Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Birmingham City Council met on February 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM in the Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Reverend Dr. John Baldwin II and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Josh Vasa. Mayor Randall Woodfin recognized Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, for being named Superintendent of the Year by the Alabama Education Association, and announced a $2 million SEED grant for the city. The Virginia Samford Theatre performed a musical selection from 'Rent' ahead of their February 12–22 production. The meeting lasted until 1:54 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2025.
• Approved numerous consent agenda items en bloc, including:
  • Resolutions 388-391: Abatement and removal of four inoperable motor vehicles.
  • Resolutions 392-394: Abatement of noxious weeds on multiple properties (with lists of properties that had been abated and those where costs were assessed as liens).
  • Resolution 395: Waiver of a $10,625.50 right-of-way vacation fee for Saint Rose Academy (positive economic impact).
  • Resolution 396: Project and Tax Abatement Agreement with American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO) for a $790 million expansion ("AMERICAN for Life 2030"), with the city providing an incentive of $2,500 per new full-time employee (up to $200,000) and a 10-year abatement of non-educational ad valorem taxes and construction-related transaction taxes. ACIPCO expects to hire 80 new employees earning an estimated $55/hour.
  • Resolution 397: Agreement with Daktronics Inc. for replacement scoreboard and results displays at CrossPlex natatorium, total cost not to exceed $345,000.
  • Resolution 398: Software as a Service Agreement with Tyler Technologies Inc. for Incode software migration for municipal court, three-year term not to exceed $797,286.
  • Resolution 399: Annual Support Agreement with Tyler Technologies for New World software maintenance, three-year total not to exceed $698,099.66.
  • Resolution 400: Acceptance of a $15,000 grant from the Phillip Morris Community Foundation for a native plant guide and demonstration spaces.
  • Resolution 401: Fire protection repair contract for Birmingham Central Library with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP, $192,279.32.
  • Resolution 402: Bid acceptance for demolition of non-residential structures from Motley Corp. (lowest bid, twelve bids received).
  • Resolution 403: Transfer of surplus public safety equipment (spreader, cutter, ram, power unit) to Pumpkin Center/Copeland Ferry Fire Department for $1.00.
  • Resolutions 404-405: Advanced expense accounts for city employees traveling to conferences.
• Items 13, 18, and 22 were removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Venita Alexander (4225 Viola Avenue S.W., 35221): Raised concerns about unlawful vehicle towing and requested a ShotSpotter system in her neighborhood due to daily gunfire and lack of police response. Council President Alexander offered to provide information on environmental codes and refer her to the police liaison.
• Janet Hudson (1052 Hagwood Road, 35235): Spoke about a partnership with Serving You Ministry, a group that helps with food and utilities, and requested the city collaborate. She was advised to leave materials with the council.
• Keith Williams (456 Kappa Avenue S., 35205): Complained that a city employee is improperly conducting neighborhood association meetings, which he argued violates the Citizen Participation Plan. He stated he may seek legal or ethical counsel if the issue is not resolved.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (ZAC2025-00016) – Rezoning for Motorcycle Training Facility: Proposed to remove Q-conditions from a 1989 rezoning to allow a motorcycle training facility (trade school) at 1700 31st Avenue North and 1701 32nd Avenue North. The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended approval with the condition that only trade school be added to the existing allowed uses (restaurant, motel, truck stop). During the public hearing, residents from the SIPCO Finley and North Birmingham neighborhoods opposed the facility, citing noise concerns, proximity to a church and senior citizens, and lack of community notification. The Council initially passed the item (vote shown in minutes as 9-0?), but later, after a motion to reconsider, the item failed on a second vote.
• Item 2 (ZAC2025-00024) – Rezoning for Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Rezoning from MU-M to QC-2 at 220 & 236 Gadsden Highway to allow a vehicle rental company. The applicant proposed hours M-F 8-6, Sat 9-12, closed Sunday. The Huffman Neighborhood Association voted 18-0 in support. No public opposition. The ordinance passed unanimously.
• Item 10 (SUB2025-00063) – Vacation of 36,000 sq ft of right-of-way: To consolidate property at 613 28th Street North, 2815 7th Avenue North, and 2941 30th Street North. The street has been unused for about 20 years. The Subdivision Committee and Community Development Committee recommended approval. No public comments. Resolution passed.
• Item 11 (SUB2025-00078) – Vacation of 1,185 sq ft of right-of-way: For St. Cecilia Congregation at 1401 22nd Street South to square off property lines for Saint Rose Academy. The right-of-way fee was set at $10,625.50. No public comments. Resolution passed.
• Item 13 – Termination of Ensley High School Redevelopment Agreement: Agreement with 2301 Ensley, LP to terminate the 2021 amended redevelopment agreement and re-convey the property to the city for $50,000. The city had provided $1 million for demolition (which was completed) and will recoup $450,000. The developer could not secure state funding for vertical construction. Councilor Smith expressed support for moving forward. Resolution passed.
• Item 18 – Sister City Commission Agreement: One-year agreement for up to $150,000 to support cultural and artistic exchange. Councilor Smith abstained from the vote. Resolution passed 7-0-1.
• Item 20 – Appointment of Delegates to Alabama League of Municipalities: Councilor Darrell O’Quinn appointed as voting delegate, with Councilors Brian Gunn and Sonja Smith as alternates for the April 28–May 1, 2026 convention. Resolution passed.
• Item 22 – Bid for Titusville Library Foundation Repairs: Accepted low bid from Trawick Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $186,838. Removed from consent for discussion but no further debate. Resolution passed.
• Item 27 – Public Hearing for Harvest Solutions Solid Waste Treatment Facility: Set a public hearing for April 7, 2026, at 9:30 AM to consider the application for a nonhazardous medical waste treatment and paper shredding facility at 4400 7th Avenue North. The public awareness session is scheduled for February 23, 2026, 5-7 PM. Resolution passed.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (Motorcycle Training Facility): Initially passed but later reconsidered and failed. The rezoning was not approved.
• Item 2 (Enterprise Rent-A-Car): Approved unanimously.
• Items 10, 11 (Right-of-Way Vacations): Approved.
• Item 13 (Ensley High School Termination): Approved, allowing the city to reclaim the property and seek new development proposals.
• Item 18 (Sister City Commission): Approved with one abstention.
• Item 20 (Delegate Appointment): Approved.
• Item 22 (Library Repairs): Approved.
• Item 27 (Public Hearing Date): Approved, setting the hearing for April 7, 2026.
• Consent Agenda: Approved with items 13, 18, and 22 removed.