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.”
The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee, created by the City Council of Pell City via resolution in October 2024. Among other responsibilities, the Committee will be tasked with interviewing and recommending future members of the Pell City Board of Education to the City Council for appointment. Its members will serve a two-year term.
The City Council created the Education Steering Committee in anticipation of Local Amendment 1, a November 5, 2024 referendum that could return the Pell City Board of Education to its roots as an appointed board.
The same amendment, which will appear on the ballot throughout St. Clair County, will provide representation on the Board to families who live outside City Limits but whose children attend Pell City Schools. The ordinance creating the Steering Committee will not go into effect until voters approve Amendment 1.
Click to read information on members of the Steering Committee
Kelly Furgerson is a graduate of Pell City High School-Class of 2001, the University of Alabama in 2004 and Birmingham School of Law in 2007. She and her husband, Mark, decided to move back to Pell City from Birmingham in order to raise their family. Kelly has two children, Reid and Emma, who are both students in the Pell City School System.
She has a law practice in Pell City, and when she is not working, she can be found at a ballpark somewhere as she is her kids’ biggest fan. She also loves serving in the Rotary Club of Pell City and Victory Church of Pell City. She is passionate about helping people in her professional and personal life.
My thoughts on Local Amendment 1
The importance of Local Amendment 1 is that it is a possible solution to a problem that has been in existence since 1982. That is a long time – because that is actually the year that I was born.
For years, people have discussed making it a priority to correct the longstanding issue of representation for the residents in the county portion of our school district. This amendment will allow those people who are in the attendance zone but not in the City limits to serve on the City School Board, and I think that is a great thing for this community. Those people are invested in our schools and in our community, and I would love to see some of them get involved and have a real seat at the table.
What I will be looking for in a Board of Education candidate
A few of the qualities that I will be looking for in future board members should this Amendment pass will be leadership, the ability to work well with others, integrity, and an absolute love for the Pell City School System and all it can be. A great candidate will have a relentless focus on exceeding expectations. Our students, teachers and administrators deserve the very best.
Roland St. John
Roland St. John is a lifelong resident of St. Clair County, having spent all 60 years of his life in the same community outside of the city limits. Roland is the founder and owner of C&R Feed & Supply in Ragland and Odenville, a business he’s operated for over 23 years. In addition to his business endeavors, he is a part-time farmer.
He is a dedicated member of the St. Clair County Republican Party and the St. Clair County Farmers Federation. Roland’s wife, Peggy, is a registered nurse at UAB/St. Vincent’s Hospital with over 23 years of experience. They have grandchildren in the Pell City School System. Roland also works closely with his son, Chad, who is an integral part of the family business.
My thoughts on Local Amendment 1
I have been a strong outspoken voice for the rural residents that have never had a voice in regards to the Pell City School System. We have paid our taxes and have been excluded because of how the laws are written in the state.
I still don’t agree with not being able to vote on a school board. I had to take a step back and realize that the rural resident will actually be able to seek a position on the school board and know that we will be represented by a minimum of two board members, possibly more.
I think we will have a much better school board that represents each demographic within the school district. This seems like a winning situation for all involved, especially for the students, which should be everyone’s first priority.
What I will be looking for in a Board of Education candidate
I’m looking for someone with strong character and common sense. Someone who’s committed to serving our community for the long haul and is always willing to listen to our citizens. They should understand the importance of financial responsibility and, most importantly, the safety of our students.
I want to ensure that every single student, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities to succeed. We need to prepare them for the challenges of the real world, making sure they’re equipped with basic skills like reading, writing, and math.
I believe in the power of workforce development and career technical education. We need to offer more opportunities for our students to gain practical skills that will help them succeed in the job market. Finally, a strong discipline policy is crucial for maintaining a positive learning environment.
These are the issues that matter to me, and I believe they should be priorities for our school board.
Tammie Williams
Tammie Williams is a graduate of The University of Alabama with a degree in Electrical Engineering. She also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Samford University. She has been employed by Alabama Power Company for 40 years and is currently a Senior Engineer.
Tammie serves the community in many capacities; her civic involvement includes the St. Clair County chapter of The Literacy Council, Pell City Schools Education Foundation, Pell City Chamber of Commerce member, United Way of Central Alabama St. Clair County Advisory Board, University of Alabama Blackburn Institute Advisory Board Member, University of Alabama Board of Visitors for Honors College, Logan Martin Red Elephant Club, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
She is a former math tutor and adjunct math teacher and she is also a former Pell City Board of Education member where she served for 9 years. Tammie is married to Ronald Williams and they have two children who are former Pell City High School graduates.
My thoughts on Local Amendment 1
For many years the Pell City Board of Education has explored different ways for citizens outside of the city limits to have board representation. There were legal roadblocks and scenarios that did not provide the results we wanted to achieve. At this time, Amendment 1 provides a path to provide that board representation as well as precludes the citizens in our attendance zone from affecting the outcomes of St Clair County School Superintendent and their school board processes.
What I will be looking for in a Board of Education candidate
While there are many qualities and traits that I will be looking for; first and foremost I want future board members to be passionate cheerleaders and champions for our students, teachers, staff and administrators. They should have the ability to make sound decisions with the information given and can be objective without agendas.
There will be differing opinions on the board from time to time, an exemplary board member can disagree but can do so with civility. While attending the monthly board meetings and training is required and necessary, I want future board members to be committed to be engaged in the school system by attending academic and extracurricular activities and spending time in classrooms with educators and students.
Monique Bowman
Monique Bowman, a retired school teacher of 40 years, taught in the Pell City School system for 25 years. She began her career in 1973 with a short break with her first two boys and a short term in France serving with her husband as a missionary. Upon returning from the mission field, she began her teaching career again. Her four boys attended and graduated from the Pell City School System.
Pell City has been her home for the past 50 years, except for the time living in France. Her boys have been involved in the activities of the community and the school playing in the band and sports.
Monique’s field was Social Studies and Spanish. She received her Bachelor of Science degree concentrating in Secondary Education with specialties in History and Spanish from Bob Jones University. She obtained her master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
She taught all levels of history at Pell City High School, finishing her career teaching Advanced Placement classes and head of the History Department. Today she continues to be a part of the ACCESS community of the University of Alabama, online teaching and serving as a docent at the Museum of Pell City.
My thoughts on Local Amendment 1
I believe that it is necessary for all the people to be represented in the school district. My oldest child graduated in 1996 and my youngest in 2006, but I had no say so in the school system. The reason is that we live half a mile outside the city limits. Yet, my boys had to go to Pell City, not St. Clair County.
Like a good citizen, we voted every election, and if there was an issue for the St. Clair County school system, we voted even though it did not affect us. There are many people in the same situation. It is necessary for parents to have a say so in the system their children attend. Some people may have preferred to have the amendment as two separate things. One to vote on the attendance zone and the other to vote on the appointed or elected board.
What I will be looking for in a Board of Education candidate
School board members should be the highest of ethical and moral conduct. They should show a respectful attitude to other members, the superintendent, board employees, teachers and all support personnel. This will filter down through the system.
School board members should prioritize high academic standards K-12, not only to be on paper but to be enforced. Someone who wants discipline throughout the system and is consistent regardless of the person. They should seek out strong academic teachers who are going to teach subject matter, not their own ideas. Teachers who are not going to be swayed by the thought of the day.
School board members should have a good sense of finance as they will be making some of the financial decisions or at least approving them for the system. Financial responsibility is important to keep the system sound.
School board members should be able to work together as a team, agreeing with the final goal of having the best system possible. They should not be ‘yes men’ nor be willing to rubber stamp ideas, nor afraid to voice their opinions, but be able to articulate their position clearly. At the same time, they should be able to discuss and disagree with each other amicably and then come to a general conclusion. It is not their time to shine.
School board members need to have the same vision for the system, they cannot be fragmented as this will filter down through the system. They need to commit to attending all meetings, clearing their agenda so that they are readily available to attend.
Cory Bline
A lifelong Pell City resident, Cory has been a dedicated member of the community for many years. A graduate of Pell City High School, he began a career with Allstate in 2007. In 2014, he fulfilled a long-time dream by opening an Allstate agency in Lincoln. A year ago, he relocated the agency back to Pell City and has since become actively involved in local schools, supporting his daughters’ participation in sports, beta club, and engineering. He has donated to Pell City athletics for more than a decade.
Cory’s passion for community extends beyond his professional and family life. He is an active Rotarian, Pell City Chamber of Commerce member, and volunteer coach for youth sports. His wife, Vicki Bline, is a 21-year veteran educator and Pell City Schools employee at the Legacy Learning Center. Together, they share a commitment to education and community development.
My thoughts on Local Amendment 1
First, we need representation for the whole student body and their parents, and this is a solution that provides it. Beyond that, an appointed board that includes County residents – like me – brings new voices and diversity of thought into the Pell City School System. I think it’s good that we’re opening up the pool, and I expect many people to look for any way to be a part of this new structure.
I also like the structure of staggered appointments for Board of Education members. It ensures an experienced board is in place at all times.
What I will be looking for in a Board of Education candidate
I’m a big athletics guy, but I plan to seek out applicants who want excellence in academics. That includes students who may need more attention than others, so I hope to find people interested in alternative learning programs.
Other than that, I want people with ideas that we don’t already have – people with experience with successful trends in education. I want to see applicants who have a love for our system and our students but see the bigger picture and want to explore new opportunities.
Rusty Jessup
Mayor Rusty Jessup is a dedicated public servant and longtime resident of Riverside, Alabama. He and his wife, Sandra, a retired school teacher, have called Riverside home for over 20 years.
After graduating from Shades Valley High School and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University, Rusty embarked on a successful career in the insurance industry, spanning over 30 years.
A committed community leader, Rusty has served the city of Riverside for nearly two decades. He was first elected to the City Council in 2004 and subsequently as Mayor in 2006. Currently in his fifth term as Mayor, he continues to prioritize the needs and well-being of Riverside’s residents.
Beyond his mayoral duties, Rusty actively contributes to regional and state-level initiatives. He serves as Chairman of the St. Clair County Mayors Association, Chairman of the St. Clair County Healthcare Authority, and a member of the Jacksonville State University Political Action Committee. Additionally, he is a dedicated member of the Alabama League of Municipalities and an active participant at Riverside Baptist Church.
My thoughts on Local Amendment 1
Since I became Mayor of Riverside, I have tried and tried to find a way to solve this problem. Citizens of Riverside had no representative on the School Board where our kids went to school; and there was no easy way to fix it – unless we wanted to send our kids to County Schools, which was not an option due to location. Geographically, it would be easier for us to go to school in Lincoln as it would be to go to the nearest County School. There are no good options.
While Amendment One does not give us a “vote” to Represent us “as a district”, it does give us representation. The fact that this new Board will be “Seated” by appointment rather than elected means we get representation by a delegate that will represent all of us and not just a “district”. All School Board members will now represent all students – not just the students in their district. This – in my opinion – is the best part. No districts. Simple representation for everyone, regardless of where you live.
I am confident that the Pell City City Council will appoint members that will represent Riverside, as well as everyone else. The amendment requires at least two members live outside the City Limits of Pell City. Students out in the school district will be represented. I like it. It is a step in the right direction. I am sure this system will get revisited from time to time (as it should) – but for now, It is a well thought out process, and a huge step for the better.
What I will be looking for in a Board of Education candidate
Service to humanity is the best work of life. I want someone who has a giving spirit and a history of community involvement. Will do the right thing for the right reason and has no ax to grind. I want positive individuals who are willing to leave the day-to-day operations of the schools in the hands of the paid administrators and the teachers so the School Board can be free to move our schools forward, promote wellbeing, and think ahead.
They should see the big picture, be willing to study how other school boards do things successfully, and lead. They are educated – college degree preferred, but not crucial. Makes a good impression – physically and mentally. Dresses appropriately and gives off a professional appearance in the way they talk and act. Committed to making our school system the best school system in Alabama. Willing to put in the time and sacrifice it will take to accomplish this.
Jeff Jones
Jeff Jones is a longtime resident of Pell City. After graduating from Pell City High School in 1986, he earned a degree in finance from Auburn University.
He has dedicated the past 30 years to the real estate industry, serving as a respected appraiser and developer within the Pell City community. His understanding of local property values and market trends has made him a valuable asset to the area.
Committed to public service, Jeff was elected to the Pell City Board of Education twice and served for six years, elected to two terms.
Jeff is an active member of the Pell City Rotary Club and the Association of Realtors. He is married with four children who have attended Pell City Schools, fostering a deep connection to the community.
My thoughts on Local Amendment 1
The residents of the Pell City School System Attendance Zone voted to increase ad valorem taxes in exchange for representation on the school board. Now it’s up to the residents to approve their seat at the table.
The measure offers a fair and complete plan to give a voice to residents who have lacked one in administrative decisions for the entirety of the Pell City School System’s history.
What I will be looking for in a Board of Education candidate
I envision a School Board member who can see the big picture – someone who has a vision for what our system could be, should be, and will be.
I would like to see a candidate who’s willing to learn from others, and who can inspire our district to reach new heights. Someone who trusts our administrators and teachers to handle the day-to-day, while the Board focuses on long-term goals and strategic planning. Someone with a positive outlook that will be displayed to school administration, faculty & students.
On Oct. 14, the City Council for the City of Pell City recognized outgoing Municipal Judge Brandi Hufford for her “significant contributions to the City and her service and dedication to the community.”
Hufford was appointed to the position of Municipal Judge following the retirement of Judge Van Davis in 2018. The Council noted her appointment as “historic” in a proclamation read by Mayor Bill Pruitt during the Council Meeting, as Hufford was the first woman to serve as a municipal court judge in St. Clair County.
Judge Brandi Hufford and son, Sloan, with Mayor Bill Pruitt during the City Council meeting October 14.
“I’m aware of what you did in allowing me to serve,” Judge Hufford told the Council. “Judge Van Davis was a mentor of mine, and it meant a lot for me to come in after him. I’m proud of you all, and I’m proud of this City.”
Joined by her husband, Del Hufford, and son, Sloan, Judge Hufford was recognized by the Council for her wisdom, compassion, and legal expertise in her service to the City. The Council also celebrated the continuance of her leadership as she prepares for her upcoming role.
Hufford ran an uncontested race for St. Clair County District Judge, Place 1 in 2024. The day after she was recognized by the Council, in a ceremony attended by hundreds at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City, she was sworn in by Circuit Judge Phil Seay to her new position.
She is also the first woman to serve as an elected judge for St. Clair County.
“That distinction is less about me and more about you,” she told the audience during her swearing in ceremony. “I would not be here without each of you.”
Hufford replaces District Judge Alan Furr, who retired from the position after 13 years of service. Furr was honored during the ceremony with the presentation of a new portrait that will hang in the St. Clair County Courthouse.
The 2024 season of “Lights in the Park” is fast approaching, and the Pell City Parks & Recreation Department is preparing for it’s biggest year yet as it looks to add an exciting new feature – Awards!
In 2024, community displays will be judged on their creativity and quality, and special recognition will go to the winners. Not only will attendees of the 2024 Lights in the Park be invited to vote on their favorite displays, but a panel of independent judges will also be assembled to vote on several categories from among all participants.
The winners will be recognized in a variety of ways, which means it is more important than ever for your organization to be a part of this community event.
Judges will vote for “BEST OVERALL – JUDGE’S CHOICE”. There will be nine additional categories for the general public to vote on. Voting will begin the first lighting day of our event, Friday, November 29th and end at 9pm Thursday, December 19th. Signs with a QR code will be distributed throughout the park. Visitors will use their mobile phone cameras to scan the code, which takes them directly to our poll.
In July 2024, the City of Pell City celebrated the installation of 20 black, cast-iron benches and 11 matching litter containers along Cogswell Ave. – the final piece of a years-long Downtown Improvement Project.
These new, modern benches were made possible through a contribution from the Rotary Club of Pell City. They join other significant improvements installed along Cogswell Ave., Comer Ave., and 19th Street including new sidewalks and curbs, planters, and streetlights.
Pell City Rotarians met on the corner of 19th St. and Cogswell Ave. to celebrate the installation of new benches in downtown Pell City. The Rotary Club of Pell City contributed $20,000 toward the purchase and installation. From left are: Immediate Past President Serge Brazzolotto, Secretary Emily Norris, City Council member and Sergeant-at-Arms Jay Jenkins, Jaxon Phillips, Steve Talley, President-Elect Brian Muenger, and President Kelly Furgerson.
Rotary Past-President Serge Brazzolotto, who led the Club from July 2023 through June 2024, initially saw the value of transforming the City’s historic downtown into a more vibrant and walkable space. He spearheaded the club’s involvement.
“It was Rotary’s goal to provide the people of Pell City with something that enhanced their experience downtown,” Brazzolotto said. “These benches will be used daily, and our Club is proud to help improve our community in such a meaningful way.”
Pell City Rotary President Kelly Furgerson and Immediate Past President Serge Brazzolotto led the effort to involve the Club in the City of Pell City’s Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project.
Total cost of the benches and litter containers was approximately $40,000. Rotary committed to assisting the City with the expense by contributing half the cost – more than $20,000.
This contribution is part of the Rotary Club of Pell City’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Club, founded in 1974, marked a half century of community service this year, and each bench is branded with a badge that recognizes the Club’s decades of “Service Above Self.”
“Rotary sends a tremendous thanks to the City for the vision and effort that went into improving our downtown,” Rotary President Kelly Furgerson said. “We’re excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary alongside this major accomplishment.”
The City of Pell City’s Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project dates back to June 2020, when the City applied for an Alabama Department of Transportation TAP Grant, which stands for “Transportation Alternatives Program.”
The grant request was for $640,000 to remedy ADA non-compliant sidewalks in the downtown area. The City provided local matching funds of approximately $500,000, including landscaping and lighting costs, as well as engineering and inspection fees.
Streetscape Improvements completed by the City with the assistance of the TAP Grant included the corner of 19th St. and Cogswell Ave. (above), and the corner of 20th St. and Cogswell. Ave. “Before” photos from the City’s grant submission.
In August 2023, the City awarded a bid for construction to Taylor Corporation of Oxford for approximately $830,000. Taylor Corp. completed their portion of the project in June.
Installation of the Rotary benches was the final piece. They were installed in July by the Pell City Street Department under the supervision of Greg Gossett and Blake Nixon.
“We are grateful to ALDOT for recognizing this need and helping us transform downtown Pell City,” Muenger said. “Punctuating it with a gift of this scale from Rotary is what truly makes this a community project, and one that we hope residents will appreciate for years to come.”
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.
