Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – August 20, 2024

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on August 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers. The pre-council meeting was not held due to lack of a quorum. The council approved a consent agenda containing numerous routine items, discussed several ordinances and resolutions, heard public comments, and made district announcements. The meeting adjourned at 11:02 a.m.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items 1–19 and 23–56, with some removals) was approved unanimously (8-0). Key approvals included:
  • Alcohol beverage license transfers and special events licenses for businesses such as Titusville Grocery, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, and Center Street Brothers Food Mart.
  • Abatement of three inoperable vehicles at 6820 5th Ct N.
  • Budget amendments: $800,000 for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program; $256,379.14 for opioid litigation settlement funds; $1,440 for traffic calming; $15,000 for Pratt City Park and summer camp.
  • Contracts and agreements: Alabama Symphonic Association ($25,000), National Veterans Day Foundation ($12,896), Red Mountain Theatre Company ($75,000), Alabama Ballet ($25,000), Jones Valley Teaching Farm ($50,000) – though JVTF was later removed and voted separately.
  • Settlement of Al Nolan lawsuit ($15,000) and settlement with Trane (cash and services).
  • Purchase of benches, signs, and equipment for neighborhood associations.
  • Bids for demolition, telecommunications, and other services.
  • Approval of employee expense and advance accounts for travel.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Toni Griffin (815 Green Springs Hwy): Invited the council to the grand opening of The Cook Plug cookie franchise on August 24, 2024, at 815 Green Springs Hwy.
• Martina Jones (1532 Tarrant Huffman Rd): Spoke on behalf of the Wahouma Youth Football Association. She reported that a $100,000 donation from former NFL player Marcel Dareus in 2015 has not been fully accounted for, with only a blocking sled and windscreens purchased. She requested a full accounting and noted that the lights on the football field have not been replaced, homeless individuals are living in the press box, and youth sports organizations are required to pay $50/hour for police details while other cities provide them free. She asked the council for assistance.
• Willie Jenkins (1105 Southwood Dr): Announced Carver High School’s 50th class reunion and upcoming events, and invited council members to visit his church.

Discussion Items

• Item 18 – Budget Transfer for Parks and Summer Camp (removed from consent by Councilor Smetherman): Ordinance to transfer $15,000 from Park & Recreation Miscellaneous Revenue to the Donations Fund, appropriating $5,000 to Pratt City Park and $10,000 to Summer Camp/Enrichment program. Passed 7-0-1 (Councilor Smetherman abstained).
• Item 20 – Opiate Settlement Funds Transfer (removed by Councilor Williams): Ordinance to transfer $256,379.14 from General Fund miscellaneous clearing to the Neighborhood Revitalization Fund for the Office of the City Attorney to support opioid litigation programs. Councilors requested a comprehensive strategy for opioid settlement funds; staff indicated a memo would be provided before the next council retreat. Passed 8-0.
• Item 21 – Interlocal Agreement with Birmingham Board of Education (P item): Authorized the mayor to execute an agreement for sharing school surveillance cameras with the Birmingham Police Department. No funds were exchanged. Passed 8-0.
• Item 22 – Interlocal Agreement for Presidential Inauguration Task Force (P item): Authorized up to 40 uniformed BPD officers to be sworn as Deputy U.S. Marshals in Washington, D.C. from January 17–21, 2025. Discussion noted the “up to” language allows flexibility given officer shortages; travel costs are reimbursed. Passed 8-0.
• Item 24 – Jones Valley Teaching Farm Agreement (removed by Councilor O’Quinn): $50,000 resolution for sustainable urban agriculture programs. Passed 7-0-1 (Councilor O’Quinn abstained).
• Item 25 – LiveView Technologies Amendment (removed by Councilor O’Quinn, then tabled): Amendment to add three D3 Live Units to BPD for $250,705.29, total not to exceed $488,185.53. Discussion centered on whether units would be used on private property; BPD stated they are for problem areas. The item was tabled for more information, then brought back and passed.
• Item 39 – Settlement with Trane (removed by Councilor Williams): Authorized settlement of claims against Trane for cash and free services. Passed 7-0-1 (Councilor Williams abstained).
• Item 40 – Airport Authority Appointments: Confirmed reappointments of Darlene Wilson and David Germany, and new appointments of Valerie Thomas and Del Davis to the Birmingham Airport Authority for terms expiring July 29, 2030. Passed 8-0.
• Item 55 – Show Cause Hearing for Quest Club, Inc.: Set a public hearing for September 10, 2024, to consider revoking the business license and rescinding liquor and dance permits for Quest Club at 416 24th St South, citing alleged fights, assaults, weapons, and disorderly conduct. Passed 8-0.
• Resolution of Sympathy for Geralyn Bonner Pickens: Adopted unanimously to honor the life of the retired teacher and community leader.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was approved with an 8-0 vote.
• Budget transfers and contracts were approved as detailed above.
• The City will participate in the Presidential Inauguration Task Force with up to 40 officers; costs reimbursed.
• A public show cause hearing for Quest Club was scheduled for September 10, 2024.
• The council will hold a retreat on September 30, 2024; a memo on opioid settlement fund strategy will be provided beforehand.
• Multiple neighborhood projects were authorized using neighborhood association funds.