Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville City Council approved a slew of line items from Tuesday evening’s agenda including declaring the vacancy for District 1, formerly Albert Striplin’s district.
The longtime Prattville city councilman passed away last month, leaving the District 1 seat vacant. A qualified person will be appointed to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term, which is roughly one year. The person appointed must have lived within District 1 for at least 90 days as of the last day to qualify which is Oct. 4.
Letters of intent along with resumes from qualified applicants must be taken in person to the Prattville City Clerk starting Monday Sept. 23 through Friday October 4th. It was noted that the City Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for lunch.
The council also approved the implementation of the Firefighter Education/Certification Program. This program will attract and retain certified firefighters possessing a Fire Services degree from a college or university that is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education.
The resolution that was read in by Councilman Michael Whaley, stated that this program will also provide incentivized pay for the highest-level degree attained.
Also, among the line items approved Tuesday evening, the Council approved the designation of holidays for the remainder of 2024 and the year 2025.
The holidays that were approved on the consent agenda include: Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday Following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day / Robert E. Lee’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and one personal holiday at the employee’s supervisor’s discretion and with prior approval.
The Council also approved the replacement of fencing at Mac Gray Softball Complex. The bid was awarded to Walls & Son Fencing LLC and they will be taking on the job at a cost of around $99,120.
During the mayoral report, Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie addressed the Council and gave a progress update regarding many projects throughout the city, stating that red dirt is being turned in several areas of Prattville.
Gillespie confirmed that there are 250 more working days for the widening of Fairview Avenue, and that city engineers will have a meeting with the construction company and representatives to get the work started.
The mayor also noted many park projects throughout the city, and the city’s budget stating that it’s a fair budget as well as a living document. The budget is still pending council approval.
Gillespie also referred to what he called targeting of his employees on social media in his mayoral report.
“I ask for the ones who have found the joys in this matter. I ask that this hatred stop. Please, our employees have families,” Gillespie said.
