Editor’s Note: For the full video of the Prattville City Council meeting in its entirety, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efbRYWDXI8g&list=PLGmBaZToEEGaenSGxFPJA3lbks5Jsnts0&index=1
BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
There will soon be a new Safe Haven Baby Box at Prattville’s Fire Station 4 where unwanted babies can be safely dropped off in a secure environment.
The Prattville Council authorized May Bill Gillespie to enter an agreement with Safe Haven Baby Boxes (SHBB) and Kids to Love Foundation for the placement of a safety device at Fire Station #4 located at 820 Old Ridge Road.
In his report to Council, Mayor Gillespie covered this issue, as well as several others including his thankfulness for area first responders after his wife had a heart attack recently. He also addressed the Autauga-Prattville Public Library which has been embattled lately over books with sexual content.
The following items are from the Mayor’s Report to Council –
Safe Haven Baby Box
The City of Prattville will soon be home to a Safe Haven Baby Box.
“Fire Station 4 has been improved for the installation of the Baby Box. This box is in the proposed budget, but we have a partnership with Kids to Love that agrees to pay up to $18,000 for the Baby Box and installation. This box is a safety device provided under the Safe Haven Law and legally permits a mother in crisis to safely, securely and anonymously surrender their newborn. I hope this resource will be a vital step in the reduction of infant abandonment deaths throughout the country,” Gillespie told the Council. “Our Baby Box will be one of the first in the State of Alabama after the Legislative update of the Safe Haven Law.”
Autauga Prattville Public Library
On Friday of last week, officials met to discuss the situation regarding explicit, sexual materials being available at the Autauga Prattville Public Library. They discussed the current issue with materials in the young adult section. Gillespie said in the proposed budget, which is just over $120 million, it could include a contract for services for the library.
“Presently the young adult section includes ages 13 through 18,” Gillespie said. In the meeting it was suggested to create a new section called the New Adult which targets ages 18-25.
“While this proposed new adult section would help further classify books falling in the adult category by content and page count, I fail to see how it remedies the fact that explicit materials are still within the young adult section which begins with age 13.”
Furthermore, he said a potential library card system was discussed. It would help ensure that minors do not have the ability to check out sexually explicit books, and that will have continuing discussion.
“It appears that the willingness of a compromise is there, but we still have a long way to go. During the same meeting it was also mentioned by library representatives that they will resume ordering new books immediately. There were some discussions on that, so we will be keeping a close watch on what is ordered.”
Discussion of his wife’s recent medical issue
Mayor Gillespie also thanked the local first responders, who he said were instrumental in giving aid to his wife, who recently suffered a heart attack.
“I almost lost my wife. She had a heart attack Wednesday. If it had not been for our great first responders, our EMTs here, without the support of this council and previous councils, we could not have gotten her over to Baptist South where the specialists are. That is where the great medical team there kicked in and helped out and did everything they needed to do. We have her back home and I think she is better than ever. We will be able to celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary on the 23rd of this month. I want to thank everyone here who has been staying in contact. The prayers, the thoughts mean a lot and goes a long way. Had it not been for our little town, there would be one less person here.”
Update on North Highland Park Progress
Gillespie said work continues at the North Highland Park.
“Lead time for playground installation is 12 weeks and has been submitted. Fifty percent of the cost has been requested,” he said. “The bathroom project is set to begin. We had to get a couple of housekeeping items in place before construction gets started. We will be meeting very soon looking at lighting and security in that area. Again, that area in Cone Street around MLK, I ask everyone be careful in that area as we continue on with some piping projects.”
Locks of Love Display
“Our bridges and all of our fencing have seen a lot of locks of love over the years. It is to a point it is weighing on the metal and compromising some welds. We have come up with this display we will be putting up permanently behind City Hall. I would like everyone to put locks of love on this, and not on the bridges. The one on the bridges will be coming down.”
Also, on Friday beginning at 6 p.m. the Meet the Lions event will be held at Stanley-Jensen Stadium. This is a free event, but concessions will be sold.
Following the regular meeting comments from the floor were accepted.
Rev. Ell White asked that if one is not in place, an ordinance is needed concerning dogs defecating on public areas and sidewalks. He also addressed golf carts on sidewalks. He also voiced concerns about District one and random gunshots, and explosions being heard by residents. He said that law enforcement has failed to respond. He said he is concerned about veterans in the area with PTSD.
He also reported that he and others organized a back-to-school giveaway of Chrome books and backpacks in Autaugaville.
Councilor Marcus Jackson offered his thanks to area first responders and the Prattville Police Department after the apparent shooting/murder of a 16-year male who was killed and his body discovered on Covered Bridge Parkway. The incident remains under investigation.
“We had a tragic incident a couple of weeks ago…I was out there for a couple of hours with them. I was just so appreciative and amazed at the compassion and empathy shown to the family during their time of grief. I knew the young man and I know the family very well. I did get a call the next day from the family, and they just commended our police for the compassion. It was hot and our guys were out there just trying to look out for the family, bringing them water. I just want to commend you guys for such a great job and the compassion you showed that family during their tragedy. The family was very much aware of it and they appreciate it.”
In other business, the Council approved multiple resolutions:
Consent Agenda
Authorized the Mayor to have garbage and rubbish at 902 Washington Ferry Road abated and charge any incurred expenses for the abatement process.
Granted permission to the Prattville Lions Quarterback Club to collect a parking fee at Stanley-Jensen Stadium for the 2023 Football season.
Approved surplus of personal property from the Sanitation Department.
Adopted a transportation plan for fiscal year 2024 as required.
Authorized the city to participate in the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant program.
Regular Agenda as well as a Resolution from the Floor
Resolution from the Floor concerning a need for a restroom at Lo-Pickett Park
The City of Prattville Parks and Recreation Department has identified the need for a restroom at Lo-Pickett Park. The Council approved funds not to exceed $49,750 to construct the bathroom.
Authorized the purchase of one 2023 or newer 100’ E-One Ladder Truck from the HGAC-Buy purchasing cooperative from Sunbelt Fire Inc. for the fire department at a cost not to exceed $1,499,998. The construction will be similar to the bathroom facility for North Highland Park.
Amended the 2023 budget and authorized release of funds for the purchase of one 2024 Kenworth T480 garbage truck through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative from Ingram Equipment Company for the Sanitation Department at a cost not to exceed $328,949.57.
Set a public hearing to rezone property located inside the corporate limits East of Bridge Creek Road and West of Parkview Drive from FAR (Forest, Agriculture, Recreation) to R-2 (single family residential.) The hearing will be held Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Authorized the City of Prattville to enter into a construction agreement with the State of Alabama, acting by and through the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), for resurfacing on Lower Kingston Road from 4th Street to Breakfast Creek Road at a total cost not to exceed $457,978.98. The city’s part will be no more than $114,494.75.
Authorized the release of funds to perform sewer repairs along Moncrief Street to Murphy Excavation for the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department at a cost not to exceed $43,500.
Awarded bid to Murphy Excavation LLC for parking lot improvements for the Sanitation and Public Works Department at a cost not to exceed $282,325.
Authorized the release of funds to perform sewer repairs along Washington Ferry Road to Murphy Excavation LLC for the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department at a cost not to exceed $41,650.
Authorized the City of Prattville to enter into a construction agreement with the State of Alabama through the Alabama Department of Transportation for the resurfacing of Doster Road from Fleetwood Road to SR-3 (US 31) at a cost not to exceed $555,222.06. Cost to city is not to exceed #138,805.52.
Authorized the release of funds for the purchase of four AS950 All-Weather Samplers from HACH for the Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department at a cost not to exceed $32,739.
Amended the budget to authorize the release of funds for the purchase of one 2022 Ford F350 4X4 through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative from Ingram Equipment Company for the Wastewater Division at a cost not to exceed $128,862.
The next regular meeting will be Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The public is invited to attend.
