By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
In his report to Prattville Council Tuesday, Major Bill Gillespie first spoke of the upcoming renovations coming to council chambers.
“The City Council Chamber will be undergoing construction in January,” he said. “We will be relocating the Council Chambers to the second floor of 124 West Main Street effective January 9th. Please pardon our progress as we make this transition.”
What this means is public residents who normally attend meetings of the council or committees, need to be aware of the location change.
He also spoke of improvements coming, that residents need to know and keep in mind.
“Chestnut and Fifth Street’s four-way stop will be installed after December 18. That coincides with the county school system being out for Christmas break. Please use caution in that area.”
The City issued an update today concerning a traffic alert on this topic.
Traffic Alert: New 4-Way Stop Ahead! – Starting today, December 19th, the intersection at Chestnut Street and Fifth Street will transition from a 2-way stop to an all-way stop. All vehicles approaching the intersection from any direction must come to a complete stop.
This includes new stop signs are installed on Chestnut Street for both northbound and southbound traffic.
The intersection will now function as a 4-way stop, improving safety and traffic flow.
Please drive with caution as everyone adjusts to the new traffic pattern!
In speaking of the Fairview Avenue improvements at the meeting Tuesday, Gillespie said that residents could see construction work on Saturdays. “Some crews will not be working during the week of Dec. 23 through the 30th in that area.”
The Bell Park Drainage project has seen materials delivered, and progress should begin soon, Gillespie said.
“This is another good project we look forward to doing to improve the quality of life in Prattville.”
He requested that a meeting of the Street Department be planned to discuss multiple paving projects coming and upcoming Rebuild Alabama projects.
He asked for support from the Council for agenda item 3, a resolution referring to work at Newton Park and the additional tennis courts. Later in the meeting, the Council approved this resolution concerning phase 2 which will come at a cost not to exceed $812,909.
Once they get started, the project is expected to be completed within 180 days.
In other news, the mayor spoke of the upcoming Alabama Bass Trail Tournament.
“The city will once again host the tournament, which brings in approximately 225 boats from all across the United States.”
On the agenda, item 12 referred to the tournament with a resolution. It was passed by the council and authorizes the mayor to enter into an agreement with Alabama Bass Trail to host the tournament series division on April 26, 2025, at a cost not to exceed $8,500.
“With recent upgrades and additional parking at Cooters Pond, this parking will help with the tournament, as well as our local tournaments and anglers.”
Mayor Gillespie then praised all city departments and employees that have worked so hard to make the downtown area magical for the Christmas season.
“I just want to thank you again. Our Parks and Recreation, our Cultural Arts and Special Events, Urban Management, Facilities’ Maintenance and our Police Department. Thank you for the extra patrols this time of year.”
He then spoke of the final city council meeting of the calendar year and how it reflects a productive and impactful year for the community.
“Together, we tackled challenges, loss of loved ones and colleagues, achieved milestones and laid the groundwork for continued progress in Prattville for many, many years to come,” Gillespie said. “There is progress in Prattville. We are building our success shaping a brighter tomorrow for us all.”
He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as he ended his report.
There were no other reports from council members concerning special committees.
However, Councilman Robert Strichik did speak on the ongoing situation with the Autauga Prattville Public Library.
“After listening to (this controversy) for over a year and a half, I think that most people in this community who use that library, just want to go down there and read a book, listen to a book, and go home. They don’t care about politics. That is just my opinion.”
