Rick Ellis is serving his third term on the Alabaster City Council, representing Ward 2 on the northside of the city since 2016. We talked to Ellis about his priorities for this term and what he’s excited about in the years to come.
Alabaster Connection: What projects are you most excited seeing come to fruition this year?
Rick Ellis: Well, I think the obvious answer is that I am excited about the continued construction of the Rec Center and Library. Even though completion isn’t scheduled until 2027, it’s really exciting to see the progress that is being made on a daily basis. I am also looking forward the opening of new restaurants and stores at the Shoppes at District 31. One of the most exciting projects that is coming to fruition this spring and summer is the Siluria Sounds Concert Series that will be happening at our new amphitheater. Our entertainment committee has done a remarkable job putting this first season together, and it will be an exciting new addition to our community.
AC: What are the things that are most important to Ward 2 and your constituents?
RE: We just recently had this discussion at our council retreat. Ward 2 is a little different than some of wards in the city. We don’t really have new construction or new economic development opportunities like other wards do. So, I think we really need to look at the things that the city can do help the residents on a day-to-day basis and to continue to provide good “customer service” to each resident.
AC: Tell me about your thoughts on the city taking over the water department as someone who has served on the Water Board.
RE: I served on the Water Board for nine years and just rolled off this term. With the resignation of the Water Board Manager, I think it was a good chance to take a step back and see if there was an opportunity to make improvements that could benefit the community and the residents as a whole. By the City absorbing the Water Board, it was found that there were opportunities to combine services and reduce costs as well as benefit the community from an economic development perspective.
AC: Are there any pet projects or things that you would like to spearhead and see through during this term?
RE: I really don’t have any “pet projects,” but I am really excited about the projects that are in the works coming to fruition.
AC: You work for BridgeWays—tell me about the organization and what you do for them.
RE: BridgeWays is not for profit youth development organization. We have in-school programs that include career education, character development, and a program we call My Choices Matter. We also own and operate Camp Fletcher in McCalla. We run summer day camps, outdoor education and facility rentals at camp. I am the Chief Financial Officer for the organization, which basically means I do all things financial, including cash management, financial statement preparation, budgeting, managing accounts payable and payroll along with many other duties.
AC: Tell me about your family.
RE: My wife, Kristy is finishing up her 24th year teaching first grade and her 15th year at Creekview Elementary. My oldest daughter Nora is a junior at Troy University and will be back home working as an intern this summer. My younger daughter Allie is finishing her junior year at Thompson High School and will be working this summer and getting ready for her senior year.