Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - October 14, 2025

The Birmingham City Council met on October 14, 2025, at 9:30 AM in City Hall Chambers, with President Pro Tempore Wardine Alexander presiding due to the absence of Council President O'Quinn. The meeting opened with an invocation by Mrs. Thelma Brown (Susan G. Komen Scholar) and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Carole Clarke. Mayor Randall Woodfin presented proclamations to Dr. Valencia Wells (first Black president of the Alabama Optometric Association) and the Birmingham Barons (back-to-back Southern League champions). The Cancer Awareness Network honored Councilor Alexander with a Founders Award. The council approved a large consent agenda and several pulled items, all by unanimous votes.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was initially adopted, then reconsidered to withdraw item 55 (demolition at 4347 69th Street N), and readopted without that item. Items 1–21 (abatement of 21 inoperable motor vehicles), 25–36, 39–43, 45–54, 56–76, 78–83 were approved en bloc. Key consent items included: a First Amendment with AHSAA for the Super 7 Football Championships (2021, 2024, 2025, 2027); an agreement for AHSAA wrestling tournaments at the CrossPlex with up to $138,182 per year in incentives; a drone pilot program with Birdstop at no cost to the city; funding of $1,000,000 for Birmingham City Schools mental health services; a virtual fire-training simulation agreement with SimsUshare ($16,500); installation of access control points at fire facilities ($243,498.19); electronic monitoring services for Municipal Court ($24,000); a corrected agreement with Sidewalk Film Center ($6,750); a $1,506,300 contract with Skyfire for 16 drones for police; a joint funding agreement with USGS ($95,240 city share); a CMAQ grant for the Greenway and road diet on Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. (pulled and discussed separately); an amendment to the SEEDS program for Ensley Works (pulled and discussed); a $6,000 grant to Bare Hands Gallery; $7,500 to Birmingham Public Library for senior programs; $2,000 for the Magic City Toy Drive; $5,000 for Music Speaks Louder Than Words; $6,000 to Southern Music Research Center; settlement of a claim against Progressive Insurance ($10,762 – pulled and discussed); settlements of EEOC and other claims (Geraldine Floyd $35,000; Cornelia Belcher $10,050.18; Shawn Henderson $24,000; Dracye Ware $28,500; State Farm v. Lowe $12,000; State Farm v. Davison $23,100); demolition of 19 unsafe structures; Legion Field renovation bids (Package D reroofing $117,000; Package B restroom expansion $483,799; Package A wall replacement $448,479); Greensprings Highway Hawk signal (pulled and discussed); garbage disposal contract with Republic Services; custom apparel bid; and employee expense accounts.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the council. No items were pulled from the consent agenda for public hearing.

Discussion Items

• Item 37 – CMAQ Grant for Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South: Councilor Abbott requested details. Director of Transportation James Fowler stated the project will convert a four-lane road to a three-lane road with a dedicated side path for pedestrians and cyclists from just south of Five Points South to Valley Avenue, improving safety. The grant is $3,200,000 with an $800,000 city match. Bidding is expected in summer 2026. Councilor Abbott noted the long-standing need for safer walking and cycling over the mountain.
• Item 38 – SEEDS Program for Ensley Works Site: Councilor Clark asked about the purpose of the increased funding ($2,015,625 city match, up from $1,000,000). Mayor Woodfin explained the city is working with the state and EDPA to assess brownfield sites. The council moved into executive session (10 minutes) to discuss potential litigation, then returned and voted unanimously to approve.
• Item 44 – Settlement with Progressive Insurance: Councilor Tate highlighted the settlement of $10,762 for damage to a Hooper City neighborhood sign caused by a private driver. Mayor Woodfin noted that holding the driver responsible avoids using taxpayer dollars, and the funds will be used for the sign's repair.
• Item 77 – Greensprings Highway Hawk Signal: Councilor Abbott requested an explanation. Director Fowler described the High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signal, the first of its kind in Birmingham, at a transit stop near Goodwill. It will stop traffic, include curb extensions, and a median refuge to improve pedestrian safety. The project is being coordinated with a future streetscape phase.

Key Outcomes

• All votes on the consent agenda and pulled items were unanimous (7–0). Voting members: Councilors Abbott, Clarke, Smitherman, Tate, Williams, Woods, and Alexander. Councilors O'Quinn and Moore were absent.
• The consent agenda was adopted, then reconsidered to withdraw item 55 (demolition at 4347 69th Street N), and readopted without that item.
• Item 38 was approved after an executive session for potential litigation.
• The Freshwater Land Trust agreement (item 31) was amended to $547,619 from $500,000.
• The council adjourned at 11:06 AM.