Greg Gregerson, owner of Piedmont’s Gregerson’s Foods, was on hand at Tuesday’s meeting of the Piedmont City Council to give his side of the ongoing legal battle with Joe Lively of Lively’s Foodland.
At the August 2nd council meeting, Lively sought the council’s support for his Foodland store, which could be looking at permanent closure due to an ongoing lease dispute with Gregerson.
The dispute, according to Lively, began when he decided to not renew his lease and sell the business in order to retire.
After lining up potential buyers, Lively claims that Gregerson acquired the lease under false pretenses.
On July 20th, Lively filed a lawsuit that further alleges Gregerson obtained the lease under the promise that he would keep the store open.
According to Lively, Gregerson later said that he would close the store and asked him to vacate the property.
Gregerson, however, denies the charges in the lawsuit. He claims that he lawfully acquired the lease in order to move his current store to the larger, downtown location. Gregerson adds that he even offered to buy Lively’s business for over $500,000, which was rejected by Lively.
Gregerson says that he isn’t doing anything to prevent Lively from selling his business.
“We’re not stopping him from selling and we’re willing to do a lease with anyone he tries to sell to,” Gregerson said, adding, “I wish Joe all the success in the world.”
In other business, city officials held a presentation to refute recent allegations by political candidates that the city’s electrical rates are too high when compared to those of Alabama Power and a burden for low-income residents.
Piedmont’s electrical supervisor Casey Ponder, explained to those in attendance that the city currently charges $0.1055 per kilowatt hour, which is actually cheaper than Alabama Power’s $0.1129 per kilowatt hour rate, which includes many additional fees.
James Buttram, a 50-year veteran of the Piedmont Fire Department was presented with a plaque in recognition for his many years of service just ahead of his 90th birthday. Buttram started as a rookie before working his way up the ladder to become the department’s fire chief.
Current Chief Mike Ledbetter said that Buttram was a “very brave firefighter,” who was known for his outstanding mechanical abilities, which kept the trucks running. Mayor Bill Baker also read a proclamation, honoring Buttram for his service.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6th, at 6 pm.