Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – April 14, 2026
Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – April 14, 2026
The Birmingham City Council convened on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers for its regular meeting. The meeting opened with an invocation by Reverend Starr Culpepper-Jackson and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Crystal Smitherman. Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the upcoming Regional Wellness Day on April 18, 2026, and introduced the Wenonah High School boys’ basketball team, which was honored with a proclamation for their Class 5A state championship victory. Councilor Smitherman recognized Ramsey High School students for achievements in academics, athletics, and science. The Council approved a large consent agenda, passed a resolution approving a medical waste facility, and adopted an ordinance permitting an Alabama Power transmission line easement. Public comments addressed parking enforcement, community events, and spiritual guidance.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the consent agenda en bloc, including:
- Resolution No. 782-26 authorizing the abatement of nuisances on approximately 200 listed properties and assessing costs as liens.
- Ordinance No. 26-43 amending the donations, grants, capital, and neighborhood allocation fund budgets to transfer $347,115.69 for the Village Creek Linear Trail.
- Resolution No. 783-26 amending a software agreement with Benevate, LLC (removing d/b/a Neighborly Software).
- Resolution No. 784-26 authorizing a project agreement with Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC for a 77,000 sq ft office building, creating 80 new jobs, with city incentives up to $80,000.
- Resolution No. 785-26 approving a master agreement for office renovations (Office of Public Information) up to $124,772.40.
- Resolution No. 786-26 transferring surplus fire equipment (400 ft of hose, 4 ground ladders) to Empire Fire Department for $1.00.
- Resolution No. 787-26 authorizing a non-binding agreement to preserve Hale Springs property via Forever Wild Land Trust.
- Resolution No. 788-26 approving a software agreement with PC Connection Sales Corp. to replace Cisco networking components (3 years, $348,575.55).
- Resolution No. 789-26 approving a release of reversionary interest with Jefferson County on the former Graymont School property.
- Resolution No. 790-26 authorizing $1,000,000 in ARPA and city funds for redevelopment of East Side Park (wheelchair-accessible trails, sensory hubs).
- Resolution No. 791-26 authorizing application for FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant ($440,989 total).
- Resolutions Nos. 792-855 regarding demolition of unsafe structures (approx. 60 properties), bid awards (Legion Field restroom piping, records storage, fire equipment, fuel, vehicle chassis, etc.), purchase orders for furniture and supplies, advanced expense accounts, and hydrant installation.
- Resolutions Nos. 858-859 granting special events licenses for Birmingham Folk Festival (May 16, 2026) and Central Alabama Pride Festival (June 14, 2026).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Pastor Kris Erskine (1140 Pratt Highway): Provided a status update on the Movement project (redevelopment of former Scott School), noting progress in clearing blight and squatters, and requested continued city support.
- Willie Jenkins (1105 Southwood Drive): Announced upcoming performances by the Men of Praise at Oak Street Baptist Church and Mount Zion Community Church, and reminded about the Carver High School reunion in October.
- Elizabeth Beville and Arlene Beville (4346 3rd Avenue): Voiced complaints about overflow parking from Cahaba Brewing Company on weekends, lack of police enforcement, blocked fire hydrants, and safety hazards. Requested additional no-parking signs and barriers on adjacent lots.
- Artis Murphy (1305 Avenue L): Spoke about the need for spiritual guidance in leadership, criticized misuse of public funds, and alleged corruption in local politics.
Discussion Items
- Item 1 – Harvest Solutions LLC Medical Waste Facility: Resolution No. 860-26 approving a new indoor nonhazardous medical waste treatment and document shredding facility at 4400 7th Avenue North. The Council noted compliance with state law (Ala. Code §22-27-48.1) and considered six statutory factors. No public comments were received in opposition. The resolution passed unanimously.
- Item 4 – Alabama Power Transmission Line Easement: Ordinance No. 26-44 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement allowing Alabama Power to install overhead transmission lines on city-owned FEMA-acquired property at 1240 Avenue T, Ensley, to upgrade electrical service in Pratt City and western Birmingham. The city will accept $15,000 for the easement. The ordinance passed unanimously.
Presentations
- Regional Wellness Day: Mayor Woodfin and Rochelle Wallace (UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center) announced the third annual Regional Wellness Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Birmingham Crossplex (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), offering free cancer screenings, biometric checks, and health resources.
- Wenonah High School Boys Basketball Team: The team received a proclamation for their historic 101-40 victory in the Class 5A state championship, including records for most points and largest margin of victory. Players introduced themselves; Coach Cedric Lane and Principal Goldsmith spoke.
- Ramsey High School Achievements: Councilor Smitherman and Dr. Marker (principal) recognized students for winning Birmingham City Schools championships in softball, indoor track, academic bowl, and multiple science fair categories.
- Civil Rights Street Celebration: Paulette Roby (Civil Rights Activist Committee) invited council members to invest $1,963 as legacy sponsors for the 63rd anniversary street celebration on May 2, 2026, in the historic Fourth Avenue Business District.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved by a vote of 7-0 (Councilor Woods absent for part of vote; later returned).
- Resolution No. 860-26 (Harvest Solutions) adopted unanimously (8-0).
- Ordinance No. 26-44 (Alabama Power easement) adopted unanimously (8-0).
- The Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for April 15, 2026, was postponed to the next month.
- Several neighborhood association meetings and events were announced throughout the week.
- The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:48 a.m.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning, Birmingham. Today is Tuesday, April 14th. The time is now 9 33 a.m. I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council. Today's invocation will be led by Reverend Starr Culpepper Jackson, Esquire, Bryant Chapel, AME Church, Birmingham, Alabama, and our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councillor Crystal Smithman. If you'll please stand and join us. Let us pray. Gracious and eternal God, we come before you with gratitude, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from you, and knowing that true wisdom begins with reverence for you. Father, we thank you. We thank you for life, health, strength, and for the opportunity to gather in this place of leadership and decision making. We thank you for those entrusted to lead and serve. Order their steps and establish the work of their hands. Lord, give these leaders discernment to do what is right, courage to stand firm in truth, and humility to walk in unity. Let all things be done decently and in order, with a spirit of cooperation and respect. Lord, we lift up the city of Birmingham before you. Every neighborhood, every family, every child. Where there is struggle, send help. Where there is division, bring unity. Where there is lack, release provision, and where there is doubt, restore hope. We thank you for this city for its history, for its resilience, and for the promise of what is yet to come. We pray that peace would dwell within these city walls and prosperity reside within its communities. And before we close, oh God, we ask that you cover this meeting with your presence. Let all that is said and done today reflect a commitment to equity, progress for all people, and may it be seen as pleasing in your sight. We give you honor, Lord, for what will be accomplished, trusting that you are guiding even now. It is in the matchless and mighty name of Jesus we pray. Let every heart say Amen. And to the Republic for which it stands. Thank you so much, Reverend Culpepper Jackson. And thank you, Councillor Smithman, for leading us in the prayer. Good morning, Mr. Clerk. Morning. You'll call the roll, please. Council Member Gunn. Good morning. Morning, sir. Councilmember O'Quinn. Good morning. Councilmember Smith. Good morning. Good morning, Councilmember Smithman. Good morning. Good morning. Councilmember Vassa. Morning. Councilmember Williams. Councilmember Woods. Good morning. Council President Pro Jim Tate. Council President Alexander.
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