Council Considers Pros And Cons Of Building Purchases
City officials are scratching their heads on the problem of buying a former dentist's office and the equipment, plus some medical equipment for a future doctor's office. As a part of the puzzle, the acquisition of a building adjacent to the current city offices is also being eyed by the city, and there is a city-owned building currently for sale. The purchases and sales have been talked for weeks, but no decision has been made.
Dr. Danny Wilson sold his dental practice to Dr. Tony Davis several years ago. Dr. Davis closed the practice, and the building has remained vacant, but still contains the equipment necessary to operate a dental office. The structure and equipment are currently owned by Renaissance Bank of Huntsville, and are to be sold as a package.
The original price was $60,000, but it has been reduced to $41,911.
Dr. Ben Ingram, currently Piedmont's only dentist, is urging the city to buy the building. He said he was currently seeking a dentist to join him in his practice, and he would buy the equipment for the expansion. The price of the equipment has not been mentioned.
The former dental office adjoins the medical office now occupied by Drs. Rey and Joy Gavino, and could easily be remodeled to expand a medical practice. An expanded medical practice would require additional medical equipment that is also available. Dr. Ingram told the city there was currently medical equipment stored in the former office of Dr. Samuel Crawford, and the price has been set at $4,000. This is down from $4,500 that was originally asked.
The other building in question is connected to the north side of the current city offices on North Center Avenue. The expansion of the county and city facilities has long been talked, but there was no space. The building belongs to Jerry Masters and recently had an $8,000 roof installed. The current lease is for $225 per month, but no improvements may be made. Officials say Masters wants a new lease with monthly payments of about $500.
The selling price is $56,000.
The city, however, would not bear the entire purchase price. According to Fann, Calhoun County Commissioner Rudy Abbott, License Commissioner Barry Robertson and other county officials have agreed to share in the cost of purchasing and the remodeling the Masters building. The refurbished building would house a new county office, and the county has never shared in a lease, utilities or any other expense connected with Piedmont's Court House Extension. The city has paid the entire expense, with the exception of salaries and supplies.
In the meantime, the council has made no decision on disposing of the old City Barn. Mayor Charlie Fagan and City Clerk Bill Fann said there have been inquires from parties interested in acquiring the building and land. They said the inquiries came from concerns that asked to remain anonymous.
One solution would be to sell the barn, then use the proceeds to purchase the Davis dental office, the Masters building and the medical equipment.
While this would improve Piedmont's prospects for attracting more doctors and dentists, Fagan has reminded the council that the city is now responsible for the maintenance of the old Piedmont Hospital and Southside Elementary School buildings. Fagan said the there are occupants in the old hospital facility, but the school building must be maintained, including utilities and insurance. He cautioned against making more capital obligations than the city can bear.

Strictly Personal
Here's A Suggestion For A New Year's Resolution, Based On Long Experience...
This was supposed be the last Strictly Personal column I would write for this newspaper. The first one was in March of 1967, and there has been one each week since then. As I told you last week, I plan to stay around a while
I came to Piedmont in 1966. I have seen this city at its best and some of the area residents at their worst. I remember the Coca-Cola signs protruding from nearly every downtown store. I remember the beginning and completion of urban renewal and the many, many debates that erupted from the project. More recently, I remember the urban renewal canopies being torn down and new sidewalks put in place.
I lived here when Kwik-Chek moved from it's Main Street location to the brand new shopping center. There, the store became Winn-Dixie. There is a long list of businesses that have come and gone during the past 40 years. I even remember when Lively's was Jitney Jungle on Alabama Street
There have been a major changes in Piedmont's industrial community. Do you remember Marty Oltsic and Marvel Quilting, Piedmont Executive and Playtex? All those shut down, but it was a real shock when SCT Yarns closed its doors. However, we are very fortunate to have Bostrom, Garcy and Springs to fill the gap. Other smaller industries give us quite a bit of industrial diversity.
I, too, have undergone some big changes as the years have gone by. When I came to work at the Journal, I had a wife. one child and my mom and dad. As I leave I have three wonderful children and some great grandkids. Like anyone else, I have experienced the depths of despair that life has to offer. Yet the good memories and experiences far outweigh the bad. I was fortunate enough to move to a town full of loving, caring people. I have made friendships that have lasted for decades and continue to flourish.
I have learned many things. This knowledge has been acquired by decades of asking questions and writing about everything from history to predictions. I have also learned something about a small weekly newspaper. In 2007, this paper will be 100 years old. That means 5,200 editions, plus a few for the leap years, have hit the streets. The history of our city has been recorded in these pages. Because of this, I have always believed this to be more than a business. I have read back issues and have found that this publication has a life of its own as a part of this community.
Austin Johnson gave it birth in 1907, and there have been several folks that have continued to breathe life into this old lady. Notice, however, that I did not use the word, "owned." All of us who have been a part of operating this paper have been caretakers trusted with the responsibility of keeping the residents of this area informed. This publication has been and is being sent to members of our armed forces oversees. It is sent to men and women who were local natives or long-time residents and now live out of town. Each associate at Springs receives a copy of the paper, as did each employee of Standard Coosa Thatcher Co.
This little paper goes to folks from all walks of life and our subscription list knows no social boundaries. It is your support, not an editor's expertise, that keeps this paper alive and serving the community. I am grateful for having the privilege of serving this publication and the people of this area for about 40 years.
I have never harbored any thoughts of leaving this community. As far as you're concerned, things will pretty much be the same as they have been in years past.
While this newspaper has been a harsh taskmaster, reflection on the past has shown me the main mistakes I have made. I offer them to you to help you in your New Year's resolutions.
Sure, I worked long hours to publish each edition, but I also threw myself into other activities that kept me from the really important things in life. Dad once joked that I belonged to every organization that met after dark and charged dues. While I don't regret a single minute I spent doing civic and fraternal work, I could have trimmed back the time I spent at meetings, conventions and working on projects. I could have spent that time with my family.
I can look back and see where I missed some really valuable experiences by being too busy at tasks that weren't as important. If I could tell Mom, Dad and Carol how much I regret this, I would, but I can tell my kids, and I'll try to make it up somehow.
All this has made me have some insight as to the nature of time. Today is only tomorrow passing into yesterday. Today is our only chance to decide between good and evil thoughts and actions. The only thing we really control is that brief instant between thinking and doing. The past cannot be changed. Once this second has passed, it will be gone forever.
If I could give you one piece of advice, or offer one resolution it would be to use as much of your time as possible to be with your family and bask in the warm love that freely flows, as if coming from a bottomless spring. Enjoy and savor each moment, for once it has gone it will never return.
Before concluding the last column for the year, I would like to thank some people who have meant a lot to me over the years. Of course, Mom, Dad, Carol and the kids would head the list. In the newspaper field, Basil Penny was my mentor and one of the best writers I have ever know. He helped me tremendously. The crew at the Jacksonville News worked closely with us for years getting out each edition. Except for the couple of time the contents of the paper was accidentally destroyed, we had a great time. To all our advertisers and subscribers, you have my thanks for your support that has spanned four decades.
While I have worked with more mayors and council members than I care to count, they have joined other city officials in doing what they believed to be the best for the city. Special thanks go to the city clerks, Billy Little, Brent Morrison and Bill Fann. They were always there when I needed them and were always ready to answer my questions and provide data for any municipal story. The same goes for W.H. "Zeke" Kimbrough, John R. Kirkpatrick, Theresa Kisor, Barry Sadler and Matt Akin, all city school superintendents.
By the way, if you are interested, I don't have an official guide for mayors who have accomplished the most for our city, but in my book, L.H. "Beans" Gunter is in second place. He was edged out of first place by Charlie Fagan. I'm glad I was here to see the kind of leadership Charlie has provided.
I am especially indebted to my friends, those who have passed away and those who are still here. They have provided affection, support, good council, an attentive ear whenever a problem arose and a shoulder to cry on when things went bad. I feel blessed to have friends in nearly every walk of life, and they are among richest treasures anyone could possess.
Happy New Year.