Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - October 22, 2024

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. The meeting opened with an invocation by Reverend George Whitlock III and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Clinton Woods. Mayor Randall Woodfin made several announcements, including the 90th birthday of former Mayor Richard Arrington, Magic City Classic events, and a proclamation recognizing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Omicron Omega chapter's centennial. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and heard public comments regarding illegal dumping.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Resolution 1613-24 granting an Operating Authority Permit to Cays Carriage, LLC for non-emergency medical transport.

• Approved Resolution 1614-24 abating nuisances on approximately 200 properties (list includes 832 Hillview Dr, 920 Martinwood Ln, etc.) and assessing costs as liens.

• Approved Ordinances 24-82 through 24-89 amending various fund budgets: Neighborhood Allocation ($8,281.60 for speed cushions on Roebuck Drive and Red Mill Road), Donations Fund ($3,010.77 to East Thomas Neighborhood Association), Grants Fund ($49,997.00 for Alabama Workforce Stabilization Program, $75,000.00 for AmeriCorps VISTA, $74,886.00 for AmeriCorps VISTA match), General Fund transfers ($500.00 to Woodland Park Neighborhood Association, $30,001.00 to multiple District 3 neighborhood associations, $548.99 for mobile device replacement), and others.

• Approved Resolutions 1615-24 through 1678-24 authorizing various agreements, including:

  • $7,500.00 to Brenda's Brown Bosom Buddies, Inc. for breast cancer awareness forums.
  • $11,500.00 to Create Birmingham, Inc. for workshops and networking events.
  • $2,475.00 to Create Birmingham, Inc. for a Co.Starters entrepreneurship program.
  • $4,000.00 (amended to $5,000.00 with $1,000 from District 1) to Nadyne G. Johnson Foundation for a film camp.
  • Lease purchase agreement for the former Buffalo Rock Building (109,882 sq ft at 34 West Oxmoor Road) for Fire and Police Department use, at $45,000/month for six months with an option to purchase for $7,000,000.00.
  • $30,609.00 to Mantissa Corporation for software licenses.
  • $11,042.00 to MCM Technology, LLC for evidence tracking software.
  • $1,500.00 (amended to $2,500.00 with $1,000 from District 4) to Miracle Mullen Downs Foundation for community outreach.
  • $900,000.00 annually for four years to Railroad Park Foundation for park management.
  • $5,000.00 to Sandpiper Advisory Group for the Harmony & Heritage Series at Historic Arlington House.
  • $25,000.00 forgivable loan to TESSA Commercial Real Estate, LLC for renovation of the Burger Phillips Building.
  • $1,500.00 per neighborhood per year for electronic notification services.
  • $2,000.00 to Holy Family Christo Rey Catholic High School for South Titusville Neighborhood Association meetings.
  • Amendments to agreements with Birmingham Board of Education for L.M. Smith Middle School and Huffman High School cheerleaders (terms extended to June 30, 2025).
  • Authorization to investigate and prosecute claims against Kia America, Inc. and Hyundai Motor America, Inc. regarding vehicle thefts, with contingency fee not to exceed 35% of recovery.
  • Settlement of three lawsuits: Shaquita Sanders ($47,500.00), State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company ($16,500.00), and Casonja Tolbert ($20,000.00) – all arising from incidents involving Briyonna Young.
  • Demolition of 30 unsafe structures (Resolutions 1634-24 through 1664-24) – note: Item 30 (227 5th Ave S) was withdrawn.
  • Issuance of a condemnation repair permit to Marvin Price for 7325 4th Ave S.
  • Bid awards: Southeastern Sealcoating, Inc. ($231,679.80 for 2300 Wenonah Oxmoor Road drainage improvements); Loader Services & Equipment, Inc. (Bobcat parts as needed); The W. W. Williams Co., Inc. (fire truck engines as needed).
  • Payment approvals: Affordable Interior Systems ($1,760.50 for height-adjustable table); J. W. Autobody and Collision ($4,618.69 for wreck repair).
  • Expense accounts for elected officials, appointed officials, and city employees (multiple resolutions).

• Item 14 was amended to add $1,000 from District 1, increasing total to $5,000.00.

• Item 18 was amended to add $1,000 from District 4, increasing total to $2,500.00.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Yolanda Flowers and Betty Hutchinson, residents of the Oak Ridge Park/Tuskegee Crest neighborhood (569 64th Place South, 35212), voiced concerns about chronic illegal dumping on vacant lots, particularly at 6409 5th Avenue South. They requested installation of cameras (litter cams) at dumping sites, improved sidewalk safety for students walking to Woodlawn High School, and neighborhood flashing lights for school zones. They noted that dumping occurs frequently despite 311 reports and that the neighborhood is a historically Black community. Councilor Abbott noted that litter cams require a resident to provide Wi-Fi, which has been a challenge. The Mayor's office indicated follow-up.

Discussion Items

• Councilor Abbott asked about Item 26 (Kia/Hyundai litigation) to confirm it was due to the drain on police resources from stolen vehicle investigations. Council President O'Quinn confirmed that it addresses a public nuisance and resource drain. No further discussion.
• Councilor Moore introduced a resolution of sympathy for Pastor Michael Yarbrough (passed unanimously).

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously (8 ayes, 0 nays; all members present voted).
• Resolution 1679-24A (sympathy for Pastor Michael Yarbrough) adopted unanimously.
• The pre-council meeting scheduled for 9:00 a.m. was not held due to lack of a quorum.
• Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.