The Birmingham City Council met in regular session on September 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order with a prayer by Firefighter/Chaplain Brian Blakes and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Darrell O'Quinn. Six council members were present (O'Quinn, Abbott, Smitherman, Tate, Williams, Woods); Councilmembers Clarke, Moore, and Alexander were absent. The pre-council meeting scheduled for 9:00 a.m. was not held due to lack of a quorum. The council approved a consent agenda en bloc and then considered several items individually, including a zoning change, a public safety surveillance contract amendment, UAB football ticket purchase, East Lake street improvements, and recycling cart procurement. Public comment was received from one speaker.
The consent agenda was moved by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Smitherman, and adopted unanimously (6-0).
Zoning Change – 1219 19th Street South (Item 1): Ordinance ZAC2025-000018 to rezone a 0.37-acre parcel from C-O&I and QB-3 to C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial District). The applicant, St. Mary's on the Highlands, seeks to create an overflow parking lot. The property is owned by Drennen Memorial Trust. The Five Points South Neighborhood Association voted 10-0 in support. The Zoning Advisory Committee and Planning and Zoning Committee both recommended approval unanimously. No public comments were offered. The ordinance was adopted unanimously (6-0).
Second Amendment to Public Safety Surveillance Contract with Alabama Power (Item 24): Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a second amendment to the existing master contract for public safety surveillance equipment. This amendment adds one 14-foot black metal pole, six Flock Safety Falcon license plate recognition cameras with solar panels, and cameras at four railroad crossing locations, to be connected to the Real Time Crime Center. The total amount paid to Alabama Power Company increases to not exceed $9,904,068.02. Funding comes from various sources including DOJ BJA FY24 Real Time Crime Center grant. Councilmember Smitherman noted the cameras are for validating train detection devices and for additional security. The resolution was adopted unanimously (6-0).
Purchase of UAB Football Tickets (Item 31): Resolution authorizing the purchase of 1,200 tickets per UAB home game during the 2025 season at a total cost of $200,000, to be distributed to city employees, youth groups, and neighborhood associations. Councilmember Williams spoke in support, noting that the city's hotel room night stays were up 12.5% compared to benchmarks, indicating economic benefits from such events. The resolution stated the purchase serves a public purpose including economic development and tourism. Adopted unanimously (6-0).
East Lake Safe Streets Right-of-Way Improvements (Item 33): Resolution accepting the lump sum bid of Gillespie Construction, LLC ($372,482) for the ENG 2025-004 project, which replaces Jersey barriers with permanent curbing at over a dozen locations in East Lake. Councilmember Abbott asked about the number of locations; Director of Capital Projects Denise Bale confirmed all locations are included, and renderings showed planters and trees. The resolution was adopted unanimously (6-0).
Purchase of Recycling Carts (Item 41): Resolution approving payment to Rehrig Pacific Company for 65-gallon Pepsi Blue NB carts (recycling containers) in the amount of $265,363.20. Councilmember Abbott clarified that these are recycling carts to address a backlog of 5,085 orders. The item was adopted unanimously (6-0).
So we can be fine. So it's a good way to do it. So you can just talk about this. We're ready. Good morning, Birmingham. This is the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council. Today is Tuesday, September thirtieth, twenty twenty-five. This morning our invitation will be delivered by Brian Blake's firefighter chaplain for the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Services. And our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by me. If you're willing and able, please stand. Father God, we thank you for this day and for the opportunity to gather here today. We are grateful for your faithfulness, mercy, and grace to be able to come today as we are led by your Holy Spirit. Today we especially thank you for every present leader, community members, and all who serve this city gratefully. Councilmember Abbott. Councilmember Moore. Councilmember Sbendeman. at the Bowell Auditorium, which is located at 1930, Reverend Abraham Woods Junior Boulevard. The event will be from 4 to 7 p.m. This session is designed to help vendors and planned planners understand what is required to legally operate a mobile food business within this Birmingham City limits. We'll also provide critical information for those planning to sell food or organize events during the Magic City Classic. Again, we want to encourage all those who have the desire to operate a mobile food business within the city limits and those who plan to sell food or organize events during the Magic City Classic. To register, you can send an email to register at Birmingham AL.gov. Again, register at Birmingham AL.gov. The popular 52nd annual Birmingham Greek Festival is October the 2nd through the 4th from 1030 a.m. to 9 30 p.m. daily. This family-friendly food and culture event will take place at 307 19th Street South. There will be live music, dancing, a marketplace, and of course, food. Admission is free to the festival. For those ordering food, there are walk-up, takeout, and drive-thru options available. You can also choose from tinted seating, open-air street tables, or covered garage dining. For more information, you can go to GreekfestBirmingham.com for details. Then finally, Mr. President, members of the council, members of the public, at this time, I would like to ask Ms. Danny Sims program to Miss Danny Sims, as well as any other guests who are with the crisis center to please join me at the podium for a proclamation. September is recognized as recovery month, which is the time to celebrate the strength and resilience of those in recovery under the work of providers and support systems and educate the public about the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services. We would like to take this time to recognize those who are rep in recovery and the community that supports them with a special proclamation that I will read in part on the mayor's behalf. It reads, whereas the City of Birmingham acknowledges the ongoing impact of substance use disorder in our community and remains committed to supporting recovery efforts that offer hope and healing to individuals and families. And whereas we recognize and deeply appreciate the dedication of first responders, health care professionals, peer recovery specialists, counselors, outreach workers, and all those who support individuals on their journey to recovery. And whereas empowering individuals in recovery strengthens our neighborhoods, reduces the burden on our public systems, and contributes to a healthier, more resilient Birmingham. Now, therefore, I, of course, on the mayor's behalf, Randall L. Whiffin, Mayor of the City of Birmingham, Alabama, do hereby proclaim September the twenty September 2025 as recovery month in the City of Birmingham. And I encourage all residents to join the reflecting on the power of recovery, supporting those affected by substance use disorder, and promoting inclusive policies and practices that build a more compassionate and recovery-ready community. Let us come together to uplift the voices of those in recovery, recognize the strength that it takes to seek help, and commit to fostering an environment where recovery is always possible. See us. Thank you. Thank you to the mayor who's not here right now and to all the council members. My name is Danny Sims. I am assistant director of Recovery Resource Center, a program of the Crisis Center. I'm also a person in long-term recovery from opioid addiction and alcohol use disorder.