By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News
Staff Writer
On Tuesday evening, Prattville City Council voted 4-3 in the suspension of the rules for Resolution 9, which would have allowed the City of Prattville to purchase green space in downtown Prattville for their Parks and Recreation Department. The resolution will now be placed on the September 21 agenda.
The property at hand stretches from the west side of North Court Street from the north end of the “Picker House” to the south end of the concrete building located on the north end of said lot. The property is owned by Pratt Mill Properties, and has regularly been rented out by the city for various events downtown.
The City of Prattville has an allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 though Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, which would supplement the purchase of the property – which is estimated to be roughly $1 Million.
The disagreement on Tuesday night stemmed from how those funds should be used. District 2 Councilman Marcus Jackson believes that the “covid money” could be used in a multitude of ways.
“I think we should consider holding some type of forum and have a discussion with our citizens that will allow them to express their concerns surrounding this money. Have we considered using this money to help small businesses? Have we looked at helping those with rental assistance? Broadband in the school system is also a major concern. We’re looking at purchasing this land, but have we looked at improving existing parks? I would love for us to get input from the community on how to spend some of this covid money,” Jackson said.
Jackson explained that cities like Mobile, AL have held these forums, and that he would like to the City of Prattville hold one before the resolution is voted upon again.
Prattville councilors also voted to postpone another ordinance to September 21, which revolved around the inhumane treatment of dogs, including the prohibition of chaining and tethering.
District 6 Commissioner Robert Strichik said the council is “close” to coming to a final decision surrounding the wording of the ordinance. He explained that a few more amendments need to be finalized before the council casts their official vote.
All other items on the agenda passed, and be viewed at https://weblink.prattvilleal.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=284253&dbid=0&repo=Prattville
Jeff Lynn, President of Central Alabama Community College, was also present at the meeting. He announced that school is officially moving from their Pratt’s Mill Location to the old East Memorial Baptist Church. He explained that the school is slated to open in January 2022, so long as renovations go as planned. (See related article from Autauga County Commission on this page)
The project is expected to cost $13M.
