Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting: July 15, 2025

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM in the City Council Chambers. Prior to the regular meeting, the pre-council meeting at 9:00 AM was not held due to lack of a quorum. The regular meeting included recognitions of first responders and a youth choir, approvals of zoning changes, a new towing ordinance, multiple contracts and grants, and public comments. The meeting adjourned at 12:25 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda comprised routine items including alcohol license transfers (Items 3-10), a short-term rental software contract (Item 12, withdrawn), parking management services (Item 13, removed for separate vote), housing project financing documents (Item 14, removed), grants (Items 16 and 17, removed), equipment purchases, and special assessments for demolition costs on 91 properties (Items 19-104). The consent agenda was approved after the removal of specified items. Item 17 was reclassified from a resolution to an ordinance requiring a supermajority.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Ardis Murphy: Expressed strong support for Mayor Randall Woodfin's administration, describing it as historic and urging unity among elected officials. She warned against negative campaigning.
• Tony Hill (representing his mother Ruth Hill, 910 3rd Street, Pratt City, District 9): Requested the city demolish an abandoned house at 913 3rd Street, citing safety issues and that the problem had persisted since 2019. Birmingham Police Chief Mitchell acknowledged the request.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of World Police and Fire Games Medalists: Mayor Woodfin, Fire Chief Corey Moon, and Police Chief Michael Pickett recognized Birmingham first responders who competed in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games. Birmingham ranked second in the United States with a total of 10 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze medals. Council members expressed pride and gratitude for their daily service.
• Proclamation for Magic City Youth Choir: The Magic City Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir was recognized for receiving the Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent. The choir performed a song and highlighted their 10th anniversary concert on July 20, 2025, at 16th Street Baptist Church.
• Senior Fitness Program Announcement: Commissioner Sheila Tyson, along with Councilmembers Pro Tem Alexander and Tate, promoted the "Get Fit While You Sit" senior exercise event on August 1, 2025, from 8 AM to 1 PM at Boutwell Auditorium, featuring free parking and lunch.
• Item 1 – Zoning Change for Fountain Heights Cooperative (Case ZAC2025-00007): Public hearing held. The council approved rezoning 0.16 acres at 1201 16th Street North from CR-4A (Contingency Medium Density Residential) to MU-L (Mixed-Use Low) to allow a new office, market, and accessory kitchen. A neighboring property owner, Shay Hornmuckle, spoke in opposition, alleging property line encroachments and trespass. Applicant Maria Villanueva stated the structures are within surveyed boundaries and the project represents a $750,000 community investment. The council separated property line disputes from the zoning decision. The vote was 7-0.
• Item 2 – Zoning Ordinance Definition Amendments (Case ZAC2025-00012): Approved amendments adding definitions for terms such as "adjacent property owner," "public building," and "bicycle plan" to align with subdivision regulations. The vote was 6-0.
• Item 11 – Towing Ordinance (First Reading): Adopted amendments to Title 10 allowing vehicles with three or more unpaid parking tickets to be towed from public rights-of-way. The ordinance also provides for notice, redemption procedures, and administrative hearings to contest tows. Enforcement will begin in fall 2025 after a public education campaign. The vote was 6-0.
• Item 13 – Parking Enforcement Software Contract: Approved a contract with Gtechna USA Corporation for on-street parking management and enforcement services, including AI-powered license plate readers, for up to five years at a cost not to exceed $395,239.89. This system enables real-time data and integration with the Parkmobile app. The vote was 6-0.
• Item 14 – Southtown Court Apartments Subordination: Approved documents to subordinate the city's $960,060 HOME loan and $1,761,000 loan to Alabama Multifamily Loan Consortium's $6,000,000 permanent loan for the 60-unit Southtown Court Apartments project. The vote was 5-0.
• Item 16 – Wenonah Road Safety Grant: Authorized a grant application to the Alabama Department of Transportation for $1.5 million to repair the shoulder and install a guardrail on Wenonah Road at 22nd Street SW, with a city match of up to $750,000. The vote was 6-0.
• Item 17 – Drug Trafficking Grant Ordinance: Adopted as an ordinance a grant agreement with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Gulf Coast HIDTA for $70,521 for increased surveillance and detection, with no city match required. The vote was 6-0.
• Item 105 – Finance Department Security System: Approved a lump sum proposal of $11,180.46 for an Aiphone intercom system and card access control.
• Item 108 – Roof Repair Work Order Contract: Approved a contract with Tecta America Southeast for 2025 roof repairs at a cost of $182,000.
• Item 115 – Data Cabling Services Contract: Approved a one-year contract with Norstan Communications DBA Black Box Network Services for premise distribution system cabling.
• Item 120 – Sewer Cleaner Truck Purchase: Approved payment of $380,876 to Sansom Equipment for a 2025 Vactor Impact Sewer Cleaner Jetter Truck for stormwater investigations.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was approved as a block after removal of items for separate consideration.
• Item 1 (Fountain Heights rezoning) passed 7-0.
• Item 2 (zoning definitions) passed 6-0.
• Item 11 (towing ordinance) passed 6-0.
• Item 13 (Gtechna contract) passed 6-0.
• Item 14 (Southtown subordination) passed 5-0.
• Item 16 (Wenonah Road grant) passed 6-0.
• Item 17 (ALEA grant ordinance) passed 6-0.
• Items 105, 108, 115, and 120 were each approved.
• The pre-council meeting was canceled for lack of a quorum.
• Councilmembers Williams, Clarke, and Moore absented themselves at various points during the meeting.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:25 PM.