Prattville council rejects mayor’s chosen names for restored downtown sites after public outcry; mayor pledges naming policy

The Prattville City Council voted down two resolutions Nov. 4 that would have officially named a restored downtown bank building and the adjacent outdoor venue after names announced earlier by the mayor’s office.

Residents packed the meeting to oppose the names, saying the mayor announced and began using signage before the council had approved them and urging a transparent public process. "The lack of transparency for how these names were originally chosen was concerning to say the least," said Jackie Nicks, who gave her name and address as 706 Running Brook Circle. Nicks asked the council to reject the names and open the process to public input.

Other speakers — including John Lee Finnegan and Pastor Patrick Lucas — asked the council to delay approval and suggested alternate names honoring locally recognized figures such as Wilson Pickett or the Strickland family. "If this council wants to uphold its power as a coequal branch of government in this city, you must not let this slide," Nicks said.

Council discussion focused less on the names themselves and more on process. Councilor Tommy Newman said the mayor’s office had "put the cart before the horse," and asked the council to vote the resolutions down so the city can establish a formal naming framework. "If we approve it at this point, we have now set precedent," Newman said during debate.

Council members then voted. Clerk records show the resolution to name the building at 124 West Main Street "Esters" failed (the clerk noted one abstention). A separate resolution to name the adjacent outdoor venue "The Lyric at Esther’s" likewise failed on a subsequent vote.

Mayor Bill Gillespie addressed the public and council during his report, acknowledged confusion and apologized for any procedural missteps, and said he is willing to work with the council "to establish a clear and consistent process moving forward." Gillespie said the names were chosen to "honor Esther Pratt," described the Lyric name as "a nod to our past and a promise to invest in cultural spaces," and reiterated a commitment to transparency and collaboration as the city refines its policy.

No formal ordinance or naming code was cited at the meeting; the mayor and multiple speakers repeatedly urged the council to adopt a written, public process for naming city facilities before future decisions are announced and implemented.

What happens next: The council did not adopt either name. Mayor Gillespie said he will meet with council leadership to draft a naming policy; the council did not set a date for any policy vote during the meeting.

Reported by: Prattville City Council meeting minutes and on-the-record public comments Nov. 4, 2025.