Author: Jeff Thompson

City Council names committee to recommend Board of Education member appointments

On Monday, October 14, during its regular meeting, the City Council for the City of Pell City announced the formation of the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee.

Among other responsibilities, the Committee will be tasked with interviewing and recommending future members of the Pell City Board of Education to the City Council for appointment. Its members will serve a two-year term.

The City Council created the Education Steering Committee in anticipation of Local Amendment 1, a November 5, 2024 referendum that could return the Pell City Board of Education to its roots as an appointed board.

The same amendment, which will appear on the ballot throughout St. Clair County, will provide representation on the Board to families who live outside City Limits but whose children attend Pell City Schools. The ordinance creating the Steering Committee will not go into effect until voters approve Amendment 1.

Read More on Amendment 1

“First and foremost, as we prepare for the possibility that the Council will return to appointing Board of Education members, we know we want to find people in our community who have a proven track record of developing young minds for success,” Council President Jud Alverson said. “But more than that, we want to find Pell City citizens and residents of the Attendance Zone who know about excellence and are equipped to lead all our schools in that direction.”

The Council is developing an application, review, and appointment process for the Pell City Board of Education should the amendment pass. Following this process, during which transparency will be prioritized, the Steering Committee will be asked to evaluate applicants from the City and Attendance Zone, and will recommend candidates for appointment to the Board of Education.

Named to the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee on Monday, Oct. 14 were:

Tammie Williams: Former Pell City Board of Education member, Pell City resident
Cory Bline: Pell City Business community, Attendance Zone resident
Rusty Jessup: Mayor of Riverside, Attendance Zone resident
Jeff Jones: Former Pell City Board of Education member, Pell City resident
Monique Bowman: Former Pell City Schools educator, Attendance Zone resident
Roland St. John: Pell City Business community, Attendance Zone resident
Kelly Furgerson: Pell City Attorney, Pell City resident

The Pell City Board of Education drove support for Amendment 1 via a unanimous vote on Resolution 2024-1 during its Jan. 25, 2024 meeting. Conversations between the Council and Board of Education dating back to that time led to the creation of the Steering Committee. Those appointed to serve were chosen from suggestions made by both the Council and Board.

Earlier this year, the Council created criteria that would be used to evaluate potential members for the Education Steering Committee. These criteria included holding a degree in education or business administration or having equivalent experience, a minimum of five years of continuous residency in the City Limits or Attendance Zone, and experience in serving the Pell City School System, via employment, elected or appointed office, PTO / PTA involvement, local education advocacy groups, or a board focused on community well-being.

In addition, the Council desired individuals with a commitment to educational excellence. In its search for committee appointments, the City engaged with the Board of Education for recommendations to find those with a proven track record of advocating for and implementing successful educational initiatives, an understanding of current educational research and best practices, a strong belief in data-driven decision making for improving student outcomes, and a commitment to goals of equity and achievement for all students.

Upon the approval of Amendment 1 in November, the City Council will release additional information and guidelines for the Steering Committee’s role in the appointment process, as well as detail on how interested individuals can apply to serve on the Pell City Board of Education.

“We’re presenting a committee that was created after much thought and discussion,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “Its members include individuals with experience on the board of education and in the classroom, as well as those who have children and grandchildren in the system. Its members also reside in both the City Limits and the Attendance Zone, and we’re expecting this collection of diverse perspectives and experiences to produce the best possible candidates for the Board should Amendment 1 pass.”

Qualifications for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education

Legal Requirements

Be a resident of the of Pell City or the Pell City Schools Attendance Zone for a period of no less than 90 days
Be of good moral character
Be at least 21 years old
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Not be a convicted felon or on a sex offender registry
Not be employed by the City of Pell City or the Pell City Board of Education
Not serving on the governing board of a private elementary or secondary education institution

Recommended Skills and Experience (Currently under evaluation by the Pell City Council)

A strong interest in public education and student success
A commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
Experience with budgeting and financial oversight
Understanding of school law and policy
Ability to analyze complex data and make sound decisions
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Willingness to collaborate with others and build consensus
Strong work ethic and ability to dedicate time to board responsibilities

City of Pell City to host community discussion on Amendment 1

The City of Pell City will host a Community Forum on Local Amendment 1 on Oct. 15 at the Pell City Civic Center. The discussion will include Mayor Bill Pruitt as featured speaker, as well as a question-and-answer session with attendees. The public is invited to attend and learn more about the Amendment, which will appear on the November 5^th General Election Ballot.

Currently, residents of unincorporated St. Clair County make up more than 50 percent of enrollment in Pell City Schools. Amendment 1 follows a 5-mill property tax approved by voters in 2021 on these residents. It proposes that those who live in the area defined as the “Pell City Schools Attendance Zone” be given the right to serve on the Pell City Board of Education.

After investing considerable time and resources into developing a solution, the Pell City Board of Education recommended returning to an appointed board. Appointments would be made by the City Council, and at least two members of the appointed Board of Education must reside in the Attendance Zone.

Read the City’s Informational Guide on Amendment 1

Additionally, by providing voting representation through the approval of Amendment 1, Pell City Schools would have a pathway to collect the education sales taxes levied within the Attendance Zone.

“The City is eager to inform residents about Amendment 1, which we believe represents a significant step forward for solving representation issues in St. Clair County,” Mayor Pruitt said. “As with any change, we understand that there may be questions or concerns, and we want to assure residents that we are committed to open communication and transparency. We welcome your participation.”

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the event will begin at 6 p.m. Read more on Local Amendment 1 here: pell-city.com/amendment1

Meridian Waste now responsible for cart delivery and removal in Pell City

As of Oct. 1, 2024, the Street Department for the City of Pell City is no longer responsible for the delivery or removal of residential or commercial trash cans. Going forward, this service will be provided by the City’s solid waste collection and disposal contractor, Meridian Waste.

Effective September 1, 2022, Meridian Waste (formerly: Arrow Disposal Services, Inc. or ADSI) began providing residential solid waste and brush collection services to all City residents. As part of this process, new waste carts will automatically be delivered to your home, and your current waste carts will be picked up by the previous service provider.

What you should know

Carts will be delivered / removed on Wednesdays
The deadline for cart delivery or removal requests each week is Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Those setting up a new account for collection at a home or business should not expect cart delivery until the following Wednesday

Questions should be directed to Pell City Street Department Superintendent Greg Gossett at ggossett@cityofpellcity.net or by phone at (205) 884-8267.

Registration now open for Lights in the Park 2024

The 2024 season of “Lights in the Park” is fast approaching, and the Pell City Parks & Recreation Department is preparing for it’s biggest year yet as it looks to add an exciting new feature – Awards!

Download the Information Packet

Register for Lights in the Park 2024

In 2024, community displays will be judged on their creativity and quality, and special recognition will go to the winners. Not only will attendees of the 2024 Lights in the Park be invited to vote on their favorite displays, but a panel of independent judges will also be assembled to vote on several categories from among all participants.

The winners will be recognized in a variety of ways, which means it is more important than ever for your organization to be a part of this community event.

Judges will vote for “BEST OVERALL – JUDGE’S CHOICE”. There will be nine additional categories for the general public to vote on. Voting will begin the first lighting day of our event, Friday, November 29^th and end at 9pm Thursday, December 19^th. Signs with a QR code will be distributed throughout the park. Visitors will use their mobile phone cameras to scan the code, which takes them directly to our poll.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Nov. 15-29: Display Setup Period
Nov. 29 – Dec. 31: Official Lighting Dates
Jan. 8, 2025: Required Display Removal Date

For guidelines, award info, and online registration, visit https://pell-city.com/parks-and-recreation-department/lights-in-the-park/

pell city

City of Pell City partners with LMLPA for Boo Bash on Logan Martin 2024

The third-annual Boo Bash on Logan Martin takes to our local waters on Oct. 12, 2024. The City of Pell City is proud to be a 2024 partner of this year’s event as it seeks to engage our community while supporting an impactful nonprofit organization, the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA).

^{Pell City Parks and Recreation Employees gear up for Boo Bash 2024 and stop on the route at Lakeside Park. The City of Pell City partnered with the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association for the event on Oct. 12.}

Boo Bash 2024 Supports LMLPA

According to organizers Kelli Lasseter and Sonya Hubbard, Boo Bash is a “dockside trick-or-treat spooktacular hosted by families and local businesses along Logan Martin Lake.” On October 12 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., all across the lake, families in costume will be treated to a different Halloween experience at each dock they visit.

The event, which began in 2022, increased by more than 1,000 participants in its second year. Now on its third year, Lasseter and Hubbard have solidified their efforts to engage, grow and protect the lake community by giving back in a big way.

“Thanks to our amazing sponsors, this year Boo Bash on Logan Martin was able to raise more than $14,000,” Lasseter said. “These donations are more than enough to meet our main goal of supporting the LMLPA in adding 10 new hazard buoys to Logan Martin Lake.”

Follow the Boo Bash Facebook Page

LMLPA Stop at Lakeside Park

LMLPA President Neal Stephenson said the organization launched its Buoy Program in 2019 in partnership with Alabama Marine Police/ALEA. Among its many other efforts to protect Logan Martin, LMLPA relies on donations and volunteers to install lighted navigation buoys around the lake to enhance and encourage recreational boating safety.

The City Council of Pell City approved a land-use agreement with LMLPA earlier this year. Aided by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, Lakeside Park will be the home of the organization’s awareness and fundraising efforts during the event.

Boaters can expect an exciting new stop on the route this year as City employees from Parks & Rec and the Pell City Library join the LMLPA in creating a new spooky scene at the Park featuring photo booths, food trucks, and registration for a kayak giveaway.

Learn more about the LMLPA and its mission to protect our lake

Aviation Career Day Flyovers

Another exciting addition to this year’s Boo Bash is its affiliation with the St. Clair County Airport’s Aviation Career Day and Open House. Now in its 6^th year, the all-ages, all-day aviation event is packed with exhibitions, displays, and career seminars – all free to the public.

Manager Wendy Watson encouraged Boo Bash Participants to stop by the Airport before or after they take to the lake, but she added that the best time to be on the water would be between noon and 1 p.m. when dozens of historic planes are scheduled for Logan Martin flyovers.

Learn more about Aviation Career Day

For more

The City of Pell City urges all Boo Bash participants to follow all laws and practice safe and responsible boating.

Register for Boo Bash: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRaiqc2ujQnZZh4XERJ9Vn25yYwlvcx193Y9g-BJa3NJeDlA/viewform

Follow the Boo Bash Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/BooBashonLoganMartin

Learn more about the LMLPA and its mission to protect our lake: https://www.lmlpa.org/

Learn more about Aviation Career Day: https://www.facebook.com/p/St-Clair-County-AirportKPLR-100064467948878/

Pell City Police announce 2024 Public Safety Night

Pell City Police Department is excited to invite the community to its annual Public Safety Night. This event is designed to provide residents with valuable safety education, foster positive relationships with first responders, and offer a fun-filled evening for the whole family.

The event will be held in the Martin’s Family Clothing parking lot at 813 Martin Street S. on October 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The primary goal of Public Safety Night is to educate the City’s residents about important safety topics such as home safety, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness. First responders will be on hand to provide demonstrations, answer questions, and offer tips on how to stay safe.

“Public Safety Night is a special event that brings our community together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our first responders,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “It’s a chance for all of us to show our appreciation for the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep us safe.”

In addition to safety education, the event will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore first responder vehicles, enjoy free food and games, and participate in a trunk or treat.

“I encourage everyone to come out and join us for this event,” Morris said. “Let’s show our support, build stronger relationships, and create a safer, more connected community.”

EVENT LOCATION

Comprehensive Review Reveals No Lead Service Lines in Pell City Water System

The Pell City Utilities Department announced today, Sept. 24, 2024, that it has completed its Federally mandated review of all service lines ahead of schedule, and that no lead pipes were located within the service area.

The news should be comforting, as lead within a water system is proven to be a dangerous health issue. Utilities Superintendent James Hadaway said residents should feel at ease after his department’s thorough review.

_{The team of Pell City Utilities Department employees, led by Superintendent James Hadaway (left), spent two years inspecting approximately 6,000 service connections in the City of Pell City’s water system.}

“The fact that we do not have any lead service lines within our system shows this Department and this City are committed to the safety of our citizens,” Hadaway said. “We are proud to make this announcement.”

Pell City Utilities began its review of service lines in 2022. The project was mandated as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) 2021 revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) made in response to the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

The LCR revision required that all public water service systems were to complete an inventory within three years, with the mandatory reporting date being set on Oct. 16, 2024. Over the course of two years, Pell City Utilities employees investigated all 5,991 service lines to comply with the requirements.

“It required us to work on this project nearly every day, but it was worth it to be able to report this news,” Hadaway said.

Residents can review the Department’s summary report to the EPA here, and view the service line material classifications for individual addresses here.

Lead Inventory Summary Report

Classification Report for Connections by Address

City Hosts Future Leaders on Field Trip

What a fantastic day we had at City Hall and other Pell City facilities yesterday.

On Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, The City of Pell City was thrilled and honored to host more than 300 bright and curious fourth grade students from Pell City Schools on an inaugural tour of our municipal departments and facilities.

Organized by Coosa Valley Elementary Teacher Angela Davidson and City Special Projects Coordinator Jeff Thompson, the students went behind the scenes to learn more about City administration, police and fire operations and the Pell City Public Library. These young minds were eager to learn about how our city operates, and we were more than happy to share our knowledge.

In addition, Davidson organized the students’ visits to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, and Central Dispatch. Finally, every fourth grader also had the opportunity to tour the Museum of Pell City and learn the history of our community.

The City of Pell City is grateful to Ms. Davidson for taking the initiative to create this wonderful opportunity, and we’re especially proud of our City’s fourth-grade students for their exemplary behavior, insightful questions, and excitement about our wonderful employees and the work they do.

Special thanks to the organizers and presenters at the seven different stops throughout the day:

Bill Pruitt, Mayor of Pell City
Captain Josh Herren, Pell City Police Department
Battalion Chief Joey Vaughan, Pell City Fire and Rescue
Youth Librarian Jordan Rawson, Pell City Library
Chief Deputy Matt Coupland, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Director Charity Mitcham, St. Clair Emergency Management Agency
Museum Coordinator Erica Grieve, Museum of Pell City

Thank you for joining us, future leaders – we’ll see you next year!

What led to the Schools and City proposing an appointed Board of Education?

From the Office of the Mayor

Bill Pruitt is currently serving in his second term as Mayor of Pell City, Alabama. This column and others that are featured in this series are written and shared with the purpose of providing information to the general public and encouraging discussion on topics that impact the lives of the residents of Pell City.

Of the questions I’ve received regarding the upcoming vote on the governance of the Pell City School System, one of the most poignant is “now, why are we doing this?”

In a nutshell, the answer is that the Pell City Board of Education is correcting a 42-year-old structural shortcoming in the formation of the Pell City School System and fulfilling a promise they made to the voters during the 2021 Tax Referendum.

The starting point for our look into the “why” of the upcoming vote is Resolution No. 2024-1, approved by unanimous vote of the Pell City Board of Education on January 25, 2024. While I will be citing the portions most pertinent to this discussion, there will be a link to the full text of the Resolution following this post. Those portions read, as follows:

“WHEREAS, since the formation of the Pell City School System, those individuals that reside outside the city limits of the City of Pell City and within the unincorporated portion of the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District (the “County portion”) have not been legally eligible to serve on the Pell City Board of Education or to vote in elections for the Pell City Board of Education; and,”
Pell City Board of Education Resolution No. 2024-1

When the Pell City School System separated from the St. Clair County School System in 1982, there were certain areas outside of the city limits that were served by schools within Pell City. By agreement, those students continued to be educated by the newly formed system. However, residents outside of the City limits had no right to serve on the Board of Education and had no voting representation on the Board.

Although the System has represented all students equally, without regard to residency, it has been a long-standing point of contention that residents in the county portion of the school system had no voice on the Board that made the decisions regarding the education of their children.

“WHEREAS, the Pell City Board of Education is committed to providing representation for those individuals that reside in the County portion of the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District; and,”
Pell City Board of Education Resolution No. 2024-1

During the Kids Count tax referendum, the Pell City School System promised to address the issue of representation for families residing outside of the city limits. The Board of Education remains committed and is fulfilling their promise to correct this 42-year deficiency.

“WHEREAS, the Pell City Board of Education has analyzed and considered every option available to provide those individuals that reside in the County portion of the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District the opportunity to participate in the governance of the Pell City School System; and,”

“WHEREAS, the Pell City Board of Education has determined that it is in the best interests of all citizens residing in the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District to return the Pell City Board of Education to an appointed board, as it existed when the Pell City School System was formed, and to legally establish that the appointed members of the Pell City Board of Education shall be qualified individuals who reside within the entire Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District, with at least two of those members being appointed from the County portion of the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District; and,”
Pell City Board of Education Resolution No. 2024-1

In 2023, the Pell City Board of Education enlisted the assistance of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham to help them fulfill their promise. RPC is known for their expertise in the field of redistricting and serves the counties of Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker.

Upon analysis of the possible options, and upon the recommendation of RPC, the Pell City Board of Education determined that the most viable option for fulfilling their promise to the voters, and that in the best interest of the families of the Pell City School System, was to return to an appointed board, which is the format currently employed by 2/3 of the 70-plus city school systems throughout Alabama.

So that is the “why.” The next stops in the discussion pertain to “how will this work?”, and more importantly, “how will this impact my children?”

For more information, please see the Pell City Board of Education and City of Pell City’s information packet on Local Amendment 1 at www.pell-city.com/amendment 1.

Nothing contained herein intends to advocate in favor of or against the local ballot measure. The information is provided for the purpose of informing members of the public about the upcoming election, providing objective analysis or factual information about the local ballot measure, and encouraging citizens to vote.

PCBOE – Resolution 2024-1 Appointed Board Download

Pell City Solid Waste Collection Service Arrow Disposal (ADSI) Announces Acquisition by Meridian Waste

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Pell City received notice that its contracted service provider for solid waste collection and disposal, Arrow Disposal Service, Inc. (ADSI), was acquired by by Meridian Waste Acquisitions, LLC. The transition took effect Sept. 1, 2024.

According to Meridian Waste, Pell City customers will see no impact to their services. No changes are anticipated other than minor branding updates.

According to the ADSI website, “Effective September 1, 2024, EEP & ADSI have joined forces with Meridian Waste. While the name of the company servicing you or your business will change to Meridian Waste, the original core group of drivers, helpers, landfill operators, supervisors and managers are still here to help you and keep your homes, streets and businesses clean. Your contracts remain valid and your service schedules will not change except for possible routine operational efficiencies. Thanks for entrusting EEP & ADSI, and now Meridian Waste, with your environmental services. It’s a job we take seriously, and we value your trust in us.”

Questions should be directed to Pell City Street Department Superintendent Greg Gossett at ggossett@cityofpellcity.net