Piedmont, AL – During the regular meeting of the Piedmont City Council Tuesday afternoon, Councilman Feazell withdrew his proposal to place a Bronze Hollow Stump at the courtyard by the gazebo downtown Piedmont. This was to commemorate the heritage of the City being know as “Hollow Stump” before it was known as Piedmont. Feazell told the Council the idea had met with quite a bit of negativity from the Community on social media. The proposed cost was estimated to be from $20,000 to $45,000. He said it would be better to erect a historical marker in that area.
The Council adopted 5 resolutions dealing with the City’s abatement ordinance. The Building Inspector has gone through the proper steps to notify the current owners of the City’s intent to clean up the property. Four of the resolutions propose to remove unsafe house located at 409 Daily Street, 512 North Church Street, 411 North 5th Avenue, and 111 Taylor Street. The fifth resolution deals with getting the grass cut at the address of 108 Memorial Drive. The ordinance provides for the City to tear down houses or cut grass and clean up properties that have been determined to be public nuisances which are injurious to the health, morals, comfort, and welfare of the community.
The Council heard from a group planning an Independence Day Celebration for the City on July 1. Plans are to focus on entertainment for the children of the City with horseback rides, petting zoo, bouncy house, face painting, putt-putt golf, and much more free of charge for the children to enjoy. They are planning to have several vendors set up. There will be a fireworks show to close the activities of the day.
The director of the Piedmont Library brought the council up to date about the Summer Reading Program. She said last year they had 195 children signed up for the program and this year at the end of the first week, they already have 160 signed up. All the activities will be held in the main library building. It is a free fun filled program for the children of the City.
The Council approved the bills for payment in the amount of $448,892.56 along with 3 weeks of payroll in the amount of $205,588.16 for a total of $654,480.72. The minutes of the previous meeting on May 16th were approved also.
The Council approved a $95000 expenditure for the Utilities Department to purchase natural gas to fill the City’s storage. This is a pre-season buy at lower cost which will save the City some $50,000 from the winter price. The money will be taken from savings and the cost plus and extra earnings will be returned to savings after it is sold.
An expenditure of $11718 was approved for the Electric Department to purchase street lights to replace old worn out lights. The Street Department was approved for a $9500 expense to repair a side are mower to go on the 2006 John Deere Tractor the City owns.
The July meeting schedule was changed due to the 4th of July holiday falling on the normal meeting date. The Council will meet on July 11th and 18th in the Council Chambers at 5:30 PM.
Mr. Baker is a reporter for WEIS Radio. (Information Provided by WEIS RADIO)
