This is the regular meeting of the Mobile City Council Tuesday, May the 12th.

Please stand for our invocation led by Reverend Tom Heard, Public Safety Chaplain, and remains standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Like to say good morning, everyone, and uh want to encourage our council and our administration.

This coming Thursday at the Public Safety Memorial Park, we'll be hosting the annual law enforcement memorial at 10 30 on Thursday.

And we'd like to encourage all of you to come as we uh salute uh families and and those who've served our law enforcement communities so so very well.

And we're also happy today to present uh everybody knows uh Tom Heard.

He's um local uh priest right there at this uh little church behind us at Christchurch.

But I'm happy to say that he's been recently uh designated as our volunteer chaplain of the year, Mobile Police Department, and I'm so very proud of him.

Well, after that introduction, um let us pray.

Holy and gracious God, the giver of all good things, creator of the world in which we live.

Keep us ever mindful of your will for your creation.

Help us to guide our lives in accordance with your will that we may abide in you and that you may abide in us.

Be with this city and its leaders, help us all to be wise in what we choose.

Help us always to do the things that accord with your will.

These things we ask in your holy and blessed name.

Amen.

Congratulations of the United States of America.

I consider it like four way to stand on their call independent with liberty and topics.

Roll call, President Small.

Here, Vice President Gregory here, Councilmember Penn.

Here, Councilmember Ingram, Councilmember Reynolds, Councilmember Fleming, here, Councilmember Woods.

Here.

Statement of rules.

Good morning, everyone.

It's good to see everyone this morning.

Welcome to our May 12, 2026 meeting.

That is me, 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 off of the vibrate position, off or the vibrate position.

Any person that desires to address the mobile city council must sign in indicating the ordinance, the public hearing agenda item, or public appeal before entering the meeting.

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

The Thursday prior to the council meeting.

The subject that he or she wishes to express in the Mobile City Council must be identified and pertain to the city of Mobile Business.

Anyone who has not given proper notice to the city clerk office and wish 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 was sound to indicate the end of two minutes.

One minute remain for summarizing.

The second bell indicates that your time has expired.

When addressing this council, there'll be no personal address to any of the council members.

All statements are to be made to the chair who will recognize any council member who wishes to respond.

To maintain the coin, there will be no do applause or public acry allowed.

Madam Clerk.

Approval of minutes of May 5th.

So move.

Second.

Prophet move and second in discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed.

Communications from the mayor's office.

Yeah, council.

I'm bringing greetings on behalf of Mayor Chair Gotis cannot be here today, so I'll be making comments on his behalf.

The first one will be on second line transit.

We're continuing to work with our partner via to redesign and improve the city of Mobile's public transit system so that it's more accessible, more reliable, and more responsive to the needs of all mobilians.

We're hosting a series of drop-in informational meetings starting tomorrow to share details about the updates to the system and gather public input.

Wednesday, May 13th from 3:30 in the afternoon to 6:30 at the Thomas Sullivan Community Center.

Again, on Thursday, May 14th from 3:30 to 6:30 at West Regional Library, and on Friday, May 15th from 11:30 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

at the Bin Maid Main Library.

For more information, including the details, please visit the Mobile's Transit Future website.

The first one to the Coast Guard National Safe Voting Week.

I would like to call up Captain Luann Kaelenbach and Commander Trevor Blunt and the rest of the Coast Guard team to the podium.

Proclamation reads, whereas many residents enjoy boating, fishing, and other recreational activities on the navigable waters surrounding the City of Mobile, often using open or cabin power boats, personal watercraft, and paddle craft such as kayaks and paddle boards.

And whereas in 2024, the most recent year with available data, the United States Coast Guard verified 3,887 recreational boating incidents nationwide, resulting in 556 deaths, 2,170 injuries, and approximately 88 million in property damage.

And whereas most accidents stem from human error rather than equipment or environmental conditions.

Alcohol use, operator inattention, inexperience remain leading contributors and factors.

And whereas navigation rules violations contributed to 55% of the incidents, 34% of the deaths, 63% of the injuries and of the drowning victims, 87% were not wearing life jackets.

Whereas the Coast Guard emphasizes the importance to engine cutoff switches, which stop a vessel if the operator is ejected.

And whereas additionally, 69% of voting deaths occur where operators lacked formal safety education, underscoring the value of voting safety courses and public awareness campaigns.

Now, therefore, I spiral chair guidance, the 109th mayor of the City of Mobile do hereby proclaim May 16th through the 22nd of 2026 as safe boating week in the start of the year round effort to promote safe voting in the City of Mobile, Alabama, done by at the City of Mobile, Alabama, the 16th day of May 2026, signed Spiral Chair Guidus, the 109th Mayor of the City of Mobile.

Turn the mic on.

Yeah, just turn the mic on right there.

Yes.

I just want to thank Mobile for their sustained commitment to voter safety.

We appreciate your support.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

And whereas distracted driving is a significant cause of motorcycle accidents and fatalities, and whereas the city of Mobile is proud to be a leader in motorcycle safety, education, and awareness, and whereas motorcycles are a common and economical means of transportation that reduces fuel consumption and road wear and contribute in a significant way to the relief of traffic and parking congestion.

And whereas motorcyclists of the City of Mobile have contributed extensive volunteerism and money to local and community charitable organizations, and whereas during the month of May, all road users unite in safe sharing of roadways in the City of Mobile and throughout the great state of Alabama.

Now, therefore, I Spiro Chair Guide us, 109th mayor of the City Mobile, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as Motorcycle Awareness Month.

And we call upon all motorists to join in an effort to improve safety and awareness on our roadways.

Done at the City of Mobile, Alabama this 12th day of May 2026, signed Spiral Chair Guidis, the 109th mayor of the City of Mobile.

Uh thank you.

We have a short video that uh like for the council to view in the gallery.

Miss Aaron from the communications department, I believe that's correct, is uh display it on the screen.

It's passion.

This is the thing that makes me happy.

It becomes part of your life and gets a new blood.

It's just the best feeling in the world.

So much fun to ride a motorcycle.

It is love affair like the other.

There's a freedom about it.

Why don't you try it?

Do you like it?

Never mind it.

It's you and your motorcycle, that that's it.

Motorcycles literally were bicycles that somebody finally came up with the idea of putting an engine in it.

Of course, if you got an engine in a motorcycle, the next thing is you gotta start racing.

Some of the greatest riders of all time.

They were badass, they were real mean.

Some people have it inside of the sea.

And if you ever put the water on it and you feel the sensation, the seat is spotted, and it doesn't die till the day you take your last breath.

I was probably six years old when I saw a mini-bike, and I mean I was I was hooked.

The first time I rode, I just felt like I could do anything.

How do you stop it?

How do you stop it?

I was so excited to know that I was gonna ride my bike the next day, and I still feel that today every day.

It's my release, it's my medicine in this crazy world.

I cannot tell you the wonderful feeling of being on that machine.

I ride because there's nothing like it in the world that I could never imagine not doing it.

Don't be scared, it's fun.

I'll show you on that was just to give you a flavor of what it feels like for us as riders to ride.

So on behalf of Dixie Abate, thank you, Mayor Chair Goddess, and good morning to you, City Council, and everyone in the gallery.

And Mobile motorcycle awareness should be a priority along with along the Gulf Coast.

Riders are fortunate to have weather that allows year-round riding.

Every March, many motorcyclists travel through Mobile on their way to Daytona Beach for bike week, using I-10 as a major route.

Many stopping here overnight, eat at our restaurants, and enjoy our city.

Unfortunately, despite large numbers of riders in our area, distracted driving continues to put lives at risk, and distraction goes beyond cell phones.

During the recent Venice Motorcycle Show on Dolphin Island, a 75-year-old mobile resident was struck down from behind and dragged more than 100 feet by a driver distracted by dogs.

Distracted driving has slowly become more normalized over time.

First radios and cars, then CBs, GPS, and cell phones.

Even eating behind the wheel contributes to the problem.

These distractions do not only endanger motorcyclists, but also bicyclists, pedestrians, and every driver on the road.

Consider this example.

Close your eyes for five seconds.

Try walking across the room while someone places an object in your path.

Now imagine a vehicle traveling down Dolphin Street near Cathedral Square at 25 miles per hour.

In five seconds, that vehicle travels nearly 200 feet, more than enough distance for tragedy to occur.

Motorcycle awareness is not only the responsibility of the citizens, though, but the city itself.

Other obstructions that can hide riders from drivers are dressed.

And while I understand the goal of the tree commission, we should consider visibility and safety concerns when adding additional road obstructions along Airport Boulevard.

The city should also consider designated motorcycle parking areas.

Three or four motorcycles can fit in the single car space, improving parking places for everyone while promoting Mobile as a rider friendly city.

We at Dixie Abate stand ready to offer our input and assistance as our motto says, Motorcyclist for sensible motorcycle legislation.

Thank you once again.

Thank you.

I'd like to call on Marion McElroy.

She's going to recognize the Build Mobile Employee of the Month.

Good morning.

Morning.

I'm Marion McElroy and the Executive Director of Build Mobile.

It is a pleasure to be here today to present the Build Mobile Employee of the Month Award to Michelle Thompson.

Michelle has been with the City of Mobile and the permitting department for close to three years, and she joined us from a local construction firm, so her end user knowledge of the permitting process is really top notch.

Michelle is highly commended by our colleagues for lending a helping hand to new employees, taking on challenges that are presented to the department and going above and beyond with every task.

Her superb level of customer service is noticed both with Bill Mobile staff and our customers.

She always makes sure to give the customers everything they need to be successful and is a resource to all who work with her.

Thank you for your hard work, your dedication to the City of Mobile and Build Mobile.

We are better with you on our team.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Oh, I'm sorry, Dr.

Ingram.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Good morning, everyone.

Today I have the privilege to present the National Police Week proclamation and would ask that Frank Cain, Maggie Streve, Matt Ray Duger, and Deputy Chief Matthew Garrett join me in this proclamation.

Again, good morning.

And this is truly an honor to have the ability to be here to present this recognition.

Today's proclamation in recognition of National Police Week, May 10th, 2026 through May 16, 2026.

Whereas this proclamation is to recognize the National Police Week 2026 and honor the service of all law enforcement officers and the sacrifices of the men and women killed in the line of duty while guarding our communities.

And whereas the City of Mobile salutes the men and women who do the difficult and dangerous work of safeguarding our communities.

And whereas the men and women of the Mobile Police Department are dedicated to protecting all residents and visitors with respect and dignity.

Now, therefore, I, Councilwoman Samantha Ingram of District 2, the members of the Mobile City Council, along with Mayor Spiro Cherragades, 109th Mayor of Mobile, Alabama, publicly salutes the service of the Mobile Police Department and all law enforcement offices in our community and communities across the nation, and hereby proclaim May 10th, 2026 through May 16, 2026, as the National Police Week in the City of Mobile, done at the City of Mobile, Alabama on the 12th day of May 2026.

Please join me in congratulating them.

Okay.

Good morning.

Thank you.

Thank you for having us here.

Thank you for recognizing Mobile Police Department and all law enforcement at NAS Pastor Tony.

Said uh please join us on Thursday at Public Safety Park at 10:30.

We'll be honoring those that have gone before us in the past year and those that are still with us.

Thank you very much for the proclamation.

Thank you, Chief.

Adoption of the agenda.

Mr.

President.

Yes.

I'd like to make a motion to amend the agenda to allow Mr.

Dale Jackson to add him as a speaker.

Let's bring it to the floor first.

So move.

Second.

Probably move and second in discussion.

Now Mr.

Flemings.

Sorry about that.

I'd like to uh uh make an amendment to the agenda to add Mr.

Dale Jackson as a speaker.

Second.

Prop the move and second in the discussion on the amendment.

All in favor?

Aye.

All opposed.

Going back to the original.

Any other discussion?

All in favor?

Aye.

Unoppos.

Agenda's adopted.

Appeals.

Excuse me.

We have a request for a way of the noise ordinance on May the 23rd on St.

Teresa Street.

So move.

Second.

Prophet movement second in discussion.

All in favor?

Aye.

All opposed.

Appear passes.