By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Pelham’s outgoing mayor and City Council members reflected on their years of service with the city during their last full council meeting on Oct. 15.

The meeting was the last for outgoing Mayor Don Murphy, Council President Teresa Riddle and council members Steve Powell and Bill Meadows.

Riddle praised her colleagues for their involvement in projects such as a new bike trail bridge in Oak Mountain State Park, upcoming sidewalks along Bearden Road and for applying in 2009 for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to help combat flooding off Alabama 261.

FEMA awarded the grant to Pelham on Oct. 11, and the council voted unanimously to approve matching funds on Oct. 15.

“This is an opportunity for us to bring closure on something we started working on three years ago,” Powell said.

Powell, who served for more than 20 years as Pelham’s fire marshal and was elected to the council in 2008, said his time with the city has been “an honor.”

“I wish the newly elected City Council and mayor the best of luck. I care about Pelham and its future,” Powell said.

Meadows, also elected in 2008, said “it’s been a good four years.”

“You try to make a difference, and that is what I have tried to do,” Meadows said. “You have some outstanding people working for your city.”

Murphy, who entered office in 2008, said he plans to spend time with his family after his term ends.

“I enjoyed my four years here, and I look forward to opening the next door in my life,” Murphy said. “I thank you for the opportunity to be your mayor.

“I think our city is better tonight than it was four years ago,” Murphy added.

On Nov. 5, Murphy will be replaced with new mayor Gary Waters, Riddle’s seat will go to Rick Hayes, Powell’s seat will go to Maurice Mercer and Beth McMillan will take over Meadows’ seat. Incumbent council members Karyl Rice and Ron Scott will return for another term.