Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, the Prattville City Council convened to address a range of local matters.
Bill Gillespie, Mayor of Prattville, started with a report summarizing his activities, initiatives, and local updates since the last meeting.
He began by announcing that the traffic light at Tara Drive and McQueen Smith Road is finally up and functioning, just in time for the first day of school. The project had been delayed since April due to supply chain issues and inclement weather.
“I want to wish all the teachers, students, and administrators a wonderful school year,” said Gillespie. “I appreciated all the educators for their dedication in molding the future leaders of our community.”
Another prominent update from the mayor was that two local organizations recently made generous contributions to improve community parks.
The Prattville Civitan Club donated $1,200 to purchase a handicapped-accessible picnic table for Spillway Park. The Prattville Millbrook Sunrise Rotary Club donated as well, contributing $3,800 to install lighting along the walkway from Fourth Street to the Spillway Park entrance to help make the area safer and inviting.
“Community partnerships do make a difference, and we are so grateful for the generosity of these two amazing community organizations,” said Gillespie.
The mayor also reported that the city is preparing to open bids for another local paving project, supported by $338,000 from the Rebuild Alabama Act. This project will include paving Northington Road.
“The City of Prattville has been making investments in our community for decades, and these investments continue to pay dividends today,” said Gillespie.
After the mayor finished his report, councilors began voting on items listed in their agendas, including voting for three resolutions aimed at supporting the city’s continued growth and quality of life.
One of these resolutions was appointing Stinson Kennedy to the Industrial Development Board. He will join 10 other members in promoting economic development by financing, acquiring, owning, leasing, or disposing of properties to attract and retain businesses.
The Council also voted to enter into the Growing Alabama Funding Agreement with the Alabama Department of Commerce, helping to stimulate economic growth in Alabama by allowing businesses and individuals to use their state tax liabilities to fund projects that benefit local communities.
Another vote by the Council was to renew the School Resource Officer Agreement with Autauga County Board of Education, providing a safe learning environment for students and teachers.
Upon completion of the Council’s agenda, the floor was opened to comments from those present at the meeting.
Brad Bulger, a Prattville resident, stood out by announcing his desire to start a volunteer group to help community members address lawn and garbage ordinance violations—offering support to those facing financial or physical hardship.
“We would like to reach out to these people and see what issues they may be going through.”
He explained that he and his wife recently visited properties facing ordinance violations and met a resident who just moved to town to be with family after being laid off from his job. This resident informed Bulger that he cannot currently afford a lawn mower or lawn services but is facing a $500 fine for overgrown grass.
“I think the compassionate thing would be to reach out to these folks,” said Bulger. “There are folks in the community who are willing to do anything to help.”
Michael Whaley, Councilor for District 5, responded to Bulgar’s comments with interest in assisting the group. He informed Bulger to visit the mayor’s office when the group is prepared to partner with the city to provide their assistance.
“To hear people talk about community members coming together to help other community members, I will support that in any way that I can,” said Whaley.
The next regularly scheduled Prattville City Council meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at 6 p.m.
For more information, a full recording of the meeting is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIceoSK9lis
