No Gym Membership for Fire Department at This Time:
Piedmont Fire Chief Todd Kirkland asked Mayor Bill Baker about Gym Membership for his Firefighters to help them stay in good physical and mental condition to enable them to perform better when responding to an emergency. Chief Kirkland explained they had the funds in their budget from the Fire Tax Money that funds the Fire Department. Baker thought it was a good idea and would help incentivize the department and improve moral as well as performance. So, he approved the purchase at an annual rate of $5000. The membership was at a local gym in Piedmont.
However, during the regular Council meeting on February 4th, some members of the Council did not approve and a lengthy discussion ensued with the Chief asked to give his reasoning for the membership. After his presentation to the Council and a heated discussion ensued, the Council marked the item off the Bills for Payment and tabled action until the February 18th meeting. Chief Kirkland was on the Agenda this week and was asked for more information. He gave another 20 minute presentation about the benefits to his department for the membership. When it was time for the Council to Vote, they voted to Table Action until the next meeting which will be March 4th.
