Mobile City Council Meeting: Proclamations, Budget, and Community Events – May 19, 2026
Mobile City Council Meeting – May 19, 2026
This meeting featured multiple proclamations (National EMS Week, Building Safety Month, Stroke Awareness Month), the recognition of Officer of the Month and Firefighter of the Month, a presentation on HBCU football weekend economic impact, public comments about the Mobile Housing Authority, and several resolutions and ordinances including a major grant application, noise ordinance waivers, and demolition orders.
Consent Calendar
- The agenda was adopted unanimously.
- Noise ordinance waivers were approved for: 751 Dolphin Street (6–10 p.m.), Mardi Gras Park (6:30–11 a.m.), 911 Dolphin Street (5–10 p.m.), Medal of Honor Park (4–8 p.m.), 82 Burton Wood Drive (2–9 p.m.), Langham Park (2–5 p.m.), and 4901 Ziegler Boulevard (10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.).
- A noise waiver request for 1757 Government Street (7 p.m.–12 a.m.) was denied.
- Ordinances held over and consent resolutions held over were passed.
- A resolution to accept resignations and appoint Clinton Mitchell, Thomas Cormier, and Michael Albanese to the improvements district for McGallan Park was laid over for one week.
- Resolutions for crowd control barricades, riverfront restroom upgrades, fire station design, mounted unit upgrades, Hall of Fame Walk construction, and an airport authority easement were all passed.
- Two items related to vacation of unused right-of-way at 6401 Overlook Road were tabled because the applicant did not agree to pay the required fee.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Janelle Finley Adams (Governmental Affairs Manager, Brothers Working Together Inc.) presented an update on the Bridge Builder Classic, Port City Classic, and Gulf Coast Challenge HBCU football weekends. She reported that these events have generated over $35 million in combined economic impact since 2018, welcomed nearly 90,000 visitors to Mobile in the last five years, and support local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses. She urged the council to place the 2026 game weekends on their calendars.
- Estella Trotter (public speaker) criticized the Mobile Housing Authority, alleging gross negligence, lack of transparency, and failure to produce audits. She cited a 2018 unauthorized wire transfer of $478,000, a $400,000 payout to a former executive director, and the absence of a chief finance officer for years. She demanded that the city hold public hearings and provide audits.
Proclamations, Recognitions & Presentations
- National EMS Week (May 17–23, 2026) – Mayor Spiro Cherragatis proclaimed the week in recognition of EMS professionals. The fire chief announced that the Mobile Fire Rescue Department achieved zero deficiencies in its recent Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) renewal. He noted that fewer than 1% of EMS agencies nationwide (187 out of more than 1,800) hold this accreditation, and Mobile is one of only three in Alabama.
- Building Safety Month (May 2026) – The mayor proclaimed the month to raise awareness about building codes and safety. Carlo Tiff, president of the Code Officials of Lower Alabama (COLA), noted that the city permitted over $1 billion in investment last year.
- Stroke Awareness Month (May 2026) – The mayor proclaimed the month, highlighting USA Health University Hospital’s recertification as a comprehensive stroke center.
- Officer of the Month – Officer Nicholas Ruiz (April 2026) – Recognized for removing dangerous drugs and weapons from streets and arresting car burglars linked to a multiple death ring. He was credited with decreasing auto burglaries in the second precinct.
- Firefighter of the Month – Firefighter Diego Gomez – Honored for his community outreach and ability to translate at emergency scenes for Spanish-speaking families. He has been with the department just over two years.
Discussion Items
- Public Hearings:
- Modification of a previously approved plan unit development at 1879 Conception Street Road – No public speakers; hearing closed.
- Applications for ground transportation certificates for Travis (taxi) and Raw Medical Transport (shuttle) – No public speakers; hearings closed.
- Demolition of structures at 2602 Wealthy Street, 507 Chin Street, 509 Chin Street, 1332 Congress Street, and 5612 Racine Avenue – No public speakers; hearings closed.
- Resolution for Brooklyn by the Bay Phase 1 Southern Activation Zone – The council authorized applying for a $15 million GOMESA grant with no local match. Discussion indicated that if awarded, construction might begin next year.
- Demolition of 1332 Congress Street – A 30-day layover was approved to allow the homeowner time to sell the property and develop a full plan.
- Councilmember Announcements:
- Councilwoman Ingram (District 2) reported a community litter cleanup, attendance at a rally for representation and equality, and welcomed a shadow student.
- Councilman Woods (District 6) thanked the fire department for installing 164 smoke detectors, 3 carbon monoxide detectors, and 1 handicap alarm in 87 homes in the Carriage Hills neighborhood. He also highlighted a major repaving contract covering parts of District 6 and District 4, which includes newly annexed areas receiving repaving for the first time. He urged voters to unify after the election.
- Councilman Fleming (District 5) congratulated the Building Department and recognized Officer Ruiz and Firefighter Gomez.
- Vice President Gregory (District 7) announced a public pop-up event (3–6 p.m.) to review proposed transit routes and vehicles for VIA transit.
- Council President (District 3) noted school graduations and announced a community meeting for District 3 residents.
Key Outcomes
- All proclamations and recognitions were approved.
- The $15 million GOMESA grant application for Brooklyn by the Bay was authorized.
- The noise ordinance waiver for 1757 Government Street was denied; all other waiver requests were approved.
- The right-of-way vacation at 6401 Overlook Road was tabled pending applicant payment of the fee.
- Demolition orders for five structures were advanced; 1332 Congress Street was laid over for 30 days.
- Multiple purchase orders and contracts were approved for speed signs, software, a vehicle, storm drainage work, and musical artist performance services.
- A public hearing was scheduled for June 23rd regarding denial of a conditional use permit at 904 Kentucky Street.
Meeting Transcript
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.
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