Piedmont Veterans Group to Recognize Area Veterans with Marker Project

The Piedmont City Council, on Tuesday, heard from a local veterans group concerning their efforts to recognize Piedmont area veterans for their service to our nation.

On behalf of the Piedmont Veterans Association, Rick Freeman detailed the Veteran Marker Project, the group’s plan to honor local veterans with a permanent display at Veterans Memorial Park. The display will be made up of 12×12 inch granite markers, which can be purchased and engraved with a veterans name and details about his/her service. The markers will then be placed in cement and become a permanent feature of the park.

Freeman said the markers currently cost $175 each until December 15th, and $200 after. The markers can be purchased on behalf of any current or past service member by calling 256-792-9299.

According to Freeman, the marker project is just one aspect of the group’s larger Veterans Memorial Park Project, which is an effort to bring several key upgrades the park in the coming year.

In other business, city officials approved a facilities use agreement between the city and the Piedmont Historical Society, Inc, allowing the organization to continue using the Southern Railroad Depot and Caboose property as their historical museum for the next 30 years. While the city will pay all utilities, the society will be responsible for facility’s upkeep.

The council committed $25,208 to the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission to continue participating in its public transportation program for another year. The program provides a public bus for Piedmont residents.

To keep up with demand, the council agreed to purchase 20 commercial dumpsters at a total cost of $21,996. Mayor Bill Baker said that a number of the new dumpsters would be utilized by several new businesses.

At the request of Council Member Matt Rogers, officials will begin planning an outdoor festival to be held in April 2019 in conjunction with the 5th Annual Piedmont Road Race, a 40-mile cycling race, which traverses the Talledega National Forest and finishes in the heart of downtown Piedmont.

Mayor Baker read a proclamation declaring November 22nd through November 28th as Alabama-Farm City Week. The proclamation also recognized the “accomplishments of our productive farmers and of our residents, who cooperate to create abundance, wealth, and strength for our Nation.”

Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $754,615.48.

The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for November 19th, immediately following the work session, which is set for 5:30pm.

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