Councelor Wley here. Councelor Stretch. Councelor Langley here.

All right. Having a quorum present, I do call this public hearing to order. [clears throat] We have one item on our public hearing for tonight. It is a resolution to authorize the mayor to have overgrown grass and weeds at 107 Fleetwood Road, 1356th Street and 115 Thames Drive abated and charge any incurred expenses for the abatement process pursuant to chapter 46 city of Privville code of ordinances. Do we have anyone here that would like to speak in favor of this item? All right, not hearing any. Is there anyone here who would like to speak in opposition of this item? All right. Seeing none, this public hearing is closed. At this time, we'd invite you to stand for our pledge of allegiance and for our invocation, which will be given by myself.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Bow with me please. Heavenly Father, we do thank you for the opportunity to come together tonight to conduct the business of our city. And Father, we do uh we we look to you for guidance. We look to you for leadership. Uh Father, we look to you to provide us with answers to tough questions. Uh God, we just thank you for uh the beautiful weather that you've provided us today. And God, we thank you for this Christmas season which we're about to enter. And God, we pray that each one of us would look to the true meaning of Christmas and not forget the real meaning. Lord, we just pray that you be with us as we conduct this business and uh help us to conduct ourselves in professional matters. We ask this in Christ's name. Amen.

Amen.

All right. Madam clerk, will you please call the role? Councelor Newman here. Councelor Jackson. Councelor Chambers here. Councelor Merrick here. Councelor Wley here. Councelor Stretch. Councelor Langley here. All right. Having a quorum, I do call this meeting to order. The character trait of this month is creativity. Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective. Next item on our agenda tonight is approval of minutes. You should have received those. They are from the public hearing dated December the 2nd, 2025. At this time, the chair will entertain a motion to approve these minutes. So move We have a motion by councelor Merrick. Do we have a second? Second.

Second by councelor Newman. All in favor of approving the minutes, please signify by raising your right hand. And they are approved unanimously. All right. At this time, we will welcome any comments from persons present regarding tonight's agenda and tonight's agenda only. If we [clears throat] have anyone who wishes to speak on items on tonight's agenda, please line up in the middle aisle. You'll be called up to print your name and address and then you'll have up to five minutes to address the council. Please state your name and address first and then you may begin to speak.

John Le finan trace. Were there not any minutes from the second meeting? It said just public hearing. Just a public hearing. We the minutes for the second meeting are not ready yet.

Okay. Okay. Um this is just a suggestion on resolution number one with the Kinder Morgan. You know, it it the attachment is a description of the property and it's east, you know, 20 whatever. Would it be possible to also put a map anzoning you'll you'll show the piece of property outline. Could you do that when you have anything that has a an attachment that's just the description? It would help citizens know exactly where this area is because I mean you read those things and you have no idea. I [laughter] mean [clears throat] yeah we we will

or or the um parial number. I don't know if the parial number was on it, but if you put that on there then people can look that up themselves. But a map would be very easy because with the resoning you actually do that in the attachment. That's is just just a suggestion. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else wish to uh address the council on an item on tonight's agenda? All right. Not seeing any. Mr. Mayor, do you have a report? Yes, sir.

Thank you. Good evening, counselors, and happy holidays. Uh this season, this season, the city of Pratt will experience moments that truly capture the heart and spirit of our community. We proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting of Spillway Park, space that reflects our commitment to quality of life, thoughtful development, and places where families and neighbors can gather. This park stands as another meaning meaningful investment in our city and a symbol of what can be achieved when vision and teamwork come together. counselors doing our Christmas tree lighting. The the addition of a community Christmas carol sing along brought voices together. Big thank you to Tommy Tunes up here. I know uh councelor Merrick and I had talked for a couple of years about it and he was finally able to um u get up there and knock it out of the park and I really hope this will be a true traition tradition. But this is a powerful reminder of unity, tradition, and the simple joy of the season. Equally inspiring was our Christmas parade which was was nothing short of remarkable. The energy, participation, overwhelm overwhelming community support affirmed what we already know. Pratt Pratt is a destination for a true Hallmark Christmas experience. I would be remiss if I did not recognize the outstanding work of our teams. Special thanks to Kelly Carter and her team along with the many departments that made these events possible. Thank you to parks and reccks, cultural arts, special events, urban management, facilities maintenance, and engineering turning our city into a winter wonderland. And there's a lot of cleanup afterwards. So, we had a clean clean city professionals out there. And also need to thank our police and fire department for the extra patrols and keeping our community safe. Everyone's dedication, coordination, professionalism ensured that every detail was handled with care and excellence. And uh it's a point of

privilege. I'd like to give all of these dedicated employees a round of applause. Sir, [applause] thank you Carter and Kenny. You know, the the hard work and dedication. It's it's a labor of love because no there's no job description out there that could put this to what we see here in Pra. But uh these moments do not happen by accident. They are the result of a committed public servants working together with purpose, a commitment to making our city a part of family traditions for generations to come. Your work does not go unnoticed. As I am proud to announce and up on the screen, I hope that Pratt will here we go. Pratt will won the central bracket in al.com's which Alabama city has a best Christmas lights. We received 60% of the vote against Opaikica and Bay, but um there's also another level of this. Prout is now in the running for the top city in the state for the best Christmas lights. So, let's please keep casting your vote daily, help us win uh win this title. I think if you get on our social media to help navigate you to where you can get up there to vote. I know uh there have been some had a little bit of a challenge getting through there, but uh most certainly let's let's keep the the energy going and bring this award to travel. I would like to congratulate the library. Uh they're receiving a T-Mobile $50,000 hometown grant to transform a donated program and trailer into a fully renovated program space. I believe this is in the first time this opportunity is has funded a project in PRA. So, that's a big first for us all. Counselors, I'd also like to say please notice sanitation signage that uh out and about. Here we go. Uh out and about during the holiday for our holiday pickups. Uh please stay to all of our

citizens, please stay engaged, stay informed, follow us online because uh this hardworking cleanup uh professional uh clean city professionals um they're going to be off for a day and then they're going to have to play catchup and uh that's not an easy task for them because while we're all still enjoying our families and uh watching the football games, there will they will be out there having the pickup and so let's make it as easy on them as we poss possibly can and I know there's been some committee meetings going to be coming up soon and uh I guess just for the record there's been a several issue with some of the trucks whether it's been with the rear end or the transmission. So um they have the manpower but the mechanical side of it is a little bit overwhelmed and so anything we can make it easier for these for these guys uh it it be very much appreciated. But uh councilors uh that's the end of my report at this stage. But um but depending on what direction council president would like to go, I do have some concerns about agenda item number six, the resolution about the contract for services and sort of somewhat perplexed about it. I know there's been some emails that I was copied on, some were not. Um, and since right tonight it's about authorizing me to sign that agreement. And so I really need to get a good insight of exactly what what is the council looking for here because I do have some concerns about some components of the I guess draft agreement.

Okay, that's the guess best way to put it. So now the best time to um ask some of these. Um I believe we'll talk about it when it's properly before us during the discussion period. if you will please make certain I'm recognized during that time and uh Mr. President end of my report. Thank you. Does anybody have any questions uh from the council for the mayor? [clears throat]

Yeah. Uh Mr. Mayor, have we u have you considered u especially with these guys the sanitation that are working like you said while we're at home eating enjoying food and watch football some type of bonus for those guys considering? I don't know. I mean, I'm sure they may get overtime, but I'm sure they may really appreciate some extra cash, especially to spend over the holidays. Yes. With them doing all that extra manual labor away from their families.

Yes, sir. And and thank goodness we have mechanized as much as we possibly can. We do definitely have all boots on the ground, but and we actually uh came up with that about uh I think about three years ago. Uh they do get a um bonus for for holidays if they work it. Okay. Good. All right. Any other questions for the mayor? Thank you. All right. At this time, we'll move into reports from council on special committees. Councilman Newman. I have none. Councelor Jackson.

Uh yes, sir. Um the facility the maintenance vehicles and facilities lots committee met on Tuesday December the 9th to discuss the library structure stabilization. Um um and actually it's on the agenda tonight. Okay. Thank you councelor Chambers. Yes sir. We had an ambulance committee meeting on the 8th of December and we discussed proposed changes to the billing policy. All right. Councelor Merrick. No, sir. Councelor Strick, Council Langley,

and I have none. At this time, we will hear a report on the status of the city finances from our uh financial officer, Daniel Oakley. Yes, sir.

First page in your packet is a general fund revenue report, and it shows that we have received 5,630,559 for the fiscal year to date. And this represents a 0.49% decrease over the same period in the prior year. Okay. Next page is the tax breakdown comparison. And on the tax side, we were down .08% when compared to the previous November. There's roughly $3,200. Next three pages show the general fund expenses broken down by department. And with 16.67% of the fiscal year complete, we have spent 20.7% of our budgeted expenditures in this fund. Next page is the wastewater enterprise fund income statement. The wastewater fund reported a net income from operations of $21,13 for the month. Operating expenses and overall expenses are tracking below budget as well.

[clears throat]

Next page is the sanitation enterprise fund income statement. The sanitation fund generated a net income for the month of $58,476. Operating expenses and overall expenses are coming in around 12.7% through November. Next page is the judicial special revenue fund income statement. The judicial fund reported a net loss for November of $10,661. Overall expenses are tracking around 7.9% through November. Next page is the bank balances report and the total of all bank balances citywide at the end of the month was 45,38,15. The next page and the last page is the accounts payable on debt balances report. Total outstanding AP and debt balance citywide at the end of the month was 67,17,71 while the city's non-enterprise fund debt was 36,339,71.

All right. Does anybody have any questions for Mr. Oakley? Thank you. Thank you, sir. All right. Tonight, we have the opportunity to create a consent agenda. There are eight items to consider on the consent agenda and they are item number one, a resolution to authorize the mayor to have overgrown grass and weeds at 107 Fleetwood Road, 1356 Street and 115 Thames Drive abated and charge any occurred expenses for the abatement process pursuant to chapter 46 city of Prattville code of ordinances. Item number two is a resolution to authorize signatures of city officials with River Bank and Trust Trust Mark National Bank, First Community Bank of Central Alabama, and Hancock Whitney Bank. Item number three is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 332 County Road 4 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 four is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 321 Tuskegee Street a public nuisance and authorize the mayor to abate and charge any incurred expenses pursuant to chapter 46 city of Prattville code of ordinances. Item number five is a resolution to declare the garbage and rubbish at 227 Brook Haven 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 six is a resolution to grant a retail off- premises only and retail table wine off- premises only license to Piggly Wiggly of Prattville LLC doing business as Piggly Wiggly 63. Item number seven is a resolution to surplus one 2024 Kinworth T480 tandem axle garbage truck for the sanitation department. And item number eight is a resolution to ratify and affirm the

names of existing informally named municipally owned property. Do I hear a motion to create a consent agenda? So move. Moved by councelor Chambers. Do I hear a second? Second. Second by councelor Jackson. All in favor of creating a consent agenda, please signify by raising your right hand. All right. And that passes unanimously. The consent agenda is now before us. Do I hear a motion to adopt the consent agenda? So moved by councelor Jackson. Is there a second? Second.

Second by councelor Chambers. Is there any discussion on the consent agenda? All right. Hearing none. All in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by raising your right hand. And that passes unanimously. We'll now move into our regular agenda. [clears throat] Uh res the item number one on our regular agenda tonight is a resolution to authorize the mayor to enter into a real estate transaction agreement with Kinder Morgan for the relocation of a natural gas pipeline in South Industrial Park utilizing 1,500,000 of growing Alabama fund allocated to the city of Prattville. Councelor Chambers, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes, sir. Whereas the city of Prabal owns certain real property within the south industrial park consisting of approximately 177 acres in Prattville, Alabama which is uh depicted on exhibit A attached here too. And whereas KM, a successor in interest to Plantation Pipeline Company, is the beneficiary of certain rights of way and easements over and across certain portions of the parent parcel pursuant to a certain easement dated October 7th, 1941 and recorded in the probate office of Ataga County, Alabama in volume 69 of deeds page 13 and a certain easement dated November 3rd, 1941 and recorded in the probate office of it County, Alabama in volume 69 of deeds, page 4. And whereas the city of Prabell and KM have agreed that the relocation of existing pipeline facilities to other portions of the parent parcel to accommodate an economic development project is in the best interest of the city of Praval and KM. And whereas the city of Prebble has agreed to grant an easement to KM over and across the new easement areas in order for KM to perform and complete the relocation and to thereafter maintain and operate the pipeline facilities in the new easement areas. And whereas KM has agreed to sell to the city and the city has agreed to purchase all of CM's right title and interest including without limitation all beneficial rights owned by KM in and to the existing easements. And whereas CM has agreed to perform and complete the relocation in accordance with the terms set forth in the agreement. Now therefore be it resolved that the city council of the city of Prebble hereby authorizes the mayor to negotiate and execute for and on behalf of the city of Prabel any and all documents and agreements necessary to effectuluate this real estate transaction to the extent and is permitted by applicable law and to take all such further action

as shall be necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes and intent of this resolution. So move. All right, we have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Second by councelor Merrick. Because resolution number one is of permanent nature, we must suspend the rules in order for this to be voted on tonight. Do we have a motion to suspend the rules? Moved by councelor Chambers. Is there a second? Second. Second by councelor Merritt. All right. Uh, madame clerk, will you conduct a roll call vote? Councelor Newman, yes. Councelor Jackson, yes. Councelor Chambers, yes. Councelor Merrick, yes. Councelor Wley, yes. Council stretch. No. Councelor Langley.

All right. Not having a unanimous vote to suspend the rules. Uh this item. President Why may I ask a question? Um and I was waiting until there was an opportunity to talk about is there an urgency that would lead us to need to suspend the rules? um as I understand it from but so it's not properly before us if we don't suspend the rules. So we can't discuss it unless we suspend the rules. Gotcha. Okay.

Okay. Um so it is not unanimous and uh this item will be held until 16 26 council meeting resolution number item number two I'm sorry is a resolution to amend the FY2026 budget and award bid number 025-014 to Web Builders Incorporated for the engineering building addition project at a total cost not to exceed $457,475. Councelor Langley, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes. Whereas the engineering department has identified a need for more space in the current facility to enhance work efficiency and communication. And whereas engineering has specifications drafted for additional offices and a conference room in the existing building. And whereas four sealed bids were received, opened, and read aloud on December 4th, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall. And Web Builders was the lowest responsible bidder at a cost of $457,000 4457475 for said project. Now therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of Prattville that the fiscal year 2026 budget is hereby amended as follows. A decrease in the capital projects reserves of 32,475. An increase in capital projects fund engineering building of $32,475. Be it further resolved by the city council that bid number 025-014 is hereby awarded to web builders incorporate in an amount not to exceed $457,475 for said addition project and said funds are approved and appropriated from fiscal year 2026 budget line item capital projects fund engineering building. Be it further resolved that the mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. So moved.

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

Second by councelor Jackson. Is there any discussion on this item? Okay. Hearing none. All in favor of this resolution, please signify by raising your right hand. And it is adopted unanimously. resolution. The third item is a resolution to authorize the purchase of one 2027 or newer Deemer's Ford F550 ambulance and related equipment through the HGAC purchasing cooperative contract number AM10-23 from Emergency Equipment Professionals Incorporated for the Fire Department at a cost not to exceed $357,000. Councelor Chambers, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes, sir. Whereas the fire department has identified a need to purchase one 2027 or newer uh dimmer MXP170 Ford F550 type 1 ambulance and related equipment. And whereas set ambulance and equipment are available through the HGAC purchase cooperative contract number AM10-23 from Emergency Equipment Professionals Incorporated at a cost not to exceed 357,000. And whereas there is an estimated lead time of 24 months for assembly and said delivery of said ambulance, thus requiring authorization to purchase in fiscal year 2026. And whereas said purchase will be funded in the fire department/ capital outlay line item in the fiscal year 2828 budget 2028 budget, sorry. Now therefore, it resolved that the city council of the city of Prabal hereby authorizes the purchase of said ambulance and related equipment through emergency equipment professionals at a cost not to exceed $357,000. So move.

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

Not hearing any. All in favor of this resolution, please signify by raising your right hand. Okay. And this is adopted unanimously. Resolution number four is to amend the FY2026 budget and authorize the emergency spending to stabilize the foundation of the Ataga Praval Public Library at a cost of up to $368,900. Councelor Jackson, will you introduce this resolution? Whereas in October 2024, the Atago Prep Library temporarily closed when the west walls found to be structurally unsafe. And whereas repairs were made to stabilize the wall attaching the top of the wall to the roof and the area was sectioned off from the public, allowing the library to reopen. And whereas the structural engineer recommended a six-month review to re-evaluate the building and the sectioned off area. And whereas on October 30th, 2025, the structural engineer re-evaluated the building and advised [clears throat] that the foundation was not stabilized and was worsening, including newly observed cracks to the foundation, which compromised the structural integrity and recommended stabilization repairs and recommended stabilization be repairs be made as soon as possible. And whereas the city council finds the condition listed herein constitute an emergency that requires immediate attention and corrective measures to stabilize the foundation. And whereas section 3922 F2 code of Alabama 1975 is amended allows the governing body to let emergency contracts without public advertisement to the extent necessary to meet the emergency. And whereas based on discussion with the engineer, the cost to complete said repairs are estimated not to exceed $368,900. And whereas said repairs are necessary and require approval for the emergency expenditures. Now therefore be resolved by city

council of the city of Prattville that the FY26 budget is hereby amended as follows. Decrease education reserves $175,000. Decrease public facilities 1 cent reserves $193,900. Increase facilities maintenance capital outlay $368,900. Be it further resolved that funds in amount not to exceed $368,900 for said repairs are hereby authorized and approved to be paid and said funds are approved and appropriated from fiscal year budget line item facilities maintenance capital outlay. Be it further resolved that the city council hereby authorizes the mayor to take all necessary actions to effectuate the stabilization of the foundation at the Ataga prepost library. Be it further resolved that the mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. So moved.

We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Second by councelor Newman. Is there any discussion on this item? I I have a a point I just wanted to bring up for the um I know the uh in the meeting we talked about the um total number being a certain dollar amount and there's been a little bit of change where there may be a decrease and that which is excellent. Just want to make sure when we pull from the buckets that we go on record to say we know we pull evenly from the buckets you know like we've discussed is all okay. Yes sir. I figure that might raise a question. Mayor, go ahead, Mayor.

Uh, I know we will be having some additional uh conversations, but I assume that um my thought is we use a percentage of what's already up here with this dollar amount if we do come to a lower amount. But again, that'll be left up to the council. Um, so we're still quite a ways away from actually where which buckets will be the exact dollar amount and where it will be coming from exactly. That that was my only point that was if it's lower that we address it like we discussed appropriately where we're not pulling all out of one bucket. Does that make sense? Okay. Okay. All right. Okay. That was that was my only question. Okay.

If I have a quick question I I kind of understand it already. Uh but just for for everybody to to understand what what what we're doing, what are the corrective measures that are are going to be done to bring this back to where we can use it. Okay. Um I I think I can address that. I was in the the meeting. Um so what we have is continued settling of the foundation and uh what we have is an engineered plan uh to drill helical peers um down below the sand into a permanent foundation and um use those to support a steel beam across the entire end of the library. that would prohibit further settling. Uh we asked the question specifically of the engineer, is this a short-term fix? And he said, "No, this is a fix that will stop the settling of the building." It it does not jack the building up or bring it back to level, but it keeps it from any other settling occurring.

Thank you.

Any other questions? All right, hearing none. All in favor of this resolution signify by raising your right hand. Okay. And this uh resolution passes unanimously. Item number five is a resolution to amend the FY2026 budget to authorize the release of funds for the purchase of one 2026 Freight Liner M2106 plus side loader garbage truck through Source Well Purchasing Cooperative contract number 110223-THC from Ingram Equipment LLC for the sanitation department at a cost not to exceed $311,590. Net cost to the city not to exceed $62,220. Councelor Newman, will you introduce this resolution?

Sure. Whereas the sanitation department has identified a need to upgrade a tandem axle garbage truck to a 2026 Freightlininer M2 106 hillside loader single axle garbage truck to better serve the needs of its customers. And whereas the said truck is available through Source Whale Purchasing Cooperative contract number 11223-TCH from Ingram Equipment Company LLC at a cost not to exceed 300,000 311,590,000 I'm sorry $590. And whereas in resolution book 2025- C, page 365, the city council of the city of Pratt will authorize the surplus of one of 2024 Kinworth T480 tandem axle garbage truck 06-122 VIN number 0706 to trade to Ingram Equipment Company LLC toward said purchase. And whereas the credit for said surplus truck is 250,000. And whereas the net cost to the city for the purchase of the 2026 Freight Liner Hill single axle truck is 62,220. Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of Pville that the FY2026 budget is hereby amended as follows. Decrease sanitation reserves $122,200. Increase sanitation gain loss fixed assets $190,000. increase sanitation capital outlay $312,200. Be it further resolved that funds in an amount not to exceed $311,590 net cost to the city not to exceed $62,220 for the per purchase of one 2026 Freight Liner Hill Truck as hereby authorized and approved to be paid to Ingram Equipment LLC and said funds are approved and appropriated from the FY2026 budget line item sanitation capital outlay. be it further resolved that the mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. So moved.

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

I I did want to just bring this up so that everybody's aware the the intent of this is to I know this is maybe a little newer looking vehicle that's being traded in. Some of the problems that we're having with these larger trucks and the tandem axle is that as they get into close quarters or make tight turns, it's causing problems with the uh the uh the back ends of the tire and uh just creating maintenance issues that need to be addressed. So, what we're trying to do here is step down a size in a truck, go to a single axle so it won't have the problematic turning radius issues or some of the uh bigger issues uh going down some of the smaller streets. And um we're maximizing the tradein value of this one right now. I think we're at like 80% of this is being uh paid for by the trade in and we're taking the money out to step down. We've got some other issues that'll be addressed probably throughout the year. We're going to have a sanitation committee meeting probably soon as I can get one scheduled. But um um this is a step in adjusting the size of the equipment to meet the specificity of the city's areas so that we can better adjust it. Tracy's done a great job haggling with the uh company about getting this truck trade in value as high as he can and getting us a good deal. So I'm I'm really uh I think that's good move in our direction.

All right. Thank you. Is there any other discussion on this item? All right. Not hearing none. Um, all in favor of this resolution signify by raising your right hand. Okay. And this uh resolution is adopted unanimously. All right. Next item on the agenda is resolution number six to authorize a mayor to sign a contract for services with the Prattville Public Library for funding as allocated in the 2025 2026 budget. Councelor Langley, will you introduce this resolution?

Yes, sir. Whereas funding for the Ataga Prattville Public Library is budgeted annually by the city of Prattville. And whereas the library serves the public good and is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Prattville. And whereas a contract for services has been requested to administer and support the allocation of funds, excuse me. And whereas the city attorney will draft a contract for approval by the city council to [clears throat] satisfy satisfy said request. Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of Pratville that the mayor is hereby authorized to sign a contract for services with the ataga Prattville public library as allocated in the fiscal year 2025 2026 budget. So moved.

All right. We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Second by councelor Jackson. Is there any discussion on this item? All right, Mr. Mayor.

Yes, sir. Thank you. Um, I I I have a few questions. I guess a few comments. Um, because I think the little bit of history is important for our I guess viewers at home. Uh I think we all know that uh the library is county and city uh started mandated just similar as to our 911 even though when 911 was started it was started as a city county entity even though it was did not quite follow the state guidelines. So technically now it is just a county entity but when it was started it was city county entity and so I I bring all that up because you know some of the the timing here as well is that we're fixing to staff is fixing to cut the second quarter checks to so many different uh entities and here we are through the first quarter basically fixing to start the second quarter. think the timing is a little little bit off on this one. Um but I guess one of my biggest concerns um is that in a part of the contract is I have seen it and again too this has been back and forth. I've been in some emails and out of some so it is I have not been a real I have not been included in a lot of the conversations on this. But one of the concerns I have here is basically on page two of it as I uh have seen it uh unless it something has changed um I think we have a little bit of overreach on this because here uh on that draft that I saw we're mandating hours days and hours. I don't think we're doing that with 911. And again this is different than just to use a couple examples the Chamber of

Commerce. It's a totally different uh entity. Uh by state statute, we're supposed to have a contract with them. U Butterfly Bridge or some other entities, great uh community partners, but uh we the city and we the county started the library similar as we did 911. [clears throat] Why is this one being treated different than the 911? especially to a point of where we're now trying to act as the board of directors for the library by mandating what days that they will be open and closed. Um, one other part of it that I have noticed, it talks about um some of our corporate limit uh partners. It's really not including it's not including our county residents because again this is aa Prattville library. So I think some of the verge on it is should be readjusted. I know I've heard that this is trying to mirror the county contract. I personally think it ought to be improved even more and maybe then they can mirror our contract on it. Um, again, I I think I I feel like I need some clarification on why this board is being treated differently than some of the other boards and committees. Uh, one other question I have here is that in the resolution here, it's talked about um um it was requested. Well, who requested this contract?

I will let you know that I requested the contract for services. Um, my perception based on the state code of Alabama is when we give money to an entity that we do not have control over that we must have a contract for services to have a clear understanding of what we are doing for this entity and what we expect this entity to um their end of the bargain basically. And so I know that whenever um Andrew has been going back and forth with the council in regards to this contract um we have discussed the county contract. So I don't know when the county um did theirs, but I think it's just housekeeping in terms of knowing what we're expending and knowing what they are um what we expect from them. And I think also to um piggyback, I think when mayor when we were asking you if we were able to see how they had been spending their money, you mentioned that we did not have a contract for services in place. Therefore, we were not allowed to see how they were spending because you said basic I think you said you're not you're you're just a regular Joe SM. Therefore, you wouldn't be able to go back and request, you know, how their money been spending. So I think that's when also when the contract for services was brought up. So I think and I think that's been a discussion prior to I think it was brought up even a couple years ago when we talked about doing a contract for services because I think you mentioned it a couple years ago when we're talking about it before. So I think that's how we've gotten to the point where we are now as far as a contract for services. I don't think this is anything new but it was brought up a couple years ago. Then I know when we I asked about if we were able to see

their books and financials, you mentioned then that we did not have a contract for services and you mentioned how how you had previously asked for contract for services. Therefore, we were not able to see what they were doing moving forward. So I know that's how we kind of got to where we are now with a contract for services. And even going back, I know um I have sent several emails going back to the resolutions. Um we had the joint resolution from the city and the county back to the 70s. Also the resolution that we had in place back in I think 85. Then I think there was another one in 92 where it says that they would have to report to us their financials but and reporting it to the clerk, things like that. And then also I've sent to them. I got a copy of the contract for services that the county currently has in place. So, we've looked at all of that to try to come to uh a resolution to, you know, and I don't think it's necessarily anything against the uh uh library per se because we even discussed how we may need to get a contract for services in place for other u organizations as well because obviously there needs to be some type of contract for services. You know, I think we discussed that. I think you and I have even talked about that moving forward, but that's how we've gotten to this point. But um and like I think I've heard you guys say, it's kind of a road map and I think we've been working through this for the last few weeks as to try to put something in place moving forward. So, um

go ahead, Councilman. I was going to say, you know, from my perspective, I think it's a a good idea for us, like like it's been brought up. If we're going to give money to somebody to do something, we want to make sure we've got a good, you know, direction and what they're supposed to do with it. For example, in this contract, it states they can't use the money for certain things. They can't use it for building repairs, for example. They have to use it for certain things. We have different buckets for different things. So, we're just trying to make sure that the money that's being given for them to use is used the right way and especially since it's a joint effort with the county and um I think it's I think it's good for us to make sure we have these type of control measures in place to make sure that any entity and I'm not saying specifically the library but any entity and 91 is a good example as well. and we have a 24-hour shop there. So, we don't have the same kind of hours of operations, but there may be and we've tried, I think, from a place of good intention to put a a fair contract for services in place. There may be a few little things we may have missed in doing this and and and hours of operations, not a hill I'm going to die on if it says normal operating hours or whatever. But, but um I definitely believe we need to make sure I I think we can collaborate together and get that worked out. I think we're in a great great start with it. But, you know, the county requires a contract for services for this entity as well. And I think that should be something we want to mirror to make sure we have something in place to show that our money that the taxpayers have given us to spend is being spent properly with the library and that we can audit them if we need to. Um, I don't see anything out of the ordinary in the contract. Um, but, um, it may not be necessarily perfect. There may be some little things that we want to make sure it's set up for you to be able to exercise properly. That's the intent of this is to make sure.

Council Chamber.

Yes, sir. Uh and you guys are right. About two years ago, we started this journey. Um obviously that was another council, but I um I think it was council me and I were the only ones that would support a contract for services at that time. Um, you know, I I understand that, uh, you know, we got a new council now, and that's, you know, I'm glad to see that the subject's brought back up. Um, I do have some concerns as well. Um, you know, the word controls been used quite a bit. I I I mean, I I don't think we need to be working on micromanaging. I see this more concerning of being an enforcement agreement versus a service contract. Um, and I, you know, I just, I think the first one, the first draft that was sent out, uh, Andrew, maybe you can clarify this, but the first draft that was sent out, that's pretty much a standard contract for services. Is that correct?

That's correct, Chancellor Chambers. It kind of dictates a term, standard services to be provided. And again, where I started was where we left off two years ago. kind of took out everything that wasn't needed at that time and started with just a standard contract. Here's the term. Here's the services that are going to be provided. And that's where we started. And obviously, we're further along from that now at this point. Right. So, my concern is we're pushing too much that we may be, I don't know, cherrypicking on who we're going to require information from and who we're not. Um, I guess 911 would be another example, but um,

excuse me. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. Um, so I just I just want to make sure we don't teeter on the the issue of what are we really doing versus is there another agenda involved here. And um, I I I just don't want it to be this. It seems like this is setting a precedence that we've never done before on any contract services. Can you remember of anything that have we ever had us having this discussion on any other contract or anything like that? And this is the concern of mine.

Well, I would like to say I think this is the first time especially with the contract services. Matter of fact, I think I've told several people over the LA I've been up here nine years and this has actually been the most interaction and involvement from all council members because prior to I don't think we've actually had much say on anything prior to now. So, I think it's been a good thing to hear from each council member and each council member having a say in this process. I don't recall us ever having to even do a contract for services because Basically, I don't know if you have, but I don't recall, like I say, I've been on nine years. I don't recall us ever even having a say or input, and I don't think we're necessarily trying to target anyone. Um because again what we did because if you go back we I sent him the contract for services that the county had in place and I think it had been mentioned several times over the last couple years that the county has a contract for services in their place. The county has so I think what we've done is try to mirror is it perfect? You know you say a word like control. I mean that's semantics. We can go back and fix that. I don't think it's necessarily trying to micromanage them per se. I think it's

I guess my question would be this. I'm sorry. You okay? Go ahead. Go ahead. Um and this is a genuine question is uh why wasn't the just the the contract for services that we typically use with everybody else sufficient? What and why did we feel the need to continue to add and add add stuff? And I'm not I mean that's not being sarcastic. I'm just genuinely asking um and not so

I can't say that I've ever seen a contract for services with anyone that we give money to. I think we've actually even discussed that that maybe with this uh new council and moving forward that any organization moving forward that receives money that we have input on who gets money, how much money and also having a contract for services in place because I think move I think prior to anything as far as comm community initiatives I think those contracts have been executed executed via the mayor and Daniel I don't recall us having necessarily input or even seeing any type of contract for services with any of us. So that's all so this is all new and foreign and like I say I think it's been a good thing because all of us have been allowed to have a voice in this process and I don't think we're necessarily going after anyone because if we say we're going after anyone some people [clears throat] could come back and say why are we even it seems like some may be trying to protect someone or some organization

I was going to say so unless I'm mistaken contract for services is probably a best practice in the finance industry and I'm or if if I'm speaking out of turn, the city attorney, the finance director can let me know. But I mean, other than that, you're writing a blank check. Basically, you're saying, "I'm going to give you this money. Spend it however you see fit." And I know that that's our job here is to make sure that any money that we're collecting and sending somewhere, we need to make sure we know where it's going and dictate how it's being spent to some degree. And I'm not saying dictate to the library how to conduct their day-to-day operations. Absolutely not. I'm going go on record and saying I'm not picking on the library system. It has come up that it's needed and I think it should be addressed and I think we should have some oversight and some say where our money's going and um a contract for services is the way to do that. I'm not looking to be controlling with it and that's why the guidance from the the city attorney here on what needs to go in there and collaborating with the mayor and and I I I was under the impression the mayor had seen it a little more than I guess what he had that that's fine. We just need to work through it. I just want to make sure that we're legally right and that we're our money the city's given to the library spent the best way the library needs to spend it the way they should. So that that's all I and and I don't want to control their day-to-day operations and 911. I'm on the 911 committee. We we have contract for certain we we have a budget. We have everything we have and it's subject to the city to be able to see. I mean that's just good finance practices and good business practices, you know. Other than that, like I said, you're writing a blank check and saying have fun with my money. And when they come driving in with a Porsche, my saying library is doing that, but I'm saying if they come driving in with a Porsche and you're like, "We need some more money because uh you know, so it's just good practice."

Well, I agree. That's why I tried to do this two years ago. Yeah, I I was here when you uh I mean, and I'm all for contract for services whether it's the library board or any other boards. U I mean, I just want to make sure that everybody's being treated fairly. Sure. There's nothing that's there's somebody being picked out. Um and and I think that's a concern for me. Is there something specific in it that you see that's being because we can I mean we don't have to address it right now but obviously if you look at the generic one that we got and look at the one we have now there's a whole lot of different Well there's there's not a oneizefits-all for contracts for services either. I mean we have to flex it as it fits the the entity we're dealing with. So all right

thank you. I just want to share my my concerns. Council Mary, I' I'd like to see if we can make a motion to table this because obviously there is a lot of things going on and if we're going to do it, we're going to do it right and um so I would like to put that into motion and maybe we can discuss this two meetings from now. Would that be enough time or so? you were looking the 6, it would be the

And I did want to say too, as far as the um uh being in the Q2, I I agree, but it's the first time this council's been together and was looking at it, it's better to get into it than wait another year and then try to And I'll say thank y'all for all bringing this back and it's and having this conversation like councelor Jackson said, I think it's good and healthy and I I would like to continue that as such as as as council America said and uh and maybe get some more feedback from the public as well.

All right. So, quick question. So, he on this resolution, does the contract have to necessarily be already in place before we can pass this resolution? Or is it necessary or or can we go ahead and vote on this until and uh give us time to finalize the resolution later? or does the resolution need to be finalized now before we vote?

Thank you, Councelor Jackson. So, the resolution obviously states whereas the city attorney will draft a contract for approval by the city council. So, in my mind, the contract would need to be in a final final form before the council votes to approve it. obviously that this resolution would still authorize me to continue doing what I'm doing and prepare and hear feedback and work on the draft until it's final. Um, I see no issue with passing this to authorize that process to continue. However, you know, I think it will need once it's in final form to come back before the council because I can't just get an email, separate emails from everyone saying, "Oh, it looks good." you know, would need to be a formal action by the council to approve the final version.

I mean, could we could we table it and still have discussion and then have a final at that point? Yes. Like it continue in a working format. Um have discussions with each of you individually as we fine-tune it and get it to a point to where it can be voted on. All right. Uh Council Merrick, do you had a a motion? Yes. I'd like to make a motion that we table this u and uh come back on January the 20th. Yes, I second that.

All right. I have a motion by council, second by councelor Newman. All in favor of the motion to table this until January the 20th signify by raising your right hand. And this does motion to table passes unanimously. President Whey, may I say this? Um, I I never had an opportunity to jump in with you guys down there, but I think one of the things that jump out to me is the generic um contract for services. That leads me to think that we need to look at our previous uh contract for services for our different entities. Um, and and like councelor Newman said, there's not a one-sizefits-all, but in this situation, we have the contract for services that the county has signed with the library. Okay? So, we know that their contract for services is very specific. I mean, it's almost identical to ours. And so, I don't think that and we we give almost double the money that they give. And so I certainly don't think that the specificity of ours is a problem. Um especially when ours is not the only one out there. So I I don't feel that this should be diminished in any way. Um we can certainly open it up for discussion, but there's nothing in here that is controlling over the library. It it's you know we can make it available to the public. I think that would be a good idea. I don't know if that's all allowed if it's not if it's in a draft form, but I've had several calls because apparently circulating in the different groups um it is saying that we are you know trying to mandate this and control that and that's not what we're trying to do at all and um I have assured people who have contacted me that no this is pretty much identical to the counties and if the city if the

library did not have a problem with the county then they won't have a problem with this either. Okay, just kind of made my one point real quick and thank you for sharing that. Uh, councelor Langley and I'd also, hey, all you guys at home and the folks here, I strongly advise you to reach out to your counselors, give them a call, email them, uh, give them an idea of how you feel, where you stand on this. And, uh, I would certainly appreciate that from my district three council. I mean, my uh, constituents. Thank you,

Mr. Chair. Yes, sir. if I might, and thank you for recognizing me. Um, I know you brought up about in part of it, it says they can't spend any of this money on the building. Well, I mean, what if they want to put drapes in there? I mean, it's uh the city does own the building with the county. So, I mean, it's it's I guess rhetoric like that I don't believe needs to be in there. if we're going to really have a contract for services with them, I think it needs to be true to fit on this one. And then with some of the other contract for services, uh the community initiatives, they've always been available to the council when requested, uh they have been reviewed and adjusted as far as um making certain that they were nonprofits. they met certain criteria as they had to have certain u not business licenses but basically a nonprofit number or they had to have uh minutes and stuff like that turned in. So staff has been monitoring that and and um and adjusting it as needed to be to to get us to have a very great contract from most of those I guess all of the community initiatives. Of course, this is a different one. This is a uh contract for the for a city county entity, the library.

So, it's totally different so that we don't need to make certain we don't get the um the two confused there. But one of the issues I really do have is for us to extend uh in the contract to mandate they've got to open up x number of days, x number of hours. recently it had to be shut down because of I believe it was an electrical issue and so there's there's so many other nuances that if we try to I think especially the days and the times that is board management that's where the library board ought to be handling that not the city

okay and and we um we have a month to try and hash out all of this and u I hope we have a whole lot more discussion um on it this time. Hopefully starting earlier in the process and not later in the process uh so that we can hash all of these things out and be able to come back with something that is uh agreeable upon um by all of us. Well, if I can have one closing comment on it, there's a lot of institutional knowledge with uh uh myself and staff and uh the more that we're included in these the I think the the better the product is going to be.

Sure. Absolutely. we will include you. All right. Item number seven on our agenda is a resolution uh to enter to authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with Jackson Thornton and Company PC for a re a revenue requirements analysis and cost of service rate study for sanitation at a total cost of $10,000. Councilman Newman, will you introduce this resolution?

Certainly. Whereas the city of Prabal has identified a need for professional services for a revenue requirements analysis and cost service rate study for sanitation. And whereas the utilities consultants at Jackson Thornton and Company BC have the expertise to provide professional services for set analysis and study at a cost of $10,000. And whereas set services are budgeted expense in the sanitation enterprise fund. Now therefore, it be it resolved that the city of council, the city of Prattville, hereby authorizes the mayor to enter into an agreement with Jackson Thornton and company uh PC for said professional services that have cost of $10,000 and said funds are approved and appropriated from the FY2026 budget line item sanitation operating supplies. Be it further resolved that the mayor is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. So moved.

All right, we have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Second by council.

Not that one. Second by councelor Langley. Uh all in favor of resolution number seven, please signify by raising your right hand. All right. And this uh resolution is adopted unanimously. [clears throat] Item number eight. is a resolution to set a public hearing to reszone property located inside the corporate limits at 682 covered bridge Parkway from R5 single family highdensity district 2011 office district. Uh councelor Merritt, will you introduce this resolution please?

Yes sir. Whereas Chad J. Peacock is the petitioner for the property described in attachment A and where a set property to be reszoned is located inside the corporate limits at 682 Coverbridge Parkway and whereas the petitioner wishes to reszone the approximately acre half an acre property from R-5 to O-1 and whereas a public hearing on the proposed resoning was held by the city of Pratville planning commission on November 20th 2025 and whereas The planning commission did recommend the zoning of set property as described in attachment A be amended from R-5 to O-1. Now therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of Prable that a public hearing is set for January 20th, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Praal City Hall.

All right, we have a motion. I'm sorry. So moved. We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second.

Second by councelor Jackson. Is there any discussion on the resolution to set a public hearing? Okay. Not hearing any. All in favor of this resolution, signify by raising your right hand. All right. And this resolution is adopted unanimously. Uh council me, will you now read in the ordinance portion? Yes, sir. Be it ordained by the city council of the city of Praal, Alabama as follows. that the zoning ordinance of the city of Propel, Alabama and the zoning map are hereby amended and to reclassify the property described in attachment A from R-5 to O-1 and that this proposed ordinance and a synopsis were advertised for two weeks in the Montgomery Advertiser, a newspaper of general circulation within the corporate limits of the city of PRAPEL and that the city council at its public hearing on January 20th 20 26 at 6 PM considered said proposed ordinance and that at such time and place all persons who desired had an opportunity to be heard in favor of or in opposition for such to such ordinance. All other items and provisions of the zoning ordinance not herein specifically amended shall remain in full force in effect. The amendments herein contained were considered and recommended by the city of prabal planning commission on November 20th, 2025. This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and execution as provided by law. So move. All right, we have a motion. Do we have a second?

Second.

Second by councelor Jackson. By point of order, this item will hold until after the public hearing on January the 20th, 2026. That concludes our regular agenda for tonight. At this time, the council will welcome any comments from persons present. Anyone who wishes to speak, please line up in the middle. Ly, you'll be called upon to print your name and address. And you'll have up to five minutes to address the council. Please state your name and address first and you may begin to speak. Thank you. John Link Finnegan 211 Dear Trace, excuse me. [clears throat] At the last council member um meeting, you approved a resolution to support the renovations of the first and third floor of the old bank building. And I went to the public um excuse me, the planning committee meeting last Thursday on the 11th. And on their agenda, they had the renovations for a restaurant on the first floor and it was presented by WCB Auburn. Well, in researching the WCB Auburn we came up with was Waldo's Chicken and Beer. And when I looked at the website, I saw the gentleman that owned it and he was at the planning commission meeting. Um, unfortunately, they did not say that. Yes, that's what it is going to be because all of them had to sign an NDA, a non-disclosure agreement because they said it was economic development, which I find very interesting. But anyway, I just wanted to present my feelings on this type of establishment for downtown. I'm not against Waldo's Chicken and

Beer, but not for downtown. I think that, you know, we're losing that quaintness of downtown. And I will be honest, um, the painting of the building, if they had painted it tan or some other color than that gray or whatever it is, it changes the feeling of it. and having a a beer place open. And believe me, I I I drank and most of you know I've now got 45 years of sobriety, but I was wild and woolly. In fact, I've always said I couldn't run for public office because the photos and the videos would come out. But anyway, and so I'm not against people having a good time. What I'm against is that being the first thing people will see when they come in and actually where they want to put the sign. You would come up and it's between [clears throat] those two like pillar-like things. It'd be the first thing you see over the roof of the venue. And another thing that I found surprising is they were going to approve the signage at the planning commission. And luckily the planning commission put the renovations to for one vote and signage for because they had nothing on the signage. The planning commission had no sign what it was going to look like at all. So I mean it just I want you to think about it and I know there were people that said, "Oh, that would be great." But also think about how would that flow out to the venue itself. I mean all the tables I counted it. There were there's a hundred chairs and you know with the different tables but they're going to take up the whole side of the building including the

covered patio. I mean that is all going to be the restaurant and thinking about it and of course there's 12 television sets in addition to the large one that we have put up and in the advertisement for this uh Waldo at Auburn it says and come watch the 12 television sets which I found very interesting but how are we going to if if you approve it and I I hope I hope you don't. I was really thinking that you would have sort of a a boutique restaurant or something down there or or maybe a a nice elegant restaurant just to kind of keep the feel of downtown. Let's not lose that quaint feeling. And we already are. I feel that we already are. I've been here 36 years and I've seen it changed. So again, how would you keep all those people from drinking then moving into the venue? I mean, it just I I just don't think that that is the type of establishment that we need in downtown. Let's let's keep the quaintness. Let's keep keep it um you know, family. Let's keep it family. We we stress family all the time. Well, that's not going to be a family, especially, you know, during ball games. I mean, it's it's going to be crazy. So, anyway, I just wanted to bring that up because I was so upset and with us not getting any information. I just think that it really needs it really needs thinking. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there anybody else who would like to address the council? Diane Rowling, 19 Magnolia Drive. I want to piggyback off of what she said. I too went to the meeting and of course I follow social media and I had seen something. The diagrams, I don't know if y'all seen them, but they have like huge windows with rollup like garage doors. There's two sets of them that will be their bar height that will be in the building. Well, anyway, I was noticing the other day they were talking about how the venue was going to be closed down because of the cold and everything else. And I'm thinking, okay, if they make this restaurant there, what's going to happen on the cold and the stormy days and everything else? Because I mean, they're wide rolls and the way they um Actually, the lady said that she didn't know where they would put the sign. She was talking about [clears throat] they were talking about different places and there's different signs of the Waldo chicken and beer or whatever it is. But she didn't bring any pictures or anything else of any of it. And I just asked y'all my thing too. It's supposed to be like a sports bar with all the children running around over there. I do not see it as being a good idea. Period. And that's all I have. I just wanted to speak my piece on it.

All right. Thank you.

Thank you. Patrick Lucas 1211 Caliber cross singing peace on earth and goodwill towards men. I just want to wish you all a merry Christmas, a happy new year, but take this time to reflect. We have a lot to be thankful for. I I truly believe that this city is what it's supposed to be, but we can all do better towards one another. Respecting one another's values. Let our word mean something. This Christmas is not about venues, Santa Claus, reindeers, snowmen. It's about the love of Christ. God gave us the very best that he had in his son, Jesus. And he was wrapped in swallowing clothes and he was laid in a manger for us because God didn't send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. So let us reflect on this and as I close, gracious God, our father, we just thank you now. Father God, we thank you for this beautiful city. We thank you for the citizens of this city. Father God, we ask you continue to touch the mayor of this city council. Father God, in times like these, we need you where the world is so dark. Father God, let us be that light. Bless each and every one of the sound of our voice individually and collectively, Father God. And father God, we know that you have the final say. So this is our prayer. In Jesus name we do pray. Amen. Merry Christmas. Thank you. Merry Christmas. All right. Is there anybody else who would address

the council? All right. Not seeing any. We'll go into our closing comments, Mr. Mayor.

Yes, sir. Two parts here, I guess. Um on item number four tonight on the library. Um I thank y'all for passing it, approving it. uh staff continue to do the due diligence very rapidly so we can get this project moving. Um I've mentioned this before I believe is that with this stabilization the floor will still be unlevel. The staff with the library would prefer to have the wall that was put up for it to stay and they utilize the unlevel area as storage. But that is basically this project in my opinion is keyed to the next step which is potentially a another wing in front of the existing building. So I say that because that's uh the library is very very well utilized and um appreciated and needed and so that's I guess basically for the record. Uh the other one on agenda item number one that is a very very very timesensitive item. I would ask that the council reconsider it tonight and vote on it tonight, approve it tonight because it could be um have some very time it could hurt some of the timelines for this company coming in into the community. So, it does need to be approved tonight. Uh and moving on councilors, you know, this is our final city council meeting of the calendar year. And looking back, I think uh we collectively reflect on a productive and and impactful time for our community. Uh with many projects completed and groundwork has laid continued progress here in Pra. I hope that each and everyone here is a very merry Christmas and a happy new year with your family and friends. And I hope um the good Lord does continue to shine down upon us. But please reconsider agenda item number one.

Thank you, sir. Council Newman. I was just going to ask, did we want to do we need to take action on anything around that before we close out or should we go ahead and close out? I mean, that's um It does not matter. I mean, you can say closing comments.

I was just going to say uh firstly, um I'm [clears throat] very excited. This a lot happened this last week with the meeting. Uh, councelor Jackson ran a great meeting, emergency meeting for the library. It was great, great to see the group come together and collaborate with the mayor on something uh to fix get a fix in place. Um, it was very positive. Um, I know my nickname may be Polyiana sometimes, but I enjoyed seeing everybody working on that. I think it was a great uh a great uh meeting and I was I was glad to see us work through that. That was really good. I it it makes me happy and proud to see us work together like that. I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm sure we can work through the the contract details with the library. I don't I don't uh see us having any kind of serious uh roadblocks or anything there. Uh I I'm I thought we had collaborated a little bit better and we're on the same page. That's fine. If we're not, we can work through it. I I know we'll get to a point where where I think the uh mayor and the council and hopefully the the library board will be fine with our contract for services and we can move forward with that. Um, uh, parks and wreck, uh, Kelly, I have had so many people compliment downtown and and and focus on how good it was and how they much they liked it and and I just tell them to do a great job. They need to let you know. And, um, I wanted to make sure I said that publicly. Um, um, I do want to say maybe next year, start next year, that we every other meeting we work backwards this way. So, we don't always start at one, but I did want to if you have feedback for me in district one on anything that's going on, any of you that are viewing or any of you that are here, please reach out to me. I'm not afraid for feedback or critique. It doesn't hurt me at all. If you tell me what you what you think and what you feel, I'm just going to process it and do do what I can do with it. And um I hope everybody has a happy holidays, a merry Christmas, a happy new year. When you're traveling, travel safely. Please don't get yourself in any situation where you get injured or hurt. We don't

want to lose anybody. And that's all I have to say. Council Jackson,

I'm gonna start out uh I talked to Kelly and Robert uh with Thursday night and I was very uh surprised and excited to see Spillway. That was my first time actually seeing it. And I think I told them both how nice it was and just seeing everyone out there having such a good time. And uh I actually almost for a second forgot I was in Prattville just to seeing all the smiling faces and the kids running around at that venue. And it's a I think it's a top-notch venue and I think it's uh uh a huge asset for downtown. So I'm grateful and I appreciate all you guys have done for that uh venue. Um, like Wade said, we did had a have a productive meeting last week and I appreciate that where we all have a have an in have a say, all have input uh working together. I think that's what it's about and I am very happy to see that. Like I said, in my nine years, I think that's huge. And um I think um the more we have those type discussions and continue to work together, the city will continue to be better for it. Um happy birthday. Happy belated birthday. Uh Miss Finnegan, I think you just celebrated one I think a couple days ago. So happy belated. Um, I think you said you were here moved here what 35 years ago. So I I guess you were five when you moved. [laughter]

But anyway, I just want to wish everyone a merry Christmas, happy holidays, happy new year, and uh look forward to working with you guys. Council Trevor. Yeah, I just want to share a few final thoughts uh since this is the last council meeting we're going to have this year. First, Kelly Carter and the parks and recck team for I just want to say thanks, man. Y'all did a great job. Uh, Spillway Park looks awesome. Um, the lights obviously looked great. The parade was off the chain. Uh, a lot of lot of What's that?

Yeah. [laughter] Um, it's great to see the kids having a great time and their parents also. And um, you know, that's what this is all about. You know, that's what makes Prattville so good. And also just want to shout out to the police officers and all the other city employees that uh worked that night or even uh had a lot to do with a hand in uh setting everything up, putting the lights up, all that that that takes a lot of work. So, thank you guys for making it so special. Um and I know the mayor touched on this earlier, uh but just another quick reminder that we are one of the three finalists and um I think uh you know that proud pride and that community spirit is going to show through. We're going to show them why we're number one in the state. Um, and as we close out the year, I just want to wish everybody, my fellow council members and department heads, all the city employees and their families, mayor, um, all the constituents out there, uh, just a very merry Christmas, happy new year, and let's just not forget about what the the reason is for the season. And merry Christmas. Thank you,

Council Mary. [clears throat]

Yes, sir. Um, what a year. Um, and I'm excited about the next four that we're going to have uh with this. I think we uh we really got something going on and I think it's been positive since we've since we've been sworn in. So, um that being said, my colleagues, I wish you all the best and happiest of holidays. Be safe on your travels. Uh everybody as I've said it appreciate you very much for coming here with those of you at home. Thank you very much and uh your voice and feedback is not taken for granted. We we take it seriously everything you say and so continue to to do that. So um in regards to the holiday season, Kelly, thank you so much. Um and Chief back there, thank you for everything. U Chief Thompson's too. Uh I tell you what, the as we were going down the parade, you know, the the cops are on the bikes, they're driving around, and uh every time I I try to throw him a piece of candy or something like that, but always thanking them for for everything that you do. Tracy, um I want to thank you back there uh sanitation. I'll tell you, I came down um right after all the lights and stuff been coming up and um saw a couple of guys taking out the trash and and and that's something that you really don't think about. I mean, you know, when you're walking down the street and you're throwing something in there, you know, some folks might think, well, man, just runs down a tube and it goes on and on and on and on. but we come and pick it up. And so I want to thank thank you and your department for everything that is not taken for granted. And that's everything as a whole is a beautifification that we have here in Prattville, Alabama. Um the contest I did check earlier today when I made my vote, we were we were in

[clears throat] the lead and hopefully we'll still have. So uh let's let's bring that home and uh add that to our victory plate with the splash pad that we got a few years back. So, uh, but, uh, seriously, uh, but on on that note, um, wish all of you and your families the happiest of holiday season, a merry Christmas, cuz as the merry bells keep ringing, happy holidays to you, councelor stretching, councelor Langley.

Uh, yes. Obviously, I want to piggy back on what all the guys said. Kelly, you did a great job. I I hope that I have expressed my my gratitude towards you um over the past month. Um also, thank you for the to the police department. We were invited to their Christmas party on Sunday. No, was it Sunday? Yeah, Sunday. And um man, you want to feel old, go to a policeman's Christmas party because they're all so young and their wives are young and lots of babies and but it was they were all so nice. The food was great. Um, and a big thank you to them for that. And then lastly, I want to say thank you to these guys. Um, honestly, three months ago, you know, when I was elected, I I had some some trepidation of how how I was going to be accepted up here. And, um, these guys have been awesome. Uh, Polyiana, my other book end on the end. um he and I are the newbies and we talk several times a week and and I think this has just been a great experience and each each one of you guys I appreciate it Tommy I appreciate you're always so encouraging and and whe is always there for my phone call to ask questions and Chambers I appreciate you and your wife is is wonderful and sweet and stretch over here gives me some nudges when I need to do something differently or yeah apparently you didn't nudge me enough earlier Um, but anyway, Marcus, you know, I love you. Um, but I appreciate you guys. I do. I do because you didn't have to welcome me in like you did and you have and and I'm I'm very grateful and of course I love you guys and merry merry Christmas and um, happy new year and be safe.

That's it. I'll I'll make sure.

All right. So, um, yeah, downtown looks beautiful. Um the rest of the city looks beautiful. That is uh definitely a testament to all of our employees and the jobs that they do. Um don't want to forget an opportunity uh to to tell them how how great of a job they do. Um everything is great. I get a lot of compliments. Um and when there are issues and people call me um we reach out. I talk to the mayor or talk to a department head and issues are resolved um very rapidly. and uh sometimes they take a little longer, but the end result is that people in my district are happy that it's getting done. So, uh I do want to say merry Christmas um and happy new year and uh I think that's it for me. Is there any other business that we need to bring before the

I I considering what I understand to be an urgency situation um was a agenda item number one, correct? I would appreciate if we had some reconsideration on that. All right. So, I'm going to rely on you, Mr. So, we we we introduced it. We had a second, but we did not suspend the rules. So, that's correct. So, it'll be a three-step process. First, a motion to reconsider will be made. That needs a second. That needs a majority vote to pass. And at that point, we start back over. It's been introduced. Then, we request a suspension of the rules with a roll call vote.

Okay. After that is taken, if the rules are unanim unanimously suspended, then you vote on the measure. Okay. All right. So, I'd like to make the motion to reconsider. All right. So, we have a motion to reconsider uh resolution agenda item number one. Do we I'd second.

So, motion by uh councelor Chambers, second by councelor Newman. Is there any discussion? Not hearing any. All in favor of reconsidering um agenda item number one signify by raising your right hand. Okay. And uh that is passed unanimously. All right. So at this point the um resolution has been read and we have a second. So do I hear uh let's see. Do we have a motion to suspend the rules? I move to suspend the rules. Okay. Okay, we have a motion to suspend the rules. Councelor Chambers, is there a second?

Second by councelor Merritt. Uh, at this time, Madam Clerk, will you call 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. Uh, this item number one is now properly before us. Is there any discussion on this resolution? I would like to say this. I am routinely a after sitting out there for so long, I am routinely against suspending the rules. Um I I don't feel I mean it's it's a protocol for a reason, you know, that we we have that time to do our research and for the citizens to do their research. Um however, when there is an urgency, I get that. Um, so I just wanted to go on the record for stating that. Okay. Is there any other discussion?

I just say thank you for your reconsideration. All right. Not hearing any further discussion. All in favor of resolution number one. Signify by raising your right hand. And this resolution is adopted unanimously. I got to find my page. Hold on. I think we are at the next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, January the 6th, 2026 at 6 PM. Do I hear a motion to adjurnn? Councelor Jackson, do I have a second? Second. Councelor Merrick, all in favor say yes. And we are journ.

Thank you, Dale. Getty, you were outed anyway.