OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - June 30, 2026

City CouncilTuesday, June 30, 2026
BodyBirmingham, Alabama
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 30, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
32:51

I'm never head one die that you be okay.

32:56

You might have found a number nothing has yet.

33:35

Today is Tuesday, June thirtieth.

33:37

The time is nine thirty-eight P AM.

33:40

I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council.

33:44

Today's invocation will be led by Reverend DJ Manuel, Pastor of Lily Baptist Church in Tarrant, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councillor Hunter Williams.

33:54

If you're willing and able, please stand and join us.

35:03

We give you glory in Jesus' name.

35:05

Amen.

35:17

Under God.

35:18

Indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

35:24

Thank you, Reverend Manual, for their very thoughtful prayer.

35:27

Thank you very much.

35:28

Thank you, Councillor Williams, for leading us in the pledge.

35:31

Good morning, Mr.

35:32

Clerk.

35:33

If you will call the role, please.

35:35

Councilmember Gunn.

35:36

Morning, sir.

35:37

Council Member O'Quinn.

35:39

Morning.

35:40

Council Member Smith.

35:42

Morning.

35:42

Councilmember Smithman.

35:43

Good morning.

35:44

Good morning.

35:44

Council Member Bossett.

35:46

Good morning.

35:47

Council Member Williams.

35:48

Morning.

35:49

Council Member Woods.

35:51

Council President Pro Temp Tate.

35:54

Good morning.

35:54

Council President Alexander.

35:56

President, thank you very much.

35:58

Councillors, the minutes are not ready for the minute meetings of April 7th, 2026 through June 23rd, 2026.

36:07

At this time, we'll turn our agenda to communications from the mayor.

36:10

Good morning, Chape.

36:13

Good morning, Madam President.

36:14

Morning, Madam Pro Tim.

36:16

Morning to the members of the council, members of the public, all of those under the sound of my voice have a very brief mayor's report this morning.

36:22

First of all, city closures on Friday.

36:25

All City of Birmingham offices, with the exception of police fire at 911 will be closed on Friday, July the 3rd in observance of the 4th of July holiday.

36:34

No trash or recycling pickup will be affected.

36:37

The mayor wishes everyone a safe holiday weekend.

36:40

Also, Thunder on the Mountain, Alabama's largest Independence Day fireworks display will take place at 9 p.m.

36:47

on Saturday, July the 4th, above the Vulcan Park and Museum.

36:51

The 20-minute show will pay tribute to America's 250th birthday and will feature more than 2500 fireworks shells synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack broadcast across local radio stations.

37:04

And then finally, Madam President, Madam Pro Team members of the Council, at this time I would like to ask Shay Odin with rooted impact, along with any of her guests to please join me as we make an announcement about Story Corps.

37:32

Again, Ms.

37:33

Shea is here to tell us a little bit more about it.

37:39

Good morning.

37:42

As a local anchor partner for Story Core, Rooted Impact Consulting is incredibly honored to help bring this historic opportunity to Birmingham.

37:50

At Rooted Impact, we believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools that we have to preserve culture, strengthen communities, and inspire change.

38:00

Every neighborhood has voices, and they deserve to be heard.

38:04

Every person carries a story that has the power to heal, touch, and connect us.

38:10

When I approach Story Corps about Birmingham, I knew that it was more about recording more than conversations.

38:16

It was about making sure our city's legacy is told by people who built it.

38:19

The multi-general generational businesses that have been here, veterans, community leaders, artists, and everyday residents.

38:26

Our hope that this partnership reminds people that history isn't only found in textbooks or museums.

38:32

It's sitting across the table from you inside businesses and barbershops, churches, classrooms, and neighborhood.

38:39

To everyone who's already shared their story, thank you for trusting us.

38:43

And to our partners, the City of Birmingham, thank you for believing in the importance of preserving our collective history.

38:49

And here's Latelia Dawkins to tell you more.

38:55

Good afternoon, everyone.

38:56

On behalf of Story Court, thank you to the City of Birmingham for welcoming us into your community.

39:01

For more than two decades, Story Core has had one simple but powerful mission to help people believe in their stories and that they matter.

39:09

Every interview we record becomes part of the American story, permanently preserved in the library of Congress so that future generations can hear their voices, experiences, and wisdom of the people who shape their communities.

39:20

This partnership with the city of Birmingham is especially meaningful because it shines a light on entrepreneurs, neighborhood leaders, and small business owners whose resilience has strengthened the city for generations.

39:31

These aren't just business stories, they are stories of family, perseverance, sacrifice, innovation, and hope.

39:38

When someone steps into the mobile into the mobile booth, they are doing more than sharing stories.

39:42

They're preserving history, honoring those who came before them, and leaving a legacy for those who come next.

39:49

We are honored to help ensure that Birmingham's voices become part of our nation's permanent historical record.

39:55

And we thank every participant, partner, and supporter that has made it possible.

39:59

Thank you.

40:03

Thank you so much.

40:04

Thank you, Madam President, Madam Pro Team, members of the council on behalf of Mayor Whip and that concludes the mayor's report.

40:09

Thank you.

40:11

This time, Councillors will turn our attention to our agenda for consideration of consent items.

40:17

All items designated as consent are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.

40:25

No separate discussion of these items will be permitted unless a council member, the mayor, or citizen interested in a public hearing so request.

40:34

If so, such items will revert to its normal place on the agenda order of business.

40:40

All matters of permanent operation, and they are indicated with the capital P will be read.

40:45

All other matters will be announced by reading the item number only.

40:49

All public hearings will be announced.

40:51

Mr.

40:52

Clerk, if you could read the items being considered for consent.

40:54

Yes, ma'am.

40:55

Um consent agenda starts on page two with items one, two, three, and four.

41:00

Page three, items five, six, and seven.

41:05

Page four.

41:07

Items eight, nine, ten, and eleven.

41:11

Page five, items twelve, thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen.

41:16

Uh page six, items sixteen, seventeen, and eighteen.

41:20

Uh page seven, items nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, and twenty-two.

41:25

On item 21, I need to make a correction.

41:27

Uh, third line from the bottom.

41:29

That needs to be district two instead of uh the district that's there.

41:33

I'm talking to that.

41:37

Page eight.

41:39

Pick back up with the consent agenda, items 23 and 24.

41:43

Um item number 23, third line from the top.

41:48

That amount should be 784 dollars and not 748 dollars.

41:53

784 dollars.

41:54

That's item number 23.

41:56

Page nine, items 25, 26, and 27 are on consent.

42:01

Page 10, items 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 on consent.

42:08

Page 11, items 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 are on consent.

42:14

Page 12.

42:15

Items 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 are on consent.

42:21

Page 13.

42:24

Items 46, 47, and 48 are on consent, and then page 14.

42:29

We conclude with items 49, 50, 51, and 52.

42:33

We have three addendum items.

42:36

Thank you very much.

42:37

Counselors, are there any items you would like to have added or removed from consent?

42:43

Yes, Councillor Smithman.

42:45

Ma'am President, can we add addendum items 53 and 55 to consent?

42:50

Thank you.

42:51

Okay, the request is to add items 53 and 55 to consent that are on the addendum.

42:59

Any other items, counselors.

43:03

All right, at this time, we'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda.

43:06

So move.

43:09

All right.

43:10

Motion vote should be open.

43:17

About now.

43:25

Yes, sir.

43:26

Councilmember Woods, President Alexander.

43:29

I'm also an aye.

43:30

Thank you.

43:32

All right, thank you, Councillors.

43:33

Those items that were considered for consent have been approved.

43:37

Anyone in the audience were here to any of the items that were considered for consent, and the two that were added, they've all been approved, and we'll continue with the rest of our agenda.

43:45

Next item, Mr.

43:46

Clerk.

43:47

It looks like we just had 54 at the end.

43:50

That's it.

43:51

Thank you.

43:52

Item 54, an ordinance authorized the mayor and the chief of the Birmingham Police Department to execute an entrance in an interlocal cooperation agreement for a term of up to one year for the purpose of establishing a multidisciplinary team to implement a multidisciplinary response to child abuse between the city of Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, the city of Bessemer, Alabama, and the City of Brighton, Alabama, City of Fairfield, Alabama, the City of Hoover, Alabama, the City of Hewittown, Alabama, the City of Lipscomb, Alabama, the City of Midfield, Alabama, City of Pleasant Grove, Alabama, the Best McCutfer Advocacy Center, incorporated doing business as Clayhouse Children's Advocacy Center, the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Licensed Alabama Mental Health Professionals.

44:34

This is uh item of permanent operation under UC to pass it today.

44:37

I'm looking for UC.

44:39

Councilmember Gunn, Councilmember O'Quinn, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Smithman, Councilmember Vasa, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Woods, President Pro Tim Tate, Council President Alexander.

44:52

Aye.

44:53

Motion on the item, please.

44:55

All right, thank you, Councillors.

45:00

This is an ordinance authorizing the mayor and the chief of police to execute an interlocal cooperation agreement for the term of one year for the purpose of establishing a multidisciplinary team.

45:08

Are there any questions you have for administration regarding this item?

45:13

Yes, sir, Council Williams.

45:15

Thank you all for your continued support and different initiatives like this.

45:18

I think that obviously with other municipalities we have in uh Jefferson County, when we work together, we actually help the residents as a whole, not just our residents, but the whole metro area.

45:29

This is an important, an important one.

45:31

So thank you.

45:32

Thank you, Councilor Williams, and for the public.

45:35

This is local municipalities working together, and in this case, it is for multidisciplinary response to child abuse between the city of Birmingham and these municipalities.

45:47

So thank you all for considering this item.

45:49

We're ready for the vote.

45:57

Council Presidents and I as well.

45:59

That vote should be up.

46:00

All right, thank you.

46:01

Item 54 passes.

46:02

Are there any other items left on the agenda?

46:04

All right, Mr.

46:05

Clerk.

46:05

At this time, we will entertain updates from each of our districts.

46:10

Uh, who would like to go first?

46:11

How about you, Councilor Gunn?

46:13

You got a smile on your face.

46:14

I shouldn't have smiled.

46:15

Yes.

46:16

Good morning.

46:17

Thank you, Madam President.

46:18

Uh here are my announcements for today.

46:20

Uh neighborhood association meetings.

46:22

Uh, we have next Monday, uh, the Maple Grove Neighborhood Association at 6 30 p.m.

46:28

via teleconference.

46:29

We also have the Zion City uh neighborhood association meeting at 6 30 via teleconference.

46:34

We also have the Brownsville Heights and Collegeville Neighborhood Association meetings, both taking place at 6 30.

46:40

Brownsville Heights is at the Brownsville Heights Community Center, and great uh Collegeville is at Greater New Antioch Baptist Church.

46:47

Uh next Tuesday as well, we have the Fairmont and Brent Heights Neighborhood Associations.

46:52

Uh Fairmont is at 6 30 and Brumint Heights is at 6 30 p.m.

46:56

Fairmont's at North Birmingham Library and Brumont Heights is at the Brownsville Heights Community Center.

47:01

We do have an upcoming community meeting.

47:03

Uh the next community development committee meeting is on Monday, July the 6th at 3 30 p.m.

47:08

and it's in the city council chambers.

47:10

And that concludes my announcements.

47:15

Thank you, Councillor.

47:16

Councilor Smith.

47:18

All right, thank you.

47:19

So first I want to be remiss.

47:22

I didn't mention that on Saturday, um, excuse me, June 14th, the Sickle South Foundation of Central Alabama hosted their annual Magic City sickle cell walk.

47:33

So it was a great turnout for residents and families living with sickle cell disease and the community to support them.

47:38

I also want to congratulate my colleague Councillor Smithman on her district sixth fest, D6 Fest on this weekend, this month.

47:47

Um also Mary Mullins and Ansley Rex Center for the NSL Day on now through August 2nd at the Birmingham Use Art Museum of Art is the recycled runway archived, which is a great activity for people looking for air conditioned, family-friendly um outings.

48:07

Um this is the second year of this exhibition.

48:10

It's showcasing path closing past clothing creations by Alabama teens who participated in the Bibb and Tucker SOOPS Recycled Runway.

48:19

So it's a great way to celebrate the rich cultural landscape of Birmingham.

48:24

Parks and recreation is meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1st at 9 a.m.

48:28

at Legion Field.

48:30

Parks and Recreation is still conducting a citywide community survey, so please visit BHM Parks 2035.com to complete that survey.

48:39

There are no neighborhood meetings this week, but on Monday we have College Hills and Central Pratt at 6 p.m.

48:46

Thank you very much.

48:47

Council Woods.

48:50

Thank you, Madam President.

48:51

A few announcements.

48:52

Uh the Spring Lake and Echo Holland's Neighborhood Association.

48:56

Uh the meeting scheduled for this Thursday have been canceled.

48:59

Uh the Apple Valley Neighborhood Association meeting scheduled for next Tuesday has been canceled as well.

49:05

Uh also want to shout out uh we have Miss Tammy Calton of uh TC Counseling in the building.

49:11

She has a group of uh students with her that are spending the four-week uh program transformation through work and really learning about different aspects of um too bad we couldn't put on more of a show today, but good to have you all in the building.

49:27

Always good to see bright young minds.

49:29

Uh want to invite everyone out to the 2026 man up breakfast will take place on July 11th, Saturday.

49:36

Um excited about it.

49:38

The theme this year is Fonda Need and Phillip, encouraging everyone to really get out.

49:42

It's been a very impactful thing, and I want to say this is about year 15 or 16, so excited to keep that going.

49:50

And if you want to uh sign up for the district one newsletter, stay in the loop of everything going on in the district.

49:56

You can text D1 to 2058.

50:03

Thank you, Councilor.

50:04

Councilor Quinn.

50:05

Thank you, Madam President.

50:07

East Lake Neighborhood Association and Forest Park South Avondale Neighborhood Association meetings for this month have been canceled.

50:15

They will meet next month, August 4th.

50:18

Um Wahoma Neighborhood Association will meet on Thursday, July 2nd at 6 p.m.

50:27

at the East Lake Library.

50:29

The next Transportation Infrastructure Committee meeting is Monday, July 13th, 2 p.m.

50:36

here in the council chambers.

50:37

Submit agenda items to Kimberley.phillips at Birmingham AL.gov.

50:43

The Ballard House Project will host its third annual What Makes You Free Art Day with 20 intergenerational art artists on Wednesday, July 1st from 10 a.m.

50:56

to 3 p.m.

50:57

at the Ballard House, located at 1420 7th Avenue North.

51:02

This event is free and open to the public for children, senior adults, and the entire family.

51:10

The annual District 5 Health Fair and Back to School event will take place on Saturday, August 8th from 9 a.m.

51:19

to 2 p.m.

51:20

at Parker High School.

51:22

We are proud to partner with the Alpha Phi chapter of Omega Sci-Fi Fraternity Incorporated to make this event possible.

51:31

The Health Fair will offer free health screenings, community resources, back to school supplies, and a blood drive.

51:39

Please contact the district five office for additional details and opportunities to participate.

51:45

And that concludes my announcements.

51:46

Thank you, Counselor.

51:47

Councillor Vasa.

51:49

Thank you, Madam President.

51:51

Folks, listen to this.

51:54

Congratulations to Legend Simmons, a fifth grader at Avondale Elementary, for being the fastest 10-year-old runner in the nation.

52:05

Oh wow.

52:09

Legend Simmons ran a 4925 in the 300 at a May meet at Winona High School and is headed to Nationals next month.

52:19

He is really living up to his name.

52:22

So we want to congratulate him for that.

52:24

That is an exciting thing to have locally.

52:27

Also exciting.

52:28

We have a new website for District 3, District 3Bam.com.

52:32

That's the number three.

52:33

Check it out for your links and resources.

52:35

And remember, if you want to email our office, please do so at District 3 at Birmingham AL.gov.

52:40

That's the number three.

52:42

There will be no Forest Park neighborhood meeting tonight.

52:45

The next meeting will be Tuesday, August 4th.

52:49

And next Tuesday, we have Glen Iris at July 6th at 6 30 p.m.

52:54

at St.

52:55

Eliza Church.

52:55

Thank you, Madam President.

52:57

Thank you so much.

52:58

Thank you for bringing that information about that young man.

53:00

Thank you.

53:01

I know.

53:02

Councilor Smith.

53:04

Thank you, Madam President.

53:06

Um Madam President, I'm kind of tired.

53:09

Um from this past weekend, but in all seriousness, so um that was it was a really great weekend.

53:15

Um really celebrating district six.

53:18

I wanted to highlight every community in District 6.

53:21

That's why it was so long.

53:22

But um, something I do want to talk about, and Councillor Smith was there.

53:26

Thank you for coming.

53:27

For all the kids at the pool, and they were having a good time, y'all.

53:32

Like, and we had a um a floaty and the fire department actually turned on the fire hose and made so water slide.

53:38

It was really cool.

53:39

But I was really happy to see that because um, despite kind of what's going on in the media about the pools, um, it was really nice to see that the kids and the families were really enjoying themselves.

53:50

One lady was telling me her daughter, they got there at noon and they didn't leave till 8 p.m.

53:55

So I'm really happy to see our pools being utilized.

53:58

But from the Comney Show to um Braunchatosi Yoke to the actual festival, um, to the giveaway and church service at Taysow West End.

54:08

It was amazing.

54:09

We had people come from all over.

54:11

So thank you to our sponsors, uh, Commissioner Tyson.

54:15

Uh she came at the very end.

54:17

My father, uh, music speaks louder than words, series entry, law group, HICA, because we had a soccer tournament, so we had um our champions as well.

54:26

We have about three games.

54:28

I think that's everybody, and be ham now.

54:30

So um, and thank you to Park and Rec as well.

54:33

So we had a great time.

54:34

So I look forward to next year.

54:36

And then I invite everyone to join us for the one step to fitness starting on Monday, July 6th from 9 to 10 at Holy Family Crystal Ray at 1832 Santa Way South.

54:46

This is a free community fitness class, open to all district six residents.

54:50

Well, anybody, honestly.

54:52

So I'm excited to move.

54:54

Uh excited to partner with him to help our community move.

54:57

And if you know me, I love to work out, so I love to bring that to my district as well.

55:01

Our next farmers market is on July 11th at 1 30 p.m.

55:05

at Memorial Park.

55:06

We will have free barbecue, watermelon, and flowers.

55:09

Thank you, Madam President.

55:11

Thank you so much and congratulations on a great event.

55:13

Seems like it's well attended, and you provided so much to the community.

55:17

So thank you.

55:17

Councillor Williams.

55:19

Thank you.

55:20

Eastwood neighborhood will be meeting to uh excuse me, Thursday, July the 2nd at 6 30 at the regular spot habitat, and also happy 4th of July to everybody.

55:28

Hope it's a safe and fun holiday.

55:30

Thank you.

55:31

Madam Pro Tim, thank you.

55:35

Thank you, Madam President.

55:36

The Central Pratt Neighborhood Association meeting will be here Monday, July the 6th at How Sanford Rick Center located at 320 Avenue D.

55:48

Also, madam, I had an opportunity to travel to Atlantic City for the second annual pull up for peace, which was a very good event.

55:55

Had a lot of national organizations to come to the pull up for peace that do work with violence reduction, restorative justice, just so much of stuff going on.

56:06

So BK Soft and Dr.

56:07

Jamila T.

56:08

Davis, Dr.

56:08

Chico Tiaman, Marcus McAllister, A.T.

56:14

Mitchell Man, Manuel.

56:16

Just a great event.

56:17

Had the opportunity to share the stage with Mayor Ross Baraka again this year, host and the moderator was nationally known speaker to Mika Mallory.

56:27

So remember everybody was just interested in Birmingham, how we get into start reducing violence, you know, in this city.

56:34

So it was great to go back and you know just talk to Mayor Barack about you know taking the initiatives that they used in New Jersey to implement them in Birmingham.

56:42

So to date New Jersey has three homicides.

56:45

So I also want to talk about Dr.

56:48

Jamila T.

56:49

Davis is also here back at Miles College with the Rise of Program, which kicked off yesterday.

56:56

So if you get a chance, go out there and talk to uh Holly Dr.

56:59

Davidson, Dr.

57:00

Gerald and A.

57:01

G.

57:02

They kicked off yesterday with the welcome morning circle.

57:05

So then they got We Got Us, the Be the Changer.

57:08

So today they're there at 9 this morning.

57:10

So she'll be there after Thursday.

57:11

50 students had an opportunity to participate in this Rise of Program that Uche Bean also and the mayor, you know uh Woof and also um got involved in the the partnership with Dr.

57:28

Bobby Knight.

57:29

So they're back at Miles again.

57:31

Jefferson County's 50 students from all over Birmingham have have an opportunity to participate in the Rise of the Program.

57:37

So again, thank Dr.

57:38

Jamila T.

57:39

Davis, you know, for the effort to continue to you know do the things that they're doing also in Uche Bean in her absence, all of the great work that she continues to do, you know, for the initiatives around violence reduction and the things and restore uh program.

57:55

And Ski had an opportunity to present at um the pull up for peace uh about the restore program.

58:01

So just had an awesome time, fellowshipping and and learning, you know, from each other.

58:05

Thank you, Madam President.

58:07

Thank you so much, Madam Pro Tim.

58:09

We don't have any meetings scheduled this week in District 7.

58:13

The Jones Valley Neighborhood Association meeting that would normally meet on Friday.

58:19

They will not be meeting.

58:21

Um I also want to wish everyone a happy 4th of July and a very safe one.

58:28

At this time, Mr.

58:29

Speaker, we'll Mr.

58:31

Speaker.

58:32

Wait a minute.

58:33

Madam Pro Tim, go ahead.

58:35

Oh, I forgot to mention a Cipical Philly neighborhood meeting is counseled for tomorrow, so they will resume in um August for the next meeting.

58:43

Thank you, madam.

58:44

Thank you very much.

58:45

At this time, Mr.

58:46

Clerk will entertain the speakers' list.

58:50

Dr.

58:50

Johnson, Dr.

58:52

Johnson.

59:02

Good morning, Dr.

59:03

Johnson.

59:04

As you approach, please give us your address, and then you have three minutes and the video cameras, videos uh here will give you your time.

59:14

Thank you.

59:20

Open your brownie speaker.

59:21

Silver bar in front of you.

59:23

There you go.

59:25

Thank you.

59:26

That's okay.

59:27

Good morning.

59:28

My name is Dr.

59:29

Nadia Monique Johnson.

59:30

I'm the founder and CEO of the Black Women's Mental Health Institute.

59:34

My address is 1545 Valley View Circle, Birmingham, Alabama, 35209.

59:40

Um, and I'm here to briefly speak about our upcoming event.

59:44

It's the 2026 Mental Health Equity and Liberation Summit.

59:48

This is our 10th anniversary for hosting this event.

59:51

We host it every July.

59:53

Tomorrow is the launch of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

59:56

This is what we call mental health liberation month.

1:00:00

This year we have some phenomenal speakers, including Alana Melton with the Office of Unhoused Strategy.

1:00:05

She'll be speaking on the unhoused mental health.

1:00:08

We have Ivory Rose, an occupational therapist who's going to be traveling in from California, who's going to be speaking about social prescribing, which is a new strategy for providing mental health care.

1:00:18

And we have Dee Reed, who of course is a political activist who is going to be speaking about voting and mental health.

1:00:26

We sent a letter to each of you in um inviting you to be sponsors of this event.

1:00:30

It's taking place on July 23rd at UAB.

1:00:35

Um hosted by UAB office, um, our African American Studies Department.

1:00:40

And I would love again for have all of your support for this event.

1:00:43

And we also have a kickoff reception on the day before, July 22nd at the club.

1:00:49

And for those who are unfamiliar with our work, we do provide free counseling for the entire state of Alabama.

1:00:54

To date, we've provided about eight thousand over 8,000 hours of free counseling.

1:00:59

We provide about 300 hours each month, and in less than three years, we've reached 61% of the county.

1:01:06

We also have a work space workforce development program supported by Prosper that seeks to increase the number of licensed mental health clinicians in the state.

1:01:16

Um our state currency ranks 50th in mental health um workforce, which means that for every 740 Alabama residents, there's only one licensed mental health clinician available.

1:01:28

We're looking to shift the entire climate of mental health in the state and serve as a blueprint for the entire country.

1:01:34

So again, I invite you to support this event.

1:01:38

I also invite you to bring us to your districts.

1:01:40

Thanks to the support of Council Woman Smithman and Councilwoman Tate.

1:01:45

We provided 400 hours of counseling to district six and nine, and um, we're here to support anyone here in Birmingham and throughout the state of Alabama.

1:01:54

Thank you for your consideration.

1:01:55

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

1:01:59

Thank you, Dr.

1:02:00

Johnson.

1:02:01

Thank you.

1:02:02

Thank you.

1:02:02

Next speaker.

1:02:03

Uh Daniel Daniel Hudson.

1:02:14

Good morning, sir.

1:02:15

If you state your name, your address.

1:02:17

Uh hi, my name is uh Daniel Hudson.

1:02:20

I actually live in Birmingham, England, and my address is uh Seven Hollyfield Avenue, B911 QJ, Birmingham, England.

1:02:26

Um morning, everyone, uh Council President and members of the council.

1:02:30

My name is Dan Hudson.

1:02:31

I've actually found 4,000 miles uh to be here today uh from the other Birmingham, the more rainy one across the Atlantic to seek your help today.

1:02:40

Uh as you may know, last year the world lost a global uh music icon, the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osborne.

1:02:47

Uh Ozie was born and raised in Birmingham, UK, and he put our shared name on the global map.

1:02:53

I've been leading a campaign to rename Birmingham International Airport UK after Ozzy Osborne.

1:03:00

It's gone absolutely stratospheric around the world.

1:03:02

It's been it's backed by nearly 80,000 people, including Sharon and Kelly Osborne.

1:03:07

Um unfortunately, though, our local airport uh our local airport bureaucrats back home have a severe lack of rock and roll spirit and have told us no.

1:03:17

Whereas Alabama has a legendary musical soul from muscle shows to the jazz heritage right here in the city.

1:03:23

You understand the power of music.

1:03:25

So I'm here today to ask you uh for a symbolic resolution of support.

1:03:30

If the birthplace of heavy metal won't listen to its own citizens, we hope that it will listen to the great magic city of Birmingham, Alabama.

1:03:37

Will you stand with the UK second city and pass an honorary resolution urging your namesake city across the pond to give Aussie's airport?

1:03:45

Thank you.

1:03:46

Thank you so much for bringing this request to us.

1:03:49

When it said the Birmingham Airport, I thought, oh, we're gonna talk about the Birmingham International Airport, but you're talking about the one in the UK, correct?

1:03:56

Yes, yes, let's thank you.

1:03:57

All right.

1:03:58

We appreciate that.

1:03:59

Um we will consider your request.

1:04:03

Okay.

1:04:03

Thank you so much.

1:04:04

All right, thank you very much.

1:04:06

Next speaker.

1:04:07

Ms.

1:04:07

Banks.

1:04:08

Thanks.

1:04:11

Mr.

1:04:12

I'm sorry.

1:04:17

Good morning, Mr.

1:04:18

Banks.

1:04:24

Good morning, everybody.

1:04:26

Good to see you.

1:04:27

Yeah, I'm a uh fifth generation uh resident in Birmingham.

1:04:33

And uh I'm also uh a graduate of Moorhouse College, but I'm also a president student at Lawson State in building construction.

1:04:46

I want to talk about housing and the need for housing in the city that's declining in population.

1:04:52

Your greatest resource is housing.

1:05:03

All of what you've already passed today should be tripled in the areas of home repair and home construction.

1:05:12

And I was I was looking at some of the information.

1:05:19

Speaks out.

1:05:20

You got a hundred.

1:05:21

You just approve for 1.5 million dollars in demolition.

1:05:27

And debullition should really be deconstruction.

1:05:32

And that's kind of poignant for me because I was one of a number of eight delegates that went to Tulsa to Black Wall Street.

1:05:43

Now Black Wall Street in 30 years of 300 buildings that were schooled, churches, and Greenwood.

1:05:55

300 buildings, schools, churches, schools, churches, and a number of businesses that were all black owned, was eliminated in 18 hours.

1:06:11

Now out of those 300 homes that were eliminated, was presently there in Greenwood, which no longer exists.

1:06:21

It's a town, is a two buildings in which some of the brick that was burned was in the new buildings that were sitting there as a museum.

1:06:33

So we you can take the debullition of the materials and not demolish a back hole in the dump truck taken to the to the landfill will actually create another set of reconstruction of homes.

1:06:55

There need to be new reconstruction when you have your acrylic repair program, and when you have 900 people apply for it, and only a hundred people are telling you that your city is in need for more monies to be used towards the critical repair program.

1:07:11

It should be tripled so that you can meet the needs.

1:07:22

Well, it's more money in all those programs for housing, particularly.

1:07:26

Our city is reducing a population.

1:07:38

Comes from revenues that are uh generated for through tax basis and also through fines to excuse me to licensing.

1:07:49

But you need to have also your tax base coming from your property taxes.

1:07:55

So you need to settle this issue around uh land banking and make it more strong.

1:08:01

And now in your land banking bill, you have $500,000 for strategic land banking.

1:08:10

What does that mean?

1:08:11

$500,000, you could take $100,000 and build a $300,000 house.

1:08:18

So you got $500,000 in strategic land banking that can be used towards rebuilding houses.

1:08:25

Thank you, Mr.

1:08:26

Banks.

1:08:26

We appreciate you for bringing this information to us this morning.

1:08:31

I do want to just relate that um I thank you for taking on the the um learning opportunities that are available in Lawson State.

1:08:40

And also just for the record, 1.3 million was approved in this budget for critical repair.

1:08:47

So thank you very much.

1:08:49

Are those any more speakers?

1:08:51

All right, thank you.

1:08:52

At this time, counselors, we will take the motion to adjourn.

1:08:57

Second.

1:08:58

All those in favor, please say aye.

1:09:00

Thank you all.

1:09:01

Have a happy fourth meeting adjourned.

1:09:16

Hey everyone, Crystal Smithman, Birmingham City Council for Distress Tex.

1:09:20

We're out here at District Six Pass Day 2.

1:09:23

It's been amazing.

1:09:23

We had the Hugh Flight Football Game earlier this morning, soccer tournament.

1:09:27

Shout out to Hiccup and uh soccer champions, the first year for this.

1:09:32

Uh bounty houses, open gym.

1:09:34

Uh, and we're out there concept with Jake and the voice of Birmingham.

1:09:38

It's an amazing time.

1:09:39

This is all about covering different sex and every community that's beginning.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement██████████████████████22%
Procedural█████████████████████21%
Arts And Culture███████████11%
Public Safety██████████10%
Parks and Recreation█████████9%
Mental Health Awareness█████████9%
Affordable Housing███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Historic Preservation█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - June 30, 2026

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 9:38 AM. The meeting was called to order by Council President Alexander, with an invocation by Reverend DJ Manuel and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councillor Hunter Williams. The council approved the consent agenda, passed an ordinance for a multidisciplinary child abuse response team, and heard public comments on mental health, an Ozzy Osbourne airport renaming campaign, and housing needs. District updates and community announcements were also provided.

Consent Calendar

  • Items Approved: Items 1–52 and addendum items 53 and 55 were approved by a single motion as consent items. The clerk noted corrections to item 21 (district number changed to district two) and item 23 (amount corrected to $784).

Mayor's Report

  • Mayor Woods (via representative) announced city closures on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of the 4th of July holiday; police, fire, and 911 services will remain operational. Trash and recycling pickup will not be affected.
  • Thunder on the Mountain fireworks display will take place at 9 PM on Saturday, July 4, 2026, above Vulcan Park and Museum. The 20-minute show will feature more than 2,500 fireworks shells synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack, broadcast on local radio stations, in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
  • Story Corps partnership: Shay Odin (Rooted Impact Consulting) and Latelia Dawkins (Story Corps) announced a local Story Corps initiative to record and preserve Birmingham residents' stories, including those of multi-generational businesses, veterans, community leaders, artists, and everyday residents. Interviews will be archived in the Library of Congress.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dr. Nadia Monique Johnson (1545 Valley View Circle, Birmingham, AL 35209; founder/CEO of Black Women's Mental Health Institute) announced the 2026 Mental Health Equity and Liberation Summit, its 10th anniversary, taking place July 23, 2026, at UAB, hosted by the African American Studies Department. She highlighted that the institute provides free counseling to the entire state of Alabama, having delivered over 8,000 hours of free counseling (approximately 300 hours per month) and reaching 61% of counties in less than three years. The state ranks 50th in mental health workforce, with only one licensed clinician per 740 residents. She invited council members to sponsor the event and bring services to their districts, noting support from Councilwoman Smithman and Councilwoman Tate.
  • Daniel Hudson (Seven Hollyfield Avenue, B911 QJ, Birmingham, England) traveled 4,000 miles to request an honorary resolution of support from the Birmingham City Council for a campaign to rename Birmingham International Airport (UK) after the late music icon Ozzy Osbourne. The campaign has nearly 80,000 supporters, including Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, but has been rejected by local airport authorities. Hudson stated that Birmingham, Alabama, understands the power of music and asked the council to stand with the UK's second city.
  • Mr. Banks (fifth-generation Birmingham resident, graduate of Morehouse College, student at Lawson State in building construction) spoke about the need for housing in a city with a declining population. He criticized the approval of $1.5 million for demolition, advocating instead for deconstruction and reuse of materials to create new housing. He called for tripling the critical repair program budget, noting that 900 people applied but only 100 were served, and for stronger land banking policies, citing a $500,000 allocation for strategic land banking as insufficient (potentially only funding one $300,000 house and $200,000 in additional costs).

Discussion Items

  • Item 54 – Ordinance for Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Response Interlocal Cooperation Agreement: An ordinance authorizing the mayor and police chief to execute a one-year interlocal cooperation agreement establishing a multidisciplinary team to respond to child abuse. Participating entities include the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, the cities of Bessemer, Brighton, Fairfield, Hoover, Hewittown, Lipscomb, Midfield, and Pleasant Grove, the Clay House Children's Advocacy Center, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, and licensed Alabama mental health professionals. Councillor Williams expressed support, noting the importance of collaboration across municipalities to help the entire metro area. The ordinance was approved.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda Approved: All items on the consent agenda (including addendum items 53 and 55) were approved by unanimous vote.
  • Item 54 Passed: The ordinance for the child abuse response interlocal agreement passed with all council members voting aye.
  • Meeting Adjourned: The council voted to adjourn after public comments and district updates.

District Updates & Announcements

  • Councilmember Gunn (District 4): Announced neighborhood association meetings: Maple Grove (Monday, 6:30 PM, teleconference); Zion City (Monday, 6:30 PM, teleconference); Brownsville Heights (Monday, 6:30 PM, Brownsville Heights Community Center); Collegeville (Monday, 6:30 PM, Greater New Antioch Baptist Church); Fairmont (Tuesday, 6:30 PM, North Birmingham Library); Brent Heights (Tuesday, 6:30 PM, Brownsville Heights Community Center). Next community development committee meeting: Monday, July 6, 2026, 3:30 PM, council chambers.
  • Councilmember Smith (District 2): Announced the Magic City Sickle Cell Walk (June 14, 2026); D6 Fest (District 6 event by Councilwoman Smithman); Recycled Runway exhibition at Birmingham Museum of Art through August 2, 2026; Parks and Recreation meeting Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 9 AM at Legion Field; citywide parks survey at BHM Parks 2035.com; College Hills and Central Pratt neighborhood meetings Monday, 6 PM.
  • Councilmember Woods (District 1): Spring Lake/Echo Holland's meeting canceled; Apple Valley meeting canceled; recognized Tammy Calton (TC Counseling) and students in a four-week 'Transformation Through Work' program; invited public to the 2026 Man Up Breakfast on Saturday, July 11, 2026; promoted district newsletter (text D1 to 2058).
  • Councilmember O'Quinn (District 5): East Lake and Forest Park South Avondale meetings canceled (next August 4, 2026); Wahoma meeting Thursday, July 2, 2026, 6 PM at East Lake Library; Transportation Infrastructure Committee meeting Monday, July 13, 2026, 2 PM in council chambers; Ballard House Project's 'What Makes You Free Art Day' Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 10 AM–3 PM; District 5 Health Fair and Back to School event Saturday, August 8, 2026, 9 AM–2 PM at Parker High School (partnering with Alpha Phi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity).
  • Councilmember Vasa (District 3): Congratulated Legend Simmons (fifth grader, Avondale Elementary) as the fastest 10-year-old runner in the nation (ran 49.25 in the 300 meters). New district website: District3Bham.com; email: District3@birminghamal.gov. No Forest Park meeting tonight (next August 4, 2026); Glen Iris meeting Monday, July 6, 2026, 6:30 PM at St. Eliza Church.
  • Councilmember Smithman (District 6): Reported a successful three-day District 6 Fest (Comedy Show, Brunch, festival, giveaway, church service at Taysow West End), with many children and families enjoying pools despite negative media coverage. Promoted free community fitness class 'One Step to Fitness' starting Monday, July 6, 2026, 9–10 AM at Holy Family Crystal Ray (1832 Santa Way South). Next farmers market July 11, 2026, 1:30 PM at Memorial Park (free barbecue, watermelon, flowers). Thanked sponsors: Commissioner Tyson, Music Speaks Louder Than Words, Series Entry Law Group, HICA (soccer tournament champions).
  • Councilmember Williams (District 4): Eastwood neighborhood meeting Thursday, July 2, 2026, 6:30 PM; wished a happy and safe 4th of July.
  • Council President Pro Tempore Tate: Central Pratt neighborhood association meeting Monday, July 6, 2026, at How Sanford Rick Center (320 Avenue D). Attended the second annual 'Pull Up for Peace' event in Atlantic City with national violence reduction organizations. Discussed reducing violence in Birmingham with Mayor Ras Baraka (New Jersey initiatives). Announced 'Rise of the Program' at Miles College (50 students from Jefferson County) partnering with Dr. Jamila T. Davis, Dr. Bobby Knight, Uche Bean, and others; program runs through Thursday.
  • Council President Alexander (District 7): No meetings scheduled this week; Jones Valley meeting canceled. Wished a happy and safe 4th of July. Cicely Philips neighborhood meeting canceled (resumes in August).

Meeting Transcript

I'm never head one die that you be okay. You might have found a number nothing has yet. Today is Tuesday, June thirtieth. The time is nine thirty-eight P AM. I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council. Today's invocation will be led by Reverend DJ Manuel, Pastor of Lily Baptist Church in Tarrant, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councillor Hunter Williams. If you're willing and able, please stand and join us. We give you glory in Jesus' name. Amen. Under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Reverend Manual, for their very thoughtful prayer. Thank you very much. Thank you, Councillor Williams, for leading us in the pledge. Good morning, Mr. Clerk. If you will call the role, please. Councilmember Gunn. Morning, sir. Council Member O'Quinn. Morning. Council Member Smith. Morning. Councilmember Smithman. Good morning. Good morning. Council Member Bossett. Good morning. Council Member Williams. Morning. Council Member Woods. Council President Pro Temp Tate. Good morning. Council President Alexander. President, thank you very much. Councillors, the minutes are not ready for the minute meetings of April 7th, 2026 through June 23rd, 2026. At this time, we'll turn our agenda to communications from the mayor. Good morning, Chape. Good morning, Madam President. Morning, Madam Pro Tim. Morning to the members of the council, members of the public, all of those under the sound of my voice have a very brief mayor's report this morning. First of all, city closures on Friday. All City of Birmingham offices, with the exception of police fire at 911 will be closed on Friday, July the 3rd in observance of the 4th of July holiday. No trash or recycling pickup will be affected. The mayor wishes everyone a safe holiday weekend. Also, Thunder on the Mountain, Alabama's largest Independence Day fireworks display will take place at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July the 4th, above the Vulcan Park and Museum. The 20-minute show will pay tribute to America's 250th birthday and will feature more than 2500 fireworks shells synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack broadcast across local radio stations. And then finally, Madam President, Madam Pro Team members of the Council, at this time I would like to ask Shay Odin with rooted impact, along with any of her guests to please join me as we make an announcement about Story Corps. Again, Ms.

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