Public Meetings - Pelham, Alabama

The Pelham City Council held its regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on November 2, 2026, in Pelham City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included routine consent approvals, adoption of five ordinance amendments, three new-business resolutions, and reports dominated by remembrances of former Mayor Bobby Hayes and city event updates. No public hearing or public comment speakers were recorded. Consent Calendar - Approved the November 2, 2026 City Council agenda and the October 19, 2026 regular council meeting minutes. - Approved the consent agenda unanimously. Per the agenda, consent items also included Resolution 2026-11-02-01 (adopt City of Pelham Transportation Plan for FY2027); Resolution 2026-11-02-02 (accept proposal and enter agreement with Shelby County Park & Recreation Authority for a multi-purpose trail system, budgeted FY2027); Resolution 2026-11-02-03 (Supplemental Agreement No. 2 for Pelham Greenway Trail Phases 3 & 4 preliminary engineering services adding pedestrian lighting, budgeted FY2027); Resolution 2026-11-02-04 (final summary change order for Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project Phase IV-A, completed under budget); and Resolution 2026-11-02-05 (agreement with ADECA for Pelham Police Department traffic enforcement). The transcript did not separately discuss each consent resolution. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Mayor's report: The mayor announced the death of former Mayor Bobby Hayes the previous Saturday. Hayes served as mayor from 1984 to 2008—24 years—and was described as Pelham's longest-serving mayor. The mayor credited him with much of the city's amenities and vision and noted the funeral was held the previous day. - City Manager's report: Reported that Pelham City Hall hosted pre-K students from Pelham City Schools for trick-or-treating; the water department, HR/IT building, City Hall offices, police and court building, fire, parks, and Pelham Rocket Club participated. The Fire Department sold breast-cancer-awareness T-shirts in October and raised $1,900 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, with a few shirts remaining at Station 1 for $15. Deputy Chief Kevin Davis graduated from the National Public Safety Innovation Academy at Polk State College. Falloween at Pelham City Park drew over 2,000 participants and over 700 trick-or-treaters on the candy trail. Music in the Park and Learn to Play Tennis for Free were postponed due to potential thunderstorms, with no makeup dates set. The Pelham Rocket Club received three USTA Alabama awards: Ryan Valentine as Pro of the Year, JD Walker as Junior Player of the Year, and the Frostbite Invitational as Teen Tennis Event of the Year; awards will be presented in February. A Frozen 5K is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, with the Birmingham Figure Skating Club—35 laps around the ice to benefit the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation, with skate rentals and skating from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. The first Art Stroll at Park 124 is also November 8. Holiday decorating is expected to begin at Ballantrae's clubhouse on November 9 and at intersections on Monday, weather permitting. - City Attorney's report: The city attorney reported no items. - Old Business: Council adopted Ordinance Nos. 526-02 through 526-06 unanimously by roll-call vote. The ordinances had first readings on October 19, 2026, and were described as clerical changes. The agenda described them as repealing and replacing provisions concerning Alabama Act 2026-437 (SB304), sales and use tax discount and enforcement procedures, special events and single-day licenses, charitable solicitation registration, and the transient lodging tax discount. - New Business: Resolution 2026-11-02-06 authorized the Flood Mitigation Assistance – Bishop Creek Drainage Improvements – buyout of Cahaba Valley Estates properties through a State sub-recipient Disaster Assistance Agreement with the State of Alabama; approved unanimously. Resolution 2026-11-02-07 appointed Daniela DeLuca and Katie Harrison to the Pelham Parks & Recreation Advisory Board; approved unanimously, with one opening remaining. Resolution 2026-11-02-08 approved ABC License Application 140 – Special Events Retail for Margarita Grill LLC, operating as "Margarita Grill Turns 20" in the parking lot at 234 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, Alabama 35124; approved unanimously. - Council comments: Members offered condolences to the Hayes family and praised Hayes's legacy. Councilman Snowden noted Dabo Swinney appeared and spoke at the funeral, mentioned new LED lights on Highway 31, and promoted the November 8 Art Stroll from the Civic Complex to Park 124 via under Highway 31. Another member noted Pelham football's 8-2 record and Friday playoff game in Saraland. Members also congratulated Margarita Grill on 20 years and noted its ownership of Creekside Barbecue. The council president mentioned Pelham Police detectives' Scooby-Doo costumes at the City Hall trick-or-treat event and an article by former Pelham Police Chief Alan Wade about Bobby Hayes. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously, including agenda and October 19 minutes and the listed consent resolutions. - Ordinances 526-02 through 526-06 adopted unanimously by roll call. - Resolution 2026-11-02-06 (Bishop Creek/Cahaba Valley Estates flood mitigation buyout agreement) approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-11-02-07 (Parks & Recreation Advisory Board appointments) approved unanimously; one seat remains open. - Resolution 2026-11-02-08 (Margarita Grill special events ABC license) approved unanimously. - Public announcement: applications and resumes for the remaining Parks & Recreation Advisory Board opening are due to City Clerk/Treasurer Jonathan Seale by Friday, November 6, 2026; contact 205.620.6404 or pelhamalabama.gov. - Meeting adjourned by motion and second with unanimous aye vote.

The Pelham City Council held its regular meeting on October 19, 2026, at Pelham City Hall. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, conducted two public hearings, adopted zoning and retiree healthcare ordinances, and approved a property annexation. Consent Calendar - Approval of the meeting agenda and the October 5, 2026 meeting minutes. - Resolution 2026-10-19-01: Nonprofit funding requests (budgeted for FY2027). - Resolution 2026-10-19-02: Authorizing an agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey for the Buck Creek stream gaging program (budgeted for FY2027). - Resolution 2026-10-19-03: Accepting the bid from Gillespie Construction, LLC for the Commerce Boulevard and Commerce Circle Water Main Pipe Replacement Project (budgeted for FY2026). - Resolution 2026-10-19-04: Accepting a grant award from Cawaco RC&D Council for the Pelham Department of Parks & Recreation. - Resolution 2026-10-19-05: Authorizing an agreement with ETC Institute to administer a Citizen Survey. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing 1 (Property Annexation): Dr. Shannon Martin expressed support for the annexation of her property at 1056 Highway 72, stating her family is zoned for Pelham and wishes to be full residents. No opposition was voiced. - Public Hearing 2 (Business Licensing & Taxation): Finance Director Jamie Wagner testified on five proposed ordinance amendments including revisions to contractor licensing, sales and use tax discount procedures, special event regulations, repeal of the charitable solicitation registration ordinance, and repeal of the transient lodging early-payment discount. No members of the public offered testimony. - Public Comments: No residents addressed the council during the general public comment period. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: Justin Smith reported on his participation at the ICMA conference in Long Beach, California (over 5,500 attendees) and highlighted upcoming fall community events. - Old Business: - Ordinance 135-272 (Liquor Store Zoning): The council unanimously adopted the ordinance aligning liquor store locational and separation requirements with existing hemp and vape shop regulations. - Ordinance 247-09 (Retiree Healthcare Benefits): The council unanimously adopted the ordinance amending retiree healthcare benefits. - New Business: - Library Board Appointment (Resolution 2026-10-19-06): The council unanimously approved the reappointment of Dr. Judy Manning to the Pelham Public Library Board. A council member noted previous attempts to table the appointment and expressed support for Dr. Manning's qualifications and timely application. - Annexation (Ordinance 532): The council unanimously voted to suspend the rules and approve the annexation of the property at 1056 Highway 72, welcoming the applicants as new Pelham residents. - First Readings: The council held first readings for Ordinances 526-02 (SB 304 contractor compliance), 526-03 (sales and use tax discount), 526-04 (special events and single-day licenses), 526-05 (charitable solicitation repeal), and 526-06 (transient lodging tax discount repeal). These will be considered for adoption at a future meeting. - Council Comments: - Council President Liverett shared a Bible verse, reported on a successful neighborhood 250 Cookout, noted Andy's remission from cancer, and shared that the Civic Complex finished FY26 in the black. - Councilman Snowden warmly welcomed the Martin family and shared his personal pride in Pelham. - Councilmember Towns welcomed the Martins, extended condolences to retiree Johnny Busby, and promoted Pelham Football and Music in the Park. - Councilmember Power welcomed the Martins and praised Music in the Park as a tool for attracting regional visitors and generating revenue. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously. - Ordinance 135-272 (Liquor store zoning) adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 247-09 (Retiree healthcare) adopted unanimously. - Resolution 2026-10-19-06 (Library Board) approved unanimously. - Ordinance 532 (Annexation) approved unanimously with suspension of rules. - First readings held for Ordinances 526-02 through 526-06 (future action required). - Public announcements: Fall-O-Ween event (Oct 25) and Parks & Recreation Board applications (due Nov 6).

The Pelham City Council held its regular meeting on October 5, 2026, beginning shortly after 7:00 p.m. at Pelham City Hall. The meeting included unanimous approval of the consent agenda, a proclamation for Down Syndrome Advocacy Month, introduction of new employees, a public hearing on proposed zoning changes for liquor stores, first readings of two ordinances, and council comments on community events. Councilmember Leverett was absent. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved (4-0) the consent agenda, which included: approval of the October 5 meeting agenda; approval of the September 21 and September 28 regular meeting minutes (the agenda lists only September 21, but the transcript mentions both dates); Resolution 2026-10-05-01 declaring surplus property (vehicles and fire department radios); Resolution 2026-10-05-02 approving an automatic/mutual aid agreement with the City of Hoover; Resolution 2026-10-05-03 approving an automatic/mutual aid agreement with the Cahaba Valley Fire and Emergency Medical Rescue District; Resolution 2026-10-05-04 releasing bond money and accepting public streets (Kirkwall, Kilkerran, Braemar, Glen Iris) within the Ballantrae neighborhood; and Resolution 2026-10-05-05 amending the City's Employee Handbook to update vacation accrual rates. Public Comments & Testimony - A public hearing was held on proposed amendments to the city's zoning regulations regarding locational and separation requirements for liquor stores. No members of the public spoke in favor. David Quorum (149 Windsor Lane) spoke during the public hearing. He expressed support for restricting liquor store proximity to schools and churches but raised concerns about the proposed 2,500-foot separation between liquor stores, arguing that such government regulation could be seen as "picking winners and losers." He urged the council to reconsider that aspect of the regulation. Discussion Items - Proclamation: Mayor Rickwash presented a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Down Syndrome Advocacy Month in Pelham, citing statistics that approximately 1 in every 700 children is born with Down syndrome, and about 85 such births occur annually in Alabama. The proclamation encourages inclusion and celebrates individuals with Down syndrome. - City Manager's Report: City Manager Justin introduced new employees from various departments: Development Services (building official Levi Peters, residential inspector Alan Findley, zoning inspector Donald Jones), Water Department (Michael Sims, not present), Ballantray Golf Club (Cassidy Nolan, Robert Shoemaker promoted to operations manager), Fire Department (firefighters Dwayne Haynes, Alexis Lisenby, John Hall, John Saffold, and Fire Marshal Andy Flurry), Police Department (Officers Tyler Norton, Robert Eubanks, Madison Burgess), and Dispatch (Carolyn Tribbett). The chief noted that the fire department had over 130 applicants for the recent hires. - Zoning Amendments for Liquor Stores (First Reading): Ordinance 135-272 was presented for first reading. It would establish detailed use regulations for new liquor stores, including a 2,500-foot separation from other liquor stores and a 1,000-foot separation from residential districts, schools, churches, and similar uses. The ordinance also includes operating standards and would grandfather existing stores as legal non-conforming uses. The item will be considered for final adoption at a future meeting. - Retiree Healthcare Benefits (First Reading): Ordinance 247-09 was presented for first reading. It amends the city's retiree healthcare benefits by setting the city's contribution at 65% of the normal group rate premium for eligible retirees, with the retiree responsible for the remainder. The ordinance retains existing eligibility requirements and continues the provision that employees hired on or after January 1, 2021, pay the full premium once Medicare-eligible. The item will be considered for final adoption at a future meeting. - Council Comments: Councilmembers Harris, Snowden, Towns, and Powers welcomed the new employees and highlighted upcoming community events: Music in the Park (October 11 and 18, 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. at Pelham City Park), National Night Out (October 13, 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the train depot parking lot, free hot dog supper), and Fall-O-Ween (October 25, 1:30–4:30 p.m. at Pelham City Park). Councilmember Towns also praised the community pep rally and homecoming events. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (4-0) with a roll call vote (Councilmembers Snowden, Harris, Towns, Powers voting yes). - Public Hearing: Concluded without additional testimony; one speaker expressed concerns. - First Readings: Both Ordinance 135-272 (liquor store zoning) and Ordinance 247-09 (retiree healthcare) were read for the first time and will be placed on a future agenda for second reading and possible adoption. - Next Steps: The city will advertise and proceed with the second readings of both ordinances at a later council meeting. - Discrepancy Noted: The agenda for the meeting listed only the September 21 regular council meeting minutes for approval, but the consent agenda as read by the council president included minutes from both September 21 and September 28.

The Pelham City Council met on September 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The council unanimously approved a series of resolutions including the FY2027 operating and capital budget, an adjustment to residential garbage and recycling rates, an ABC license for a new package store, and a janitorial contract renewal. A proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month was read, and several residents voiced concerns during public comments about a parking ordinance that resulted in citations for vehicles parked in their own driveways. The council acknowledged the issue and indicated it would be reviewed. Proclamations - Mayor Rick Washer read a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pelham. Mincy Cardin, outreach coordinator for Safe House of Shelby County, accepted the proclamation and thanked the council. She reported that Safe House received over 1,400 crisis line calls in the past year, provided emergency shelter to 180 victims and their children, and assisted nearly 700 victims through community services and their forensic medical facility in Pelham. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Manley (address not stated): Stated that his Ford F-150 (243 inches long) does not fit in his driveway (273 inches, minus 36 inches for sidewalk clearance gives 237 inches). He and several neighbors received $100 citations for violating ordinance 14-41 A2 regarding parking within driveways. He requested the council review and change the ordinance, noting that no warning was given before citations were issued. - Michelle Estus (519 Walker Road): Expressed frustration that residents were not warned before receiving citations, argued that the driveway dimensions are the fault of original builders, and stated that the $100 ticket is a significant hardship. She noted that many driveways are too short for any vehicle to fit within the required clearance. - Greg Watts (520 Walker Road): Has lived in the home since 2001, received three tickets for vehicles parked in his own driveway. He noted the sidewalk on Walker Road is continuous while other streets lack sidewalks, and suggested grandfathering existing homes or adjusting the ordinance. He plans to contest the tickets in court. All three speakers asked the council to revisit the ordinance and provide a warning or modification. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: The city manager reported that staff met with ALDOT to begin mapping light activation for Highway 31, starting at the north end and moving south, with a shutoff/activation/decommission process beginning October 2026. She announced the promotion of Andy Fleury to Fire Marshal (25 years in fire service, 20 with Pelham, 5 as fire inspector). She also noted that an event at the park drew approximately 300 attendees, similar to the previous year. Jen Rev will provide an update on reap property studies at the next council work session on October 5. - ABC License (Resolution 2026-09-21-06): Approved unanimously for Pinson LLC (Pelham Package Store) at 7984 Helena Road. - Garbage and Recycling Rate Adjustment (Resolution 2026-09-21-07): Approved unanimously, effective January 1, 2027. The council clarified that the removal of the phrase “without the necessity of further action by the Pelham City Council” ensures the council retains authority to adjust rates in the future. A deficit in the fund necessitated the increase. - FY2027 Operating and Capital Budget (Resolution 2026-09-21-08): Approved unanimously after review. - Janitorial Services Contract Renewal (Resolution 2026-09-21-09): Approved unanimously with CDI Janitorial Services for certain city facilities. - Council Comments: Council members thanked residents for attending, commended city staff for budget preparation and responsiveness, and encouraged support for local businesses to strengthen sales tax revenue. Councilwoman Power noted excitement for Highway 31 lights and Pelham football homecoming. Councilman Harris acknowledged the parking ordinance concerns and assured residents the council will examine the issue. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approvals: - Resolution 2026-09-21-01: Accept bid for KOA Sewer Lift Station Wet Well Rehabilitation (Mark Johnson Construction). - Resolution 2026-09-21-02: Authorize participation in Shelby County Chamber's “2030 Shelby Works!” strategic plan. - Resolution 2026-09-21-03: Authorize sale and acquisition of property at 1908 and 1910 Montgomery Highway from Pelham Commercial Development Authority. - Resolution 2026-09-21-04: Authorize three‑year rental agreement with Intelligent Marking USA (Turf Tank) for Parks & Recreation. - Resolution 2026-09-21-05: Accept grant funds for Pelham Racquet Club. - Resolution 2026-09-21-06: ABC License for Pelham Package Store. - Resolution 2026-09-21-07: Residential garbage/recycling rate adjustment (effective Jan 1, 2027). - Resolution 2026-09-21-08: FY2027 Operating and Capital Budget. - Resolution 2026-09-21-09: CDI Janitorial Services contract renewal. - Parking ordinance review: The council acknowledged residents' complaints and stated they will review Ordinance 14-41 A2 regarding driveway parking dimensions. No immediate action was taken, but discussions will continue. - Future meetings: Next council work session on October 5, 2026, will include updates on reap properties and introduction of new employees.

On September 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., the Pelham City Council met in the Council Chambers at Pelham City Hall. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, received proclamations, heard the FY2027 budget presentation, approved six new-business resolutions, and heard public comments. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 8, 2026 agenda and the August 17, 2026 regular council meeting minutes. - Adopted Resolution 2026-09-08-01 declaring surplus personal property (vehicles, equipment, supplies) and authorizing disposal. - Adopted Resolution 2026-09-08-02 reclassifying a full-time position at Ballantrae Golf Club effective October 1, 2026. - Adopted Resolution 2026-09-08-03 approving a job description for Crime Scene/Seized Property Specialist in the Pelham Police Department. - Adopted Resolution 2026-09-08-04 accepting Suncoast Infrastructure, Inc.'s lowest responsive and responsible bid for the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, Phase IV-B, budgeted in FY2026. - Adopted Resolution 2026-09-08-05 affirming the Memorandum of Agreement with the Shelby County Commission for Pelham's share of P25 radio system maintenance. - Adopted Resolution 2026-09-08-06 authorizing an agreement with Kissel Entertainment, LLC for midway and amusement services at the 2027 Spring Fair. - All consent items passed unanimously by roll-call vote. Proclamations - Mayor proclaimed September 13–19, 2026 as Nephrology Nurses Week in Pelham, citing that nearly 37 million Americans have kidney disease and recognizing nephrology nurses' patient-care role. - Mayor proclaimed September 17–23, 2026 as Constitution Week, marking the 239th anniversary of the Constitution's drafting. Ms. Neville of the Daughters of the American Revolution accepted the proclamation, thanked the city for continuing the tradition, and encouraged residents to learn about the Constitution; she noted DAR members would ring bells at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central on September 17. FY2027 Budget Presentation - The city manager and Finance Director Jamie Wagner presented a structurally balanced FY2027 budget. General fund revenues are proposed at $65.6 million, a 2% increase over FY2026, with operating expenditures of $54.9 million, a 6% increase. Sales and other taxes are projected at $43.5 million, property taxes at $10.3 million, and licenses/permits at $6.8 million, up about 21%; EMS collections, grant revenue, and interfund transfers also contribute. - The budget uses committed reserves only for their intended purposes, avoids use of unencumbered funds, and projects the unencumbered general fund balance to increase by about $1.4 million. It proposes $575,000 from the committed vehicle replacement reserve for 10 police vehicles and a $202,000 special-revenue drawdown to accelerate street resurfacing. - Proprietary funds are presented as moving toward financial sustainability. Water and sewer is the largest at about $11 million, followed by Civic Complex ($4.6 million), Ballantrae ($3.9 million), trash ($3.6 million), and Racket Club ($1.6 million). The Racket Club's charges-for-services revenue is projected to rise 10.5% to about $1 million, while the city operating transfer declines roughly 25%, from $798,000 to $597,000. - Capital highlights include annual paving increasing from $1.25 million to $1.5 million, ADA sidewalk work, Fire Station 4 renovations for a new ladder truck, Police Department HVAC, City Hall lobby accessibility work, magistrate/courtroom safety renovations, Fire Station 5 patio cover, Ballantrae improvements, Civic Complex bathrooms, water/sewer infrastructure projects, and a new Blueberry Hill trailhead, restroom pavilion, and trails. The city manager reported 29 new capital projects and 61 active capital projects. - Traffic signal synchronization is planned at 22 intersections on Highway 31, Highway 119, and County Road 52, with a goal of 60% of traffic arriving on green. Reported on-green performance included 48% on US 31/CR 119, 58% on CR 52/I-65 southbound, 62–64% on CR 52/I-65 northbound, and 76% on CR 52/Huntley Parkway and Racket Club Parkway. - The budget adds employee benefit improvements: the city will pay 25% of long-term disability premiums for participating employees, vacation accrual thresholds will increase at 5 and 15 years, the cap on the city's retiree health insurance contribution will be eliminated, and retiree cost-sharing will move from 60/40 to 65/35. - Finance Director Jamie Wagner reported that outstanding long-term principal is projected at about $57.4 million as of September 30, 2026, with FY2027 debt service of approximately $5.97 million. - Council members praised staff for the budget process, and the council president said he believed the city remains one of only three cities with a AAA credit rating, noted that $2 million had been set aside, and said about $1.25 million was being left unencumbered. New Business Resolutions - Resolution 2026-09-08-07, amending the Development Consulting Agreement with GenRev Development, LLC, passed unanimously; the city attorney described it as administrative clarification. - Resolution 2026-09-08-08, approving the ABC license for Litecoast LLC, doing business as Gallery Smoke Shop, 2706C Pelham Parkway, as a Specialty Retailer of Consumable Hemp Products, passed 4–0 with the council president abstaining. - Resolution 2026-09-08-09, authorizing a Memorandum of Agreement with Newcastle Development, LLC for ADA-compliant sidewalk repairs in Camelia Ridge Subdivision Phases 1, 2, and 3, passed unanimously; work was expected to begin within four to six weeks. - Resolution 2026-09-08-10, authorizing a change order with Massey Asphalt Paving, LLC to add streets to the FY2026 resurfacing project, passed unanimously; the original bid came in under the $1.25 million budget, allowing additional streets previously planned for the next fiscal year. - Resolution 2026-09-08-11, affirming the mayor's emergency purchase authorization for a new passenger bus for the Pelham Senior Center, passed unanimously; the previous bus failed and the expense will be reclassified from FY2027 to FY2026. - Resolution 2026-09-08-12, authorizing purchase of a protective flooring system for the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, passed unanimously; it will be funded from excess facility revenues and will let one person install the floor instead of two. Public Comments - Megan Michard, 107 Meadow View Circle, urged the council to act on a long-neglected property at 106 Meadow View Circle. She said weeds were over five feet tall in places, the back fence had fallen, the yard was visible from Highway 52, and rodents, snakes, and bugs were a concern. She said neighbors had filed numerous 311 reports, the owner had failed to appear in court, and the problem had continued for more than 16 months. Citing Chapter 8, Article 2, Sections 8-20 through 8-25, she asked the city to clean the property and place a lien for reimbursement. The council president asked her to leave her information with the city clerk and said staff were taking notes. - Ms. Neville, speaking for the Pelham Arts Council, promoted the fall dinner theater The Wedding from Hell on October 2–3, 2026, with tickets about $55, including dinner, entertainment, and an open bar. She described the arts council as an important asset to the city; council members endorsed the event. Public Announcements - Applications for the Public Library Board, Place No. 1 are due online by Friday, September 25, 2026, at noon. - Salsa in the Park will be held Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pelham City Park. - America's 250th birthday celebration will be held Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Pelham City Park, with Act of Congress, food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, and family activities. Council Comments - Council members thanked staff, praised the budget and Blueberry Hill project, and highlighted progress on traffic signal coordination, stormwater maintenance, and facility finances. One councilmember promoted Pelham High School football's Friday night game against Homewood. Another reported visiting the Pelham YMCA, which plans to invest $500,000 in the facility, offers free classes for people with Parkinson's disease, hosts weekly gatherings for Latina/Hispanic women, and runs a swim program using red/green bracelets; he invited the YMCA to present at a future work session or council meeting. Another councilman read First Peter 5:2 and encouraged residents to get health screenings. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - Two proclamations issued for Nephrology Nurses Week and Constitution Week. - FY2027 budget presented for council review; formal budget adoption was not on the September 8 agenda. - Resolutions 2026-09-08-07 through -12 all passed; the only non-unanimous vote was the Gallery Smoke Shop ABC license, approved 4–0 with one abstention. - The property complaint at 106 Meadow View Circle was referred to city staff for follow-up. - Upcoming community events and the Library Board application deadline were announced.

On August 17, 2026, the Pelham City Council convened at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting featured the presentation of state grants, approval of routine consent items, debate on a hemp product retailer license (which was denied), and authorization of legal fee payments. Council members also celebrated the completion of FY2026 budget workshops, reported recent life-saving actions by police and fire personnel, and announced the rescheduling of the September 7 meeting to September 8 due to Labor Day. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 17, 2026 agenda, the August 3, 2026 regular meeting minutes, and Resolutions 2026-08-17-01 through 05: - Resolution 2026-08-17-01: Accepted the lowest responsive and responsible bid from Cox Contracting Company, Inc. for the Valleydale Terrace Water Main Replacement Project, budgeted for FY2026. - Resolution 2026-08-17-02: Authorized a lighting services agreement with Alabama Power Company to add updated lighting in the Weatherly neighborhood. - Resolution 2026-08-17-03: Accepted a proposal from and authorized an agreement with TTL, Inc. for construction materials testing and special inspection services for the Pelham Sports Park Renovations Project, Phase II, budgeted for FY2026. - Resolution 2026-08-17-04: Authorized an agreement with the Shelby County Commission for FY2026 funding to assist with the City’s School Resource Officer Program. - Resolution 2026-08-17-05: Accepted grant funds from the State of Alabama for the Pelham Public Library and Pelham Parks & Recreation. The consent agenda passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Mayor's Report / Comments - Mayor recognized and thanked State Senator April Weaver and State Representative Kenneth Paschal for their continued support of Pelham. Both legislators presented community grants: - Senator Weaver awarded a $10,000 grant to the Pelham Public Library for its reading programs. - Representative Paschal awarded two grants: one to the Pelham Public Library and another to Pelham Parks & Recreation to support community events such as Music in the Park. - The Mayor presented each legislator with a Mayor's Challenge Coin in appreciation. City Manager's Report - City Manager reported that the FY2026 budget workshops were completed, praising staff and council for their collaborative effort. The final budget will be presented for approval in September. - Announced that Pelham Police and Fire departments each saved a life last week (two separate incidents). Due to patient privacy, no further details were provided. - Noted that Brian reported 30 new senior center members in the past month, indicating continued growth. - Reminded that National Night Out will be held on October 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Pelham City Park (by the train depot), providing an opportunity for community engagement with first responders. New Business / Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-08-17-06 (ABC License for Hemp Products): Consideration of a Specialty Retailer of Consumable Hemp Products license for applicant SKAL USA, Inc. (trade name Toast Trends), located at 3350 Pelham Parkway, Suite B. A motion was made to deny the resolution, seconded, and passed unanimously. The license was denied without discussion. - Resolution 2026-08-17-07 (Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority Legal Fees): Authorizing payment of legal fees incurred from 2021–2025 owed by the City to the Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority. A motion to approve was made and seconded, and the resolution passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public approached the podium to speak. The public comment period was closed. Council Comments - Council Member Snowden thanked the state delegation for their accessibility and praised the budget workshops for providing clear priorities. He also hinted that he plans to join the senior center as its 31st new member. - Council Member Towns acknowledged the grants, noted that Pelham schools’ third day of classes went well, and offered prayers for the Busby and Morgan families—longtime Pelham employees who recently experienced deaths in their families. - Council Member Harris echoed gratitude for the legislators' community involvement, complimented the city staff (especially Gretchen and Jamie) for their thorough budget work, and expressed excitement for Pelham’s future. - Council President (closing) thanked the delegation for their presence at local events, praised the council for moving toward a more conservative budget that prioritizes capital projects, and hinted at a “game changer” for Pelham to be announced after the budget is finalized. Public Announcements - The Pelham City Council Work Session and Council Meeting normally scheduled for Monday, September 7, 2026 (Labor Day) has been rescheduled to Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - ABC license for Toast Trends (hemp products) denied unanimously. - Payment of legal fees to Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority approved unanimously. - The September 7 council meeting is moved to September 8.

The Pelham City Council met on August 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting included recognitions of local businesses receiving Shelby County Chamber Small Business Awards, a city manager's report on solid waste and recycling performance, and unanimous passage of two ordinances on zoning and police property storage. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 3, 2026 agenda. - Approved the minutes of the July 23, 2026 regular meeting and the July 30, 2026 special called meeting. Recognitions and Awards - Cahaba Spay Neuter (New Business): Represented by Henry Long. Recognized for providing spay/neuter services, working with 18 rescues, and performing over 3,000 surgeries since opening in January. - Advanced Landscape Services (6-10 Employees): Represented by Angie and Michael. Recognized for community contributions, including donated services after a storm at Oak Mountain State Park. - Specification Rubber Products (More than 21 Employees): Represented by Steven and others. The company recently moved warehousing and offices to Pelham at the former Walmart site, occupying 120,000 square feet. City Manager's Report - Solid Waste Authority Update: Pelham has the best service with a miss rate of 0.02 percent. Year-to-date, the city's recycling rate is 34.4 percent, second among eight cities (Clanton leads at 40 percent). Pelham's total tonnage ranks sixth. The route manager and water customer service team were praised for their work. Old Business - Ordinance No. 135-271: Rezoning property on King Valley Drive from R-1 (Single Family Detached) to R-4 (Townhouse) for applicant L&L Property Enterprises. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance No. 531: New language regulating the Pelham Police Department’s vault and property storage room. Passed unanimously. Public Comments - None. Council Comments - Council members thanked the businesses and encouraged recycling. Councilman Snowden highlighted the importance of recycling and suggested cardboard drop-off options. Councilwoman Towns expressed appreciation for each business. Key Outcomes - Both ordinances approved unanimously. - Upcoming budget work sessions scheduled: August 4 (4:00-8:00 p.m.), August 8 (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), August 11 (5:00-9:00 p.m.), and August 12 (4:00-8:00 p.m.). - Applications for Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (Places 5-8, including student representative) accepted through August 7, 2026. Announcements - Parks & Recreation Advisory Board positions open. - Budget workshops set for August 4, 8, 11, and 12.

The Pelham City Council convened a Special Called Meeting on July 30, 2026, followed immediately by a press conference. The sole formal action was the unanimous passage of Resolution 2026-07-30-01, authorizing a development consulting agreement with Genrev for the ReAmp initiative, which will guide the redevelopment of the former Oak Mountain Amphitheatre property. Discussions confirmed the scope and direction of the project, citing extensive public input. Consent Calendar - The City Council unanimously approved the July 30, 2026 meeting agenda as presented (motion by Councilman Snowden, second by Councilwoman Towns). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the Council during the formal public comment section of the meeting. Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-07-30-01 (ReAmp Consulting Agreement): The Council formally considered and approved the agreement with Genrev. - Councilman Snowden voiced strong support for the project, thanking Genrev president John Benner for working collaboratively with the city and noting the project is focused on determining feasibility. - Councilwoman Towns expressed excitement, calling it "the biggest thing that has ever happened" in Pelham. She acknowledged the hard work of city staff and stated the council "took to heart" components the public did not like, implicitly referencing the decision to remove a residential component from the plan. - Press Conference and Project Details: - Mayor Rick Walsh explained the city purchased the amphitheater site in 2025 and conducted a community charrette to gather public input. He stated Genrev was selected as the consultant after a competitive RFQ process. - John Benner (Genrev) provided a detailed project overview. He stated the property offers approximately 11.5 developable acres out of 43 total acres. He confirmed Genrev's nearby Canopy development is 93 to 94 percent leased. - Mr. Benner explicitly stated the project will not include a residential component, which he noted was a strong directive from the city council based on public feedback. He also confirmed there will be no traditional hotel on the site, though a boutique bed-and-breakfast serving as a gateway to Oak Mountain State Park was not ruled out. - Mr. Benner remarked that the departure of the Oak Mountain Amphitheater was a "blessing in disguise" for the site's potential. - During a Q&A period, a resident, Mr. Leon, asked about the project's impact on the Highway 119 corridor. Mayor Walsh and Mr. Benner stated the project is designed to re-energize the corridor and may include new access points off Highway 119. - Mayor Walsh publicly recognized and thanked City Manager Gretchen DeFonte for her extensive work steering the project from the initial purchase through the current agreement. Key Outcomes - Resolution Unanimously Passed: Resolution 2026-07-30-01 passed by a unanimous voice vote of the City Council, formally engaging Genrev as the city's development consultant. - Feasibility Study Phase: Genrev will lead a comprehensive feasibility and planning phase over the next six to eight months, estimated to cost approximately $200,000. This will include market analysis, engineering, environmental reviews, and financial planning. - No Residential Component: The Council and the consultant confirmed that the ReAmp project will not include residential housing at the request of the public and council. - No Traditional Hotel: The Mayor stated the site will not contain a traditional hotel or motel. - Project Steering: The City Council will make final decisions on the project's master plan based on the recommendations and feasibility data provided by Genrev.

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.