By Gerri Miller
Staff Writer, Elmore/Autauga News
With her voice breaking as she became emotional, Prattville District 3 City Council member Denise Brown resigned from her seat Tuesday night.
Brown is not seeking re-election for a third term because her family is moving from District 3. District 7 City Council member Lora Lee Boone will take over Brown’s role as Council President Pro-tem. The Council elected Boone to the leadership role during last night’s meeting.
“I was hoping to serve out my last term, but we had to move out of the district,” she said. “By law I can’t serve.”
Brown has served on the City Council since February of 2012. She thanked her fellow council members and city employees for their friendship and support through her two terms.
Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie said he enjoyed working with Brown during her two terms. “She brought a different perspective to projects and we appreciate her service,” he said.
Council President Albert Striplin praised Brown’s work during the meeting. “There are very few cities that have someone step forward to a level of service as Denise,” he said.
Brown serves as executive director for the Autauga Interfaith Care Center, an interdenominational charity and services effort made up of area churches.
In other actions, the Council approved an ordinance to authorize $4.1 million for the Prattville Washington Street Sanitary and Storm Sewer Improvements Project. The city has undertaken the project to minimize the potential of pollutants from being discharged in storm water and wastewater runoff.
Gillespie said improvements will be made to Washington, Easy and Bunche streets. He said the Washington and Easy street projects will include wastewater and storm water projects and the Bunche Street project will consist of sewer line and storm water improvement projects.
The Council also amended an ordinance to allow the sale of draft beer in growlers that hold up to 64 ounces. The beer must be consumed off the premises of retail licensees within the City’s corporate limits. The ordinance was passed despite Striplin’s concerns about the date the ordinance would be effective and his request for additional information.
The Council also authorized the release of up to $77,160 for the purchase of safety equipment for the Fire Department, including 10 air packs, 10 head harnesses and 20 calibration gas cylinders to be purchased from Sunbelt Fire. Inc.
Gillespie praised the Fire Department for being fiscally responsible ad coming under budget. “This allows the department to get some highly-needed equipment ahead of schedule,” he said.
In other news, Gillespie recognized Prattville Police Officer Michael K. Vineyard for his promotion to Captain. “We appreciate your service and dedication to the City of Prattville,” Gillespie said. See photo below
