Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga news
During Prattville’s council meeting earlier this week, Mayor Bill Gillespie shared positive news regarding progress on 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,” Mayor Gillespie stated. “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 expressed anticipation for what support other legislators might also contribute.
Mayor Gillespie also mentioned that one of the four planned traffic lights on McQueen Smith Road has been installed, with the others expected to follow soon, provided weather conditions improve after recent heavy rain.
His report continued with an update on downtown parking. He announced that the city plans to add an additional 160 parking spaces in the downtown area. This includes the currently fenced-in sections behind the Way Off Broadway area and Spillway Park. Handrails will also be installed in this vicinity.
Gillespie further reported that construction is set to commence shortly on the downtown ADA sidewalk project. This work is anticipated to begin near the Doster Center and the building that formerly housed the kindergarten.
An update on local paving projects was also provided, indicating they are scheduled to start soon, contingent on favorable weather.
Mayor Gillespie acknowledged that alongside the positive news, there was a challenge regarding 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,” he stated.
Shifting back to positive developments, Gillespie confirmed he has signed a letter allowing the North Highland Park project to go out to bid. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for June 26, with the bid opening planned for July 8. He conveyed his anticipation for progress on this park project.
In other updates, Gillespie noted that the Public Safety Training Facility is expected to be completed around late June. The project is awaiting the delivery of air conditioning equipment. Once operational, the FATS (Firearms Training System) equipment can be brought in for first responders’ use.
Concluding his remarks, Mayor Gillespie shared, “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 related council business, Finance Director Daniel Oakley presented a report indicating the city’s finances are currently in a strong position. For a comprehensive report from the Finance Director and more details on various subjects, The EAN recommends watching the entire Council meeting, available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ijjWNlXrUg
