May 20, 2021
Councilman Jubal Feazell
*Editors Note: Our normal writer was unable to attend the city council meeting due to a death in the family. Councilman Jubal Feazell was wiling to share his write-up and notes of the meeting.
City Council Highlights May 18, 2021
Last night we heard from:
David & Michelle Cook, owners of Shell’s Downtown; they spoke concerning a temporary extension of their existing ABC license to their new venue on W Ladiga St, The Place Downtown, for one day for a benefit concert event this Saturday May 22, 2021 and closing off Center Ave from Shell’s down to Ladiga St at the police station from 12pm until the event ends that night. Police Chief was supportive and these requests were approved unanimously.
Council discussed AMEA representation position opening for the City of Piedmont and Mayor Baker will email more information on the scope, dates and requirements of this position.
Byrian Watts, Water, Gas, Sewer Superintendent on the purchase of a new Mini-Excavator and Trailer to pull it. He discussed the need for a small excavator that can dig up pipes and gas lines in areas that is not manageable or practical to use the backhoe. Council unanimously approved the purchase of the lowest quote by Agpro while emphasizing we continue to keep a close eye on our Capital Investment savings account balance when considering these and future purchases.
We passed three resolutions for abatement of properties on Harris Ave and East Ladiga for overgrown grass.
Police Chief on Crime reports, Abatement cases and Animal control reports.
We discussed drafting an ordinance that reverts back to the previous ordinance, that allowed a certain number of hens contained in a chicken coop on property within the City limits. We expect this to be presented on next meetings agenda. I believe that citizens should be allowed the freedom of having a few contained chickens for the purpose of fresh eggs or pets if they so choose.
Council Reports:
District 1: Mr. Lawrence congratulated Mayor Baker on 30 years of elected public service to the City of Piedmont. He also asked about putting up a “No Through Traffic”/local traffic only” sign on an alleyway off of Caton Street in his district.
District 2: Mr. Williams thanked Byrian Watts for being prepared and giving us three quotes and giving us ample time to review them on the WGS purchases vs sometimes when we don’t get much notice on actions or purchases requested of the council. He also congratulated Piedmont Softball Team on making it to the State Championship.
District 3: I made mentioned that as little league season is now wrapping up I do not want to put the Sports Complex improvements on the back burner or kick the can down the road to avoid issues next season like we had this one. I’m planning to speak with PARD leadership about getting quotes or bids for projects we can accomplish this summer/fall to restore and maintain our Sports Complex lighting and infrastructure to more permanent serviceable condition. I also would like to meet with City administration about the possibility of extending our City garbage routes out to those who would like to utilize that service.
I asked about the County Commission paving of the road behind Mapco as well as the concrete work at the Veteran’s Memorial Park. We were not given a date.
District 4: Mr. Pope congratulated Piedmont Softball Team and asked about installing an antenna and tv at the Community Storm Shelter for weather forecasts.
District 6: Mr. Ivey expressed appreciation of the people behind the We Believe in Piedmont Signs and the good things Piedmont is doing. He also reported that we may soon be able to have a way to login to the city’s new website and potentially be able to submit and track work orders through that.
District 7: Mr. Kiser Congratulated the Mayor on his years of service.
City Clerk: Mrs. Franklin congratulated Piedmont Softball Team as well as the Mayor on his years of service, many of which she has been apart of.
Mayor Baker Congratulated Piedmont Baseball, Piedmont Softball and Spring Garden Softball teams. He also gave a report on his time at this year’s Alabama League of Municipalities as well as reading the Proclamation for National Skilled Nursing Care Week.
