The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on January 20, 2026, at 9:30 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included the adoption of a lengthy consent agenda, discussion on a major infrastructure contract, setting public hearings for zoning changes, and receiving two public comments. Mayor Randall Woodfin also proclaimed January 2026 as Muslim American Heritage Month.
Good morning, everyone. Today is Tuesday, January twentieth. The time is now nine thirty-seven AM. I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council. Today we'll have our invocation led by Reverend Doug Taylor, Pastor Rebirth Christian Fellowship, and our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councillor Darrell O'Quinn. If you're able, please stand and join us. Grace us, be with us today. Hence now for fourth and forever. Bless this gathering in Jesus' name. Amen. Councilmember O'Quen. Councilmember Smith. Councilmember Williams. Councilmember Woods. Council President Pro Tim Tate. Good morning and Council President Alexander. Good morning. Thank you. At this time, Councilors, the minutes are not ready from the meetings of November 4th, 2025 through January 13th, 2026. At this time, we'll have communications from the mayor. Madam President, good morning to you. Good morning to the entire council. It's good to see all of you all this morning. As a reminder, because City Hall was closed yesterday for the MLK holiday. Residents who receive Monday pickup will have their trash collected today, January 20th. Now I meant I know that note may seem delayed, but we also communicated this in other channels as well. Pickup schedule for the remaining of the week will be delayed by one day. So I think that's the other important note to note. Again, the pickup schedule for the remaining of the week will be delayed by one day. So if your day is a day, your household garbage will be picked up tomorrow, so on and so on. And that is a short note, Madam President and Council at this time. As well as all those with the Birmingham Islamic Society to join me this morning. At this time we have Tanvira Patel and with the Birmingham Islamic Society. Council, if you were unaware, Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with 1.9 billion devotees worldwide, and about 3.5 million here in our country, the United States. Muslim Americans are a vital part of our diversity, and we would like to take a moment to recognize them and their contributions with a special proclamation that I will read in part. In the States whereas Muslim Americans are one of the most racially diverse groups in the United States, comprising African Americans, Asians, Arabs, and Caucasians, and whereas Muslim Americans have excelled in many fields, including business, medicine, law, literature, arts, entertainment, sports. And whereas Muslims in Alabama are doctors, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, and public servants, and they played vital roles in enhancing our state's health care, education, technology, arts, and cultural sectors. And whereas Birmingham Islamic Society, the old oldest Muslim organization in the state of Alabama, owns and manages four. Masters in the Greater Birmingham area. Now therefore, I ran OL Wood from Mayor of the City of Birmingham, along with the Birmingham City Council do hereby proclaim January 2026 as Muslim American Heritage Month in the city of Birmingham, Alabama. I also want to encourage all residents to reflect upon and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Muslim Americans, and to continue working together to build a city rooted not only in understanding and unity, but also in equity and shared humanity. And at this time, I would like to step aside and let our guests share a few remarks with the council. Thank you. Good morning, Mayor and Council members. Thank you for this opportunity. And Idul Adha, which honors Abraham's sacrifice. Birmingham Muslim community includes business owners, doctors, teachers, engineers, and public servants. We are your neighbors, colleagues, fellow citizens, and friends, contributing to our city's prosperity. The Birmingham Islamic Society is one of and only Muslim organization in Alabama and has served our community for decades, managing four mosques in the Greater Birmingham area. American Muslims represent all countries of the world compromising of comprising of 1% of the U.S.