Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - May 13, 2025

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on May 13, 2025, at 9:30 AM in the City Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. Mayor Randall Woodfin delivered opening remarks, updating the council on the Central Alabama Climate Action Plan community engagement process, the launch of Magic City Sips (May–September), and a proclamation for the Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance's 100th anniversary. He also noted that recent heavy rainfall has caused the city to fall behind on weed abatement and grass cutting.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 773-25: Operating Authority Permit for Aging Flower Transport Service, LLC (non-emergency medical transport).
• Resolution 774-25: Agreement with Empowerment, Inc. for the "Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival" at Legion Field (June 5) and Linn Park (June 6–8), with city incentives not to exceed $175,000.
• Resolution 775-25: Fourth Amendment to agreement with UKG Kronos System, LLC for cloud migration project management, increasing FY2025 amount to $178,140 (total not to exceed $440,024).
• Resolution 776-25: Application for FY2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant (up to $25,000,000 with 20% city match) for pedestrian signal upgrades.
• Resolution 777-25: Grant agreement with ALEA for FY2025 State Homeland Security Grant Program (up to $200,000 per project, no city match).
• Resolution 778-25: Approval of Mayor's membership dues for Jefferson County Mayors Association ($44,000/year, renewable, up to 3 years).
• Resolution 779-25: Right-of-Way Encroachment License Agreement for Battery II Property, LLC (two blade signs at 2143 2nd Ave South).
• Resolution 780-25: Right-of-Way Encroachment License Agreement for Jack Hospitality, LLC (one blade sign at 2015 2nd Ave North).
• Resolution 781-25: Trail Construction Easement Agreement with Birmingham Sunrise Rotary Foundation for three pergolas on the Jones Valley Trail.
• Resolution 782-25: Acceptance of the lump-sum bid ($900,000) from A.G. Gaston Construction Co., Inc. for Rickwood Field Accessibility Improvements.
• Resolutions 783–784: Approval of payments for new flooring at the City Attorney's Office ($35,642.99) and purchase of 20 Ford trucks for Equipment Management ($1,148,360).
• Resolutions 785–788: Approval of itemized expense accounts for elected official, city employees, and advanced expense accounts.
• Resolution 789-25: Declaration of 453 properties as public nuisances due to noxious weeds; setting a public hearing for June 17, 2025.
• The consent agenda was adopted unanimously (9-0) after Councilmember Clarke removed items 13–17 for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dexter Cunningham (4407 Hampton Heights Drive), a city retiree, spoke about the Pension Board's unanimous April 9 vote to provide a $400 per person increase to retirees. He noted that the Board chairman (Mayor Woodfin) had voted in favor but later called the vote premature. Cunningham asked the council to support funding the increase from the operating budget, stating many retirees have not seen an increase in over 25 years. He called for fairness and good-faith negotiations.
• Willie Jenkins announced the 52nd anniversary celebration of his Carver High School class and invited the council to attend.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (ZAC2025-0004): Ordinance amending Title 1, Chapter 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to clarify that rezoning applications may go before either the Zoning Advisory Committee or the full Planning Commission. Kim Sperl, Zoning Administrator, explained the change is a cleanup item. No public opposition. Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Item 3: Resolution approving $1,506,300 to Atlanta Drone Group for 16 DJI Dock 3 units, 16 aircraft, licenses, and support for the Birmingham Police Department. Councilmember Williams commended the investment, noting it will reduce response times. Councilmember Abbott asked about operator training and deployment; police officials confirmed four officers are already certified, with more to be trained, and deployment will be from the Real-Time Crime Center. Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Items 13–17: Five resolutions accepting bids for pesticides, fertilizers, and soil amendments (Bid #25-51) from different vendors. These were removed from the consent agenda by Councilmember Clarke. Councilmembers Clarke and Abbott raised environmental concerns, urged judicious use of chemicals, and reminded residents they may opt out of spraying by contacting Public Works. The Mayor confirmed the opt-out option remains. Voting on each resolution resulted in 6 ayes (Smitherman, Tate, Williams, Woods, Alexander, O'Quinn) and 3 nays (Abbott, Clarke, Moore). All five passed.
• Item 24 (SUB2025-00018): Resolution setting a public hearing for June 10, 2025, to consider vacation of 26,875 sq. ft. of right-of-way near 10th Court North and 10th Avenue North. Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Item 25 (SUB2025-00033): Resolution setting a public hearing for June 17, 2025, to consider vacation of 481 sq. ft. of right-of-way near Lacey Road and Hattie Street. Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Item 27 (Resolution 798-25): Resolution expressing the City Council's strong opposition to any amendment of the Water Works Board's certificate of incorporation under Act 2025-297 (SB330) without the consent of the Council. The resolution cites the act's attempt to restructure the board regionally and strip the Council's approval authority. Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Item 28 (Resolution 799-25): Resolution appointing Sheila Tyson to the initial term (May 13, 2029) on the new regional water board created by Act 2025-297. The council made the appointment under duress to preserve its appointing authority while legal challenges are pending. Approved unanimously (9-0) after a roll call vote.
• Executive Session: City Attorney King recommended going into executive session to discuss pending litigation. The council voted 8-0 (Williams absent) to recess at 10:17 AM. The meeting reconvened at 11:35 AM with Williams absent; the executive session and subsequent votes on items 27 and 28 were completed.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (excluding items 13–17) adopted 9-0.
• Zoning code cleanup ordinance adopted 9-0.
• Police drone purchase approved 9-0.
• Five pesticide contracts approved (6-3 each).
• Two road vacation public hearing dates set (unanimous).
• Resolution opposing Water Works Board restructuring adopted 9-0.
• Sheila Tyson appointed to regional water board 9-0.
• Motion to enter executive session passed 8-0.
• Public speakers addressed retiree pension increases and a school reunion.
• Mayor announced community engagement events and reminded residents of the opt-out option for chemical spraying.