Mobile City Council Pre-Council Meeting – June 9, 2026

The Mobile City Council pre-council meeting on June 9, 2026, addressed routine approvals, several discussion items, and ended with a unanimous vote to enter executive session regarding active litigation and an ongoing criminal investigation. Key discussions focused on the Downtown Development District code amendment, a Bloomberg grant program, the Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund, and infrastructure projects.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from May 26 and June 2, 2026, were approved without objection.
• Noise Ordinance Waivers: Waivers were granted for events on July 11, 2026 (7–10 p.m.) at Public Safety Memorial Park; September 12, 2026 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) on St. Anthony Street; October 10, 2026 (2–10 p.m.) at Mardi Gras Park; and July 4, 2026 (2–10 p.m.) on Alba Street. No issues were raised.
• Consent Resolutions Waived: The council waived the following resolutions under a single motion: CIP resolutions 08619 (lighting system replacement for Washington Square Park Fountain, $23,250) and 09620 (transfer of $25,000 from capital improvement reserve to cruise terminal bollard maintenance); purchase orders 08623 (drone package, details not shared), 08624 (portable radios, $26,351.88), 08625-08626 (storm drainage vegetation and debris removal with H. Glaude Construction), 08627 (storm drainage with Thomas Galloway), 08628 (manhole repair on Water Street, $18,759.48), 08629 (fire hoses, $23,056), 08631-08632 (renewal of maintenance services for power supply and cooling systems, $19,434.78 and $20,218.43); and resolutions 08633 (limestone base, $31,000), 08636 (reallocation of funds for North McGregor reconstruction), 08639 (feasibility study for hard recyclable materials, $35,500), and 08640 (T-Mobile contract, noted as a cost-saving of $3,200/month). All were approved without objection.
• Held Over: Consent resolution 03512 (appointments to the improvement district for the McGowan Park project) was held over for one week due to pending resignations from current board members.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing – Rezoning: A public hearing was held for the rezoning of property located at the east side of Tacon Street, north of Cameron Street, from R-1 to B-3. No action was taken; the hearing was part of the agenda.
• Petitions and Communications: The following individuals presented items: Clisky Adams (update on the progress of Opportunity for Entertainers programs); Margaret Nichols, Barbara McCleskey, and Dakota Billerby (discussion regarding a window depot and all-weather roofing business license); Estella Trotter (concerns about deceptive practices by city officials regarding MHB commissioners); and Dale Hall (concerns about MPD assisting ICE enforcement in Mobile). No council action was taken on these petitions.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Development District (DDD) Code Amendment (Ordinance 64025): The administration explained a proposed amendment to remove the Consolidated Review Committee (CRC) and integrate its review into the plan review process to streamline approvals, noting that 60+ applications were processed by the CRC last year. The change was described as the first phase of a multi-phase update; future phases will involve 9–12 months of community engagement. Councilmember Inger requested a one-week layover to allow for additional feedback and questions. The item was held over.
• Bloomberg Center Grant (Resolution 31615): The council discussed a $270,000 grant from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University for the “Love Your Block” program, which would provide seed money ($1,500–$5,000) to residents and community groups for community improvement projects. The program would initially focus on the Africa Town and Tomaville communities. Councilmembers asked about eligibility and priorities; the administration noted the application deadline was the following Monday and that a committee of community members would help shape priorities.
• Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund (Ordinance 11024): A debate arose over proposed amendments to exempt city projects from the permit fee that would fund the academy. Councilmember Woods expressed frustration at receiving amendments at the last minute despite requesting them for a week. Councilmember Reynolds argued against hampering city projects and affordable housing. Ultimately, after discussion, the council agreed to lay the ordinance over for one week to allow the administration to provide the necessary data and amendments.
• North McGregor Reconstruction Funding (Resolutions 09634-09636): The council approved reallocating $220,000 from the CIP Carlisle Ditch Drainage Repairs fund, $106,000 from District 5 contingency, and $45,235.44 from District 7 contingency to the North McGregor Reconstruction Roundabout to Spring Hill Avenue project. Councilmembers thanked the administration for moving quickly to complete the second phase of the project, which includes streetscaping, sidewalks, and lighting improvements.
• Hard Recyclable Materials Study (Resolution 21639): A feasibility study for a permanent household hazardous waste facility (including items like batteries, light bulbs, and TVs) was discussed. The study, costing $35,500, would explore year-round collection to reduce illegal dumping and environmental harm. Councilmember Walmer commended the effort; the item was approved under consent.
• Vacuum Sewer Trucks and Enforcement: Councilmember Woods noted that the city has only five vacuum sewer trucks, all replacement purchases, and requested more. He also raised concerns about businesses blowing grass and leaves into the street, and the need for citizens to document evidence for enforcement. The council discussed that building a case through documentation is effective.
• Wawa ABC License (Resolution 37616): The council considered recommending approval of a retail beer and table wine license (off-premises) for the new Wawa on Cottage Hill Road. Council President Small asked about the certificate of occupancy and a curb issue; the administration confirmed they were working on it. No further action was recorded.
• Architectural Review Board Appointments (Resolution 03614): The council introduced appointments to the Architectural Review Board, with Councilmember Woods confirming that terms are staggered (one-, two-, and three-year terms). The appointments were part of a substantial modification to the board made in the previous term.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent items as waived (listed above), including the T-Mobile contract, hard recyclables study, North McGregor reallocations, and various purchase orders.
• Held Over for One Week: Ordinance 64025 (DDD amendment) and Ordinance 11024 (Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund).
• Held Over for One Week: Consent resolution 03512 (improvement district appointments) pending resignations.
• Executive Session: The council voted unanimously (8-0) to enter executive session to discuss matters involving active litigation and an ongoing criminal investigation. The meeting then recessed to reconvene at the 10:30 a.m. formal meeting.