Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – September 22, 2026

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on September 22, 2026, at 9:30 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation from Bundles of Hope, approval of a consent agenda with numerous routine items, public hearings on a major zoning ordinance and two property demolitions, and public comments on community concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals including: rescission of a limousine CPNC (Item 2); grant of operating authority for a low-speed vehicle service (Item 3); budget amendments appropriating $4,187,640.00 for capital improvements (Item 4) and $25,000.00 to Public Works (Item 5); agreements with AHSAA for cheerleading competition (Item 8), Birmingham Land Bank Authority for ARPA funding (Item 9), Ernst & Young LLP for consulting (Item 10), Neighborhood Housing Services for Healthy Housing (Item 11), VertiGIS for GIS software (Item 12), and various right-of-way encroachment (Item 13) and neighborhood signage (Item 14). Also approved: settlement of a claim (Item 15), demolition of 19 unsafe structures (Items 16-19, 22-35), emergency sinkhole repair (Item 36), museum boiler replacement (Item 37), fire station carpet replacement (Item 38), museum renovations (Item 39), citywide resurfacing ($10,101,922.47) (Item 40), emergency vehicle upfitting (Item 41), and multiple bids for supplies, equipment, and library materials (Items 42-58). Also approved three refunds totaling $47,152.61 (Item 59), expense accounts for officials and employees (Items 60-63), and a weed abatement notice for 289 properties with a public hearing set for October 27, 2026 (Item 64).

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Rivers (1409 42nd Street, Ensley) asked about the impact of zoning changes on surrounding areas, safeguards for enforcement, and who would ensure compliance. He also requested that zoning terms be explained more clearly to elderly residents. Councilor O’Quinn directed him to staff for detailed answers.
• Harry Chambers (800 25th Street, Ensley, Osborne Enterprises) thanked the council for rezoning efforts and expressed hope to correct the zoning on his existing business property.
• John Meehan (3001 Avenue D, Ensley) announced a Green Mass on October 5, 2026, at Holy Family Church, focused on environmental protection.
• Mary Crenshaw (property at 312 Avenue V, Pratt City; resides in Maryland) complained about dilapidated properties and gun violence. Councilors Pro Tem Tate and O’Quinn explained the legal process for condemning structures and noted a new state law allowing foreclosure on municipal liens. They urged her to contact state legislators.
• Joseph Holt (4730 Single Man, North Birmingham) praised the council for investing in poor communities and holding events that bring hope.
• Willie Jenkins (Collegeville) announced upcoming church events: Men of Prayer at Belford Baptist Church on October 4, 2026, and a red-blue ball at Carver High School on September 26, 2026.
• Ricky Green (5600 First Avenue North, East Birmingham Church Ministries) detailed a dispute with Birmingham Waterworks Board over a $6,000 water bill and meter removal, despite a court order to restore service. Councilors noted the board is not under city control and recommended talking to state legislators and the board’s appointee.

Discussion Items

• Presentation: Bundles of Hope (National Diaper Awareness Month) – Lindsay Gray described the nonprofit’s work distributing diapers, wipes, and period products. They serve approximately 2,000 babies monthly, distributing 100,000 diapers, and have 44 partner organizations. They recently purchased a 22,000-square-foot facility. Councilor O’Quinn highlighted that Bundles of Hope was a former BOLD recipient.
• Item 1 (Pratt-Ensley Framework Plan Rezoning – ZAC2025-00027) – A public hearing was held. Zoning Administrator Kim Sprill explained that the rezoning affects neighborhoods in Pratt and Ensley communities. Goals include aligning zoning with the 2013 Comprehensive Plan, consolidating zoning ordinances, downzoning vacant heavy industrial areas, introducing mixed-use districts, and implementing urban neighborhood districts for flexible housing. No new Q conditions were added. The Ensley Works site was rezoned from MXD to I-1 light manufacturing to support advanced manufacturing and green energy. Community meetings began in September 2024, and the Planning Commission and Planning & Zoning Committee recommended approval. Council voted to approve the ordinance.
• Item 6 (Intergovernmental Agreement with Mountain Brook for public art sculpture) – Approved by unanimous consent. The City will allow Mountain Brook to install and maintain a sculpture at a roundabout on Cahaba Road within Birmingham’s limits.
• Item 7 (Intergovernmental Agreement with Jefferson County for Roosevelt City Pedestrian Bridge) – Approved by unanimous consent. The City will repair and maintain a bridge over Valley Creek that connects a Birmingham neighborhood to Roosevelt City Park.
• Items 20 & 21 (Demolition of structures at 3012 Dowell Ave SW) – These were withdrawn from the consent agenda earlier. After public comments, the council brought them back for a vote. Property owner Nathan Thompson (6779 Old Springville Road) requested a 90-day delay, stating he had just acquired the property and faced challenges accessing public records. Councilors criticized the lack of maintenance and noted the property is near a school. City Attorney King clarified that Thompson’s records request was denied due to an incomplete form. The council voted to approve demolition of both structures.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Items 6 and 7 (intergovernmental agreements) approved.
• Item 1 (Pratt-Ensley rezoning) approved after public hearing.
• Items 20 and 21 (demolition resolutions) approved over owner’s objection.
• Councilors provided numerous community announcements, including neighborhood meetings and upcoming events.
• Public speakers were referred to appropriate staff or legislative channels for follow-up on property complaints and water board issues.