Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 9:36 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Reverend Laramie D. Long and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Clinton Woods. The council approved minutes from previous meetings (June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026), received communications from Mayor Whitman, and conducted public hearings and votes on zoning and liquor license items. Notable discussions included reflections on the Birmingham Football Classic and community announcements.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals passed by a single motion, including:
  • Resolutions for liquor license transfers, special events permits, and consumable hemp products (Items 2, 5).
  • Abatement of inoperable motor vehicles (Items 6–23).
  • Abatement of nuisances on multiple properties (Item 24).
  • Ballroom lease agreement for BPD promotional ceremony (Item 25).
  • Installation and maintenance agreements for fire stations (Items 26–27).
  • Lexipol Cordico Wellness App purchase for fire and rescue (Item 28).
  • First Amendment to security system monitoring agreement with Vector Security (Item 29).
  • Legal settlements (Items 30–31).
  • Picnic at Railroad Park event (Item 33).
  • Capital project contracts for Oasis Park fence, Slayden Avenue drainage, Shields School asbestos study, BPD North Precinct roof replacement, and others (Items 34–37).
  • Purchasing approvals for training manikins, fire fighting equipment, breathing test instruments, community engagement materials, office furniture, window coverings, software subscriptions, and tire repairs (Items 38–48).
  • Advanced expense accounts for officials and employees (Items 49–50).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 3 (Lounge Retail Liquor License – Washington Media Group for P Legendary):
  • Molly Brunson, representing the applicant, stated the business hours would be 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., emphasized a comprehensive safety plan, no criminal history at the location, and registration of cameras with Connect Birmingham. She noted the neighborhood association voted against the license (10 opposed, 2 supported) but argued the applicant is new and unrelated to previous businesses at the site.
  • David Ildridge, Vice President of the Ensley Island Neighborhood Association, opposed the license, citing past nuisances from previous lounges (littering, noise, damage to nearby property) and concerns about creating an undesirable environment near the new Family Life Center at Crossplex. He stated the neighborhood has denied similar licenses multiple times.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (Floodplain Ordinance Amendment): Zoning Administrator Kim Sprill presented a text change to the floodplain overlay section, replacing "or" with "and" to require manufactured homes and recreational vehicles in special flood hazard areas to both be elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation and be supported by reinforced piers. The change ensures compliance with FEMA's Community Rating System. No public comments were made. The item passed unanimously.
• Item 3 (Liquor License – P Legendary): Councilor Smith removed the item from the consent agenda because the neighborhood association voted against it. After public testimony, Councilor Smith asked about the safety plan, and the applicant confirmed it was shared with the neighborhood. The council voted and passed the resolution.
• Item 4 (Special Events License – UAB Art Block Party): Councilor Smith recused herself, and the item was removed from consent. The council voted and passed the resolution with one abstention.
• Reflection on Birmingham Football Classic: Council President Alexander noted lessons learned regarding water availability, hydration stations, and crowd management during the September 1 game; suggested working with H2O Foundation for future events.
• Item 32 (Design Review Committee Appointment): The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended Ezra Lee to fill the unexpired term of Gina Mallisham (expiring July 30, 2027). The appointment was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1: Ordinance amendment passed unanimously.
• Item 3: Resolution for Lounge Retail Liquor Class I License (Washington Media Group for P Legendary) passed.
• Item 4: Resolution for Special Events Retail License (Tre Luna Catering for UAB Art Block Party) passed with one abstention (Councilor Smith recused).
• Item 32: Appointment of Ezra Lee to Design Review Committee approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: All items approved without objection; Items 3 and 4 were removed and voted separately.
• Next Steps: The 911 commission meeting will be held immediately after the next council meeting (September 8) to address a tabled interlocal agreement. The September committee of the whole meeting rescheduled to September 30 at 3:30 p.m.