Birmingham City Council Meeting - November 4, 2025

The Birmingham City Council convened on November 4, 2025, to address urgent issues regarding the federal government shutdown and its impact on food security, celebrate the retirement of a long-standing staff member, and approve various zoning, financial, and emergency contracts. The meeting featured a significant presentation from Congresswoman Terry Sewell on SNAP benefit disruptions, followed by the passage of Ordinance Item 10 to fund local food assistance.

Consent Calendar

• Routine amendments to the agenda to include presentations by Congresswoman Terry Sewell and representatives from Prescott House.
• Unanimous approval of the minutes from previous meetings held in May 2025.
• Approval of board and agency vacancy forwardings for committee guidance.
• Councilors O'Quinn and Smithman successfully moved items 16 and 18 off the consent agenda for individual discussion.
• Approval of 20+ routine items remaining on the agenda after removals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Congresswoman Terry Sewell: Expressed opposition to the federal government shutdown and the administration's refusal to fully fund SNAP benefits, citing a lack of bipartisan agreement. She emphasized that 750,000 Alabamians rely on SNAP and criticized the use of contingency funds to slash programs instead of addressing the shutdown. She voiced full support for the City of Birmingham's initiative to provide supplemental food assistance.
• Councilors (Smith, Smithman, Woods, Alexander): Expressed full support for Congresswoman Sewell's efforts and the City's SNAP relief plan. Councilor Smithman highlighted the financial anxiety of constituents and the need for sensitive language regarding poverty. Councilor Williams and Councilor Woods emphasized the importance of the city's rapid response compared to state federal delays.
• Mary Beth (Prescott House): Requested community support for the Child Advocacy Center, noting a 45% increase in forensic interviews this year and the compounded trauma faced by children dealing with food and housing insecurity.
• Bob Freeman: Expressed concern regarding the sewer infrastructure issues at the Birmingham Black Radio Museum (Jazz Hall), calling for a transparent bidding process for repairs and expressing gratitude for the City's stance against federal neglect of the poor.
• Willie Jenkins: Shared community news regarding a Carver High School reunion and an invitation to a church choir performance, expressing appreciation for the council's listening.

Discussion Items

• Federal Shutdown & SNAP Relief (Item 10): Council debated an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to spend up to $1,090,000 to provide one-time $100/$200 allotments to SNAP-eligible residents. Councilor Smithman raised questions about the use of the term "poor" (noting it is statutory) and the lack of prior notification to council members. Administration clarified the funding source (General Fund/Grant Match) and that the initiative is supported by a partnership with United Way and Christian Service Mission. Councilor Smithman challenged the philanthropic community to match the city's contribution.
• Zoning Amendment (Item 1): Discussion regarding the rezoning of 821 39th Place South from QB1 to C1 to allow a medical spa. Councilor Williams noted the 1992 rezoning conditions were the cause of the issue, as they inadvertently excluded medical spas which are considered personal care services. The Forest Park Neighborhood Association voted 32-0 in support.
• Lighting Agreement (Item 9): An interlocal agreement with ALDOT for decorating lighting on 7th Avenue South was discussed. Councilors O'Quinn and Smithman raised broader issues regarding underpass lighting maintenance responsibility on railroad overpasses and proposed a comprehensive agreement to clarify liability.
• 2029 National Senior Games (Item 11): Council discussed an agreement to fund the 2029 National Senior Games. Administrators projected a 38 million dollar economic impact with 12,000 athletes expected.
• Emergency Storm Drainage (Item 16): A request to repair a burst sewer line at Arlington Avenue and Highland Avenue was approved after Councilor Smithman requested a future workshop on long-term storm drainage planning.
• Water Chemical Treatment (Item 18): Approval for a contract with Triple Point Industries for water fountains was granted after clarification that the scope is limited to public fountains.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance Item 10 Passed: The Council unanimously approved the ordinance to allocate $1,090,000 (including $60,000 admin and $30,000 convenience fees) to assist SNAP recipients during the federal shutdown. The program aims to reach approximately 23,000-24,000 residents, with gift cards distributed via partner organizations.
• Zoning Case Approved: The request for Item 1 (Medical Spa) passed, removing Q conditions to allow the new use.
• Emergency Contract Approved: Item 16 (Storm Drainage) passed, authorizing a contract with Rousseau Corporation for $539,511.46.
• Funding for Senior Games: Item 11 passed, authorizing the $750,000 allocation for the 2029 National Senior Games.
• Recognition: A resolution was unanimously adopted to honor Mrs. Cheryl Kidd for her 23 years and 6 months of dedicated service to the City Council, including her creation of the deputy administrator position and the Committee Roundup system.
• Public Hearing Set: Item 25 passed to set a public hearing for December 9, 2025, regarding a zoning change (D5 to I1) for parking 18-wheeler storage, despite a previous clarification that the Planning and Zoning committee recommended denial (1-2 vote).
• Next Steps: A special Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, to review city financials and the Urban Alchemy project.