Council welcomes Municipal Judge Phil Seay

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.

Boots and Bows: 2025 Rotary Father Daughter Dance arrives Feb. 8

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.

City, Rotary partner to finalize downtown streetscape improvements

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.

Pell City 12U Baseball becomes official Little League partner

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.

Register Now

For more information on Little League, visit LittleLeague.org.

Council Approves Development Incentive that will bring Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse to Exit 158

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.

Goodgame Company Enters Low Bid for City’s New Fire Station on US 231

The City of Pell City is relocating Pell City Fire Department’s Fire Station #2 from adjacent to the Pell City Civic Center to a freestanding location on US 231. The new fire station will be constructed on the vacant lot north of the Celebrations event center.

The move comes in anticipation of future growth around Lake Logan Martin and US 231, providing an enhanced location to reduce emergency response times.  

A 3D rendering by CMH Architects of Birmingham of the new PCFD Fire Station #2

The new Fire Station #2 was designed by CMH Architects of Birmingham. On Monday, December 23, 2024, the City Council for the City of Pell City approved the contract for the construction of the project to Goodgame Company of Pell City, which submitted a low bid of $8,277,500.

The City received six bids for the construction of the station.  City Manager Brian Muenger said the bid process was extremely competitive, with less than a 6 percent differential in cost between the lowest four bids submitted, and that each of those four bids was below the City’s pre-bid estimate.

“We are very comfortable with the level of competition, and the project came in substantially under budget,” said Blake Nelson, Senior Vice President of CMH Architects. “We have worked with Goodgame Co. on a number of projects, and we are very confident in their ability to deliver to the required scope.”

Bids opened on December 17, 2024
  • Goodgame Co. – $8.28 million (Certified Low Bid)
  • Kyser Construction – $8.44 million
  • Dominguez Design-Build Inc. – $8.71 million
  • Greer Building Contractors – $8.74 million
  • Wayne Davis Construction – $10.5 million
  • Mike Morgan Industrial, LLC – 10.54 million

The competitively bid portion of the project also includes a contingency of $200,000.00, which can be tapped into for unforeseen items that arise during construction.

Outfitting the new station with equipment and furniture will cost approximately $318,000, bringing the estimated total project cost to $8,595,500.

Construction of the 16,600-square-foot facility is expected to begin on or around February 1, 2025. Construction is anticipated to take 16 months, placing place the date of completion on or around May 1, 2026.

“This is pretty exciting for Pell City Fire Department,” Pell City Fire Chief Tim Kurzejeski said. “This is a project we’ve been working on for two to three years, and it’s a huge part of where we’re headed as a department and as a community.”

A 3D rendering by CMH Architects of Birmingham of the new PCFD Fire Station #2

Winners announced for 2024 Lights in the Park Contest

This year, Pell City saw a new spin on an old tradition, as Lights in the Park added a contest to select the best holiday-themed displays.

Presented annually by the Pell City Parks & Recreation Department, this year’s event saw more than 80 entries take over Lakeside Park during the holiday season. The Department collected hundreds of votes from attendees and assembled a special committee to select the winner.

“The Pell City Parks & Recreation Department would like to express its sincere gratitude to all participants, visitors, and voters of the inaugural ‘Lights in the Park’ Holiday Competition,” said Civic Center Manager and Contest Organizer Valerie Painter. “We commend the community for their enthusiastic participation and thoughtful voting.”

And now, without further ado, the winners are:

Overall Winner: Woody’s Tree Service

  • Anna Otterson / Edward Jones: Silent Night Award – Simple and clean display
  • Jessica Blackerby / EXP Realty: White Christmas Award – Best use of white lights
  • Woody’s Tree Service: Deck the Halls Award – Most over-the-top use of lighting
  • Clean Haul Roll-Off: Christmas is in the Air Award – Best use of inflatables
  • House of Prayer: The Reason for the Season Award – Best Nativity display
  • Faith Community Fellowship: Holly Jolly Christmas Award – Best display that makes you laugh
  • Alabama Clearing & Excavating: Rock Around the Christmas Tree Award – Best use of animation
  • Metro Bank: The Rudolph Award – Best use of holiday characters
  • Girl Scouts Troop 24216: Christmas Story Award – Best youth inspired display

The 2024 Lights in the Park award winners will receive additional promotions through Discover and LakeLife 24/7 (Digital and Print). In addition, these winners will have the opportunity to select their locations in the Park for next year’s competition!

“The warmth of our community and the wonder of the Christmas season combine every year for ‘Lights in the Park.’ It’s heartwarming to see Pell City come together to create such a magical experience. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone involved.”

Lights in the Park at Lakeside Park in Pell City will remain open through the New Year.

City employees help Lighten the Load for children entering foster care

On Friday, Dec. 6, the City of Pell City concluded its annual “Lighten the Load” fundraising campaign by donating 15 suitcases each stocked with blankets, toys and essential care items to the St. Clair County Department of Human Resources (DHR).

Lighten the Load is a holiday campaign that collects suitcases for the DHR, ensuring that children entering the foster care system don’t have to carry their belongings in a trash bag. In its fourth year supporting Lighten the Load, City employees donated more than any previous year.

“It’s heartbreaking to think of these little ones facing such a difficult transition, and our contributions can help soften that experience,” Human Resources Director Dawn Childre said. “I know we’re making a real difference.”

Along with generous donations from employees and various departments, the campaign also received a significant contribution from the Alpine Bay Men’s Golf Association, which helped in surpassing last year’s donation totals.

Pictured: City employees transfer donated items for 2024 Lighten the Load to employees of TempForce Pell City, which works in conjunction with DHR to facilitate the annual fundraising campaign around St. Clair County.

Pell City Police Department Honors Officer of the Year and Welcomes New Officers

The Pell City Police Department is proud to announce Officer Charles Forman as its 2024 Officer of the Year. Forman, who joined the department in 2022, has quickly become a valuable asset to the force, demonstrating exceptional dedication and commitment to public service.

“Officer Foreman is an outstanding young officer,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “His dedication to keep our community safe is unmatched. His professionalism, courtesy, work ethic, and productivity were evident on a daily basis.”

Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris with 2024 Officer of the Year Charles Forman

Morris said Officer Foreman was responsible for 48 felony arrests and 142 misdemeanor arrests this year, in addition to hundreds of incident reports and traffic citations or warnings.

Receiving the honor of Officer of the Year from Chief Morris was especially meaningful. Officer Forman began his career in law enforcement as a St. Clair County Corrections Officer working at the St. Clair County Jail. There, he interacted regularly with members of PCPD.

“The way Pell City’s officers carried themselves motivated me to join their team,” Forman said. “So, the next time I saw Chief Morris, I walked right up to him and told him I was going to come work for him. Six months later, he brought me in for an interview.”

Officer Forman came to PCPD from a family known for community service. His great-grandfather, also named Charles Forman, served as coroner for St. Clair County for 10 years.

Officer Forman said the Officer of the Year designation was rewarding and humbling, but more importantly it reflected the Pell City Police Department’s focus on its younger officers. He said the support of PCPD staff and supervisors were the key to his growth. He encouraged young people to pursue careers in law enforcement.

“A lot of young men and women, once they get into this field, they see firsthand how much of a difference they can make in their communities through outreach and assisting others,” Foreman said. “It’s worth it.”

Pell City Police Department held a ceremony to honor Officer Forman and recognize several promotions and new hires on Tuesday, November 20, 2024. During the ceremony, the Department recognized:

Officer of the Year

  • Officer Charles Forman

Promotions

  • Corporal Travis Hughes
  • Corporal Noah Roberts
  • Sergeant David Emerson
  • Sergeant Noah Tucker

New Officers

  • Officer Benjamin Abel
  • Officer Matthew Dorough
  • Officer Terry Fellows
  • Officer Silas Kissack
  • Officer Byron Moon
  • Officer Alexis Moreno
  • Officer Breanna Nabors
  • Officer James Sargent
  • Officer Daryl Thistle
  • Officer Patrick Tunnell

“We are incredibly proud of Officer Forman and all of our officers who have been recognized today,” said Chief Morris. “Their hard work and dedication make our community a safer place. We also extend a warm welcome to our newest officers and look forward to their contributions to the department.”

Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee activated following certification of 2024 General Election Results

On Friday, November 15, the St. Clair County Probate Office certified the results of the 2024 General Election for St. Clair County and acknowledged the voters’ will on Local Amendment 1. Voters adopted the measure with overwhelming support.

In St. Clair County, 69 percent of voters approved Local Amendment 1. In the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District, 54 percent of voters approved the measure. Overall, 28 of 30 polling locations voted “Yes” on Local Amendment 1.

The City Council of the City of Pell City accepts the responsibility bestowed by the voters to deliver fair representation to residents of the Attendance Zone through the appointment process. It also recognizes the voters’ desire for leadership of the highest caliber on the Pell City Board of Education.

As Mayor Bill Pruitt and members of the City Council stated during the leadup to the vote, the Council will prioritize a transparent process that results in the appointment of candidates who seek excellence in education. In addition, the Council will seek candidates that prioritize:

  • 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

Following the General Election, many residents have expressed interest in the application process. A schedule for the release of the official application and the dates when applications may be submitted will be available soon. All procedures for appointment will be adopted by the City Council over the coming weeks following input from the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee was created by the City Council through Ordinance No. 2024-6158, which was adopted on October 14, 2024. The seven-member committee was activated upon the ratification of Local Constitutional Amendment 1, and have begun their two-year terms. Its members will be organized before the close of 2024 to provide input on the process for appointment.

The Council anticipates that the final appointment process will include most if not all the following actions.

  • Research and Input
  • Adoption of Procedures
  • Timeline and Application Release
  • Application Submission Window
  • Steering Committee Application Review
  • Public Interviews and Comment Period for Recommended Candidates
  • Board of Education Appointment

Local Amendment 1, supported by the City of Pell City and the Pell City School System, was a ballot measure in St. Clair County, Alabama, on November 5, 2024, aimed at addressing a long-standing issue of representation for residents in the Pell City School Attendance Zone.

With its certification, the Amendment changed the Pell City Board of Education from an elected to an appointed board. The City Council of Pell City will appoint all members of the Board of Education beginning in 2025. At least two members of the Pell City Board of Education must reside within the county portion of the Pell City School Attendance Zone.

The primary goal of Local Amendment 1 was to ensure fair representation for residents in the Pell City School Attendance Zone, who for 40 years have had no direct voting power in the district’s leadership. By appointing the Pell City Board of Education, the Amendment gives these residents a voice in the governance of the schools their children attend.

PCPD supports the dream of a young man with terminal cancer; Officer DJ Daniel sworn in

On Oct. 26, Pell City Police Department was honored to support the dream of Devarjay “DJ” Daniel. This incredible young man is facing hardships that many will never understand, yet it hasn’t deterred him from pursuing his quest.

DJ, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at 6 years old, has undergone 13 surgeries. While battling his condition, in 2019 in his home state of Texas, he set out to be sworn in as a police officer by 100 different departments.

In 2024, after a ceremony in Alabama that included 33 law enforcement agencies, DJ has now been sworn in by 871 police departments across the United States.

“To witness DJ’s unwavering spirit in the face of such adversity is truly humbling,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “His dream of becoming a police officer is a testament to his strength and courage. We are privileged to share this moment with him and his family.”

During DJ’s ceremony, held at the Birmingham Crossplex, PCPD Lt. Vince Warrington swore DJ in as an honorary officer with the Department.

“Our hearts are with you, DJ,” Morris said. “Welcome to the team.”

For more on the ceremony, visit https://www.al.com/news/2024/10/little-boy-with-big-personality-and-fatal-disease-sworn-in-as-birmingham-police-deputy-chief.html