OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - September 24, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, September 24, 2024
BodyBirmingham, Alabama
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 24, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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1:36

Good morning, Birmingham.

1:38

This is the regularly scheduled meeting of the Birmingham City Council.

1:42

Today is Tuesday, September 24th, 2024.

1:47

This morning our invitation will be delivered by Reverend Jerry Cunningham, Associate Pastor of New Pilgrim Baptist Church here in Birmingham.

1:56

And our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councillor J.T.

1:59

Moore.

2:00

If you're willing and able, please stand.

2:11

Let us pray.

2:14

Oh God Almighty, we come to you this morning with gratitude.

2:18

We thank you for being a God of love who is with us right now in this very room.

2:24

You will never leave us nor forsake us.

2:27

Your grace has brought us safe thus far.

2:30

And your grace will lead us home.

2:33

We thank you for making every one of us in this room, every person we meet, every citizen of this city in your own image with dignity and infinite worth.

2:44

We thank you, God for these your service.

2:56

We thank you for their service that they have taken on themselves to grant us this day.

3:00

We pray for wisdom.

3:02

We pray for strength.

3:04

We pray for courage.

3:05

We pray for love for one another.

3:07

We pray for that we will put the entrance of others above our own.

3:11

Let us act with love toward one another.

3:14

Let us see each neighbor who are made in your own image as one of us.

3:19

Again, we thank you for our mayor, for our city council members, for our city staff, for our first responders, for our hospital staff.

3:29

We give you glory, we give you praise in all that we do every day.

3:33

In the name of Jesus, whose perfect love sets us free from all our fears.

3:38

Let us all say Amen.

3:42

Please require.

4:22

Council President O'Quinton.

4:24

Good morning.

4:25

Good morning.

4:29

Councillors.

4:31

We have before us the minutes from the August 20th and 27th, 2024.

4:39

Council meetings.

4:45

It's written.

4:48

All in favor of letting me home by saying aye.

4:50

Aye.

4:51

All opposed.

4:53

All right.

4:54

Those minutes are approved.

5:00

The minutes are not ready for the September 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 17th of 2024.

5:06

This time we'll have communications from Mayor Woodfin.

5:10

Mr.

5:10

President.

5:15

Also want to want to say good morning to the public as well.

5:28

These last 72 hours in our city has been overwhelming to say the least for a considerable amount, if not all of our residents in our city.

5:42

As a result of a mass shooting this past Saturday in the 5.

5:45

South area.

6:02

And so I first want to acknowledge that our prayers and thoughts, our heart goes out to the all the victims of this mass shooting.

6:18

Not just the four who lost their lives and the family members who have to pick up the pieces of a new normal that does not include their loved one.

6:31

But in the last few days, not all but the majority of the victims who survive, I've been able to call them.

6:42

And let me state that I haven't spoken to all because some are still in critical condition.

6:50

But let me state that in reaching out, checking in on them.

6:57

Many resources are still needed.

6:59

And so I'm grateful for not just our governmental partners, but I'm grateful for our local agencies and counsel counseling organizations willing to lend a hand because for those victims that survive, this also comes with a form of a new normal for them that includes emotional and physical trauma as they heal.

7:24

But also this goes to those in that line who ran, who dropped to the ground, who lost their shoes and shoes remain on the scene who rendered aid to their friend, who rendered aid to a stranger.

7:42

This also goes out to all the first responders who responded.

7:46

The Birmingham Police Department, where you see several of our officers seated here.

8:56

So there are a few things I want to talk about.

9:00

One, I want to tell people what our priority and focus is, and that is 100% on finding the shooters, the perpetrators, the killers.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety█████████████████████████25%
Community Engagement██████████████14%
Procedural████████████12%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Youth Programs███████7%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure████4%
Gun Control███3%
Food Security███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - September 24, 2024

The Birmingham City Council convened its regular meeting on September 24, 2024, at 9:30 AM in the Council Chambers. The meeting was heavily shaped by the aftermath of a mass shooting that occurred over the weekend in the 5 Points South area, which dominated opening remarks from Mayor Randall L. Woodfin and Councilmembers. The Council also processed a lengthy consent agenda, debated several key resolutions and ordinances, heard from the public, and adjourned at 11:52 AM.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes from August 20 and 27, 2024.
  • Adopted Resolution No. 1483-24, confirming the abatement of nuisances on dozens of listed properties and assessing costs as liens.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1484-24 authorizing a $97,165 agreement with Bama Wellness Advocacy, Inc. for a nutrition and performance project for scholastic athletes (ARPA District 1 funds).
  • Passed Resolution No. 1485-24 authorizing a $249,600 vendor agreement with Benevate, Inc. (Neighborly Software) for grant management software.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1486-24 authorizing a $100,000 agreement with CHORE for a teen emotional and behavioral program (ARPA District 4 funds).
  • Passed Resolution No. 1487-24 authorizing a $3,750 agreement with Exposure Community Development Corporation (Official Clutch Band) for a public event on November 1, 2024.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1488-24 authorizing a $5,000 agreement with FLIX, Inc. for outdoor movies at Avondale Park in June 2025.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1489-24 authorizing a $75,500 agreement with Goodr, Inc. for pop-up market food activations in District 9 (ARPA funds).
  • Passed Resolution No. 1490-24 authorizing up to $2,500 for the 99 Neighborhoods' picnic at Railroad Park on September 29, 2024.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1491-24 authorizing application for a $387,833 2024 DOJ Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, with $332,703 for the City and $55,130 for the Jefferson County Sheriff.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1492-24 authorizing settlement of the Betsy Hopson lawsuit for up to $12,500.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1493-24 authorizing $2,500 payment for right-of-way for the Pratt Highway Bridge project.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1494-24 accepting a $120,972 proposal from Giffen Recreation for pavilion, tables, and trash cans at Dolomite Westfield Park.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1495-24 accepting a $98,757 proposal from Giffen Recreation for playground equipment at East Lake Park (ARPA funds).
  • Passed Resolution No. 1496-24 accepting a bid from Bama Sign Supply for press room supplies.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1497-24 accepting a bid from Ferguson Waterworks for cast iron inlet covers.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1498-24 accepting a bid from Mitchell Concrete Specialties for concrete storm sewer inlet covers.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1499-24 accepting a bid from Knox Pest Control for pest control services.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1500-24 approving payment of $30,399.95 to Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus for fire truck repair.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1501-24 approving payment of $150,204.14 to Interfaceservices, Inc. for flooring at the Information Management Systems facility.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1502-24 approving payment to Thompson Tractor Company for repair parts and services.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1503-24 approving expense accounts for appointed officials.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1504-24 approving expense accounts for city employees.
  • Passed Resolution No. 1505-24 approving advance expense accounts for city employees (ALM Conference).
  • Passed Resolution No. 1506-24 approving advance expense accounts for city employees (multiple conferences).
  • Passed Resolution No. 1507-24 approving advance expense account for Council President O’Quinn for the Birmingham Business Alliance Leadership Exchange.
  • Several items were removed from the consent agenda for discussion and subsequently approved: Item 7 (Better Basics – withdrawn), Items 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, and 29 (see Discussion Items).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Lawrence Billups, FOP Vice President Lodge One, spoke on behalf of the Birmingham Police Department. He expressed solidarity with the community in mourning the recent mass shooting, urged full support from all levels of government for law enforcement, criticized state gun laws (especially permitless carry and conversion devices), and called on citizens to report crime. He stated the department stands ready but needs resources, including competitive pay and equipment.

Discussion Items

  • Mayor Woodfin’s Remarks on Mass Shooting: Mayor Woodfin opened with condolences for victims of the weekend mass shooting, which killed four and injured many. He announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the perpetrators, discussed the use of Glock switches (conversion devices) that turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic, and outlined efforts to recruit more police officers (starting pay up to $51,000, $5,000 signing bonus, take-home car program). He called for community cooperation and an end to safe harbors for criminals.
  • Councilwoman Smitherman’s Response: Representing the district where the shooting occurred, she expressed anger and grief, thanked first responders, and urged the mayor to “put the hammer down” with enforcement. She called for banning Glock switches, criticized state gun laws, and said the city must prioritize crime prevention, re-entry, and youth services.
  • Councilwoman Tate’s Remarks: She echoed calls for a comprehensive public safety plan, noting the importance of violence interrupter programs and community violence intervention. She mentioned her recent graduation from the Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy.
  • Recognition of Judge Deborah Montgomery: The Council adopted Resolution No. 1482-24 honoring Municipal Court Judge Deborah B. Montgomery upon her retirement after 16 years of service. Several councilmembers and the mayor offered praise.
  • Item 2 – Graymont School Ground Lease Amendment: Ordinance No. 24-71 (second reading) authorized amending the ground lease for the former Graymont School property at 300 8th Avenue West. The lessee changed to Veranda at Graymont School LP, the lease term increased from 30 to 75 years, and the project will create 101 affordable senior rental housing units and house an early learning center. Approved 8-0.
  • Item 4 – Shady Grove Road Interlocal Agreement: Ordinance No. 24-72 (first reading) authorized an agreement with Jefferson County for improvements to Shady Grove Road, with the city paying $102,334.06 for its portion. Adopted on unanimous consent.
  • Item 12 – Mercy Deliverance Ministries (Mobile Grocery Initiative): Resolution No. 1508-24 authorized $45,000 for a mobile grocery store providing free food boxes to qualifying District 9 residents. Founder Tony Vines presented the program, which will operate three days a week starting October 2024. Approved.
  • Item 13 – Jefferson County Family Resource Center (R.E.S.T.O.R.E.): Resolution No. 1509-24 authorized $225,000 for one year to offer support services to at least 120 court-involved youth (ages 16-19) and their families. Director Carrie Williams reported an 80% reduction in youth charged with murder and 61% reduction in youth victims since March 2023. Councilmembers praised the program and discussed expanding restorative justice components. Approved.
  • Item 14 – The Salvation Army Workforce Development: Resolution No. 1510-24 authorized $50,000 for soft skills training, GED remediation, and career coaching for entry-level workers. Director John Stamps noted 80 CDL graduates who moved from $8/hour to $65,000-$75,000/year. Approved.
  • Item 15 – HUD PRO Housing Grant Application: Resolution No. 1511-24 authorized the mayor to apply for up to $7,000,000 from HUD to identify and remove barriers to affordable housing production. Deputy Director Corey Stallworth outlined plans for a Community Champions Program, an Affordable Housing Trust, and an affordable housing fast lane for developers. Councilmember Clarke raised concerns about granting expenditure authority before council approval, but staff clarified that individual contracts would still come back to council. The resolution passed 7-0.
  • Item 20 – Emergency Demolition at 800 12th Street North: Resolution No. 1512-24 accepted a $99,500 proposal from Ingle Demolition & Salvage for emergency demolition. Director Denise Bell and Chief Demolition Coordinator Michael Glover explained that bricks had fallen on the right-of-way, creating an emergency. A lien will be placed on the property. Approved.
  • Item 29 – Weapon Detection Systems: Resolution No. 1513-24 authorized payment of $192,059.45 for ten Opengate weapon detection systems for use at Legion Field and other city events, purchased through a cooperative contract. Approved.
  • Councilmember Announcements: Councilmembers provided updates on neighborhood meetings, community events (Fiesta, Blues at Rickwood Field, etc.), and noted the September 26 deadline for submitting opposition to state legislation (City Bill) that could allow the governor/attorney general to appoint an interim police chief.

Key Outcomes

  • The consent agenda as modified was approved in a single vote (9–0).
  • Ordinance No. 24-71 (Graymont School Ground Lease Amendment) passed 8-0 (Councilmember Woods absent).
  • Ordinance No. 24-72 (Shady Grove Road Interlocal Agreement) passed on first reading with unanimous consent (9-0).
  • Resolution No. 1508-24 (Mercy Deliverance Ministries) passed.
  • Resolution No. 1509-24 (Jefferson County Family Resource Center) passed.
  • Resolution No. 1510-24 (Salvation Army) passed.
  • Resolution No. 1511-24 (HUD PRO Housing Grant) passed 7-0 (Councilmembers Tate and Smitherman absent for the vote).
  • Resolution No. 1512-24 (Emergency Demolition) passed.
  • Resolution No. 1513-24 (Weapon Detection Systems) passed.
  • All other resolutions and ordinances on the consent agenda were approved.
  • The meeting adjourned at 11:52 AM.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, Birmingham. This is the regularly scheduled meeting of the Birmingham City Council. Today is Tuesday, September 24th, 2024. This morning our invitation will be delivered by Reverend Jerry Cunningham, Associate Pastor of New Pilgrim Baptist Church here in Birmingham. And our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councillor J.T. Moore. If you're willing and able, please stand. Let us pray. Oh God Almighty, we come to you this morning with gratitude. We thank you for being a God of love who is with us right now in this very room. You will never leave us nor forsake us. Your grace has brought us safe thus far. And your grace will lead us home. We thank you for making every one of us in this room, every person we meet, every citizen of this city in your own image with dignity and infinite worth. We thank you, God for these your service. We thank you for their service that they have taken on themselves to grant us this day. We pray for wisdom. We pray for strength. We pray for courage. We pray for love for one another. We pray for that we will put the entrance of others above our own. Let us act with love toward one another. Let us see each neighbor who are made in your own image as one of us. Again, we thank you for our mayor, for our city council members, for our city staff, for our first responders, for our hospital staff. We give you glory, we give you praise in all that we do every day. In the name of Jesus, whose perfect love sets us free from all our fears. Let us all say Amen. Please require. Council President O'Quinton. Good morning. Good morning. Councillors. We have before us the minutes from the August 20th and 27th, 2024. Council meetings. It's written. All in favor of letting me home by saying aye. Aye. All opposed. All right. Those minutes are approved. The minutes are not ready for the September 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 17th of 2024. This time we'll have communications from Mayor Woodfin. Mr. President. Also want to want to say good morning to the public as well. These last 72 hours in our city has been overwhelming to say the least for a considerable amount, if not all of our residents in our city. As a result of a mass shooting this past Saturday in the 5. South area. And so I first want to acknowledge that our prayers and thoughts, our heart goes out to the all the victims of this mass shooting. Not just the four who lost their lives and the family members who have to pick up the pieces of a new normal that does not include their loved one.

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