Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Birmingham City Council met in regular session on March 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting opened with an invocation by Rev. Lajuan Lewis and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Brian Gunn. All nine council members were present. The mayor's report was delivered by Chief of Staff Cedric Sparks, who announced the upcoming Spring Festival at Railroad Park on March 29 and noted that Railroad Park had been nominated for USA Today's Best City Park. The consent agenda was approved with several amendments, and the council voted unanimously on all items brought forward.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda included 70 items covering routine approvals: towing service licenses, weed abatement assessments (multiple batches), inoperable motor vehicle abatements, budget amendments for neighborhood allocations, contract approvals, bid awards, expense accounts, and more.
• Amendments noted during the meeting:
  • Item 14: Original text striking "Bush Hills Neighborhood Association" was replaced with "Fountain Heights Recreation Center" for landscape improvements.
  • Item 16: Increased from $1,000 to $26,000 by adding $25,000 from District 1 Discretionary funds, with the additional amount directed to Springville Road Library.
  • Item 28 (LRY Media Group Gun Safety Initiative) was noted as recommended by Budget and Finance Committee.
• Items withdrawn: Items 30 (DocuSign software), 36 (Vulcan Park elevator repair), and 62 (awards and plaques for police) were removed from consent before the vote.
• The consent agenda was adopted unanimously on a motion by Councilmember Smitherman, seconded by Councilmember Tate. The clerk noted a correction to the minutes: the roll call vote was 8-0 with Councilmember Williams arriving later.

Discussion Items

• Item 13 – Vacation of Right-of-Way (McWane, Inc.): A resolution assenting to the vacation of 35,493 square feet of right-of-way between Argyle Road and Smolian Place. The property owner, McWane, Inc., requested the vacation to consolidate parcels. The one-time right-of-way vacation fee was set at $136,932.51. The Subdivision Committee of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Committee had recommended approval. After a public hearing with no opposition, the council voted unanimously to adopt.
• Item 18 – Heroism and Valor Ceremony: An ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute contracts for a ceremony at Regions Field Diamond Direct Ballroom on April 3, 2026, to honor Birmingham Police Department personnel. Total expenses not to exceed $45,000. Adopted unanimously after a motion for first reading suspension.
• Item 19 – Quitclaim Deed to Walter Lee: An ordinance authorizing the sale of city-owned property (923 39th Street North) to Walter Lee for $6,526.04, upon payment within 90 days. Adopted unanimously.
• Item 20 – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Conference Sponsorship: A resolution authorizing up to $30,000 in financial incentives for hosting the 94th South Eastern Regional Conference at the BJCC, April 29–May 2, 2026. The regional director stated the conference would bring over 6,000 attendees. The resolution passed with Councilors Smith and Alexander abstaining.
• Item 29 – Salvation Army Amendment: A resolution to extend and increase funding for the Salvation Army’s workforce development contract (ARPA funds). The amendment added $25,000 for a total not to exceed $75,000, extending the term to September 30, 2026. Passed unanimously after Councilmember Tate explained the ARPA funding and praised Salvation Army's work.

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Muhammad (411 Lorain Street): Spoke about the Birmingham Water Works Board, reporting a lawsuit filed against Senate Bill 330 (expanding the board) and alleging improper actions by the CEO, including layoffs and drug testing. He requested council support.
• Joseph Holt (4730 2nd Avenue North): Expressed concern over the council’s previous denial of his quitclaim deed. He stated he already owns the property and that a title company was paying a $13,785 lien. He sought guidance on how to rectify the situation.
• Tammie Smith (1708 33rd Avenue North): Described a call to her home involving an elderly man with dementia and a police officer she characterized as rude and needing additional training in dealing with citizens. Council President Alexander and Pro Tem Tate expressed support and called for follow-up.
• Catherine Samuel: Announced the return of UniverSoul Circus to Legion Field April 16–26, 2026, noting that Birmingham is the first city of their 2026 tour. She thanked the city for support.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the consent agenda as amended (all items except those withdrawn).
• Item 13 (vacation) adopted 9-0.
• Item 18 (Heroism ceremony) adopted 9-0 (unanimous consent for first reading suspension).
• Item 19 (quick claim deed) adopted 9-0.
• Item 20 (AKA sponsorship) adopted 7-0-2 (Smith and Alexander abstained).
• Item 29 (Salvation Army) adopted 9-0.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m. after council announcements and public comments.
• Council committee meetings announced: Public Safety Committee at 1:00 p.m. same day; Community Development Committee on April 6; Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on April 13.