Pelham City Council Meeting – July 23, 2026

The Pelham City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting included youth sports recognitions, a public hearing regarding a rezoning request, action on several ordinances and resolutions, and announcements of upcoming special meetings and board vacancies. All voting members were present except Councilwoman Powers.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the July 23, 2026 agenda and the July 9, 2026 regular meeting minutes: The consent agenda was approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing – King Valley Drive Rezoning (R-1 to R-4): Applicant representative Mike South presented plans for a one-acre lot to be rezoned for six townhouses (approx. 1,500 sq. ft. each, priced around $300,000, with garages and guest parking). The City Manager discussed traffic and road width concerns, noting that additional right-of-way would be dedicated and that no-parking signs would be posted. No members of the public spoke in favor or against the rezoning. The hearing was then closed.
• Public Comments (General): No citizens approached the podium to speak.

Discussion Items

• Youth Sports Recognitions: The Mayor and Council honored three teams: the Pelham 8U Softball All-Stars (first place in the Captain’s Division at the USA Softball State All-Star Tournament), the Pelham 7U Baseball All-Stars (first place in the 7U single-A division of the GBBA tournament), and the Pelham 12U Nationals (first place in the 12U division of the GBBA tournament). Coaches, players, and parents received proclamations and were commended for their achievements.
• Old Business – Ordinance No. 135-270 (Rezoning from Agriculture to B-2): This ordinance rezoned the property at the corner of Highway 52 and Racquet Club Parkway. The Mayor clarified that this was not an approval of a QT gas station, but only a zoning change; a future vote would be required for access to the property. The council adopted it unanimously by roll call (Council President Oliver, Councilwoman Towns, Councilman Snowden, Councilman Harris – all yes).
• Old Business – Ordinance No. 530 (Annexation): This ordinance annexed approximately 18 acres at 5025 County Road 11, owned by Brian Ellison and Cindy Grier, who sought police, fire, and garbage services due to health concerns. The council adopted it unanimously by roll call.
• New Business – Resolution 2026-07-23-01 (ABC License): The resolution approved ABC license applications (Lounge Retail Liquor Class II, Tobacco/Alternative Nicotine, and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) for AVN Enterprises LLC, doing business as HWY 31 Wine and Spirits at 2169 Pelham Parkway. It passed unanimously.
• New Business – Ordinance No. 135-271 (First Reading – King Valley Drive Rezoning): This ordinance, related to the earlier public hearing, would rezone the property along King Valley Drive from R-1 to R-4 (Townhouse). It was introduced for first reading and will be considered at a future meeting.
• New Business – Ordinance No. 531 (First Reading – Police Department Vault and Property Storage): This ordinance establishes procedures for managing property held by the Pelham Police Department, including storage, recordkeeping, disposal, and public auctions. It was introduced for first reading.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous – All actions taken (consent agenda, rezonings, annexation, ABC license) passed with a 4-0 vote (Councilwoman Powers absent).
• Special-Called Council Meeting: The council announced a special meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to consider a development consulting agreement.
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Applications: The city is accepting applications through August 7, 2026, for Places 5, 6, 7, and 8 (Student Representative).
• Next Steps: The King Valley Drive rezoning (Ordinance 135-271) and the Police Department property ordinance (Ordinance 531) will receive second readings and potential adoption at a future regular meeting.