PELHAM – In an effort to recognize the importance of mental health, Mayor Gary Waters proclaimed the month of May as Mental Health Month within the city at a City Council meeting on Monday, May 13.

“Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being,” reads the proclamation. “Prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental health conditions.”

The proclamation cites a healthy eating habits, exercise, sleep and stress management as ways people can protect their mental health. For those who live with a mental illness, effective treatment can allow a person to lead full and productive lives.

Waters noted that each business, school, government agency, healthcare provider, organization and citizen shares the burden of mental health problems and has the responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts.

He also recognized the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions. Shelby County Probate Judge Allison Boyd was present as Waters read the proclamation.

Afterward, she shared that the city of Pelham has always been a supporter of this cause. Boyd said the city is one of eight other municipalities in the county to proclaim May as Mental Health Month.

“The Pelham Police Department was one of the first in the county to participate in the Crisis Intervention Training that was started three years ago,” Boyd said. “That first year, I believe they sent five people. They have sent people each of the three years the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has offered it.”

Boyd thanked Waters and the Pelham Police Department for continued support.

In other business, the council:

-Approved an amendment to the zone district boundaries of the city, changing the present zoning A-1 (Agricultural District) to B-2 (General Business District) for applicants David and Nancy Miles. The property is located along Shelby County 33. The first reading was conducted April 15.

-Approved a resolution to accept the annual Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Program Report conducted by Municipal Consultants, Inc.

-Approved a request by AT&T for modifications to an existing telecommunications facility located at 5000 Oak Mountain Drive. Five antennas will be removed from a 150-foot tower and replaced with five new antennas.

-Approved a resolution to accept the donation of vehicles for Pelham’s police and fire departments from Colonial Pipeline Company.