Local pastor and President of the Piedmont Ministerial Association, Roger Keenum, was on hand at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Piedmont City Council to speak about the recent donation of a large Christmas display from the city of Dadeville to the city of Piedmont and the Piedmont Ministerial Association, that according to Keenum, could provide a business boost to the area, attracting visitors from out of state. The mile long display would include 27 scenes, each measuring 12-foot high and would require about 300-400 live actors from many local churches.
Keenum is seeking a permanent location for the drive-through display, and urged the council to begin planning now, as the display takes a long time to prepare and setup. He added that any help would be greatly appreciated. Mayor Rick Freeman assured Keenum that the council would begin the search for a suitable location, capable of handling a large amount of additional traffic.
A resolution was passed, declaring a number items as surplus property, including numerous vehicles, a fire truck, lawn care equipment, and more, to be sold in an online auction. The items will be listed on Gov Deals to be sold to the highest bidder. Freeman stated that the funds generated from the sale would go toward the purchasing of any needed equipment, so that it wouldn’t need to be taken from the general fund. See below for a complete list of the surplus items.
Mayor Freeman read a proclamation declaring next week, May 12th through May 18th, as National Nursing Home Week. The proclamation honors current nursing home residents and states that “member nursing homes of the American Healthcare Association and the Alabama Nursing Home Association are sponsoring many activities in observance of” the week “guided by this year’s theme ‘Team Care, Everyone Pitches In.’” Freeman urged all members of the community to visit the city’s nursing home residents and witness the high quality of care provided. Councilman Bill Baker added that in honor of National Nursing Home Week, the public is invited to attend a balloon release on Monday, May 13th, at 10 a.m. at Piedmont Health Care followed by refreshments and a tour of the facilities.
At the request of Councilman Ben Keller, the council unanimously voted to begin the installation of fencing around the baseball park at the Bethune Community Center.
Noting a change in the state’s competitive bid law, Councilwoman Brenda Spears, made a motion for the City to buy from local, Calhoun County businesses, when possible, instead of sending money outside of the county. While several on the council shared her sentiments, it was noted that using lower bids from business sometimes outside of the county saves taxpayer money. The motion failed with a vote of 7-2 against the measure.
Councilman Terry Kiser inquired about reinstalling the basketball goals recently removed from Veterans Memorial Park. Mayor Freeman said that the goals were removed due to complaints about noise and foul language. He added that, while he would consider installing the goals elsewhere, his first priority would be to ensure safety of Piedmont residents.
The next regular meeting of the Piedmont City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, May 15th at 6 p.m.
The City of Piedmont Alabama declares the following vehicles listed below as surplus property. The said vehicles and items will be listed on Gov Deals to be sold to the highest bidder. The 1994 GMC derrick truck and 2003 Ford F250 will be a reserve price auction while remaining will be sold at absolute auction.
3 – 2” water trash pumps
1 – 3” water trash pumps
2003 Ford F250 Ford Truck 4×4 (bad motor) reserve price
Hydramower 4’ side-arm mower
Stihl gas powered chop saw
Vermeer wood chipper
1990 Ford F250
1995 Chevrolet 3500
1989 Pontiac Bonneville
1993 Honda Civic
1976 Toyota PU
1996 Toyota Tacoma
1987 Chevrolet Camaro
1985 Mazda GSL
1989 Honda Accord
1991 Geo Storm
1989 Eagle Premier
1986 Honda Accord
6 cast iron radiators
30 bicycles
1994 GMC Top Kick Derrick Truck (reserve price)
Misc Weight Equipment
Roman chair
Gator 4×2
Pommel Horse
Bush hog mower (2)
Cub mower (2)
Yardman tiller
Scoreboard
1981 Mac 55′ ladder truck