June 16, 2021
Jennifer Haynes
Tuesday, shortly before the Piedmont City Council, Chief Freddie Norton was told he must retire by Mayor Baker and the city council members. Norton made this announcement on his Facebook page.
”Today I learned the hard reality of politics. I’ll be retiring effective Aug 1, 2021. My last day in office is today. There isn’t any type scandal or wrong doing from me or anyone else in the department this is strictly a unanimous decision by the Mayor and City Council. I accept their decision but do not agree with it. This is the price you pay I guess. I’ve enjoyed my 26 plus years as a police officer in the City of Piedmont and especially being the Chief of Police the last 6 1/2 years. I can walk away with my head held high because I know in my heart the job that I’ve done and the things that I’ve accomplished as an Officer and Chief have been done the RIGHT WAY. I want to thank everyone in this community for your support, I APPRECIATE IT!!! “
Cody Spoon, a concerned citizen, asked the council towards the end of the meeting to explain why Norton was let go. “I’d like to inquire about the termination of Chief Norton. Was there misconduct by Chief Norton?” Councilman Caleb Pope replied, “There was no termination of Chief Norton. Chief Norton retired.” Spoon replied, “He was asked to step down. Was it because of misconduct?” Pope responded, “It was a personal issue.” Councilman John Lawrence said, “We can’t discuss personnel.” Spoon then asked, “So we don’t know why the chief got terminated?” Mayor Bill Baker answered, “He can tell you.” Spoon asked, “So the council can’t?” Pope answered, “The council is not going to discuss the good name and character of any city employee, present or past.” Spoon quickly asked, “Not going to discuss or can’t discuss?” Pope replied, “We cannot do that. I can’t say anything about your character. I can’t say anything about any character or anything about a current or former city employee.”
Spoon asked “So did most of the voters that you represent want him gone?” “He’s appointed by the council. He’s not an elected official,” Pope replied. “I know he’s not,” Spoon replied. Pope shot back, “If you don’t like it, don’t vote for the people who are up here next time, OK? We cannot discuss personnel matters,” Frustrated, Spoon took his seat saying aloud, “This is ridiculous.”
Pope then spoke directly to the officers present. “Guys, ya’ll continue the outstanding work. I know today was a rough day, a lot of change, but ya’ll will do the right thing. We’ve been impressed by you.”
Sergeant Investigator Nathan Johnson has been named the interim Chief of Police.
David and Michelle Cook, owners of Shell’s Downtown, were at the meeting asking for the city’s approval for a special liquor license for their new venue. The council agreed and voted unanimously. Pending ABC board approval, the new venue ‘The Place Downtown’, should be opening this weekend.
Recreation Director Jeff Formby spoke on the upcoming 4th of July races in Piedmont and which businesses it would affect. Formby stated, “The first race will begin at 8 AM. It’ll start under the red light at the gazebo. It’ll go down Ladiga, turn left onto Church, go up to Good, take a left and go over to Center Avenue, take a left and then back. It’s just a circular course. We’ve tried to limit as many problems as we could, as far as it bothering businesses, but we’ve done pretty good with it.” Formby also stated there were a few residents it could affect, but he was going to try and personally reach out to them. We’ll probably shut the roads down downtown, probably about 7:30 that morning. Parts of town will probably be closed until probably 3 o’clock, depending on weather and how long it takes to run these races. We’ll try to shrink down as much as we can as the race ends.”
Formby then spoke on applying for a grant for lighting at the Piedmont Sports Complex. He was told by the East Alabama Planning Commission the grants would open back up in mid July. If the city is awarded the grant, open bids will begin for it’s work. Councilman Jubal Feazell inquired on a rough estimate of cost for the lights. Formby replied a very rough estimate was $350,000 for parts and supplies, and around $150,000 in labor. The grant is state funded through Landmark Conservation. Councilman Kiser stated it would help the city tremendously to receive this grant.
Four resolutions to cut grass on vacant, abandoned, or overgrown properties were next on the agenda.
Resolution 2021-10 for property 105 Williams St. was adopted and approved.
Resolution 2021-11 for property 407 N. Center Ave. was adopted and approved.
Resolution 2021-12 for property 217 Anniston Ave. was adopted and approved.
Resolution 2021-13 for property 108 Memorial Drive was adopted and approved.
Mayor Baker says they will try and recoup some of the money it costs to cut these locations from the property owners.
During the meeting the last meetings minutes were read, and new bills were discussed. Payroll $47,500.20 in payroll. $325,964.45 in total bills. The mayor said this was only one week’s payroll.
Josh Parker was introduced in the meeting as a new hire for the police department. Parker has served over 15 years in law enforcement. 9 years working with the state probation office, as well as 6 years as deputy then jail supervisor for Cherokee County. Several officers were there in support of interim Chief Johnson and his new appointment, as well as Officer Parkers enlistment to the force. Mayor Baker said, “Nathan is the interim chief. We want to ask him to continue to serve the city like he has in the past, along with the other officers. We look forward to having Officer Parker on board. I think you’ll find Piedmont to be a great city to work in. I know you will serve us well.”
Caleb Pope spoke to interim Chief Johnson about transferring some of the Hospital, and transport to UAB calls through a call center instead of running through dispatch. Interim Police Chief Johnson gave reports from the police department as well as animal control and abatement.
There were no business comments.
District reports: District 2 Richard Williams said congratulations to Nathan Johnson for making Chief, and welcomed Josh Parker.
District 3 Jubal Feazell said the company OK Tires have been vacant for some time. He has spoken to the realtor on potential buyers. He proposed if someone were to take the business over, which would help stimulate Piedmont economic development, the city could create a sales tax abatement for one year. This could help a new company thrive in the location.
District Caleb Pope thanked the police force for their hard work and dedication to the city. He said it was a rough day, but the force had done an impressive job.
District 7 Terry Kiser said thank you to the police department, and that we will get through these hard times and come out better for it.
