By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
After months of holding and tabling the ordinance that would require business owners within the Prattville City limits to construct a permanent outdoor barrier, allowing them to obtain an outdoor alcohol service permit, the Prattville City Council decided that it would be best to postpone the matter once again.
The ordinance, which has been a hot button issue complicated by geographical concerns, would require business owners to present plans for approval of a permanent outdoor barrier which is “aesthetically pleasing, not readily removable and is constructed with materials, textures and colors which keep with the principle of the existing structure of the building.”
The ordinance also reads that the permanent outdoor barrier “shall be located in such a manner on the business property that so it is readily visible and distinguishable, and so that it does not impede the regular flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the public right of way, parking lots, paths of ingress/egress, and/or easements.”
After approval by the City Planning Department and/ Prattville Police Department, the business owner would be able to obtain a permit for Outdoor Alcohol Service.
Several challenges have to be overcome by the council before the passage of the ordinance, including defining what “aesthetically pleasing” means. They must also deal with the issue of businesses downtown who serve alcohol. Those establishments must go through a historic review committee before any type of barrier is constructed.
All considered, the council unanimously voted to postpone the ordinance 6-0 once again after Councilman Albert Striplin suggested they appoint a special committee with representation from the Planning Department, Police Department, Historic Preservation Commission and Fire Department to discuss the ordinance.
Council President Jerry Starnes was absent from the meeting.
“Each of these respective areas are providing enforcement, and they hopefully would address the concerns that were voiced at the last public hearing,” Striplin said.
Striplin explained that some of those concerns dealt with the appearance of the barriers, including the material that they were made of – such as the style of fencing.
Mayor Bill Gillespie was eager to hear a timeline from the Council for the creation of the new committee. He also believes that the “aesthecially pleasing” issue is more cut and dry than it seems.
“I think that issue is addressed in there [the style of fencing]. It says it should be aesthetically pleasing. We also have other ordinances on the books that use that same verbiage as well, so that’s been addressed,” Gillespie said. “The ordinance was first introduced in June, so it’s been more than 60 days since it was brought before somebody. It’s been through two various committees already – the Police Department and the Finance Committee.”
Gillespie went on to say the barriers should not all be forced to have the same appearance, as long as they are aesthetically pleasing.
“If you start trying to pigeon hole everybody into a certain design, then you cut out that creativity. I think we’re way above spray-painting a line on this,” Gillespie explained.
In other news,
The Prattville City Council passed two resolutions that authorize the mayor to enter into agreement with Civil Southeast LLC for Engineering Services for the ALDOT Resurfacing Project on Lower Kingston Road from 4th Street to Prattville City limits.
The second resolution, part of the ALDOT Resurfacing Project as well, would see the resurfacing of Doster Road from Marlette Drive to SR-3 (US 31).
The projects would cost $60,000 and $128,000 respectively. Total net cost to the city would exceed 37,600.
Dale Gandy, Director of Public Works for the City of Prattville, said that no sewer lines would be replaced on Lower Kingston Road before the project commences.
City Council members ended the meeting with an executive session for the purpose of “discussing legal issues with the council.”
