Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – August 18, 2026

The Birmingham City Council met in regular session on August 18, 2026, at 9:38 a.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Rev. Rick Owens and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Josh Vasa. After roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the Council heard a proclamation honoring Ignacio Pullham for National Aviation Day, approved a land bank authority appointment, and received district updates. Two agenda items were withdrawn.

Proclamation & Recognition

• Mayor Randall L. Woodfin presented a proclamation recognizing Ignacio Pullham (Sky Guy Aviation Consulting, docent at Birmingham Southern Museum of Flight) for his distinguished service in aviation, aerospace, and STEM education. Councilor Darrell O'Quinn sponsored a resolution honoring Mr. Pullham, which was approved unanimously by a voice vote.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda (Items 2–34) was approved by a single roll-call vote with no objections. Key consent actions included:

• Item 2–8 – Liquor license transfers and special events licenses (Rock N Roll Sushi 280, Green Springs Liquor & Vape, Ivy & Oak Café, Symphony in the Gardens, Fiesta, Greek Festival, Heritage Dinner).
• Items 9–10 – Towing service licenses for Jakes Recovery, LLC and Merkel’s Chelsea Towing.
• Item 11 – Abatement of nuisances on over 100 properties across the city, with costs assessed as liens.
• Items 12–14 – Abatement of three inoperable motor vehicles (Jeep, Chevrolet Impala, Buick) as public nuisances.
• Items 15–19 – Budget amendments: $201,826.25 for A.G. Gaston Park concessions; $2,729,829.60 for street improvements on 19th Street Ensley Avenue to Bush Boulevard; $1,000 for Killough Springs Neighborhood Association; $500 for Woodland Park Neighborhood Association; $4,767.25 for traffic calming in Echo Highlands.
• Items 21–22 – Public Road Crossing License agreements with Alabama & Tennessee River Railway for grade crossing improvements near Sloss Furnaces and the 35th Street overhead bridge.
• Item 23 – Amendment to Opioid Abatement Provider Agreement with Auburn University (not to exceed $200,000) extending the peer-led substance abuse prevention project in Birmingham City Schools through December 31, 2026.
• Item 24 – Agreement with Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School ($1,200) for South Titusville Neighborhood Association meetings.
• Items 25–26 – Right-of-Way Encroachment License agreements for a fence and concrete pad (Theodore By Tre Luna, LLC) and a flag sign (Urban Beverage 3, LLC).
• Item 27 – Emergency contract with Diversified Elevator Service and Equipment Company ($16,780) to repair elevators at Birmingham Central Library.
• Items 28–31 – Purchases: emergency vehicles from Emergency Vehicles, Inc.; books from Ingram Library Services ($36,281.93) and Midwest Tape ($2,295.15); Kenworth vehicles from Kenworth of Birmingham.
• Items 32–34 – Approval of advanced and itemized expense accounts for appointed officials and city employees.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (Southern Area Framework Plan zoning change for Crestline, Crestwood, and Red Mountain communities) was withdrawn at the request of the Planning, Engineering and Permits Department. Councilor Williams asked for follow-up on readvertisement and requested zoning staff contact his office. The item will be readvertised.
• Item 20 (Second Amended and Restated Ground Lease with Veranda at Graymont School LP for a 75-year, $1/year lease to create 101 affordable senior housing units and an early learning center; also related restrictive covenants for the Choice Neighborhoods/Legacy at Graymont Project) was withdrawn at the mayor’s recommendation.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Item 1 withdrawn; to be readvertised after proper notice.
• Item 20 withdrawn.
• Resolution honoring Ignacio Pullham approved.
• Item 35 – Jennifer Bennett reappointed to the Land Bank Authority of the City of Birmingham (Director 6), term expiring August 19, 2030, approved unanimously.
• Councilors provided district announcements including neighborhood meetings, community events (e.g., UNCF Walk for Education, D9 Thrive cleanup), and committee schedule changes.