News Flash

City Council Recap: February 16, 2026

News - Home Posted on February 16, 2026

We want you to be informed about City Council actions and discussions that affect our citizens. Here's a recap of the latest Pelham City Council work session and regular meeting:

Work Session

The Pelham City Council met for a work session on Monday, February 16, 2026, in the Council Conference Room at Pelham City Hall. Here are some of the items discussed:

  • A discussion was held on the Pelham Board of Education appointment process. Dr. Keri Johnson, Superintendent with Pelham City Schools, was in attendance and answered questions for the council members. The Pelham City Council reviewed the role of a school board member and discussed the appointment process.
  • A discussion was held regarding related-party transactions. Pelham Human Resources Director Tracy Hill recommended approval of the process for City employees to engage in outside employment.
  • Reviewed and discussed ways to streamline the procedures for sales tax collection. This amendment to the ordinance will be on the agenda for consideration at the March 5, 2026, City Council meeting.

City Council Meeting

The Pelham City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, February 16, 2026, in the City Council Chambers at Pelham City Hall. Here are some of the actions taken by the City Council:

  • Approved renovations to the Starter’s Building at Ballantrae Golf Club. These renovations are part of Ballantrae's regular maintenance schedule. This is a budgeted item for FY26. Improvements will allow the installation of a golf ball dispenser.
  • Approved a lighting agreement with Alabama Power to upgrade and maintain streetlights in the Chase Creek subdivision. Alabama Power will install seven new LED lights and handle maintenance. The City of Pelham will cover the energy costs.
  • Approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to upgrade the CR52/I-65 traffic signal at no cost to the City of Pelham. The City will continue maintenance on the traffic signal.
  • Approved repairs to seven courts at the Pelham Tennis Center, with costs not to exceed $15,000. This project was budgeted for FY26 and funded through a grant.
  • Approved the purchase of new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for the Pelham Fire Department. The new equipment will replace units purchased in 2014 that are now outdated and out of warranty.
  • Chuck Crocker, Director of Information Technology (IT), presented to the City Council, outlining the IT team's tasks, goals, and objectives, as well as the department's primary projects.
  • The City Council voted to amend Ordinance No. 526-01 to reflect new state-required licenses for vape and consumable hemp products. This action ensures compliance with Alabama law and does not change Pelham’s moratorium or zoning restrictions.
  • The City Council amended Ordinance No. 399-07 to change the City Council meeting schedule. City Council work sessions will be held on the first and third Mondays of the month at 5:30 p.m. Regular City Council meetings will be held on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. Separating the meetings allows more time for review, discussion, and informed decision-making.
  • Approved modernization of the Pelham Racquet Club elevator, replacing obsolete equipment from a manufacturer no longer in business. The project cost will not exceed $75,020 and is included in the FY26 budget, with a $10,000 budget amendment to cover increased costs.
  • Approved a change order for the US-31 lighting project to extend improvements from Amphitheater Road to Highway 119, adding 11 light poles. The $350,075 increase brings the total contract to $6,262,623 and adds 14 days to the project timeline. This was budgeted for FY26. This expansion is possible due to favorable bid pricing.
  • Appointed Tomeka Wilson (Place 4) and Allyson Gilliam (Place 5) to the Pelham Public Library Board. Both terms will run through September 30, 2029.
  • Authorized an employment agreement with Gretchen DiFante to serve as the City Manager for the City of Pelham, retroactive to November 3, 2025.
  • Announcement: The Pelham City Council is accepting applications and resumes through Friday, March 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. from Pelham residents who would like to be considered for an appointment to one of the following municipal boards: Pelham Board of Education, Pelham Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals, or the Pelham Zoning Board of Adjustment.
  • Announcement: Shelby County will host a free landfill day at the Shelby County Landfill located at 401 Landfill Road on Highway 70 between Columbiana and Calera on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All participants must be unloaded and exited from the landfill by 3:30 p.m.
  • Announcement: Secure Shredding & Recycling and the City of Pelham will host a spring shred and electronic recycling event on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. It will take place in front of City Hall, 3162 Pelham Parkway. Additional details about shredding and recycling are available on the City’s website, pelhamalabama.gov

 Residents are invited to follow this link to watch a recording of tonight's City Council meeting.

The next City Council Work Session will take place on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room at Pelham City Hall.

The next City Council Meeting will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Pelham City Hall.