Birmingham City Council Meeting: July 7, 2026 - Appointments, Ordinances, and Public Safety Concerns
Birmingham City Council Meeting: July 7, 2026 - Appointments, Ordinances, and Public Safety Concerns
The Birmingham City Council met on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 9:30 AM. The meeting was called to order by Council President Alexander, with an invocation by Reverend Jeffrey D. Black and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councillor Clinton Woods. The council approved the consent agenda, passed several ordinances and resolutions, made appointments to boards and commissions, and heard public comments regarding the city jail, data center ordinances, and the administration's accountability.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes from previous meetings (April 7 through April 28, 2026).
- Approved consent agenda items including items 1, 3-4, 7-63, and one addendum item, considered routine and non-controversial.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Patricia Todd, 1320 58th Street South, Crestwood: Thanked the city for funding the Firehouse Shelter, where she works part-time. Invited council members to tour the facility, emphasizing its positive outcomes and the need for further support for the neighborhood.
- Terry Michael, 629 Ridge Top Circle 35206: Expressed frustration with the council's perceived lack of independence and courage, criticizing the removal of a speaker from a previous meeting. Raised concerns about the data center ordinance, the mayor's accountability, and the potential loss of control over the city's historical and cultural assets under federal anti-DEI policies.
- Reverend Eric Hall, 1721 Cullum Street South, District 3: Discussed public safety concerns at the Birmingham City Jail, alleging negligence and lack of oversight. Cited the deaths of Peaches Krosky, Kendall Sweezer, and Xavier Gray, and the misuse of $146,000+ for a project that never happened. Called on the council to hold the mayor accountable for fiscal irresponsibility.
- Madeline Green, Osmond Valley Neighborhood Association President: Criticized the council for acting as a unified "Goliath" and not serving the people's interests, particularly regarding the data center ordinance vote on June 9th, 2026, and urged the council to do the right thing.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance Item #2: An ordinance amending the legal description of property at 1909 14th Avenue North, correcting the previous ordinance passed June 23, 2026. Passed unanimously.
- Resolution Item #5: Appointed three members to the Birmingham Planning Commission: Charles Miller (term expiring Oct 6, 2026), Ron Hamner (term expiring Oct 6, 2026), and Lisa Williams (term expiring Oct 6, 2029). Approved by roll call vote.
- Resolution Item #6: Appointed Elaine Carter to the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham Board of Directors, filling an unexpired two-year term ending May 31, 2027. Approved.
- Resolution Item #64: Set a public hearing for August 18, 2026, to consider an ordinance changing zone district boundaries for properties in the Southern Area Framework Plan, including Crestline, Crestwood, and Red Mountain communities. Approved.
- Ordinance Item #65: Authorized temporary protective security services for elected municipal officials and their immediate families in response to credible safety threats related to official duties. Approved unanimously.
- Vacancies Announced: Positions on the Art Museum (Shea Hendrix, Marilyn Dixon, Jack Eccles, Jalen Montgomery) and the Birmingham Land Bank (Jessica Bennett) were announced, with terms expiring in August 2026. Referred to respective committees for consideration.
Key Outcomes
- Approved consent agenda in a single motion.
- Passed ordinance amending property description for 1909 14th Avenue North.
- Appointed three members to the Birmingham Planning Commission and one member to the Regional Planning Commission.
- Scheduled a public hearing for August 18, 2026, regarding the Southern Area Framework Plan.
- Approved ordinance for temporary protective security services for officials.
- Council unanimously passed a resolution of sympathy for the family of Mr. Willie James May, a former educator and school board member.
- District updates: Upcoming neighborhood meetings, community events (health fairs, farmers markets, back-to-school drives), and committee meetings were announced.
- The meeting adjourned after public comments.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning, Birmingham. Today is Tuesday, July 7th, 2026. The time is now 9 30 a.m. I call to order the meeting of the Birmingham City Council. Today's invocation will be led by Reverend Jeffrey D. Black, Senior Pastor of Mount Moriah Baptist Churches. Reverend Black here. Thank you, Reverend Black. Come on up to the podium. And our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councillor Clinton Woods. If you'll just okay, you're on right there. Thank you, Reverend Black. If everyone will please join and stand this if you're willing enabled. Let us bow heads. The father who is our sustainer, who is our supplier and our strength. We come in the powerful name of Jesus, declaring today, oh God, that you're good and that you've been good to us. We come out, Father, asking, oh God, that you would bless our city, bless our mayor, bless our council, bless this entire administration as they lead and govern this city in the way that you see fit. And God, if you do it, we'll give you all of the praise and all of the glory in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you very much, Reverend Black, for that very thoughtful prayer. Good morning, Mr. Clerk. Morning, Madam President. If you'll please call the roll. Councilmember Gunn. Good morning. Morning, sir. Uh Councilmember O'Quinn. Good morning. Councilmember Smith. Councilmember Smithman. Councilmember Vasa. Good morning. Good morning. Councilmember Williams. Councilmember Woods. Morning. Council President Pro Tim Tate. Good morning. Good morning. Council President Alexander. Good morning. Thank you very much. Council. Councillor, we'd like to ask for approval of the minutes from the previous meetings of April 7th through April 28th, 2026. We need a motion and a second for approval of those minutes. All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, say more. All right, thank you.
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