Mayor Receives Support On Stand Against Council Vehicle, Kids' ome Votes
It was a much quieter City Council at Monday's meeting than at the Sept. 12 session. Other than regular business, the council passed a motion by the mayor to give up some of their benefits as a cost-cutting measure.
The was nearly a standing-room-only crowd at the city council meeting, and the majority of the crowd gave rounds of applause in support of Mayor Charlie Fagan. At the Sept. 12 meeting, the council voted to order all city vehicles parked when not on duty and to terminate the lease on the Mountain View children's home.
However, during the mayor's comments to the council, he made the motion that the city stop paying council expenses as a cost-cutting measure. He said the council received payment lodging, food and travel for them and their spouses while attending for conventions. He added that similar payments were made for council training measures. The motion received a second, and council members Ed Hanson and John Lawrence voted against the issue, and councilman Billy Baker said he wanted to think about the proposal. After the mayor pressed the issue, Baker joined four other council members in voting to pass the measure.
Fagan said that action would save the city about $5,000 per year.
Earlier in the meeting, Elizabeth Mitchell took the floor as the first of several speakers. She expressed her disappointment in the council's Sept. 12 actions. She cited the progressive accomplishments over the past four years under Fagan's leadership. She mentioned the research and work by the mayor, City Clerk Bill Fann and former Councilman Michael Downey.
Directing her remarks at the council, she said, "Suddenly some of you know more about running this city than the mayor. I don't think so." She described the council's actions as "blind-siding the mayor. You voted for all the good stuff, but it seems that has changed, but not for the best."
Mrs. Mitchell turned to the crowd and asked if the crowd supported the mayor's record. All but a few stood and gave Fagan a round of applause.
Janna Ooten, a case worker at Mountain View, was the next speaker and reviewed much of the information contained in her letter to the editor in last week's edition of The Journal-Independent.
She added that some 6-8 weeks ago, she received a phone call saying that some of the Mountain View staff had heard of a council meeting in which the lease termination had been decided. "I asked a council member if I could discuss the issue with them before a decision was made. That request was not honored."
She said the children in her facility were there through no fault of their own. They were referred by agencies, including the state Department of Human Resources. She cited cases where she had worked with teachers to solve the children's problems. At one point, she had to pause to choke back the emotion in her voice.
Quoting figures from Mountain View records, she said the facility paid about $86,000 per year in rent and utilities, and the total salaries for the 40 employees was about $176,000 per year. Most of the employees live in Piedmont and spend their money here, she said.
"I wish I had been given the opportunity this before you made this decision. I thought we could work together to solve any of our problems. She asked the council why they had singled out Mountain View and not Shining Stars.
Mrs. Ooten also received a round of applause from the spectators.
Fagan then took the floor. In a quiet, unemotional voice, he addressed each issue regarding the two issues passed by the council on Sept. 12. He said he had rescinded the council's decision to park the city vehicles because a city ordinance gave him the authority to decide the use of municipal vehicles. He said he waited until Sept. 16 to issue his order to receive information from employees and area residents.
He told the council that nine years ago he had prepared a detailed study of some employees taking the cars home. At that time, parking the cars would have saved the city about $16,000. He said he thought this would be an appropriate cost-cutting measure. When he gave his report to newly elected Mayor George Hendrix, it was thrown in the trash can.
"When I was first elected, I reviewed my notes, and I could have saved the city more than I could nine years ago, said Fagan. he pointed out that he reviewed city salaries and found them lacking. "I found out what a dedicated group of employees we have," he noted.
He related the recent hurricanes when many residents woke up the morning after high winds and rain and didn't know Piedmont had been hit by foul weather. This, he said was because city employees had been up all night.
He admitted there was some abuse of vehicle used shortly after he took office, but those problems had been solved. "At this time, I don't know of any complaint we have on any vehicle abuse."
When asked, none of the council could give the number of cars taken home by city workers. Fagan said there were 19, nine of which were police cars. He said officers needed cars to immediately respond as back up. "They can go directly to the scene without having to go to city hall and hunt for keys."
He added that police car presence in neighborhoods provided security for many residential areas.
Fagan also cited water, gas and electric problems being repaired after regular working hours as situations in which workers could immediately respond to dangerous situations.
Turning to the employees, he lauded them for their hard work and dedication. "They're not here for the money, they're here because they love this community and its people
The mayor expressed respect for those who disagreed with him, but said the benefits far outweighed any savings. "Your tax dollars are being spent wisely," he said.
Turning to the Mountain View issue he asked if any of the council members had visited Shining Stars or Mountain View. None but Baker had. The mayor said he had visited both facilities. "That's just two our of eight. I don't see how you can possibly make a decision on a business or a facility you have never been in." He charged that the lease termination decision had been based on "rumor an innuendo." In describing the children, he said they were "just kids," and they needed help. Our job is to teach and keep and love and try to help them. Running them off to another community will not solve the problem."
Fagan mentioned one student from one of the facilities that had excelled. When you have success stories, you're going to have failures, but you have to keep trying.' He said he supported Mountain View and the city schools should take disciplinary action against those who misbehaved. He added the city would take police action, if necessary. "In my administration, the city's has increased its school payments from $70,000 to $272,000 last year. "If they need a teacher for their kids, I recommend they hire one," Fagan said.
He stressed the decision would be detrimental to the children, but added a financial consideration. He asked the council, "What are you going to do to about the upkeep of that facility. I have to know. I've got to know where the money is coming from."
Fagan briefly touched on the Open Meeting Law that goes into affect Saturday. He referred to the Sept. 12 decisions and remarks that the council had decided the issues before they were introduced. "I knew nothing of their decision, and neither did Mr. (Kevin) Farmer or Mr. (Eddie) Baldwin." He cautioned the council against secret gatherings "We have not made our accomplishments in this city by meeting in secret or meeting illegally." Fagan pointed out that he had always given council members all the information they had requested and reminded them of their thanks for his efforts.
After a few more comments, the mayor said, "We have a lot to be done," citing about $1 million in paving and $2 million in ditch repair. "Working together, I think we can."
He cautioned the council and spectators against making negative remarks about the city. According to the mayor, one business had been lost after hearing what some people had to say about the city. He said he had worked hard to improve Piedmont's image and would continue in those efforts. He was given another round of applause.
In a conciliatory tone, the mayor said, "I don't have any doubt that we can work through this," and urged the council to "get the facts and get both sides of the issue.'
Others to address the council was an unidentified special education teacher who suggested working to get federal money to help the Mountain View and Shining Stars children. Terry Conaway told the group his Utility Board was told nothing about the council's vehicle decision, though a meeting was conducted a week before Sept. 12.
Herbert Davis, a local resident said he and his wife had looked all over the Southeast before deciding to settle in Piedmont. He said his decision was based on the people of the area and the progressive attitude of the city government. Each of the speakers received applause.

Budget Vote Delayed Until Thursday
In Monday's City Council meetings, Mayor Charlie Fagan voiced his fears over next year's proposed budget. Citing multiple issues, Fagan asked the City Council to reconsider the budget before the Oct. 1 deadline. He said in his opinion, the committee neglected to take all issues into consideration.
"This budget is not ready. More work needs to be done," he noted.
According to Fagan, the proposed budget does not take into account the continuously rising gas prices or increases in payroll taxes and retirement costs. The overall increases for the City amount to $229,628, money Fagan said was not included in the budget. Projected revenues included proposed rate increases that have yet to be passed.
"Rising costs are going to pay a major impact on the budget," he said. "This is the first one I have had a problem with since coming into office. This could cause serious problems next year."
In memorable history, Fagan's administration was the first to have a positive balance in the general fund at the beginning of the fiscal year. Previous administrations were forced to borrow funds.
Capital improvements must be made in the gas and water utilities. However, the budget did not include money for the necessary improvements. These expenses will cost an estimated $442,000 if done in a timely matter. "Money has to be spent on these projects," Fagan said. "A serious problem at the lagoon could cost the City millions of dollars.
Another problem for Fagan was the upcoming expenses of maintaining the old hospital. When Piedmont Health Care turns the facility back over to the City on Oct. 1., the cost of maintenance and insurance will add expenses also not included in the budget. "What about insurance? I'm sure you will want to have insurance on the building, especially liability," Fagan said.
Currently the building houses a children's housing facility, the senior citizens center, a doctor's office and the local food bank. "If the roof leaks," he said, "I'm sure you will want it fixed. Where is the money coming from?"
He is also concerned about capital expenditures. Not all capital expenditures that were budgeted were done last year. There was no money allocated for the paving of roads and there are roads that need to be paved.
Although he had requested $50,000 for new pipes in troublesome ditches, the budget did not reflect the expense. Ditches have been a problem in some areas for years. "These problems can be fixed but we have to have the revenue to do it and we have to have it in the budget to do it," Fagan stated. Area residents face possible health risks when mosquitoes breed in ditches of standing water. It is a concern for both businesses and residents.
Four times, Fagan claimed, he asked the budget committee what plans had been made to cover the loss of revenues of Southside School and the hospital. He got no response. He estimated the upkeep of Southside alone to be roughly $75,000 per year and that figure doesn't include money to cover possible damage and vandalism if the facility sits vacant. "There is no money, not one dime, to cover these facilities," Fagan said.
More than once Fagan asked council members to "show me the money."
Fagan held nothing back and the council members sat up and took notice. Councilman Billy Baker motioned that the committee meet on Tuesday at 6 p.m. to revise the budget and all agreed. The Council will meet in a special session Thursday at 6 p.m. to vote on the revised budget.
Turning to other business, the council re-appointed Dennis Ragsdale, Calvin Houston and Randy Brown to the Park and Recreation Board. The group also approved a plan to "re-alig\n" the charges for Civic Center membership
Before closing the meeting,the mayor warned of impending natural gas prices for the winter. He said they would be at an all-time high.
The only other business to come before the council was approving the pyment of $532.762.63 in monthly bills. Of that amount, total utility costs for the month were $515,423.62, with $179,465.22 for electrical costs and $335,958.40 for water, gas and sewer.

Local Men Deliver Supplies To Area Hit By Katrina
Local residents, Lewis Jennings and Donnie Christopher, witnessed first hand the hardships and devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Both traveled in a convey of vehicles that left Calhoun County Sept. 9, headed to Gulfport, Miss.
Working with Day Star Church, Church of the Rock and local residents, Piedmont Pallet quickly filled their two tractor trailers with donations for the victims of Katrina. "Tracy Hutcheson and David Danford are due special thanks for getting everything started while most of us were enjoying a long Labor Day weekend," says Jennings.
The trailers, along with three private vehicles, were escorted by police from Hobson City and Oxford on the trip to Mississippi. According to Jennings, private donations paid the fuel expenses for the trip and each trailer consumed approximately $550 on the trip.
Upon arrival in Gulfport, the group delivered their goods to the First Assembly of God Church. Feed the Children, a non-profit organization, had a disbursement center in the church's Family Life Center and the donations from Piedmont were quickly unloaded.
"It was amazing. Many of these people had lost everything they owned, yet they were not complaining or blaming anyone," said Jennings. "They gladly helped unload our trucks and serve food or supplies to their fellow disaster victims."
One resident directed Jennings as he drove his truck to deliver four loads of goods to area residents. "We would drive to a home where she knew there was a need and people would come from every direction," he said. "Water service had been restored to many in the area, but they were advised not to drink it."
Bleach, to combat the growing mold and mildew, was in high demand.
One 73-year-old resident continued to live in her house trailer even though the back side was destroyed. "None of these people ever showed any signs of self-pity," recalled Jennings. "They were working hard to survive this disaster." Jennings returned to Piedmont on Sept. 12 with a deep appreciation for the Feed the Children organization. He explained, "They say they want to get there while the winds are still blowing. They have plans to be in the area until at least Christmas and possibly beyond." "The television cameras will soon be gone, but Feed the Children will not."
Donations to Feed the Children can be made with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover and any amount is welcomed. The organization can be reached at www.Feed.TV/Katrina or calling 1-800-718-8400. Their postal address is P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK 73101.

Listing For Meetings Of City Agencies
Alabamaıs new Open Meeting Law goes into effect on Oct. 1, and requires all municipal boards to give public notice of their meetings. As a public service, The Journal-Independent will publish all scheduled board meetings in the last issue of the month. All boards are encouraged to use this free service to comply with the new law.
-City Council ...meets second and fourth Mondays at 312 North Center Ave. in the council chambers. Work sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. and meetings at 7 p.m.
-Piedmont Housing Authority ...meets quarterly in the housing office at 154 Craig Ave. The next meeting will be Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
-The Library Board ...meets quarterly on the first Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the library. Nov. 1 is the next scheduled meeting.
-The Nursing Home Board ...meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the board room. Members will meet Oct. 18.
-The Nuisance Abatement Board ...meeting is monthly with dates and times set at each meeting. The board meets in the Council Chambers on North Center Avenue.
-The Parks and Recreation Board ...meets the second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center. The next meeting will be Oct. 11.
-Piedmont Area Siren System Board ...meets quarterly beginning at 4 p.m. in the Housing Authorityıs main office. The board will meet Nov. 30.
-The Board of Education ...meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the superintendentıs office (old band room). The next meeting is Oct. 18.
-The Utility Board ...meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in the old Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board office at 128 South Center Ave.
-All other area boards ...meet as needed. They include the Personnel Board, Medical Clinic Board, Juvenial Health Care Board, commercial Development Authority and Committee for Parks and Street Trees.

Strictly Personal
Here's Another Side Of The Story From New Orleans...
I realize the news electronic news media is vying for the most horrible stories in the aftermath of two hurricanes, but I was beginning to wonder if there were any sane people left in Louisiana. They were told to get out, but made no effort to leave. They became the target of the news coverage.
I was very relieved when we finally received world from some friends of ours in New Orleans, and I was very, very impressed with their account of how they survived the disaster.
Let me take you back to Denver, Col., about three years ago. I was at a convention and generally the weather was lousy. There was one afternoon that we had nothing to do. There was a small watering hole at the hotel, and it was there we met D and Cindy. They were really nice people, and we immediately formed a friendship.
Through e-mails and phone calls we have stayed in touch over the years, and it is their story that I would like to share with you. D is in construction and Cindy is a registered nurse, working at one of New Orleans' leading health facilities.
Cindy said she was notified of the danger of the approaching hurricane on Friday before it ripped into the coast. On Saturday, she prepared two medical offices to handle emergencies.
While she was busy, D contacted his family and contacted friends to find out if they were "going or saying." Apparently, everyone keeps a very close eye on each other and lends a hand.
Saturday evening was spent with personal preparation. Having been through storms before, Cindy said she packed "the standard three day's worth of clothes, pet supplies, carriers and important papers we would need in case we needed to leave."
They took other precautions such as mowing the lawn, placing the lawn furniture in their pool and securing other items by placing them in the garage or tying them down. She explained, "No one wants a broken window due to something flying around." The ax went into the attic. If the family was trapped, they could cut an exit in the ceiling. All the battery-operated items and camping gear were moved to the living room where there were no large windows. A port-a-potty was placed in the bathroom and the tub was filled with water. The dogs were bathed and the rabbit and bird cages were cleaned.
On that evening, Cindy and D didn't even consider going to the store, because most of the supplies were already gone.
About 4 a.m. on Sunday, Cindy cooked a couple of roasts and other food in preparation for a power outage.
By 6 a.m., the family decided to leave and everyone began covering windows with boards. The only thing that hindered the work was people calling to see how they were or ask their plans.
By noon all was in readiness, and with one friend in their car they leave. At 2:30 p.m., there were seven vehicles in their caravan, and five of them had two-way radios. Traffic moved at a snail's pace, and Cindy said they could run back and forth to the cars if they were bored.
Hours into the evacuation, one of their cars overheaded and was left. Its passengers moved to the other six vehicles.
At about 6 p.m. the rain came and the caravan passed a truck "that looked like the Clampet family." Some adults and babies were in the cab, but two people and the family belongings were in the back of the truck. As the rain started, the couple in the back produced umbrellas, but it wasn't much help. Cindy pitched them a plastic tarp, and the rest of the group contributed bungi cords. "This is how evacuations really go. Everyone helps everyone else if they can," said Cindy.
In addition to the vehicles, the caravan consisted of three men, 8 kids, four dogs, 5 cats, one rabbit, a parakeet, a cockatiel, a parrot, a hamster, one elderly woman on oxygen (compressor and all) and five women.
At 10 p.m. The caravan stopped for gas and hot food. The gas is available, and the store offered pizza. The pizza was frozen, but was prepared in a convection oven, and it apparently hit the spot.
The women formed the obligatory line at the rest room.
Then came the pets. Cindy said the dogs were walked, the rabbit was scared, and the cats and birds were growling and squawking at each other through carrier and cage doors.
After leaving the small store, it took only 10 minutes to reach their destination in LaFayette. She said it was a two-bedroom home with only one bath. Above the toilet were instructions not to put any paper down the toilet.
She was quick to point out that evacuation was the absolute last alternative, but Cindy, D and their little band made the best of it. She said their home only had two feet of water in it. To us that would be a tragedy, but when compared to the rest of the damage in New Orleans, it could be considered minor.
I was very impressed with the preparations made prior to the storm, the good judgment on leaving in the face of certain danger, the indomitable spirit and the ability to keep a good sense of humor.
I was also relieved to find there were people in New Orleans that know how to protect themselves, their families, their pets and their homes when a hurricane comes calling. That is such a different picture than is reported on TV.
Finally, I'll share with you a paragraph from Cindy's e-mail that clearly demonstrates her sense of humor. She writes: "Along the way, there are many more interesting stories, the Cheetos, gummy bears, and of course, the dogs that decide passing gas in the car is a necessity. These will be stories for a later time."
We were not only relieved that they came through the storm uninjured, but we are more proud than ever to call D and Cindy Haefele our friends.