The Piedmont City Council, on Tuesday, voted unanimously to accept almost a half-million dollars from the federal Community Development Block Grant program for long awaited repairs to the aging sewer system. Two weeks ago, Piedmont Water Works, Gas, and Sewer Superintendent Jesse McKnight informed the council that they were awarded the $450,000 federal grant for the much needed repairs. The city will also be required to spend $84,970 of city funds to complete the project.
The repairs will be made to lines, many of which were installed as early as the 1920s, along Fifth, Fourth, Third, and Second avenues, along with Gadsden and Alabama streets.
An anti-discrimination resolution was approved by the council, in order to comply with the Title VI of the Federal Government’s Civil Rights Act. This resolution, which prohibits racial discrimination in employment, must be approved annually prior to seeking federal funding.
The council approved the 2015 Holiday Schedule after making a change at the request of Council Member Terry Kisor. The city will now observe Good Friday instead of Columbus Day in order to give city employees a holiday during the spring.
Additionally, the council agreed to close the city offices on December 26th and January 2nd.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $281,954.23 in addition to a payroll amount of $119,774.89 for a total of $401,729.12, with Council Member Brenda Spears voting “No.” As of November 30th, there was a total balance of $1,511,522.96 remaining in bond accounts.
After the council had previously decided that the city not provide funds for the council to attend the 2015 Alabama League of Municipalities next May, Council Member Brenda Spears requested that the city cover a $350 registration fee for her to attend the conference. Spears’ request was denied by the council.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6th, at 6 pm.