Request for Proposals: Surplus City-Owned Property at 46 Cogswell Drive

UPDATE: Questions about the property or the proposal process can be submitted to City Manager Brian Muenger by September 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

The City of Pell City is seeking bids for the purchase of a surplus property located at 46 Cogswell Drive, Pell City, AL 35125. The property, which is approximately 5.8 acres, includes a 1,600-square-foot brick residential home.

Key Details for Bidders
  • Proposal Submission Deadline: All proposals must be submitted by September 5, 2025.
  • Property Viewing: The property will be available for inspection on August 28, 2025. The City makes no warranties regarding the condition of the property, and it will be sold “AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH ALL FAULTS”.
  • Required Documents: Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the following information clearly marked: “Proposal for City-Owned Surplus Property at 46 Cogswell Ave.”. The proposal must include a completed Bid Sheet and an Intended Use of Property Form.
  • Submission Location: Deliver all forms to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, located at 1905 1st Ave. N, Pell City, AL 35125.
How Bids Are Evaluated

The City Manager will review proposals and make a recommendation to the Mayor and City Council. The decision will be based on three factors:

  • The highest proposal amount.
  • The intended use of the property.
  • The responsibility of the bidder.

The Mayor and City Council have the right to reject any and all proposals.

Questions

If you have questions about the property or the proposal process, you can email them to City Manager Brian Muenger. All questions must be submitted by September 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. For full details, download the complete Request for Proposals document and the required forms below.

Inspections

YOU MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CITY OF PELL CITY REPRESENTATIVE TO ACCESS THE PROPERTY. The City will make the property available for inspection BY APPOINTMENT ONLY on August 28, 2025. Any interested bidders are responsible for inspecting the property at their own expense to ensure it meets their needs. Inspection appointments may be scheduled via email at jthompson@cityofpellcity.net prior to August 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

To receive a copy of the Request for Proposal Packet, please email City Manager Muenger. Include your personal information in the message, including full name and phone number.

City Pauses High-Density Residential Development

Since 2020, more than 750 new homes have been built in the City of Pell City, and hundreds more will be going up soon. Acknowledging this rapid growth, and in the interest of safeguarding the unique character of the community, the City Council for the City of Pell City has temporarily paused new applications for high-density residential developments.

During its regular meeting on July 14, 2025, the City Council for the City of Pell City approved a six-month moratorium on new plat applications for R-3 and R-4 zoning designations, the city’s highest-density residential zones. These designations cover single-family attached dwellings (townhouses), multi-family housing (apartments and condominiums), and other higher-density residential developments. 

Oak Village, a new subdivision of more than 200 single-family homes off Florida Road, is an example of R-4 Zoning in the City of Pell City. Approved projects in Pell City, including Oak Village, will not be impacted by the moratorium. Applications for similar developments have been paused to allow the City to refine its regulations.

Subdivision proposals containing 3 or fewer lots that contain no public improvements are exempt, and the moratorium does apply to any previously authorized plats or ongoing development within existing subdivisions. This decision allows the city to refine its growth management strategies and evaluate its comprehensive plan, a process meant to ensure future development meets community expectations for quality and design.

“Put simply, the current regulatory framework of the City does not provide the Planning Commission or City staff with the tools necessary to ensure development that meets the desired standard of the community,” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “It is recommended that the Council authorize a temporary and targeted pause on these areas of concern, during which time staff can work with the Planning Commission to refine and improve the regulations governing these activities.”

This decision not only protects the City from immediate strain on utility systems, but it also addresses a concern expressed numerous times by Pell City Board of Education candidates during public interviews last month. 

“It’s great to see our City growing. People are flocking to Pell City,” recently appointed Board of Education member Jarrett Jacobs said during his interview on June 16. “But with that comes more kids. We have got to be prepared to accommodate more children.”

Addressing Metal-Clad Buildings

An example of a metal-clad residential structure that will be impacted by the moratorium. The City intends to update regulations to prevent these buildings, which lack architectural features, from being built in residential or commercial areas alongside structures with higher architectural standards.

In addition to the residential plat moratorium, the Council has also enacted a temporary six-month moratorium on the construction or expansion of metal-clad buildings in residential and most commercial zoning districts. This decision comes in response to concerns from citizens about these structures, particularly those near existing homes, businesses, and historically significant areas.

The City’s Comprehensive Plan emphasizes aesthetic cohesiveness and the protection of existing character. However, current regulations only address construction manner and use, not appearance or construction type beyond basic building codes. This has led to situations where metal-clad buildings, lacking architectural features, could be built alongside structures with higher architectural standards.

The moratorium defines a “metal-clad building” as a principal structure where the majority of its exterior surface is metal. It applies to properties zoned for Residential and Commercial use but exempts B-3 (Heavy Business), M-1 (Light Manufacturing), and M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) industrial or heavy business districts. 

The Planning Commission will also temporarily review Conditional Use applications for R-A zoned properties proposing such development. This pause will enable city staff and the Planning Commission to develop regulations that provide the necessary tools to ensure development meets the community’s desired aesthetic standards.

Pell City Community Easter Egg Hunt: 10,000 Eggs Coming to Lakeside Park on April 6

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.”

RAIN DATE: Saturday, April 19. 10:00-11:30 a.m.

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.”

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.

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!

Alabama Sales Tax Holiday coming July 16-18: See the list of tax-free items

The City of Pell City will again participate in the State of Alabama’s Annual Back to School Sales Tax Holiday in 2024. This year’s event begins July 19 at 12:01 a.m. and concludes July 21 at midnight.

During this time, local and State of Alabama sales taxes will be waived at retailers in the City limits, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing for less than other times during the year.

For more, contact the State of Alabama Sales and Use Tax Division at (334) 242-1490 or (866) 576-6531.

Eligible clothing: Includes all human wearing apparel suitable for general use. This is not an all-inclusive list. $100 or less, per article of clothing.

  • Belts / Scarves / Neckties
  • School Uniforms / Gym Suits
  • Caps / Hats
  • Pants / Jeans / Shorts
  • Shirts / Dresses
  • Coats / Jackets / Raincoats
  • Shoes / Sneakers / Boots / Sandals
  • Diapers / Underwear
  • Pajamas / Robes
  • Socks / Gloves / Hosiery