PIEDMONT – At a special Monday meeting, members of the new Piedmont City Council were sworn in at the Piedmont Civic Center. The new members include District 1’s John Lawrence (who has served previously), District 2’s Richard Williams, District 3’s Jubal Feazell, District 4’s Caleb Pope, and District 6’s David Ivey.
Greg South (District 5), Terry Kiser (District 7) and Mayor Bill Baker were each re-elected to serve.
“It’s a great honor for all of us to be serving the great City of Piedmont,” Baker said. “I know some of these people well, some of them not so well, but I know there’s enthusiasm on this council tonight. I know we’re going to work together and do a very good job. I just appreciate the opportunity to work with each and every one of these guys and their support of making good things happen for the good citizens of Piedmont. Support us as we support the city. We’re just going to try and do the best job that we are capable of doing.
“It’s an honor to serve you. We’re here to work with you. We’re here to serve the city. We have a great council coming together and I’m expecting great things to happen. We’re going to continue to work toward bringing more businesses in town, continue to make infrastructure repairs and support our school system, and just support everybody here. If you need any of us, please do not hesitate to let us know.”
Each councilman was given the opportunity to speak to the audience.
In his remarks, Lawrence said he was “willing, able and glad to be able to serve the citizens of District 1 and the City of Piedmont” and looked forward to working with the current council.
In his remarks, Williams thanked everyone for coming out, along with his family and friends and the citizens of District 2.
“I’d like to tell everybody I’ll do the best I can to not let anybody down,” Williams said.
Feazell also thanked everyone for attending, especially his family and those who voted for him.
“I’ll try my best to serve Piedmont the best way I know how and to represent everyone,” Feazell said.
Pope also expressed appreciation to his family’s support and the District 4 voters.
“As a councilman of Piedmont, I’m looking forward to working with the mayor and the council and the citizens to continue to improve on what was preceded,” he said. “As my service to my country comes to a close, I had a small part in serving our great nation. Now I’m excited and thankful to be able to be serving our home here.”
Said South: “I’d just like to say thank you to Piedmont, the fifth district and your support. I also want to thank my wife and my family for their support, great support. Most of all, I want to thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ.”
Ivey echoed South’s comments.
“I’d like to first thank the Lord, my family and all the residents of District 6 and the city who supported me throughout this campaign,” Ivey said. “I’m looking forward to working with everybody. We’ve got a great team here. We’ve had things pretty good before and I want to continue to build off that. I want to thank everybody for showing up and I appreciate your help.”
“Thank you everyone for being here,” Kiser said. “Thank you to Judge Brent Morrison for the oath. I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”
Among the new council’s first order of business was the adoption of Ordinance 633, an ordinance of the order of procedure for the council. The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
Next was the election of a mayor pro tempore, someone to serve in Baker’s absence in case of emergency. The council approved South for that position.
City Clerk Michelle Franklin was approved by the council to continue her role, which also includes being treasurer and personnel director.
“I want to thank the mayor and the council for having confidence in me to do this job,” Franklin said. “I’ll do it to the best of my ability and for the City of Piedmont. I love the city and I’m just thankful to live in a small town. It’s a great place to live.”
Motions to retain current depositories and retain current and appointed employees were both approved unanimously.