Piedmont, AL –During the regular meeting of the Piedmont City Council Tuesday afternoon the Councilman Feazell pulled his idea to put an Bronze Hollow Stump at the courtyard next to the gazebo in downtown Piedmont. The purpose was to celebrate the history of the city that was known by the name of “Hollow Stump” prior to its rebranding as Piedmont. Feazell informed the Council the idea was encountered a fair amount of criticism by members of the Community via social media. The estimated cost of the project was to range from $20,000 to $45,000. He suggested it was better to build a historical marker in the area.
The Council approved 5 resolutions that dealt with the city’s abatement ordinance. In the Building Inspector’s report, they have taken the proper procedures to inform the current owners of the City’s intention to remove the property. The resolutions propose removal of the unsafe home in 409 Daily Street, 512 North Church Street 411 North 5th Avenue, and the 111 Taylor Street. The fifth resolution focuses on cutting the grass on the property of Memorial Drive. The ordinance allows the city to demolish houses or cut grass and tidy up areas that have been declared to be nuisances for the public that are harmful to the morals, health wellbeing, comfort, and security of the neighborhood.
The Council was informed by the group that is planning the Independence Day Celebration for the City on July 1. The plans are to concentrate on the entertainment of children of the city with petting zoos, horseback rides and bouncy house paint-your-face,, golf and many more activities that are at no cost for children to take advantage of. They plan to have a number of vendors set up. The event will include the fireworks show that will conclude the event.
The librarian of Piedmont Library brought the council current on their Summer Reading Program. She explained that last year, there were 195 children who registered for the program. This year, at the close of the first week, they have 160 people signed for the program. The activities will take place at the main library. It’s a free, fun packed program for children of the city.
Council approved the bills for payment. Council was able to approve the bill for payment of $448,892.56 together with three weeks of salary totalling $205,588.16 for a total amount of $654,480.72. The minutes from the previous meeting on May 16th were ratified as well.
Council approved a $95000 expenditure. Council has approved $95000 budget in the Utilities Department to purchase natural gas to replenish reservoirs in the city. This is a preseason purchase at a lower price, that could save the city about $50k from the winter cost. The money will come from savings, and the price plus any additional earnings is returned to saving once the sale.
An amount in the amount of $11718 has been approved to the Electric Department to purchase street lighting to replace light bulbs that are worn out. In addition, the Street Department was approved for the cost of $9500 to repair the side of a mower that will be used on the John Deere Tractor that the City owns.
The schedule for July’s meeting was modified due to the 4th July holiday that falls on the regular meeting date. The Council will meet on July 11th, and on the 18th of July in Council Chambers starting at 5:45 pm.
Mr. Baker is an anchor at WEIS Radio. (Information supplied via WEIS RADIO)
