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The City of Bessemer is governed under the council-manager form of government. This form of home-rule cities operates with a city council as a policy body and a city manager as the chief executive-administrative officer of city government.

The City Council consists of five members, elected at-large, including the mayor who is selected by the council.  The council provides legislative direction while the manager is responsible for day- to-day administrative operation of the city based on the council’s recommendations. The mayor and council as a collegial body are responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and determining the tax rate. The manager serves as the council’s chief advisor.

Typically, the mayor is recognized as the political head of the municipality, but is a member of the legislative body and does not have the power to veto legislative actions.

Council members serve a two year term.  Elections are held every odd-numbered year for all seats.

L-R: Marlene Zaleski, Linda Nelson, John Frello, Doug Olson, Al Gaiss

Current council members are: (Click on council member's name to learn more)

• Mayor John Frello (2007 - )
• Mayor Pro-Tem Al Gaiss (2007 - )
• Councilwoman Linda Nelson (2009 - )
• Councilwoman Marlene Zaleski (2009 - )
• Councilman Doug Olsen

City Council Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers (second floor at City Hall). Special Meetings are posted in advance. Citizen participation is a vital aspect of the decision-making process so residents and business owners are encouraged to attend these meetings and to get involved in issues that affect their community.