This is the product.

This is the regular meeting of the city council Tuesday, September the 9th.

Please stand for our invocation, led by Lynn, led by Pastor Tony Lagier, Public Safety Chaplain, and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Good morning.

I like to greet everyone on behalf of the great strong Mobile Police Department.

Good morning to everyone.

Let's pray.

Our Father, we give thanks to you for a wonderful day that you've made, and we submit ourselves to you, and we pray, dear God in heaven, have mercy upon us.

We pray too that you would find us available, wanting to be instruments of your hand, your hand.

I pray that today you favor our leaders.

May we all have your mind and may our decisions reflect your good name and character.

You're welcome here, Spirit of God.

We pray in Christ's name.

Amen.

And to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Roll call, President Small.

Here.

Vice President Gregory.

Here.

Councilmember Penn.

Here.

Councilmember Carroll.

Council Member Reynolds.

Here.

Councilmember Daves.

Councilmember Woods.

Here.

Statement of rules.

And good morning, everyone.

Good morning, everyone.

It's good to see everybody this morning.

Welcome to our September the night, 2025 meeting.

At this meeting, we do have rules.

At this time, I ask if anyone have any type of electronic device, including cell phones.

Please at this time put on the offer to barberry position, the offer the barbarian position.

Any person that is desiring to address the Mobile City Council must sign in indicating the ordinance, the resolution of public hearing agenda item before entering the meeting.

When addressing this council, the speaker must give his or her name.

Anyone who has not given a proper note to the city clerk office and wishes to speak on a non-agenda item would not be allowed to address this council.

Each speaker is allowed three minutes to address this council.

A bell will indicate the sign of the end of two minutes, one minute remain for uh summarizing.

The second bell indicates that your time has expired.

To maintain the corn, that would be known to applause or public outcry allowed.

Madam Clerk.

Communications from Mayor Stimson.

Yeah, Council President.

I'll be making uh comments on behalf of the mayor who was unable to be here, but he brings greetings to everybody present.

Uh today we will be introducing the vacant building ordinance, the vacant buildings for the downtown area, mainly because they create us a public safety issue and they stifle the development of our downtown business district and entertainment.

Uh, these types of public safety issues include fire hazards, they attract crime, and they create more blight within our within our downtown area.

Uh too many people have invested too much in downtown to let it continue.

Uh, this is not a punitive action by the city, but we want to incentivize the owners of the property to improve the properties or put them back into productive use.

Uh, this is not a new concept.

Vacant building registries are common tools used across the country, particularly in historic cities like the city of Mobile.

Developed in coordination with Mobile Police, the Mobile Fire Department, and the Downtown Alliance.

This is an important for our city and for the future of the development of the downtown area.

Thank you for your consideration.

We're happy to answer any questions.

We have people here that can answer those questions uh related to this ordinance.

I have several proclamations, but first I would like to have the public works employee of the month, Cynthia Lee Callahan, uh, activist activity specialist, uh leads our programs for the Mobile Parks and Recreation Department, um, who also made the replica of the Civic Center.

Lanisha Penn will recognize Lee.

Good morning.

To the administration, city council, and other pres others present at this forum.

It is an honor to recognize someone who has had an incredible impact on both Mobile Parks and Recreation in our community center that we serve.

As an employee of the month, Cynthia Callahan, as many of you may know her as Lee, for the past three years.

Lee has worked as an activity specialist at Labarather Art and Cultural Center, where her creativity and passion has touched the lives of so many, especially our youth.

She has created the Porch Parade during Monty R with our youth and helped teens create many floats.

The global, our global night event that brought the community together through the celebration of all culturals, Lee has considered consistently gone above and beyond and foster inclusivity and creativity.

Her international fashion event, which highlighted the cultures, dress of various countries, is just another example of how Lee has encouraged everyone to celebrate what makes us uniquely different, but together.

Through all of her programs, Lee has inspired others to connect, create, and appreciate the diversity that makes our community special.

Lee, your enthusiasm and dedication continues to leave a lasting impact on our department and beyond.

Thank you for all that you do.

Just want to say thank you, and it's a pleasure and privilege to serve my community.

Thank you.

For the moon pie over mobile, can I get people from the members of the events mobile board?

Cassandra MacAboy, the vice president, and Councilman Fred Richardson, is he president?

He is good morning, members of the council.

My name is Cassandra McAboy, and I'm vice president of Events Mobile.

We have a full house today.

I was really shocked.

I was voluntary that I would be speaking this morning.

Thank you, Shauna Smith.

But anyway, we are happy to announce this year's performing act, and for that, we have the one and only the legendary Mr.

Moon Pie himself, Mr.

Fred Richardson.

Good morning to all.

It was President Small who asked the board not to wait until a month before the event to make the announcement of the main attraction.

We are here this morning to honor your request.

Rank number nine among all New Year's New Year's Eve events in America.

We have come a mighty long ways.

And the board selected a R and B group whose leader was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduated high school with Prince, and they started out playing in the same band.

If you love Prince, you will love the main attraction for the Moon Power Drop this year.

So for the Moon Pie for the announcement, watch the screen.

I don't really understand.

This girl, she sees me.

She's trying to figure me out.

She can be my queen.

Give me wild.

Sexy new pants is called bird.

No perfect massive.

And that's about the same.

I've been twice.

I think I'm going to know yeah.

I said, I'm a Luke Dangerous.

All right now.

All right.

What you got to say about Mars Day and the time.

You got to say it's going to be exciting.

It's not going to be a dull moment.

Now we are expecting you to join us in the cutting of the world's largest edible moon pie at 7:30.

Then we're going to join the parade to march onto the stage.

And we're going to go up on the stage at 8:30 to welcome a record crowd to our great city.

Stay tuned, stay tuned for uh extra announcements.

We're planning for everybody to have a great time.

And in closing, Mobile was born in 1702.

By 1703, we celebrated Marty Grove.

We know how to have fun.

DNA is fun is in our DNA.

So we all you got to do is show up.

We're gonna have fun waiting, waiting on you if you show up.

So come join the join the fund on New Year's Eve at the Moon Pie Stage, downtown Mobile.

We're looking for all of you to be there.

Thank you very much.

And I would like for the Intel board to stand.

They are awesome.

Thank you very much.

Uh former councilman Richardson.

Since you are making uh fulfilling requests from the uh president of the council, I have one more request.

You got we need you to do the Mars Day dance on the stage when it's time to do it on New Year's Eve, you know.

I'm saving that for New Year's Eve.

Thank you so much.

Mr.

President, uh Mr.

Penn.

Um, I just want to thank my councilman, Councilman Richardson, um, for the vision to have the moon pie drop.

Um, and that's what it's about.

So I want to just thank you.

Thank you to the entire board for making this happen.

And Councilman Richardson, I will join you on the stage doing the third.

Yeah, and I believe it too.

You're that legend.

All right, thank you.

Okay, I'm looking for all of the council members on this.

Mr.

Preston.

Uh Mr.

Davis.

Since it's my last time to see.

Yeah, you gotta come, Joe.

Listen to Councilman Richardson's preview of coming attractions for the moon pie drop.

Uh, I want to say again that uh while Councilman Richardson was on the council, uh, he and I agreed sometimes.

We disagreed sometimes.

That's right.

We never fell out.

That's right.

We never fell out.

And he's a great guy to take a long trip in a car with, which I have done.

But when he first came up with this moon pie drop idea, I thought it was the nuttiest thing I'd ever heard in my life.

But he was absolutely right.

You and the you and the team have done a fantastic job uh with it.

It's just absolutely incredible.

Great idea, great job done.

Thank you.

Appreciate you.

All right.

Thank you very much.

I have a couple of um proclamations.

The first one will be National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

Attendees are Dr.

Artie Pack Mabian, Director of the University of South Alabama's Johnson Haynes Jr., MD Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, if I could have them come down.

Also, Dr.

Antoine Hogue, uh, medical director of the Sickle Cell Center, and Dr.

Hamayan Imron, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Division Chief.

Get them.

And proclamation reads that whereas sickle cell disease refers to a group of inherited disorders, which a person inherits two abnormal genes and the body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells that resemble a crescent or a sickle.

And whereas a sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 Americans and an estimated 5,000 Alabamians.

And whereas, while there is no widely available cure for sickle cell disease, bone marrow transplantation and gene therapies, including gene editing therapeutic approaches, may offer potential cures for some patients.

And whereas the Johnson Haynes Jr.

MD Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at the University of South Alabama, USA Department of Pediatrics Hematology, Oncology, and the Mobile Chapter of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America work hand in hand to provide comprehensive care and support to sickle cell patients to ensure quality care and access to needed resources close to home.

Now, therefore, William S.

Stimson, the 108th mayor of the City of Mobile, do hereby officially proclaim September 2025 as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in the City of Mobile, done at the City of Mobile, Alabama, this ninth day of September 2025, signed William S.

Debs.

Good morning and thank you.

In the state of Alabama, to bring home 2002 estimates indicates that sickle cell disease affects approximately 2,0500 to 5,000 individuals each year in the state of Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Public Health Newborn Screening Program diagnoses 50 to 60 newborns with sickle cell trait.

All NCAA student athletes must provide their schools with documented results from a previous sickle cell test, or they must undergo testing during their participation and their pre-sports medical examination.

The concern is that during intense exercise, athletes with sickle cell trait have experienced significant physical distress, collapse, or even death.

This policy was implemented in 2010.

In 2024, the most recent data available, 2,103 newborns were diagnosed with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, as reported by the Alabama Department of Public Health and approved by the Bureau of Clinical Laboratories.

This is an increase when compared to 2022 with 1,788 newborns.

Of the 2,103 newborn born with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait in the state of Alabama, 381 were from Mobile County.

81% were African Americans, 12% were Caucasian, 2.4% Hispanics, and less than 1% were biracial.

Research studies suggest babies born with sickle cell disease in the United States will survive to adulthood.

The economic burden of sickle cell disease among pediatric and adult patients is substantial with increased health care costs, resource utilization and cost.

However, better treatment for sickle cell disease could reduce its economic burden for patients as well as payers.

On behalf of the University of South Alabama, Dr.

Johnson Haynes Jr.

comprehensive sickle cell center, the University of South Alabama Pediatric Hematology Oncology Division, the Sickle Cell Disease Association Mobile, and the more than 500 individuals that we treat for sickle cell.

Thank you to the mayor of Mobile and the City Council for acknowledging and recognizing sickle cell disease.

Thank you all so much for what you all do in the community.

Thank y'all.

This is also the Mobile Public Library Library Card Sign Up Month.

The proclamation attendees are Miss Jurae Hall, Library Director, and Mrs.

Brenda Jackson, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

Also attending are various library branch managers.

If we could have all of them come down for their proclamation.

And the proclamation reads as follows.

Whereas libraries are foundational to education, imagination, and opportunity, offering everything from early literacy programs to digital tools that support lifelong learning and personal growth.

And whereas libraries welcome all people serving as community hubs that connect individuals across cultures, generations, and experiences.

And whereas libraries curate collections and design programs that reflect the populations they serve, ensuring access to information, technology, and culture for everyone.

And whereas libraries help individuals navigate life's challenges by providing trusted information, digital access, job search support, and connections to essential services.

And whereas a library card opens doors to endless possibilities from books and technology to lifelong learning and imagination.

And whereas we encourage all residents to sign up for free library card at your local Mobile Public Library Branch and explore the endless possibilities they offer.

Now, therefore, our William S.

Stimson, 108th mayor of the City of Mobile, do hereby officially proclaim September 2025 as Library Card Sign Up Month in the City of Mobile, done at the City of Mobile, Alabama, this ninth day of September 2025.

Signed William S.

Stimson.

Thank you so much.

Good morning.

But this month specifically is the month to get your library card.

Endless possibilities are there.

Really quickly, I want to recognize our board chair.

This is Miss Brenda Jackson.

And then some other very important people who are here with us behind me, our branches, our represented, as well as community groups.

And so I want to make sure that I share that information with you too.

The Sims Women's Club, as well as the representative, Madam Chair, Madam President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated is here as well.

And if someone within the sound of my voice here today would like to get a card today, you are more than welcome to do that with Mr.

Christopher Cox, who is here from the Ben May Library.

So out in the atrium.

So thank you so much for this proclamation and for helping us celebrate a wonderful resource in the community.

Thank you.

Mr.

President.

Yes, Mr.

Penn.

I just want to give a big shout out to the Mobile Public Library.

The work that they're doing is just truly amazing.

I had to pull up to the Tomville branch.

And so it's just I just commend seeing the young people now doing their homework, seeing all the different programs taking place from poetry.

Yes, sir.

It's just amazing.

So thank you so much for your service.

Yes, sir.

One final comment, a new partnership that we have launched this month with the Mobile Chamber of Commerce.

It's on their webpage.

Endless possibilities for businesses, professional development courses, hundreds.

Free online, Excel, Google, so many different resources.

You simply go to our website and you can access the digital resources as well as what we offer in 11 locations, including our bookmobile.

So thank you.

Thank you so much, Mr.

Penn.

Thank you all again.

Council President, that'll conclude the mayor's remarks.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Um, today it's my pleasure to have the greatest high school in the world here.

Um, and most of you all know what high school that is.

Um, John L.

LaFleur High School, John L.

LaFleur Magnet High School.

Um, and so one, I would like to acknowledge Commissioner Matt Day, who's in the house.

Can we get Commissioner Matt Dave a big hand who represents um my educator, and that's why it's so important to listen to your teachers and be present.

And that's why it's so important to listen to your teachers and be present.

And so thank you so much for the work that you're you have done so many years in our community.

We also have Dr.

Williams here, the principal of John L.

LaFleur, Ms.

McCutum, the assistant principal.

And so I just want to thank everybody to come up that came out today.

So it's my pleasure to give a certificate to these young people, the advanced placement scholars.

They are Taylor Andrews.

Can we give Taylor a big hand?

Taylor, you can come down to the podium right here.

Jamia Robbins.

Janaya Wooton.

And Malayja Gordon.

Now Malaysia received with honors earning a three or higher at least of four of the AP exams.

So awesome job.

Joss Wicks.

Also received with honors earning a three or higher on at least four AP exams.

To be named an AP scholar, a student must earn a score of three or higher at least on three advanced placement exams.

These students are our future and our now.

The next generation of leaders will make a difference in this world.

And that is why I'm here to support you through any education journey that you might have.

Let's celebrate these scholars and congratulations to you all.

Okay.

Jamaica.

Now, guys, these they so perfect.

They came in order of the certificates.

I didn't even have to do anything.

All right, can we turn around and we're gonna take a picture?

All right, let me scoot in here.

Dr.

Wizard, would you like to be in?

Commissioner McDave, you'll come down, take a picture.

If you want to.

Now you look at me like look, that was the teacher look like Corey.

Leave me before.

Yeah, okay.

Thank you.

Dr.

Will you have any you like anything on second?

Thank you.

Okay, Commissioner, you have to say congratulations, young ladies.

That orange and green just look amazing.

I don't know about y'all.

I just love them two colors.

It looked like you're a blunt on now today.

I represented for the moon pie.

The moon pie drop, I sit on the board.

Don't start with me, President Smile.

All right, so I have one more proclamation.

Um can I get um the national seasonal ceasefire day?

Everyone that's with them, veto Bun.

You have anybody else?

Okay.

Today I have a proclamation, whereas National Cease Fire Day is a powerful grassroot initiative aimed at curbing gun violence, especially among youth.

This calls for a collective reflection on unity action and to end the cycles of violence that have deeply impacted our neighborhoods.

And whereas the white flag movement mission is to dismantle the generation and cultural stereotypes, foster safe communities, and equip citizens with conflict resolution, critical thinking, and a life-saving tool.

And whereas this initiative has grown to receive recognition not only across the city of Mobile, but surrounding counties, but in cities and states through the county.

It has been an instrumental in launching and supporting several community-based organizations that align with shared goals of peace, healing, and systematic change.

And whereas the white flag movement not only demonstrate leadership in the fight against gun violence, but also uplift and empower the voices of those who are striving daily to rebuild neighborhoods from within.

And now, therefore, I, Councilman Corey Penn of District One, and the members of the Mobile City Council do hereby proclaim that October the 6th, 2025 as National Cease Fire Day, done here September the 9th, October the 25th.

Can we give Von a big hand?

Thank you so much for all the service.

Yeah, I'm I'm speechless right now.

This has been like 10 years, and I'm making one of my long-term goals always one day to be able to create a national ceasefire day in hopes of saving our future generations.

So I mean, I'm I'm actually lost for words.

I'm a man of many words, but I'm lost for words right now.

I thank you all.

I thank public safety in the city for giving me an opportunity to show that what I'm trying to do is possible.

Thank you.

Congratulations and thank you.

Mr.

President.

Yes, Mr.

Reynolds.

Today we're joined by the Tillman's Corner Area Lee Learning Leaders Program and uh Tina Peru with uh Tall and the Southwest Midville County Chamber of Commerce.

She's the executive director.

And for those of you who don't know our uh councilman Woods here is the president of the board for the Southwest Midville County Chamber.

It's always a pleasure when they come down, we get to visit with them.

Uh Chief Barber and Councilman Woods and I.

We all had a good round table discussion.

And what we learned in that discussion is every single one of them are aspiring to have a career that we need in the city of Mobile.

So we're hopeful that you go out, get your higher education, and come back to the city of Mobile and get jobs for us.

Um we have students here from Mary G.

Montgomery, McGill Toolin, Baker, St.

Luke's, UMS Wright, Alma Bryant, Thidor High School, Mobile Christian, and Cottage Hill Christian Academy.

I want to say thank you all for being the future leaders that we need in this city.

Please take advantage of this opportunity that society provides you to learn everything you can possibly learn so that when you do enter the workforce, you'll be able to handle anything that's put in front of you.

Thank you for being good students.

Also, we have uh Tyler Rowland with Faith Academy, he's a senior at Faith Academy.

He's he's down here seeing how his municipal government works, he's shadowing some folks today.

Uh, hopefully I'll get to spend some additional time with him to show them around my messy office.

So thanks for being here, Tyler.

Good to have you.

Adoption of the agenda.

So move.

Second.

Prompt the move and second in discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed, agenda is adopted.

Appeals, we have a request for wave of the noise ordinance on October the 25th in on Government Street.

Second.

Prompt the move and second in the discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed, appeal passes.

Public hearing.

Today is the public hearing to consider the modification of a previously approved planning approval and a previously approved plan unit development for property located at 3610 and 3720 Michael Boulevard.

This opened up the public hearing for this particular said item.

Is anyone present that would like to address the council on this item?

If not, this public hearing is closed.

Today it's a public hearing to declare the structures at 1606 Katie Street, 270 Oak Drive, 506 Patton Avenue, public nuisances and ordering them demolished.

This opened up the public hearing for this particular said items.

Is anyone present that would like to address the council on these items?

If not, these public hearings are close.

Today is the public hearing to consider adoption of the 2025-2026 general fund and capital improvement fund budgets.

This opened at the public hearing for this particular said item is anyone present that would like to address the council on these items.

So you may come down to the poll by stating your name.

I was a 39-year employee of the city of Mobile for the fire department.

I am currently retired.

But I'm here on the um for the firefighters retiree association.

I would like to say that uh we had heard some that there might be a price increase on insurance, is what I'm concerned about.

And but I also heard that um or we've heard that the that maybe a council member had stated that this would not we would not be covered in this or it would not apply to the retirees.

I would like to have that addressed or answered if I could, but first I would like to um bring highlighted to the police and firefighters have not have a cola for I believe it's about 19 across the board years since they've had a COLA for them.

I think it was 2005.

Uh there was a partial one in eight.

But anyway, it's a long time.

They haven't got nothing zip.

You know, these retirees, some of them retired with 25 years plus.

Uh they currently left out making less than what your entrance level pay is right now, and they only bring 75% or less of that home with them.

They shop in the same grocery stores.

They buy their gas at the same gas stations, and their power comp power is figured on the same rate as current employees than everyone else.

It's very tough.

They were frontline employees of the city, and they were subject to the worst conditions that society has around here, and the trauma from that has taken a toll on them mentally and physically.

If we can find, please find a way to correct this tragedy.

I asked you to please don't contribute to their adversary by compounding additional costs to their thin monthly budgets.

I would like to ask on behalf of the retirees that you, the city council, administration, would you strongly consider a cost of living raise for the retirees?

Thank you.

Can you address about the just the insurance?

You can have a seat, sir.

Yes, sir.

So there was I apologize.

Um, yes, sir.

So there was a document that the mayor signed last week that uh includes a slight increase on employees' health insurance across the board for retirees and current employees.

I believe the range of increases monthly ranges from around ten dollars a month to around $36 a month.

I apologize, I don't have that document in front of me, but I believe that's that's accurate.

Um we can distribute that out to the council members today uh for consideration.

We we receive that, and we have a one pager um that just uh outlines of those changes and it's in HR right now.

I can distribute that to you.

Uh Vice President.

Is that reflected in the budget?

So in the budget, we did not have, we didn't have we did not increase um our costs.

There were some changes in how we calculate health insurance, and we are covered with the health insurance.

That was that document was signed um after after this uh budget was submitted to you.

Um so there is a slight change in what the employees pay, but that is not reflected in here.

It's a revenue neutral as it relates to the to the budget itself.

Yeah, because I think I'm the person who asked the question about insurance benefits and any increase in costs.

And I think we were told no when we had our earlier meetings.

That is correct.

Then the budget in the budget there is impact for that, and I can submit to you the document that shows the changes across the board.

Um again, that's an HR today.

Um I can distribute that out to everyone this afternoon, actually, as soon as we leave this meeting.

But would that then require us to amend the budget in order to no ma'am?

That would not have any effect on on the budget is presented.

That would be separate from that.

The city's cost are what the city's costs are.

So there would not there would be no budgetary impact to that.

It was just a change in what the employees would pay for for their cost.

But a follow-up on that is would that not require an approval from the council before the in-costs are increased?

Are you saying it's just just done by policy?

I'm not aware to that.

It's my understanding that that would be um that the legal provision of that is that can be done by the mayor through administrative policy.

I'm not aware that that will go through the city council.

However, I'm not city's legal staff.

It's just my understanding that that is administrative right of the mayor.

I've always thought it was a contract change that the council had to approve.

No, no, no.

Um so the executive director of finance is is correct about that.

You have to remember that the executive authority of the mayor deals with all city employees in alignment.

And so if we were changing the actual uh we changed some some major contract, Ms.

Gregory, we would be correct.

But if we're dealing directly with employees or former employees, that falls within line and scope of the executive branch.

Ms.

President.

Mr.

Pan.

Um, do we know the total amount of cost this would um for taking that up?

How much is that?

Uh uh memory alone, I believe we're talking somewhere around $800,000 a year.

Anyone else?

Uh Ms.

President.

Ms.

Rums.

So this that was brought up regarding the retirees, the firefighter retirees would affect the amount of premium that they pay out of their pocket, not the any contribution coming from the city.

Am I understanding that correctly?

Okay.

That's correct.

All right.

And it would only affect those retirees who are not currently on uh metacare.

Correct.

Correct.

It would only affect the employees that are on the city's on the city insurance.

All right.

And the other question regarding the uh cost of living raise.

And we evaluated the cost the the budget impacts both short-term and long term for the increase to a cost of living raise.

So that's two percent, five percent, whatever rates there are.

It's a bit of a complicated question, and that obviously those retiree um the benefits paid to the retired are paid through by the pension fund.

Okay.

So there would have to be some conversation about what happens to the recurring annual if that um were to take place.

In other words, if there was a raise for retirees, there's going to be an actuarial study that would tell us what the small percentage difference would be that the city would have to pay going forward each year.

I believe that document is prepared, and we have that at the um pension at the pension board, we can get that information to you.

I think that would be helpful to us um because they're you know, obviously getting hit with an additional health care cost, and then haven't you know gotten a raise in the pension uh for 19 years, I believe is what he said.

And we are now in this budget cycle retiring that unfunded liability if everything goes to plan in 2026, which should sort of lay the foundation to sort of address some of these long-term issues that have existed for a long period of time.

Uh I know we're we're sort of thin in our budget this year, where we're really sort of having to press some category, so I don't know that it's possible, but if it is possible, I think it's worthwhile for us to consider and and try to make happen.

I don't know what the total dollar amount would be.

Do you have any idea what the dollar amount would be to say increase the the pensioners uh cost of living by two percent?

I'm sorry, I don't know, but I I can tell you relatively small.

I I don't think that would be a large uh impact, just based on the percentage and the number of active retirees.

I think we should probably include some of that discussion within our current budget discussion.

And so those documents that we can get from uh the board, I think would be helpful to our overall budget discussion as we consider you know passing this current budget.

If you could get that for us, that'd be very helpful.

Yes, sir.

Mr.

President, uh Mr.

Days.

A couple of points I think need clarification.

The first is that the unfunded pension liability will not be paid off in the upcoming fiscal year.

It will be paid off, but but at the end of the upcoming fiscal year.

We we've we've allocated what 16 million dollars in the budget.

Yes, sir, in fiscal yeah.

And that's in the upcoming fiscal year.

When that's get when we've expended that 16 million dollars, the unfunded liability will be paid off, assuming nothing happens in the markets.

Is that right?

Yes, sir.

So during the I just don't want anybody to think there's room in this budget by savings in the in the uh what we were paying on the unfunded liability to do something like is being discussed.

The other thing uh that I'd like to point out is that you have to look at not just if you do something like this, it's not just an expense in the in the fiscal year in which you do it, it is a perpetual expense.

It is a perpetual expense over which you have no control.

Because once you start it, you're not gonna be able to undo it.

So I I think I think if the council is gonna spend some time looking into doing this, uh a cost of living raise for the retirees, a lot of time and study needs to put into it before that decision is made.

Mr.

President, Mr.

Reynolds.

I completely agree with what councilman Dave says that every dollar we spend in salary or anything today creates a long-term obligation within the pension, and that there is in fact substantial discussion that needs to be had uh this term about you know, once we fund this unfunded liability, there will still obviously be pay payments that need to be made, maintenance sort of payments based on performance of the market.

But I think it's worthwhile while we're discussing budget to go ahead and sort of open that can of worms and let's start understanding it now with more clear eyes so that when we do become you know positioned better, that we can actually tackle it and you know correct this long standing you know shortcoming.

Mr.

President, uh yeah, we've the administration's already been in discussions with the um pension board or the members or certain members of the pension board on this and other issues.

Uh the unfunded liability, the last payment is being made.

That was a 30-year amateurization.

Uh, what the administration position was, and uh we're we're 100% behind studying, they're contacting the actuary to find out what that impact would be on the pension plan.

Um, I think 2007 was the last time that we did anything, and it wasn't just police and fire, it was all city employee retirees, because it was hinged on what the state legislature does did as far as the state employees.

And I know that that law has changed within the legislature had changed it with a new bill that addresses COLAS, but I think gives more discretion to the municipalities or whoever participates in that plan.

We we don't have all the answers.

We do agree with studying this and what that impact may be, um, especially given that the that the pension plan now would be the unfunded liability would be funded fully funded.

But we do see the need on both.

We we do think that we need an actuary study on what that cost of living adjustment would actually do, Mr.

President.

It was wrong.

Um I appreciate that.

And uh, I just want everybody to understand that this is not this is a team effort that has to happen if we're gonna cross this bridge.

This is not a sole council action or a sole administrative action that you know we've got to work together to get it done.

Uh so I don't want to paint the wrong picture that you know we have this ability up here just to fund it or pull something from one item and put it in another, it still has to be, you know, the check still has to be written just because we pass it, they still, you know, we can't make them spend the money.

So it's a team effort, and I look forward to working through that issue over this next term.

Mr.

President?

Mr.

Karen.

Um thank you, Mr.

President.

I want to join in with my colleagues and stating the same thing.

I think it's vital that we we provide the resources that's needed to our retirees that gave so much for our community, so much to our city.

Um, so I think I commend the administration already working towards that, trying to come up with a study.

Um, and I love to see that so we can go on and start preparing um and get ready for a situation like that.

So thank you, Mr.

President.

Okay.

Vice President.

I do just want to go back and make sure I understood you, Scott.

So the savings of the insurance increase, did you tell us what that was?

Was that the $800,000?

Or was that that's $800,000 savings on the insurance increase?

Yes, that's correct.

And that just goes back into the general fund.

That is correct.

Okay.

Still have a bit of an issue with that.

Um piggybacking on Mr.

Um Reynolds and and and Penn, what we're talking about the studies and what to do going forward, that also is part of the filling the gap, the issue that we have heard so much about recently from our public safety officers.

So in these studies, we need to be looking at that as well.

Yeah, for clarity, the gap that um councilwoman Gregory is referring to is the horizon employees that have came on since 2015, and it's the gap between retirement age and Medicare age.

And so we are looking at that.

Again, that was part of the meeting that we had with the pension board.

Um, and there is an actual study to look at our historics and what impact, if any, that would do.

And so there's actually multiple things that are being looked at.

I will tell you this, and working with the pension board, we're all of these studies are very mindful that whatever we do when we get fully funded, we don't create an unfunded liability.

That we have to make sure the plan can fund these things, which is why we're doing the studies.

Because we definitely do not, and I don't think the retirees want us to get in a situation where we have this huge unfunded liability for future administrations to deal with.

Mr.

President, uh Mr.

Davis for a part of any discussion along these lines.

The thing to remember about a defined benefit pension plan is that how much you have to contribute if you're the sponsor of the plan to the plan every year depends on how the underlying assets in the plan are doing.

Now we've benefited from the fact that we've had a consistently, well, almost consistently rising stock market.

But I would remind everyone that the stock market is at an all-time high.

The likelihood that it's going to continue on this rise is much less than the likelihood that we will see a retraction.

So we need to be very, very careful about adding more liabilities to the defined benefit pension plan or to the other retirement plans.

Again, this is the public hearing for the 25, 26 general fund and capital improvement fund budget.

Anyone else would like to address the council on the budget?

You may still come down to the podium by stating your name.

I'm with the boys and girls clubs of South Alabama.

And I just want to start by saying thank you.

Um I know you don't hear that a lot in opening comments, but thank you because historically the city of Mobile has been a very generous investor in the futures of Boys and Girls Club.

We currently receive approximately $350,000 from the general budget every year.

This in the past has accounted for approximately 10% of our annual budget and has allowed us to serve in 2024 1,749 young people.

However, that still leaves what 14,000 young people between the ages of eight and 16 every day without supervision and without a safe space to go within our city.

And so we've taken up the mantle and the challenge to expand our impact with a goal of reaching 6,000 young people over the next three years.

But we need your help to do that because to triple our impact also requires that we triple our budget, that we triple our staff, that we triple our infrastructure.

And so I've put together a portfolio that allows us to partner with public and private because we understand that the city cannot carry all of the burden of public good and public interest.

And so we're partnering with private and individual entities with foundations, um, and hopefully with the county uh government as well.

But we need your help.

And so one of the things that we're starting is a bridges to great futures, which will allow us to serve five middle schools over the next three years.

Um, but that will require an additional investment, a totaling $600,000, of which we would ask that the city help with a third of that cost, uh, which would be an additional $200,000 per year.

Uh we've raised the uh $200,000 from the school system, and we've raised another $200,000 from private entity, but we need your help to help with that.

So anything that you can give as you look at your general allocation and where your funding to help boys and girls clubs of South Alabama would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time.

Morning, my name is Brooke Miller.

I'm a citizen in District Three.

Um, my question is I wasn't able to attend um normally when the contact of the city you notice sometimes that often departments are understaffed or need more staffing.

Um, my question is in regard to public works.

Was there um an increase in salaries for um services like city services and contracted amounts?

That's my question.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Is anyone else that would like to address the council on this particular said item?

Thank you.

The material that I'm going to provide today is based on the information that was given at the uh finance committee meeting.

So if there is uh anything that I misunderstood.

Oh, my apologies.

Uh Reggie Hill.

Um you need to address to it.

Okay.

Um if there's anything that I missed or that was not added, or there has been some additional information that's been provided, maybe similar to today, which is going to HR or something to that extent.

Uh please just correct me.

Um, based on material that I found, um, we have a $2.5 million increase to our sales tax.

Uh, further proving that the majority of our funding stems from what the taxpayers uh contribute to the City Mobile.

Uh, whether that's a millionaire having a shopping spree or a five-year-old uh purchasing some candy.

Uh we are given that tax based on the resources that we have, and so we're contributing that uh in an equitable sense, and I think it should be reflective of what we're doing.

Uh, we see here in the CIP district miscellaneous uh that there's an additional remaining uh 20 plus million dollars.

And I would like to advocate that those resources go towards districts one through three.

Uh we know that the infrastructure there is uh a lot more outdated, uh needs the most attention.

I think we can remain with the uh four million that goes across the boards to each of the other uh districts that would keep the seven districts there.

Uh but we're seeing where there's a serious overhaul needed because uh a lot of the lot of the components, let's see here, we're talking about uh revamping the other capital expenses.

Um we see stuff with software initiatives, uh, we see stuff with uh uh the municipal buildings, things of this nature.

Those things can be held off.

We're looking at drainage as being the most crucial part of what we're seeing in the city.

And so that would give us 20 million dollars with CIP, and we can keep the four in the district.

So we're looking at this piece about um the exhibit two, uh, which needs uh uh a serious look.

I don't think there's an issue with the cruise terminal resources.

I think that that was a fair number, uh, and that should be set.

Uh, but what we're seeing, a 400,000 dollar allotment that's going towards nooses abatement and demolitions.

We saw a lot of houses on the uh public hearing agenda for today.

We have no oversight with municipal enforcement, which allows us to see these properties before they start becoming dilapidated.

Instead, we're saying we're gonna put more money into uh tearing these structures down and then charging the citizens to uh have to pay for that.

So I think that's something that we need to look to as well.

There's this uh new hundred thousand dollars for administration projects, um, this uh covenant for exterior assignments with government, you know, these type of things we're seeing hundreds of thousands in increase as well.

We're continuously paying it to the maritime museum, hundreds of thousands of dollars.

We haven't gotten anything on return for the investment that we put in this from years and years ago.

Uh and then there's these IT expansions or relocations and uh repairs that end up equaling um additional million plus dollars that go into exhibits where we saw under a million dollars being spent on these things in the previous year.

Um, as well as we look at the uh this is the uh public service and and safety now.

Correct me if I'm wrong because the line item is different um here on the the this printout that was using the PowerPoint.

Um but it says that we're losing between the equipment of public works and public services, 1.3 million dollars.

Now that's that's quite alarming.

Um whereas we're we're increasing the equipment that's going to our legal department.

I find that very alarming seeing all of the uh third-party returner, third-party returner fees that we have uh within the city of Mobile.

I think we need to look at how we're how we're spending that as well.

Now let me get um into this piece of it here, uh, which was quite alarming.

And again, this is what was provided at the meeting.

So there's something that's missing, please let me know.

I didn't see anything on here for performance contracts.

Now maybe that's been added to another allotment.

Um I appreciate being enlightened about that.

Uh we know that that's very vital within our community for those services that go out as well.

We didn't see anything in here for discretionary spending for the seven council districts.

Now, I don't, and I and the way that this looks, it's like there's a decrease that's going to the uh the council offices.

So there's something that's uh written differently, or I don't understand that.

Uh please let me know.

And there's something that was increased nearly what $2.00 million for administrative services.

Is this going towards like salaries?

Because we know according to the Zagvia, we've already like just went past this cap of what we're supposed to be doing with hiring people within the administration.

So if that increased up for that two million dollars for additional salaries, I think that's something that we really need to uh to take a look at.

Um just rushing through this because we know time is not a lot uh to really go through all these matters with the city business.

I'm extremely glad to see that um there'll be a 2.5 million pay increase um as well as on the string we're glad to see that we'll substantially be reducing uh the amount of our vehicles that we're purchasing.

Um that's something I've been crying out about for years, and so to see that acknowledgement of budget on the preacher of it.

Uh, there are some other matters that um we're gonna address when we have the time for uh speakers that are signed up.

And if anyone can respond to any of those things, it'll be regularly appreciated.

Thank you.

Uh Mr.

President, I just recommend to Mr.

Hill that you print out the budget that's on the website.

It has all the performance contracts listed in there.

I try I tried to follow along with you.

I was having trouble, you know, following along where those particular increases or decreases that you saw were uh be happy to talk with you after the meeting, try to better understand what you're requesting.

Okay.

Is anyone else would like to address the council on this budget on this item?

If not, this public hearing is closed.

Uh uh.

You you have something on this on the budget.

Okay.

All right.

All right, Madam Clerk presentation of petitions and other communications to the council, Sabrina Maysk.

Ms.

Master's not here.

Hello, one minute, Madam Clerk.

Ma'am, what did you have?

Well, yeah, we had down the bait.

Is it on the council agenda?

Uh I don't know.

Is it it's a property on the council agenda?

What's the address?

Um yeah, you yeah, you would yeah, you need to sign up the Thursday before the council meeting.

You would like to come down here by two o'clock with the city clerk office.

If Ms.

Mr.

Brown, if you get her your card and just contact Miss Ms.

Brown, but you have to sign up in order to talk on a non-agenda item.

But Ms.

Brown shall help you out, okay?

Madam Clerk, Anthony Maven.

Good morning, Antony Mabin, Transit Union President.

Over the last couple of months, we have had several had heard several things about the transit system, and there are some concerns that we have as far as employees.

Uh some of the concerns was uh discussed earlier this morning in the transit hearing, but there are some other things that we need to iron out and find out so we can go back and report to the employees at the transit system.

One of the things that we would like to know is when via takes over with the way transit with will the current employees be affected in any type of manner.

When via take over, will the current employees accumulated time, such as sick vacation and personal time be affected.

Meaning, I'm understanding that they are talking about a payout, but you have some people that is maxed out with sick leave, and it's like 960 hours.

These people have to start our way back over here if you pay them out.

Then if they are currently working with the company and they get sick, then they don't have any other time.

So I have asked and pleaded about trying to roll this time over into at least a CD or something like that, or uh RA or something like that.

So when these people get sick, they'll be able to use this bank of time.

And then on that effect, when a person uh get paid out this time, then you also talk about putting that person in a type a higher tax bracket.

Because at the end of the year, you may go from 40,000 to 60 or 70,000.

Then that's more taxes that you got to pay as far as at the end of the year.

So all these things like this should be considered.

Yes, we we want our time, but just like they did years ago when they abolish the board.

You know, we got put in a into escrow account for the pension plan and just set there and it's raw interest.

Well, once the new plan started up, then those employees will put into the new retirement plan and they continue on.

Uh, we understand that you know, we dissolve in the wave transit system, but also we need to make it fair to the employees to where you know what average person in the CD mobile.

Okay, well, average person in the CD mobile would take a lot of money like that and put aside and bank it for if if they got any issues.

The other issues that we want to address is after June of 2026, what would happen to the employees then?

As of now, the current contract and everything will stay in effect.

But once after 2026, what's gonna happen to the employees?

Are they gonna be laid off or are they gonna be set aside, giving other uh assignments and things like that?

So it is more to it than just you know, dealing with a budget.

All right.

All right, thank you, Ms.

Mabel.

Uh Mr.

Scott, can you address some of those issues that uh Mr.

Mayman had carried down?

Yes, sir.

So I'll walk through, I'll try to take those in reverse order.

So specific to the question about any layoffs after June 20 or after June of 2026.

Um I had a conversation with VA representatives after our nine o'clock meeting.

Uh, they in fact see the opposite.

There is no there's no provision to wait to lay off any wave employees.

In fact, uh their plan um is specific to adding staff, so it would be the opposite of any layoff.

It would be their effort to add staff as a part of the new operating structure.

So uh the short answer to that we'll waive that will wave transit uh employees be laid off after June of 26th.

The answer as of today is absolutely not.

In fact, we'll add staff to that.

Um, specific to um the accrued leave.

I had a follow-up conversation with that as well.

And there were two things.

One, the discussion is the payout of those um current balances for the vacation leave for whatever that they've earned, they would be paid out for specific and pursuant to the existing contract going on to October 1 when those employees become via transit employees, then they would continue to earn their vacation leave and sick time at the same accrual rates as they are now.

They would not start over.

So those accrual rates would follow you with your seniority.

So if you're a more senior employee, you would continue to earn the higher vacation and sick leave rates, um, and those would go progressively up or down depending where you are on the seniority or longevity scale.

So the only conversation there would be left would be the simple payout of those balances.

It is currently the preference as I understand it from both via and trans dev that those balances be paid out with the final uh paycheck from uh first trans or trans dev.

Mr.

President, uh Mr.

Penn.

Would you finish Mr.

Scott?

Yes, sir.

Okay.

So my question is that if we have the amount of money there to do a payout, what's the difference in moving that into account to for vacant vacation time or sick days?

And the reason why I'm asking that is because of course, what Mr.

Maven talked about, but also you if you get a person that had earned all this time and say some challenge happened in their family, yeah, the money is there, but they actually don't have the time to take off work and can be held responsible for policies and procedures because they say, well, you don't have enough time for work.

Yeah, the money is there to provide the resources, but the time is not there.

So what's the difference in just taking the amount of money that is gonna be for the payout and then just moving into account to for those days?

So let me answer that question.

Go ahead.

Go ahead if you want to deal with it.

But I'll I'll answer the legal parts of it because there are some differences for us, but go ahead.

So I'll take those in reverse order.

On the uh VIA has communicated with their employees my understanding that any um previously scheduled vacation time, things of that nature are gonna be honored.

Obviously, holidays are coming up, people are already scheduled to take off.

So they've agreed to adhere to all of those work schedules as they exist today.

Um, the question about the paying out or the holding of that really becomes the question about an accrued liability to where if you simply transfer those dollars from trans dev to via, then there's gonna be an accrued liability of cash that they have for that um for the value of those.

So it becomes more of a an accounting question than a benefits question.

I certainly understand the question.

I think it's up for conversation, but it simply becomes who is gonna be the the holder of liability of of the cash.

The CD Mobile is currently not in that.

Obviously, that's wholly owned by Transdev.

It will be wholly owned by VIA.

It's just a matter of discussion of how you transfer those dollars, whether you pay them out.

Um the city has no preference.

It's just been up to negotiation between the parties.

Um either way that it was was um determined would certainly be agreeable to the city again.

Those dollars and those liabilities are owned between Transdev and VIA.

Mr.

President, second part of that, and Ms.

Collins is correct.

I I think there's probably some wisdom in how the council originally set this up.

And you have to remember two things.

One that the trans dev and via futures employees are not public employees.

That's important because these are both private entities, and one's not taking the liabilities on of the other.

I mean, that's that's not a standard practice.

The city doesn't even do that.

The reason that's important as far as the city council and the executive branch or the mayor's office is concerned is these are not our employees.

And I think the questions are valid, and we want to have those conversations.

But the reason it is set up like this is so that Transdev and or VIA can deal and collectively bargain with their private sector employees.

Remember, municipalities don't collectively bargain with unions.

And so, in order to have those union protections that the employees have, which they will maintain, and in order to be able to collectively bargain and talk about their contracts, they have to you know remain private sector uh employees, not public sector, like we would be involved in.

That's number one.

The second part of it, and I think once again, valid questions that we're asking is the way that we understand it is VIA is going to honor their vacation and is going to pay out what they have.

Um they will bring them in and it will have to deal with the union, not necessarily us will have to deal with what they get and what they're what they're receiving as far as employee benefits are concerned.

We can't really step into that realm very much with dealing with the employees, except for asking the questions and asking for an explanation as you all have done here.

Um it goes that far.

But I do understand, and maybe Via's lawyer may have a different answer, but as we understand it, we're not able to do all the things that we're asking to do, but we are able to ask the questions, and we're already able to advocate on behalf of citizens that live here and happen to work for transdev and are going to work for VI.

Ms.

President.

Yeah.

Thank you, Mr.

Woods, and thank you, um, Mr.

Collins for the um for answering the question.

Um, the the second piece of the question, based on the information you share, pass, we had transitioned to different um groups uh with transportation.

Correct.

Correct.

Okay.

So when we did when we transitioned from those different public um with transportation, what did happen what happened during that time with the the um days?

Well, I can tell you that was I think that was likely before my time.

Um can tell I don't have the answers I sit here right now.

We can look.

Okay, but what I can tell you is as we deal with via, which is a private entity, and we deal with trans dev private entity, we don't get to tell them that's why it's a contract.

That's why we have them as a contractor, and we don't get to interface or tell them what they're gonna do and not do with their employees, save answering asking the question and and getting answers like you are doing today, which is perfectly permissible.

There's nothing wrong with asking the questions and looking for answers, and I'll get you the information you're asking about.

All right, Kathy O'Keefe.

My name is Kathy O'Keefe, and I'm revisiting a recent uh policy problem.

I think that happened on the um uh on something that and we're trying to give you a handout.

I don't want that to eat into my time.

You have the handout with you.

It starts with a picture of where the property is located that we're questioning.

It's next to the CVS at airport and university.

And you remember the CVS was a contentious issue when that was rezoned.

The CVS is closing tomorrow.

It didn't make it, is never supported by the public because the in ingress and egress were just too unsafe to get out of.

But that was rezoned by the judge at the time.

So I'm here really to read into the public record where we stand on this so that we can go forward.

Those of us who were not included in the hearing before the judge that where we should have been by law.

So on May 14th, 2024, the council, this council unanimously voted against the rezoning of residential property adjacent to that CVS.

Three very large pieces of property that Greg Sadd wanted to turn into an office park, possibly with a bank.

You heard our arguments, traffic study, uh residence reports, and you unanimously supported that.

You weren't the only ones.

The future land use map of Mobile had that as staying residential.

The planning department has for over 20 years advised that property to remain residential because we know that there would be a domino effect going down the hill towards Azalea Road to turn subsequent properties.

So I was among those opposing the application.

On July 24th, 2024, a month after that rezoning, a lawsuit was filed in circuit court to set aside your decision.

For reasons unknown, neither you were notified, nor are any of us.

We find that very troubling.

The city attorney that was handling the case did not defend your decision, and in fact, conceded the case.

And I've given you a copy of that.

As a result, on July 22nd, 2025, the judge ordered the council to rezone the property.

And a month later, on August 22nd, 2025, Council, Councilman Daves notified the neighborhood of the judge's decision, an entire month after it happened.

And we I attached the letter.

So I have a question here, and then I'll step aside.

Now that the council is aware that it did not follow that the procedures were not followed, we were not included, you were not included.

We are asking if you will take action to defend the decision that you made to deny rezoning of that property.

All right, thank you.

So Mr.

President, I can address that issue.

So what we have here is um active litigation.

That case is still ongoing.

At least two of the neighbors have filed to intervene in that case to uh pursue defending what the seven of you all uh voted for.

Um I do not think the city is gonna have any objection to that intervention, and so the case will move on, and the judge will have a second decision, second time to make a decision.

All right, thank you.

Madam Clerk.

Reggie Hill regarding resolutions 09169, 091170, 2115, and ordinance 52046.

Thank you, uh, Madam City Clerk.

Uh, on the 21, 1150.

Um, I would like to see the same level of funding being put into MPD training.

Uh, I would actually like to request an investigation as to this as well, especially if it's going to be done towards OPR.

Uh, we know how that power is abused within the department, so that's something we need to look at.

Um, 52046.

Uh, since this is going to committee meeting, I will uh wait until we get some reference on that uh next week.

Uh so for the other two items, there appears to be huge uh unfounded liabilities based on this current budget.

Uh we want to look at it in a proper sense.

Um, but it was quite pleasing to see that 146,000 was given to increase for the parks uh and rec's equipment.

Uh we expect to have 416 million dollars to operate with in the upcoming fixed fiscal year.

There's a 9,345,391 increase to public safety, uh, with a good sum of that going towards 24 new police positions.

Um, and 100, excuse me, 1.4 million dollars going towards camera and video video management assessment.

Uh, this is not a prudent use of taxpayer dollars and further proves our reactionary approach to community peacekeeping as opposed to a more proactive approach to increased social services and equal access to capital.

Um, I think it's very important that we know that we should be investing more resources into social services, uh, police training, neighborhood development, housing, uh, higher educational collaborations.

And I still stand on the idea of what I said before.

We need to hold this thing over until after the 2025 municipal elections are done.

And even with the sense of who is going to propose the budget, the runoff is with the mayor rays, uh, reportedly.

And so we have one individual who would I'm surely would want to do something different than what's being proposed.

And then we have another individual who was on the commercial saying that we're gonna have a theater.

And I didn't see a theater in this budget anywhere.

Now, some other things you said I can get with you about so that's fine, but I don't see a theater on here.

So these are things that we need to make sure that we're looking at.

And I come down here quite often about these about these matters.

I'm not sure if this is in the place before, but we saw this weekend where there were a hundred tickets given, 47 warnings and three arrests.

We know that in the months of like June, March, December, these are the signs where we're getting these quarterly uh referrals and getting this the resources to come up for because we budget to give people tickets in the City Mobile.

So if there's anything on there in this budget about that, please have this removed.

So we know that this is gonna come back up for next week.

We know the time is not allowed to really discuss these uh matters, but please look at that, and then we even know with as well with the people who are gonna vote on it.

The district two races not finished.

So we have a lot of stuff that's in the air about what's happening here, and we need to make sure that we're considering what's going on with looking at the budget because these are taxpayer resources again.

These resources don't come from your pocket, they come from the citizens.

Thank you for your floor.

Let me get your forward name, Mr.

Hill.

Yeah.

Oh, my apologies.

Uh resume, Mr.

President.

One point of clarification.

I understand the questions, but the comment about the city budgets to issue citations or tickets, that is false.

Um, there's no provision of the budget under any circumstance that the city mobile would budget to issue traffic citations to any member of the community.

I thank you for that clarification.

Madam Clerk.

Uh point of clarification, Mr.

Um President and Council.

The District 2 race is done.

Thank you for the clarity.

Um of the mayor's.

Thank you for the clarification.

Madam Clerk.

Resolutions held over 081137, approved purchase order order to Howard Industries for Surveillance Cameras.

081140, approved purchase order to style's forward for Ford Pickup Truck.

081141 and 1142 approved purchase order to Sun South for John Deere Moore's 08.

I'm a 091145, authorized various amendments, reallocations, appropriations, and transfers to the fiscal year 2025 general fund budget.

091146 transfer funds from deferred revenues fund to capital account Copeland Cox Tenant Center in support of the United States Tennis Association grant.

21150 authorized contract with Protect Video for deployment and management of technology training and consulting services.

21151, authorized contract with SPV associates for services related to the implementation of the city's project management program.

21152, authorized contract with tinkering imagineers for professional museum exhibit design production and installation services for the National Maritime Museum.

So moved.

Second.

Prop the move and second and discussion.

All in favor?

Aye.

All opposed.

Item passed.

21 1149, authorized contract with Port City Transit for Services to Operate City's transit system.

Motion to lay over one week.

Second.

Prop the movement second in discussion.

All in favor?

Aye.

Opposed.

I don't lay up for one week.

Ordinances being introduced for the first time.

52046 through 64048.

Move to lay over for one week these um ordinances as read.

Rules.

Consent resolutions being introduced.

40 1155 through 2779.

Move to weigh the rules for immediate consent of these resolution to consider these resolutions as read.

Second.

Proper movement second in discussion.

All in favor?

Aye.

All opposed.

Rules waived.

Madam Clerk.

40 1155 through 1157.

Declare the structures at 1606.

Katie Street, 270 Oak Drive, 506 Patent Avenue, public nuisances and ordering them demolished.

581158.

Declare we snoxus wheat link group 1668.

60 1159 and 1160 are approved and award special bonus to the parks and recreation employee of the month and the officer of the month.

27 1176, 1177, and 1179 are authorizing contracts of Marsha Stew, Iris Frazier, and Wanda Johnson for professional services for the 2025 municipal election.

031178 appoint Erna Winston to the Citizens Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

So move second prop the movement second in discussion.

All in favor, aye.

All opposed.

I don't pass.

CIP resolutions being introduced.

Move to waive the rules for immediate consideration of resolutions.

No.

I'm not away yet.

We're on the CIP.

My council rule this will lay for one week.

I'm sorry.

I am ahead of myself.

Sorry about that.

Okay.

Yes.

Resolution is being introduced for the first time.

01162 through 601172.

Now moved away the rules for immediate consideration of resolutions.

1167.

1168.

Um 60, 1172, and 13, 1171.

Okay.

Second.

Property move and second in discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed.

Madame Clerk.

081164 approved purchase order to Dana Safety Supply for Transport of Tahoe.

Uh SUVs.

081165 approved purchase order to online consulting for pre-purchase of IT technology credits.

Approved purchase order to rescue one corp for inflatable rescue boats with trailer.

131171 authorized change order number two of Thompson Engineering for U.S.

Highway 45 Streetscape Improvements.

60 1172 approved stipend for Captain James Cunningham for his misses and accrued while attending the FBI National Academy.

So move.

Second.

Promptly moving second in the discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed.

I don't pass.

Call for public hearings.

4113, call for public hearing to consider the proposed modification of a previously approved plan unit development for property located at 4350 Moffat Road scheduled October the 14th.

4114 call for public hearing to consider rezoning property located at 2602, 2610, 2612, 2614, and 2616 Ocean Road and 1057 and 107 Item Avenue from R1 and B2 to B2 schedule October 14th.

41175 call for public hearing to consider an amendment to the downtown development district regulating plan to rezone property located at 250 St.

Francis Street from T 5.1 to T 5.2 scheduled October the 14th.

So second part of the movement second in discussion.

All in favor?

Aye.

All opposed.

Public hearings called.

Announcements.

She had given us the wrong address.

Yes, sir.

She actually lives at 506 patent.

That is on the public hearing.

She gave you the address that she currently lives in right now.

She didn't know.

When you asked for her address, she gave you her what is she's talking to David about getting a permit for the property.

So do we need to go back and motion to reconsider item 40 1157?

Second.

Okay, property movement second in discussion.

Just just go ahead and just give her the what 66 days.

Yes.

Okay.

Okay.

Need a motion on vote on the motion to recall.

Off of the question.

Yeah.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed.

All right.

Madam Clerk.

Okay.

Yeah.

So just trying to catch up.

40 uh 1157.

Declare the structure at 506 Patent Avenue a public nuisance and order it demolished.

Okay.

Second.

Property movement second and in discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed.

I don't okay.

Automator for 60 days.

All right.

All right.

District 1 Councilman Penn.

Thank you, Ms.

President.

We had a great opportunity to attend the new Frederick Wynn College of Medicine being signed in ceremony this past week.

Congratulations to South Alabama.

Just want to remind everybody that we have combo with Corey every Tuesday.

Um you can email council one at City Mobile.org to sign up.

And Saturday on Saturday, September the 20th, we have the youth NFL Flag Football League.

Um you can sign up with Marcus Fluker at Marcus.fluker at the City Mobile.org.

This will be taken at taking place at Sage Park from 9 a.m.

to 12 p.m.

Thank you, Ms.

President.

Thank you.

Uh Councilman Penn, district two, Councilman Carroll.

No announcements, Ms.

District 4, Councilman Reynolds.

District 5, Councilman Days.

Yes, sir.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

As the city council goes through the process approving the fiscal 2026 budget, I think it's appropriate to reflect on the improvement in the city of Mobile's financial picture over the past 12 years.

And let me give you just a few points.

The unassigned balance in the general fund, the city's operating account, has gone from $3.3 million operating and reserve on September 30, 2013 to 169 million one hundred and ninety-one thousand six hundred and eighteen dollars on July 30, 2025.

This is comprised of 107,565,000 operating plus $58,626,000 in the reserve.

The unfunded liability in the police and firefighter pension plan, as we discussed earlier today, has gone from $122 million at September 30, 2013 to $16 million on September 30, 2024, and should be paid off next year.

The city's outstanding debt on September 30, 2013 was $311,909 forty-four dollars and by sept thousand dollars.

If we had not taken on new debt to build the new arena, the city's the city's legacy debt would have been paid off by 2030.

We would have been debt-free.

In fiscal 2013, the city spent $25,568,770 on capital.

That's roads, parks, drainage, rolling stock.

In fiscal 2025, the city will spend $88,822,000.

It's a $60 million increase.

These capital improvements have enhanced the quality of life in every area of the city.

I take no personal credit for this.

This has been a joint achievement of the mayor, the city council, and the employees of the City of Mobile.

As I leave office, it is my hope that future mayors and councils will be as faithful stewards of the public's money as their predecessors in the last 12 years have been.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you, Councilman Days, for that information.

It was some great news for the City of Mobile.

District 6, Councilman Woods.

Uh yes, Mr.

President.

Just uh quickly, uh just a reminder of the District 6 community meeting at um on September 18th at 5 30 at Oak Park Church off Sale.

So I just wanted to put that out there again.

Thank you.

District 7.

Vice President Gregory.

No announcements.

All right.

Anything from the administration?

All right.

Motion to adjourn.

Second.

Property movement second in discussion.

All in favor?

Aye.

All opposed.