The Piedmont City Council approved the hiring of Todd Kirkland to fill the position of Fire Chief. Kirkland comes from the Anniston Fire Department where he served as Training Officer.  Mayor Baker said they interviewed 6 candidates before making the decision for Kirkland.

Mayor Baker informed the Council the operational expenses the past 2 weeks were  $476,058.64 which included two weeks payroll. The bills were approved for payment.

Then Mayor Baker asked Dr. Ben Ingram to address the Council about the Piedmont Depot Museum project. Ingram asked the Council for $20,000 to help with the renovations which was approved by Council and will be paid for through Alabama Municipal Electric Grant Money.

Police Chief Nathan Johnson told the Council he needed to fill a vacancy with Officer Doss accepting a job with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Johnson also asked the Council to add stop signs at the intersection of South Church Street, Bethune Drive, and Hart Street on the highway 278 side of Mapco with the F&M Bank ATM. Chief Johnson informed the Council his department is receiving an explosives trained canine as a donation through Global Canine. The dog will be utilized by the School Resource Officer to sniff out gun powder and explosives. The cost associated with this is $4000 for the Office Training. All three requests were approved.

Chief Johnson stayed at the podium and informed the Council that he reviewed the ABC License transfer from Gregerson’s Cash Saver to Piggly Wiggly. This was approved.

Clerk Hinton informed the Council the Civic Center is being finished up and looks great.

Mayor Baker informed the Council that the restaurant in Fagan’s Park is being finished up and will look real good when it’s completed.

The next City of Piedmont Council Meeting is September 17th.