Pell City Board of Education Appointment Process Moving Forward

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.”

Follow The City of Pell City on Facebook for regular updates about the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee.

Board of Education Steering Committee to deliver first report to City Council

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.

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.

Dancing with our Stars 2025 set for March 1 at CEPA

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.

Tickets are $30 online at pellcitycepa.com/tickets or $35 at the door.

To register dancers, purchase tickets or sponsorships, or make other donations, contact Munkus at (205) 473-4063 or email dorito30711@gmail.com.

Important Information: Winter Weather in Pell City, Jan. 9-10, 2025

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.

The City of Pell City

City offices and facilities will delay opening until 10 a.m. on Friday, January 10. The Pell City Civic Center will delay opening on Saturday, Jan. 11 until 10 a.m. as well. Please monitor https://www.facebook.com/cityofpellcity and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057558785396 (Pell City Parks & Recreation).

Pell City Schools

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/.

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.