Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - February 11, 2025

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on February 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included communications from Mayor Randall Woodfin, presentations honoring local businesses and community events, and approval of a consent agenda containing numerous routine items. The Mayor provided an update on the Independent Crime Commission's recommendations, highlighted efforts to combat illegal dumping, and discussed the transition of the business license system. The Council also handled a deferred item on a dance permit and approved a quitclaim deed for a property sale.

Consent Calendar

• Approved a series of resolutions (Nos. 218-253) as a single consent agenda, including:
  • Abatement and removal of seven inoperable motor vehicles declared public nuisances (Items 2-7).
  • Abatement of nuisances on 99 properties via Resolution No. 224-25.
  • Budget amendment (Ordinance No. 25-16) transferring $6,722 from District #2 Discretionary Funds to the Neighborhood Fund for an Annual Fishing Rodeo.
  • Second Amendment to the Penny Foundation agreement for the Common Ground conflict resolution initiative, not to exceed $1,193,750.
  • Project Agreement with Workplay Properties, LLC, for a $230,000 revenue-sharing incentive over five years to redevelop a music venue at 500 23rd Street South.
  • Grant application to the Coalition for Green Capital for up to $250,000 to explore solar power deployment (no matching funds required).
  • Right-of-way encroachment licenses for 230 Second Avenue Holdings, LLC (new restaurant), 1227 First Avenue South Holdings, LLC (office/retail), and New Williams QOZB, LLC (sign for Carrigan's Public House).
  • $45,146 relocation payment to J.A.P. Senior Services, LLC for Pratt Highway Bridge project.
  • Settlement of a claim against FedEx Corp. for $4,875 to cover damage to the Birmingham Public Library.
  • Condemnation repair permits for five properties (5301 Georgia Road, 6508 1st Ave S, 521 65th St N, 808 42nd St N, 1621 W 3rd Ave).
  • Acceptance of bids/proposals: ABC Cutting Contractors ($12,957 for Fire Department Safety Center), Tecta America Southeast ($5,682 for Police West Precinct roof repairs), ProLogic ITS for emergency vehicle upfitting, petroleum products from McPherson Companies and WH Thomas Oil, and various payments for mailing, printing, supplies, etc.
  • Authorization for nine refunds totaling $29,256.38.
  • Approval of advanced and itemized expense accounts for appointed officials and employees.
• Item 31 (Craftsman Printing) was withdrawn from the consent agenda.
• Item 55 (3014 AVENUE C) was withdrawn from the abatement list for further investigation.

Presentations

• Honoring Joiner Fire Sprinkler Company: Councilor Woods presented a video and resolution (No. 217-25) celebrating 30 years of service. Robert Joiner, founder, spoke about his journey from a single employee to 45 professionals and 26 vehicles, installing fire sprinklers at high-profile sites including Fort Knox and Grandview Hospital. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
• Magic City Expo: Darius Peace invited the Council to the revived Magic City Expo (formerly Magic City Black Expo) on August 9, 2025, at the South Exhibition Hall. He highlighted past success with 8,000 attendees and asked for financial support. Councilors expressed support and noted the expo's economic impact.
• Fantastic Voyage: The Southwest Alliance Association presented the 10th annual Fantastic Voyage, a trip for students to historic Black museums across Alabama, scheduled for May 3, 2025. The group requested Council support and participation.

Discussion Items

• Crime Commission Update: Mayor Woodfin reported that of 82 recommendations from the Independent Crime Commission, 42 (53%) are in planning, pre-launch, or progress stages. The police department is reviewing 90 candidates for the March academy, and a reserve officer program is being launched. Focused deterrence and hospital-linked violence intervention are being expanded. Blight removal: 18 structures demolished in January. The Mayor also discussed advocating for a rocket docket or additional judges to address the backlog of violent crime cases in the 10th Judicial Circuit.
• Illegal Dumping: The Mayor updated on the "Don't Be a Dummy" campaign, encouraging residents to video illegal dumping without engaging. The city is working to close streets in high-dumping areas, and the PEP department is identifying contractors without permits. Councilor Smitherman noted cameras have not yet led to successful prosecutions.
• Street Striping and Business License: Councilors raised concerns about the slow completion of street striping (e.g., Rugby Avenue) and issues with the new business license system. Attorney Yolanda Lawson explained the transition from Avenue to HDL, noting that businesses should contact the city directly. She clarified that license renewals are available online for non-regulated licenses and that regulated licenses require additional documentation. The city is working to resolve cases where businesses paid Avenue in error.
• Stormwater Project: Councilor Moore requested an update on the stormwater project in Pine Nose Vista and Penfield Park; the Mayor agreed to follow up.
• Item 1 – Dance Permit: Councilor Tate moved to refer Item 1 (AG.JW., LLC for a Division II Dance Permit at The G Spot) back to the Public Safety Committee for zoning review. The motion passed 7-1, with Councilor Clarke absent.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: All items on the consent agenda, including resolutions and ordinances, were adopted by a unanimous vote (9-0).
• Item 1 Referred to Committee: The dance permit application was referred to the Public Safety Committee for further review of zoning.
• Item 10 – Quitclaim Deed Approved: Ordinance No. 25-17 authorizing the sale of property at 2701 21st Street West to Kristina Jacob for $11,773.08 was adopted unanimously (8-0, with Councilor Clarke absent).
• Emergency Contract for Eastern Area Landfill: Resolution No. 253-25 was added to the consent agenda and approved, authorizing an emergency contract with JH Wright for up to $49,671 to replace pumps at the landfill.
• Stormwater Appeals Board: Councilor Moore announced five open positions on the Stormwater Appeals Board; applications are being accepted.
• Committee Meetings: The Planning and Zoning Committee meeting scheduled for February 12 was canceled. The Southern Area Rezoning Meeting was rescheduled to March 3 at the Botanical Gardens. The Transportation Infrastructure Committee meeting will be February 25.