Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga news
At Prattville’s council meeting earlier this week, Mayor Bill Gillespie said he is happy to announce good news regarding improvements to McQueen Smith Road.
“In April the economic development team, our city engineer, city council president…we all had a very successful trip to Washington DC to advocate for funding for various city projects. We had very productive meetings with Congressman Palmer’s office, Senator Coach Tuberville, and Senator Britt’s office. I am happy to report that Sen. Britt has included the city’s request of funding for McQueen Smith Road in her budget. With the approval of the President’s budget, the city of Prattville receives $6 million through ALDOT for funding improvements on McQueen Smith Road. I would like to thank Sen. Britt for including this project and she continues to support the City of Prattville.”
He said he looks forward to seeing what the other legislators can bring as well.
Gillespie continued saying one of four traffic lights have been installed on McQueen Smith Road, and others will soon follow if Mother Nature allows, and gives the area a break on the amount of rain that has fallen recently.
He continued with his report, relating to parking. He said the city will be adding an additional 160 parking spaces downtown. This includes the area behind Way Off Broadway area and Spillway Park, that is currently fenced in. The city will also be installing handrails in the area.
Gillespie also reported that construction will begin soon on the downtown ADA sidewalk project. It should start around the Doster Center and old kindergarten building.
He also gave an update on local paving projects, saying they will begin soon, weather permitting.
Gillespie said that with the good news, there is also some bad, this time relating to the Fairview Avenue Project.
“The challenge of Fairview Avenue continues. Councilors, I want to be clear. The lack of progress on the Fairview Avenue Widening project is unacceptable. Our city engineer is actively working to get answers and accountability from Sain and Associates and SDAC. We are reviewing every option available to help move this project forward. People of Prattville expect results and so do I. We will stay on top of this until the job is done and done right. Any further questions anyone has, please do not hesitate to contact me. I spent quite a bit of time out there today, some during my lunch hour, as I was watching and trying to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the crew on site.”
To continue on a positive note, Gillespie said he has signed a letter to proceed to put the North Highland Park project out to bid. The mandatory pre-bid meeting is June 26 and the bid opening is scheduled for July 8. He said he is looking forward to the progress at North Highland Park.
In other updates, Gillespie said the Public Safety Training Facility should be complete sometime in late June. The project is awaiting the delivery of air conditioning equipment and once in operation, workers can bring in the FATS equipment, which is the Firearms Training System, for first responders.
In closing, Gillespie said, “In my tenure here, for many years, this is the best that I have seen the City of Prattville work with our EMA team. It is the best I have seen the city work with the 911 team. It is also the best I have seen the City of Prattville work with the Board of Education. I truly believe that we have the best intent for all citizens of Prattville.”
In other business, Finance Director Daniel Oakley gave a presentation, showing finances are in good shape for the city. To hear his complete report, see the 1:10 time mark at The EAN recommends you watch the entire Council meeting for more details on various subjects here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ijjWNlXrUg
