In March 2025, residents of Pell City’s Glen City District were surprised when one of the most desirable properties in the neighborhood suddenly changed hands. They were even more surprised by the cost – only $30,000.
Without the documentation needed to secure the property following the passing of its owners, it went into foreclosure to satisfy the debts against it. Then, the property sold without much fanfare, its future unknown to its neighbors.
This experience isn’t an outlier in Pell City’s District 2, which has the highest rates of heirs’ property issues – family land – and has seen the lowest rate of new home construction in recent years.
Led by District 2 City Council Member Ivi Wilson, the City of Pell City will hold an informational meeting on April 12 at 1 p.m. at the Municipal Complex to discuss both the present and future of some of the City’s historic neighborhoods. Investing in the Future of D2 will feature presentations and discussions on how residents can protect, maintain, and develop property in their community.
Presenters include
Don Smith: executive Director, St. Clair County Economic Development Council. Presenting on: The Basics of Development
Dr. Jamie C. Mardis: Instructional Programs Outreach Administrator, Auburn University Extension. Presenting on: Heirs’ Property Ownership (click for more)
Brian Muenger and Ivi Wilson: Pell City City Manager and District 2 Council Member. Presenting on: New Home Construction in D2
All areas of municipal government will attend the meeting and be available to answer resident questions. All City residents are invited to join the discussion.
“Your presence matters,” said Council Member Ivi Wilson. “Please join us to help shape the future of our District. This is your opportunity to directly influence a plan and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of our residents.”
The Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA) is gearing up for its annual lake cleanup, scheduled for March 29th through April 5th, 2025. This week-long effort encourages volunteers to help preserve the beauty and health of Logan Martin Lake.
Volunteers can register and pick up cleanup supplies, including T-shirts, collection bags, and gloves, at designated collection sites on two Saturdays: March 29th and April 5th, from 8:00 AM to noon.
“Maintaining the beauty and health of Logan Martin Lake isn’t a task for a few, it’s a responsibility we all share,” said LMLPA President Neal Stephenson. “The incredible turnout we see each year proves that when our community comes together, we can make a truly significant impact. Every bag of trash collected, every volunteer hour given, contributes to preserving this vital resource for generations to come.”
The cleanup will feature multiple collection sites around the lake, each with a designated Site Captain to assist volunteers. These locations include:
Lakeside Park: 2801 Stemley Bridge Rd. Cropwell AL 35054 (Site Captains: Isabella Trussel (205) 936-6651, Terry Harrell (205) 572-2658)
Clear Creek Marina: 270 Marina Dr, Talladega, AL 35160 (Site Captain: Randy Sparks (205) 616-2787)
Riverside Landing: 230 Depot St., Riverside, AL 35135 (Site Captain: Dee Parsons (205) 602-4245)
Wood’s Surfside Marina: 37 Marina Dr., Cropwell, AL 35054 (Site Captain: TBD, Mark Hildebrandt, Woods Surfside (205) 525-5533)
Blue I Eatery (old Caribe Club): 84 Blue Eye Rd W, Lincoln, AL 35096 (Site Captain: David Carboni (205) 910-2234)
Coosa Island Marina: 1052 Coosa Island Rd, Cropwell, AL 35054 (Site Captain: Angela Buzbee (205) 643-5991)
Cleanup Site Coordinators Arlene Johnson (205) 369-3703, arlenejg0917@gmail.com and Danny Norman (205) 451-2035, tr3hgr@yahoo.com can also be contacted for assistance and information.
The annual cleanup is a significant undertaking, with the 2024 event seeing over 335 volunteers collect more than 11 tons of debris from the lake. The LMLPA encourages everyone to participate in this important effort to maintain the beauty and ecological health of Logan Martin Lake.
Logan Martin Lake, part of the Coosa River System, is a 17,000-acre reservoir with 275 miles of shoreline, offering recreational opportunities such as boating, skiing, and swimming.
Pell City residents will have the opportunity to declutter and dispose of unwanted items during the city’s annual Spring Clean-Up, scheduled for April 4th through 6th.
The event will run Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 5th from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, April 6th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Roll-off dumpsters will be available at the Pell City Street Department, located at 417 19th Street South, next to the Boys and Girls Club. Residents within city limits can bring household items, old appliances, scrap metal, and furniture.
ACCEPTED: Yard debris will also be accepted during this weekend only.
NOT ACCEPTED: Hazardous waste, including propane tanks, batteries, paint, used oils, and tires, will not be accepted. Construction materials such as lumber, fencing, and drywall are also prohibited.
In addition to the dumpsters, designated boxes will be available for electronic waste (E-Waste), including audio/video equipment, computers, cell phones, small appliances, and more. Properly disposing of e-waste is crucial to prevent toxic materials from leaching into the environment and to recover valuable resources for reuse.
A photo ID is required to use these services. For further information, residents can contact the Pell City Street Department at (205) 884-8267 or email jclemons@cityofpellcity.net.
Get ready for a delightful afternoon of springtime fun! The highly anticipated Pell City Community Easter Egg Hunt is returning for its second year, promising a basketful of joy for children and families. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 6th, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. and plan to join us at the center of Lakeside Park to hunt for 10,000 eggs!
Participants are asked to bring their own baskets. Activities will include:
Easter Bunny meet and greet
Arts and crafts
Face painting
Popcorn and drinks
Kona Ice
Bubble activities
Chalk art
Displays from the Pell City Fire Department and Pell City Police Department
Prize eggs
A designated area for children with special needs will be available.
The Community Easter Egg Hunt is a collaborative effort between the City of Pell City and the St. Clair County Ministerial Association. Following a successful event in 2024, the Association partnered with the City to bring the Easter Egg Hunt back to the community.
This heartwarming event is made possible by the dedication of local churches and congregations, including Faith Community Fellowship, Pell City First United Methodist Church, New Life Methodist, and Coosa Valley Church of God. It includes the support of more than 60 volunteers lending a hand and additional assistance from Coca-Cola Bottling Company United.
“This event is a collaborative effort by the City and local churches to give back to the children of our community,” said Pell City Civic Center Director and key organizer Valerie Painter. “It’s a perfect opportunity for families to create lasting memories and celebrate the joy of the season.”
During its regular meeting on Monday, February 24, the City Council for the City of Pell City unanimously approved a formal application for appointment and the window for residents to apply for the Pell City Board of Education in 2025.
The official application is now available to download or to complete as a digital form at pell-city.com/education.
Over the past two months, the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee, a seven-member board assembled in 2024 by the City Council, has worked to develop the application. Their process included the review of more than a dozen appointment procedures and applications from across the United States.
“The Committee has taken its assignment seriously, and its members have worked to create a robust document meant to identify those who will deliver excellence in all aspects of Pell City Schools,” said Steering Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson.
The 5-page application includes thought-provoking essay questions, educational information about board of education service in Alabama, and a thorough explanation of the local appointment process now required under Alabama Act 2024-111, which was passed last November by St. Clair County voters.
During the meeting, the Council also approved the Committee’s timeline for delivering its recommendations for appointment. In a document delivered to the City containing the Committee’s recommendations, Furgerson concluded that appointments should be made this summer.
“The most critical time for a board of education member is during the late summer, especially leading into the beginning of the new school year,” the Committee’s recommendations read. “During this time, school administration is analyzing data from the previous year, setting goals for the upcoming year, and most importantly developing the budget for the year to follow.”
The City Council approved the Committee’s recommendation and adopted the following timeline to receive recommended candidates:
Feb. 25, 2025: Release of the official Application for Appointment
March 31, 2025: Close Application submissions at 5 p.m.
April 30, 2025: Completion of applicant review and selection of candidates for interview
May 24, 2025: Completion of all candidate interviews
June 1, 2025: Recommendation of candidates for appointment to City Council
Individuals seeking appointment to the Board of Education must submit a completed application to the City of Pell City by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2025. Applications received after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered.
In December 2024, the City of Pell City and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) finalized a partnership agreement to improve animal welfare in St. Clair County. On Monday, February 24, 2025, the City Council adopted the agreement and is preparing to transition operations at Pell City Animal Control Center (PCACC) to GBHS on April 1, 2025.
“The Greater Birmingham Humane Society is proud to extend our services to the Pell City Animal Control Center,” CEO Allison Black Cornelius said. “This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to improving animal welfare across Alabama. We look forward to working in partnership with Pell City and St. Clair County to provide compassionate care, essential resources, and sustainable solutions for companion animals and pet owners.”
GBHS is the largest and most impactful humane society in the state and is the premier provider of animal services in Central Alabama. Annually, GBHS provides services for more than 22,000 dogs and cats in Jefferson and Walker Counties and the City of Jasper.
For several years, the City of Pell City has sought GBHS’ influence in its animal impoundment operation.
“When the City initially reassumed operation of Pell City Animal Control Center about 10 years ago, we attempted to partner with Greater Birmingham Humane Society,” City Manager Brian Muenger told the St. Clair Commission last week. “At the time, their organization did not have the capacity.
“We’ve stayed in contact, and they’ve acted as trusted advisors. A few years ago, the City reapproached GBHS. Since then, it’s just been a matter of timing.”
Pet owner support programs: The GBHS Outreach Team provides support programs for pet owners facing barriers to keeping their pets.
Supported Self-Rehoming: The goal of Supported Self-Rehoming is to provide pet owners with resources, services, connections, and assistance to rehome their pet, without that pet having to enter the shelter.
Compassionate surrender programs: These offer a safe and humane option for responsible pet owners facing difficult circumstances, ensuring animals find loving new homes while minimizing stress and trauma.
Access to GBHS Spay/Neuter & Critical Care Clinic: The donor-purchased, state-of-the-art facility is fully staffed and provides medical services to all of GBHS’ animals.
“This ensures adherence to all applicable code requirements, while simultaneously generating new opportunities for staff and expanding our capacity to provide optimal animal care,” Muenger said.
Since 2016, PCACC has been maintained by the City of Pell City and managed by the Pell City Police Department. Transitioning operational management to a nonprofit organization with a focus on compassionate animal care offers numerous benefits:
GBHS specializes in shelter management and veterinary care, which will lead to improved animal health in the community.
PCACC joins a broad, regional network of fosters, volunteers, and fundraisers.
GBHS prioritizes lifesaving programs and innovative approaches to reduce euthanasia rates.
GBHS will facilitate increased community involvement through volunteer programs, adoption events, and educational outreach.
Throughout its near-decade of operation under the City of Pell City, the Pell City Animal Control Center has served as the only animal shelter in St. Clair County. In that time, it has made possible the adoption of 6,200 animals and facilitated the transfer of 5,300 more to animal welfare organizations.
Alongside the City, the 501c3 nonprofit organization Friends of PCACC is actively working at the Center to prepare it for the transition. The numerous projects they’ve undertaken in recent months included the installation of new outdoor spaces for potential pet adopters to socialize with animals and acquiring and installing new appliances.
“We’re excited about the opportunity, and GBHS is excited about coming out to St. Clair County,” Muenger said. “We’re eager to see the expertise they bring to the table in action.”
The Alabama Department of Revenue launched the tax holiday in 2012 to help residents prepare for the potential impact of seasonal storms. During this three-day tax holiday, residents are encouraged to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces, and vehicles.
From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 21 to midnight Feb. 23, the tax-exempt items include the following priced at $60 or less:
Flashlights, lanterns
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Batteries
First-aid kits
Cell phone charger
Two-way radios
Manual can openers
Tarps and plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Fire extinguishers
Tie-down kits, bungee cords or rope
Other tax-free items include: Coolers, ice packs, plywood, window film and smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Portable generators and power cords costing $1,000 or less are also tax free.
Many of the items that ready.gov recommends for a basic disaster supply kit are tax-free in Alabama Feb. 21-23.
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.
