Pelham · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pelham public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Reconsideration request for 'It's Perfectly Normal'
A resident has formally challenged whether the book 'It's Perfectly Normal' should remain in the Pelham library's collection. The board's decision could affect what materials are available to patrons, particularly families and young readers.
APLS-recommended changes to library policies
State library staff have recommended changes to how Pelham's library builds its collection and decides where materials are shelved. These policies shape what books the library buys and how they're organized and accessed.
Library Board appointment
Dr. Judy Mannings was reappointed to the Pelham Public Library Board after some residents asked to delay the vote; the council moved ahead because she was the only timely, qualified applicant.
Racquet Club elevator modernization
A Pelham High School student says the Tennis Center locker room needs work and may not be up to Pelham standards. City staff will check with the Tennis Center about the building's interior.
Advisory board leadership transition and term limits
The board's president resigned over a possible conflict of interest with the Park and Recreation Foundation, and new officers were elected. Members also revisited the two-term limit and staggered appointments.
Blueberry Hill Trailhead and Trails
The FY2027 budget funds a trailhead, restrooms, pavilion, and mountain-bike trails on the city-owned Blueberry Hill property, aimed at boosting the Huntley Parkway area and tying into the Oak Mountain mountain biking scene.
Ice Arena Protective Flooring
The Civic Complex & Ice Arena would get a new protective flooring system paid for with reallocated funds — better facilities for skaters and event-goers.
Pelham Senior Center Bus
The senior center's van died, so the mayor made an emergency purchase of a replacement bus, which the council affirmed and moved into the FY2026 budget.
Pelham Sports Park Renovations Phase II
The baseball and softball complex is getting field one renovated and new dugouts and fences on fields two through four — $2.6 million, $400,000 under budget, paid in cash with no borrowing.
State grants for library and Parks & Recreation
Senator April Weaver secured $10,000 for Pelham Public Library reading programs, and Representative Kenneth Paschal brought a community service grant for Parks & Rec events like Music in the Park.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board openings
Residents can apply through August 7 for four seats on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, including a student representative seat.
Ice Arena main switchboard replacement
The Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena needs a new main switchboard, and the council was set to accept ICS, Inc.'s negotiated bid pricing plus a budget amendment to pay for it.
Shelby County Grant for Pelham Senior Center
A grant funding agreement with the Shelby County Commission would direct money to the Pelham Senior Center.
Learn-to-skate program growth and Olympic ambitions
Registration hit a record 294, more than doubling in four years, with internationally decorated coaches at the Civic Complex. A local teen, Audria Lilliak, just won a Romanian junior national gold medal.
Ballantrae Golf Course no-show crackdown
New software and policies start Monday: $15 per-person no-show fees, a three-tee-time member booking limit, and online payments. No-shows cost the city over $500,000 last year.