PIEDMONT, AL — The Piedmont City Council addressed several matters during its October 20, 2026, meeting, including the adoption of regulations for recovery residences, monthly reports from city departments, equipment purchases for the fire department, and concerns regarding property drainage.
Council Adopts Recovery Residence Regulations
The council approved Ordinance 650, adopting the Calhoun County Commission’s regulations governing recovery residences and halfway houses. The ordinance authorizes Calhoun County to administer and enforce the regulations within Piedmont, including permitting, inspections, and compliance procedures.
During the visitor reports portion of the meeting, Kayla Gentry, who works with individuals in the recovery community, expressed concerns that Calhoun County’s regulations were more restrictive than national standards.
Mayor Kevin Farmer responded that the city would assist Gentry and those she serves as they navigate the transition to the new regulations.
Public Library Reports September Activities
Farmer presented Piedmont Public Library Director Donna Garmon’s September report, which documented the addition of 135 titles to the library’s collection.
The library hosted nine events during September, recording a total attendance of 225.
Regular programming has resumed with Friday Story Time, led by Garmon, while Cathy continues to offer afternoon Coffee & Crafts sessions.
The library’s after-school programming is booked from October through December. Additional improvements include the installation of new computer desks and ongoing work on the genealogy section.
Garmon also reported that the library received books through the Calhoun County America250AL grant.
Police Department Reports 21 Arrests
Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson presented the department’s September activity report, which included 21 arrests involving 25 misdemeanor charges and six felony charges.
Officers recorded 399 public contacts, conducted 144 extra patrols and district checks, issued 22 traffic citations, and investigated six traffic accidents.
The department responded to 283 calls for service, with 61 resulting in official reports. Officers traveled a combined 7,387 miles while on patrol.
The dispatch office received 1,351 telephone calls during the month. Dispatchers also handled 413 rescue calls, 101 Piedmont Fire Department calls, and five after-hours utility calls.
Johnson reported total monthly court collections of $8,776.38, of which $2,727 was retained by the city.
Fire Department Responds to 100 Incidents
Piedmont Fire Chief Todd Kirkland reported that the department responded to 100 incidents during September.
Medical emergencies accounted for 67 calls, while 20 incidents involved public service requests. Fire-related incidents totaled five.
Other responses included one rescue, one hazardous situation, and six non-emergency calls.
The council also approved an expenditure of $1,595 for hoses and nozzles needed to complete the outfitting of a fire truck.
Kirkland noted that $488,000 toward the truck’s purchase had previously been provided through funding secured by U.S. Senator Katie Britt.
Property Owner Raises Drainage Concerns
During the meeting, property owner Kim Niederer again addressed the council regarding drainage issues affecting her property.
Niederer maintained that work performed by city employees had created a drainage bottleneck contributing to flooding on her property. She expressed frustration over what she described as limited progress toward resolving the issue.
Farmer said the council would consider recommendations from its legal counsel and insurance company before determining how to proceed.
The council did not announce a resolution to the drainage dispute during the meeting.
Farm-City Week Recognized and Meeting Location Changed
In other business, the council recognized November 20–26, 2026, as Alabama Farm-City Week, acknowledging the relationship between agricultural communities and urban areas.
Farmer also announced that the November 30 election date coincides with a scheduled city council meeting.
The council agreed to relocate that evening’s meeting to the Piedmont Civic Center.
