Regular Meeting of Birmingham City Council – August 5, 2025

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on August 5, 2025, at 9:30 AM after the pre-council meeting at 9:00 AM was canceled due to a lack of quorum. The meeting opened with an invocation by Rev. Lajuan Lewis and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Valerie Abbott. Mayor Randall Woodfin delivered several announcements, and the Council approved a consent agenda, debated a few items, heard public comments, and passed multiple resolutions and ordinances.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, covering items 2–58 (with item 2 as a public hearing), was approved unanimously (9-0) after one property (EEN2025-00899, 309 4th Terrace North) was removed per Councilor Clark’s request.
• Key consent items included:
  • Item 2: Abatement of nuisances and lien assessments on dozens of properties (Resolution 1237-25).
  • Items 3–7: Budget amendments for the Grants Fund ($297,619 for Alabama Workforce Stabilization Program) and the Donations Fund (totaling $34,000 for parks and the Huffman Neighborhood Association).
  • Items 10–13: Agreements with Alabama Symphonic Association ($35,000), Birmingham Children’s Theatre (amended to $17,500), Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation Foundation ($16,500), and State of Alabama Ballet ($25,000).
  • Items 14: Dumpster service for Evergreen Community Center ($200).
  • Items 15–39: Resolutions declaring 25 buildings as unsafe public nuisances and ordering demolition.
  • Items 40–58: Various procurement contracts, expense accounts, and fire hydrant installation.
• Items 54–57: Approval of expense accounts for appointed officials and city employees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cynthia Turner (616 26th Avenue NW, identified as a neighborhood president) raised concerns about chemicals sprayed by the city that damaged her neighbor’s garden and requested information on the spray used; she also noted standing water issues. Chief of Staff promised follow-up.
• Tyrone Richardson (808 79th Street South) complained that easements on his property have not been maintained by the city for years, despite multiple 311 calls, and also requested speed calming. The administration agreed to a follow-up conversation.
• Toney Robinson (1314 Avenue R) appeared to report harassment (minutes note this, but no transcript detail).

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Operating Authority for The Pull Up-Bham, LLC: Councilor Smitherman noted the applicant amended the address from 1225 18th Pl SW to 904 Mosley Loop Rd, Morris, AL. After concerns about neighborhood parking issues, the item was deferred for two weeks to August 19, 2025 (unanimous).
• Items 40–41 – Leachate Pump Contracts: Councilor O’Quinn asked about differences from prior emergency repairs; the administration clarified these are new ADEM-required upgrades. Councilor Abbott asked where leachate is pumped; the mayor responded “tank farm then to Jefferson County sanitary sewer.” Both items approved unanimously.
• Item 42 – General Construction Work Order Contract for $370,000: Councilor O’Quinn and Williams questioned scope; Director of Capital Projects Denise Bell explained it’s an IDIQ contract for facility repairs (windows, doors, etc.) with unit pricing. Approved unanimously.
• Item 43 – Law Enforcement Equipment for Transportation: The item (barricades and message boards used by both BPD and B-DOT) was clarified by the administration. Approved unanimously.
• Item 59 – Public Hearing for Street Closure: Resolution setting a September 16, 2025 hearing to consider closing 20th Avenue South near Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd to vehicular traffic to protect the residential neighborhood from business traffic. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinances 25-111 and 25-112: Authorizing quitclaim deeds to Sherman J. Mickles ($6,570.07) and Demus Zell Copeland ($6,410.31) for properties acquired through municipal lien foreclosures. Approved unanimously.
• Resolutions of Sympathy: Adopted for Willie A. Cade (introduced by Councilor Alexander) and Juanita Alicia Brown-Brew (introduced by Councilor Tate), honoring their community service.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the consent agenda (9-0).
• Item 1 (Pull Up-Bham transport permit) deferred to August 19, 2025.
• All pulled items (40, 41, 42, 43) and items 8, 9, 59 approved unanimously.
• Two quitclaim deeds authorized (Ordinances 25-111, 25-112).
• Two resolutions of sympathy adopted.
• Public comment follow-ups assigned to administration.
• Meeting adjourned at 11:18 AM.