The Birmingham City Council convened in regular session on August 19, 2025, at 9:30 AM in the Council Chambers. The meeting opened with prayer by Rev. Darryl Cunningham, Sr., and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor J.T. Moore (who was absent for roll call). Councilors present: O'Quinn, Abbott, Alexander (arrived later), Clarke, Smitherman, Tate (arrived later), Williams (arrived later), and Woods. Councilor Moore was absent. Mayor Randall Woodfin made several announcements, including the hiring of 93 new police recruits (bringing total hired since January to over 190), and upcoming community events. The Council approved a consent agenda, conducted public hearings, and passed several resolutions including funding for Red Mountain Park, trail maintenance, police vehicle purchases, and a resolution of sympathy for Bishop Calvin Woods, Sr.
We're ready. I can see what you gotta do. Good morning, Birmingham. This is the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council. Today's date is Tuesday, August 19th, 2025. This morning our invocation will be delivered by Reverend Darrell Cunningham Senior, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, and our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councillor Moore. If you're willing and able, please stand. First good morning, uh to the city, to the council and to the office of the mayor. Let us pray. Gracious Father, we're thankful this morning for giving us an opportunity to comment to speak a word. We're praying, Heavenly Father, that the minds of those decision makers that are here today will do those things that are pleasing unto you. Give them the courage and the energy and whatever they need in order to make those things work for everyone. We're praying for uh comments on the violence, those things that tend to separate our communities. We're asking that you would give us that grace and give us that mercy as we work through those things. And in closing, Heavenly Father, we pray uh for a spirit of comfort for the families of Bishop Woods and Coach Demetrius. We ask Heavenly Father that you would guide them through this process, guide this city and implant it inside of us a spirit of power and dominance that we will make this city what it's supposed to be for us in your mighty name that we pray this prayer to you, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we can all shout amen. Councilmember Clark. Council Member Moore. Councilmember Smith. Council member Woods. Council President Bulletin Alexander. Council President O'Coy. Council of the Minutes are not ready for the April first, twenty twenty-five through August twelfth, twenty twenty-five meetings. Councilor Woods and to your entire family. Um your grandfather, uh Bishop. Um Calvin Woods Sr. We know his contributions to help establish the Alabama Christian movement for human rights. I just want to publicly say that to you. I want to say that express that my condolences to you and your family as well. And on behalf of the city, we express our condolences to all the family, not just you, but all the family. You have like the largest family in Birmingham, maybe. But just express our sincere condolences and respect to your grandfather. The community is invited to a special edition of Food Truck Friday this Friday, the 22nd. There'll be a partnership with Magic City SIPS initiative to celebrate the city's vibrant hospitality scene as well as local businesses, community activities and things to do around Birmingham. So we want you all, including the council to join us for an unforgettable afternoon titled Savor the Magic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lynn Park in front of the city hall. We want you to come hungry and ready to enjoy Birmingham's best food trucks. We also encourage you to bring your blankets and lawn chairs and soaking the summer vibes with curated music by Flock Wave. There will also be games, giveaways, and tons of prizes, and this is a free, this is a free event and open to all the public. This Thursday football, high school football kicks off in the city of Birmingham. And it starts with the Stop the Violence Classic. August 21st is the annual Stop the Violence Classic at Legion Field, where HA Parker and Ramsey High School football teams battle for Bragg and Rates. This event also highlights the community's efforts to shine a light on violence prevention and we're featured tabling and information from citywide programs and initiatives. The pregame is at 6 p.m. and the game starts at 7 p.m. And for more details, you can visit BHM City Schools.org for more information. Just a repeat note the community community studio week is still happening. We're hosting the second community studio week next week at the Carver Theater, and they addresses 1631 Fourth Avenue North. This is an opportunity to provide your feedback on the Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads Project, which is a very visionary initiative to reconnect neighborhoods, improve mobility, and honor Birmingham Civil Rights Legacy.