Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - July 14, 2026
Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - July 14, 2026
The Birmingham City Council met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 9:39 a.m. for its regular meeting. The council approved a consent agenda containing numerous routine items, passed several resolutions and ordinances, and heard a presentation on the Me Time Book Club. Key actions included funding for the Hospital Linked Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) and applying for a FEMA grant for the Village Creek stormwater park floodplain restoration project. District updates and public comments were also heard.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda included items 1–32, 35–36, 38–44, 47–55, and 57 (with items 34 and 37 withdrawn). Councilmember O'Quinn requested removal of item 42 from consent for separate discussion. The consent agenda was approved unanimously.
Presentations
- Me Time Book Club: Councilmember O'Quinn introduced a representative of the Me Time Book Club, a nonprofit founded in 2011 to promote literacy through book clubs, author events, community service, and an annual book festival called "Behind the Inc." The festival, held at the Harbert Center, has grown from 100+ attendees in 2021 to over 600 in 2025. The 2026 festival (scheduled for September 25, 2026 at Harbert Center) will feature New York Times bestselling author S.A. Cosby. The representative thanked the council and noted support from the city, local businesses, and organizations. Councilmembers praised the event's growth and impact.
Discussion Items
- Mayor's Communications: Mayor Woodfin offered condolences for the passing of Dr. Willie James May Jr., a longtime educator. He also announced that BOLD (Building Opportunities for Lasting Development) applications are now open for the 2027–2028 cycle. Over the past eight years, BOLD has contributed $6.2 million to 66 local organizations; up to $1.5 million has been allocated in the FY27 budget. A public information session is scheduled for July 16, 2026.
- Item 33 – Hospital Linked Violence Intervention Program (HVIP): An ordinance authorizing an interlocal agreement with the Jefferson County Board of Health to continue the HVIP program, with the Defender Alumni Association providing case management and support services. Funding of $1,154,574 through June 30, 2027, is provided by the board. Councilmembers Pro Tem Tate and Smitherman expressed strong support, with Smitherman hoping for expansion to other hospitals. The ordinance passed unanimously.
- Item 42 – Village Creek Stormwater Park Floodplain Restoration FEMA Grant: A resolution authorizing the city to apply for a $2,645,000 FEMA pre-disaster mitigation grant with a 25% city match for the Village Creek project. Councilmember O'Quinn requested removal from consent to ask questions. Staff clarified the timeline (36 months) and that matching funds are held in the grants division. The resolution passed unanimously.
- Item 45 – Zoning Board of Adjustment Appointment: Valerie Abbott was appointed to fill an unexpired term ending November 25, 2031, replacing Janice Smith. Passed unanimously.
- Item 46 – Design Review Committee Reappointments: Abra Barnes, Cindy Coyle, Ivan Holloway, and Brian Wolfe were reappointed to terms ending July 30, 2029. Passed unanimously.
- Item 56 – Public Hearing on Zoning Amendment: A resolution setting a public hearing for August 25, 2026, to consider a zoning map amendment from D3 to QD4 for property at 5900 Avenue M, requested by RRR Investment Group LLC. Passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Joseph Hope: Mr. Hope reported that after a year-long investigation, all his complaints against certain police officers were sustained by Captain Harry Greenberg. The complaints included threats, altering a police report (changing $40,000 damage to $1), and other misconduct. He urged the council to remove those officers from their jobs, stating they cannot be allowed to alter reports and jeopardize public safety.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved (unanimous).
- Ordinance 33 (HVIP funding) approved (unanimous).
- Resolution 42 (Village Creek FEMA grant application) approved (unanimous).
- Resolution 45 (ZBA appointment) approved (unanimous).
- Resolution 46 (Design Review Committee reappointments) approved (unanimous).
- Resolution 56 (public hearing set for August 25, 2026) approved (unanimous).
- Items 34 and 37 were withdrawn from the agenda.
- A public comment was received regarding police misconduct; no immediate council action was taken.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning, Birmingham. Today is Tuesday, July 14th. The time is now 9 39 a.m. I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council. The invitation will be led this morning by Reverend Dr. Keldin Lang, pastor of the Bright Lily Missionary Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councillor Pro Tim Latanya Tate. If you're willing and able, please stand and join us. Reverend Lane, good morning. Let's pray. Oh gracious God, we come as humble as we know how thanking you for another opportunity of life. We thank you for the mindset to come to this city hall meeting to serve your people. Now, God, we pray blessings upon this mayor, pray blessings upon this city council. We pray blessings upon the first responders, the city officials and all of the public works apartment that's going to be going to and fro today to see about these your people. Father, we pray blessings upon every resident, every neighborhood, every business today, that they may glorify you in all that they do. Now, Lord, as we prepare this meeting, this agenda has been prepared. We ask that you would lead this meeting with your wisdom and your Holy Spirit. Let every decision that we made today be showered with integrity. Let every discussion be marked with respect, oh God. And Father, we ask right now that every disagreement be handled with grace. And then, oh Lord, this agenda that has been prepared. We pray now that as it goes forth that you would get all of the glory out of it, all of the honor and all of the praise out of it, and that the citizens of this magic city would benefit. This is our prayer. This is our petition. It's in the powerful and precious name of Jesus. We pray that every heart say amen. Amen. Thank you very much. I pledge allegiance. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much, Reverend Lang, for the very thoughtful prayer. We appreciate you starting our morning off for us. Good morning, Mr. Clerk. Morning, Madam President. Would you please call the roll? Uh Councilmember Gunn. Good morning. Morning, sir. Councilmember O'Quinn. Morning, Councilman Member Smith. Good morning. Good morning. Councilmember. Councilmember Vasa. Morning. Councilmember Williams. Councilmember Woods. Good morning. Good morning, Council President Alexander.
openpublica.com