Regular Meeting of Birmingham City Council - April 8, 2025

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on April 8, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers. The pre-council meeting was canceled due to lack of a quorum. The meeting featured presentations from the Mayor's Office, approval of a consent agenda with several amendments, discussion and passage of individual items, and public comments from three residents. All votes were unanimous among the seven present councilmembers.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 526-25: Authorized the abatement of nuisances and assessment of costs on 98 properties (with three properties withdrawn due to prior abatement).
• Resolution 527-25: Amended Resolution 347-25 for A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club, adding District 6 and increasing the amount from $1,500 to $3,000.
• Resolution 528-25: Authorized $4,000 to Be Kind Birmingham, Inc. for a pop-up mobile store distributing food and necessities (District 9 funds).
• Resolution 529-25: Authorized $30,000 to HouseProud Atlanta, Inc. for exterior beautification and minor home repairs for qualified low- and moderate-income residents (Districts 1 and 6). Note: The agenda listed $20,000 from District 1 only; the adopted resolution changed the amount and funding sources.
• Resolution 530-25: Authorized $7,500 to Offender Alumni Association for the Heal the Block Safe Summer Initiative (Districts 6 and 9). Agenda had $7,000; corrected during the meeting.
• Resolution 531-25: Authorized $5,500 to The Penny Foundation, Inc. for the Magic City Expo (Districts 5 and 6). Agenda had $2,500 from District 5; corrected during the meeting.
• Resolution 532-25: Accepted Splawn Construction, Inc.'s $29,402 proposal for Birmingham Central Library roof and floor drain repairs (lowest responsive bid).
• Resolutions 533-548: Approved payments for office furniture, camera equipment, software, medical supplies, flooring, storage containers, printing services, and other supplies for various departments.
• Resolutions 549-551: Approved expense accounts for elected officials, city employees (conferences), and advance accounts for upcoming travel.
• Withdrawn items: The Birmingham Board of Education agreement ($3,500) was withdrawn from the agenda.
• The consent agenda was approved by a 7-0 vote after the removal of three items for separate consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Willie Jenkins (1105 Southwood Drive): Discussed community issues, invited council to upcoming prayer events, and requested prayers for family losses.
• Bessie Bell (8616 Highlands Drive): Promoted the Bob Marley One Love Caribbean Festival on June 20-21 at Linn Park, emphasizing cultural diversity and entertainment.
• Charlie Williams (1543 20th Street North): Described High Five Birmingham's red-carpet events at three improved schools (Henry J. Oliver, Richard Arrington, Inglenook), and announced the Saddle Up for Autism event on April 26.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 (Ordinance No. 25-37): Authorized an amendment to the agreement with Oak Hill Memorial Association, adding $60,000 for Pioneer Chapel Restoration Project (total not to exceed $261,297). The ordinance passed on first reading (7-0).
• Item 4 (Alabama Power Agreement): Authorized a $10,000, three-year agreement for Trainfo railroad crossing prediction sensors at four crossings in western Birmingham. Councilmembers O'Quinn (District 5) and Alexander (District 7) highlighted collaborative use of ARPA funds, integration with real-time crime center cameras, and benefits including reduced congestion and improved first responder routing. Passed 7-0.
• Item 7 (Holy Family Catholic Academy): Approved $7,500 from District 8 discretionary funds. The scope was amended to provide additional education and enrichment opportunities (striking healthy food language) to poor, needy, and elderly citizens. Passed 7-0.
• Item 19 (Crash Data Group Kit): Approved $12,035 for a Bosch CDR 900 Upgrade Kit for the Police Department to retrieve crash data from vehicles. Councilmember Abbott requested clarification on its use. Passed 7-0.
• Item 32 (Zoning Text Amendment): Set a public hearing for May 6, 2025, to consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Case ZAC2025-0003) affecting Open Space Districts. Passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved with amendments as noted.
• Items 2, 4, 7, 19, and 32 all passed unanimously (7-0).
• Public hearing scheduled for May 6, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. on proposed zoning text amendments.
• Proclamations: Declared April 7–13, 2025 as National Library Week and April as National Poetry Month.
• Upcoming events: Housing Expo (April 8), Neighbor Fest (April 12), Regional Wellness Day (April 17), and various neighborhood meetings.