Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - July 21, 2026
Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - July 21, 2026
The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 9:35 AM. The meeting was called to order by Council President Pro Tem Tate, with an invocation by Reverend Jermaine Johnson and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Gunn. The council approved previous meeting minutes, passed a consent agenda of routine items, discussed a zoning public hearing, and heard public comments on various neighborhood issues.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes from May 5, 12, 19, and 2026 (specific date unclear).
- Passed consent agenda items 1-39, including routine approvals. Item 29 allocated $2,000 for District 6 and $5,000 for District 9.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Deborah Sample (representing Walter Vedosa's POA) described long-standing property neglect at 1411 55th Street in Woodlawn, including a junkyard, commercial vehicles blocking streets, and city property violations. She stated the issue has persisted for eight years and requested city intervention. The chief of staff acknowledged the issue and promised code enforcement follow-up.
- Mallory Bates (3465 South Gaylord Court, Colorado) opposed the construction of data centers in Birmingham, arguing they are being rushed and would harm the environment and water supply. She urged the council to slow down and allow more public input.
- Tammy Smith (1708 33rd Avenue North) requested speed bumps and tree trimming for safety concerns, praising overall city progress.
- Garland Belcher (3924 39th Court North, Ensley) complained about overgrown grass and trees on adjacent properties, and abandoned cars, seeking city assistance.
- Robert Banks (1613 28th Street, Ensley) raised concerns about lack of paved roads, overgrown grass, insufficient park services, absence of a certified grocery store, and criticized the "Blossom and Bloom" event as superficial. He called for genuine community engagement from councilors and police.
- Eric Hall (1721 Cullham Street South) criticized the administration for prioritizing "parties over people" and investing in security rather than engaging with constituents. He praised Councilor Darrell O'Quinn for visiting a homeless shelter without publicity and called for transformative leadership.
Discussion Items
- Item 40 – Zoning Public Hearing Resolution: A resolution to set a public hearing on August 25, 2026, for a zoning map amendment (Case ZAC 2026-0804) to change from Mixed Use Medium (MUM) to Qualified Mixed Use High (QMUH) at 1240 22nd Street South. Councilor Vasa inquired about the required advertising lead time for public hearings. The city attorney indicated that four weeks is the applicable requirement. The resolution passed after discussion.
Key Outcomes
- Approved previous meeting minutes (May 5, 12, 19, and 2026) and the consent agenda (items 1-39).
- Passed the resolution to set a public hearing for the zoning map amendment on August 25, 2026.
- Acknowledged public comments and directed administration to follow up on code enforcement issues raised by Deborah Sample and others.
- Councilors provided announcements of upcoming neighborhood meetings, events, and committee meetings, including the Community Development Committee meeting on August 3, the Budget and Finance Committee on July 27, and the Public Safety Committee on July 28.
Meeting Transcript
Now that just mark that outside. Yeah. Yeah, those would steal money. I guess that was no feeling. So this is the obvious fool. Okay. Another hair one. It should be okay. You know what I'm saying? Good morning, Birmingham. Today is Tuesday, July the twenty first. The time is nine thirty-five AM. I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council. The invitation will be led this morning by Reverend Jermaine Johnson. He's the senior pastor of Green Liberty Baptist Church, located in Birmingham, Alabama. The pledge of allegiance will be laid by Councillor Gunn. If you are willing and able, please stand and join us in a moment of prayer. Good morning. Would you pray with me? God, our Father, gracious and mighty one. Matchless Savior. Lord, we ask that you would be with us this day. We thank you for another opportunity to be here in these places where you allow us to dwell. Lord, dwell in this place. Cover us in this meeting. Lord, we lift up our city officials, our counselors, our mayor, and his staff. Keep them in their perfect pieces. Their mind is stayed on you. We continue to ask that you would protect us as a city. Put your hand on our young people. Cover them as they prepare to begin to come back to school. Make those places safe, Lord. Continue to lift up our city and protect it as only you can. Lord, we lift up these prayers in your holy son Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you, Reverend Johnson, for leading us in the prayer this morning. Taking our time in your schedule to come and take us in prayer this morning. Good morning, Miss Clerk. Good morning. Can you give us a roll call, please? Yes, ma'am. Councilmember Gunn. Good morning, Councilmember O'Quen. Good morning, Councilmember Smith. Councilmember Smithman. Good morning. Councilmember Vasa. Good morning, Councilmember Williams. Good morning, Councilmember Woods. Good morning.
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