Services team are ready to provide life saving care to those in need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Thank you.

And whereas access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury.

And whereas emergency medical services fill health care gaps by providing important out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine.

And whereas the emergency medical system service, excuse me, services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers.

And whereas the Mobile Fire Rescue Department has been certified as an accredited agency through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, CAS, and maintains top-tier distinction as triple crown of accreditation combining fire agency accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, accredited agency, emergency medical services accreditation with CAS and top-tier safety ratings as an ISO one rated agency.

Now, therefore, I Spiro Cheragatis, the 109th mayor of the City of Mobile, to hereby proclaim the week of May 17th through the 23rd, 2026 as National EMS Week in the City of Mobile.

Theme is EMS Week Improving Outcomes Together.

I encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in honor of the EMS profession and essential service it provides.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

One of the things that you did mention in that was about the CAST accreditation, which we undergo or underwent our renewal earlier last month, and I'm pleased to present that we had zero deficiencies out of everything that they looked at.

One of the things there's over 1,800 agencies throughout the entire nation with EMS services.

Only 187 have this accreditation through CAST.

Less than one percent of the nationwide.

So this is a big deal for the City of Mobile.

And then only one of we're only one of three in the entire state of Alabama that has this accreditation as well.

So again, putting this in front of our ISO, uh, the amount of work that goes into this.

Um we have our strategic planning, we have our EMS divisions, um, and then all of the members of our department put forth the effort to make sure that this accreditation, it's not just from me or my office, it's the entire department and the city that they look at, and we are by far shining right now when it comes to this accreditation.

So thank you, Mayor.

Congratulations.

All right, let's take a quick picture.

Congratulations again, Chief.

Thank you.

One quick thing, if I could announce also, as part of this accreditation, um, one of the things that we do is public outreach, and we're starting our Fridays at the firehouse.

We're starting that back uh this Friday, um, May 22nd at the public safety complex at 880 Airport Boulevard, 530 to 7:30.

Bring your family and friends out and kids, and uh let them see more about the fire department.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chief.

And I'll be calling you up in a minute to recognize the firefighter of the month.

But I do want to say that commission on accreditation of ambulance services that we call CAS, uh, it truly sets our fire department apart from others.

And uh as I said earlier today, and I'll say again, I think we truly have one of, if not the best fire department in the entire country.

Uh so thank you for your work.

Uh let's see.

Next up, I want to recognize Michela Bico, Marion McElroy, Carlo Pith, if y'all want to come on up.

Um is also recognized as Building Safety Month.

So we have a proclamation for that.

Whereas May is recognized nationally as Building Safety Month, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of building safety, modern building codes, and the essential role they play in protecting lives, property, and the general welfare of our communities, and whereas building codes establish minimum standards that safeguard the health, safety, and quality of life for residents and visitors, ensuring that homes, businesses, and public spaces are constructed and maintained to withstand natural hazards and everyday use.

And whereas the City of Mobile relies on the professionalism, expertise, and commitment of its building safety professionals within inspection services permitting and municipal enforcement, whose work is vital to ensuring compliance with adopted codes and ordinances.

And whereas the City of Mobile has adopted ICC codes as part of its municipal ordinances, empowering build mobile inspection services and code enforcement inspectors to enforce these standards in order to promote safe construction, responsible development, and resilient neighborhoods.

And whereas the City of Mobile partners with the code officials of Lower Alabama, COLA, we like COLAs around here, the local chapter of the International Code Council, as well as the Home Builders Association of West of Metro Mobile and the surrounding construction and development community, recognizing that responsible construction and development are essential to the economic vitality, sustainable growth, and long-term prosperity of the community, while supporting professional development and best practices that advance compliance with current building safety standards.

Now, therefore, I Spiro Cherragatis, the 109th mayor of the City of Mobile, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as Building Safety Awareness Month in the City of Mobile.

And I encourage all residents, businesses, and community partners to recognize the importance of building safety and to join and acknowledge acknowledging the dedicated professionals who work every day to keep our community safe.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

While you head this way, we've got um representatives from some of the other surrounding municipalities and uh code official representatives as well, and we invite them to come on down to take a quick photo.

And uh Carlo will introduce you all when you make your way.

She's from the city of Thames.

They'll also be issuing a proclamation this evening at their council meeting.

And we have Laura Although she's uh municipal enforcement officer with the city.

I'm also Carlo Tiff with the City of Mobile and current president of the COVID organization.

I handle the money.

That's a good job, too.

Thank y'all so much.

Thank you for what you do.

Thank you.

All right, you want to help me hold this?

Absolutely.

In the middle there, awesome.

Thank you.

Last year we uh permitted over a billion dollars of investment um in the city, and we couldn't do that uh without our team, many of which are here today.

So I'll ask the men and women of our inspections and permitting team to please stand.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right, one last one.

Uh one last proclamation.

If I have anyone here from USA, Emily Dolman here with me, come on down.

Uh Dr.

Rebecca uh oh, Sug.

I tried.

I'm sorry.

That is much easier than my name.

And uh Josh Snow, he couldn't make it.

Well, thank you all for being here.

We want to recognize Stroke Awareness Month.

Um, and I thank you all for coming down.

Whereas stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the United States, with someone experiencing a stroke every 40 seconds, and early recognition, prevention, and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival and recovery.

And whereas Stroke Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to educate residents about stroke warning signs, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of seeking immediate medical care when symptoms occur.

And whereas USA Health University Hospital serves as the Gulf Coast region's leader in advanced stroke care and has been recertified as a comprehensive stroke center, the highest level of stroke certification, recognizing its ability to provide specialized life-saving treatment for the most complex stroke cases 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

And whereas through innovative outreach initiatives that are recognized nationwide, USA Health continues to strengthen community awareness efforts, reaching local schools, first responders, health fairs, and underserved neighborhoods to promote early detection and life-saving intervention.

And whereas the dedicated physicians, nurses, researchers, educators, and staff of USA Health work collaborative collaboratively to advance stroke prevention, treatment, research, and recovery services, improving the health and well-being of citizens throughout the Mobile region.

Now, therefore, I Spiro Charagatis, the 109th mayor of the City of Mobile, do proclaim the month of May 2026 as stroke awareness month and encourage all citizens to learn the signs and the symptoms of stroke, support prevention efforts, and recognize the vital work of USA Health and its partners in delivering life-saving stroke care.

Thank you.

I guess I'm in the middle of here.

I'm in the back.

All right, you're you're free.

Don't worry.

You don't have to say anything.

Thank you.

All right, and finally, I'm gonna call up.

Let's see, I've got Mr.

Melvin Jones right here on the outside.

We're gonna recognize the officer of the month, and then I'll call up Chief Bliss.

Good morning, good morning.

So it's with my pleasure that I get to present Officer Nicholas Ruiz as our selection for the Office of the Month for April.

Officer Ruiz was very busy in the month of April from removing dangerous drugs from our streets like methamphetamine, crack cocaine, as well as various weapons.

Officer Ruiz is also involved in taking down two car burglaries, grouped car burglars off the streets, who also admitted to being a part of a multiple death ring incidents.

This in itself is what made a significant impact in second precinct in the decrease of auto burglars.

Officer Ruiz is not only an asset to the Mobile Police Department, but an asset to the community to which he has served charged to serve.

So that speaks volumes and isn't is in his dedication is also making a already making a huge impact in the decrease of crime in Mobile.

It is with great honor that I present to you, Officer Nicholas Ruiz as our officer of the month for April 2026.

Chief, if you'll bring up Counsel.

And stepped in and translated for our investigator and the family.

That's been just over two years now with the department.

We're honored to have him as our firefighter of the month.

And he is truly an asset to the department and to the city and his community outreach that he does, just being able to uh help us on scenes and things where there's a language barrier.

So we here to honor firefighter Diego Gomez as our firefighter of the month.

Real quick, I just want to say that firefighter Gomez, Officer Ruiz, I think are great example, great examples, not just of the strength of our public safety department, but the strength of our recruiting for our public safety services.

Uh neither of these gentlemen were born here in Mobile, but they are truly the best of the best and first responders.

And we brought them here to Mobile.

And I'm thankful that they're here serving our city and hopefully staying forever.

And that does conclude my remarks.

Adoption of the agenda.

So move second.

Prompt the movement second in discussion.

All in favor, aye, all opposed.

Appeals.

We have requests for waivers of the noise ordinance at 751 Dolphin Street from 6 p.m.

until 10 p.m.

At Mardi Gras Park from 6:30 a.m.

until 11 a.m.

at 911 Dolphin Street from 5 p.m.

until 10 p.m.

at Medal of Honor Park from 4 p.m.

until 8 p.m.

At 82 Burton Wood Drive from 2 p.m.

until 9 p.m.

at Langham Park from 2 p.m.

until 5 p.m.

And at 4901 Ziggler Boulevard from 1030 a.m.

until 8 p.m.

So move.

Second.

Proper move and second ending discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed.

Appeal passes.

We have a request for a waiver of the noise ordinance at 1757 Government Street from 7 p.m.

until 12 a.m.

Move to deny.

Second.

Proper movement second and discussion.

All in favor?

Aye.

All the polls.

Items denied.

Public hearings.

Today is the public hearing to consider the modification of a previously approved plan unit development for property located at 1879 Conception Street Road.

This open at the plubbing hearing for this particular say item.

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

If not, this particular plumbing hearing is closed.

Today is the public hearing to consider the applications of ground transportation with Travis for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate a taxi cab service and for the application of raw medical transport for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate a shuttle service.

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

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

If not, this particular public hearing is closed.

Today is the public hearing to declare the structures at 2602 Wealthy Street, 507 Chin Street, 509 Chin Street, 1332 Congress Street, and 5612 Racine Avenue public nuisances and ordering them demolished.

This opened up the public hearing for these particularly said item is anyone president would like to address the council on these items.

If not, these particular public hearings are closed.

Presentation of petitions and other communications to the council.

Janelle Finley Adams.

Thank you.

Good morning, Council President, Council members, the mayor, and city leadership.

I'm Janelle Finley Adams, and I serve as the governmental fears man affairs manager with Brothers Working Together Incorporated.

Thank you for the opportunity to share updates on the events and more importantly, the impact of the Bridge Builder Classic and the Port City Classic and Gulf Coast Challenge weekends.

Mobile's ultimate HBCU experiences.

Over the past several years, these events have continued to grow into significant economic and community drivers for the city of Mobile.

Our game weekends have generated over 35 million in combined impact since the first game in 2018.

Welcome nearly 90,000 visitors to the city of Mobile in the last five years and have driven substantial activity for local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses across the city.

What makes these events unique is that they are not simply game day experiences, they are multi-day weekends that bring visitors into Mobile for concerts, community events, workforce engagement opportunities, and cultural programming creating sustained economic activity throughout the city.

We have begun planning already for our 2026 football games and events, and we hope this council mayor and city leadership will all place the Gulf Coast Challenge and Port City Classic Weekends on your calendars now.

The Port City Classic returns for its fourth year with an exciting matchup between Tuskegee University and Fort Valley State University on Saturday, September 5th, 2026.

This two-day Labor Day weekend experience goes beyond the field and offers an HBCU summit, Modegrass Style Parade, and of course the ultimate tailgating experience.

The Gulf Coast Challenge once again is gearing to deliver a unique to Mobile HBCU experience starting on October 1st and concluding on October 3rd with Jackson State University takes on Alabama AM University.

As you've come to know, the Gulf Coast Challenge is more than a football game, and the city comes alive with multiple events rotating from the college and career fair to concerts and more.

The longevity of the success and the continued growth of our events is in large part to the partnership we've been able to build and sustain with the City of Mobile and the Mobile Sports Authority.

We are excited to continue to showcase Mobile as a destination city capable of hosting impactful regional events and bringing the ultimate HBCU experience to our community.

I look forward to the opportunity to expound on how the city council and the mayor and his administration can be a part of the continued success of these events.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you so much.

Reggie Hill.

Stella Trotter.

Speak on due process, but in a different way.

Estella Trotters in my name.

Residents, tenants demand an overhaul of this antiquated housing authority.

City of Mobile owes due process to taxpayers footing the bills.

The citizens for years have witnessed government officials use the word mismanagement for the gross negligence actions and decisions of all involved in the operation of a housing board and authority played with dysfunction on qualified staff and competence, et cetera.

This is a description it has written by its own record over decade.

Examples.

We can go back as far as 2018 when an unauthorized wide transfer incident claimed to be a hacking of 478,000, and the taxpayers had to pay for that.

We can upgrade it to recently.

Claims of mismanagement by the Mobile Housing Authority of the Last Executive Director CEO for mismanagement of federal funds, but the Mobile Housing Board to this day has not but needs to forward the information in the forms of audits for this one of multiple reasons to fire an executive director.

The executive director then four months, no, last time I said four months, but it was actually six months.

Six months later, there was a payout of over 400,000 and a retraction of all charges clear of his name and record as to where the money went to, the taxpayers deserve the due process of audits, current and as far back as five to ten years.

No chief finance officer for years.

How do you run a housing authority with no chief finance officer?

Lack of transparency of budget and receipts.

I'm not going to finish all this.

I'm going to get to the main points.

The citizens know the city in the past renegade time after time to have public hearings, housing hearings, but would always come back and change to not to deny them.

Audits and public housing hearings, the citizens will have to establish on their own because the city of Mobile won't do it.

Public housing is a disaster.

In the hosted city of Mobile updated by the Mobile Housing Authority Board last Tuesday, there was no data or audits presented from Miss Pat Moore.

And there was no mention of Pierce's settlement agreement.

Thank you.

Ordinances held over.

So move.

Second.

Property move and second in discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed.

Item passed.

Consent resolutions held over.

03512.

Accept resignations of former board members and appoint Clinton Mitchell, Thomas Cormier, and Michael Albanese to the improvements district of the City of Mobile McGallan Park project.

Move to layover for one week.

Second.

Property move and second in the discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

All opposed.

I laid off for one week.

Resolutions held over.

To crowd control industries for galvanized steel crowd control barricades.

13534, authorized change order number three to the contract with P.

L.

Russell for Mobile Riverfront Development, Cooper Riverside Park for restroom upgrades.

21535, authorized amendment to contract with Forrest Daniel and Associates for Professional Design Services at Fire Station Number 19.

21536, authorized contract with Gibson Construction Services for upgrades to the mounted unit in Grand Bay.

21539, authorized contract amendment number two with Vulcart for additional construction administration services for Hall of Fame Walk.

25540 accept easement from the Mobile Airport Authority for a non-exclusive utility easement agreement for Arlington Park.

So move.

Second.

All in favor?

Aye.

All opposed.

Item passes.

47541.

Consider the vacation of unused right-of-way adjacent to property located at 6401 Overlook Road.

47542 consider a vacation fee as a condition of the vacation of a portion of unopened right away adjacent to property at 6401 Overlook Road.

Move to table.

Second property movement second in discussion.

Yes, sir, Mr.

President.

Yes, Vice.

Just to provide a little information on what we're doing here.

There is a vacation of some unused right-of-way that uh a group was asking for.

And while I have no problem with giving the vacation, I do have a problem with the city not charging the fee because they wanted the vacation, but they did not want to pay the fee.

So by tabling these, the application for uh uh vacating the right-of-way can come back up if the applicant is interested going forward.

That would be in order to to pay for the right-of-way as well.

So uh we'll just look to hear from the applicant, and if they do, then we can bring it back up.

Another discussion, all in favor, opposed items table.

Ordinances being introduced, 64-023.

So move.

No, no.

I'm sorry.

Uh council rule is gonna label for one week.

Yeah.

Oh, sorry.

Consent resolutions being introduced 31544 through 6552.

Move to waive the rules for immediate consideration.

Um of these resolutions, sorry.

Um to weigh the rules for immediate consideration of these resolutions as read.

Second, probably move and second in discussion.

All in favor, all opposed, rules waive, madam clerk.

31544 authorize the mayor to apply, accept and receive GOMesa grant funding for Brooklyn by the Bay Phase 1 Southern Activation Zone.

15 million dollars, no local match.

37545 recommend approval to the ABC Board for issuance of a special events retail license to the Lemon Drop Festival on Government Street.

4546, 547, 548, and 550 are declaring the structures at 2602 Wealthy Street, 507 and 59 Chin Street and 5612 Racing Avenue, public nuisances and ordering them demolished.

6551 approval ward of special bonus to the firefighter of the month.

And 6552 determined an appropriation to Huntley Woods Community Club.

Serves a public purpose and approved payment.

So moved.

Second.

Promptly moving second in any discussion.

That is for the uh Brooklyn by the Bay.

Uh this is a uh grant that we are seeking and um looking if we are rewarded this grant, you know, we have probably be trying to phase out um getting construction next year.

So hopefully that this grant will go through where we can start and join Brooklyn by the bay.

In other discussion, all in favor?

Aye.

All opposed, item passes.

4549 declare the structure at 1332 Congress Street, a public nuisance and order it demolished.

Move to extend for 30 days.

Second.

Prophet moving second in the discussion.

Yes, Mr.

President.

I've been in discussion um with the homeowners.

Um the department has done a great job in documenting what we need to do, and so this layover will allow them time to sell the property and get a full plan in place.

So thank you.

Okay.

In other discussion, all in favor?

Aye.

All opposed.

I'm laid over 30 days.

CIP resolutions being introduced 0153 through 2154.

Per council rules, these resolutions will lay over for one week.

Resolutions being introduced 08, 555 through 6570.

Move to waive the um rules for immediate consideration of resolutions 08-555, 556, 557, 558, and 559, with the rest being laid over for one week per council rules.

Proper move and second in discussion.

All in favor, all opposed, rules waived, Madam Clerk.

0855 approved purchase order to all traffic solutions for solar powered radar speed signs.

08556 approved purchase order to CARASOF for annual renewal of data minor first alert critical event discovery software.

08557 approved purchase order to Daphne Automotive for Hyundai Pallet State SUV.

08558 approved purchase order to Gaines Utility Construction Company for storm drainage vegetation and debris removal, industrial park drive to Montlemar Creek, 08559, approved purchase order to Hughes 360 services for storm drainage, vegetation and debris removal, Berwin Drive to South McGregor Avenue 21564, authorized contract with letters to Cleo for Musical Artist Performance Services.

Uh that one was layover.

She didn't read that one out.

Okay.

So moved.

Second.

Proper move and second in the discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

Aye.

All opposed.

Item pass.

All for public hearings 41571.

Call for public hearing for the proposed denial of a conditional use permit for property located at 904 Kentucky Street, scheduled for June 23rd.

So moved.

Second.

Second.

Property moving second in discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

Aye.

All opposed.

Public hearings call.

Announcements.

District 2, Councilwoman Ingram.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

On last Saturday morning, um, first of all, greetings, district two, and to all of the mobilians.

Uh, on last Saturday morning, I was proud to be joined by Trey Gross and other members from St.

Mary's Catholic Church, along with other community members to participate in a litter cleanup.

This was our second cleanup for District 2, and our goal is to make this happen in every neighborhood.

So sign up for your neighborhood so that we can make sure that we clean it up and be a part of the solution.

Also on Saturday, uh later Saturday, I was able to stand united with thousands of people from all walks of life in the fight for representation, dignity, and equality for all Alabamians.

I want to thank the various organizations who coordinated, sponsored, and supported the movement.

Thank you for making this happen.

I also want to announce that with me today.

I have the privilege of having Vimari Chambers York, uh, who's shadowing with me today to see the day in life of a council person.

So Vimori, thank you and glad to have you join us.

That's it for me, Mr.

President.

Uh thank you, Councilwoman.

District 6, Councilman Woods.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Uh last week, um, the fire department did a fire alarm blitz in uh the Carriage Hills neighborhood, and I just wanted to say thank you to the to the fire department for doing that.

Uh, they they canvassed 284 homes, installed 164 smoke detectors, three carbon monoxide detectors, and uh one handicap alarm uh in 87 houses and um had the opportunity to to drive through, check in um before my tower went flat.

And uh they were they were canvassing the entire neighborhood, so I really greatly appreciate that.

I know the residents uh do as well.

Um one thing I also wanted to bring up, even though we're not voting on it this week.

Uh ordinances are um or CIP uh being introduced um is a contract for repaving in District 6 and uh part of um Knowwood as well, which is in District 4.

And if I didn't mention that, can uh council member Reynolds would be mad.

Um, but it's the uh largest repaving contract that uh that district six has seen.

Uh part of part of this contract goes into the newly annexed area, and it'll really repave neighborhoods for the first time.

There's a lot of streets out there in the newly annexed areas that uh that are in desperate need of some love.

So this will this will actually uh you know take a big swipe out of our repaving projects across the district.

Um, and the last thing I want to say since I do have a um today's election day, I want to encourage you to all go vote.

Um, but also do want to just remind everybody that today's election day and tomorrow's not election day, and uh it's very important no matter who your candidate is that you uh and what they're running for um that you come together and not continue to victory and fight.

I kind of feel that this election cycle um is kind of gone off the rails a little bit, and uh there's a lot of things that were said about some really good people on both sides of uh of a campaign, and I kind of think it it went a little too far.

Um, maybe it's some outside or out of state things that are in playing in it.

But um, I do want to remind everybody um it's important that you get out and vote, but also to uh the campaigns over tomorrow, and it's important that we come back together um regardless of who our candidate is and uh and and really be a unified community versus continuing to battle each other.

Um, with that, that's it for me.

Uh thank you, Councilman Woods.

District five, councilman Fleming.

Uh yes, sir, Mr.

President, thank you.

Um, I really just wanted to congratulate the Build Mobile Department again for their hard work on permitting and inspecting, and just to give another acknowledgement to the officer of the month, Officer Ruiz, and the firefighter of the month, Mr.

Gomez for the service they do for the city.

And that's it for me.

Thank you, Councilman.

District 7, Vice President Gregory.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Just a reminder that uh this afternoon from three until six at the grounds, there will be a pop-up opportunity for people to go and take a look at some proposed routes uh as well as types of vehicles that uh the city and via transit are looking at.

This will be your opportunity to take a look at the routes, but also to ask questions, offer suggestions as we go forward with this transition uh with via transit.

Again, that is at three until six at the grounds.

Thank you.

Thank you, Vice President, and greetings of the citizens of district three.

Uh, this week is we have plenty of graduations in our um elementary schools on yesterday.

I had a privilege to be the guest speaker at Miller Lake Elementary School for the fifth grade crossing over, and tomorrow I have the privilege of being the guest speaker at Whitley Elementary School for their crossing over.

So it's many of graduations going on this week as this is the last week of school for the Mobile County Public Schools system.

Also, this this evening, um, don't forget uh district three residents, special alone uh Zaya Road, Pleasant Valley, Dog River, Morningsty, Bevadere Um Communities.

We have a community meeting at 6 o'clock PM at the I Shaw Merch Elementary School on Government Boulevard starting at 6 o'clock PM, looking for all those residents in those areas to please come out on this evening.

Do we have anything from administration?

Okay.

I would just like to point out that this is a monumental moment.

Would you like to I'm gonna pass it to you?

Okay, uh motion to adjourn.

Proper moving second in discussion.

All in favor, all opposed.

This meeting is adjourned.