During Prattville’s city council meeting held earlier this week, Mayor Bill Gillespie shared positive updates regarding improvements planned for McQueen Smith Road.
“In April, the economic development team, our city engineer, and the city council president had a highly productive trip to Washington DC to advocate for funding for various city initiatives,” Mayor Gillespie stated. “We held very beneficial meetings with Congressman Palmer’s office, Senator Coach Tuberville, and Senator Britt’s office. I am pleased to announce that Senator Britt has included the city’s funding request for McQueen Smith Road in her budget. With the approval of the President’s budget, the city of Prattville will receive $6 million through ALDOT for enhancements on McQueen Smith Road. I wish to express my gratitude to Senator Britt for including this project; she continues to be a strong supporter of the City of Prattville.”
He added that he is hopeful about the potential contributions from other legislative offices as well.
Mayor Gillespie also reported that one of four planned traffic lights on McQueen Smith Road has already been installed, with the remaining lights scheduled to follow soon, contingent on weather conditions improving after recent heavy rainfall.
Continuing his report, the Mayor addressed parking within the city. He announced that the city plans to add an extra 160 parking spaces downtown. This expansion includes the area behind the Way Off Broadway venue and Spillway Park, which is currently enclosed by fencing. Handrails will also be installed in this location.
Gillespie further reported that construction is anticipated to commence soon on the downtown ADA sidewalk project. This work is expected to begin around the Doster Center and the former kindergarten building site.
He also provided an update on local paving projects, indicating they are set to begin shortly, weather permitting.
Alongside the positive news, Mayor Gillespie noted some challenges, specifically concerning the Fairview Avenue Project.
“The difficulties with Fairview Avenue persist,” he told council members. “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 clarification and hold Sain and Associates and SDAC accountable. We are exploring every available option to help move this project forward. The residents of Prattville expect results, and so do I. We will remain diligent until this job is completed correctly. If anyone has further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I spent a significant amount of time out there today, including during my lunch hour, observing and attempting to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the crew on site.”
Returning to positive developments, Gillespie mentioned signing a letter to proceed with putting the North Highland Park project out to bid. The mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for June 26, and the bid opening is slated for July 8. He expressed anticipation for the progress at North Highland Park.
In other updates, Gillespie stated that the Public Safety Training Facility is expected to be completed toward the end of June. The project is currently awaiting the delivery of air conditioning equipment. Once the facility is operational, the FATs equipment – the Firearms Training System for first responders – can be moved in.
In concluding remarks, Mayor Gillespie said, “In my many years serving here, this is the best collaboration I have witnessed between the City of Prattville and our EMA team. It is also the best I have seen the city work with the 911 team. Furthermore, it is the best cooperation I have observed between the City of Prattville and the Board of Education. I genuinely believe we are acting with the best intentions for all citizens of Prattville.”
In other council business, Finance Director Daniel Oakley delivered a presentation demonstrating that the city’s finances are currently in a strong position. For a complete report from the Finance Director and more detailed information on various subjects discussed at the meeting, The EAN recommends watching the entire Council meeting recording here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ijjWNlXrUg
