Pelham · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pelham public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fire Department Equipment Purchases (SCBA Compressor & Thermal Imaging)
The Pelham Fire Department is planning to purchase a new breathing air compressor and thermal imaging cameras using funds already budgeted for FY2027. These tools are vital for firefighter safety and emergency response readiness.
New city employees introduced
Pelham welcomed a big class of new hires: four firefighters (after 130+ applicants), three police officers, a dispatcher, building and zoning inspectors, water department staff, and golf club personnel.
Mutual aid agreements with Hoover and Cahaba Valley Fire
Proposed automatic/mutual aid agreements with Hoover and Cahaba Valley Fire & EMS would formalize backup fire and emergency coverage across jurisdiction lines.
Police Chief Investigation
Pelham’s suspended police chief is publicly accusing the city manager, and the city has opened an investigation. Expect tense council meetings as residents push for answers about what happened and who’s accountable.
Police Chief Administrative Leave
Pelham’s police chief says he was put on paid leave right after flagging concerns about the city manager—and the city isn’t explaining why. If that’s true, it looks like a City Hall accountability problem, not just a routine personnel move.
Police Chief Suspension Dispute
Pelham’s police chief says he was suspended for blowing the whistle on the city manager, turning a personnel fight into a public leadership mess at City Hall. Residents should watch because it raises questions about retaliation, transparency, and who is actually running the city.
Domestic violence awareness and Safe House partnership
October was proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Safe House of Shelby County reported over 4,000 crisis line calls, 180 people sheltered, and nearly 700 victims assisted through community services and its forensic medical facility — which operates here in Pelham.
Nuisance Property on Meadow View Circle
A resident asked the city to use its nuisance codes to clean up an abandoned, overgrown house at 106 Meadow View Circle that's drawn complaints for over 16 months, citing rodents, snakes, and falling property values.
School Resource Officer funding with Shelby County
An agreement with the Shelby County Commission would provide FY2026 funding to help support the city’s School Resource Officer program.
New street lighting in Weatherly neighborhood
A proposed agreement with Alabama Power would add lighting in the Weatherly neighborhood — a safety and visibility upgrade for residents.
Police Department vault and property storage rules
New language is being considered to regulate who has authority over the Police Department's evidence vault and property storage room — a records-security and accountability matter.
Police security camera trailers and City Park lot resurfacing
The police department is getting two security camera trailers funded from the FY2026 budget.
Condemnation of Chandalar Court Buildings
Three of four townhomes on Chandelar Court were burned and had prior flood damage, leaving unsafe structures. The city obtained an Attorney General's opinion and set an April 23 hearing to condemn and tear them down.
Police command staff filled with new captain
Police Chief Ed Delmer introduced Captain Steven Brock, a Marine Corps and National Guard veteran with a Bronze Star and 20 years in law enforcement, as the final piece of the department's senior command staff.
Surplus Police Vehicles
The council was to consider declaring a city vehicle surplus for disposal, and separately, the first reading of an ordinance to declare empty ad panels on a city sign as surplus property that could be sold.