The Piedmont City Council, on Tuesday, cleared the way for Piedmont Rescue Squad and EMS to move to a new home.
Rescue squad Chief Phillip Winkles informed the council that the medical services provider had closed on the purchase of the former family health clinic, owned by a Tennessee-based medical organization, for $68,000. Winkles said that the South Center Avenue property would serve as a larger home for the squad, which needs more room than its currently land locked location can provide.
However, in order for the new location to work, Winkles said that the squad would also need to acquire an adjoining parcel of land, which is currently owned by the city. Winkles requested that the council transfer the property to the squad, which would provide enough room for a larger structure to be built to serve as a bay for ambulances, boats and other equipment.
However, the property is currently home to a skate park, which is quite popular with the city’s youth, according to Mayor Bill Baker.
The council unanimously voted to turn the property over to the rescue squad, provided that the skate park is relocated to a suitable location. According to Winkles, rescue squad Captain Matt Meeks would be applying for grant monies that would not only allow for the relocation of the park, but would also improve the park.
Winkles expects the squad to move into their new location within the year.
In other business, the council authorized about $260,000 in bond monies to cover needed upgrades to the city’s electric system. About $215,000 of that total will go toward the purchase of a new transformer, which will replace a 1951 model, at one of the city’s substations.
A property at 403 5th Avenue was declared a public nuisance in the next step toward abatement of the property.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $472,376.76 in addition to a payroll amount of $115,946.17 for a total of $588,322.93.
Also, the council granted a request from Venecia’s Foundation to host the 3rd annual CRAP 5K run/walk this October.
At the request of Mayor Baker, the city will provide a “free swim day” at the city’s aquatic center on Labor Day, Monday, September 7th.
The next regular Piedmont City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15th, at 6 pm.