Prattville delays votes on BMX lease and temporary moratorium; both items set for Jan. 20

The Prattville City Council on Jan. 6 deferred two ordinances — a lease for the Fountain City BMX Association to operate a BMX park and an amendment to a temporary moratorium on permits for package stores, convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops — after attempts to suspend council rules for immediate consideration did not secure unanimous consent.

Councilor Strickett introduced the one‑year lease that would have authorized the mayor to sign a 2026 agreement with the Fountain City BMX Association to operate a BMX park on County Road 4. Councilors moved to suspend the rules to consider the ordinance tonight and the clerk conducted a roll call. Multiple councilors voted in favor, but one councilor recorded a “No,” and the suspension did not gain unanimous consent; the item was held for the Jan. 20 meeting.

A separate ordinance to amend an existing temporary moratorium on new permits for certain retail establishments likewise required a suspension of the rules for same-night consideration. That motion also failed to get unanimous approval and the moratorium amendment was held until Jan. 20.

Councilors who opposed suspending the rules emphasized the value of allowing full review and public transparency when changing regulatory permissions or property‑use rules. Councilor Langley, who cast a No vote on both suspension motions, said earlier in the meeting she wanted residents to have the chance to review items and asked that contentious items be considered on the open agenda when appropriate.

Both items remain on the council’s docket for the Jan. 20 regular meeting for further discussion and possible votes.