Mayor Suspends Council Committees Ordinance Adoptions Are Result Of Many Years Of Hard Work By Officials
In a brief yet productive meeting, the City Council passed two ordinances that have been years in the making. The council is also eyeing a move to create an elected school board in Piedmont.
After working on the Charter Communications franchise for more than five years, the council passed an ordinance based on total gross receipts and changes in technical requirements to improve the system. It will mean a significant increase in revenues for the city. However, it will bring the TV cable company's payments in line with many other municipalities across the state. A detailed story will be included in next week's edition.
In commenting on the passage of the franchise Mayor Charlie Fagan said, "It's been a real battle."
For more than two years the Alabama League of Municipalities has been formulating a model business license ordinance for member cities. More than 60 cities have adopted the ordinance thus far and Piedmont's office workers will begin adapting the new license categories in coming weeks. City officials were quick to point out that there will be no rate increase involved and the move will benefit businesses who have multiple locations across the state.
Councilman Doug Goss of District 7 has proposed the council pass a referendum to allow residents to vote whether they want an elected school board. Bill Baker suggested to other council members to canvas their districts for feedback on the issue. According to Baker, the reaction in his district has been mixed. Goss, however, said he had received numerous requests to place city school boards on the ballot.
In a surprise move, Fagan suspended all council committees until there could be an investigation into possible conflicts with the new Open Meeting Law. Fagan said the meeting of certain committees might place the city in conflict with the law and subject council members to possible prosecution.
He said the committees would be suspended until further notice.
In another action related to the new Alabama Open Meeting Act, a resolution was passed to aid City Clerk Bill Fann. Residents and media personnel interested in receiving e-mail notification will now need to file a registration form with the clerk who will maintain a mailing list. Persons with no access to electronic mail can be notified by mail.
Fann told the council that the new worker's compensation rate has been received and the city will receive a 16 per-cent credit based on the excellent rating. According to Fann, the city has had a good experience rating for the past few years and the safety coordinators are doing an outstanding job. "Training really pays off," Fann noted.
The council also adopted a revised medical protocol for its workers. The last change was made in 2003 and the adopted changes should make the policy current. Drs. Rey and Joy Gavino, Dorothy Nelder, and Russell Ulrich are the named physicians and Dr. Sam Crawford was deleted because he is retired. Fann said that additional changes may be made in the future to accommodate new occupational therapy businesses that may come into the area. At present, workers are required to use Occupational Health Center in Anniston for all physical therapy.
In other business, Fagan discussed the need for volunteers to fill the many vacancies on city boards. Fagan suggested council members seek registered voters who would be willing for fill a position on the Cemetery, Parks and Trees, Personnel, Library Board, Piedmont Health Care, Planning and Piedmont Area Siren System boards.
The council approved payment of bills totaling $190,708.03. Of this amount, $157,724.88 was for whole cost of electrical energy.

Piedmont Veterans Honored At Two Events
Third-grade students at Piedmont Elementary School honored local area veterans Thursday with a reception and musical program. The American Homeless Veterans riday veterans were invited to attend a free luncheon at the Bingo Palace.
Principal Chris Dowdy led with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for all soldiers who were dedicated to the cause of freedom. After Mrs. Black read a brief history of Veterans Day, representatives from each class read poems and letters or told stories of grandfathers who served. Under the direction of Amy Baker Pike, the group, dressed in patriot colors, sang songs such as "We Honor Those Who Served" and "God Bless The U.S.A."

Correction-
In last week's edition there was an error in the story dealing with proposed business license procedures. The story and the headline stated that business license regulations were contained in the ordinance governing sales tax amounts and collections. This was in error. The business license proposal is a separate document from the sales tax laws.

Strictly Personal
Another Visit To The Rainbow Bridge...
Just about the time you think you have had about all you can take, you sometimes get a little more dumped on you. What do you do and where do you turn?
About 15 years ago, my wife and I got two beagles. One adopted me, and the other adopted Carol. Mine died about five yeas ago, but Tinkerbell stayed with us. She was unusual in her personality and her appearance. To you beagle aficionados, she was a lemon drop. To those of you who know little about the breed, she was a blonde without the usually black and tan beagle markings.
More than that, she was timid from the day she was born, an unusual characteristic for a beagle. She had nothing to do with anyone but Carol and me and would hide when company or other family members would come to visit.
If it weren't for her voice, you might not think she was a beagle, but when she bayed, there was no doubt she was a hound.
A little less than five years ago, we got our first miniature schnauzer, Major. That changed a portion of Tinkerbell's personality. She didn't play or rough-house as do most dogs. She wouldn't even play with toys, but when Major came along, Tinkerbell had the puppy she had apparently always wanted. I should point out that she had been "fixed," but she played with him, cleaned him and cared for him as if he were a member of her own litter.
As she grew older, she got fat...not just a little overweight. Carol put her on a diet earlier this year, and within a couple of months she had returned to normal size. Strangely, though, she began losing weight again in early September. We fed her "snacks" of rice and other nutritious foods several times a day, she ate well, but continued to lose weight.
After Carol's death, Tinkerbell seemed OK for a couple of days, then her appetite disappeared, or so I thought. She became very thin, and despite all my efforts she just quit eating. On Nov. 5, I soft-scrambled an egg and tried to hand-feed her, but without success. Finally, Tink ate a little crisp bacon, and I was hopeful that she would rally. After an hour or so, she threw up everything she had eaten.
As soon as we got the paper out last week, I took her to the vet. I had pretty much given up hope, and my suspicions were well founded. I was told that her kidneys had simply shut down and there was nothing to be done but to "put her to sleep" to prevent further suffering. I concurred, but I don't mind telling you it was a tearful decision. It amplified by grief after losing my wife.
Fortunately, my memory still seems to be working. I recalled a conversation Carol and I had about pets and the afterlife. We agreed that Heaven must have a place for beloved animals.
Carol obtained a copy of a short essay that expressed her belief in being reunited with her canine "children." I went to her computer, and sure enough, there it was. It helped me get through this second emotional setback, and I would like to share it with you. The title is,
"The Rainbow Bridge
"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
"When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
"There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
"There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
"All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
"The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
"They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
"You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
"Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... "
(Author unknown)
One night while I was browsing the internet, I plugged in the title of this piece and was surprised to find there was an entire site devoted to providing support to those who were grieving for lost pets. As far as I could tell there were no charges or gimmicks connected with the site. It was there just to provide comfort.
The central theme of the site is the assurance that pets and their masters who have passed away are somehow reunited and continue to share their love and the joy of sharing each other's company. I'm not going to debate theology over this issue, but I can't help believe that Carol and Tinkerbell have enjoyed a happy reunion.