Mobile City Council Regular Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Mobile City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM (implied). The meeting included approvals of minutes, communications from the Mayor, two proclamations, a monthly financial report, public comments, and approval of several ordinances and resolutions. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the February 24 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Adoption of Agenda: The agenda was adopted unanimously.
• Appeals (Noise Ordinance Waivers): Requests for noise ordinance waivers on March 7 (Cathedral Square), March 14 (Lyons Park and Marine Street, Dauphin Street), March 11 (Mardi Gras Park), March 17 (Dauphin Street), June 13 (South Royal Street), and April 25 (Lincoln Park) were approved unanimously.
• Ordinances Passed: Includes a conditional use permit for properties at 1356 Government Street, 120 Espijot Street, and 1356-1360 Conti Street (CUP), and a modification of a previously approved plan unit development at 6151 Marina Drive South – both passed unanimously.
• Resolutions Passed:
  • Purchase order to Warner's Athletic Construction Company, LLC for artificial turf replacement at Herndon Sage Park (Res. No. 09213) – approved.
  • Transfer of funds from Capital Improvement Fund unallocated projects to general fund for build-out of Mobile Sports Hall of Fame – approved after clarification that funds were from capital allocation, not unassigned fund balance.
  • Certificate of public convenience and necessity for shuttle service (Res. No. 37220) – approved.
  • Amendment to Res. No. 311001 to change local match requirement (Res. No. 31219) – approved with an amendment to clean up wording.
• Consent Resolutions Introduced and Passed (Rules Waived):
  • Assessment for weed removal (Res. No. 58221).
  • Appropriation to Caitlin's Closet for college as serving a public purpose (Res. No. 6222).
  • Purchase order for Clear Point Capital Project Management software (Res. No. 08223).
  • Purchase orders for storm drainage vegetation and debris removal (Res. No. 08224, 08226) and swimming pool chemicals (Res. No. 08225).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cheryl Newman (ROAR – Reach Out for Animal Rights): Expressed deep gratitude for the City of Mobile Animal Services team, especially Director Robert Bryant and Officer Michael Crabtree. Highlighted the positive impact of collaboration between the city and nonprofits, and emphasized the importance of transparency and education to reduce public frustration. Stated that ROAR is fully committed to the partnership.
• Brooke Whitehurst (animal rescue volunteer): Praised Animal Services for their documentation and communication, particularly Officer Michael Crabtree's after-hours responsiveness. Acknowledged that the department faces criticism but is doing its best with available resources. Called on the City Council to provide more support, funding, and accountability, including holding judges accountable in animal abuse cases. Noted that the FBI classifies animal abuse as a gateway crime often linked to other criminal activities. Urged the council to view animal welfare as a path to a better community.
• Council Responses: Council members thanked the speakers and acknowledged the work of Animal Services. Council President noted that a draft of revised animal ordinances has been received and will be reviewed soon.
• Reggie Hill (public comment on several agenda items): Commended Councilman Penn for securing resources for Sage Park, stating such investments help reduce community conflict. Expressed concern about using resources from the unassigned fund balance for the Sports Hall of Fame (though corrected by council president that funds were from capital allocation). Urged the city to invest in less visible community needs, such as literacy and citizenship programs for at-risk youth. Called for using investigatory powers to level the playing field in resource allocation.

Discussion Items

• Communications from Mayor Cheragatis:
  • Announced that the Mobile Museum of Arts won three honors (Gold, Silver, Best in Show) at the AAF Mobile Bay American Advertising Awards for its rebrand. Manager of External Affairs Mary Beth Lursen won the Tim Cook 1065 Award for Excellence in Public Relations.
  • Invited the public to a community meeting at 6:00 PM tonight (March 3) at Gilead Elementary School to discuss the Perch Creek Preserve, which includes 190 acres of preserved waterfront and plans for a connected park district.
  • Announced a major milestone in Mobile Arena construction: topping out ceremony at 1:00 PM today marking completion of structural frame, placing construction at halfway point. Arena remains on time and on budget for Mardi Gras 2027.
• Proclamations:
  1. Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month (Mayor Cheragatis): Recognized UCP of Mobile, founded in 1947 by the Junior League, serving over 700 families monthly across 32 counties. Provided statistics: over 1 million people in the U.S. impacted by cerebral palsy. Programs include early intervention, preschool, camp, employment services, therapies, and adult day programs.
  2. Christian and Youth Service (Councilman Penn): Recognized the organization founded in 1918, originally a home for unwed mothers, now an educational partner. The Youth Health Ambassador Program reaches approximately 1,712 youth annually. Auburn University evaluates progress; 2023 results were outstanding. Ambassadors represent 14 high schools.
• Monthly Financial Report (January 2026):
  • Current period earnings: $40.7 million (strong due to business license renewals).
  • Fund balance: $187.6 million; reserve: $64.4 million; general fund operating balance: $123.2 million.
  • Sales tax revenue for month: $20.1 million; year-to-date actual: $74.3 million (34.84% of budget – above the 33% target, indicating revenue exceeding budget).
  • Business license revenue for month: $40.6 million; year-to-date: $42.2 million (76% of budget).
  • Total revenues: month $77.5 million; year-to-date $162.4 million (42.78%).
  • Total departmental expenses: $24.9 million for month; year-to-date $69.9 million (24.64% – below the 33% benchmark, indicating spending below budget).
  • Net income for month: $40.7 million; year-to-date $47.4 million.
  • Discussion: Council noted substantial increase in room (lodging) tax revenue, attributed to a rate increase and improved collection on short-term rentals (Airbnb). Revenue Director Mari King has been successful in collecting more lodging taxes. A new contract with Granicus is being finalized to further enhance collection.
• Council Announcements:
  • Councilman Penn: Celebrated Black Art event at Mobile Museum of Art with record turnout; many attendees visited the museum for the first time.
  • Councilman Gregory: Read Across America at John Will Elementary (Dr. Seuss's birthday); visited Miller Park where over 200 kids registered for baseball; celebrated retirement of Ann Williams, first African American female hired by Mobile Fire Rescue (30 years as driver/EMT). Also reported a shooting on Valdez off AT Road – police quickly found a person of interest and made an arrest; investigation ongoing.
  • Councilman (District 3): Attended Black History program at Council Elementary; Read Across America at Craig Head Elementary; announced Easter egg hunt on April 4 (3-5 PM, Maryville Elementary) and community meetings on April 7 and May 19 for various neighborhoods.

Key Outcomes

• All votes during the meeting were unanimously in favor, with no recorded opposition.
• The financial report shows the city is in a strong fiscal position with revenues exceeding budget and expenses under budget.
• Animal Services ordinance rewrite is underway; a draft has been submitted to the council for review.
• The Mobile Arena construction is on time and on budget, with a topping out ceremony today.
• The Perch Creek Preserve community meeting will gather public input on park development.
• Council members will continue to work on short-term rental collection enforcement.
• A shooting incident in District 6 resulted in a prompt arrest; police investigations are ongoing.
• Next steps include council review of the draft animal ordinances, continued community engagement on Perch Creek, and upcoming community meetings in April and May.