Pelham City Council Regular Meeting – October 20, 2025

The Pelham City Council met on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Pelham City Hall Council Chambers. It was the last regular meeting presided over by Mayor Gary W. Waters before the newly elected council and mayor take office. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and Ordinance No. 526, appointed an acting city clerk, received a financial milestone report for the Pelham Civic Complex, and heard public tributes to outgoing officials. No public hearings were held.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the October 20, 2025 agenda and the October 6, 2025 regular meeting minutes.
• Resolutions approved unanimously included: wall-space use at Pelham City Park for the Pelham B.E.A.T.; a budget amendment related to the Live Nation Worldwide, Inc. property purchase; a Memorandum of Agreement with Shelby County for transfer of P25 radio units; allocation of FY2026 non-profit funding requests; acceptance of proposals for pickleball courts and a restroom/pavilion at the Pelham Senior Center; surge protector replacement at Ballantrae Clubhouse; demolition/construction of a new circulation desk at Pelham Public Library; declaring surplus vehicles; a golf ball dispenser for Ballantrae Golf Club; and acceptance of Southeastern Sealcoating, Inc.'s bid for Pelham Greenway Trail Phase IV.
• Before the vote, the mayor noted that Resolution 2025-10-20-10, the ABC license item for Big Bad Breakfast, had been removed at staff request.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Daniela DeLuca of 110 Brook Holloway, Pelham, expressed appreciation to Mayor Waters, Council President Mercer, and Councilman Quorum for their commitment, saying their mentorship sparked her son's interest in local politics.
• A young former City Hall intern, addressed as Lucas, thanked Mayor Waters and council members, recalled his internship and interactions with the mayor, and congratulated Councilman Walsh on becoming mayor. He said the mayor “always valued my opinion.”
• No other members of the public addressed the council.

Recognitions and Tributes

• Councilman Quorum and Councilman Rick Walsh each received five-year service awards (2020–2025) and expressed gratitude for serving the city.
• Council President Maurice Mercer received a 13-year service award (2012–2025), and in remarks encouraged the next council to “go further and go farther.”
• Councilman Walsh and City Manager Gretchen delivered extended tributes to Mayor Gary W. Waters. Walsh praised his consistency, authenticity, and servant leadership. The city manager described him as a wise, trustworthy, benevolent, courageous, and disciplined leader, referencing “The Art of War” and saying staff's appreciation was sincere.
• Mayor Waters thanked his wife Lynn, employees, and the community, noting 48 years in Pelham, 44 years employed by the city, and 13 years as mayor. He said he and Lynn recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

City Manager’s Report

• City Manager Gretchen reported that the Pelham Civic Complex, operated with a management team including Seth and Laura Donna, was budgeted for an operating loss of $519,348 in the past year but instead finished the year $101,824 in the black. She noted the facility previously had been losing about $1 million annually. Seth credited the entire staff and said the team was set up for success; Laura Donna emphasized customer service and continued improvements. The council congratulated Venue Works and the complex staff.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 526, adopting the City of Pelham Business License Ordinance and repealing conflicting previously adopted legislation, was considered on second reading (first reading October 6, 2025). It passed unanimously by roll call vote.
• Resolution 2025-10-20-10 (ABC License 020 – Restaurant Retail Liquor for BBB Pelham, LLC, doing business as Big Bad Breakfast, 3102 Canopy Trail, Pelham) was not considered after being removed at staff request.

Public Announcements

• Fall-O-Ween will be held Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pelham City Park.
• The newly elected Pelham City Council and Mayor will hold their Oath of Office Ceremony and Organizational Meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, with a reception to follow.
• Pelham City Offices will be closed Thursday, November 11, 2025, for Veterans Day.
• Pelham City Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 27–28, 2025, for Thanksgiving.

Key Outcomes

• Tom Seal was appointed acting city clerk by unanimous vote because the city clerk was welcoming a new baby.
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously by roll call: ayes were recorded from Council President Mercer and Councilmembers Leverett, Walsh, Harris, and Quorum.
• Ordinance No. 526 was adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-10-20-10 was not acted on after being removed at staff request.
• The meeting adjourned after the council approved the motion unanimously.