The City of Piedmont has a new Police Chief. Acting Chief, Freddie Norton was unanimously given the job during Tuesday night’s meeting of the Piedmont City Council.
“It’s an honor. I’m excited, and ready to go to work,” Norton said following the vote. “I don’t think there’s anybody in the city of Piedmont that cares about the city of Piedmont more than I do.”
Norton, who has served on the Piedmont Police Department since 1995, was named acting chief in October of last year following the resignation of former Police Chief Steven Tidwell. Tidwell resigned abruptly due to personal and health issues amid an investigation into complaints against the former chief officer.
Prior to the vote, however, Council Member Frank Cobb expressed concerns over hiring a police or fire chief who doesn’t live within the city limits. While, Cobb proposed that the city adopt a policy requiring those serving as chiefs to reside within the city, he added that the requirement would not affect the nomination of Norton. While Norton does not live within the city limits, Cobb said that he would be grandfathered in. The motion failed with a 3 to 2 vote, with one council member abstaining.
In other business, the council heard from Mr. and Mrs. Doyce White, who are trying to restart a Native American Festival in Piedmont. With a commitment being given from the council, Mr. and Mrs. White hope to make the festival an annual event with the first being held in May 2016. The council agreed to a series of meetings with the couple to gather more details.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $501,596.69 in addition to a payroll amount of $143,277.81 for a total of $644,874.50, with Council Member Brenda Spears voting “No.” Also, as of December 31st, there was a total balance of $958,908.65 remaining in bond accounts.
A local resident presented the council with an annual donation to be given to the first responders.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd, at 6 pm.