Pelham · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pelham public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
New street lighting in Weatherly neighborhood
An agreement with Alabama Power will add updated lighting in the Weatherly neighborhood — better visibility at night for folks who live there.
Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority legal fee payment
The city agreed to pay the legal fees it owes the Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority from litigation stretching 2021 to 2025.
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.
Retiree longevity payments
Eligible city retirees get a one-time payment of $1 per month of service under new state law — $300 for a 25-year retiree. First offered since 2022.
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.
Telecom facility equipment upgrades
Two special use permits were on the agenda to let existing cell facilities upgrade their equipment at 1000 Peavine Falls Road and 2025 Morgan Park Road, following the city consultant's recommendations.
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.
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.
Resident satisfaction award
Pelham earned the ETC Institute's 'Leading the Way' award, ranking in the top 10% of U.S. local governments on service quality, customer service, and value for taxes — scoring 232 versus a 114 national average.
America 250 celebration funding
The council fixed an oversight from last year's budget by setting aside money for America 250 events, starting with Saturday's Red, White and Bulls military appreciation night at the Pelham Civic Complex.
In-house IT department presentation
The city's IT team, led by Chuck Crocker, explained how they took technology back from outside vendors, rebuilt the network across 19 city locations, and moved city data into a secure Birmingham-area facility.
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.