Oh yeah, the whole thing.

Yeah.

Yeah.

She gets to be played.

Well, yeah, no, like the main two hundred.

I think that's what we do.

We are right here.

Are we ready in the back?

You might have found him down, but nothing has yet.

Today is Tuesday, January thirteenth.

The time is now nine forty.

I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council.

This morning, our invocation will be led by Reverend Greg Stanley, and our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Counselor Brian Dunn.

If you're willing and able, please stand and join us.

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

Amen.

Pledge allegiance to the flag, United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you very much.

Good morning, Mr.

Clerk.

You'll call the role.

Council Member Gunn.

Morning.

Morning, sir.

Councilmember O'Quinn.

Morning.

Councilmember Smith.

Good morning.

Morning, Councilmember Smithman.

Good morning, Councilmember Basel.

Morning.

Council Member Williams.

Councilmember Woods.

Morning.

Council President Pro Tim Tate.

Good morning, Council.

President Alexander.

Good morning.

Counselors, I'm asking for a motion and a second for approval of minutes from the previous meetings of October 7th, October 14th, October 21st, and October 28th, 2025.

All in favor, let it go by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed say nay.

Thank you.

Counselors, at this time, the minutes are not ready from the mint meetings of November 4th, 2025 through January 6th, 2025.

At this time, we'll entertain communications from the mayor.

Madam President, good morning to you.

Good morning.

Good morning to the entire council.

It's good to see everyone this morning.

Madam President, I have one thing on my report.

And that is it is related to the divine devastating amazing Divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

At this time, I would like to ask the chapter presidents and all these other lovely ladies as they follow in to join me here at the podium.

At the same as they come in, I would like to ask Councilor Crystal Smetherman to also join me at the podium.

So Madam President and Council, it turns out on January 13th, 1913, 113 years ago.

I like that.

Ladies, y'all like that?

They're still coming in, so I could just say it again.

Still coming in.

Paint city all red today.

Still coming.

I won't tell the fire marshal if he won't.

Yeah, we'll keep it a secret.

Excuse me.

I think you set a record.

Yeah, I think you set a record as well.

All right, madam president and council.

Let's try this again.

On January 13th, 1913, 113 years ago, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated was founded by 22.

That's right.

22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need.

Today DST is made up of a powerful network, a very powerful network of more than 350,000 women across the globe, with more than 1,000 collegiate and alumni chapters spanning the world, connected by a shared purpose, and an unbreakable bond.

And so on this day, their Founders' Day, the City of Birmingham would like to honor these amazing women with the proclamation that I will read in part.

And it states whereas Delta women understand that real change.

Real change requires collaboration through impactful partnerships with corporate leaders and charitable organizations.

They confront disparities in education, health, and economics, tackling the issues that matter most to the communities they serve.

And whereas members of the Birmingham Alumni Chapter, the Jefferson County Alumni Chapter, and the Ada New Chapter of Miles College and the Iota Lambda chapter of University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Sigma Ada chapter at Sanford University, are prime examples of the sorority's unwavering commitment to service, sisterhood, and scholarship.

Members' strong dedication to social action continues to expand and safeguard the rights and privileges of all citizens while uplifting and protecting the vulnerable and underserved in our community.

Now, therefore, I, Randall L.

Woodman, Mayor of the City of Birmingham, along with the Birmingham City Council, celebrate, acknowledge, and say a happy Founders Day to Delta Sigma Theater Sorority Incorporated on its 113th anniversary.

And I invite all citizens to rise to the occasion and celebrate the sorority for the power, the purpose, and the passion it brings to Birmingham and its members to demonstrate the true impact of Voices United for Change.

And before Councillor Smith speaks, I just want to acknowledge every DST member who works here at City Hall and provides that service to our constituents every single day.

Thank you for your service and thank you all.

Y'all look good too.

Not sure how I'm gonna get out of the way, but wish me look.

At this time, Madam President and Council, I invite Counselor Crystal Smith.

Probably can just move the mic over the office here.

Um what a great day it is to be a Delta.

It really is happy Founders Day, y'all.

Um, uh Delta means so much more to me than just being a member.

I was raised by Delta.

I was a Delta Gym, so imagine a 14, 50 year old me, even shyer than I am now, and they took me and they made a leader out of me.

They helped me to make it possible to uh go to college, be a leader in my community.

That is important to stand on your own, even if you are by yourself, that you um exhibit sisterhood, and it's it's very interesting because those same young women I was in Delta Gyms with having lifelong friends, they actually ended up being deltas.

But Delta Sigma Theta, 113 years of sisterhood scholarship and service.

Delta Sigma Theater, right off the top, went into the women's suffrage movement.

That was one of the first things we did when we got founded.

And we have hit the ground running since.

So happy Founders Day, you've all president and counselor Smith.

Even though you all are AKAs, I believe divine.

No, no, no, I like let's be real.

I was raised by AK and the Alpha, so I have, you know.

Um, and Madam President is actually one of my favorite AKAs, honestly, because she is an AKA who's very active in her community, right?

So she embodies that she not only wears the pink and green, but she gives back to young girls, the community.

She has a legacy with her granddaughter, and that's what it's all about divine line.

It's not about the different colors, the capas and the outfits, it's about making sure that we move forward our community.

So happy early founders' day to you all.

Um we got they're our sister too.

And thank you, Mayor Woodman, for this.

And I actually have a resolution on behalf of the city council.

I would like to give you all thank you.

Good morning.

Um, Mayor Wilfman and members of the Birmingham City Council.

The Jefferson County has proudly served local communities for more than 30 years.

Our members remain steadfast in carrying out the mission and vision of our founders, grounded in service, advocacy, and deep commitment to community impact.

Mayor Woodman, we extend a special thank you to you, not only for your leadership, but for joining us last year to bring greetings at our Founders Day observance, where we were honored to host Cheryl W.

Turner, who currently serves as our international president and chair of board of directors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Your presence reinforced the importance of strong partnerships between civic leadership and community organizations.

It is through these collaborative relationships that we have been able to identify community needs and respond with programs that create long-term impact, such as our JCAC legislative page program.

Through this initiative, we provide high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to serve as pages at the Alabama State Legislative, where they gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process, deepening their understanding of civic responsibility, and begin to see themselves as future leaders and change makers.

Our members stand ready to engage with strong voice for the communities we are all called to serve.

On behalf of Jefferson County Alumni Chapter, thank you for your leadership and we appreciate each of you.

Thank you.

Good morning.

I am Natasha Burnett, president of the Birmingham Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Today, members of Delta Sigma Theta proudly commemorate 113 years since our founding on the campus of Howard University.

From our very first public act marching in the women's suffrage parade, advocacy, justice, and civil engagement have been central to who we are.

This year is especially meaningful for us here in Birmingham as the Birmingham Alumni Chapter celebrates 95 years of service to this city.

For nearly a century, our chapter has worked in partnership with community leaders to uplift families, empower youth, and advocate for policies that strengthen and protect our neighborhoods.

We thank Mayor Woodfin and this city council for your leadership during these challenging times as crime, particularly gun violence, continues to impact cities across our nation, including our own.

As citizens of Birmingham and surrounding areas, today we say clearly and collectively, enough is enough.

We are raising our voices here in Birmingham and alongside our representatives in Washington, D.C.

to demand stronger common sense gun laws that prioritize public safety and save lives.

This is not a partisan issue.

It is a moral one.

We ask that you join us in this call by continuing to advocate and by encouraging residents to write email and call their House and Senate Senate representatives.

The time for meaningful legislation is now.

Again, thank you for your leadership and your service to this city.

As we have done for 113 years nationally and for 95 years locally, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated will continue to be a light, working toward a safer, more just and more hopeful future for all.

Thank you.

Madam President, at this time we're going to have every single person come up and say something.

Give them their name and the year of initiation.

That was a I'm joking.

Again, happy Founders Day, DST.

Happy to have you here at City Hall.

And at this time, if we could, this young man you see facing you is gonna attempt to take a picture of all of us standing right here.

Here we go, ladies.

One, two, three.

One second, everyone.

Hey Joyce.

Thank you all.

Thank you.

Before you go, Madam President.

Yes.

We do have a little business.

Hold on one second.

I would like to bring unanimous consent.

Got to move for you, see.

Second.

All in favor, let it be known by say aye.

Aye.

Opposed.

Can I move the resolution?

Thank you.

All in favor, let it be known by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

At this time, we do have some counselors that would like to make some comments.

I would like to say we're very excited to have you all here today.

I wish you a great and wonderful Founders Day.

113 years of service to the community.

That is so much to be honored for.

When you talk about advocacy, justice, civic engagement, you all do it internationally and you do it on a local level too.

So I want to thank you for the work that you do in our communities, and we have your charge, and we would take that to those that serve with us.

Thank you so much.

At this time, we do have a couple of counselors that like to speak.

Thank you, Madam President, Madam President, and to all the distinguished sisters of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Congratulations on your 113th day.

The mayor made a post earlier this year and telling people that this is not by any chance as a victory left.

We had very low numbers this year with gun violence.

And I want to thank the mayor for investing in initiatives and also Uche Bean and also the organizations that was that's invested in the work.

We do want to work with you all.

We will get you guys plugged in and continue to lift our voices because as you stated, this is not a partisan issue.

Gun violence is a public health threat to anybody, to it's anywhere, and it and the numbers are raising all across this nation, but people are making significant efforts to lower the numbers.

Um in gun violence.

I do argue with my colleague and make sure that we get you guys plugged in to the offender alumni association who is doing some great work with our hospital violence intervention program.

Um we have um one hood about Jacobi Williams.

We have the Urban Leeds Free the Street, so we want to make sure we get you guys plugged into this work so we can do this work.

I totally agree with you and my colleagues know that is the number one priority for me.

A number one priority.

Again, I cannot thank the mayor enough for trusting the process and believing in what we have been able to accomplish here in this city in Birmingham.

Not by chance or accident.

We will continue to decrease the number of violence, and with you all raising your voice as collective, as a collective, and and writing letters and going to Montgomery, standing on business, letting people know that we are not going to continue to let gun violence impact our communities.

We want investments, we want common sense investments in gun violence, and I applaud you all for that.

Thank you.

Counselor Smith.

All right, well, happy Founders Day.

And thank you for joining us here today.

It's such um an honor for you all to be here with us.

Thank you to Councillor Smithersman for um for having uh for the resolution and just wanted to say just how appreciative I am to the service that you provide to our community.

And we have several members of the city that work for the city that are here with us, and then leaders in our community.

So just thank you for everything that you do.

Thank you so much.

Oh, I'm sorry, Counselor Woods.

Gotta get at least one gentleman in, so it's no trouble.

So try to wrap it up real quick.

But uh no, I just wanted to thank y'all for being here today, man.

It's an honor to be able to celebrate with y'all uh just an incredible uh optic of just seeing all of you here together today.

And I've seen so much of the work you do in the community collectively, but then even individually, I see so many familiar faces that serve in so many impactful spaces, and so uh truly just appreciative of what you all do for our city.

And I also got to shout out uh my chief of staff who's out there somewhere, uh Amanda Plain, who just uh does an incredible job.

So uh but no, I I really appreciate having you all here and just anything that we can do for you.

Uh don't hesitate to let us know.

Just so those city employees, if you could just raise your hand and be acknowledged.

Thank you.

Retired as well.

Well again, everyone, happy founders and thank you all so much.

Thank you so much.

Madam President, we'll sign this for the mayor's report.

Thank you, Mayor Wilton.

We'll give them a chance to counselors.

They did leave us the cards, and so we'll take that time.

Did you want us to sign each card or just individually?

Just individually, individually.

Thank you.

All right, counselors.

At this time we will entertain the consent agenda.

Before we review the items that are considered for consent, I'd like to give you uh information concerning the conduct of business.

All items designated as consent are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.

No separate discussion of these items will be permitted unless a council member, the mayor, or citizen interested in a public hearing.

So request.

If so, such items will revert to its normal place on the agenda order of business.

All matters of permanent operation, and those are indicated with a capital P on the agenda, will be read.

All other matters will be announced by reading the item numbers only.

All public hearings will be announced.

At this time, Mr.

Clerk, you'll give us the items that are being considered for consent.

Yes, ma'am.

The uh consent agenda starts on page two with items two, three, and four.

Page three.

We have items five, six, seven, and eight on consent.

Page four.

Items nine, ten, eleven, and twelve on consent.

Page five.

Items thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen are on consent.

Page six items sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen are on consent.

Page seven.

We have items twenty twenty-one, twenty-two, and twenty-three.

Page eight, items twenty-four and twenty-five are on consent.

Skip over to page nineteen.

Item twenty-six is on consent.

And we skip over to page twenty-eight.

Items twenty-seven and twenty-eight are on consent.

Page 29.

We have items 30 and 31 on consent.

Please note a couple of changes to item 30.

The total amount should change to 12, 500.

That's 12,500.

And the addition would be 2,500 from Council Smith and this district.

The GL account is 001.

No score 00 underscore 042.

Underscore 60.

Underscore 542.

Underscore 001.

That's district 6 additional 2500.

Page 30.

We'll pick back up with the consent agenda with items 3233 and 34.

Item 32 was recommended by budget and finance to make that notation.

Page 31.

Please remove item 35 from the agenda.

It should be withdrawn.

And items 36, 37, and 38 are on consent.

Page 32.

We have items 39, 40, and 41 on consent.

Several changes to item number 41.

The total amount is going to change to 5,500.

We're going to add 250 to the following schools.

And then $3,000 will go to the Birmingham City Schools Music Department.

Again, that total amount will change to $5,500.

Then we skip over to page 34.

We'll pick back up with the consent agenda with items 42, 43, and 45.

Page 35.

We have items 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, and 52 on consent.

Page 36.

Items 30, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, and 59 are on consent.

Page 37, items 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 are on consent.

Page 38, items 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, and 73 are on consent.

Page 39.

Items 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, and 80 are on consent.

Please note that on item number 80, the address should be corrected to 429.

I'm sorry, 4829, 14th Avenue North.

That's 4829, 14th Avenue North.

Page 40.

Items 81, 82, 83, and 84 on consent.

And we conclude with items 85, 86, 87, and 88 on page 41.

Thank you, Mr.

Clerk.

At this time, counselors, are there any items that you would like to add or remove from consent?

Council of Vasa.

Madam President, uh consent item number 42.

Uh I'd like to uh abstain from that.

So remove from consent to allow that extension.

So item 42 has been removed from consent.

Um other items.

See I see a request from the public.

Yes, sir.

I don't think it looks like that particular item.

I'll have to go to the help of the um chief clerk.

Mr.

Clerk, I believe this item cannot be public hearing.

You know, the council could um entertain comments from uh residents or whatever, but it's not uh item of permanent operation or public hearing item, so it's not a public hearing item.

So, sir, this item is not a uh for this permanent operation, so we're not allowed to ask you to ask for have that to have a public hearing on that item.

If you want to speak to that item, you can sign, you would have an opportunity to sign up during um community voices, and then you'd be able to sign up for that item to speak to it directly.

Do you want to speak to the item?

Okay, well, you can sign up for community voices, but we will continue to keep it on consent.

Unless the council wants to move it from consent, we'll still have it.

Community voices, thank you.

Any other items?

All right, at this time we'll entertain a second and a motion for the items that are considered for consent.

So move.

And who was the second?

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Uh let's try the machines.

They should be open.

Um voting.

I hope.

Okay, let me help everybody out.

Councilmember Gunn.

All right, Councilmember O'Coinn.

Councilmember Smith.

Aye.

Councilmember Smith.

Councilmember Boss.

Uh Councilmember Woods.

Okay, uh, President Pro T M T.

Council President El Zen.

Aye.

All right, those votes should be on our first.

All right.

Those items that were considered for consent have been approved.

If you are here for any of those items, they've been approved and we'll continue with the rest of our agenda.

At this time, Councillors, I'd like to ask for unanimous consent to allow for a special presentation.

Okay.

At this time, Councilor Smith, if you'll join me at the podium.

And Mayor Woodson.

Ask the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha to please join us the podium.

Those members that are coming in, if you'll join us at the podium.

At this time, for those members of the audience who are not members of the Divine Nine, you may be wondering what in the world is going on today.

But for those of us who are members of organizations of the Divine Nine, January is a very important month for us.

And a lot of our organizations were organized and founded in the month of January.

So today we are very excited to have the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

Join us today for Councillor Smith and I will be bringing a resolution where we want to proclaim January 15th, Thursday as AKA Day in Birmingham.

We also have our esteemed mayor who will be also presenting a proclamation.

It is my honor today to stand before you not only as the council president but as a member of Omicron Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

Councillor Smith and I were very excited to have this opportunity to bring members together today to bring bestow this honor into our sorority.

For those of you who may not be aware, we actually have six graduate chapters that are operating within the metro area of Birmingham, Alabama.

So we're very excited to have a lot of the leadership and those members here with us today, as well as our Southeastern and international leaders.

And so we're very excited to have you.

Councilor Smith is going to come before you and just talk a little bit more about how we have brought about this idea and how we're very excited to honor Alpha Cap Alpha sorority today.

Counselor Smith.

Thank you.

Yes, it is truly an honor to stand here with the ladies of Alpha Cap Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

So we, as was stated, have our founder's day this upcoming Thursday, January 15th.

Um we also wanted to recognize the fact that we have our regional conference coming up this April.

So members from Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee will descend upon Birmingham, where we will meet under the leadership of uh Tracy Moran Adams.

So we are so excited to welcome the the Pacific the sophisticated Southeastern region to Birmingham this April.

So at this time, I will introduce Malaria Wright and Timmy Fincher so they have some words for us.

Thank you.

This is the proclamation today.

Madam President, Rodine Alexander, Mayor Randall Woodson, and the esteemed members of the Birmingham City Council.

I am Miller Traylor Wright.

I serve as the Chief of Staff for Alpha Kappa Alpha Southeastern Region.

And joining me today is at the podium is Ms.

Tammy Fincher, Oma Carnamega chapter, and general chairman of the 94th Southeastern Regional Conference that will be hosted in Birmingham in a few months this year.

We also have Mrs.

Ashley Weaver for Oda Omega chapter and the conference vice chairman of programs and the honorable Jamelia Moore, Upsilon Ada Omega chapter in the conference vice chairman of logistics.

On behalf of Alpha Capital for Sorority Incorporated, Southeastern Regional Director, Dr.

Tracy Moran Adams, and members of the Southeastern Region.

It is my honor as Dr.

Adams is currently traveling through Ghana Africa doing the business and the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

It is my honor to express Alpha Cup Alpha's deepest gratitude for the proclamation, recognizing the 118th founding of our beloved sorority, and for designating this day or this month in honor of our sorority.

For 118 years, Alpha Kappa Alpha has stood on the pillars of sisterhood, scholarship, and service, working tirelessly to uplift communities, strengthen families, and empower individuals.

The proclamation you will adopt today honors that legacy and reaffirms the importance of civic engagement, partnership, and community service in this great city.

We are profoundly honored for your recognition.

We accept the distinction with gratitude, pride, and renewed commitment to continue servicing the people of the great city of Birmingham and beyond.

Again, thank you.

And now I will allow Miss Tammy Fincher, the general chairman of the 94th Southeastern Conference to speak.

Good morning.

We invite, we are so excited that 6,000 members will join us from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama in Birmingham, April 29th to May the 2nd.

So thank you, Birmingham City Council, for your support.

We do invite you to our public meeting that's Thursday, April the 30th.

So the City Council and the public and the mayor are invited to join us.

So we're excited to paint the town pink and green in the spring.

Thank you so much.

I love that.

Paint the town pink and green in the spring.

And we'll 4,000 of us and a little bit more.

We'll definitely do that.

At this time, we do want to present a resolution that Councillor Smith and I are uh co-signing off on to again proclaim this is AKA Day in Birmingham on January 15th in observance of our 118th Founders Day.

So I'll let you do the honors, Counselor, and moving for unanimous consent.

So I'd like to ask for unanimous consent.

All in favor, let it be normal saying aye.

Aye.

Opposed.

Okay, and a motion to accept this resolution.

All in favor, let it be Norma saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed.

Thank you.

And now Mayor Wilton, I believe you have some business.

In 48 hours, we'll run this back.

And I'll see you all in April.

That's right.

Happy early Founders Day.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

I think the same thing on the picture, ladies.

So we're gonna take it right here.

So perfect.

All right.

One, two, three.

One last comment.

This has been when I thank everyone for coming, but especially want to thank Ms.

Felicia Jolly for all of her hard work in making this happen today.

She has gone above and beyond.

So thank you so much.

And also the um RAKAs at City Hall, Sylvia Bowen, everyone that has worked to pull today's event together.

So thank you.

Thank you all very much.

Okay.

Thank you everyone for your patience.

At this time, we'll go back to our agenda.

And Mr.

Clerk, if you'll call the first item.

Should be item one.

Um little language change on the synopsis in ordinance to provide for a temporary suspension on the establishment or expansion of data centers.

And this is also not the first reading, should be second reading on this item.

All right, thank you.

So at this time, we are having a public hearing.

Move the item.

Sorry.

All right, item is before you.

All right, thank you.

This item is before us.

This is an ordinance that we're having a public hearing where we want to hear from the public to provide uh the request is to provide a temporary suspension on the establishment of the expansion of data centers.

At this time, this is a public hearing.

I'm going to turn this over to the chair of our planning and zoning committee.

We do want to call first though, we will uh we'd like to have information from the administrative team about this particular item, but I'll turn the public hearing over to you, Dr.

Quinn.

Okay, great.

So we um I see Director Thomas, Director Thomas, if you would come and tell us about the proposed uh suspension.

Good morning, council.

Um my name is Katrina Thomas, and I have the pleasure of serving as director of the Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits.

And um, today I'll be co-presenting this item with um Hunter Garrison, who's who serves in our Office of Resiliency and Sustainability, and we'll provide a brief presentation with background and planning context related to data centers, um, the data center development within the city.

Um, we're not presenting final policy.

I do want to make that very clear that um this is just uh recommendation and then we're outlining the basis for a temporary suspension um request before you today.

And so there is a presentation that I think it's being loaded, but I'll go ahead and proceed if that's coming up.

Um as mentioned, this is a temporary six-month suspension.

Um, initially um, we thought that maybe that with this needed nine months, so initially there was a 270-day um suspension that was requested.

However, um, we do believe that we can um have some draft regulations ready um within 180 days.

So this is a six-month suspension.

Um the intent during this suspension period is to allow time for um us to evaluate our existing zoning ordinance to assess whether amendments may be warranted.

Currently, our zoning ordinance does not define data centers, and so um they have been historically classified as off issues, um non-manufacturing research and development use, and um what we have seen is that um there has been an uptick in the the in different types of data centers that we do not currently have in the city, and so um um staff is requesting the six-month suspension, and I do want to make it clear also that projects that have already started the permitting process of any actual development plans or permits that have already been submitted to our office for expansion or construction of a new data center, those projects will not be affected by this moratorium or this temporary suspension.

And I do want to make it clear also that projects that have already started the permitting process of any actual development plans or permits that have already been submitted to our office for expansion or construction of a new data center.

Those projects will not be affected by this moratorium or this temporary suspension.

During the suspension period, staff will be reviewing emerging best practices.

We will conduct public engagement.

We will develop the potential zoning amendments for consideration.

There may also be some amendments to the general city code and any proposed amendments will go through the normal regulatory process, meaning they will go to the Birmingham Planning Commission, the Planning and Zoning Committee, and ultimately you as the city council will find a review on approval.

I'll pass it over now to HANA to discuss some of the research that we have on data centers.

Thank you, Katrina.

So good morning, everyone.

My name is Hunter Garrison.

I serve as the deputy director in the mayor's office of resilience and sustainability.

I've been helping and assisting uh PP and Katrina's team with doing some background research on this emerging new land use.

Uh so I'm just kind of gonna go over that for all of you at a high level now.

So uh what is a data center?

It's really a catch-all term for facilities that house computer servers and IT infrastructure.

They typically operate for 24 hours a day, requires specialized power cooling and water systems, and often resemble warehouses but function very differently.

So why do this now?

So data center development has evolved rapidly in scale and intensity in the past year, two years.

Uh, and what we're seeing is so that the top image here is a typical enterprise style data center.

That's what's currently existing in the city today.

Those often operate around the five megawatt range, and uh megawatts is not something that I was personally trained to think about uh in planning school, but what I've learned is that um one megawatt is enough to power about a thousand residential homes.

So as those go up in scale, so do their energy demands, potentially the noise output, and just their impact on the surrounding neighborhood and community.

So you can see the top, this is similar to what we have existing in Birmingham today, like a DC blocks, and then the bottom image is uh what we're calling a hyperscale data center, is something we need to create a definition for, and these uses are often much more intense in terms of their energy use.

They often resemble a more industrial type complex, and those range from you know 200 to 500, 600, 700 megawatts.

Uh the XAI data center um Colossus in Memphis currently operates, I think around the 300 to 400 megawatt range, but it's scaling up rapidly to around 1200 megawatts.

So, as I said, these existing data centers have been considerably smaller in scale today, and we've deemed them compatible with other commercial uses, but as these newer, more intense ones emerge, we recognize a need to draft uh definitions for these, how we define them, potentially break them up into multiple classifications and analyze their impact on the community.

So again, these new hyperscale data centers are growing at a tremendous rate.

Uh some have experienced considerable community pushback or controversy, and in worst case communities uh have experienced decreased air quality, lower property values, and increased energy drills.

That is on the extreme case.

I will underline that.

And um, we've seen a lot of pushback around Memphis, not all of these are at that scale or have that level of pushback.

I'm only outlining a true, like sort of worst-case scenario that's happened at the US.

So this is not anti-development.

Uh we believe these can provide benefit to Birmingham.

Staff just needs time to ensure the community benefits as a whole.

We should consider site location, noise regulations, general environmental impact, water usage, and energy use.

So here's an example of another uh new hyperscale data center.

This is in Newton County, Georgia.

Could you go back one slide, please?

Oh, sorry, it's in uh we'll we'll keep going.

I've shown some examples of the hyperscale ones.

So uh here's some municipalities that have passed ordinances around the country.

Could you go back to the Georgia slide specifically?

So we're not alone in doing this.

Uh data centers have experienced quite a boom in Georgia, and you know, as of October 2025, uh 11 Georgia cities or counties have either passed an ordinance or are going through some type of temporary suspension or moratorium process while they draft legislation around regulating data centers.

And here's municipalities across the country that have passed ordinances.

One of the things we're seeing is that every city and county is doing this a little bit differently.

Sometimes they're simply creating a definition and allocating them to their existing zoning categories.

Other cities create overlays or create simply like noise regulations or other exemptions requiring additional council oversight.

So we are currently conducting that research and really just need time to figure out what works with Birmingham, work with the planning and zoning commission, work with the planning council, uh work with you, the council on figuring out what best serves the needs of our community.

So summary and next steps.

Um as Katrina stated, this is temporary six months and not intended to ban any development.

It's simply a time to put in place, meaning for guardrails to ensure that you know we're protecting the needs of the community while allowing for this type of growth.

Uh the intent is to review best practices here from the public and draft mindful regulations.

Uh currently underway projects are exempt, and any project that is not currently underway is still entitled to an appeal uh to you, the council uh for that exemption.

So I think that's it.

Thank you.

All right, does the council have any uh questions regarding the information that's been presented?

Okay, if not, we'll move on to hearing from the public.

So if you're here to speak to this issue, um we'll welcome you to come and make comment at the the electron.

Each speaker will have three minutes to present.

Please state your name and address when you come to the mic and speak.

So um excuse me, Dr.

O'Clue.

I apologize for my delay.

I do have one question.

Um I did look up, and apparently we have about five, six centers already.

Do we know what type of impact those centers have had on the community?

And were there any concerns, for example, which I haven't heard any because DC blocks is in my district when they came, I think back in 2019.

Were there any concerns about data centers than I'll let Katrina handle the uh question around DC blocks and those concerns?

I know they did go through a rezoning because that property was mixed use and they simply went with something that would accommodate their building more.

But in general, the existing data centers that are in Birmingham today operate at a smaller scale, and they're and they're what you would kind of truly think of as a data center, and that they're storing um servers, uh file storage, cloud computing, things like that.

Whereas uh so typically operating between one and five megawatts, uh considerably smaller in terms of their energy demand, uh not unlike a large commercial office building.

Uh the larger scale ones that are kind of what give us some concern are operating um at a 200 plus megawatt scale, uh sometimes significantly larger, as we're seeing uh around the country and around our region, and those are the ones that have uh considerable energy demands beyond what we've seen existing in Birmingham and could potentially put out more noise or cause more issues around the community.

The the smaller ones that are existing today really don't have any impact or that we've seen or have been tremendously concerned about.

Okay, thank you.

Okay, Councilmember Boston.

Thank you.

I had a question.

Thank you, Hunter, for that on what the process and timeline is for permit applications typically.

So great question.

Um, it really depends on what regulatory action they need.

If there's a regulatory action that's needed to establish uh a new use, then it would go through that regulatory process.

It could be rezoning, it could be a zoning board of adjustment requests.

Um but typically um if it's just permitting, then it usually goes through uh it could be um a two-week um could be a two-week at a minimum process or commercial development, and that is it starts with a plan review submitted and and then various different departments.

Um, there's an interdepartmental coordination on those reviews, and then um a permit is issued, but um, usually some site work in terms of um soil erosion, um civil construction permits, all of those permits are applied for as well as any type of building permit, and that will go through our normal building permit review process.

Thank you, Director.

So I heard it's typically a two-week process unless there's sort of more formal regul like regulatory pieces.

That's correct.

Thank you.

Councilor Gunn.

Yes, thank you.

Uh, for any of the sites that we have studied in the past or previously across the country, do we know or understand any of the environmental implications behind these data centers?

We have not conducted specific studies regarding the existing ones, but as Connor mentioned, we have not heard of any adverse impacts for the ones that we have here.

Councilor Smith.

I know you mentioned you haven't heard of any adverse impacts to the data centers here.

What about in other locations?

Yeah.

Beyond the research.

So I'll I'll jump in.

Um each data center is a little bit unique.

So you have some examples like there's uh Luton County, Virginia, which uh has experienced a data boom essentially because of their proximity to DC and the amount of fiber optic they have, so it's very fast.

Um they created sort of a data center alley uh where all of their data centers are generally located.

It's it's much like an office park if you drove through it, um, and they put the infrastructure in place for it to really be a non-issue.

Uh on the other side of the coin, you have uh Colossus in Memphis, which is generating much of its power through natural gas turbines on site.

Uh the University of Tennessee conducted a study that found um nitrogen oxide levels had increased uh 70 percent in the area immediately surrounding the data center and 10 percent in the closest uh neighboring communities.

So there was a direct um you know peer-reviewed study that showed there was a reduced air quality and air pollution in neighborhoods surrounding the Memphis data center.

Council Gunn.

Yeah, uh along that line of Councillor Smith, uh, what are the impacts to utility rates, if any I don't think I'm necessarily equipped to speak directly about the impacts on utility rates as every state uh regulates that differently through their public service commission.

All right, Councilor Smithman.

Uh thank you.

Um, Dr.

O'Quinn, and you know, I've been trying to do a little bit of research myself, uh, just to really kind of understand what's going on.

I guess it's more of like a suggestion or a question.

If this is possible, and of course I haven't read other ordinances, if we can require them, I know there's a difference in um is it open loop versus closed loop.

I think closed loop, let me read this right.

It's where it's a cooling system that minimizes what their water consumption.

And I wonder if, like in our ordinance, we could require or make something like that where you know, if we allow a standard to come, they can take that burden, especially off of the citizens.

That's something we can look at.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you.

Councilor Woods.

Uh thank you.

Yeah, like I said, I think we've been um all kind of running down this rabbit hole and learning a lot in a short period of time.

Uh I think one thing that we definitely need to look at doing is I think you you kind of mentioned this briefly, but categorizing uh these different types of data centers.

Uh what I've seen is there is really a one-catch uh one-size-fits-all box in terms of uh putting every type of data center in one box, and uh I've kind of taken to describing that as you know, whether it's an 18 wheeler or a golf cart, uh, is a part of the same conversation.

And so from what I've seen, it appears that you know, hyperscale uh data centers kind of bring the biggest concerns as well as the um the biggest impacts, and so I think you know, definitively in our next steps, I think we need to clarify and define processes for each type of data center uh going forward.

So I do want to just mention that uh most of what I've kind of read and heard and this conversations have been uh centered around uh hyperscale when you know, like a DC blocks project uh brings some value, but you know, doesn't really come with the same type of issues.

So um just making sure that we drive and and actually I don't know if it needs to be two categories or or ten categories, but we do need to have some way to categorize uh what we are reviewing as it comes.

So thank you.

Absolutely.

Council President Alexander.

Yes, thank you very much.

Um I just want to be sure that as a department you are considering some of the questions that we as counselors are bringing before you because it's important to me for the residents that I represent that we have all of the information as we weigh and look at any type of um looking at our existing zoning ordinances and looking also considering policy that we can have that could help us as we move forward.

So give me some idea of what you would be doing during that time frame to answer some of the questions, and I'm sure some of the comments and questions that we will be receiving from the public.

Absolutely, Council President Alexander.

So during the six month period, um we will continue research.

We have, as you can tell from the hunter's presentation, we have already conducted a substantial amount of research.

And so we will then begin to look at what an ordinance amendment could look like for our city.

It will absolutely include those environmental impacts, it will include defining data centers and categories so that we may look at certain sizes of properties, so certain acreage, certain impacts, certain infrastructure needs or utility needs that are on the property and define those by use in the zoning ordinance.

And then we will submit those draft regulations to our planning commission for them to provide a recommendation as well.

Um part of that public engagement will provide an opportunity for the public to weigh in that plant planning commission meeting is a public hearing that we will invite the public to attend that meeting, and then the next step would be the planning and zoning committee of the city council to make a recommendation.

A lot of the the six-month time period will be the advertisement that's necessary for an amendment to our zoning ordinance.

So our goal would be to try to have those draft regulations ready for review in March so that we can see our way to the public hearing process and have a timeline for that public hearing process.

If at any time we don't believe that we'll be able to complete the regulations within that six month time period, then there are provisions in the suspension ordinance to um for us to request an extension.

We hope we are not we don't have to do that, but it that is in place in case we need it to request an extension.

But it will go through the normal zoning amendment to exchange process that we have in place now.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Okay.

Um yes, thank you, um Mr.

Chairman.

I just want to just echo the sentiments of my colleagues because they pretty much ask you all the questions that I had in mind, but I do wholeheartedly agree with everything everybody up here is saying thank you all, you know, for what you're doing as well.

Thank you.

All right, Council Woods, you have a another question.

Uh yes, thank you.

Uh quickly just wanted to ask have has it been considered of creating the um special exception category in the zoning to kind of just trigger a set process whenever these come.

Council Woods, that is something that we will take into consideration.

Um, the special exception process that we have now goes to the zoning board of adjustment for that special exception, whereby the applicant will have to show that the proposed use will not create any um you know public safety issues or harm the adjacent property owners, and so that is uh one path that we could consider, but we will weigh all options to to make sure that the regulations are fair and balanced and takes into consideration the need for um for public input.

Um, some data centers may have a utility substation on the property, and that those we already have regulations in place now for substations and how they are approved, and they do recurrently require a special exception through the zoning board of adjustment.

Yeah, because like I said, I think to Councilor Smithman's point, uh whether it operates on a closed loop using recycled water or open loop, or it's constantly pulling in freshwater, that's a drastic difference in impact on the immunity uh and even energy usage, you know, and parts of the country where uh you know the developers are required to upfront fund any grid improvements, so any infrastructure improvements for their uh power related services.

You don't see a lot of increased costs associated uh with those projects, but where you see projects where uh developers are not required to put up front money in for infrastructure improvements, you do you do see some increases, and so um just trying to think through everything, you know.

But those are different categories, and so like if you have a closed loop, it's a it's just a big different impact, and so uh you know, whether we go kind of special exception pathway or uh just finding out some of these differences to help categorize like the different types of data centers.

Because that's that's the one thing I just can't find.

Like, like you've got hyperscale and everything else, but you know, there's not enough categorization, I don't think, of this space.

Thank you.

Um, Council Fawcett.

Thank you, Counselor.

Um Director, thanks for the presentation.

Uh it was helpful uh to review some of the information.

Um I think at some point it would be helpful to whether at a committee of the whole meeting or some meeting coming up, uh, understand better some best practices nationally.

Um, and you did present some of that.

Uh, but having those best practices uh alongside maybe some longitudinal outcomes of what's the effects have been over the course of the last two or three years.

Okay.

I think that'll be really great to see.

Um bottom line concern is ultimately how does this affect residents from an environmental impact standpoint from a rate standpoint, etc.

I know those are things that that you can provide.

Yes, absolutely.

Okay, um President Alexander.

Yes, I do want to piggyback on council of suggestion.

We know that this is new technology that may be coming from expansion or um placement of these type centers into our neighborhoods, and so for me it's very important.

We have yet heard of any um subject matter experts or people who may have dealt with this before.

So I want to be sure that we incorporate that in any of the um those findings to allow us to have an ordinance or a process that will look from a scope of the subject matter expert in how uh these centers will may uh reflect on our residents as far as energy, water, um those type of consumptions.

And I know I heard someone talk about rates, energy rates.

I know that those type establishments would be governed by the public safety commission service commission, but again, I would like to be sure that we incorporate some type of subject matter experts because I do feel there are a lot of questions that are still unanswered, even though we may already have these type of facilities in our city.

But as we move forward and as others may want to come in, I think it's sure we understand that from a scope of um the technology and uh what's going behind that we're putting into our districts.

Okay, absolutely.

All right, so this is a public hearing.

Um, if you are here to comment on this issue, uh we ask that you line up on either side and come to the the lectern.

You each person will have three minutes to speak as you come to the there will be timers uh on the monitors behind us.

Um as you come, please remember to state your name and address.

Um so whoever wants to come up first, please please do so.

All right, thank you.

Morning.

Um my name is Charles Miller.

I'm actually a resident of the Highland Park neighborhood, um, but I'm here as the policy director for the Alabama Rivers Alliance.

We're based in Forest Park at 4439 Fifth Avenue South Birmingham.

And we're statewide nonprofit dedicated to protecting Alabama's 132,000 miles of rivers and streams through building partnerships, empowering citizens, and advocating for sound water policy and its enforcement.

Um first, I want to commend the council for considering the suspension.

I think this is a step that pretty much every town and city municipality in the state should be looking at right now.

Um I also want to commend the city staff who came up here with their presentation.

They kind of stole a lot of my thunder.

Um, they did a very comprehensive job, and y'all asked a lot of really great questions of them.

Alabama Rivers Alliance actually got involved in data center policy in Alabama because we as a state are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to properly citing data centers.

Our state's water law is trapped in the 18th century with no way to resolve disputes among different water users and no way to effectively require equitable allocations to conserve water during times of drought.

The risk of large-scale data center development is mostly one of cumulative impact where we have too many of these in one place and it strains local water supplies, local energy supplies, um, and air quality.

And as the city staff touched on, obviously, not all data centers are created equal, and hyperscale data centers, as they discussed, are kind of one of the paramount areas of concern.

I also want to say that there's a like they said, there's a great deal of variation among these types of data centers, not just in size and scale, but even within data centers.

And so I think the approach that they mentioned of looking at each of these almost on like an individual basis or creating categories is definitely a sound approach that I hope that the city staff continues to pursue.

Yeah, that technically complex landscape, I think is exactly why the city should take this pause, take this step back, this temporary suspension, allow your very well-educated and intelligent staff to kind of set up something to bring to you guys that can really effectively take a hard look at these projects when they propose to come to town.

You know, I think one of the things that President Alexander mentioned that I think has been really important in a lot of these throughout Alabama, throughout the Southeast and throughout the country is transparency.

So once again, I really appreciate the city council, you know, announcing this ahead of time and seeking public involvement at all stages of the process.

So we would urge you to go ahead and uh you know when you decide to vote on this temporary suspension, please vote yes and uh give your staff the time to kind of set up some guardrails so that we can be sure that all the projects that come to Birmingham are going to be beneficial for the city.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning.

My name is Joey Griffin, 1721, 13th Court South, District 6.

I'm 23 years old and I'm Birmingham, born and raised.

Like Hunter said, data centers are nothing new.

We have plenty all over Alabama.

Most of those are non-AI centers.

Uman Bashir with MIT says what is different about generative AI is the power density it requires.

Fundamentally, it is just computing, but general generative AI training cluster might consume seven or eight more times energy than a typical computing workload.

This subject regarding AI has intrigued me only recently.

I used it to write emails for work, and occasionally I would get curious as to what my cat would look like as a human.

So my usage of AI does have serious implications.

From that same article written by MIT, each time a model is used, perhaps an individual asking chat GPT to summarize an email.

The computing hardware that performs those operations consumes energy.

Our resource researchers has uh have estimated that a chat GPT query consumes about five times more electricity than a simple web search.

We don't think about this when we ask ChatGPT to write an email that we are perfectly capable of writing ourselves.

We all took English in school, I hope.

Yep.

You may have heard about the AI bubble.

It's confusing to understand without visible visualized visualization and research done in your personal time.

To summarize, multi-billionaires have companies that have a ginormous stake in AI production.

AI data centers require something called RAM.

In short, it just stands for random access memory.

Basically, it's just a product that makes it easier for CPUs to run because RAM provides storage.

AI needs RAM to be profitable.

So AI companies have put trillions, trillions of dollars into this.

Trillions of non-existent money to be installed in non-existent GPUs in centers that do not exist yet in Birmingham.

The money being spent to build these machine these machines is all stake.

This AI bubble is a big gambling addiction, growing larger for billionaires to cash out when the bubble pops.

Give Birmingham nine months or six months now.

If company wants to build in our city, demand proof that it will not affect our water or power.

Ask for proof that it will not create significant noise and light pollution to surrounding communities.

More importantly, ask how will this benefits benefit the everyday resident?

Give this bubble six months to see if it pops.

If it doesn't, huh?

Please wrap up your time.

Choose Birmingham, not billionaires.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning.

My name is Ryan Anderson.

I'm on a staff attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center.

Our address is 2829 2nd Avenue South.

And I just want to say thank you to the City Council for considering this temporary suspension on data centers.

I've had the pleasure of speaking with a couple of you about some more specific concerns.

And as a lifelong resident of Birmingham, someone who lives and works here, I'm really encouraged to see y'all taking this proactive step.

I also come into this with the perspective of having worked with a lot of Jefferson County residents on the Bessemer data center proposal.

And learning from that experience, I've seen how crucial it is for local governments to ensure that data center development occurs in a way that safeguards communities, public health, and the environment.

Local governments have a particularly important role here because often they have the local zoning authority that provides the only backstop to ensure that these developments are cited in an appropriate way.

And that's why SELC is here today supporting this temporary suspension in the city of Birmingham.

As it's been noted by many of you and members of the public, there's no universally accepted definition of a data center.

A data center can be a development like DC blocks, which is about 31,000 square feet and requires about five megawatts of power, or it could be the Bessemer data center, which requires about 1,200 megawatts and it is expected to be about four and a half million square feet.

And just to put that into perspective, the Bessemer data center, that 1200 megawatts is enough to power 760,000 residential homes in the state of Alabama.

And it could require construction of an entirely new power plant, the cost of which could get passed on to existing Alabama power customers.

Existing zoning ordinances just don't take these kinds of resource needs into account.

In Bessemer, they recently redefined their light industrial category to include data centers as a permitted use, which means that any time a data center developer comes along, they get to cite that data center in the light industrial zone, and those local city leaders do not have any say in whether that's an appropriate use of the land in our shared resources.

These types of common sense regulations you're considering can also ensure decisions about data center development are made in equitable ways.

Zoning decisions can reinforce systematic environmental injustices, and zoning decisions about data centers are no different.

Here in Birmingham, thoughtful planning and zoning can ensure that communities that are already overburdened by pollution don't have to shoulder the burden of data center development.

For these reasons, SELC supports this temporary suspension, and we thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning, everybody.

I'm Deon Gordon, 2200 First Avenue North.

I have the pleasure of serving as the president of Tech Birmingham.

That is our regional and technology association representing about 200 individuals, founders, startups, companies, and collectively about 10,000 employees.

So you can imagine I've heard a lot about this proposal from some of our members and some of the folks in uh economic development circles.

Now I will say it would be wise for us as a city to consider every single thing that the individuals before me have discussed that you all are discussing among yourselves.

I cannot, as a son of Birmingham, not acknowledge the fact that we have unfortunately a long legacy of industry coming in and exploiting the city.

Shortly after that, in 2018, a lot of you all know Shagan O'Dolana, Theroness, first successful exit, a few uh other initiatives uh took place after, and then in 2019, as you all already know, DC blocks, the entire community came out and celebrated the ribbon cutting of that data center project.

And so to me, that tells me that we're not anti-business.

Uh we are not anti-economic development, but I think it is also an opportunity for us to get ahead of all of the issues right now.

And the concerns that I am hearing and many that I share is that a moratorium sends the message that we are not open for business, that we are not competitive.

And I want to make sure that I don't unnecessarily conflate the two that a moratorium means that we are not open for business or that we shouldn't do these things.

I think it is important for us to look at this as an opportunity to create a new model, to create a new framework, one that removes delays, one that removes ambigue uh ambiguity, one that encourages smart, reasonable economic development.

I cannot say that a moratorium and the message that it sends does that, but I do believe this is an opportunity for us to position Birmingham at the forefront.

So thank you for your time.

I look forward to working with you.

I appreciate the leadership that you all are showing to this topic.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Hi, everybody.

My name is Kelly Marshall, and I am the secretary of the Highland Park Neighborhood Association.

I live at 3015 13th Avenue South in Highland Park.

I want to uh kind of echo what people are saying.

Thank you so much for talking about this, for being transparent, for listening, for asking all the right questions, and for considering a thoughtful approach to this development.

I'm here today, like others, to urge the city council to adopt this temporary moratorium so that the city can thoughtfully develop a comprehensive framework to regulate all of these data centers and all the different levels of them.

We're in the midst of an enormous expansion of data center and infrastructure throughout the United States, and states like Alabama are firmly within the crosshairs of this industry.

Like most industries that experience rapid growth, there's an enormous amount of hype and marketing surrounding data centers and the AI industry that fuels their growth.

There's also a lack of regulation and transparency around this industry, and there are some real economic concerns that data center development and AI and AI factories may be a financial bubble that will soon pop.

Generative AI is what is driving the current data center build-out.

Most, although not all, but most new data centered construction is designed to serve that industry.

That's an industry that has yet to break even, let alone post-a-profit.

95% of organizations that have integrated these large language models are getting zero turn returns on their investment, according to an MIT study.

At the same time, most companies in this space are fully subscribed to the move fast philosophy with the hopes but no guarantee of any future profit.

Well, we all know when things are moving fast and you don't slow down.

Uh it's it's we know it's beneficial to slow down to take a step back and ensure that we take a hard look at the actual real benefits and the actual real costs.

That's exactly what this moratorium would allow the city to do, and I am so thankful that you guys are considering it.

There are some data centers that are good neighbors that provide the real economic benefits to the communities where they're located.

There are some that don't that don't disclose all of the pollution, don't disclose all of the future costs, and of course the costs that end up on the rate payer and other drawbacks.

Without specific guidelines for how to evaluate these projects, the city risk overlooking all those important aspects of data center proposals.

This temporary pause in the city of Birmingham would allow you to develop these guidelines, and I urge you to adopt this moratorium.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Um, just a reminder, please state your name and address as you begin to speak.

Thank you.

Hey, good morning.

Uh Madam President, members of the council, mayor, I appreciate the time the opportunity to be here today and speak before you.

My name is David Perry.

I love 4215 Glenwood Avenue.

Have been a resident of District 3 for almost 25 years.

I'm also a small business owner with office space at Innovation Depot, a BCS parent of three, and the chairman of the Birmingham Industrial Development Board.

I come before you with three purposes today.

Number one is to thank you for taking this issue on in such a thoughtful and intentional manner.

Number two is to offer my partnership and the partnership of the Industrial Development Board in working through this issue and fashioning the solution that you deem most appropriate for the communities that you that you represent and for the city that you all represent.

And third, uh to encourage you to take a scalpel approach rather than a sledgehammer approach as you work through these issues.

As you know, one of the main themes that we've heard today is that not all data centers are created equal.

There are a lot of factors at play.

Some are better neighbors than others.

Some I would be comfortable as a resident of district three having in my neighborhood, some I would not.

You know, that and there's a right way and a wrong way to go about about these projects, both from the local government perspective and from the perspective of the companies proposing the projects and seeking to bring uh to depending on perspective and and and intent uh to to bring jobs, bring capital investment, bring support in a collaborative manner versus extracting uh concessions and extracting resources from the city in a way that degrades the quality of life.

Um I think if you you know y'all are asking great questions, Councillor Smitherman.

The closed loop system is vastly superior to an open loop in terms of water consumption, you know.

Um counselor Woods uh being able to categorize these is the is the right way to go.

They're not we should not paint with with a broad brush for all of them.

Um what I would urge you to do uh as you as you consider this is to not not impose a blanket moratorium, and a six-month moratorium is better than a nine-month moratorium, a moratorium with an appeal process is better than one without it.

Uh so you know I I think I think the staff and and y'all are taking a thoughtful approach to this, uh, but I worry both as a as a BCS parent with the opportunity for massive investment benefits as the industrial development board chair about the message that a moratorium sends and the effect that a moratorium sends, and I would hate to see the city and the city's leaders not be open to discussion in good faith if a project were to come before you today, tomorrow, or 12 months from now.

Um so in closing, I fully support the effort to update the ordinance.

Um I think I would caution you against a moratorium, uh, and I uh applaud the efforts and I appreciate the public service, and I stand ready to partner uh with y'all if if I or the IDB can be of service as you move through this process.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

First of all, good morning.

I'm John Meehan.

I reside at 3001 Avenue D in Intley.

Uh Councilwoman Tate is my representative.

You know, if I look on that wall there, the people are the city.

My first of all, I want to come commend you for bringing uh this moratorium to the people.

That's great.

But what I'm concerned about is two things.

Our watersheds.

As being uh an environmentalist, I'm concerned about our watershed.

What impact will these data centers have on our watershed?

You're talking about a data center running 24-7.

And what's they release those chemicals into our watershed?

I'm concerned about the watershed.

Number two, the most important thing, utility rates.

I am very concerned about the utility.

This is once you build these data centers, they're gonna raise our rate.

I mean, somebody's gonna have to pay the cost, and it's gonna be the ratepayers.

And if we're the people of the city, we need to have a voice.

We need to say, look, we don't want our rates to raise our utilities to raise up because it's gonna affect everybody, it's gonna pay the poor, it's gonna affect low-income citizens, it's gonna affect senior citizens.

That's my concern.

What are the rates that are going to be are going to take place once you build these data centers?

So think about that in this moratorium.

Think about the people that you represent and say, yes, we are concerned.

We don't want data centers in our communities, period.

But we need, but think about them.

Think about the people you represent.

These are the people, they're the people that put you into office, and they're the people that can vote you out of office.

So let's think about that.

Think about this moratorium, and think about watersheds, and think about utility bills.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

I'm Kyle Krider.

I am the policy director with the People's Justice Council, 131 41st Street South.

The People's Justice Council with PJC operates at this, we're an interfaith organization, and we operate at this nexus of energy climate and justice.

And we strongly support your proposed moratorium.

Thank you for taking a deep breath for taking a pause.

And in addition to this stuff that you've already heard from the other speakers, here's just a few additional thoughts.

Personally, I live just down the road from Project Marvel, the planned hyper skill data center in Bessemer.

And the only marvel about Project Marvel is if this goes through, how many how much our power bills are going to go up unless the unless our public service commission manages to rein in these monsters, and personally, I'm not going to take a bet on that one.

As you've heard, Project Marvel was zoned light industrial.

1200 megawatts.

That's 12, that's the equivalent of not one, not two, but 12 oil refineries to label hyper skilled data centers, um, light industrial is incredible.

It's asinine, and a few other words I can't can't say here.

Um you're right, all data centers are not created equal, and we are not opposed to all data centers.

I personally have an IT degree, I'm a college professor.

Uh I I can tell you lots of legitimate uses of AI.

But one of the speaking of hyperscale, one of the problems is the hyper scale speculation that is fueling, literally fueling these new data centers, the all these proposals for hyper scale and otherwise.

So while we're not opposed to all data centers, one thing the POS can do is give us time, see if that bubble pops in the next six months.

Um give us time to get the zoning and all these other issues right, the the air or the water.

Um actually I'm gonna circle back because one of the most damning things that I've heard against hyperscale data centers is from the not from an environmental organization, but from the president of IBM or the CEO of IBM himself, who said there's no way a hyper scale data center can turn a profit.

And I've done some fact checking on that, and I'm amazed, I think he's right.

So uh, but but going back to all data centers not being created equal in the few seconds I've got remaining.

Please consider an ongoing ban on cryptocurrency data centers.

If there was ever a Rude Goldberg device to crash people and plan it, it's those.

I thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak.

My name is Paige Klein.

I live at 2727 Highland Avenue, South, number 109.

First, I just want to say I feel fortunate to live in a city that is willing to press pause before it's too late because what happened in Bessemer happened too fast.

Secondly, I want to say and probably repeat what some people have already said, but that we can't be naive to think that what happened in Bessemer will not impact the citizens of Birmingham and probably the citizens of the entire state of Alabama, and that goes back to our the water usage.

So the state of Alabama does not have a statewide water plan, which means it's kind of a free-for-all and a wild wild west.

And so that is something that the Alabama Rivers Alliance and other organizations are working on.

Um, but without that in place, I really appreciate this opportunity to potentially pause and have the moratorium to learn more about the water.

And um I think the last thing that I want to say um something that I've learned about AI is that every silly photo.

Um, if you could just picture me holding two gallons of water, every silly photo of you know what would my cat look like if it was a human, you're just pouring two gallons of water down the drain.

And so I think another thing that comes with AI is um just public awareness and um and knowledge that I think people don't realize the actual cost.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning, I'm Keith Williams.

My address is 456 Kappa Avenue South here at Birmingham.

I'm the co-founder of voters legal justice watch group.

Um I actually DC Block, the data center is within walking distance of my house.

So it's very close to a residential neighborhood.

And so it would be as much as often to monitor the activity of that data center.

This moratorium will give us time as a city to really figure out how we're going to regulate our industry that poses so many questions as to how the air how it's going to affect the air quality, how it's going to affect the water quality, how it's going to affect the rates.

And so this will give us time to figure all this out so that the people who are affected by these data centers will have the information that they need in order to have a effective thriving community without these problems among us.

In its real community, there has been no major concerns in terms of water quality, electricity use.

Yes.

Pull it down, please.

Peggy Gargus, 3931, South River Circle.

Another gentleman referred to Project Marble, would I which I've learned of while I've been doing reading to research other data centers and their scale and their problems.

So that uh vendor is going to be gone.

Um another component that's used that's useful for data centers if necessary is aluminum for lightweight and anti-corrosive properties.

Well, we don't have the smelting capacity in the US to provide aluminum for the automotive industry, the aerospace industry, and the uh sustainable energy industry.

If all of that aluminum goes into hyper data centers.

Um I appreciate the other people who mentioned water.

That's one of my mainest main concerns.

And at the November 17 2025 board meeting of the of our new water utility, as I was viewing it, I was startled to hear that they were going to put to a vote, but they did not, a resolution to retroactively pay an organization named I believe it was Water Research Foundation.

Yeah.

And I heard the words to recruit data centers.

So our water utility was going to pay the 2025 membership starting from January 1, ending January, January, uh December, January 25.

$80,000 to join an organization, and I'm not saying this about organization, they probably do some really valid really useful research in putting together information gathered from all sorts of other utilities to give them means to investigate and what they would need to do, whether they could provide that sort of thing.

Please wrap up your comments.

Okay, thank you.

And so I just would really appreciate you guys providing this water, uh this um this moratorium.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Next speaker.

Good morning.

I was iron sharp, the community science and research coordinator at Gas, the Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution, located at 2320 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, Alabama, 35205, Office 270.

And first off, I just want to thank you for considering this moratorium.

I stand before you today to support it.

However, a temporary pause is just a starting point.

We feel as if this moratorium should lead to a permanent ban on hyperscale data centers and that the current restrictions apply to facilities of all sizes due to their cumulative impact on our city's health and resources.

Is our air.

Data centers are often called clean, but they are powered by massive banks of industrial diesel backup generators.

These are stationary small machines.

A single hyperscale facility can house up the hundreds of amounts of generators.

And every time they are tested and used, they release nitrogen oxide and fine particular matter into our neighborhoods.

Particular matter is a silent killer.

It penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstreams of our children and elderly.

When we allow clusters of smaller facilities, we are essentially building a hyperscale monster in pieces.

We cannot allow Birmingham to go back to the pollution hotspot it once was.

We must also talk about our most precious resource, which is water.

Data centers are resource ravenous, meaning they require millions of gallons of fresh drinking water to cool their servers because industrial scale cooling cannot use recycled water due to corrosion and bacterial growth.

Once that water is used, it is treated with toxic biosize and corrosion inhibitors, rendering it non-recyclable.

We can look at the data center hub located in Murdoch County, Arizona.

The drought is now so extreme that the state has revoked permits for new homes because the groundwater is gone.

Fresh water is not an endless supply.

If we give it away to these tape giants today, we'll be fighting for it tomorrow.

We're not exit for the impossible.

We're asking for what our cities have already done.

Atlanta has put a ban on data centers in its belt line district to protect protection and focused growth.

In Grotton, Connecticut, they implemented a size cap of 12,500 square feet, which is about the size of CVS.

This was done to stop hyperscale development and locals raised concerns over resource strain, noise, and environmental impact.

We feel like the hyperscale, we should limit the size of all data centers and require independent experts for any application.

This would take Birmingham's air and water first.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

I guess he yielded time, huh?

I mean, I'm Dorothy Crosby, and I'm the president of the Metro Birmingham branch here in the Metro Birmingham area.

And we reside at 505, 20th Street North at Suite 305.

I do heard from a number of speakers this morning, and I will speak on behalf of the citizens of the Metro Birmingham, that area that we started.

Impact these impacts of the data centers of which you've heard are energy use.

Some estimates say the project was expected to use 9% of Alabama Powers capacity.

Clean air and water, it would rely on fossil fuels and pollute our environment.

Quality of data centers aren't good, neighbors.

The burden that gets heavier the closer you live to one.

Please vote yes on the suspension to keep asking and keep please at keep asking questions.

Thank you.

And I will yield my time to the next person.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning, Sandra Smith 105, Oxmore Place.

And when we are under this moratorium, I'm just under the assumption that we're going to pass this.

I'm going to ask those who are doing the research to compare the size of the center that they're proposing to others that haven't built around the country to try to determine from the residents in the area the noise as well as the uh power consumption.

And finally, if it is necessary, because we all know that these centers need a lot of power.

If it is necessary for a substation to be developed, require the company to pay for this substation, not to pass this on to the consumers because it is the company who will be directly benefiting for it if you pass if you build a substation and then you ask the consumers, then then we're paying for it, and yet we are reaping the benefits of it.

And finally, we all know that AI is real big right now.

But what happens if it goes bust?

How will that impact our rates?

How will that impact the noise as well as the water consumption?

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'm Bill Blackman.

I'm the business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 136 here in Birmingham.

Um, and I apologize.

I didn't come prepared to speak today, but the one thing that I'm not hearing, uh I'm sorry, our address, 845 Gadsden Highway, and our training center, 5000, East Lake Boulevard.

I I didn't come prepared to speak today, but the one thing that I want to keep pointing out that I'm not hearing the opportunities for workforce development that come with these data centers, whatever size they are.

For example, with councilperson Smetterman's uh mention of DC blocks early on.

In the last three years, we've done an expansion out there at DC Blocks.

And again, I didn't prepare the numbers, but somewhere around 15, 20 apprentices had opportunity to spend multiple months out there learning to become skilled craftsmen, skilled tradesmen.

From that, they are now a part of the workforce here in the Birmingham area that will make it easier to attract more attractive, less controversial businesses.

Without the skilled workforce, you can't attract the businesses to come in here.

So just I ask that this council in this great leadership that y'all are showing keep the workforce development in mind as well.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

I'm sure some of you may know the industry industry that is primarily Please state your name and address.

Um the industry primarily driving the expansion data centers right now is AI and generally L Technologies, which as I'm sure many of you may know, is basically not really uh anything more than a dead-end technology.

So there's not really any future for tech there.

The industry it's the industry itself is notorious now for being at best neglect negligent and we're at worst exploitative of its as you've seen the host host air host areas where they have and placed their buildings, and they have not acted not acted in the best and not in the best interest at all of anybody but I would say shareholders theoretically.

It is not in the best interest of Birmingham to casually allow casually allow such any such industry that has polluted polluted neighborhood neighborhoods was brought in brought in has promised nothing but uh removal ultimately of more jobs than it would ever would ever provide for construct constructors and constructors who frequently I am told may it may be maybe outs or outsourced to other other community other communities of the country, other countries for the prior primary beneficiary of the rare revenue.

Um total apologies for limitations by public speaking.

This was one of the few times to speak.

Uh in general, it is best not to lay out red carpet for industry that seems to totally be absorbed only in its own in its own interest and will as others have noted very light very likely collapse under the limitations of the technologies.

I'm as an example, I'm sure some of you may have noticed that the thing uh the thing sometimes hallucinates in its output.

I as when asked about like for example, for example, a move uh a movie for like Clint Eastwood, it said a tarantula crushed Clint Eastwood's horse.

When Ann asked if uh a horse crushed uh tarantula, there's more than this that small there are actual studies show that there are limit limitations of what it can output it can output accurately.

There's no there's I wish it was better, better equipped to attest to the actual technical values things, but it only assembled it only assembles plausible sounding words and sentences, it has no sense behind it, and there's a mathematical limit to what it can ever accomplish.

So it is a dead end industry that will ultimately take out more and more jobs, and it is pushed by a group that does not actually care about the community in which it resides.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Good morning, counselors.

Good morning, everybody, morning audience, all the citizens.

Uh, my name is Madeline Green.

I'm um my my address is 108 Munich Circle, Birmingham, Alabama.

I live in Oxmore Valley neighborhood.

I'm currently the neighborhood association president.

Uh once when I learned about uh a data a data center wanting to come to Oxmore on Friday, I was a little razzled by it, because uh where this data center wants to come is right in the middle, and I I'm mostly gonna speak on um the community because in terms of all the other uh things I read about it, like Councillor Smithman, I just went crazy reading all weekend.

So I had about 20 pages of notes about this, and so I'm in I'm in favor of the moratorium for the simple reason that would give Director Thomas and the city a chance to really research this because this is a serious matter.

And after all the things I read about it, I was I was just shocked.

I didn't even know that we had had uh maybe three data centers.

That's because they were small in in nature in uh uh capacity.

But the community concerns are that resident residents have raised issues about noise, light pollution, water, usage, impact on property values, and their projects, uh the the scale of the project.

Now, I will say this last thing in closing.

I will say that where this company, where this data center wants to uh reside or locate, located, is less than 500 feet from our neighborhood.

Where they want to reside to the left of this um uh data center, we have the fire department, we have uh ability united ability, which is for handicapped persons who are there.

Okay, if you go to the for uh the front of this this center, uh we have two sets of apartments to the right of it.

Okay, if you go to the for uh the front of this this center, uh we have two sets of apartments to the right of it, we have 497 homes that uh will be coming to the Oxmore that they're building right now, and so also, and then to the back and walking distance, you have 800 and something households, and that's what we the more majority of the 11 subdivisions are in Oxmore.

So it's vital that the city gets it right because we're right there, no matter what leaks out, or what pollution and all that, we are gonna be right there and right there because they're in the center of us, and we're they're surrounded by the 11 subdivisions, uh 11 uh apartment complexes.

So I just want you all to you know take it into consideration.

This is serious.

So the City really needs to get it right, and even if the moratorium is longer, then that's okay because these are people, we are people.

We are in her district, council awarding, and uh she's doing a good job in keeping us abreast of what's going on.

And I thank her.

I thank you all, because this is this is what we need.

So I didn't know we needed it until I was found out they were coming.

Well, thinking about coming.

So we don't need them, you know, we really don't.

So thank you very much for listening.

Thank you, Ms.

Green.

Okay.

Appreciate it.

All right.

Looks like that's all of our public speakers.

Did anyone not get a chance to speak that still wants to speak?

Okay.

Um, so um that I guess concludes our public hearing.

So I'll turn it back over to President Alexander.

Thank you very much.

I am grateful to the residents and citizens of Birmingham that have come and taken advantage of this public hearing today to give us your thoughts and provide your input.

I'm also grateful to the planning engineering permits, um, Ms.

Thomas and your team for bringing this information to us and um offering this as an ordinance to provide this temporary suspension.

As we've all discussed, data centers and AI driven components are on the horizon.

They're going to be a part of the footprint.

But I am uh concerned as a resident and not only as a citizen, that we get this right from the beginning.

And so this opportunity could provide us with a means of being sure that we, even though it's exciting for new opportunities and new technology, but has already been mentioned before.

Our neighborhoods, our residents, often we have been compromised at times when new technology comes in, and we want to be sure how they affect our neighborhoods and what it brings to our citizens and for a lifetime forward.

Um you've all given us very good information to consider today, and so at this time, I feel that this has given us an opportunity to open dialogue and to proceed in good faith and in transparency in how we proceed as a as a city, and again, keeping people in mind of what we're going to be doing.

I want to know if there are any other questions or any discussion from counselors, councilor Pro Tem.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

So I also do you know agree with everything that's um been said this morning, and um think this is a very important issue for us to consider, and I particularly want to note uh you know, statement about um taking a scalpel versus an acts approach um to this issue because I don't think that um you know all data centers are created equal.

So um, but want to step take a step back for a second and um remind staff in particular about uh the legislative branches process.

So section 2-2-15A2 of the code of the city of Birmingham states that unless waived by a unanimous consent, every ordinance or resolution requiring council approval shall be submitted to a committee of the council prior to submission of the item to the council.

The committee shall report thereon at the next regular meeting of the council after the committee meets, unless further time is granted by a majority vote of the council.

When the committee to which an ordinance or resolution has been referred, so shall report such ordinance or resolution as reported by the committee, including any amendments substitutions proposed by the committee.

We have currently five or six subject matter committees through that handle various issues.

Prior to this public hearing being called, we haven't been engaged in the conversation about a proposal.

So again, given our process and what our city code calls for, I am going to make a motion that this matter be referred to committee.

Right, counselors.

We have a motion before us to move this item back to planning and zoning to allow for more information to come before that committee as we take up this particular item after that committee convenes and meets in order to give guidance and more information from the perspective of the legislative body on what we how we should proceed.

So is there a second second?

All right.

Second was Councillor Gunn.

So I would like to just make another statement.

So this isn't intended as a any sort of delay.

You know, in theory, this could be back before us next week as a full council.

All we have to do is provide 24 hours notice prior to meeting.

So but we want to you know put some emphasis on the the fact that we do have a process for uh dealing with legislative issues, and and that's thus the reason.

So again, um not trying to impose any sort of delay tactic here.

Uh just want to make sure that we adhere to our processes.

So, councillors do you understand the motion and the second that's before us?

And so we'll refer this back.

Um, when would we want to get some type of information back from this committee?

Do you want to put a time frame on that?

As councillor O'Quina stated, the committee can call a special call meeting at any time.

So again, this is not delaying this.

This is to give an opportunity to provide more input so that the committee process can work and move forward to uh help with the administrative team in bringing this ordinance forward.

Any questions?

Because we do have a motion and the second any questions.

At the end of the month or beginning of February, too short of them, though this no, we don't think it could be.

Okay.

So, yes, Councilor Gunn.

Yeah, I have a question.

Why would we have this policy place and why was it being sent back to the committee?

Uh, what would be the process or any implications behind uh an organization or a company that were to submit an application for a data center?

So um Councilor Vasa actually inquired with our government affairs team as to current applications that may be in progress, and the information uh that was he received if I'm relaying it correctly, is that there are currently no applications for proposed data centers before the city.

Um the suspension is in place, provided that the suspension that the ordinance provides this there it could include an appeals process.

Um and those of you who are familiar with previous moratoria regarding soft storage and automated car washes will know that those uh ordinances did uh include an appeal process and and different projects were able to uh come before us and and appeal the and move forward subsequently or not counselor yes, counselor fossil.

Thank you, madam president.

Yes, my I would um second counselor smitheman's uh sort of timeline and approach on this the sooner the better.

Uh and so whether that looks like one two weeks or a special committee, um I would I would be in favor of that as well.

All right, thank you.

I do appreciate you as um co-chairs of the planning and zoning committee, although I know what is before us today is not a temporary suspension on moratorium, it's a temporary suspension on uh or just a temporary suspension and not a moratorium.

And so I feel this does fall back into uh going back to committee because the committee had not had an opportunity to hear this information and to be provided this information.

So at this time then the motion and the second is to uh take this back to committee with two weeks be enough time.

Yes, absolutely for a two-week period, and then we'll expect the report back and then we'll bring the item back um for review.

Are we ready to take the vote?

I'm sorry.

Are we ready to take the vote?

So madam president, while the voting is taking place.

Um normally when we delay item, we bring it back.

But so how do you want to do that?

You say refer, so we want the committee bring it back or what the committee um we can take it in committee, but we'll work with um okay the idea that we'll have it back before the council as soon as possible, preferably um by the beginning of February.

The committee staff, okay.

Yes, thank you.

Voting should be open.

Councilmember O'Quinn.

Yes, council member Smith.

Gotcha, okay.

Councilmember Smith.

Uh Councilmember Vason.

And President Alexander.

Aye.

All right, that vote should be uh all right.

Thank you very much.

Uh that item passes to putting that uh back to planning as on the committee.

I do just want to thank each of you who took the time out today.

I know it was a very busy council meeting, and um, but I am I'm happy to see the many of you that stayed and wanted to participate in this process.

It shows us how government working with residents working administratively along legislative lines, and so we did hear you, and we want to support the the information that you shared today, and we're taking this back today.

Thank you very much.

All right, Mr.

Clerk, if we'll go to our next item.

I think we only have one other item.

Um actually you got four three more.

29 is a few.

Item 29 is next, it's on page 29.

Um ordinance to require mandatory electronic filing and payment of business tax returns as license renewals, and it is an item of permanent operation, so we need UC to pass it today.

I mean motion for you see.

I'm for you, see second.

Okay, council member gunn.

Aye, councilmember Quinn.

All right, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Smithman?

Aye, Councilmember Vassa.

29 Council Member Woods.

President Pro Tim take.

Council President Alexander.

Aye.

Motion on the item is there.

Moving items, second.

Item is before you.

All right, counselors is an ordinance to require mandatory electronic filing and payment of business tax returns and license renewals.

Um, is there any discussion on this item or do you need some um information prior to considering this item?

Madam President, yeah, yes, I would just like a brief explanation from staff.

Thank you.

At this time, which we're asking for a brief explanation from staff regarding this item.

Yeah, ms Madam President, we'll see if attorney laws means out outside of your brief explanation.

Okay.

Yes, we'll table this one so that we can move to the other items.

And Mr.

Clerk, if you'll call the next item.

Okay, you may motion table.

Motion to table.

Second.

All in favor?

All opposed.

All right.

And so we'll go to item um 35 is withdrawing 42.

Item 42.

And I think that's on the page 34.

Item 42, a resolution pursuant to the provisions of section 2-3-27 of the general code of the city of Birmingham, Alabama, as amended, authorizing the city attorney upon the recommendations to settle the matter and the affidavit claim of RJ Young Company, LLC.

This resolution authorizes the mayor, the city attorney, or one of her assistants, to execute all documents necessary to accomplish the settlement of this claim and an amount not to be seated total of 525,000.

Said funds to come from the general fund finance purchasing print shop capital outlay capitalized leases GL 19-90 as 92 point six zero zero-015.

Motion.

All right, counselors.

This item was on consent.

It was removed by Council of Vasa, and I believe Councilor Bassi, you wanted to have an opportunity to abstain.

All right.

Any other questions regarding this item?

We're ready for the vote.

All right, voting should be open.

I'm an aye.

Okay.

Aye.

All right.

All right.

Uh and council member, you abstaining, right?

Gotcha.

Councilmember O'Quim.

All right.

Um that vote should be up in front of the item 42 passes.

Next item.

Um we've got 44.

Yes, sir.

Item 44.

A resolution appointing two members of the Birmingham Planning Commission for six years expiring October the 6th, 2031.

No, need the names and the terms, but who they were placed.

Yes, Councillor O'Clain.

Yes.

Okay.

Um, so this are related to uh appointment to the planning and zoning commission.

The planning and zoning committee uh has met to um discuss this matter and is recommending the reappointment of two current members of the Burningham Planning Commission.

Um the first individual is uh Steven Schrader, uh originally appointed to the planning commission in 2022.

Um his term expired in October of 2025.

Um so he's being recommended for reappointment and also um Sharon Deep Nelson, who was also appointed in 2022 uh term expired in 2020 October of 2025, and the committee has recommended uh her reappointment as well for six to six-year terms.

Um so um the expiration date would coincide so move.

Thank you.

All right, thank you, counselors.

No questions, we'll move to the vote.

Voting should be open, council members.

Aye, all right, all right.

Aye.

Council, okay.

Councilmember Woods out.

And that vote should be up.

All right, thank you, councillors.

Those nominations for committees have been approved, and so we thank the committee for uh going through this process of selecting new committee members, and we look forward to the service of those residents that have been appointed.

Thank you very much.

Next item.

Uh the only thing left uh items wise is uh 29 table.

All right, thank you.

She's on the way.

Counselors, if we'll allow, we will continue to table this item, and then we'll go ahead and move into our um announcements.

If you could can you start, counselorman.

Yes, ma'am.

I do not mind.

Um South Titusville will meet today at 5 30 p.m.

at Holy Family.

The Arlington West End will also meet today at 6 p.m.

at the West End Library.

Um, South Side Library will host MLK I have a dream mobile craft.

Uh today it'll be all day.

It started at 9 and ends at 6 p.m.

Also, Holy Family had to reschedule their monthly food giveaway.

That was supposed to be this past Saturday due to the weather, and now it will be this Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

on the campus.

Also, congratulations to one of our district six schools, Booker T.

Washington.

Governor Ivy has announced that there will be certain guests recognized at her state of the state address, which will take place later tonight.

Rodney Smith, Junior, founder of Raising Men Law and Care Service and students from Booker T Washington K through 8 will be recognized as Ivy's final state of the state address of her senior year.

As she has announced she'll not be anyways, they will be recognized at her state of the state.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, thank you.

Council of Afa.

Thank you, Madam President.

So District 3, we're excited again about our resident uh participant survey.

Uh it has been live for a few weeks and is live until January 25th.

This is a great opportunity to make sure that your uh your concerns are heard and that you voice your top three priorities.

Our goal is 10% of district three, that's 2,000 respondents.

We still have two more weeks.

Uh please look on our social media.

We had a mailer that went out and really want to hear as from as many residents as possible.

Um secondly, we have a coffee with your counselor this Tuesday, January 20th at General in Forest Park from 7 30 to 8 30.

Join us uh for some free coffee and some treats and to have a conversation.

Uh lastly, uh we have uh Highland Park Neighborhood Association tonight at Roho Roho at 6 30 p.m.

Um and Monday, June 19th is MLK Day.

So we have a uh wonderful opportunity to uh provide some cleanup at George Ward Park.

It's hosted by Alabama Environmental Council from 8 30 to noon, Monday, June 19th at George Ward.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor.

Counselor Smith All right, thank you.

This upcoming week, two neighborhoods will be hosting their monthly meetings this evening.

We have Bellevue Heights that is meeting um at 6 30, 6 30 p.m.

at Brown Elementary School.

Also, tomorrow, the Tuxedo Heights neighborhood will meet at 4 30 p.m.

at the Pratt City Library.

Additionally, the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board will meet on January 21st at 9 a.m.

at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Um, also the Parks and Recreation Board for the City of Birmingham is seeking a new board member.

Applicants can send their letter of interest and resumes to D8Help at Birmingham AL.gov.

The application is open until January 20th.

And lastly, the Arps and Parks Committee will have a special called meeting on Tuesday, January 20th at 10 45.

Thanks.

Thank you very much.

Counselor Gunn.

Thank you, Madam President.

Uh, upcoming neighborhood association meetings for today.

Uh tonight we have the Eglow Springs Neighborhood Association that will meet at 6 p.m.

at Smith Middle School.

Uh, we also have North East Lake that will take place at 6 p.m.

tonight at the Southern Museum of Flight.

And then lastly, for neighborhood associations, we have Pennfield Park at 6 p.m.

tonight at the Brownsville Heights Community Center.

As for events, we have the Collegeville neighborhood.

Uh they will be hosting an MLK Days of Service cleanup from 8 a.m.

to 12 p.m.

at 3200 28th Avenue North.

And lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't recognize my chief of staff, uh Carmen Mays on her founders day.

That's upcoming.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Councillor Woods.

Uh thank you.

A few announcements quickly.

Uh repeat the Killow Springs Neighborhood Association will be meeting tonight.

Definitely get out and engage in your neighborhood.

Also coming up the MLK Day of Service next Monday, January 19th at 9 a.m.

Uh, we'll be at Huffman Ballpark.

Uh we've got a lot of volunteers uh coordinating with our Majesty Tool Bank.

Uh but just come out, like I said, we're going to be preparing the facility for the upcoming season.

Uh this good opportunity to get out uh individually, bring a group, but just to make sure all the young people have everything they need to get the season started this year.

So uh look forward to seeing everybody come out, roll up your sleeves and uh get in the mix.

Thank you so much.

Dr.

O'Clyn.

All right.

Um in District 5, we have the East Avondale Neighborhood Association that's meeting tonight at 6 p.m.

via conference call.

Please call our office at 2542679 for that call in information.

Uh North Avondale Neighborhood Association will meet on Thursday, January 15th at 6 p.m.

at the MLK Rec Center in North Avenue.

They would normally meet on Thursday, and it's being rescheduled for Thursday, January 22nd at 6 p.m.

at the South Precinct.

The Transportation Infrastructure Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, January 26th at 2 p.m.

here in the council chambers.

Please see submit your agenda items to Kimberley.phillips at Birmingham AL.gov.

Urban Impact is going to be out doing a service project on MLK Day.

And so they get up early and get it done.

So they're meeting at uh 7 30 a.m.

Um at the historic Fourth Avenue Business District.

Um specifically 1721 Fourth Avenue North.

And please call 205 1850 to get more information or RSVP with your organization.

BCRI is hosting, also hosting a MLK day of celebration on Monday from 10 to 4 with multiple events.

The admission to the institute as always will be free, and early arrival is suggested, and you can get more information at uh their website.

Also, BCRI is accepting applications for its 2026 Legacy Youth Leadership Program.

This is a 12-month experience that equips high school students with tools for civic engagement, personal development, and social change grounded in Birmingham Civil Right Civil Rights Legacy.

The program runs March 2026 to March 2027 with a thousand dollar stipend for summer docents upon program completion.

The application deadline is Monday, February 9th, and you can apply at BCRI.org backslash legacy.

And then finally, um want to announce a public meeting.

The Ballard House project is embarking on a adaptive reuse plan for the building formerly known as the automotive friction.

They used to turn brake rotors in there.

And so the Ballard House is proposing to redevelop that property and they're seeking community input.

So this property is in the historic civil rights district, specifically located at 1512 7th Avenue North.

And the date of the meeting is Monday, January 26th, 530 to 7 at the Ballard House.

And that is located just down the block on 7th Avenue at 1420 7th Avenue North.

And if you have or you need additional information or to submit your comments apart from going to the meeting, you can contact the executive director of the Ballard House, Magula Hamilton, and her email address is Mube Hamilton at Ballard House Project.org.

And if you need that spelled out for you, just call my office.

Or you can call the Ballard House.

So thank you.

That concludes my announcement.

Thank you, Dr.

O'Quinn.

Pro Tim K.

Thank you, Madam President.

These are the announcements for neighborhood meetings.

North Pret Neighborhood Meeting is tonight at 5 p.m.

at the Pratt Public Library located at 509 Dugan Avenue.

Sandusk Neighborhood Meeting will be held tonight at 6 p.m.

at the Jimmy Hudson Rick Center and it's a 309 Pred Highway.

Ansley neighborhood meeting will be Thursday, January 15th at 6 p.m.

at Maggie Alpine Rick Center located at 1115 Avenue Hill.

The next public safety meeting will be held today, 1 p.m.

in the council chambers.

I'm not doing anything on MLK Day, so I have not gotten any reports of anybody doing any cleanups, but I just may come out and come on out there to the Hulkman Park with Council Woods, so just we'll see them.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you so much.

These are announcements for District 7.

Today we do have a neighborhood meeting that will be meeting by conference call.

That's the Riley Travalic neighborhood meeting.

They will meet at 6 p.m.

You can call my office and we'll post this information if you would like to dial in.

But that neighborhood association meets this afternoon at 6 p.m.

Then on Thursday, January 15th, the combined Hillman and Hillman Park neighborhood associations will meet at 5 p.m.

at Hillman Station.

I do want to acknowledge the attendance of our Ox Valley neighborhood president again.

Mrs.

Green, thank you.

And at the field, there are various other members of that neighborhood that are here today.

So thank you, Mr.

Carter and Walter for also being in attendance.

Love the representation.

Today we entertained just the process of how residents speak and they look to us as a legislative body to help improve and ensure the quality of their life.

And so I learned over just a few days ago, and I don't know if it's been acknowledged yet or not, but I do want to acknowledge the passing of the late Mr.

Charlie Powell, who is the founder of Panic, and that's the people against neighborhood industrial contamination.

And he often came before us and brought information to us.

So I just want to acknowledge and offer um respect for the work that he he was trying to do in the community.

And this time I do know that I see that we do have representation so that we can go ahead and go back to our agenda.

So if we could go back and vote to uh go back to agenda, and now we'll have that last item.

Do we have a second in a motion so we can call back to order?

Aye.

I expect that.

Thank you so much.

And we'll now hear from that item.

Thank you so much.

And we were just asking Council of Quinn, someone was asking for more information.

Yeah, yeah.

So just give us some background on why we're proposing to require mandatory electronic filing for payment of business uh tax returns and license renewals.

Yes, sir.

Good afternoon, Yolanda Lawson from the Office of City Attorney.

This item is going to streamline the process of filing tax remittances with the city of Birmingham.

It will mirror the process that the state of Alabama now currently processes under.

The purpose of the ordinance is to streamline expedite, um lower any risk of mistakes.

It helps with our staffing, it allows our taxpayers a better access point for more hours of the day because it will be available 24 hours a day.

So the electronic filing will be a format where taxes can be paid, all forms of taxes can be remitted without having to come to the city of Birmingham.

Now we will have still have the access to the city of Birmingham to allow you to pay in person for a period of time, but we're trying to make efforts to also have a kiosk set up.

I don't have a time frame for that kiosk setup, but the effort is to have a kiosk set up as well, so the taxpayers are able to come into City Hall and still do so electronically if they wish.

It lowers wait times, it lowers staff burdens, and it's just more streamlined and economically feasible for all involved.

So how much of the activity at the teller windows down in the lobby?

Um, how much of this type of activity you know represents what they do on a daily basis?

Well, it just depends on the period of the month.

So we have some taxes that are due on the 15th day of the month.

Then we have some tax, which are normally our liquor licenses, and um sometimes with our business licenses, because we have that um waiver of penalties until February 15th.

So we may have a flush of people for the month of January and especially around that second week of February, trying to get in before that window closes, and then monthly we have from about the 14th of the month to about the 21st of the month, just depending on a weekend day.

So you may have a flush of people periodically monthly for those time periods.

Um you know, it's hard to imagine a business operating um without the capacity to be able to do this.

I mean, if you're in business in 2026, um more than likely running your business involves uh utilizing computers and being connected to the internet.

Um but is there any provision for some type of hardship or yes, yes, sir.

There is um if there's a hardship where a person is not able to utilize electronic services or electronically, they will provide us or you know, apply for a waiver, and that waiver then will be approved by the appropriate persons appointed by the CFO or by the direct, I mean the um director of finance.

They will be the persons that either approve or designate who will approve those waivers, and there will be parameters that we will establish that will allow them to um be granted a waiver if necessary.

So those waivers would be reviewed administratively, yes, sir.

They will be reviewed administratively, and we will need to take those a case at a case-by-case basis unless the the CFO determines that there's going to be set parameters that the staff may be able to automatically approve.

And I will mention that this system, I mean, this process will utilize our current system of HDL.

This is not an effort to convert to something else or yet another system.

This is just to enhance the system that we currently use.

Okay, thank you.

Yes, sir.

Any other questions?

Yes, Councillor Dunn.

Yeah, I just want to thank you, Madam President.

I just want to confirm that the kiosk will be a permanent fixture.

It will be now again.

I do not have a time frame on the kiosk piece, so that's still in the works, but I just wanted the council to and to be aware that that's something that we will plan for because we don't want to limit accessibility to the city of Birmingham or to City Hall.

We're just trying to make it as easy as possible.

Okay.

And then I guess my second question to that to the kiosk will the kiosk only accept credit card payments or debit card payments, or will it accept cash as well?

We don't know yet.

Okay.

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Good questions.

Any other questions?

Yes, Councilor Woods.

Uh I just wanted to add, like I said, we had this conversation yesterday.

Yes and we did have an extensive conversation around just uh informing the businesses, and so they do have a robust plan for that.

So uh was excited to see that, and there is like I said, it doesn't, it's not immediate, so there is some time to uh get the word out, and I was assured that you know they would ensure and work with everyone to uh get everybody to the finish line.

Yes.

Any other questions?

All right, thank you.

We're ready for the vote.

Happy Founders Day.

Oh, thank you.

Samuel, do you we're ready for the vote?

Smith, yeah, got it.

Council President Alexander.

Council President Alexander.

Aye, Council Member Boston.

All right, thank you.

That item passes.

I believe that does end our agenda at this time.

Uh this time we will entertain speakers' list.

Okay.

Um, Nancy Williams senior.

Good morning, good afternoon.

My name is Yancey Williams, and I'm I live at 820 2nd Street Southwest Birmingham, Alabama, 3521.

I have Minister Fraser with me, and I have uh Mr.

Ford with me.

The master family had to leave.

We live in the Auditon community, Birmingham First Community, most historic neighborhood in the city of Birmingham.

If you did not know that, we have some images here that we would like to pass out.

May I pass this to someone?

And thank you, uh Council Smithman for all your help.

We're just trying to expedite getting these apartments demolished.

Uh this they can just pass around.

It's for all of them, they can keep it duplicated, sir.

And this is for the mayor's office.

I see he has left.

We wanted to bring light to this issue.

These apartments, when we are walking our children and our dogs and animals uh in the neighborhood, we're finding needles.

Uh the Johns and the prostitute are partaking right outside our homes.

Just the other day, the lady got a package, and I know this video is being recorded.

A lady received a package and she was hallucinated.

We had to call the Birmingham police department.

I mean, this is going on every day, every night, every week.

And we're just trying to bring light to this issue.

We need some help.

This has been going on.

I've been on the boys, you guys have been there how long?

40 years.

40 years.

And Ms.

Fraser, you've been George, Mr.

George, your church been there.

33 years, and I'm only 26 years in.

We need some help with this demolished.

I mean, we should not have to move around and go around the prostitution rings and male and female.

Male and female, and they're partaking with one another in our community.

I mean, you know, I I witnessed parents walking their children, and the child went to reach to pick up a needle.

And the mother had to share the baby, say, ah, look at this right here.

Look at that, to get the attention off there because the baby was asking, what is that?

We need some help.

So I'm asking the mayor's office, not I, but we.

We are asking the mayor's office and the city council uh for your help.

This has been going on a long, long, long time.

And just now we don't want to try to compare our community to anyone else, but we just would love to have this removed and try to move forward with some other uh things.

And then I want to say one other thing too.

We have had 10 people from around the country and the world to move into our community.

So we we are viable community.

Let's try to keep it that way.

Thank you for your attention.

Thank you again.

Thank you so much.

Um this time it has come to my attention, I believe this is pending litigation, and so there is an awareness and there's process going on with this.

So we can't speak directly to this because of the litigation, but thank you for bringing this to our attention today.

And um, you'll have more information as we go through that legal process.

Thank you so very kindly.

Uh hold on one second.

I believe you're the next speaker, but let's be sure we announce the next speaker.

Pastor Jordan.

Michael Jordan.

Uh huh.

Yes, sir.

Thank you so very kindly.

I'd like to say good day to this council president, uh, Miss Smillerman, um, to um Ms.

Alexander and to Miss King.

I'm Pastor Michael Jordan.

I'm the senior pastor of the New Era Baptist Church over on Cotton Avenue.

These images that you look you're looking at.

My church owns four parcels of land in that area over there that you that you're witnessing.

Um, and I do want to thank the mayor.

Um, thank they lied on the mayor, and we got it straight that the mayor wasn't doing nothing for the city.

We want to straighten that line out now that the mayor and the legal department has pushed a little, has been turning the wheels to try to terminate some of this stuff and get this stuff straightened out because uh the um legal department, Mr.

Mead has uh got in touch with the neighborhood association and myself, of course, and there was a hearing set November the 6th, and of course, Judge Patton Creighton gave them a stay.

So I don't know the legal entanglements here, um, but I do want to attest to the effect that this will have this that this property has on uh on this house, my house of prayer.

Um the parking lot is right next to all of this, all of this.

Um people when we try to get loans, not a loan but a grant or something, funding for our family life center or for an adult education program.

People come and look at this right next door.

Um it's an impediment to evangelism.

It's um uh when I were uh you all don't know it, but a lot of fires.

It's it's vagrants, they they transients, they they they squatter, um, it's rat infested, and of course, what actually happens is when people come and want to worship, they look at all this stuff right next door to the doorsteps of the church.

Um this one here, this is this is sad.

This one here is a black male coming out right here.

And he's not uh a resident, he's not a squatter, he's a customer.

He's a customer.

This property has become a homosexual brothel, and I don't play on nobody's intelligence.

I know you all are not, you're not undereducated, but uh brothel is a French whole house.

And this is it's a homosexual brothel right there at the doorsteps of God's house.

And we want to thank the city council um for looking at this, but we do want to be be fair with both sides that the mayor wants this to be declared a public nuisance.

The um uh legal department has been pushing for nothing but a public loot nuisance.

There's a hearing February 5th.

My concern traveling from Houston to Los Angeles to Linwood to Buffalo, New York, all around the city.

My concern, Clint Woods, is this source, this despicable, this despicable crime infestation.

This this sore thumb, this public nuisance would never exist next door to the first Baptist church in Mount Brook and a fluid white church.

It will never exist down there on 280 next door to the Hunter Street Church and a floor white church.

Let's go on fast forward right over here next door to UAB.

This infestation and this sore eye would never exist next door to UAB.

Thank you, Pastor.

We do appreciate you bringing up.

Well, I just want I just want to let you know.

Yeah, yeah, I know you're cutting me off when I broke the racial the racial issue here.

I know you want to cut me off.

And I appreciate you asking you to.

And I appreciate you listening to me, but I don't want you as a black African American female to cut me off when I'm making you off service.

General racist issues here.

Thank you.

This would never exist in an affluent white neighborhood.

I know you understand you are preaching to the choir on this one, and I believe you have nothing to do with the case.

Well, we want to just make sure and I appreciate you for bringing that together.

Councillor Pro Tim, you had a statement.

Thank you, Madam President.

So we want to I want the the uh the the legal department to to to work on this expeditiously.

Thank you, Pastor.

Okay, Madam Pro Tim to the pastor.

This is a you know ongoing issue that my colleagues and I discuss.

And what I really want to encourage you all to do is to go to the state of Alabama.

They haven't they're in legislative session this week.

And I want to also commend my colleague, uh Council Woods.

One of our legislative priorities, this legislative session is putting the heat on people who do things like this in our community.

This is not just in West End.

I have some issues in North Birmingham.

All of us have issues throughout issues on the South Side, and then we don't want to make this race bait.

We just get a white.

Excuse me, no, sir, we're not.

This is what you call racial gym pro editor.

Don't be afraid when we speak about race.

Next door to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in the CDU C this.

Thank you.

I'm gonna push back on you, but Pastor Jordan.

I'm not afraid.

No, I'm not afraid to do that.

But I do want to encourage you to take a trip to Montgomery this week.

No, no, no, sir.

It's it's it's laws that we need to change.

I want the city council to go back.

Yeah, let the city council.

We have legislative priorities that we're presenting at the opening of the legislative session this week that attunes to some of the things that you are talking about today.

So if we could work together, there's a process.

Okay, and uh we've taken these priorities to the legislative.

We have four items that speak to this type of blight that we're seeing in the city of Birmingham.

So um please know that we hear you, we understand your passion with this, but um again, don't make assumptions about what we are trying to um bring forward.

And at this time, sir, if I could call on the next speaker, are you signed up as the next speaker?

Let me call the name of the next speaker.

Thank you.

Mr.

Clerk.

Is it John Jackson?

Are you John Jackson?

Sir, you're not signed up to speak.

If we could go ahead and get the next speaker, Evan Ford.

Thank you.

We have our next speaker.

The last speaker is Evan Ford.

Evan Ford, thank you.

Seven Ford present.

No, sir, you have to be signed up to speak.

Thank you, Pastor.

Okay.

Remember.

I'm sorry, uh, Mr.

Jackson is before you go.

New York.

You're an extra after him.

Jackson, you have three minutes.

And if you give us your address, thank you, sir.

Yes, my name is John Jackson.

I reside at 235 85th Street, North Birmingham, Alabama, 35206.

I'm a member of 586 fraternity.

Could you could could could you let me have my my time?

Okay.

I'm a member of 58.

Notice all the royalties groups that came up today.

I wanted to represent Blue Five.

Also, I'm an uh insurance agent.

I've worked for Liberty National.

I reside uh right here in Birmingham for 30 years.

I've raised my children right here.

And why I'm here today is because I've been here before you guys on several occasions.

I know you can remember me coming on 1023.

The reason why I came on 1023 is because we came trying to get help with the speed cushions on 85th Street North.

And I know you have a budget for those type of things, but we have the speed cushions ourselves.

So we know that that should cut the price.

In addition to that, we think it's low-hanging fruit.

We don't think that we shouldn't, we should be uh excluded from having the things that we see going around the city.

I see banking, I see biking lanes, I see uh all kinds of cushions set up on Five Mile Road, Fourth Avenue South and 85th Street South, two-way turn to a four-way.

Chris Hill Road, two-way turned to a four-way, second Avenue South and 79th way turn to a four-way.

609 West Boulevard added speed cushion, and this is one block over from my house.

Now we've had several depths out on my street on 85th Street.

A man got ran over in a wheelchair.

We also had um Reverend Jamal Cunningham of the 46th Street Baptist Church to come back with his member and a signed petition with hundreds of signatures on it.

They're on that same street.

We also was able to get to get the traffic uh common statistics, petitions, and now they told us to vote on it.

We voted on it, it was a 98% in favor of and still nothing.

Mr.

Mayor have done a great job, and you guys as council members have aided, I'm sure.

But this is a simple solution, a simple solution.

It's not like the big problem that I've listened to you have to address earlier.

This is low-hanging fruit.

I'm pretty sure we can have some speed cushions added on 85th Street North, and also I'm sure we can turn that two-way into a four-way.

Thank you very much.

Jackson.

Next speaker.

Right, thank you.

That concludes our speakers for this afternoon.

We do want to thank our officers on duty, Officer Pinkard and Officer Drake.

Where is Dr.

That's not Officer Drake?

That's Square.

All right.

So thank you so much.

And we've been asked to also acknowledge our fire inspectors on duty.

So we want to thank Inspector Snow and Inspector Marshall for their service to us as well.

Well, I want to thank you all, everyone.

It has been uh a full day.

And so at this time I'll call for second.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Thank you.

Meeting is adjourned.