Piedmont council approves equipment purchases, temporary hires and smart‑meter savings report

The Piedmont City Council on May 7 approved a series of equipment purchases, staffing authorizations and routine resolutions during a roughly 50‑minute meeting that concluded at 7:12 p.m.

Council members voted to pay the bills presented for $499,955.14 and approved four abatement resolutions (2024‑02 through 2024‑05). On procurement, the council awarded a contract to Extermco for repairs at the Administration building — to install two commercial dehumidifiers, add a moisture barrier and treat fungi in the crawlspace — for $8,950. Richard Williams moved the action and Jubal Feazell seconded; the motion carried.

The council also approved purchase of 427 new garbage cans from Schaefer Plastics for $27,359.26 (motion by Greg South, second by Richard Williams). For the city’s vehicle fleet, the council approved the purchase of a 2025 Kenworth T880 tri‑axle dump truck with a 16.4‑foot Ox Body from Truckworx for $222,500, on a motion by Terry Kiser seconded by Jubal Feazell; the approval was conditioned on selling the 1991 dump truck. Council members also authorized Chief Johnson to pursue an intent to purchase a 2024 Dodge Ram 2500 Crew Cab 4x4 with Stivers Dodge (motion by Caleb Pope, second by Terry Kiser); the recorded action was to allow pursuit of an intent to purchase, not a finalized vehicle purchase.

Tim Frost requested permission to fill two vacancies — one full‑time sanitation position and one part‑time street position — and the council approved the hires (motion by Richard Williams, second by Terry Kiser). Clerk Hinton asked for and received authorization to hire summer workers with no benefits: Jubal Feazell moved and Terry Kiser seconded a motion allowing each department (Public Works, WGS, PARD, Electric) to hire a 40‑hour‑per‑week position at $10.00 per hour until school resumes; the motion carried. Clerk Hinton also reported that “500 of the smart meters had been changed out. This would be a savings of $75,000,” and said the Electric Department will return with information about purchasing trucks with AMEA funds. A title search and survey related to an unspecified item will be completed in the next few weeks.

A discussion about repairing an older backhoe included comments from Byrian Watts and a representative from CAT, who reviewed purchasing options; Caleb Pope moved to table consideration of buying a new backhoe and Terry Kiser seconded the motion, which carried.

Votes at a glance
- Minutes approved (motion: Terry Kiser; second: Jubal Feazell). John Lawrence and Caleb Pope abstained.
- Bills payment approved, $499,955.14 (motion: Richard Williams; second: Greg South).
- Resolutions 2024‑02, 2024‑03, 2024‑04, 2024‑05 approved (motions and seconds recorded in sequence; all motions carried).
- Administration building repairs (Extermco) approved, $8,950 (motion: Richard Williams; second: Jubal Feazell).
- Garbage cans purchase (427 units, Schaefer Plastics) approved, $27,359.26 (motion: Greg South; second: Richard Williams).
- Dump truck purchase (2025 Kenworth T880, Truckworx) approved, $222,500, contingent on sale of 1991 truck (motion: Terry Kiser; second: Jubal Feazell).
- Authority to fill two vacant positions approved (motion: Richard Williams; second: Terry Kiser).
- Chief’s vehicle: intent to purchase authorized (motion: Caleb Pope; second: Terry Kiser).
- Backhoe purchase discussion tabled (motion: Caleb Pope; second: Terry Kiser).
- Summer hires authorized (motion: Jubal Feazell; second: Terry Kiser).

Council members used the session to thank staff and note operational matters; Mayor Baker closed the meeting with brief remarks. The council adjourned at 7:12 p.m.