Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – December 3, 2024

The Birmingham City Council met on December 3, 2024, at 9:30 AM in City Hall. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda covering numerous routine items, passage of a new mobile food vendor ordinance, and adoption of several resolutions for school funding, infrastructure, and property demolition. A resolution of sympathy was adopted for community leader Alonzo Darrow. Presentations were made by the Mayor and a Sister Cities delegation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved a consent agenda comprising 48 items (Resolution Nos. 1815-24 through 1860-24), including: approval of lounge liquor licenses for Sidebar, Climaxx, RK Spirits, Lag’s Eatery, and ShangriLa; an operating authority permit for Quality Care Transport; abatement of nuisances on 127 properties; funding agreements with Childcare Resources ($4,000) and Mainline Information Systems ($1,329,334) for mainframe services; a contract with TSW ($115,000) for a transit-oriented station plan in Huffman; demolition orders for 20 structures; an emergency contract with B&B Roofing ($159,500) for Museum of Art repairs; drainage improvement contracts with Southeastern Sealcoating (Garrison Ave $331,327.70 and Hooper City Phase V $1,367,055.80); and various equipment purchases and expense approvals. (Vote: 7-0)

Presentations

• Mayor Randall Woodfin announced changes to trash pickup due to the holiday, a new non-emergency notification system (text BMReady to 38276), and upcoming community events (World AIDS Day, Holiday Harmony at A.G. Gaston Motel, Tree Lighting and Block Party).
• A delegation from Birmingham Sister Cities reported on a recent trip to Wales, highlighting cultural and economic exchanges. Lisa McNair shared personal reflections on the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing anniversary.
• Councilor Woods introduced a seventh-grade government class from Huffman Middle School.

Discussion Items

• Item 10 – Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance (Second Reading): The Council adopted Ordinance 24-98, replacing the previous mobile food vendor regulations. Key changes include: streamlined permit process (48-hour turnaround via BDOT), elimination of designated spaces in favor of metered right-of-way parking, requirement for a fire inspection before permit issuance, reduced permit fee ($200), and addition of provisions for alcohol sales in entertainment districts. Staff from BDOT and the City Attorney’s office explained the overhaul. The ordinance was approved 7-0.
• Item 11 – Agreement with Birmingham Board of Education: Councilor Abbott corrected dollar amounts: Glen Iris Elementary ($2,666), Avondale Elementary ($2,666), Epic Elementary ($2,166 plus $500 for band supplies), total $7,998. Approved 7-0.
• Item 2 – Café IZ Special Events License: Approved for ArtBlink Gala 2025, February 1, 2025, at 2000 6th Avenue South. (Vote: 7-0)
• Item 1 – PRVLGE Liquor License: Deferred to December 10, 2024, at the applicant’s request.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted consent agenda (Resolutions 1815-24 through 1860-24) by a 7-0 vote.
• Approved Ordinance 24-98, replacing mobile food vendor regulations (effective after publication, with permits expiring December 31, 2024, and new process starting January 2, 2025).
• Adopted Resolution 1861-24 approving the Café IZ special events license (7-0).
• Adopted Resolution 1862-24 authorizing school funding agreement with Birmingham Board of Education (7-0).
• Adopted Resolution 1863-24 expressing sympathy for Alonzo Darrow by unanimous consent.
• Deferred Item 1 (PRVLGE liquor license) to December 10, 2024.
• Approved corrections to Item 11 dollar amounts.
• Withdrew Items 14 (Sixteenth Street Baptist Church visitor center) and 16 (demolition at 2909 25th St N) from the agenda.

Note: The pre-council meeting at 9:00 AM was canceled due to lack of a quorum.