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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham City Council convened Monday, May 19 for a regularly scheduled meeting, addressing several key items including a new resolution formalizing the city’s mission and values and the approval of a parking ordinance.

Pelham City Manager Gretchen DiFante discussed the city’s new mission statement, vision statement, organizational values and seven pillars of excellence during her report to the council.

“(Our) mission is basically what we’re paid to do today,” DiFante said. “(Our mission statement reads) Pelham is committed to delivering exceptional services, fostering a thriving community and creating unparalleled opportunities for residents and businesses.

“The vision (statement reads) Pelham forges A Path Apart—a thriving, authentic community where every individual is engaged, empowered and valued. Through vibrant spaces, bold progress and unwavering connection, we create a future where people are at the heart of a dynamic, inclusive city.”

DiFante further outlined that the city’s organizational values use the acronym ISEE: integrity, sustainability, engagement and excellence. DiFante explained each portion of the acronym.

“We lead with honesty, transparency and accountability, earning trust through ethical governance and within the parameters of the laws to which we are accountable,” DiFante said. “We make data-driven decisions that balance growth, fiscal responsibility and long-term prosperity. We foster collaboration between the city and its residents, ensuring every voice is heard and valued. We raise the bar through innovation, dedication and servant leadership, always striving to do better.”

DiFante concluded her address by introducing the city’s seven pillars of excellence: a well-managed city, public safety, infrastructure, physical character, smart/responsible development, community engagement and recreation and cultural arts.

“We’re excited to have that (the new mission and values) and all be on the same page,” DiFante said.

The council unanimously approved a resolution adopting the city’s new mission statement and values. The council also unanimously approved a parking ordinance that regulates parking within Pelham’s city limits.

The main purpose of the ordinance is to move enforcement measures so that Pelham’s code enforcement and police officers are able to initiate enforcement in a more expeditious manner. Additional improvements to the ordinance include removing and replacing impractical language, consolidating parking-related offenses into a single location in the code and expanding the list of parking offenses that can be cited if necessary.

Before the council meeting, the council’s work session began at 5 p.m., where members reviewed an amendment to the management agreement with VenuWorks of Pelham, LLC and received an update on the business license ordinance revision process currently underway.

“We are updating the business license ordinance holistically,” DiFante said. “Our intention is that we will present the new business license ordinance in the early fall.”

DiFante further discussed the amendment to the contract with VenuWorks, which was authorized in September 2021. The initial agreement was for a five-year period, with the initial term set to expire in September 2026. The agreement allowed for an optional five-year extension between both parties. During the work session, representatives of VenuWorks and the city of Pelham both expressed their desire to exercise the five-year option.

“We are from the staff side extremely happy with VenuWorks and the team that they have in place,” DiFante said.

The amendment will be presented to the council for approval at an upcoming meeting on Monday, June 2.

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda during the city council meeting that began at 7 p.m., with the following resolutions passed:

 

• A resolution for consideration to accept the annual Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Program Report
• A resolution for consideration to accept a proposal from TTL, Inc. for professional services related to geotechnical subsurface exploration and testing for the Pelham City Park Renovations project. This project was budgeted in fiscal year 2025.
• Resolution for consideration to enter into an agreement with Shelby County, Alabama and accept a Senior Programs Grant initiative on behalf of the Pelham Senior Center.

The following public announcements were made at the conclusion of the council meeting:

 

• The 2025 Pelham High School graduation will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. Tickets are required to attend.
• Pelham city offices will be closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
• Pelham residents who would like to serve as municipal election poll officials are encouraged to contact City Clerk/Treasurer Jonathan Seale by calling 205-620-6404 or by emailing jseale@pelhamalabama.gov. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 30 at 5 p.m.

For more information on the Pelham City Council, visit Pelhamalabama.gov/269/Mayor-City-Council.