By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer PELHAM— The new Chelsea Sports Complex will stay within the city limits of Chelsea pending approval by the Pelham City Council to de-annex two parcels of land behind Chelsea High School that currently belongs to Pelham.

In turn, the city of Chelsea would de-annex a parcel of land to be annexed by Pelham. The de-annexation and annexation of both properties by Chelsea and Pelham would be mutually beneficial, according to the ordinance.

The first reading of the ordinance at the Nov. 16 meeting, declared that the agreement would de-annex properties off County Road 11.

Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven wrote the Pelham City Council Oct. 7, requesting the de-annexation of those parcels to be used for the new Chelsea Sports Complex to be built behind Chelsea High School.

In the request, Niven expressed that he thought the two parcels should remain within the same city limits of Chelsea. He also stated that the contractors for the sports complex project have been selected and are ready to move forward with the project.

At the Nov. 16 meeting, Niven shared plans for the sports complex with members of the Pelham City Council, explaining what the project on would entail.

The first phase of the almost $8 million project consists of three baseball fields, but the master plan includes eight baseball fields, a soccer field, a football field, six competitive tennis courts, a playground area, walking trails and a 5-acre lake with a dam between 40-45 feet wide. The Pelham City Council also,

• Heard the first reading to amend an ordinance regarding compliance with zoning and codes prior to obtaining utility service for a commercial facility or commercial user.
• Reappointed Michael Helms and Danny Barry to the Pelham Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
• Reappointed Claude Peacock and Russell Biciste to the Pelham Planning Commission.
• Authorized participation in the 2016 Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Feb. 26-28.
• Approved an application from Barnette Wholesale Autos, Inc. to convert from wholesale to both wholesale and retail sales.
• Vacated an easement in Keeneland Valley subdivision.
• Heard the first reading of an ordinance that would approve the transfer of surplus property and authorize a real estate exchange contract between the city of Pelham and the Pelham Board of Education.