Birmingham City Council Meeting - November 18, 2025

The regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council was called to order on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 9:33 AM by President Alexander. The meeting began with an invocation by Major Robert Lyle and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman O'Quinn. The Council received a special proclamation honoring local actor Blake Cameron James for his achievements in film and television. Following the approval of minutes from June 2025 and communications from the Mayor regarding the Birmingham Youth Sports League, the Council reviewed the consent agenda. Several items were removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion or referral to committees. The meeting concluded with public testimony regarding safety issues at the Firehouse Shelter and broader policy positions from a community representative, followed by district updates and adjournment.

Consent Calendar

• Approvals: Items 3 through 110 (excluding withdrawn and removed items) were approved via a single motion.
• Modifications: Councilor Smith noted a clerical correction on Item 19 regarding a $29,000 increase.
• Withdrawals: Administration withdrew Item 30 (Birmingham Regional Paratransit Consortium amendment), Item 109, and Item 11 (Page 69) due to incomplete information or procedural considerations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joseph Hope: Expressed strong concern regarding the Firehouse Shelter in the Smithfield area, stating that criminal activity, including property destruction and theft, is occurring on the premises and hiding within the shelter. Mr. Hope claimed that police officers have been unresponsive to his complaints, with one officer allegedly threatening his life. He requested that the Council hold the shelter accountable for the actions of individuals within its confines.
• William Mohammed: Presented a 30-point agenda on behalf of the Committee to Save Jefferson County. He stated a position in favor of annexation and the development of Birmingham Southern College as an economic engine. He argued that the Police Department budget surplus should be utilized strictly for public safety. Mr. Mohammed expressed support for full employment for city employees, affordable housing programs, and increased pensions for city retirees. He firmly stated an opposition to "rubber stamp" processes, advocating for strict checks and balances. He urged the Council to fight the state takeover lawsuit vigorously to protect city assets, noting that Jefferson County contributes significantly to Waterworks revenue.
• Ricky Green: Added a notice regarding the Five Points West community hosting their annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (Junk Dealer License): Councilor Tate requested a delay of four weeks due to unresolved zoning issues. The motion to delay was approved unanimously.
• Item 2 (BJCTA Appointments): Councilor O'Quinn presented the appointment of five members to the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority. The Council voted to reappoint Willie Davis and Michelle Inman, and appoint La Shonda Baldwin, Katie Dumas, and Patricia Todd. The item passed.
• Item 23 (Paratransit Amendment): Councilor Williams asked for clarification on the contract amendment with Class Trans. Administration confirmed the amendment allows the use of existing operating funds for a federal grant application. The item passed unanimously (except for Councilor Tate's absence).
• Item 24 (Growing Kings Agreement): Councilor Gunn requested more information regarding the scope of work and impacted communities. Administration requested to table the item to provide detailed answers. The motion to table was approved.
• Item 25 (Jones Valley Urban Farm): Councilor Queen abstained from the vote. The item to extend the agreement term to September 30, 2026, passed.
• Item 28 (Railroad Park Amendment): Councilor Smithman raised questions regarding the funding increase from $900,000 to $1,000,000 annually. The item passed with one abstention (Councilor Smithman).
• Item 29 (Tech Birmingham Upskilling): Councilor Smithman requested information on the initiative. Administration explained the program's goal to transition junior developers to senior levels and the current need to re-submit an RFP due to leadership changes. The item passed unanimously.
• Item 31 (Lakeview LLC Incentives): Councilor Williams expressed opposition, arguing that extending incentives for a property that has already met its 75% occupancy trigger rewards delayed performance and is bad for taxpayers. He refused to vote without a committee review. Councilor O'Quinn made a motion to refer the item to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. The motion to refer passed.
• Item 41 (Planning Commission Appointments): The Council appointed Councilman O'Quinn and Councilman Vasa to the Birmingham Planning Commission as ex-officio members for a term expiring October 29, 2029. The item passed.

Key Outcomes

• Approval: The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority appointments were confirmed.
• Referral: Item 31 regarding WF Lakeview, LLC incentives was referred to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee for further review due to concerns regarding taxpayer liability and occupancy triggers.
• Deferral: Item 1 (Junk Dealer License) was delayed by four weeks for zoning resolution.
• Deferral: Item 24 (Growing Kings) was tabled pending further information on community impact.
• Action: The Council referred public complaints regarding the Firehouse Shelter and Officer C. Jones to the Mayor and Chief of Staff for follow-up.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned, with a reminder that the 911 Commission meeting would immediately follow.