Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - May 27, 2025

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on May 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Father Phil Paxton and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Pro-Tempore Wardine Alexander. Roll call showed six members present (Abbott, Clarke, Smitherman, Tate, Alexander, O'Quinn), with Moore, Williams, and Woods absent. Councilmember Tate arrived later. The pre-council meeting at 9:00 a.m. was not held due to lack of a quorum.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 39 items on the Consent Agenda, including: eight resolutions fixing special assessments for weed abatement on numerous properties (batches K-22, K-23, L-21, L-22, L-23, M-21, M-22, M-23); a resolution removing an erroneous weed assessment from 323 Millvale Street; six resolutions ordering demolition of unsafe structures at 603 Center St N, 305, 307, 308, 306 Barbee St, and 5420 5th Ct S; a resolution accepting a bid from Southland Transportation Group for rebuilt automatic transmissions; payments for office furniture, a Kenworth T480 ProPatch truck ($294,527), wreck repair services, medical supplies, and other purchases; approval of itemized expense accounts for elected and appointed officials and employees; a budget amendment transferring $23,732.10 to the Donations Fund for Echo Highlands Park; and a resolution declaring 348 properties as nuisances due to weeds and setting a public hearing for July 1, 2025. The Consent Agenda was adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eddie Chambers (3701 Avenue SW) spoke about a weed assessment of $746.30 on a property he purchased for $600 after 45 years of neglect. He stated he faithfully cuts the grass and cannot afford the assessment. Council leadership acknowledged the issue and noted staff is investigating solutions.
• Willie Jenkins (no address given) announced the 52nd anniversary of Carver High School Class of 1973 and a reunion picnic on October 1st at North Birmingham Park. He also requested community improvements, including reopening the Collegeville swimming pool and addressing the bus stop situation.
• Anthony Hicks (Executive Director, Anthony Foundation) thanked the city for in-kind support for the "Majesty Rising Stars" talent event, which showcases youth and young adult performers aged 4–38. He noted the program has given away $10,000 in prize money over five seasons and provides a positive family activity.

Discussion Items

• Item 9 – Payment to Zoro Tools for Fire Department carpentry tools: Approved. Councilmember Abbott asked why the fire department needed carpentry tools. The administration explained that firefighters perform small repairs (e.g., installing blinds) internally rather than calling DPW.
• Item 10 – Façade Improvement Loan for Lakeview Oyster House dba Moes Original BBQ Lakeview: A $50,000 forgivable loan for façade renovation/replacement after a fire. Director of Community Development Megan Venable Thomas explained the loan requires two new full-time employees over five years, after which the loan is forgiven. Councilmember Abbott asked about the program's history; approximately 40 businesses have been assisted in the past three years.
• Item 11 – Amendment to YMCA Project Agreement: The City previously granted a $1,000,000 forgivable loan to the YMCA for renovations in Roebuck, including 22 Habitat homes and a 10,000 sq. ft. health care center. The amendment substitutes the original mortgage collateral with a $1,000,000 letter of credit from Regions Bank to avoid conflicts with new market tax credits. Senior Deputy Director Corey Stallworth explained the change is necessary to accommodate the YMCA's larger stake ($10 million).
• Item 38 – Public Hearing on Automated Car Wash Moratorium: A resolution to set a public hearing for June 10, 2025, to consider extending the temporary moratorium on automated car washes. Approved.
• Item 42 – Appointment to Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Board: Ralph Williams Jr. was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Jonathan Porter, expiring September 1, 2025. Approved.
• Presentation – Magic City Lacrosse: Yancey Williams, coaches, parents, and student athletes presented the program's achievements, including over 50 athletic and 75 academic scholarships since 2008. The girls' team finished 10-0 and the boys' team 7-3. They requested city support to reduce facility rental costs and expand to middle schools. Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting the program's positive impact on youth.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved all consent agenda items (Resolutions 840-874, Ordinance 25-62).
• Approved Resolution 875-25 recalling and rescinding Resolution 790-25 (payment to Atlanta Drone Group) as the Mayor had not acted on it.
• Approved Resolution 876-25 (Item 9) – payment to Zoro Tools for fire department carpentry tools.
• Approved Resolution 877-25 (Item 10) – $50,000 façade improvement loan for Moes Original BBQ Lakeview.
• Approved Resolution 878-25 (Item 11) – amendment to YMCA loan agreement substituting mortgage with $1,000,000 letter of credit.
• Approved Resolution 879-25 (Item 38) – setting a public hearing on June 10, 2025, for extending the moratorium on automated car washes.
• Approved Resolution 880-25 (Item 42) – appointing Ralph Williams Jr. to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Board.
• Councilmember Abbott raised concerns about unannounced transit route changes in Glen Iris; the administration will coordinate with the transit authority for better communication.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:59 a.m.