Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - May 26, 2026
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Stan, are we ready in the back?
Be okay.
You might have fallen down, but nothing else.
Today is Tuesday, May twenty-sixth, twenty twenty-six.
The time is now nine forty A.
M.
I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council.
I hope everyone had a great weekend.
At this time, we'll have our invocation will be led by Carl Max Kathy Anthony, Pastor of the Birmingham International Seventh Day Adventist Church in Birmingham, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Counselor Brian Gunn.
If you're willing and able, please stand and join us.
We come before you this morning on behalf of the people and the residents of Birmingham, Alabama.
We come with thanksgiving in our hearts.
We thank you for waking each and every one of us this morning.
We thank you for the clothes on our back shoes on our feet.
Lord, we thank you for a roof over our heads.
Lord, we thank you for our families and for our friends.
We thank you for the gift of service to the people of Birmingham.
We thank you for each and every one of the leaders present in this very place.
Men and women who carry the weight of decision, the hopes of our community and the responsibility of service.
We thank you for each and every one of them, for you are the God who has called them into leadership.
So today, as we ask for one more thing, not just for routine, but Lord, we are praying and asking for courage.
Give them ears that they hear the cry of the forgotten.
Give them eyes that they may see beyond the political lines to see the needs of the human.
Give them hearts that beat the compassion and box strong enough to stand for what is right, and even when it is most difficult.
Inspire them to build not just roads and budgets, but trust, integrity, and unity.
Remind them that every vote that is cast, every word that is spoken, every policy shape touches real lives, real families, and real futures.
Father, I thank you.
I pray that as each one of them leave this room today, not burdened, but bold, not weak, but strong, not divided, but determined to seek the good of all the people of Birmingham.
And when the work feels heavy, when the work feels so overwhelming, may each one of them remember that they do not labor alone.
You will always be with them, for you promise I will never leave you nor forsake you.
And so, Lord, I pray that as you be with them, be with the people of Birmingham that they serve.
And we ask all this, believing and trusting in that powerful name that is above every name, the name Jesus Christ, amen.
Amen.
Thank you so much, Pastor, for that very inspirational prayer.
And we appreciate your congregation that has come with you today.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, Councillor Gunn, for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good morning, Mr.
Clerk.
We'll call the role, please.
Good morning.
Uh Councilmember Gunn.
Morning.
Good morning, sir.
Councilmember O'Quinn.
Good morning, Councilmember Smith.
Good morning.
Good morning, Councilmember Smillman.
Good morning, Councilmember Vasa.
Morning.
Councilmember Williams.
Good morning, Councilmember Woods.
Good morning, Council President Protein.
Good morning, Council President Alexander.
Good morning.
Counselors, the minutes are not ready from the meetings of March 3rd, 2026 through May 19, 2026.
Good morning, Mr.
Mayor.
President, good morning to you.
Counselors, good morning to each of you.
I hope everyone had a good weekend.
Good morning to the general public and those in the council chamber as well.
Madam President, Council.
I'll be short this morning, but I have an important note.
Amnesty month is in June.
So we know many of our citizens get jammed up as it relates to court process andor got a past ticket they didn't take care of.
Or still in front of a judge.
Judge Render um a verdict and they were put on a plan and they didn't necessarily follow through with their plan.
So some of my residents may have warrants for failure to appear and or comply with a court order.
Because of that, for the month of June, June 1st through June 30th of this year, we'll be having court amnesty month where we're offering eligible individuals the opportunity to resolve any outstanding failure to appear warrants they may have and avoid the risk of any form of a mediator witch.
Participants may visit the courts Monday through Friday for the entire month of June from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
and must present some form of a valid ID.
Eligible individuals may resolve cases by either paying their fine, um, reinstating their payment plan or returning to compliance with court order programs.
And individuals with outstanding parking tickets may also pay online at Birmingham AL.gov slash parksmart or at court.
The program does not apply to violent offenses.
But for anyone who needs additional information, you may call the municipal court at 205-254, 2161.
Again, that is 205-254, 2161, and Madam President and Council.
That concludes the mayor's report.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, Mayor Whippin.
I believe you have one question, Councillor Williams.
Thank you.
So just to clarify that the any code enforcement action that does not qualify for, correct?
Okay, good.
Thank you.
Good question.
Thank you.
Any other questions?
Thank you, Mayor Whitman.
Right, Councillors.
At this time, I'd like to ask for unanimous consent to revert from our consent agenda and the items that are on our agenda so that we can have the following presentations.
First, we have Councillor Crystal Smithman, and she has two presentations that she'd like to make to the council this morning.
Counselor Smithman.
Thank you, Madam President.
We can start if Red Mountain doesn't mind.
We can start with the students first so they can get back to school.
So will all the members of the Ramsey Boys and Girls Track and Field and Wrestling Teams come up, including their coaches and Dr.
Walker.
Good morning, colleagues.
I wanted to kind of continue the tradition I've been seeing with us, kind of highlighting our student athletes.
So recently, our Ramsey Boys and Girls track and field went to the state.
I think a lot of them plays first and second place, which is really awesome.
And then our wrestling team as well has some championship titles too.
So what I will have is Mr.
Coach is here.
Let's see.
The girls come.
Hey, hey, how you doing?
I'll have the girls uh track and field coaches trying to talk about um what accolades they received, and then I'll ask each student athlete from the track team first to kind of introduce themselves, what events they um compete in, and what do they place in?
So, Coach, would you like to come up?
Thank you.
Good morning, everyone.
I'm Coach Samantha Hamilton, the head girls coach of track and field at Ramsey High School.
Um, a lot of our accolades that we just had this year, um, really good ones.
So we brought back the city championship, and we were walk able to walk away as a city championship uh winners.
Um, we took 12 individuals to state to compete in 14 different events at the state meet, and we brought home eight different medals.
So I'll go ahead and let my girls introduce themselves good morning.
My name is LA Fagan, and I place third place in the four by one, and I'm class of 28.
Good morning, everyone.
I'm Layla Holyfield, um, class of 2026.
I received the bronze medal in the 4x1, also the 100 meter, and I'm I was state runner up in the 200 meter.
Good morning.
My name is McKenzie Joseph.
I'm class of 2027, and I receive third place in the four by one.
Good morning.
My name is Ava Dumas.
I'm class of 2026, and I place third in the 4x1.
Good morning, everyone.
My name is Caitlin Hicks, and I replaced third place in Shop Quick.
And I'm class of 2027.
I'll go ahead and also just tell you a little bit about our boys' track team.
Our boys' track team did wonderful.
They actually walked away with two state championship medals.
Um, our coach CC is not here today, but I will go ahead and allow the boys to introduce themselves.
Good morning.
My name is Quartz Williams, class 2027.
I want to I can't second place in a 400 meter, 200 meters, third place and three 100 meter, and um also a state champion at 4x4 meeting.
Good morning.
My name is Chase Brown.
I'm class of 2027, and I place first place in the 4x4.
Good morning.
My name is Mitchell Orr.
And I place first place in the 4x4, and I'm class of 2027.
Good morning, everyone.
My name is Ethan Johnson, class of 2027, and I came first place in a 4x4.
Let's give them a round of applause.
Do we have anybody from the wrestling team here?
Okay, Coach B, you got it.
Um, but before Coach Ben comes to talk about the wrestling team and Dr.
Walker, I'll give you a chance.
I would like to say, actually, I'm gonna advocate for Ramsey.
Ramsey does not have a uh field, y'all.
They go to Lawson Field almost every day, have to catch the bus.
Um, and what time do y'all get there?
Like 4:30?
If we're lucky, if they're lucky, and they've actually had to practice in the dark before daylight saving time, which is honestly very commendable because I can imagine that age, you know, trying to do your homework, going off campus.
We know how bad the traffic is.
So I would love for Ramsey.
I may go to the school board, honestly, about that.
Because I really, and that really says the testament of these kids, honestly, that despite all of their um circumstances that they're able to still place in the state championship as well.
But I did want the council to know the circumstances that Ramsey has to deal with.
And I know people have a lot to say about Ramsey, but all these kids come from different sides of town, which means almost every kid at Ramsey, actually, every kid probably touches every district, which makes it very unique.
Um, but I did want you guys to know the kind of the circumstances they deal with.
So I'll let Coach Ben come and talk about the uh wrestling team.
Uh thank you, Councilwoman Schmidtman.
Good morning, everyone.
On behalf of the wrestling team, Coach Lindsay Hall, he's not here today.
Uh, our wrestling team, we have had the team now for the past six, seven years, and the progress have shown.
Uh every year, we're increasing the numbers as far as going to the state playoffs.
And this year we had our biggest turnout.
And um, we had three students to qualify for the state.
Draden Wright, Brooke Reed, LaCaria White, and LaCuria White finished fourth place in the state in her weight division.
And so we're very proud of that for the accomplishments that they have accomplished.
And again, thank you for all that you do on behalf of Ramsey High School.
Thank you.
Dr.
Walker.
Good morning, Birmingham City Council.
I'm Dr.
Walker, principal.
Uh, every morning I wake up, my theme is all the places that you can go.
And we're familiar with that with Dr.
Zeus and Ramsey, scholar athletes are taking me places.
I've only dreamed of going.
Um, I our motto at the school is the standard academic excellence, and these students buy into it every single day.
So I just want to say thank you to Councillor Smithman.
Thank you to the entire Birmingham City Council, along with the mayor and his staff for just highlighting excellence uh in your meetings because we know you don't have to.
But beyond that, I see you all supporting our kids, and we're just grateful that you know what we do is seen, appreciated, valued, and any support that you can continue to give us on the day-to-day basis, we will embrace it and be ever so grateful for it.
Thank you.
Thank you.
We'll take a quick picture right here, and then I'll let you guys get back to school.
Thank you, guys.
Okay, um, next up is Red Mountain Theater.
If the representatives would like to come up.
I'm kind of um piggybacking off of my colleague, Councilor Vasa with the musical performances, but I think you guys have been to Red Mountain Theater.
They've had the uh actually, this is my favorite favorite um childhood uh cartoon, actually, The Little Mermaid.
And so we want to um give recognition for one of the paid actors, Kenneth Weldon, is that how you say that?
Um, if you would like to come up, he is actually from Birmingham, so you he's a recent graduate of Midfield High School, and he currently attends UAB, so go blazer.
So, Kenneth, if you'd like to say a few words or Kim, yeah.
Good morning.
Honorable Mayor Woodson, members of the City Council and City of Birmingham Administration, as well as the community.
My name is Kaylain Williams, and I serve as the institutional giving manager at Red Mountain Theater.
On behalf of the entire arts organization, thank you.
Thank you for your investment in the arts and the creative future of our community as well as young people.
Today, it's my pleasure to introduce to you Kenneth Weldon.
Kenneth grew up participating in RMT's arts education programs and is now a theater student at UAB.
As we produce Disney's The Little Mermaid, Kenneth is stepping into his first paid professional role at RMT, a full circle moment made possible through support from partners like you all here at the City of Birmingham.
Here to share a special thank you, Kenneth Weldon.
Good morning, everyone.
It is an honor to stand before you this morning.
My name is Kenneth Weldon, and I am here to represent Red Mountain Theater.
To give a little backstory, I was first introduced to theater in the second grade.
As stated before, I am from the midfield area.
I graduated from those schools, that school system.
And as you know, that is a very small school.
So our theater program was very small.
I didn't know much about theater as a kid, and it was a very low-income school system.
So we obviously didn't have much exposure to musical theater.
Um, way back when I had a friend actually auditioned for The Color Purple at Red Mountain Theater back in 2017.
And from then we all went on a field trip to go see the show.
And I just remember being so fascinated with the show.
I just knew this was something that I wanted to do.
And so, a long, long, long, long time ago, at the age of 11, we auditioned for what was called the conservatory back at Red Mountain.
It was about me and 10 other kids, and I was a part of the performing ensemble for seven whole years, and I graduated from that program in 2025.
Um Red Mountain impacted a big chunk of my life.
I discovered a passion for musical theater, and growing up in a small town, there wasn't much room for creatives like myself.
There wasn't much exposure to that type of stuff.
So I'm grateful for Red Mountain because I discovered a passion that I never had before.
Eventually, Red Mountain turned into sort of a second home for me.
Um I was around these people for a long, long, long time.
So this became a second family to me.
Um my last few years of high school, it was a lot of stuff going on with me personally.
So me being a Red Mountain, it eventually became a comfort place for me.
It became a place I looked forward to going to.
I enjoyed going there every single day.
It was like an escape uh and doing what I loved.
From Red Mountain, I decided that this was something that I wanted to take seriously as a career.
So I auditioned for a ton of musical theater programs, and I eventually got into UAB, and now I'm training to earn my bachelor in fine arts as a software musical theater major.
Doing theater is where I gained a sense of confidence.
Growing up, I was a super shy kid.
I was noticing that there were small things changing with me.
Um I'm now able to look into someone's eyes when having a conversation.
I'm here presenting in front of you all, and all of this stuff was things that I've learned from RMT.
I learned time management skills, constructive criticism, a lot of things.
Um I think a lot of kids from the programs, whether they wanted to be musical theater majors or not, they learned a lot from Red Mountain as a whole.
Um, lastly, I wanted to share a little bit with what I'm doing in the Little Mermaid.
I serve as the male swing, meaning I am I am responsible for covering every male ensemble track.
There are a total of seven onsemble tracks, including two other additional ensemble tracks.
So I'm covering a total of nine ensemble tracks in the entire show, um, which that is a lot, however, it's a very important skill to have.
Um, most importantly, I am at this show.
I'm serving as a paid actor, which is so cool to me because I remember back in 2017 senior The Color Purple and seeing all of those actors, and so this now all feels like a full circle moment to me.
Um I aspire to be a working performer, not just Broadway, but perform everywhere and hopefully become an inspiration to others like me who didn't know much about theater.
But I just would like to thank you all for the city's continued support for both the audience and people like me.
Thank you.
Good morning.
My name is Roy Leitner.
I'm the Sing Artistic Director of Red Mountain Theater, and I'm also a professor of musical theater at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
There are hundreds of stories like Kenneth who walk through our walls at RMT.
And I stand here with nothing but gratitude.
As I watch the magic of what can happen when the city, Red Mountain Theater, and UAB come together to facilitate student dreams.
We as a city are fortunate enough to have UAB to give students like Kenneth the option to stay in Birmingham while he received other offers from universities across the country to study musical theater in a highly competitive field from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you.
Thank you.
It is the work and commitment of individuals like you and the city that make distant dreams a tangible reality.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
When does the Little Mermaid end?
Or do you already?
Starts June.
June 12th.
It runs for six weeks.
It starts June 12th and runs for six weeks.
I think they just released their calendar of events.
They have, yeah, Motown Records, don't you?
Well we'll be doing the tentations.
The sensations, um, they have some good shows, but um, I think you guys serve as almost uh every district, all the kids, every district.
But I just want to, you know, a lot of times a lot of people ask us for funding, but we don't ever hear thank you.
And so I want you guys also to hear about the impact that our funding does every year on the budget.
I know a lot of you guys are passionate about the art.
So thank you so much, Red Mountain Theater.
I'm done, Madam President.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
At this time, counselors, we do have one more set of presentations, and those will be made by Councillor Darrell O'Queen.
Dr.
O'Queen.
Thank you, Madam President.
This morning we have two organizations that are uh going to tell us a little bit about themselves.
First up, we have Momentum and April Benetolo, Lindsay Setz Setzer, and Wendy Brantley will be presenting.
Thank you.
You guys can come to the lecture.
Good morning.
Thank you so much.
Um Mayor Woodfin and staff and city council members for the investment that you make in Birmingham, the leadership that you demonstrate.
And I can tell you like I am so stinking proud to be part of this community.
Seeing those Ramsey Rams, um, I am a graduate of Ramsey 1988.
We're the class that was so great.
And what they are, we didn't even have track and field back in the day.
So that is um that's really exciting.
And then I actually watched Kenneth grow up on the stage of Red Mountain Theater.
I think I saw his first show at 11.
So I was kind of like starstruck when I walked in this morning and saw Kenneth.
So thank you for investing um in those endeavors around the city.
So I am April Benatolo, I'm the CEO of Momentum Leaders.
And um I'm I really want to share two things with you today.
Um is the story of success that your investment in our Momentum Works program has made.
And Katie and Wendy are gonna share a little bit more about the results of that investment in a minute.
And the second thing that I want to share with you is some really big news.
We have just moved our offices from Pepper Place into the next tech building down in the switch district.
So we are very, very excited about that because it's it's a really big deal for us.
We have been for 23 years a nonprofit focused on advancing women in leadership.
So we are all about enriching the leadership pipeline in Birmingham and in the state of Alabama.
Um and we've been highly successful in doing that.
Um with this move, we have now not only got room for our administrative offices in our new building, but we now have a space that we can conduct greater um community-wide programming.
And so where we see this taking us is an opportunity to work on um things that are very much in line with the city's vision.
And so that would mean programs that foster economic um development, workforce development, um, economic growth, and opportunities for everyone.
So we're going to be doing a lot more programming in addition to our flagship uh leadership programs that we do for women in senior level positions, mid career positions, and also our Momentum Works program.
But we also um are offering free virtual training that anybody can register for.
That means every single one of you, your staff, your teams, your family can register for leadership training.
And we also have a free mentor matching program that is open and available to anyone in the community.
So we're super excited to be convening leaders across all kinds of sectors, business sectors, the education system, civic sectors, nonprofits.
Nicole King is one of our proud graduates.
And so we are bringing about really, really meaningful change through the work that we are doing with the future leaders of Birmingham.
And we have seen firsthand how collaboration with entities like the city of Birmingham can really yield great results.
So now that we're moving into the next tech building and part of the switch district, we want to be part of the vibrancy that is about to take place in restoring the civil rights district to the honor that it deserves.
And in addition, bringing bringing our annual leadership conference to the BJCC, we attract 1,500 professionals from across the region at that conference.
And so those types of activities, in addition to the programming that we'll be able to do from our new space, is really going to bring about some some meaningful impact for the city and for the region as a whole.
So I want to invite Katie to share a little bit about the direct investment that you all made through the BOLD program in our Momentum Works.
Thank you, and thank you all so much.
I'm not Lindsay Setzer.
She is our director of programs here in Central Alabama, but I am the director of development here at Mementum.
And I was fortunate to get to know Momentum as an upward participant before coming to work for Mementum.
And I really credit it for keeping me in the workforce at a time where I had two very small children, didn't have a network, and it really helped me expand in a lot of ways personally and professionally.
And I also attended on a partial and substantial scholarship, which many of our women do.
In the data that I get to see each and every day, there's no disputing the impact that we're able to make together.
And at the heart of it, momentum is not simply a nice to have in the community, it's really a must have.
And so I thank y'all for the investment that was made in us in 2024 and 2025.
We were recipients of the BOLD grant, and it helped launch a transformational program.
All of our programs are transformational, but something special happens in that Momentum Works program that you all helped us.
And I want you to know that the BOLD initiative is doing exactly what you hope it will.
It helped us unlock so much more funding for that opportunity from places and organizations that we were not affiliated with before.
So thank you for taking that chance on us to prove how impactful it could be for the residents of the city of Birmingham.
Since 2019, Momentum has helped women attain 10 and a half million dollars in salary gains.
And that goes back into families, back into the community, and back into the businesses that we're serving.
And those numbers are substantially focused right here in Birmingham.
Our Momentum Works program has actually unlocked over one million dollars in salary gains for the underserved women that that program serves just in the last 18 months.
And that is transformational for so many of those women.
April mentioned the leadership conference that we have at the BJCC, and this year we were able to uncover that 75% of the participants coming to that program or that conference actually don't have access to leadership development outside of that opportunity.
So we're really proud to be that event where people can come and better themselves and their organizations.
A community is only as strong as its leaders, you all know that, and we're so grateful for your leadership to make these opportunities available to help us to grow here in Birmingham, and we look forward to partnering into the future and learning more from you on how we can best serve you and your leaders, your constituents, and all the districts here in Birmingham and beyond the numbers, and in the interest of time, I'm gonna pass it on to Wendy.
Um, but I do have some handouts for you all, and so that you can see a little bit more of the impact in action and see what we're learning about at Momentum, and we thank you so much.
Good morning.
As the program manager of Momentum Works, I have the honor of watching remember their power.
I've seen women discover their voice, reclaim their confidence, and step into leadership with courage.
Because when you invest in women, you don't just change one life.
You create ripple effects through families, workplaces, and communities.
One participant quotes this core heart has been life-changing.
I'm more aware of my strengths and how I use this them.
I feel more in control of my finances and empowered by defy empowered to define myself.
I believe Birmingham is becoming a little bit of an example of what happens when a city chooses to believe in women.
And it is an honor to be a part of that work.
Our next phenomenal Momentum Works cohort begins in July.
An application remains open through May 31st.
And we've put those dates in your handout for you to share with your constituents.
Thank you for hearing about our success stories.
We are honored and grateful to be here.
This program has not only changed those that we serve, but it's also changed us as women as well.
I thank you for your time.
Have a great day.
All right.
Next up, we have someone who's well known to us, uh, Dr.
Adrian Starks from Stream Innovations.
Good morning.
It is definitely an honor to be able to present to the council, um, to the mayor's office, um the work that we're doing.
Um, some people may be aware of the work that we're doing.
Um, I know that a video was sent.
I'm not sure if it'll be able to be played.
Maybe not.
Okay.
I can keep going.
Um, but um Ms.
Plain is passing out folders for each of you regarding the information that I'll be sharing today.
Um Strum Innovations was started in 2015, and we have been doing work in communities for over 11 years.
Um in 2024, we had the honor of being a recipient of the ARPA grant to be able to support students in our computer coding bootcamp, as well as a new program called Nexus, where we also integrate technology.
I'm coming before you today because we are doing another new thing, and that new thing is our summer stream labs.
This program supports rising fifth and sixth grade students to be able to have access to workforce career fields.
This summer we're targeting six different fields: health, forensics, tech, agriculture, construction, as well as automotive.
I'm coming asking for support because this year we've had a number of families to request scholarships.
Um each of us know this economic climate has a lot of uncertainty, and we want to be able to support students to be able to participate in our programs as well.
In addition to that, we are also looking to offer at least five spots to students within the housing authority across Birmingham.
Over the years, we've been able to support programming such as our um checkout stream program, which is located in libraries, to a number of different program, a number of different libraries across the district, which include Five Points West, Wylam, Springville Road, North Birmingham, as well as downtown.
In addition to that, we are honored to be able to support a number of programs that Birmingham offers to support students, i.e., we attended the graduation of our Birmingham Promise intern from Winona, Ajaya Ty Green.
We also are participating in the DYS Kids and Jobs program as well.
And we currently have a partnership with Grace Klein to be able to support high school students in our summer program as well, which would be separate from our rising sixth, fifth, and sixth grade students.
So today we're asking for your support to be able to support families across the different districts.
Um we have a number of families that are represented, and we wanted to make you aware of this program to share with your constituents.
Um, all of that information is in your packet as well as available electronically.
Um, I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you.
Appreciate it.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, both Councillor Smithman and O'Quen for those presentations and for those organizations and students that we had an opportunity to hear from today.
At this time, counselors, we'll turn back to our agenda.
And before we consider the consent agenda, I'd like to read this statement.
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, they're indicated with a capital P 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, if you'll give us the items that are being considered for consent.
Yes, ma'am.
Consent agenda starts on page two with items two, three, and four.
Page three, items five, six, seven, and eight.
Item nine is on consent.
Uh page 11.
Items 13, 14, and 15 on consent.
Page 12.
We have items 16, 17, and 18 on consent.
Page 13.
We have items 19, 20, and 21 on consent.
Page 14.
Items 22 and 24 are on consent.
Uh page 15.
Items 25, 26, and 27 are on consent.
Uh page 16.
Items 28, 29, and 30, and 31 are on consent.
Uh page 17.
Items 32, 33, 34, and 35 and 36 are on consent.
That concludes the consent agenda.
Thank you, Mr.
Clerk.
Counselors, are there any items you'd like to have added or removed from the consent agenda?
Councilor Smithman.
Thank you, Madam President.
Um I would like the following items off of consent.
On page 11, items 13, 14, and 15, and then on page 12, item 16.
13, 14, and 15 on page 11.
And item 16.
Yes, ma'am.
On page 12.
Yes.
Any other items, counselors?
Yes.
Sorry, madam pro ten.
Thank you, madam president.
Item 26, please.
There's a request to remove item 26 on page 15 from consent.
Any other items, counselor?
Actually, well, sorry.
Yes.
I'm sorry.
Don't go quint.
Thank you, Madam President.
Um items 21 and 22.
21 is on page 13.
And 22 is on page 14.
Okay, that's request to remove item 21 on page 13 and item 22.
Yes.
And item 22 on page 14.
Any other items, counselors?
Counselor Smith.
I actually had a question.
We all have to take off consent for item 27.
What improvements are we making at the crossflex and Bill Harris?
I mean, I know the accessibility book.
What exactly?
Okay, thank you.
Okay, so the question was regarding item number 27.
Yes, AA ramps.
That's our right.
Thank you.
So that item will remain on consent.
Any other items, counselors?
All right, at this time we'll entertain a motion and a second for items being considered for consent.
So move.
One second, please.
Our voting should be open.
Right about now.
Counselors O'Quinn Vasa.
Okay, Council O'Quinn.
Thank you, sir.
Uh that vote should be up, Madam President.
All right, thank you.
Counselors, the items that will be considered for consent have been approved for any members of the public.
You're here for any items that were approved for consent.
Those have been listed, they have been approved for consent.
And we will now return to the rest of our agenda.
Mr.
Clerk.
Yes, ma'am.
There's been a request to withdraw item one.
Next should be item 10.
Okay, let me ask items 10 and 11 are both permanent operation.
Can we call those up together or do we have to do them as they're right beside each other?
I could say you see for both.
Thank you.
You'll go ahead and call them.
Okay, item 10 in ordinance to amend title 8, municipal court chapter 3 fines and cause section eight administrative adjudication of certain minor offenses in lieu of trial.
The general code of the city of Birmingham to remove certain additional penalties for parking violations and add administrative fee for tickets more than 30 days overdue, subject to collections.
Item 11 and orders to be in Title 8, Chapter 3, Section 10 Summary of Disposition of Minor Traffic and other minor offenses by fine schedule to revise the fines for the summary disposition of municipal parking offenses to add certain offenses previously omitted from the summary disposition scheduling to provide for an administrative fee to cover certain expenses for tickets referred to for collection.
I need you see to bring both items and for passage today.
Move for you seek council member gunn.
Aye council member O'Quinn.
No council member Smith.
Council Councilmember Smithman.
No.
Councilmember Vasa.
Council Member Williams.
No.
Councilmember Woods.
Council President Pro Tim Tate.
No.
Council President Alexander.
No.
Uh Council Member Smith.
Okay.
So they'll be back next week.
Thank you.
Next item.
Should be item 12.
An ordinance approving and authorizing the mayor to execute a first amendment to affordable housing redevelopment agreement with Smithfield Phase 2 LP, under which an affordable housing redevelopment agreement between the city and Smithfield Phase 2 LP dated February the 18th, 2026, pursuant to which the city agreed to convey approximately 5.25 acres of real property located north of the adjacent to former age Parker High School to Smithfield Phase 2 LP for the purchase of price of 1,000 in Smithfield Phase 2 LP agreed to undertake a project to redevelop the redevelopment of property for use as affordable multiple family, multifamily housing will be amended to extend the deadline for closing on the city's conveyance of such property to Smithfield Phase 2 LP for six months with Smithfield phase two LP having the right to further extend the closing deadline for an additional six months.
I need you see as well on this item move you see.
Second council member gunn.
Aye council member Quinn?
Councilmember Smith?
Aye.
Councilmember Smithman?
Aye.
Council Member Vasa.
Aye.
Councilmember Williams.
Councilmember Woods.
President Pro Tim Tate.
Aye.
Council President Alexander.
Aye.
A motion on the item, please.
Second.
Item is before you.
All right.
Thank you, Councillors.
This is an ordinance approving and authorizing the mayor to execute an amendment to the affordable housing redevelopment agreement with the Smith Bill phase two LP.
And are there any questions or do you need any discussion on this from administration?
All right.
So we'd like to have some discussion from administration regarding this item.
Madam President, while we're waiting, did this go through committee?
And we'll ask that question to administration.
If you could talk that into the mic so that the public can understand the answer.
Okay.
Okay.
Okay.
So what's before the count, madam president?
Yes.
So what's before the council is just doing an amendment to something that was previously approved by the council.
This is part of the choice neighborhood grant that we received from the federal government.
So it's just extending the time frame for them to close on their piece of property so they can start the construction phase for the next uh phase of the choice neighborhood grant.
Thank you.
Any additional questions?
Thank you for that clarification.
Councilor Williams.
Thank you.
So why do they need an extension of time for that?
For the closing of the property.
Oh no, but what would have the I think it's some and I don't want to misspeak on committed developments part, but I think it's just some things that they had to statutorily do with the federal government.
So there's no capital stock issue on the is there a grant that wasn't received.
No, this is the choice neighborhood grant that was already received.
Okay.
Now I'm just confused as to why we have to extend it.
Good morning.
I'm not sure if you understand the question.
Why, yeah.
The question is why do we have to extend this?
Like what went wrong with it?
Why are we off timeline?
Good morning.
Um counsel Megan Venable Thomas.
I serve as director of community development.
So this is a requirement of the Affordable Housing Finance Agency.
So as part of our 9% application for phase two of the development, we are required to have a six-month option for the developer to be able to close after being approved for the 9%.
And so through our application process, AHFA came back and asked a question that we add this to our actual agreement.
And in order to do that, we had to come back before council in order to add this language to the agreement.
Okay.
I understand that it would be great to have some communication on these things prior.
You know, we get emails about settlements that we approve all the time.
There's no reason why we can't get communication on this and um, you know, and and save some time.
But it and I and if it's a project that we have to vote on, I'd like communication on how it's going too periodically as well.
But that's just maybe that's just me.
I was gonna say thank you, Councilor Williams.
I do believe that you all presented some information to us in one of our last committee of the whole.
I think it was updated at that time.
Is that yes?
That's correct.
All right, thank you.
Any other questions, counselors?
All right, at this time, then we're ready for the vote.
Okay, President Alexander.
Aye.
That vote should be up, Madam President.
They willanimous.
All right, thank you.
Item 12 passes.
Next item.
Should be item 13.
Item 13, a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute for and as the act of said city and first amendment to the agreement with Faith Chapel Christian Center.
I do in business, Faith Chapel cares, LLC for an amount 9 to exceed 1,224,125 and 77 cents, under which Faith Chapel would develop and operate up to 15 micro shelters to provide housing for how in the house residents of the city of Birmingham to extend the operating term of the agreement to an operating term to end on before August 31st, 2027.
Motion please.
Second.
All right, thank you, Counselors.
This is a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute for an act as the uh city a first amendment to the agreement with Faith Chapel Christian Center uh for an amount not to exceed 1 million 224,125 dollars.
Councilor Smithman, you asked me to move this from consent.
Uh yes, just kind of what's the purpose of the amendment uh yes, ma'am, madam president to council smithman.
Um Dr.
VT is coming right back in.
I apologize.
Okay.
Good morning again, counselors.
Megan Venable Thomas, I serve as director of community development.
So this um agreement is to align the operating agreement of Faith Chapel with the spending of the actual ARPA funds.
And so if you recall when we originally awarded the ARPA funds to Faith Chapel, they had not yet opened.
And so this amendment to the agreement allows for the spending of their funds to coincide with their 18th month, 18 month agreement, which began in April.
So that extends them to um August.
Okay, thank you.
Any other questions?
Yes, that well, whoever council.
So to clarify, this is all still ARPA funds.
This is not this will have nothing to do with that three million dollar homeless price tag at the proposed budget.
Correct.
Okay.
Any other questions?
Thank you, Dr.
Thomas.
We're ready for the vote.
That vote should be up, madam.
All right, thank you.
Item 13 passes.
Next item.
The item 14.
A resolution approving the 2026 Division G multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan and is immediately made effective on May 26, 2026.
Motion please.
Move the items.
Thank you.
All right, thank you, Council.
Item 14 is a resolution apparent approving the 2026 Division G multi multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan.
Councillor Smithman, you ask that we remove this item.
Uh just to get some information about this from administration.
Thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
Yes.
Team members coming in now to share additional information.
Thank you.
As you all come in.
The request has been to just receive more information regarding this item.
So we pulled it off consent and just wanted to get some more information.
Okay.
Good morning.
My name is Darius Ahard, and I serve as the natural hazard administrator for the city of Birmingham.
Well, you'd mic.
Um this plan is to adopt the 2026 uh division G multi-jurisdictional hazard litigation plan.
Um sorry.
It's the purpose is to um let me let me let me do it.
I'm sorry, the purpose is to adopt this plan to um Tracy.
I got it.
Let me let me let me do it with that.
Go ahead.
Hi, I'm Tracy Hayes, and I serve as Deputy Director of the Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits.
We also have our partners here, Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency.
And what this is is just us adopting the 2026 multi-jurisdictional plan to repeat place the 2021 multi jurisdictional plan, and that allows us to apply for any hazard mitigation grants or disaster preparedness grants.
So, yeah, just reiterating what she said.
Um, what the plan is is it's a division wide plan, so it has over 80 jurisdictions and covers about six counties, what we call division G from the state EMA.
Um, what this does is it ensures um the city of Birmingham can receive federal hazard mitigation funds if a federal disaster were to be declared.
Um, this also allows the city of Birmingham to receive um grants, federal mitigation grants.
Um, this plan also requires the um the grants.
You have to you have to have this plan to be able to apply for those grants.
Um it's about a 2,000 page document, so it's a it's a pretty large plan.
Um this is done every five years.
Um so in five years we'll be back again to hopefully get this um resolution passed.
All right, thank you, Councillor Smithman.
That was good.
Thank you.
Any other questions regarding this item?
Thank you all so much for giving us more clarity on it.
At this time, we're ready for the vote.
That vote should be up.
All right, thank you.
Item 14 passes.
Thank you all very much.
All right, counselors.
We have items 15, 16, 21, and 22 that all deal with litigation.
And so we need to bring those items up together, if that would be okay.
And attorney king for items 15, 16, 21, and 22.
I recommend we go into executive session under 3625 A7A3 to discuss pending and potential litigation.
Let me ask you.
Do we have to move the items before we go into executive session?
I'm I mean to discuss them, but we have to get them on the floor, but to go into this.
You can't go ahead and do executive session.
All right, thank you.
All right, they'll give us that roll call.
I need a motion for the executive session.
Motion for executive session uh council member gunn.
Yes, councilmember Quinn.
All right, council member Smith.
Aye, Councilmember Smithman, Councilmember Vasa, Councilmember Williams, all right, Councilmember Woods, President Pro Tim Tate.
Aye Council President Alexander, aye.
All right, yes, at this time, councilors we're recessing to go into administrative discussion.
Uh Mr.
Clerk, do we need a roll call to reconvene?
Present.
Councilmember O'Quinn.
Councilmember Smith.
Councilmember Smithman.
Councilmember Vasa.
Councilmember Williams.
Councilmember Woods.
President Pro Tem Tate.
Here.
Council President Alexander.
Here.
Thank you.
All right, Councillors.
At this time, we would like to take up items 15, 16, 21, and 22, Mr.
Clark.
Okay.
Item 15.
A resolution authorizing the mayor and the city attorney to investigate and prosecute any and all potential claims that the city may have in civil litigation against the fire truck manufacturers, trade associations and their executives and any other um affiliated entities based upon their coordination to engage in anti-competitive price fixing supply manipulation or other collusive conduct relating to fire truck sales and production as an individual claimant as well as the class action litigation in which the city may serve as a class representative and to retain outside counsel as needed on contingency fee basis.
We shall not exceed the greater of the attorney's fees awarded or tax of the courts against the defendants under a prevailing party statute.
Or a flat contingent fee or 33 and 130 percent of the final recovery, and the city shall not be liable for either fees or costs incurred in connection with this matter unless there is a recovery item 16.
A resolution authorized the mayor and the city attorney to investigate and prosecute any and all potential claims that the city may have in civil litigation against telecommunication companies and any affiliated parties, affiliated parties in connection with the uh lead content led contamination and lead exposure caused by lead uh seed telemmunication cables as an individual claimant as well as in class action litigation.
With the city may serve as a class representative and to retain outside counsel as needed on a contingency fee basis.
We should not exceed the greater of the attorney's fees awarded uh fees based.
We should not exceed the greater of the attorney's fees awarded or tax by the courts against the defendants under prevailing party statute or a flat contingent fee of 35% of the final recovery in the city should not be liable for either fees or costs incurred in connection with this matter, unless there is a recovery and item 21, a resolution pursuant to the provision of section two-three-27 of the general code of the city of Birmingham is amended authorizing the city attorney upon her recommendation to settle the workers' compensation claim brought by the Birmingham Fire Rescue Service employee against the city arising from an alleged on-the-job accident, cumulative trauma, and or occupation of the disease reloads resulting in alleged physical injuries to his leg, back, and body as a whole.
The resolution authorize the mayor, the city attorney, or one of her assistants to execute all documents necessary to accomplish the settlement of this claim and amount not to exceed 150,000 dollars for said funds to come from the account number one of 42020157045 zero.
We're at 22.
A resolution pursuant to the revision of section two, that's three, that's 27 of the general code of the city of Birmingham is admitted, authorizing the city attorney upon her recommendation to settle the workers' compensation claim brought by City of Birmingham Police Department employee against the city arising from alleged on the job accident, cumulative trauma, and or uh occupational disease resulting in alleged physical injuries to his back and body as a whole.
The resolution authorized the mayor, the city attorney, a one of her assistants to execute all documents necessary to accomplish the settlement of this claim and amount I to exceed $50,000 of said funds coming from account number one four two zero two one-five two seven zero five zero.
Second, all right, counselors.
Any questions regarding those items?
We're ready for the vote.
All right.
And that was William to adopt a motion that should be open for voting right about it now.
I think all right, here we go.
There we go.
All right, that vote should be up, Madam President.
All right, thank you.
So items 15, 16, 21, and 22 have passed.
Next item.
Uh should be item 23.
The resolution appointing one member to the city of Birmingham Public Library Board for a term expiring December the 30th, 2030.
All right, thank you, Councillors.
This is a resolution appointing one member uh to the Birmingham Public Library Board for a term expiring December 30th.
Counselor Smithman, I mean sorry, Councillor Smith.
Thank you.
Yes, so um this is to appoint Yolanda Hardy to the Birmingham Public Library Board.
She served on the board previously and is extending her her um time of service that will end December 31st, 2030.
All right, do we have a motion second?
Second.
All right, thank you.
If you have any questions regarding this appointee, we're ready for the vote.
All right, vote should be open.
That vote should be on, Madam President.
All right, thank you.
Thank you so much, Councilor Smith for presenting this individual for reappointment to the board, and we uh thank you for continued service for Miss Hardy.
Thank you very much.
Next item.
A resolution accepting the lump sum proposal of car development LLC A351 curved Johnson Road, Piston, Alabama, and the amount of 67,654.40 cents for 1508 Columbia Street Drainage Project located in Birmingham.
This being the lowest responsible and responsible proposal submitted and authorized the mayor to enter to a contract with car development LLC and substantially the form contained within the proposed documents and in accordance with said proposal, providing that the total compensation payable under the contract not as C the appropriation.
Second, all right, thank you.
Councilor Tate you asked that we remove this item.
Yes, thank you, Madam President Chief.
Uh Mayor, could you tell me something about is this is this in prayer city?
Item number 26 Madam President to um Councilor Tate's question.
The answer is yes.
Okay.
Thank you, Mayor.
And this is around Columbia, right?
Right around like one prayer area.
Yes, ma'am.
Okay, I'll get some information from you later.
Thank you, Mayor.
Appreciate it.
All right, thank you.
Any other questions?
We're ready for the vote, Mr.
Clerk.
All right, thank you.
Item 26 passes.
Do we have any remaining items?
All right, thank you very much.
Counselors, at this time, we'll be happy to entertain your announcements from your various districts.
And Councillor Gunn, are you ready?
Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President.
Uh, first off, I want to start by congratulating all the Birmingham City Schools graduates.
Congratulations to you all, and I look forward to seeing and hearing more uh good stuff and you all hopefully returning back to Birmingham.
Uh the district for office will be hosting mobile office hours today at the Ingle Nook Recreation Center uh from 2 p.m.
to 3 30 p.m.
This is an opportunity for us to meet residents where they are and give them a chance to ask myself and my team uh questions and help connect them to services that the city of Birmingham may offer.
Uh we'll be hosting a community cleanup this weekend at the Inclave Recreation Center on May 30th from 9 a.m.
to 11 a.m.
And then I want to take uh one last opportunity uh for events to thank uh state representative Neil Rafferty and Council O'Quinn and Aliyah uh for partnering to bring Star ID, a star ID clinic to uh Woodlawn uh in District 4.
We had about 50 participants uh come out and get their star D so they didn't have to drive all the way to Bessemer or Highway 78.
Uh upcoming neighborhood association meetings.
Uh the first Monday of the month, we have the Maple Grove Neighborhood Association meeting at 6:30 p.m.
That will be happening via teleconference.
Also on the first Monday, we have Zion City, uh, which takes place at 6 30 p.m.
via teleconference.
Also on the first Monday of the month, we have Brownsville Heights.
Uh they will be taking place at the Brownsville Heights Community Center at 6 30 p.m.
Also on the first Monday, we have Collegeville uh at 6 30 p.m.
at Gregor New Antioch Baptist Church.
Uh also on the first Tuesday uh of next month, we have Fairmont.
Uh they will be taking place at North Birmingham Library, and then we have Bromb and Heights on the first Thursday, uh, which will be taking place at the Brownsville Heights Community Center at 6 30 p.m.
And then upcoming committee meetings with the next community development committee meeting will be Monday, June 1st at 3 30 p.m.
in the city council chambers, and that concludes my announcements.
Thank you, Councillor Gunn.
Councilor Woods good morning, uh Madam President.
Want to uh invite everybody to mark your calendars for the district one serve day coming up on Saturday, July 25th.
Uh, this will be a uh pretty big day.
We'll be uh having a three-in-one volunteer effort, uh house parallel partnership on a home project repair, uh Operation Law and Clear will be uh cutting grass and other maintenance needs for seniors and uh general community cleanup.
So uh locations and more details will come, but uh want to invite everybody to mark July 25th on your calendar.
July 25th.
Thank you.
Councilor Councillor O'Clan.
Thank you, Madam President.
We have a couple of neighborhood meetings tonight.
Um Fountain Heights Neighborhood Association meets tonight at 6 p.m.
at the rec center, and of course, Wood North Neighborhood Association meets tonight at 6 30 p.m.
at Girls Incorporated.
Um, along with the options that stream innovations presented for summer camps um for for kids uh this morning.
Uh want to remind folks that Jones Valley Teaching Farm also has summer camp opportunities for youth rising second grade through rising eighth grade, and you can find uh more information about those at JVTF.org.
Just want to also remind folks about the annual uh gather fundraising picnic that they have going on this coming weekend, uh May 30th from 4 to 7 p.m.
at the downtown farm.
Um the pro that fundraising um initiative supports the good community food fellowship, um, which you know uh is an opportunity for high school students to get exposure to um a lot of different aspects of uh JBTF's operations, and so uh again you can buy tickets or find more information at JVTF.org.
Thank you, Madam President.
That concludes my announcements.
Thank you so much.
Councilor Vasa Thank you, Madam President.
Um we're excited to announce the District 3 Summerfest.
Join us at George Ward Park on June 20th from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
for a day of music, food, family fun, and community celebration.
This free public event will be featuring live music performances, food trucks, vendor market, kid zone, fun for all ages.
Bring your family, invite your friends, come enjoy an exciting day in the park.
That's uh Saturday, June 20th, 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
Uh if you need to email our office, please do so at district three at BirminghamAlle.gov.
We have a new email address for that.
And lastly, tonight we have the Redmont Park Neighborhood Association meeting, 5 p.m.
at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Councillor Vaza.
Counselor Smithman.
Thank you, Madam President.
Uh Railroad Park is continuing their health and wellness events for the community.
Uh senior fit will take place on Friday, May 29th from 8 to 9 a.m.
This is free.
And then they will have their cooking class this Sunday, May 31st from 3 30 to 5 p.m.
at the 17th Street Plaza B and extension.
First 100 attendees will also will also receive a free bag of groceries and produce from Piggly Wiggly to recreate the recipe at home.
Um the Green House is currently providing free daily bus passes to community residents.
In addition, they are having a free book fair that will remain open through this Thursday, May 28th.
Residents who may have missed the original fair are still able to stop by and pick up up to five free books, including selections for children through teens.
Thank you, Madam President.
Wonderful.
Thank you.
Council Williams.
Thank you.
Crestline will be meeting Thursday, May the 28th at 6 o'clock at Hope Church.
And we are um a little over a week away from our annual fishing rodeo, which will be Saturday, June the 6th at East Lake Park from 7 to 1.
Um we'll still be stocking the lake with uh 2,000 pounds of catfish, and we have a lot of food trucks and bounty houses and things that make it fun for everybody.
So we hope to see everybody out there.
Thank you so much.
We always look forward to the t-shirts.
What color this year?
Very next level this year.
Thank you, Counselor.
Madam Protein.
Thank you, Madam President.
Fountain Heights is it always has been stated.
70 Neighborhood Association meeting tonight at 6 p.m.
at Fountain Heights Rec Center.
Dola Mike Neighborhood Association will meet will also meet tonight.
They do a conference call at 6 p.m.
You can call in at 720843 2669 code 378.
Any reach neighborhood meeting will be here Thursday, May the 28th, 530 p.m.
at New Salem Baptist Church.
Also will be meeting on June the 1st at 6 p.m.
at Protective Stadium.
And Central Pratt will also meet on June the first at 6 p.m.
at the Howard Sanford Rick Center.
Next public safety meeting will be held today, right here in the council chamber at 1 p.m.
I also want to invite you all out to the arms ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday at 11 a.m.
If you're interested in coming, it's 3200 27th Street North Suite Clinic Tours will be available to attendees.
And you can reserve by reaching out to Chris Mosley at C Mosley at Arms.
Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam Pro Tim.
Counselor Smith.
Okay, thank you.
So just a couple of announcements.
Um first I wanted to say Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board is pleased to announce that all pools will open on June 6th.
Um they'll be opening from Tuesday through Saturday from 12 until 6 p.m.
And they will close this year on Labor Day.
Okay.
I also want to say congratulations to the Carver High School class of 1966 on their 60th class reunion.
They will be celebrating this weekend.
So just want to say congratulations to all of them.
And we have the following neighborhood association meetings.
Bush Hills is meeting this afternoon at 6 30 p.m.
at the Bush Hills Community Gardens.
College Hills will meet on Monday, June 1st at 6 p.m.
at Legion Field and Central Pratt will meet on Monday, June 1st at 6 p.m.
Um via conference call.
So please call our office for that information.
205-254-2304.
Thanks.
Thank you so much.
These are their announcements for District 7.
On Thursday, May 28th, the Industrial Center Neighborhood Association will meet at 6:30 p.m.
at the Mary Doris Center.
I want to thank the president and the residents from the Tarpley City Neighborhood Association.
They uh held a cleanup in the neighborhood on Saturday.
And so very appreciative of the residents, the leadership, those who came out to help keep that area clean.
So thank you so much.
On Friday, May 29th, there will be a wellness and safety day preparing families for summer.
This is presented by the Cooper Green Mercy Health Services.
This will be held at the Roosevelt City Recreation Center in District 7 from 1 to 5 p.m.
So we're asking everyone to make plans to attend this community-based outreach event.
This will include many workshops, many workshops that will be focusing on preventive, preventing common summer injuries and emergencies.
We know that our children are getting ready to prepare for summer fun.
So we just want to be sure families are prepared on how to prevent some injuries and emergencies that can occur.
Also, they'll be providing learning life saving skills and connecting families to Cooper Green.
Again, that's on Friday, May 29th, 1 to 5 at the Roosevelt Rec Center.
Has already been announced.
We do have pools that will be opening for summer for enjoyment of residents.
And we're excited that the Roosevelt Pool will open again this year.
And has already been stated, the hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, 12 noon to 6 p.m.
For more information, you can go to Park and Rick.
And we're about to approach the season for the Safe Summer Series concerts.
And so you'll be hearing more information about those, but they're coming up on us very quickly.
So we want to be sure that residents will be aware of those.
At this time, Mr.
Clerk, we will entertain the speakers list.
And the clerk will call your name and you'll have three minutes to provide information to the council.
Thank you.
Yes, Willie Jenkins.
As Mr.
Jenkins, before you start, Councillor Woods, you have one other item.
Yes, ma'am.
Thank you, Madam President.
Yeah, I want to just give a reminder.
The uh budget hearing will take place uh June 3rd at 5 p.m.
here in the council chambers.
Uh we'll have an online option.
Uh and that link will be distributed by our PO PIO office.
Very good.
Reminder about the budget hearing of June 3rd.
Thank you very much.
And what time?
5 p.m.
June 3rd.
I'm sorry.
5 30.
Sorry, I wasn't listening.
5 30.
June 3rd, 5 30 here.
You you laughing.
It's really fun.
All right, thank you.
Mr.
Jenkins, we're sorry.
Uh go ahead.
I just want to let everybody know that my prayers go out to Misha Fisher.
He was one um D Day every year at the Carver High School.
Carver High School Pickney.
But he passed away in the film gonna be this coming's Saturday at the Botwell Auditorium.
And my prayers go out to Fisher, uh Fisher family, Demetrian.
And he's been around a long time.
I just wanted to say my prayers go out to the family at the city auditorium at 12 o'clock at the phone home going.
We're gonna be at the Bachware Auditor.
I'm quite sure everybody, my prayers go out to everybody from Carver High School.
Come to the picnic, and I just want to say my prayers go out to the Finch family, and God continue to bless them.
And I just say, hold on to God and Chain Hand.
And also we can have getting ready for our meeting day.
Mr.
Gunn, second sun in June, I want to invite you to come, and then we're gonna have a uh cooker.
I mean uh brothers, and I'm be praying over the brother.
I am.
And I want y'all to come to the brother, the men's day, where it's a men's day, but it's gonna be on a Saturday.
When we come to, but I will let you know about the men's day brothers.
I do want you to come to the uh men's day brothers.
And I just want to know we're uh we're getting ready for the big cover high school reunion this year.
Spritz that in October and all Birmingham Park.
I'm looking for that.
Mr.
Gunnar invite you come, even though we're gonna have we lost one of uh, but we're gonna have another DJ, you know, gonna DJ.
We're gonna have plenty of DJs out there.
Come and I go every year.
I don't never miss every year.
I always go.
And also I want you to come to my church, get see my pastor.
He can preach and um want you to uh come out there to uh hear my preacher.
Old Street Baptist.
And like I said, we're gonna have a wonderful time at O Street Baptist Church.
June, second Sunday in June at O Street Bathrour.
I do want to get another finish right there for you.
Christian Bachelor, Christian Bad Bath Church.
Thank you.
Mr.
Clerk, next speaker.
Keith Williams.
Hi, Mr.
Williams.
Would you come forward?
You have three minutes.
Good good morning.
Still morning.
Uh to the city council.
I'm Keith Williams.
My address is 456 Capital Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.
Um, I am the co-founder of Voters Legal Justice Watch Group.
Um I'm here briefly to send a reminder about the data center ordinance.
Over the weekend, I have sent a proposal to this body uh dated on Saturday regarding my concerns about the ordinance.
And I want to read the caption uh that I have on here.
Dear Birmingham City Council members, I'm writing to respectfully submit additional recommendations and concerns regarding the proposed Birmingham Data Center ordinance currently under discussion.
After reviewing the proposed ordinance, community feedback, public hearing discussions, and recommendations submitted by residents and activists.
I believe Birmingham has an important opportunity to strengthen long-term protections for neighborhoods, infrastructure, water resources, environmental safety, and public accountability before large-scale hyperscale data center developments expand within the setting.
Number two, create a publicly accessible transparency dashboard, display water usage, electrical demands, emission reports, generated tasting schedules, stormwater violations, environmental compliance reports, and inspection records to improve public trust and accountability.
Number three, require annual public review hearings for hyperscale facilities to allow ongoing review or operation compliance, environmental impact, neighborhood concerns, water usage, and future expansion.
Number four, require operators to maintain a public compliance and response system with document investigation procedures and response timelines for complaints involving noise, emissions, orders, vibrations, lightning storm concerns, or environmental impacts affect affecting nearby residents.
I have some others on here, but due to time constraints, I won't read them all.
I hope that you have received my email and uh can uh read the caption as well as the disclose uh report.
And this is based on concerns that you know, individuals and businesses and nonprofits have brought uh to my attention.
We want to be certain that this ordinance would meet the needs of the interests of the people, so that our concerns can be met.
Thank you, Mr.
Williams.
Good morning, Miss Michael.
You have three minutes.
Good morning.
All right, good morning.
Um thank you for allowing me to speak here today.
I too am oh, sorry, Terry Michael, 629 Richtop Circle here in Birmingham.
Um, I'm here to um also express some concerns um about the data center um ordinance that y'all are considering.
Um we came and you guys were having the first hearing, I was really really happy um at all the attention that was given to the comments and to the community and the appreciation that was shown to the community.
Um, and so I couldn't be here on the 12th, but I did watch the meeting.
Um, and I found it a little bit odd, the language that I was hearing sounded like the ordinance wasn't ready yet.
And so I was like, how can they be voting on it?
You know, I was just very confused.
Um, and so I then did find out that indeed y'all did not receive it until the next day on the 13th.
And I'm like, how does that work?
I don't know if that's legal or not, but it certainly doesn't sound like good business.
So it concerns me.
How did we have a first reading when y'all didn't have it yet?
So that's one of my concerns.
But also now that I've seen the ordinance that y'all are proposing, it also concerns me because the two biggest things that over and over again was asked for was the 500 setback change back to the thousand, which it was um originally, and also um that the special exception clause be put um, you know, that that was taken out, and that really concerns me because I don't see the public having a hearing as being political at all.
I have written, I have emailed you all some additions that I feel that needs to be added, and I didn't even get a response of received from anyone, and I emailed each and every one of you.
And from what I understand, many other people that have sent y'all information hasn't heard anything.
So this is our only recourse to know.
Well, not recourse, but our only option to actually be able to communicate with you is to come here and speak at a meeting.
So also um 58 Inc., I'm understanding is trying to get a data center in at leads.
Um it's it's just right now gossip.
I don't know if it's true, but um that concerns me because Leeds isn't that far away from District 2, which is where I live.
And my counselor once uh he publicly spoke about how he wants that special exception taken out.
And so to me, this is the perfect example of why I'm pushing back against that being removed, because if there's going to be one in district two, I want to have a public hearing.
I want to be able to address you all and my counselor about my concerns about that data center.
Because right now we just know of the one over on Lakeshore, but we know there's going to be plenty more that are going to be trying to come in, and that's why this ordinance is so important.
So I hope y'all will read the email that I sent you, but just in case you don't, um, I will be back next week and again the next week.
So thank you so much for your time.
Thank you.
Do you have any other speakers?
Dr.
Quinn, did you have a comment?
Well make Ms.
Michael aware that we the council has a policy that uh public speakers can't speak on the same topic.
Um week after week.
You can speak on you have to wait a week, basically.
That's the council's policy.
So thank you.
Dr.
Quinn was just reiterating our policy on uh public speaking, and so you can't come, you said you would be back the next week and week after next.
You can only have to have one, you can only speak every other week regarding an item.
And I am getting some discussion from some counselors that they did not receive the email, so you may want to check, just be sure you have the correct first name, first name dot last name at Birmingham All One Word, A L.gov.
So I'm gonna ask you if you'll resend those.
Thank you.
Appreciate it.
All right, thank you all.
Any other speakers, Mr.
Clerk?
All right, thank you all.
Appreciate that.
At this time, we do want to thank our officers on duty and thank you for the clarification, Dr.
O'Quinn on speaking.
Uh officers on duty, Officer Pinkard and Officer Tarrant, and our fire inspectors were on duty.
Inspectors, no.
This time we'll entertain a motion on the second.
All those in favor, please say aye.
Aye.
All right, thank you.
The meeting is adjourned.
Thank you all so much.
Does anyone have any interest in um helping her with this?
Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting
The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 9:40 a.m. The meeting included presentations from local student athletes and community organizations, a mayoral report on court amnesty month, consideration of a consent agenda, several ordinances and resolutions, and public comments on a proposed data center ordinance.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved a consent agenda consisting of routine items after removing several items requested by councilmembers. The items removed were: Items 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 26. These were later discussed individually.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Keith Williams, co-founder of Voters Legal Justice Watch Group, expressed concerns about the proposed Birmingham Data Center ordinance. He submitted recommendations for a transparency dashboard, annual public review hearings, and a public compliance system.
- Terry Michael (629 Richtop Circle) also spoke against the data center ordinance, questioning the timing of the first reading (before the council had the draft) and urging restoration of a 500-foot setback to 1,000 feet and a special exception clause requiring public hearings. She stated she emailed all councilmembers but received no response. Council President Alexander clarified that speakers may only speak every other week on the same topic and suggested she verify email addresses.
Presentations
- Ramsey High School Athletes: Councilmember Crystal Smithman recognized the Ramsey Boys and Girls Track and Field teams and Wrestling team. Track coach Samantha Hamilton reported that the girls won city championship, took 12 individuals to state, and brought home eight medals. Several student athletes introduced themselves and their placements. Smithman noted that Ramsey lacks a field and students must practice off-campus at Lawson Field, sometimes in the dark. Wrestling coach reported three students qualified for state, with LaCuria White placing fourth. Principal Dr. Walker thanked the council.
- Red Mountain Theater: Councilmember Smithman introduced Kenneth Weldon, a recent Midfield High School graduate and UAB musical theater student, who performed as a paid actor in Disney's The Little Mermaid (running June 12 for six weeks). Institutional giving manager Kaylain Williams and Artistic Director Roy Leitner thanked the city for its investment in the arts.
- Momentum Leaders: Councilmember Darrell O'Quinn introduced Momentum CEO April Benatolo, who announced the organization's move to the Next Tech Building in the Switch District. Director of Development Katie reported that since 2019, Momentum has helped women attain $10.5 million in salary gains; the Momentum Works program unlocked over $1 million in salary gains for underserved women in the last 18 months. Program manager Wendy Brantley noted a new cohort starting in July. The organization was a recipient of a BOLD grant and is now offering free virtual leadership training and mentor matching.
- Stream Innovations: Dr. Adrian Starks presented the Summer Stream Labs program for rising 5th and 6th graders focusing on six fields (health, forensics, tech, agriculture, construction, automotive). The program seeks scholarship support and five spots for students in the housing authority. Starks noted partnerships with Birmingham Promise, DYS Kids and Jobs, and Grace Klein.
Mayor's Report
- Mayor Woodfin announced that June 1–30, 2026, will be Court Amnesty Month. Eligible individuals with outstanding failure-to-appear warrants or unpaid parking tickets can resolve cases by paying fines, reinstating payment plans, or returning to compliance. Participants must present valid ID at the Municipal Court (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Parking tickets may also be paid online. The program does not apply to violent offenses. (Contact: 205-254-2161)
Discussion Items
- Items 10 and 11 (Parking Fines Amendments): Two ordinances to amend Title 8 regarding administrative adjudication of minor offenses and summary disposition fines. Councilmember Gunn moved to pass both; the vote was split (Gunn aye, O'Quinn no, Smith aye, Smithman no, Vasa no, Williams no, Woods aye?—actual roll call shows several no) and they failed. The president stated they would return next week.
- Item 12 (Smithfield Phase 2 LP Affordable Housing Amendment): Ordinance to amend a redevelopment agreement to extend the closing deadline by six months (with a possible additional six months). Director of Community Development Megan Venable Thomas explained the extension was required by the Affordable Housing Finance Agency for a 9% tax credit application related to the Choice Neighborhood Grant. Councilmember Williams requested better communication on such items. Passed unanimously.
- Item 13 (Faith Chapel Micro Shelters): Resolution to amend agreement with Faith Chapel Christian Center for up to $1,224,125.77 to extend operating term to August 31, 2027. Director Thomas stated the amendment aligns ARPA fund spending with the 18-month operating agreement (began April 2026). Passed.
- Item 14 (2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan): Resolution adopting the 2026 Division G Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Natural Hazard Administrator Darius Ahard and Deputy Director Tracy Hayes explained the plan, covering six counties and over 80 jurisdictions, is required every five years to remain eligible for federal hazard mitigation grants. Passed.
- Items 15, 16, 21, 22 (Litigation Resolutions): The council went into executive session to discuss pending litigation. Upon return, they approved resolutions to: (15) pursue claims against fire truck manufacturers for anti-competitive price fixing (contingency fee up to 33.33%); (16) pursue claims against telecommunication companies for lead contamination (contingency fee up to 35%); (21) settle a workers' compensation claim for a fire rescue employee not to exceed $150,000; (22) settle a workers' compensation claim for a police department employee not to exceed $50,000. All passed.
- Item 23 (Library Board Appointment): Resolution appointing Yolanda Hardy to the Birmingham Public Library Board for a term expiring December 30, 2030. Councilmember Smith presented the reappointment. Passed.
- Item 26 (Drainage Project Contract): Resolution accepting a lump sum proposal from CAR Development LLC for $67,654.40 for the 1508 Columbia Street Drainage Project. Councilmember Tate confirmed the project is in the Pratt City area. Passed.
Key Outcomes
- Court Amnesty Month runs June 1–30, 2026 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Items 10 and 11 (parking fine amendments) failed and will return next week.
- Item 12 (Smithfield affordable housing extension) passed unanimously.
- Item 13 (Faith Chapel micro shelter extension) passed.
- Item 14 (hazard mitigation plan adoption) passed.
- Items 15, 16, 21, 22 (litigation/workers' comp settlements) passed.
- Item 23 (Yolanda Hardy library board appointment) passed.
- Item 26 (CAR Development drainage contract) passed.
- Consent agenda approved with items removed for discussion.
- The council scheduled a budget hearing for June 3, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.
Meeting Transcript
Stan, are we ready in the back? Be okay. You might have fallen down, but nothing else. Today is Tuesday, May twenty-sixth, twenty twenty-six. The time is now nine forty A. M. I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council. I hope everyone had a great weekend. At this time, we'll have our invocation will be led by Carl Max Kathy Anthony, Pastor of the Birmingham International Seventh Day Adventist Church in Birmingham, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Counselor Brian Gunn. If you're willing and able, please stand and join us. We come before you this morning on behalf of the people and the residents of Birmingham, Alabama. We come with thanksgiving in our hearts. We thank you for waking each and every one of us this morning. We thank you for the clothes on our back shoes on our feet. Lord, we thank you for a roof over our heads. Lord, we thank you for our families and for our friends. We thank you for the gift of service to the people of Birmingham. We thank you for each and every one of the leaders present in this very place. Men and women who carry the weight of decision, the hopes of our community and the responsibility of service. We thank you for each and every one of them, for you are the God who has called them into leadership. So today, as we ask for one more thing, not just for routine, but Lord, we are praying and asking for courage. Give them ears that they hear the cry of the forgotten. Give them eyes that they may see beyond the political lines to see the needs of the human. Give them hearts that beat the compassion and box strong enough to stand for what is right, and even when it is most difficult. Inspire them to build not just roads and budgets, but trust, integrity, and unity. Remind them that every vote that is cast, every word that is spoken, every policy shape touches real lives, real families, and real futures. Father, I thank you. I pray that as each one of them leave this room today, not burdened, but bold, not weak, but strong, not divided, but determined to seek the good of all the people of Birmingham. And when the work feels heavy, when the work feels so overwhelming, may each one of them remember that they do not labor alone. You will always be with them, for you promise I will never leave you nor forsake you. And so, Lord, I pray that as you be with them, be with the people of Birmingham that they serve. And we ask all this, believing and trusting in that powerful name that is above every name, the name Jesus Christ, amen. Amen. Thank you so much, Pastor, for that very inspirational prayer. And we appreciate your congregation that has come with you today. Thank you so much. Thank you, Councillor Gunn, for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Good morning, Mr. Clerk. We'll call the role, please. Good morning. Uh Councilmember Gunn. Morning. Good morning, sir. Councilmember O'Quinn. Good morning, Councilmember Smith. Good morning. Good morning, Councilmember Smillman. Good morning, Councilmember Vasa. Morning.
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