The Piedmont City Council showed they are getting serious about cleaning up dilapidated properties.

Tuesday night, the council uanmimously approved a recommendation from Nuisance and Abatement Officer Charles McDonald to declare four properties as “Public Nuisances.”

The homes, most of which are abandoned and some in foreclosure, are located on 5th Avenue, Anniston Avenue, Daley Street and Ray Avenue.

Mayor Bill Baker says this is one of the final steps in the process following repeated warnings.

In other action Tuesday, a motion to make a change regarding agendas for council meeting failed by a slim margin.

Councilwoman Brenda Spears made the motion calling for any matter brought up under “Other Business” on the agenda be delayed until the following meeting.

Spears, Frank Cobb, and Terry Kiser voted “Yes.” Ben Keller, Mary Bramblett and Kenny Kelley voted “No” with Mark Harper abstaining.

Mayor Baker then cast the deciding “No” vote to break the 3 to 3 tie.

The council did approve the establishment of a line of credit of up to 250-thousand dollars with Farmers and Merchants Bank that can be used in the event of an unanticipated expense.

This is something the city has done for some time now and the action Tuesday was simply a renewal.