Public Meetings - Pelham, Alabama

The Pelham City Council held its regular meeting on February 2, 2026, at Pelham City Hall. The meeting included the swearing-in of a new police captain, the unanimous approval of a consent calendar, first readings of ordinances addressing business license fees and the council meeting schedule, and a major announcement from the City Manager regarding the federal obligation of funds for the $52 million Highway 52 railroad crossing elimination project. Oath of Office – Pelham Police Department - The Chief of Police administered the oath of office to Captain Rebecca Herrera, a 20-year veteran of the Birmingham Police Department. Her husband, retired law enforcement officer Charles Newfield, pinned on her badge. Representative Alan Treadoway conducted the swearing-in ceremony. Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included the meeting agenda, previous meeting minutes, and three resolutions: a final change order for the Business Center Lift Station Improvements Project (completed under budget), a proposal from Enviro Management Corp. for MS4 Stormwater Program services, and an agreement with Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) for landscape, signage, and survey services at the Interstate 65/Highway 119 and Interstate 65/County Road 52 interchanges. Public Comments - Ben Fuller, Chief Deputy District Attorney for Shelby County, addressed the Council. He expressed his candidacy for the newly created District Judge seat in Shelby County. He argued that the county’s population growth of 136,000 people since the last judgeship was established in 1990 necessitates experienced judicial leadership. He cited his broad prosecutorial experience and requested support in the May 19th Republican primary. Discussion Items and Reports - Mayor’s Report: The Mayor congratulated Captain Herrera and highlighted the city’s ongoing partnership with the Owens House organization, which supports the police department in sensitive investigations involving crimes against people, including children. - City Manager’s Report: - Skating Program Growth: The City Manager reported a record 294 registrations for the current Learn to Skate session, more than doubling over the past four years. He highlighted the world-class coaching staff and local skater Audrea Liliak, a gold medalist at the Romanian Junior Figure Skating National Championship, and reiterated the goal of producing an Olympian from the Pelham Ice Arena. - Federal Railroad Grade Crossing Grant: The City Manager announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has officially obligated the funds for the Highway 52 grade crossing elimination project. Andre Bitas, the project lead, confirmed the $52 million effort was the largest FRA grant of its kind. The project must be completed by April 30, 2031, with environmental assessments and design expected to take approximately three years. The city will launch a dedicated project webpage and provide quarterly reports to the Council. New Business (First Readings and Resolutions) - USTA Tennis Center Grant (Resolution 2026-02-02-04): The Council unanimously voted to accept grant funds from the United States Tennis Association for improvements at the Pelham Tennis Center. - Business License Code Amendment (Ordinance 526-01 – First Reading): The Council introduced an ordinance to add business license classifications and a $1,000 annual fee for specialty retailers of consumable hemp and vape/electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The Assistant City Manager stated the amendment is necessary to comply with new state laws (Acts 2025-385 and 2025-403) and is intended solely to allow existing lawfully operating businesses to meet state ABC Board requirements, not to authorize new businesses where prohibited. - Council Meeting Schedule Change (Ordinance 399-07 – First Reading): The Council introduced an ordinance to restructure the meeting schedule. Following a weighted poll of council members, the preferred format will establish a Monday work session followed by a Thursday regular council meeting, with regular meetings starting at 5:30 p.m., to separate discussion-focused and action-focused meetings. Council Comments - Council members offered congratulations to Captain Herrera and recognized the success of city programs. Councilman Snowden promoted the “Resting Place of Pelham” facility for women and children. City staff were commended for the operations of the Pelham Ice Arena and the Learn to Skate program in local schools. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Unanimously approved. - Resolution 2026-02-02-04 (USTA Grant): Unanimously approved. - Ordinance 526-01: Approved on first reading; a second reading and vote are scheduled for a future meeting. - Ordinance 399-07: Approved on first reading; a second reading and vote are scheduled for a future meeting. - Federal Grant: Formal obligation of funds allows the project to proceed with environmental review and design phases.

The Pelham City Council held its regular meeting on January 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included the introduction of new city employees, unanimous approval of consent items and several ordinances, and an update regarding new financial policies at the Ballantrae Golf Course to address revenue loss from no-shows. Consent Calendar - Approved the January 20, 2026 agenda and the minutes of the January 5, 2026 regular meeting. - Resolution 2026-01-20-01: Final summary change order for the Lift Station B Dry Prime Pump Addition Project, completed under budget. - Resolution 2026-01-20-02: Final summary change order for the Wastewater Treatment Plant RAS Pumps Replacement Project, completed under budget. - Resolution 2026-01-20-03: Declared certain vehicles and equipment as surplus personal property. - Resolution 2026-01-20-04: Established an AMERICA250 Committee to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. - All items were approved unanimously on a roll call vote (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public came forward to address the council. Mayor's Report - The Mayor reflected on a recent "Wounded Blue" presentation honoring Officer Mento and the State Fire Marshal, describing first responders as "truly heroes". - Announced new state legislation, spearheaded by Pelham and sponsored by Senator Weaver and Representative Pascal, to provide retirement benefits for police officers and firefighters who are catastrophically wounded before becoming vested in the state retirement system. The Mayor acknowledged the bill faces a difficult path in Montgomery. Report by the City Manager - New Employee Introductions: Several new employees were introduced by their department heads. - Police/Fire Dispatchers Autumn Kiker (formerly of Columbiana PD) and Vicki Comer (formerly of Panama City) were presented by Dispatch Supervisor David Fuentes. - Facilities Coordinator Austin Russell (University of Memphis, University of Colorado, former Germantown and Erie Parks and Rec) was introduced by Brian Cooper. - Payroll and Benefits Analyst Alexis "Lexi" Muthai Nakna was introduced by Tracy Hill, who noted she is training as "Candy 2.0". - Ballantrae Golf Course Policies: The City Manager and Ballantrae General Manager Hal Brown outlined a new point-of-sale system and policy updates. - The City Manager stated that a weekday tee time is potentially worth $300 and a weekend tee time $350, and that no-shows cost the city over $500,000 in lost revenue the previous year. - New policies limit members to three tee times per booking, require public players to provide a credit card number, and impose a $15 per person no-show fee. - Hal Brown reported that early feedback from large groups has been positive and emphasized the importance of professional implementation and courtesy for other golfers. Old Business - Ordinance 070-07 (Floodplain Development Ordinance): Adopted unanimously. The City Manager clarified this was a housekeeping update to maintain compliance with FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is not related to flood map remapping, and the city does not anticipate being remapped. - Ordinance 528 (Utility Superintendent): Adopted unanimously. The City Clerk explained the ordinance updates the Code of Ordinances to refer to the position of Mayor rather than naming a specific individual. New Business - Resolution 2026-01-20-05 (Valleyview Drive Traffic Study): Adopted unanimously. The City Manager detailed the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (NTCP) process, noting that residents along Valleyview Drive submitted a petition with signatures from two-thirds of the street's residents. The resolution authorizes a contract with Gresham Smith to conduct a traffic data collection study to evaluate speed and volume. Funding was budgeted in FY2026. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Passed unanimously (5-0). - Ordinance 070-07: Passed unanimously (5-0). - Ordinance 528: Passed unanimously (5-0). - Resolution 2026-01-20-05: Passed unanimously (5-0). - Next Steps: The Ballantrae point-of-sale system and policies went live the Monday following the meeting. A traffic study for Valleyview Drive will proceed. The Pelham Water Department is scheduled to meet on February 2, 2026 to review existing policies and procedures (meeting time TBD).

The Pelham City Council held its regular meeting on January 5, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge, followed by approval of a consent agenda. A special presentation by the Wounded Blue Organization honored two first responders injured in the line of duty. The council also voted on a budget amendment to reallocate an executive assistant position for community event planning, approved two ABC licenses, and held first readings of a floodplain ordinance update and a utility superintendent designation change. Consent Calendar - Approved the January 5, 2026 meeting agenda. - Approved the December 15, 2025 regular council meeting minutes. - Approved Resolution 2026-01-05-01 declaring surplus personal property and authorizing disposal. - Approved Resolution 2026-01-05-02 approving FY2025 Carry-Forward Capital Project Funding. - Approved Resolution 2026-01-05-03 authorizing a Property Listing Agreement for city-owned property. - Approved Resolution 2026-01-05-04 accepting the low bid from Temple J Electric, LLC for the Pelham Greenway Phase IV Trail Lighting Project (budgeted FY2026). - Approved Resolution 2026-01-05-05 accepting the low bid from Preferred Sandblasting and Painting, LLC for the High Ridge Water Tank Painting Project (budgeted FY2026). - Approved Resolution 2026-01-05-06 accepting a proposal from Video Industrial Services, Inc. for storm sewer repairs along Royal Lane (budgeted FY2026). - Approved Resolution 2026-01-05-07 amending the FY2026 Parks and Recreation Departmental Budget for amenity upgrades at the Pelham Dog Park. - Approved Resolution 2026-01-05-08 allowing a one-time membership allowance for certain existing Pelham Recreation Center members. - Approved Resolution 2026-01-05-09 accepting a donation of private funds to purchase and install a bench at City Park in memory of Ms. June Fletcher. Presentation by the Wounded Blue Organization The Wounded Blue Organization, a national charity supporting law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty, presented its Purple Heart-equivalent award to Officer Elizabeth Mentor of the Pelham Police Department and retired fire investigator Mike Talley. Both suffered catastrophic line-of-duty injuries. Pelham Police Chief Ed Delmore introduced the organization's founders, Randy Sutton (retired Las Vegas police lieutenant) and Sergeant Bob Beamus (retired Pennsylvania State Police), and highlighted a pending state legislative effort to close the 10-year vesting gap in the state pension for first responders injured on day one. The presentation included a video and remarks on the organization's peer support and annual summits. Council members expressed deep appreciation for the recipients and the organization's mission. Discussion Items - Budget Amendment - Resolution 2026-01-05-10: This resolution was removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration. City Manager Gretchen and Mayor Wash explained that it reclassifies an existing executive assistant position currently assigned to the city manager's office into an event-focused role supporting the mayor's office. The position will serve as a point person for community events such as youth government day, neighborhood cookouts, the 250th anniversary celebration, and other city-wide activities. An administrative assistant will be funded for the city manager's office to maintain daily operations. The mayor apologized for misinformation on social media and emphasized that the role supports the city as a whole, not the mayor's personal office. The council approved the resolution unanimously. - ABC License Approvals - Resolutions 2026-01-05-11 & 12: The council approved two ABC license applications from SKAL USA, Inc. for separate businesses at 3350 Pelham Parkway. Resolution 11 authorized retail beer and wine licenses for Mama's Country Cooking (Suite A). Resolution 12 authorized a lounge retail liquor (package) and tobacco license for Toast Trends (Suite B). Applicant Paul Fields confirmed the stores will include a full kitchen operating under the "Meeting 3" brand. The police chief reported no objections. Both resolutions passed unanimously. - First Reading - Floodplain Development Ordinance (No. 070-07): The council held the first reading of an ordinance updating the city's floodplain development regulations to comply with updated FEMA and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. City Manager Gretchen noted the update is a routine housekeeping measure necessary to maintain the city's eligibility for federal flood insurance and disaster assistance. The ordinance will be considered for final adoption at a future meeting. - First Reading - Utility Superintendent Ordinance (No. 528): The council held the first reading of an ordinance amending the city code to designate the mayor as utility superintendent by position instead of by name. This change ensures continuity regardless of who holds the office and avoids future amendments tied to individual officeholders. Final adoption will be considered at a future meeting. Council Comments Councilmembers expressed gratitude for the Wounded Blue presentation and the pending state pension reform. They commended the recipients' sacrifice and highlighted the importance of safety equipment, citing Mike Talley's hard hat saving his life. Several members thanked the mayor and city manager for their transparency regarding the budget amendment. Councilmember Harris noted the undefeated Pelham High School varsity basketball team (19-0) and encouraged community support at their upcoming games. Remarks also touched on the importance of community engagement and youth initiatives. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (11 resolutions plus agenda and minutes). - Resolution 2026-01-05-10 (budget amendment) approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-01-05-11 (ABC license - Mama's Country Cooking) approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-01-05-12 (ABC license - Toast Trends) approved unanimously. - First readings conducted for Floodplain Ordinance No. 070-07 and Utility Superintendent Ordinance No. 528; final passage scheduled for a future council meeting. - The next regular council meeting was rescheduled from January 19 to January 20, 2026, due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday (city offices closed January 19, 2026).

The Pelham City Council met at 7:00 p.m. on December 15, 2025, at Pelham City Hall. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, heard the city manager's 2025 State of the City report, and voted to join Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) litigation and to approve an ABC license application. One resident offered public comment. No public hearings were scheduled. Consent Calendar - Approved the December 15, 2025 council agenda and the December 1, 2025 regular meeting minutes. - Authorized a non-exclusive parking license agreement in the Pelham Entertainment District (Resolution 2025-12-15-01). - Authorized Human Resources to provide the applicable pay plan step for an employee returning after an on-duty injury (Resolution 2025-12-15-02). - Accepted a proposal and agreement with Professional Turfgrass Services for the Ballantrae Golf Club Driving Range Tee Box Renovations, budgeted for FY2026 (Resolution 2025-12-15-03). - Affirmed the mayor's appointments for Municipal Judge, Municipal Prosecutor, and Municipal Public Defender (Resolutions 2025-12-15-04 through -06). - Accepted a proposal from Jim House & Associates, Inc. to replace two pumps at Sewer Lift Station T, budgeted for FY2026 (Resolution 2025-12-15-07). - The consent agenda passed unanimously by roll-call vote, with Council President Leverett and Councilmembers Power, Towns, Snowden, and Harris voting yes. Public Comments & Testimony - Russell Platt, 2233 Richmond Lane, thanked the council for taking action on the SSUT issue, noting it was an issue he had campaigned on. Mayor's Report - Mayor Walsh wished everyone a Merry Christmas and praised the Christmas parade, including the new route suggested by the police chief. - In response to Tom Robinson's earlier question, the mayor said the flyover project is about $55 million, with the city responsible for about $10 million. The city has budgeted and set aside over $1 million; the mayor said he would provide the exact amount. The project is currently frozen by the federal government, and the city is waiting for it to be unfrozen. City Manager's 2025 State of the City Report - City Manager Gretchen DeFonte presented a year-in-review emphasizing financial stewardship, recreation, public safety, and infrastructure. - Financial highlights: balanced budgets each year since 2017, average year-over-year revenue growth of 4%, expenditure growth of 3%, no audit findings, and 2025 figures noted as unaudited. Business license revenue is up, building permit revenue has averaged 30% year-over-year growth, and sales tax was down very slightly from 2024 to 2025. - The city has shifted from paying for capital projects out of operating cash to proactively saving for them. Tax audits recovered approximately $50,000 in roughly one-third of a year, and the city saw $650,000 in new first-time revenue at Ballantrae Golf Club and the Civic Complex. - Ballantrae Golf Club reported a 95% increase in gross revenue since 2010, record revenues, and an operating profit over $400,000. Since 2019, rounds played increased 66%. - Recreation additions since 2018 included beach volleyball, outdoor basketball, a splash pad, senior center pickleball, a playground, disc golf, soccer, and a roller sports rink. Recreation center membership is up nearly 200% since 2022, and special event attendance rose 74% despite four rainouts. - Senior center membership is up 160% since the pandemic, and 12,308 tennis lessons were provided in 2025, a 6% increase over the last two years. - The Civic Complex and Ice Arena reported 119,000 unique visitors in 2025, an almost 80% increase, and its first-ever net operating profit over $100,000. Total visits rose from 201,000 in 2021 to 302,000 in 2025. - The Pelham Public Library was named family favorite library branch by Birmingham Parent Magazine. - City-owned recreation, arts, and culture amenities drew over 1.1 million visits in 2025, about 21% more than Oak Mountain State Park's 936,700 visits. - EMS transport completed its first full year with 1,896 EMS responses and over 1,000 transports through September 8, 2025, an average response time of just over eight minutes, and a net gain of 16 mutual aid transports. The department responded to 4,188 calls in FY2025. - Police hiring was streamlined from about 60 days to under three days; promotion assessment centers were introduced; a master sergeant rank was created; a virtual reality firearm simulator was approved; and planning began for a 2026 youth police academy. A second motor unit and a drug detection canine were added. - Public works and infrastructure: 10,802 requests were entered in the 311 system in FY2025, with a 93% closure rate; 87% of requests related to waste collection. Water leaks dropped 72% over the last decade, monthly water loss fell 31% over two years, saving about $250,000 annually and avoiding a $240,000 plant capacity upgrade. The water infrastructure replacement timeline was reduced from 21 years to about 10.5 years. - Traffic improvements: AI traffic cameras were installed at major intersections, with a 10% improvement in vehicles arriving on green at one corridor and I-65 since May 2024, a northbound I-65 ramp wait time cut from 26 to 16 seconds, and a 48% improvement in arrival on green on Chandalar and US 31 since May 2025. - The 2025 paving plan was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, allowing 10 additional streets to be paved. IT upgrades included a citywide fiber optic WAN, redundant internet, upgraded Civic Complex Wi-Fi, and a tenfold increase in backup and security systems. - Upcoming projects include a greenway trail section, Highway 31 lighting, Highway 261 utility work, and master developer selection for the former Live Nation property. - The city has 260 full-time general fund employees, 54 employees in other funds, about 15 vacancies, and about 25 part-time/seasonal positions. DeFonte highlighted employee awards, including FBI LETA trilogy awards, World Police and Fire Games medals, and all four wastewater treatment staff earning Level IV licenses. Discussion Items - Resolution 2025-12-15-08 (SSUT): City staff explained that the SSUT was originally designed for out-of-state retailers but now also affects local delivery transactions. Data from Tuscaloosa's initiative showed 76% of Pelham households purchased online from Amazon in the last six months and 28% from Walmart. The SSUT rate is 8%, with local governments receiving 4% (counties 1.6%, municipalities 2.4%), compared to Pelham's traditional 10% sales tax. The estimated FY2025 loss to Pelham was about $5.5 million, offset by about $2.2 million in SSUT distributions, leaving a net estimated loss of $3.3 million; education tax losses were estimated at $1.4 million. The resolution authorized the City Attorney to file on behalf of Pelham in the Tuscaloosa-led litigation. The council approved it unanimously. - Resolution 2025-12-15-09 (ABC license): The council considered an ABC license application for Encore Franchises, LLC, operating as Gallops Liquors and Spirits, at 3569 Pelham Parkway, Suite 10, for Lounge Retail Liquor – Class II (Package) and Tobacco Only. The council approved it unanimously. Council Comments - Council members thanked the city manager and staff, praised the Christmas parade and community events, recognized Pelham High School athletics, and highlighted the city's strong financial position and debt-free approach to recently completed capital projects. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025-12-15-08 approved unanimously, authorizing the City Attorney to join SSUT litigation. - Resolution 2025-12-15-09 approved unanimously, approving the ABC license for Gallops Liquors and Spirits. - Public announcement: City offices will be closed December 24-25, 2025, and January 1, 2026. - The meeting adjourned.

On December 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., the Pelham City Council convened in the Council Chambers to address routine approvals, recognize a local burn camp volunteer team, appoint a council member to the Planning Commission, and hear public comments. The meeting was conducted by general consent, with all votes unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved the December 1, 2025 City Council agenda and the November 17, 2025 regular meeting minutes. - Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01-01 (tax abatement agreement with Edgar’s Old Style Bakery, LLC and Dotry Enterprises, LLC). - Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01-02 (tax abatement agreement with Research Solutions Group, Inc. and JPM Investments, LLC). - Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01-03 (agreement with Franklin Covey Co.). - Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01-04 (two Lighting Services Agreements with Alabama Power Company). - Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01-05 (addendum to Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management). - Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01-06 (appointment of City Clerk/Treasurer). - Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01-07 (affirmation of Mayor’s appointment for Chief of Police). - Adopted Resolution 2025-12-01-08 (affirmation of Mayor’s appointment for Fire Chief). Recognition City Manager Gretchen recognized Fire Department Captain Wes Greene and Brandon “Blue” Berry for their nine-year participation in Camp Conquest, a pediatric burn camp held at Lake Martin. Captain Greene and Blue were nominated by camp peers to represent Alabama at the International Burn Camp in Washington, D.C., where participants averaged 24,000 steps per day visiting monuments. The Pelham Fire Department has been a long-term supporter of Camp Conquest, providing counselors, boats, and meals. Council members expressed appreciation for their passion and commitment. Discussion Items - Highway 261 Widening Project Update: During public comments, resident Vince Catone (2130 Aaron Road) asked about a sign near Pelham advertising a meeting on the 261 widening project. City Manager Gretchen explained that the project has been split from Hoover’s portion; Pelham has acquired all necessary properties and utility relocation work has already begun. A small amount of construction progress is anticipated by 2026, though paving is not expected that year. Residents can find monthly updates in the Pelham Pathway magazine and on the city website. - Council Appointment to Planning Commission: The Council considered Resolution 2025-12-01-09 to appoint a council member to the Pelham Planning Commission. Council President noted that during the work session the Council selected Marcus Snowden, citing his background in engineering and construction. Snowden expressed honor and gratitude, saying he looks forward to using his expertise to move the city forward. The resolution passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Vince Catone (2130 Aaron Road) inquired about a sign advertising a meeting on the Highway 261 widening project. City Manager provided an update (see Discussion Items). - Tom Robinson (572 Cahaba Manor Drive) made two requests for consideration: (1) keep the city’s traffic camera system limited to traffic flow and not expand it into remote ticketing; (2) if the planned I-65/I-459 flyover project stalls, direct all set‑aside funds toward paying down city debt rather than other projects. The City Manager offered to provide the current balance of the flyover fund upon request. Council Comments Council members reiterated congratulations to Captain Greene and Brandon Blue for their burn camp work, recognized the recent pinning ceremony for new firefighters, and noted the Pelham boys’ basketball team’s victory in the Turkey Tip‑Off tournament. Councilwoman Snyder encouraged the public to attend future games. Councilwoman Power read Matthew 19:14 and announced a change in the Pelham Hometown Christmas parade route to Highway 31 North. Public Announcements - Pelham Hometown Christmas will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., organized by Pelham Strong with the theme “Sounds of the Season.” Former Mayor Gary W. Waters will serve as Grand Marshal. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (all 10 routine items) approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025-12-01-09 appointing Councilmember Marcus Snowden to the Pelham Planning Commission approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned unanimously.

The Pelham City Council met at Pelham City Hall Council Chambers on November 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The council approved a unanimous consent agenda, received a city manager's report on traffic signal improvements, recognized Ballantrae Golf Club and Pelham Public Library, and approved a restaurant retail liquor license for Crawdaddys. No public hearing or public comments were held. Consent Calendar - Approved the November 17, 2025 City Council agenda and the November 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting minutes. - Resolution 2025-11-17-01: accepted TTL, Inc.'s proposal and entered a professional services agreement for construction materials testing and special inspection services for the Pelham Sports Park Renovations Project (FY2026 budgeted). - Resolution 2025-11-17-02: accepted Rast Construction, Inc.'s proposal for installation of new water gate valves (FY2026 budgeted). - Resolution 2025-11-17-03: accepted Taylor Power Systems' proposal and agreement for a new diesel generator at the Weatherly Booster Station (FY2026 budgeted). - Resolution 2025-11-17-04: accepted Switch, LLC's proposal for replacement and upgrade of audio/visual equipment at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena Banquet Hall Facility (FY2026 budgeted). - Resolution 2025-11-17-05: accepted the lowest responsive and responsible bid from Capstone Contractors, LLC for the Chandalar Lane/Hamilton Road Water Main Replacement Project (FY2026 budgeted). - Resolution 2025-11-17-06: entered a lighting services agreement with Alabama Power Company to replace existing parking lot lights with LED fixtures adjacent to the Pelham Splash Pad and Dog Park. - Resolution 2025-11-17-07: entered a funding agreement with Shelby County, Alabama for Emergency Medical Transport Services. - Resolution 2025-11-17-08: approved AT&T's special use permit request for a cell tower modification at 2052 Beabout Drive, Pelham, AL 35124. - Resolution 2025-11-17-09: adopted an amendment regarding the appointment process for a municipal board. - Resolution 2025-11-17-10: authorized the purchase of police vehicles (FY2026 budgeted). The consent agenda passed by unanimous roll-call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - The council opened the floor, but no members of the public addressed the council. City Manager's Report - The city manager highlighted ongoing traffic intersection and signal upgrades driven by citizen surveys, which ranked traffic as the number one or number two priority for two consecutive years. - The system uses AI technology and adjusts over time as it learns traffic patterns. At the I-65/119 intersection, the average wait time at the north ramp fell from 26 seconds in September 2024 to 16 seconds, and southbound from 21 seconds to 15 seconds; both directions saw an average 10% increase in arrivals on green. - At US 31 and Chandalar Drive, installed in May 2025, the typical wait time for drivers arriving on red improved by 43 seconds between May and July. Further details are to be previewed in the Pelham Pathway magazine. Recognitions - Ballantrae Golf Club: Hal Brown introduced staff members and reported the course played over 48,000 rounds. This year the club generated a professional operational profit of $435,548.73. - Pelham Public Library: Tamika Wilson Lewis, library board president, and Mary Campbell, library director, accepted recognition as Best Public Library in the Birmingham Parent Magazine Readers' Choice Awards. The library also reported record-setting summer reading participation, with teens logging more than 100,000 minutes of reading through the Beanstack app. New Business - Resolution 2025-11-17-11: Approved an ABC License 020 - Restaurant Retail Liquor license for Crawdaddys, LLC, operating as Crawdaddys at 3220 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, Alabama 35124. The owner could not attend because his wife was being induced for the birth of their child; city departments had signed off on the application and expressed no concerns. The resolution passed unanimously. Council Comments - Councilmembers offered prayer requests for the Dunaway family and a Pelham school resource officer's daughter. - Councilmembers praised Ballantrae Golf Club and Pelham Public Library, noted recent ribbon cuttings and a groundbreaking, and highlighted upcoming LED lighting improvements along Highway 31 for safety. Public Announcements - Pelham City Offices will be closed on November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day. - Pelham City Offices will be closed on November 27 and November 28, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda, including Resolutions 2025-11-17-01 through 2025-11-17-10, was approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025-11-17-11 was approved unanimously, granting the Crawdaddys ABC license. - No public hearing or public comment items were presented. - The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The Pelham City Council held its organizational meeting on November 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena. The meeting featured a swearing-in ceremony for a new mayor and five councilmembers, election of council leadership, routine consent agenda items, and approval of a restaurant retail liquor license for Big Bad Breakfast. All officials were present. Ceremonial Opening - Minnie Jeffcoat delivered the invocation; Paul Howell led the Pledge of Allegiance. - Oaths of office were administered to Mayor Rick Walsh and Councilmembers Michelle Power (Place 1), Chad Leverett (Place 2), Christine Townes (Place 3), Markus Hal Snowden (Place 4), and Michael Harris (Place 5). - Note: The agenda lists the mayor as “Rick Wash” and the transcript says “Rick Walsh”; the agenda lists “Markus Hal Snowden” while the transcript says “Marcus Howe Snowden.” Election of Council Leadership - Council President: Chad Leverett was nominated and elected by unanimous roll-call vote (5 yes votes). - Council President Pro Tempore: Markus Hal Snowden was nominated and elected by unanimous roll-call vote (5 yes votes). Consent Calendar - Approved by unanimous voice vote: the November 3, 2025 agenda; the October 20, 2025 regular council minutes; Resolution 2025-11-03-01 ratifying municipal depositories; Resolution 2025-11-03-02 designating officials to execute financial documents; and Resolution 2025-11-03-03 continuing administrative officers and council-appointed employees in their duties at current salaries until permanent appointments or further council action. Reports - Mayor Walsh offered brief comments, thanking attendees and inviting them to the reception. - City Manager gave no report; City Attorney Josh Arnold reported no matters to address. - No proclamations were presented. New Business: Big Bad Breakfast ABC License - Resolution 2025-10-20-10, moved from the October 20, 2025 agenda, requested an ABC License 020 (Restaurant Retail Liquor) for BBB Pelham, LLC, operating as Big Bad Breakfast at 3102 Canopy Trail, Pelham, Alabama. - A restaurant representative described the menu as made fresh daily from scratch, including omelets, eggs, biscuits and gravy, all homemade. - The council approved the resolution unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made; the floor was opened and no speakers came forward. Council Comments - Councilmembers and the mayor expressed gratitude to voters, families, city staff, and outgoing Mayor Waters for her leadership. They also welcomed the new term and invited attendees to a post-meeting reception. Public Announcements - Pelham City Offices will be closed Thursday, November 11, 2025, for Veterans Day. - Pelham City Offices will be closed Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, 2025, for Thanksgiving. Key Outcomes - New mayor and councilmembers were sworn in. - Chad Leverett was elected Council President; Markus Hal Snowden was elected Council President Pro Tempore. - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Big Bad Breakfast ABC license resolution approved unanimously. - No public hearings, old business, or public comments were presented; the meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.