By Briana Harris / Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham City Council might be one step closer to finding a way to address the issue of smoking in the city.

During a city council work session on Monday, Aug. 1., council members agreed that a mandate needs to be established to address smoking in local establishments.

Councilman Maurice Mercer referenced Alabaster’s smoking ordinance that requires businesses to state whether they allow smoking. Mercer said Alabaster’s ordinance requires businesses to place a sign or placard on their entrance door that clearly states their stance on the matter.

Council President Rick Hayes said although he does want people to have the freedom to do what they want, he also feels it is his responsibility to safeguard for the welfare of society as a whole.

Mayor Gary Waters said a complete ban on smoking is hypocrisy because the state benefits from tobacco sales taxes products.

“We’re taxing them whenever they purchase tobacco products and then we’re telling them that they can’t use it,” he said.

Councilwoman Karyl Rice also spoke against a complete ban.

“I can agree with Alabasters method of letting the businesses make that choice,” she said.

Hayes said the council is not at the point of making a decision on the matter. He said more citizen feedback is required first.

In other business, the council:

-Approved an ordinance to rezone a 0.53-acre property located at 2805 Pelham Parkway from B-4 Mini Warehouse District to B-2 General Business District.

-Appointed Holly Burnham, Liz Johnson, Jesse Burnham, Joyce Amason, Daniel Bacon, Jean Barnes, Neal Blackwelder, Dot Johnson, Eve Jowers, Joe Myers, Sue Ann Myers, Kenneth Paschal, Willard Payne, Bill Peck, Bonnie Peck, Betty Rasberry, Barbara Shaw, Lisa Squires, Shirley Sydes, Jackie Tubbs and Barry Wood as Election Officers for the 2016 Municipal Election.

-Approved the rate of compensation for the 2016 Municipal Election Officers. Workers will receive $25 for paid training and clerks will receive $75 for working Election Day. Inspectors receive $85 and the chief inspector receives $150 on Election Day.

-Authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with Shelby County for IT equipment upgrades for the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena and for use of a portable NCAA basketball court and two goals.

-Approved the co-location of equipment on the existing wireless tower located at 1655 Morgan Park Road, requested by Eye Tower LLC.

-Accepted the low bid of $318,925 from Jordan Excavating, Inc. for the CSX Lee Street utility relocation project.

-Approved the ABC License application for Poppa G’s Billiards located at 2722 Chandalar Place Drive.

-Authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood for engineering services relative to the Pelham Greenway along Bishop Creek, phases 1 and 2, for a fee of $148.030.