On Monday, July 8, the City Council for the City of Pell City celebrated the Pell City 8U Rec All-Star Softball Team as the USA Softball World Series Champion and No. 1 ranked team in the nation. This marks the first time Pell City has won a world title in any of its athletics programs, according to Pell City Athletic Director Joey Morrow.
The City of Pell City celebrated its first World Championship for any City athletics program on Monday, July 8, in recognizing the 2024 Pell City 8U Softball team whose 21-0 record propelled them to No. 1 in the nation. The team and coaches are pictured with the Pell City Mayor, Council, and City Manager.
The undefeated 8U Pell City team dominated their competition on their way to a 2024 title and top ranking during the July 5-7, 2024 World Series played in Albertville. The team closed out the Series on Sunday against the No. 3-ranked Arab Knights by a score of 10-2 to claim the World Championship.
Pell City entered the World Series tournament as the top-ranked team in the state after earning the titles of District Champion, Area Champion, and State Champion. Including their World Series run, the team boasts a 21-0 record for the 2024 season.
The Pell City 8U Rec Allstar Softball Team coached by Dean Staples, Andrew Lee, Zane Calhoun, Kent Pierce, and Robert Barnes scored 287 runs during their four championship tournaments this summer while only giving up 88 runs.
The City of Pell City congratulates these coaches and players on their achievements.
Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing operators of fitness centers with more than 18 million members has begun development on a two story 30,000 square foot fitness center on Interstate 20 near Home Depot and Walmart in Pell City.
“I’m proud to announce that Planet Fitness will soon be opening a new location in Pell City,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “This national brand recognizes the potential of our community, and their arrival signifies a strong vote of confidence in our economic climate. It’s a win-win for our residents and businesses alike.”
Planet Fitness offers state of the art strength and cardio equipment with each cardio unit having an individual tv attached. The gym will have fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and spa inspired showers, and much more. Once open the gym will be open and staffed 24/7. A January 2025 open date is expected.
“We are excited to bring our Judgement Free fitness experience the Pell City community” said Mike Hamilton, franchisee, at MFP, a Planet Fitness franchise division. “At Planet Fitness, we offer an affordable membership for a high-quality fitness center and welcome anyone, at any fitness level into our friendly, comfortable, and non-intimidating environment. We encourage you to come check out our new location soon and see what our unique, Judgement Free Zone® is all about.”
Planet Fitness prides itself on providing a high-quality experience at an exceptional value and being home of the Judgement Free Zone®, where members experience a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment. New members will be able to join for just $15 a month with no commitment.
The PF Black Card® membership, which is typically 24.99 a month, includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, and access to all 2,500+ Planet Fitness locations in all 50 states, among other benefits.
City officials joined State of Alabama and company representatives on June 11 to celebrate a $23.5 million expansion of the Allied Mineral Products, LLC plant in Pell City. The new construction will add a 200,000-square-foot production facility, doubling the size of the plant, and add 13 manufacturing jobs to the local workforce.
During a speech to the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Bill Pruitt noted that the company only arrived in Pell City in 2019. Doubling the size of its local facility in only 6 years is a testament to the quality of the local workforce, he said.
“It says a lot about us as a community,” Pruitt told the audience of State and local officials and company representatives. “We are proud to have you here, and we look forward to seeing you grow, prosper, and bring more employees into the Allied family.”
Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt speaks to the audience during the Allied Mineral Products groundbreaking ceremony on June 11, 2024.
Allied Mineral first came to St. Clair County in 2017 with its acquisition of Riverside Refractories, Inc. Allied opened the Pell City production facility in August 2019.
“The reason you’re here validates that we’re doing something right that makes for a great workforce,” St. Clair Commission Chair Stan Batemon told the audience during the ceremony.
St. Clair Commission Chairman Stan Batemon addresses local, State, and company officials at the Allied Mineral production facility in Pell City on June 11, 2024.
Allied Mineral President and CEO Paul Jamieson noted that the expansion will increase the company’s number of full-time jobs at the facility to more than 100. He said thanks to the quality of Pell City’s workforce and the local support, the company’s growth in Alabama has been faster than planned.
“We are excited to be expanding our facility so soon and are confident this will help us to continue that growth,” Jamieson said.
From left, Mayor Bill Pruitt, Allied Mineral President & CEO Paul Jamieson, Council member Ivi McDaniel, Allied Mineral Chairman Jon R. Tabor, and City Manager Brian Muenger. The entirety of the gravel area pictured will soon be transformed into a 200,000-square-foot production facility.
According to officials, the company can produce more than 1,000 different products at the Pell City plant, which are primarily types of heat-resistant coatings for industrial use. Allied’s products are used everywhere from smelting ladles to rocket launchpads.
Construction on the new facility, now under way, will be completed in late 2025. In addition to the new building, the expansion will include installation of new manufacturing equipment including cranes, drying ovens and mixers. Allied will increase the facility’s production capacity, improve efficiency, prepare it for growth and increase its ability to serve the company’s Southern regions.
Besides Pell City, Allied has U.S. locations in Brownsville, Texas and Columbus, Ohio, where it is headquartered. The company also has facilities in Canada, South America, Europe, India, China, and South Africa.
On Tuesday, May 28, the City Council for the City of Pell City awarded the construction of its new police station to Goodgame Company. The Pell City-based construction company’s $5.95 million bid was the lowest of four returned to City administration, the highest coming back at $7.24 million.
Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris presents a rendering of the planned Pell City Police Department to City Council on May 28.
“Bids were within the margins of what we expected, and less than the costs of other departments that recently constructed new operations centers that we reviewed during this process,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “I think if the Council approves this bid, it will set our department up for the next 30 years.”
Goodgame Company’s bid for the facility was certified by project architect David Christian, who presented to the Council during its Regular Work Session. Christian confirmed that the bid met specifications, but included some contingencies for soil compaction at the project site.
Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger said that fluctuations in cost were accounted for, and that the project would be funded without the need to borrow.
“We anticipate completing this much-needed project entirely from existing funds,” Muenger said. “We’ve closely accounted for the construction costs, as well as associated costs of upfitting and equipping the space. Not a lot of cities can fund a project of this magnitude without the need for external financing, and the ability to do so speaks well to the financial stewardship of this administration.”
Architect rendering of the new station proposed for the Pell City Police Department.
The project has a contractual 12-month timeline for completion. Residents can expect to see demolition and site preparation begin in July 2024.
The City’s new 15,000-square-foot police station is planned for the site of the former Boys and Girls Club in Pell City, directly behind the City’s new Pickleball Courts on 19th St. South. The planned facility will provide the Department with approximately five times its current amount of operational space in City Hall.
“Since the most recent renovation of City Hall in 2002, the Police Department has been locked into approximately 3,000 square feet of space” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “This new facility will give them the room they need to operate appropriately for a department their size.”
Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said the facility was designed for expansion and is expected to accommodate the needs of the City for decades to come. The new facility will provide officers with the resources they need to excel, including expanded space for administration, investigations and patrol divisions and dedicated community meeting rooms.
Architect rendering of the new Detective Room in the Pell City Police Station.
“I extend my gratitude to the City Council and administration for their unwavering vision and support,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “This project wouldn’t be possible without their commitment to public safety.”
A pre-bid meeting was held May 7, 2024, and eight contractors requested architectural plans for the new facility. The Anniston-based firm Christian & Associates Architects, Inc. completed the plans for the new police station in March.
Architect rendering of the exterior of the Pell City Police Station.
The City of Pell City is excited to announce that popular restaurants Outback Steakhouse and Whataburger will soon join the impressive selection of retailers at Pell City Square.
Construction is underway at both sites, and the City anticipates both will be open to the public before the close of 2024. The new restaurants will be located on the west side of the Pell City Square development, with Outback on the northwest corner parcel next to Ross Dress for Less.
“The arrivals of Outback Steakhouse and Whataburger fulfill a key promise made by this administration to attract high-quality dining for our residents as part of the Pell City Square development,” Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “These businesses bring not only exciting new options but also create significant economic opportunities through job creation and increased local investment.”
The addition of these beloved national chains brings the Pell City Square closer to completion. The project, which sits on the site of the former St. Clair County Hospital, was announced in 2022. It contained four outparcels that would be developed separately from the primary retail component.
The additions of Outback and Whataburger mean all City-controlled parcels are committed. Only two outparcels totaling 3.44 acres remain on the east side of the site, both controlled by Bill Ellison, president of I-20 Development.
Outback will have 187 seats in the restaurant with a maximum occupancy of 210. Combined with Whataburger, the new restaurants are expected to add approximately $3 million in annual taxable income to Pell City’s economy.
The Pell City Square development was initially projected to generate $25 million in taxable sales. Revised figures following an immensely successful holiday season in 2023 now project that figure to be higher.
“We’re expecting that the Pell City Square’s taxable sales for 2024 will surpass original projections by around 20 percent,” Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger said. “When we include the new restaurants, taxable sales are likely to exceed $33 million annually.
“Not only do these figures show our City has been successful in capturing local spending that would otherwise travel to competing markets, but it also provides the City with a significant boost in its ability to provide services and amenities for current and future residents.”
Pell City Square is located off I-20 Exit 158 on Dr. John Haynes Drive in Pell City. The 148,000 square foot retail space features Hobby Lobby, Ulta, Pet Smart, Ross Dress for Less, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, America’s Best Eye Care and Five Below.
It is with great sadness that the City of Pell City acknowledges the passing of Judge William E. (Bill) Hereford on April 12, 2024.
Mayor Hereford was, above all, an exemplary public servant and beloved leader who endeavored to prepare his community for the future. His efforts to improve the lives of Pell City residents began long before he served as the Mayor from 2008 to 2012, and they continued long after.
While in office, he led with the phrase, “The 21st Century is ours.” His priority was to galvanize the City of Pell City behind the common goal of excellence; to ready it for what it is today, and to prepare it for what the future may bring.
He began by undertaking a professionalization of the City’s workforce, creating invaluable positions in City administration, including the first Public Works Director, Chief Financial Officer and Information Technology Specialist. He would go on to champion the City’s transition to a Council-Manager form of government, leading the Council to create and fill the position of City Manager.
“The impact of Bill Hereford’s efforts to transition the role of mayor to part-time and establish the position of City Manager cannot be overstated,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “He recognized that we were changing rapidly, and that we had to embrace growth or we would be left behind. I will always be grateful for his humility, his leadership, and his unwavering dedication to his community, all of which led us to where we are today.”
Mayor Hereford’s vision for Pell City facilitated a period of robust, transformative growth. During Hereford’s term, he recruited and developed numerous valuable projects that significantly impact the lives of Pell City residents today.
“It was a very active time with a myriad of major projects being handled,” said St. Clair County District Judge Alan Furr, who served as City Attorney during a portion of Mayor Hereford’s term. “Every project that he pursued as Mayor was intended for the betterment of Pell City. He was really selfless. He had no concern to gain credit for himself, he just wanted good things for the citizens of Pell City.”
His collaborative work included securing the location of both Publix and the Robert L. Howard Veterans Home in Pell City, and he led to completion the years-long effort to secure a partnership with Ascension Health that saw the construction of St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital.
Mayor Bill Hereford, front row, second from right, during the groundbreaking ceremony for St. Vincent’s St. Clair.
“He was involved in everything, and his intentions were to always be a friend to the people of Pell City,” said Council Member Jay Jenkins, who Hereford appointed to the Pell City City Council.
Prior to his years in office, Mayor Hereford served as St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge from 1991-2004. His time on the bench proved invaluable in developing relationships that would help him claim the 21st Century for the City.
In 2001, he was a member of the leadership team that designed and built Kids Kastle at Lakeside Park in Pell City. His responsibility was to locate and engage volunteers to help with construction of the playground, and he delivered. More than 2,000 people answered his call to aid in the project, which he fondly referred to in later years as “the best civic project I’ve ever been involved in.”
Hereford, left, reviews plans during the construction of Kids Kastle at Lakeside Park in Pell City.
In 2004, while serving as Circuit Judge, he led in the creation of the City’s Social Services Building located behind City Hall in the former County Health Department. He proposed its purchase and renovation to the City Council for the purpose of housing various charitable organizations including the Christian Love Pantry, Community Action Agency, and the American Red Cross.
In 2006, he assisted in the organization and development of the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA), a collaborative effort among the City of Pell City, Pell City Schools and many other organizations and individuals. He led efforts to raise more than $350,000 in funds for the construction of the 400-seat performing arts center and 2,000-seat gymnasium that opened in 2007.
More recently, Hereford was known for his warmth and humor as he endeavored to continue growing his community. His countless volunteer hours were spent serving numerous philanthropic and humanitarian efforts that would assist his friends and neighbors.
Hereford supported the creation and expansion of the St. Clair Community Health Clinic, which serves uninsured residents of St. Clair County. He also served as the local United Way Campaign Chair, directed funding to St. Clair County as a member of the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, and served on the Board for Lakeside Hospice.
Hereford was a Charter Member, a Past President, and a Paul Harris Fellow with the Pell City Rotary Club.
“On a personal level, Bill was an important part of my life for over 35 years,” former Pell City Mayor Guin Robinson said. “He was a mentor, confidant, and dear friend. As a veteran, lawyer, Judge, Mayor and civic leader with a keen business sense, he was completely ingrained in the community and beyond. At his core he loved people, all people! His family shared him with us and for that we are all grateful. For all who had the great fortune of knowing him our lives were made richer and more complete and for that we are eternally thankful! We will miss him.”
Mayor Hereford will be remembered as a tireless champion for the City of Pell City, for his unwavering dedication to bettering the lives of its residents, and for his steadfast positivity for what lies ahead.
“Given his many roles through the years, I sometimes called him Judge Hereford and sometimes called him Mayor Hereford,” Mayor Pruitt said. “I’m most honored, however, for the privilege of calling him my friend.”
Our deepest thanks to you, Mayor Hereford. The 21st Century is ours.
Pell City begins process of revising its Comprehensive Plan
PELL CITY – Officials have begun the process of rewriting the Comprehensive Plan, a shared vision for the future of the municipality.
“It went well,” City Manager Brian Muenger said of the first steps in the process.
City employees as well as residents who volunteer on various city boards gathered at the new Municipal Complex on Tuesday to kick off efforts to revise the plan. Muenger said the 15-year-old plan does not accurately reflect the city’s plans for the future.
“Our needs have changed in the last 15 years,” he said.
He also noted that when the plan was written, Pell City only had 9,000 residents. Today, it has more than 14,000.
“It’s a 25-year comprehensive plan, but it needs updating at least every five years, and it needs to be fully revised every 10 years,” Muenger said.
He said the process to revise the municipality’s plan will take about 18 months, and the process must have public involvement. The plan focuses on six distinct areas – economic development, recreation, education, the historic downtown district, housing and public safety.
Muenger said the city will encourage residents interested in shaping the city’s future direction to volunteer to serve on a committee or subcommittee that will focus on one of the six planning areas.
He said the municipality will make applications to serve on committees available on the city’s website within the next two weeks.
“We want a diverse group of people to serve on each committee,” Muenger said. “We are looking at a full overhaul of the current Comp(rehensive) Plan.”
The council recently hired Epiphany Collaboration, LLC., to help guide the city through revising the plan. Katherine Ennis, with Epiphany Collaboration, LLC., said company officials hope to make the city’s plan more user friendly and easier to read.
She said the revised plan will have long-range goals.
“It’s a 20-year plan, but we want to know what you want to concentrate on for the next five years,” Ennis told those who were in attendance at the Leadership Retreat, which was Tuesday.
She said the process will include public hearings to encourage public involvement.
“This is a very public process,” Ennis said. “It has to involve your community.”
