Elected officials and staff of the City of Pell City joined with those from other communities on Thursday, Feb. 13 for the St. Clair County Economic Development Council’s Annual Investor Breakfast.
This event provides leaders from across the county an opportunity to learn about the previous year’s progress and goals for the future related to economic development in the region.
“Pell City has been blessed to partner with the EDC on so many great projects to enrich the economy and quality of life in the Pell City community, and we look forward to building upon this incredibly beneficial relationship,” Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt said.
From left: EDC Executive Director Don Smith, EDC Grants and Leadership Director Candace Hill, Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger, Pell City Council President Jud Alverson, EDC Tourism Coordinator Blair Goodgame, and Director of Industry & Workforce Development Jason Roberts.
EDC Executive Director Don Smith announced that since 1999 the organization has worked as part of a network of state and local partners to bring more than 8,000 new jobs to St. Clair County and assisted in creating nearly $2 billion in new investments.
And, as he told the audience, local trends show more development is on the horizon.
“This is probably the most excited I’ve been in the past 17 years at this position because of the potential of St. Clair County right now,” Smith said. “The next 5 years could be the most transformational in county history.”
St. Clair EDC is one of several organizations supported annually by the City Council for the City of Pell City through appropriation. Its work in the areas of education and workforce development, job recruitment and retention, infrastructure development, and tourism are highly valued contributions to Pell City’s growth.
“Pell City’s leadership has put all the pieces in place to continue their City’s success,” Smith said. “We’re excited to continue working alongside their excellent team to bring their projects to fruition.”
Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson emphasized the importance of a timely appointment process to ensure a fair and transparent selection of new board members.
“Time is of the essence,” she stated. “Applicants need adequate time to prepare, we require time for thorough review, and most importantly, any new board members will need time to effectively assume their roles.”
Pictured during their meeting on Feb. 11, members of the Steering Committee reviewed applications and procedural documents used by appointed boards of education from across the state and nation during the process of designing a recommended application for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education.
During her initial presentation to the Pell City City Council on February 10, Furgerson outlined the Steering Committee’s plan to deliver recommended actions before the next council meeting on February 24. These recommendations will include a formal application for appointment and a proposed timeline for the recommendation process.
Furgerson acknowledged that the Steering Committee’s schedule may be more accelerated than initially anticipated.
“We aim to close the application window by the end of March,” she stated. “The Committee agrees that providing the Council with its recommendations early in the summer is the most efficient approach.”
Following the February 10 presentation, the Steering Committee held a meeting on February 11 to finalize the application for appointment. This application will be released to the public if approved by the City Council.
The public can expect to see the Steering Committee’s recommendations, including the Application for Appointment to the Pell City Board of Education, presented to the City Council at its next meeting on February 24.
City Council Meeting Date: February 24, 2025 Time: Work Session: 5:30 PM, Meeting: 6 PM Location: Council Chambers, City Hall, 1905 1st Ave. N, Pell City, AL 35125
Prior to its presentation to the City Council, the Steering Committee held two preliminary meetings: one in December 2024 and another in January 2025. The inaugural meeting focused on organizational matters and included an expedited review of procedural documents and application processes from appointed boards of education across the state and nation.
The January meeting centered on a comprehensive discussion and confirmation of critical content for the Pell City Board of Education’s Application for Appointment.
Furgerson expressed satisfaction with the application, stating, “We are pleased with the final product of our efforts.”
The Steering Committee is now eager to release the application to the public. “We are tasked with recommending exceptional candidates to lead our schools,” Furgerson emphasized. “We recognize the many qualified individuals within our community and encourage all interested parties to apply.”
The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee met in January, its second meeting, to review and revise a draft application for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education. The City Council anticipates a progress update from the Committee this month.
The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee is comprised of Tammie Williams, Monique Bowman, Rusty Jessup, Jeff Jones, Cory Bline, Roland St. John, and Kelly Furgerson.
During its January meeting, the Committee organized the criteria it will use to solicit ideal applicants for the Pell City Board of Education. According to Steering Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson, the foundation of the application for appointment will use specific language about the most desirable characteristics for Pell City BOE members. These traits include:
Willingness to give sufficient time and effort
A belief in the spirit and need for public education
The ability to motivate other people
The capacity to understand people
The insight needed to work as part of a cooperative body
Devotion to the concept of a better society through education
Commitment to a high expectation for student achievement
Commitment to a high expectation for quality instruction
The ability to define a vision for excellence and the goals for its achievement
Committee members are fully engaged and moving quickly. Their work has focused on creating the draft application for appointment and timeline. When ready, both will be presented to the City Council and, if approved, released to the public.
The Committee report to the City Council is expected to include actionable recommendations for the next steps in transitioning the Board of Education from an elected to an appointed board.
About the Steering Committee
The City Council appointed the seven Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee members in October 2024. The Steering Committee is comprised of Tammie Williams, Monique Bowman, Rusty Jessup, Jeff Jones, Cory Bline, Roland St. John, and Kelly Furgerson.
Among other responsibilities, the Committee was tasked with interviewing and recommending future members of the Pell City Board of Education to the City Council for appointment. Its members are serving an initial term of two years.
Members of the Steering Committee committed to drafting an application that reflects their intentions of recommending the best possible candidates for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education.
Steering Committee Activity
December 17, 2024: Organizational Meeting
January 23, 2025: Application Roundtable
The Steering Committee was activated in November 2024 and held its organizational meeting at the close of the year. During the meeting, Committee members reviewed applications for Board member appointments from across the nation.
Committee members met in January to discuss the application for appointment, consider applicant criteria, and suggest information and questions that should be included in the final document.
“The members of the Steering Committee are committed to a transparent and thorough process for recommending the very best individuals to serve on our Board of Education,” said Furgerson, who was elected Chair of the Committee during the initial meeting. “We take our responsibility seriously and are dedicated to ensuring the application process is fair, equitable, and accessible to all qualified candidates.”
About the Appointed Board of Education
Amendment 1, proposed by Sen. Lance Bell, sought to correct education governance issues in St. Clair County by converting the Pell City Board of Education from elected to appointed. This change was approved by St. Clair County voters in the November 2024 General Election. Appointments will be made by the City Council.
The measure dictates that at least two members of the appointed Board must reside in the county portion of the Pell City Schools Attendance Zone and Tax District, which includes the areas of Riverside, New London, and Cook Springs, among others.
The Board of Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community by overseeing the district’s educational policies and ensuring the success of the district’s more than 4,000 students. Those interested in an appointment to the Board are encouraged to follow the City’s official communication channels for updated information.
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the City of Pell City welcomed Municipal Judge Phil Seay to the bench at City Hall.
Judge Seay was appointed to the position by the City Council during its regular meeting on January 13. He retired as Presiding Circuit Judge for St. Clair County on Jan. 20. Seay has served as a judge in St. Clair County for the past 20 years.
Pell City Municipal Judge Phil Seay
During his tenure, Judge Seay made a considerable impact on the St. Clair County Court System. Among many other accomplishments, he launched the county’s first Juvenile Drug Court, established a Community Corrections program, and created a dedicated domestic violence docket.
Seay serves on several community boards of directors in Pell City and St. Clair County, including Lakeside Hospice, St. Clair County Day Program, the St. Clair County Children’s Police Council, the Coosa Valley Youth Services Board, the St. Clair County Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board, and the Pell City DARE Board.
He previously served as president of the Pell City Kiwanis Club, the Pell City Chamber of Commerce, and the Logan Martin Red Elephant Club. Seay also served as chairman for the St. Clair County GOP, and a member of the Alabama GOP Executive Committee.
Judge Seay was selected as Trial Judge of the Year by the Alabama Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates in November 2024.
Seay replaces Judge James Hill, who was sworn in as St. Clair County Circuit Judge, also on Jan. 21. Hill served as Pell City Municipal Judge from October 2024 to January 2025.
Judge Hill was appointed to replace outgoing Judge Brandi Hufford, who was sworn in as St. Clair County District Judge on October 15, 2024.
Judge Hufford was appointed to the position of Pell City Municipal Judge following the retirement of Judge Van Davis in 2018.
Pell City Municipal Court convenes Tuesdays at City Hall at 2 p.m.
Dancing With Our Stars, the annual tradition where the area’s best and boldest dancers come together for a cause, returns to CEPA in Pell City on March 1.
This annual event, now in its 11th year, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support organizations like the Pell City Police Department, Pell City Fire Department, and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office. Each year, the Pell City Line Dancers, long led by director Doris Munkus, turn their love of dancing into a fundraising effort for all kinds of good things in the community.
Sponsorships are still available at three levels: Friend Sponsor ($750), Championship Sponsor ($1,000), and Hero Sponsor ($1,500). All packages include event seating and promotional considerations.
Now in its 10th year, the Father-Daughter Dance returns to Pell City on Feb. 8 with an exciting new theme: Boots and Bows (Plus a Little Disco).
Hosted annually by the Pell City Rotary Club, this year’s dance promises to delight couples (or trios and beyond) with a blend of country charm and disco sparkle.
Rotarians transform Pell City High School into a gala event venue, serve dance attendees dinner, and offer plenty of music and dancing throughout the night. The entire evening is dedicated to fathers and daughters making memories together that last a lifetime.
Proceeds from the event support the Pell City Rotary Foundation, which provides numerous community grants each year to organizations such as The Children’s Place, Pell City School System, Lakeside Hospice, Pell City Police Department, and many more.
Last year, Pell City Rotary partnered with the City of Pell City to finalize downtown streetscape improvements, installing 20 black, cast-iron benches and 11 matching litter containers along Cogswell Ave.
Space is limited, so buy your tickets now! Tickets are $30 per couple ($15 for each additional child) or $40 at the door ($20 for each additional child) and include music, finger foods, party favors, and photographs.
They can be purchased at Metro Bank in Pell City, Pell City Coffee Company, online at pellcityrotary.com, pellcitycepa.com/tickets, or by contacting Meg Clements at (205) 812-5187.
The City of Pell City is grateful to all who reached out to us in response to a recent social media post regarding the Pell City Animal Control Center. We received many offers to help, and we heard many ideas that could improve animal welfare in St. Clair County. For those, we’re very thankful.
PCACC is St. Clair County’s only animal shelter, serving around 275 animals a month. In 2024, intake reached a historic low, while adoptions reached the highest rate ever at PCACC.
Over the past 8 years, more than 5,000 animals have found forever homes thanks to animal rescue organizations that partner with the Center. These organizations will continue to be part of our strategy.
Recently, there have been some concerning allegations we would like to address. Widespread misinformation (represented below in bold) is not helpful to our shared goal of saving animal lives.
$50 “pull fees” are harmful to rescue organizations. This information is being misrepresented. Rescue fees are not charged in most circumstances.
Our new procedures are part of a greater improvement plan for PCACC that intends to increase efficiency through digitization, organization, and improved communication.
Rescue fees have been in place since 2017 to offset treatment provided at the shelter. A $50 pull fee is meant for the most adoptable animals, who have received full veterinary care. Many partners will pay a $25 fee, which is less than the schedule set in 2017. And in many cases, there will be no charge for organizations assisting us in finding homes for animals.
This information has been communicated to all current and prospective rescue partners. Rescue organizations can find registration and animal pull forms at pell-city.com/adopt.
PCACC does not provide adequate medical care or food for animals. All animals receive personalized treatment daily. They are also fed daily an amount appropriate for their weight.
Conditions at PCACC are inhumane. We are aware of the need for minor cosmetic maintenance, which has been reported. These areas do not impact the Shelter’s ability to provide humane treatment. All animals at PCACC are treated with the utmost care.
Pell City is seeking to make a profit from the Center. More than 90 percent of the Center’s annual funding comes from the City and other local government partners. Fees and donations account for less than 10 percent of the Center’s budget. The Center is projected to lose $42,000 in 2025, absorbed by the City of Pell City.
For those asking what you can do to help, first and foremost, spay and neuter your pets, and encourage others to do the same. Animal intake at the shelter declined last year, and we want to see that trend continue.
Second, volunteer or foster. PCACC is always open to help from caring citizens looking to assist in our efforts to provide the best possible animal care. You can find registration forms at pell-city.com/adopt.
Each of your messages and emails has been received and read, and we thank you again for reaching out. We appreciate this community’s dedication to animal welfare and our shared mission at PCACC to save lives.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Pell City ahead of a system that is likely to impact travel on Thursday, January 9, and Friday, January 10, 2025.
Up-to-date information can be found by following the following organizations and agencies on social media via the following links:
See below for important information for Pell City residents related to the incoming weather system.
As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, the probabilities are increasing that there will be impacts to travel throughout the area from the incoming winter weather system. Northern St. Clair County is more likely to experience impacts than Pell City, however, the NWS reported that dangerous or impossible driving conditions are expected across far northern portions of Central Alabama, with hazardous driving conditions extending further south. Black ice will also be possible areawide through Saturday morning.
THURSDAY: Snow and sleet likely before 5 a.m., then sleet, possibly mixed with snow and freezing rain, could occur. The chance of precipitation is 100 percent, but little to no ice is expected.
FRIDAY: Rain, freezing rain and sleet, possibly mixed with snow are possible before 11 a.m. NWS anticipates rain, possibly mixed with sleet between 11 a.m. and noon, then rain after noon. Ice accumulation of less than 0.1 of an inch is possible.
RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO AVOID TRAVEL. BLACK ICE IS POSSIBLE THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING.
PCSS will be closed on Friday, January 10, 2025. All classes and school activities are canceled for the day. Please monitor https://www.facebook.com/PellCityPanthers for more.
Garbage Collection
Meridian Waste will not operate garbage collection services on Friday, January 10. According to representatives, trash pickup will resume on Monday, January 13 and the collection schedule will be one day behind next week.
St. Clair County EMA
According to the St. Clair County EMA, Warming shelters will be open in our area to provide safe and warm spaces for those in need. The Pell City and Ashville Courthouse Basements will be open from 5 p.m. – 8 a.m., Thursday, January 9 – Friday, January 10. Please monitor https://www.facebook.com/stclairema for more.
Alabama Power
Should the incoming winter weather affect power in our area, Alabama Power provides residents with real-time information on outages. Find the map at https://outagemap.alabamapower.com/.
After months of preparation, Pell City Parks and Recreation is proud to announce that in 2025 some of its athletes will join the biggest name in youth sports – Little League.
Little League is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with over 2 million baseball and softball players in communities across every U.S. state and over 80 countries.
This partnership marks a monumental step forward for the community’s young athletes, offering them the chance to compete on larger stages and potentially earn a spot in the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Millions across the globe watch the annual tournament, including many young players right here in Pell City.
“We’re excited, and we know our players will be, too,” Athletic Director Joey Morrow said. “It’s not just a potential opportunity to represent their local community in televised games, it’s a chance for them to compete at youth sports’ highest level of competition.”
The transition to Little League will only affect 2025 players signing up for 12U Baseball leagues with Pell City Parks and Recreation. All other baseball leagues will remain in USSSA, and all All-Stars programs will continue as they have in years past.
The move to Little League underscores Pell City Parks and Recreation’s commitment to fostering youth development and community pride. Alongside skill-building and athletic competition, Little League emphasizes character development, leadership, and a love for the game of baseball.
Registration for the upcoming season is now open. Parents can register their children at pellcity.recdesk.com.
On Monday, December 23, 2024, the City Council for the City of Pell City approved an incentive package to help secure two new restaurants for the community – Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
“Residents regularly tell me that new dining options should be high on our list of priorities, so I’m very pleased to announce that two fantastic new restaurants are considering our city,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “This is a major win for our community, bringing new dining options, jobs, and economic growth.”
National restaurant brands Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse are in a due diligence period to consider occupying sites along US 231 at the intersection of I-20.
The $6+ million development is located along US Highway 231 and Hazelwood Dr., near the ramp to I-20 West.
Developers W.C.E. LLC and E&R Properties Inc. requested City assistance with site preparation and utility relocation costs for the project. Using the incentives, the developers propose to prepare four build-ready parcels, which cover 8.73 acres.
“Through this incentive, the City anticipates additional commercial development at the site, beyond the two named restaurants,” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “Most national tenants require interstate visibility, so it is important that the City maximize the opportunity this land provides.
The City anticipates $10 million in combined annual sales from the two restaurants.
The public hearing on the incentive package is a small portion of a years-long recruitment process. Olive Garden and LongHorn are currently in the due diligence period of the development process.
