During the Tuesday afternoon Piedmont City Work Session Mayor Baker brought Police Chief Nathan Johnson to the podium for some presentations. First, Chief Johnson asked 7 year veteran Michael DeVoe Piedmont Police Officer up to the podium, where Tony Garrett was also asked to join Officer Devoe. Garrett, is the Executive Director of Central Alabama Crime Stoppers from Montgomery.
He then presented Officer DeVoe with the Crime Stoppers Policeman of the Year Award. There are only 25 given out in the entire state. Chief Johnson nominated DeVoe for this special award. Officer DeVoe, was not expecting this and was very appreciative. He said “I just want to make a difference.”
Next, Chief Johnson brought up some of the Piedmont Police Department six and under baseball team members that were in attendance with their parents. He congratulated all of them and said the parents were great this year.
After, the presentations the Regular meeting began with Mayor Baker informing the Council the operational expenses for the past two weeks were $ 567,112.04 which included two weeks of payroll. The bills were approved for payment.
The Council discussed two different abatement Resolutions in which all were at different locations that the grass needed to be cut and other clean up situations. The Council adopted both Resolutions.
The Council approved Councilman Greg South to remain as the Alabama Municipal Electric Voting Delegate. Then, the Council accepted Brent Morrison’s resignation from the Commercial Development Authority of Piedmont.
Police Chief Nathan Johnson gave the Police Report for April. The Piedmont Police had a total of 45 arrests with 65 Misdemeanor charges and 11 Felony charges. He also stated there were 30 total Abatement cases.
Interim Fire Chief Cale Donaldson gave the Fire Report for April. There were 54 incidents. Donaldson informed the Council that they were losing a 12 year employee on the Fire Department. This would leave them short staffed again. The Council voted to hire another staff member to the Fire Department which was approved unanimously.
City Clerk Hinton, told the Council the City’s Bucket Truck needed to be fixed very soon. The cost of this estimate from Altec in Birmingham is $ 19,427.00. The Council talked about the importance of this vehicle for the City and approved the measure.
In Mayors comments: Mayor Baker said congrats to the 2024 Graduates. He also thanked the Piedmont Police and Fire Department for the outstanding Jobs they do.
The next City of Piedmont Meeting is June 4th.