Pelham City Council Regular Meeting - March 5, 2026

The Pelham City Council met on March 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, reports from the city manager, approval of several resolutions, first reading of a sales tax ordinance amendment, public comments from Eagle Cove residents regarding a lift station project cost increase, and an executive session.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent agenda unanimously by roll call vote. Items included:

• Approval of the March 5, 2026 agenda
• Approval of the February 16, 2026 regular council meeting minutes
• Resolution 2026-03-05-01: Accept proposal and authorize agreement with All American Arena Products for purchase and installation of an indoor dasher board system (budgeted FY2026)
• Resolution 2026-03-05-02: Accept low bid from Price Civil Services, Inc. for Eagle Cove Subdivision Sewer Lift Station Improvements Project (budgeted FY2026, requiring budget amendment)
• Resolution 2026-03-05-03: Accept low bid from ICS, Inc. for Sewer Lift Station P Emergency Generator Addition (budgeted FY2026)
• Resolution 2026-03-05-04: Repeal Resolution 2008-02-04-03 (Related Party Transactions Policy)
• Resolution 2026-03-05-05: Surplus certain items (A/V and small engine equipment) no longer needed

Public Comments & Testimony

Two Eagle Cove residents addressed the council regarding the lift station project cost increase:

• Daryl Tino (136 Eagle Cove Drive) stated the original quote of $188,000–$200,000 (provided at a meeting late last year) had increased to $396,000. He noted the city took over a year to reach this point, causing quotes to expire. He said the HOA agreed to the original estimate, which would have cost approximately $250–$270 per household per year for 10 years, but the new quote would result in $500–$550 per household per year, causing significant financial burden. He expressed disappointment that neither the mayor nor council members attended subsequent meetings after the first.
• Carl Bell Snyder (142 Eagle Cove Drive) stated that when he moved in, no one mentioned a lift station. He holds the city and builder responsible for not communicating. He confirmed residents were on board with the $180,000–$200,000 figure but are not okay with the new estimate of $396,000–$500,000, and asked for the city's help.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Report: Mayor announced the resignation of Claude from the Planning & Zoning Board after 17 years due to health reasons, and appointed Paul Howell (a former board member, now retired) to replace him.
• Proclamation: The mayor and city clerk proclaimed April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Pelham. Mary Catherine Thorne, Prevention Intervention and Education Coordinator at SafeHouse of Shelby County, thanked the council and provided statistics: 2,000 calls to the crisis line, 147 victims served at the shelter, and over 600 victims/children served at the forensic medical clinic in Pelham in the past year.
• City Manager's Report: Announced upcoming events: Kites & Bites (March 8), Indoor Yard Sale (March 7), Red White & Bulls (March 21) at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena. Also highlighted registration for adult volleyball, pickleball, start smart soccer, archery, and learn-to-skate (prorated). Encouraged residents to sign up for e-newsletters.
• New Business:
  • Resolution 2026-03-05-06: Approved unanimously to accept the FY2025 audited financial statements (presented by Truitt Tingle Paramore & Argent, no findings).
  • Resolution 2026-03-05-07: Approved unanimously to enter into an agreement for a new lighting system at the Main Arena of the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, required by the Southern Professional Hockey League. Some lights are under warranty and will be upgraded at no charge; additional lights will be installed.
  • Resolution 2026-03-05-08: Approved unanimously to authorize a lease agreement for in-vehicle camera systems for the Pelham Police Department. Eight police vehicles acquired this year; five need new systems (three can be transferred from other vehicles). Expense was budgeted.
  • Ordinance No. 324-07 (First Reading): Proposed to repeal Section 5-34.4 of the Municipal Code (mandatory time-specific collection steps for delinquent sales and use tax payments) to provide greater administrative flexibility. The ordinance will be considered at a future meeting.
• Council Comments: Councilman Snowden reminded about daylight saving time starting March 9. Councilwoman Power thanked SafeHouse for their work and praised the proclamation. Council President noted that tariffs on steel and machinery contributed to the Eagle Cove project cost increase.
• Public Announcements:
  1. Applications for municipal boards (Pelham Board of Education, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals, etc.) due March 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
  2. Shelby County Free Landfill Day on March 28, 2026, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM at 401 Landfill Road.
  3. Spring Shred and Electronic Recycling Event on April 4, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at City Hall.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda: approved unanimously by roll call (Councilmembers Oliverett, Power, Towns, Snowden, Harris – all ayes).
• Resolution 2026-03-05-06: approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2026-03-05-07: approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2026-03-05-08: approved unanimously.
• Ordinance No. 324-07: first reading held; will return for a future vote.
• Executive Session: The council unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation and real property market value (Code of Alabama §36-25A-7(a)(3) and (a)(6)). The session was held in the conference room with attendees including Mayor, City Council, City Attorney, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, DPW Director, City Clerk, Treasurer, and Building Official. No minutes were taken.