Pelham City Council Regular Meeting – March 19, 2026

The Pelham City Council met on March 19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included adoption of the consent agenda, a proclamation for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the City Manager’s report on housing market data and a national award, a vote to repeal a tax collection code section, and approval of resolutions for the America 250 celebration, public hearings on sewer lift stations and building condemnation, and a spring fair. All votes passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the March 19, 2026 City Council agenda and the March 5, 2026 regular meeting minutes.
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑01: Lease agreement with Ballantrae Golf Club and Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation for turf equipment.
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑02: Contract with Central Alabama Asphalt & Construction for repair/resurfacing of the Coker Park walking trail and with Video Industrial Services for pipe and headwall repairs.
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑03: Lighting services agreement with Alabama Power Company for street lights in Grey Oaks Subdivision Sectors 8 and 10.
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑04: Preliminary engineering agreement with CSX Transportation for the CR‑52 Railroad Crossing Elimination Project.
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑05: Agreement with AECOM for engineering and surveying services for the CR‑52 Railroad Crossing Elimination Project.
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑06: Agreement with Pyro Shows of Alabama for the Independence Day fireworks celebration (Fire on the Water).
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑07: Appointment of voting delegates for the Alabama League of Municipalities Annual Convention (April 28 – May 1, 2026). City Manager noted the CR‑52 project funds have been released and these agreements allow work to begin on plan review, design, and surveying.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A retired Pelham firefighter (27 years of service) addressed the council, stating that retiree insurance costs are burdensome and that city employees and retirees need assistance. He urged the council to prioritize employee support, emphasizing that workers are the city’s backbone. Council members thanked him for his service and acknowledged his concerns.

Discussion Items

Proclamation – Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

• Mayor Walsh proclaimed March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Pelham. Representatives from the Arc of Shelby County (Director of Development Carol Lyons) and participants from Youth Leadership Shelby County were present. The Arc reported serving 2,139 individuals and families countywide. Several council members shared personal connections to disability services and commended the Ark’s work.

City Manager’s Report

• Housing market data: As of February 2026, months of supply for new and used homes in Pelham: $300,000–$350,000 → 1.1 months; $350,000–$400,000 → 2 months; $400,000–$450,000 → <1 month; $450,000–$500,000 → 1.4 months; $500,000–$550,000 → 4 months; $550,000–$600,000 → 5.8 months (equilibrium is 6 months). The data illustrates market-driven demand.
• Professional development: Attended the Georgia City County Management Association conference, including an AI workshop for local government.
• Research highlight: Dr. Kimberly Nelson’s study found that council-manager forms of government (Pelham’s form) are 57% less likely to have corruption convictions than other forms.
• Leading the Way Award: Pelham received the ETC Institute award, ranking in the top 10% of U.S. local governments. Composite score: 232 (national average: 114). The city exceeded national averages by more than 20% in 33 areas, including customer service, parks, public safety, communication, and infrastructure.

Old Business

• Ordinance 324‑07 (Second Reading): Repeal of Section 5‑34.4 of the City Code regarding sales and use tax collection procedures. The council president stated the change is administrative, not a tax increase. Adopted unanimously by roll call.

New Business

• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑08: FY2026 budget amendment to fund America 250 celebration events. Mayor Walsh cited a budget oversight and the need for a small fund to support planned community events. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑09: Public hearing set for Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. to consider accepting privately owned sewer lift stations in Holland Lakes Subdivision. The City Manager explained the city would assume ownership and maintenance and assess a fee to recoup upgrade costs.
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑10: Public hearing set for Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. to consider condemning substantially damaged buildings along Chandalar Court. The City Manager noted a rare situation where three of four townhome units were burned and flood-damaged; an Attorney General’s opinion was obtained to proceed.
• Resolution 2026‑03‑19‑11: Agreement with Kissel Entertainment, LLC to host a spring fair on city-owned property April 9–19, 2026. The City Clerk reported that after the city purchased the amphitheater site from Live Nation, two RFPs were received, and Kissel Entertainment was selected. Adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda and all resolutions (2026‑03‑19‑01 through 2026‑03‑19‑11) were approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 324‑07 was adopted on second reading.
• Public hearings were scheduled:
  • Holland Lakes sewer lift stations: Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Condemnation of damaged buildings on Chandalar Court: Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
• The City Manager confirmed the Leading the Way Award will be formally presented by the ETC Institute.
• Council directed staff to proceed with spring fair arrangements.
• The meeting included announcements for upcoming community events (America 250 kickoff, Free Landfill Day, and Spring Shred/Electronics Recycling).