Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – December 10, 2024

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on December 10, 2024, at 9:30 AM in the Council Chambers, presided over by Council President O'Quinn. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Dewayne Morris of Greater Works Church and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Smitherman. Mayor Woodfin introduced students from Putnam Middle School, congratulated A.H. Parker High School's football championship, announced police academy screenings, and recognized the Phi Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on their 25th anniversary. The consent agenda was adopted with several items removed for separate discussion, and a public hearing was held on a liquor license application. The council also passed resolutions for community development projects, infrastructure, and emergency equipment.

Consent Calendar

• Ordinances and resolutions on the consent agenda were approved by unanimous vote (9-0) after removing items requested by councilmembers. Key approved consent items include:
  • Transfer of $4,517.25 for speed cushions on Cahaba Road (Item 2)
  • Transfer of $4,000.00 for neighborhood funds (Item 3)
  • Agreement with Environmental Products Group Inc. for four brush trucks ($884,699.60) (Item 5)
  • Agreement with Housing Authority of Birmingham District for daycare renovation at Villas of Titusville ($600,000) (Item 7)
  • Agreement with Poole & Company Architects for a master plan near Princeton Hospital ($750,000) (Item 10)
  • Agreement with SWAC to host championship tournaments through 2029 ($250,000 per year) (Item 11)
  • Agreement with YMCA for childcare scholarships ($500,000) (Item 13)
  • Grant for EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure Recycling Program ($5,000,000) (Item 15)
  • Various lump sum proposals for audio-visual equipment, playground equipment, and other purchases (Items 16-19, 21-22, 24-39)
  • Declarations of public nuisance for 116 properties with hearings set for January 14, 2025 (Items 39-40)
• Item 12 (Step by Step Foundation, $30,000) was withdrawn by the City Attorney's office.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Liquor License Public Hearing (Item 1): The council heard from the applicant, Dan Crane, who presented plans for PRVLGE, a lounge at 2312 1st Avenue North. He detailed safety measures including off-duty police, surveillance cameras, and age limits (25+). Hours were stated as 5 PM to 12 AM Tuesday through Sunday. Opponents, including neighborhood association president Daniel Christensen, expressed concerns about prior disturbances at nearby businesses and lack of trust based on the applicant's track record. Supporters, including business consultant Sheila Smoot, argued the applicant has no documented violations and has addressed all concerns. The council also heard from security personnel and the police department, which reported no incidents at the address. The hearing concluded with a vote; Councilmembers Williams and O'Quinn voted against, but the resolution passed 7-2.
• Public Speaker: Mr. Willie Jenkins (Willie Claus) addressed the council about his appearances as Santa Claus, the passing of a church member, and his upcoming 70th birthday. Councilmembers thanked him for his community presence.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – Gun Safety Initiative ($100,000): Councilmember O'Quinn pulled this from consent to highlight the importance of safe firearm storage education. The agreement with Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance will provide free gun locks, safes, and demonstrations. Councilmember Abbott shared a personal story about a child's death from an unsecured firearm. Unanimously approved.
• Item 6 – Druid Hills Housing Development ($167,245): Councilmember Tate noted this ARPA-funded project will develop 35-40 units with at least 10% reserved for residents at or below 100% Area Median Income. Approved unanimously.
• Item 8 – Jones Valley Teaching Farm Expansion ($250,000): Councilmember Smitherman and others praised the program that expands food education to 3,700 additional students in the Jackson-Olin feeder pattern, building controlled environment agriculture labs at 8 schools and doubling paid high school interns from 10 to 20. The organization's representative reported 33 full-time employees and a $3.4 million budget. Council President O'Quinn abstained; all others voted aye.
• Item 14 – Lakeshore Parkway Repaving Grant: Councilmember Alexander explained this grant application for $350,000 (with $100,000 city match) to repave Lakeshore Parkway. Councilmember Clarke raised concerns about "any and all" language in grant authorizations but was assured it only applied to the application. Approved unanimously.
• Item 20 – Bessie Estell Park Supplies ($151,510): Councilmember Abbott corrected a typo (funding source should be District 3, not District 9) and requested the contractor present plans to the neighborhood. Approved unanimously.
• Item 23 – Playground Equipment at Bessie Estell Park ($267,946): Also pulled by Councilmember Abbott for neighborhood awareness. Approved unanimously.
• Item 41 (Addendum) – Emergency Vehicles ($1,752,325): Councilmember Williams introduced the resolution to purchase five fully equipped Ford F450 ambulances for Birmingham Fire and Rescue. Councilmember Abbott noted the cost includes complete outfitting. Councilmember Williams inquired about similar purchasing practices for police vehicles. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution of Sympathy (Mr. Wilbert Joe Sr.): Councilmember Alexander requested unanimous consent to adopt a resolution honoring the life of Mr. Wilbert Joe Sr., a longtime community member. Unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• Liquor License Approval (Item 1): Passed 7-2 (Abbott, Clarke, Moore, Smitherman, Tate, Woods, Alexander in favor; Williams, O'Quinn opposed). Conditioned on obtaining a certificate of occupancy within 90 days.
• All other voted items passed unanimously (9-0 or 8-0 with abstentions).
• Council Meeting Scheduled: A special council meeting is planned for Monday, December 23, 2024, to address ARPA projects before the December 31 deadline.
• Neighborhood and Committee Meetings Announced: Various holiday events and committee meetings were noted, including the Government Affairs Committee on December 10 and Transportation/Infrastructure on December 23.