Tashia Blackerby

The council approved the payment of outstanding bills and passed two resolutions authorizing the city to remove unsafe structures and place liens on properties located at 506 North Center Avenue and 511 North Church Street. Police and fire department reports were presented, covering operational adjustments, upcoming inspections, and hydrant maintenance. Visitors discussed storefront facade improvements, budget concerns regarding public safety, and electrical department supply needs. Council members addressed debris cleanup, park maintenance for an upcoming car show, and city burn permit regulations. The Mayor announced an animal control partnership with Calhoun County, a new Parks and Recreation Director appointment, and upcoming School Board appointment requirements. Additionally, the council approved a bid for cemetery and trail grass cutting services.

The council authorized the payment of city bills and approved the appointment of a new member to the Piedmont Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. A resolution to amend the certificate of incorporation for the Piedmont Health Care Authority regarding director residency requirements was tabled. The council passed multiple resolutions authorizing the city to remove unsafe structures and place liens on properties at 203 Old Ladiga Road, 307 S. Harris Avenue, and 6656 Old Piedmont Gadsden Highway. Additional discussions included maintenance issues with air conditioning units at the Fire and Court building, committee meeting venue updates, drainage maintenance on Sanford, and the status of recruitment for a Park and Recreation position.

The meeting focused on the organization of the newly elected city council. Key actions included the unanimous adoption of Ordinance #643 to establish rules of procedure for council meetings. The council appointed a Mayor Pro Tem and selected an interim Administrator/City Clerk, Treasurer, and Personnel Director. Furthermore, the council voted to retain current banking depositories and resolved to keep existing appointed city employees on a temporary basis pending further review.

The council approved the payment of bills totaling $547,765.28 and voted unanimously to approve Ordinance No. 642. The meeting included departmental reports from the police and fire chiefs, a visitor comment expressing appreciation for the council's tenure, and individual closing remarks from council members reflecting on their service. Additionally, the Clerk announced his upcoming retirement, and the Mayor shared updates regarding a successful community event and upcoming holiday activities.

The Council approved the payment of outstanding bills and formally adopted Ordinance 644 to establish a Pre-Trial Diversion Program in Municipal Court. Board and staff appointments included the reappointment of Dr. Ben Ingram to the Piedmont Healthcare board and the appointment of Tashia Blackerby as City Clerk. Departmental reports were provided by the Police, Fire, and Rescue/EMS departments, as well as the library. The council authorized the purchase of a truckload of power poles for $9,218.00. Discussions occurred regarding residential dumpsters, trash billing audits, and ongoing infrastructure projects, including street lighting and traffic signal sensor quotes.