OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Mobile City Council Regular Meeting – July 7, 2026

City Council MeetingsTuesday, July 7, 2026
BodyMobile, Alabama
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, July 7, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

This is the regular meeting of the Mobile City Council Tuesday, July the 7th.

0:04

Please stand for our invocation led by Pastor Tony Legier, Public Safety Chaplain, and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence following the pledge.

0:14

Good morning, everyone.

0:15

God bless America.

0:17

It's good to be here today, and let's have a good word of prayer and a productive meeting today.

0:24

Our father, we humble ourselves before you here today, once again at the gates of our city.

0:31

And we humbly ask for your presence.

0:34

Father, would you smile upon us as your word says that you look favorably upon a righteous nation, a righteous people.

0:42

So we pray that our leaders today might sense and benefit from your guidance, and that our communities gathered to celebrate the goodness of a good and loving God.

0:52

We'll honor you today, Father, and ask you to bless our path in Christ's name.

0:57

Amen.

0:59

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

1:07

One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:16

Sam Cochrane is a Mobile native.

2:18

He graduated from McGill Institute and he held a bachelor's and master's degree in criminal justice and public administration from the University of South Alabama.

2:28

He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

2:33

I considered Sam Cochrane a friend.

2:36

I know many of you in this auditorium considered Sam a friend.

2:40

I had the fortune to work with Sam as police chief and as sheriff all these years.

2:52

Great law enforcement man.

2:54

Sam never hesitated to tell you what he thought.

2:58

But you'll never find a better gentleman and better law enforcement, a man about law enforcement than Sam Cochran.

3:05

So our condolences go out to Sam's family, his wife, his children, his extended family and law enforcement, and of course that includes our MPD and Sheriff's Office.

3:15

So if you would, a moment of silence for Sam.

3:43

Royal Call, President Small.

3:44

Here.

3:45

Vice President Gregory.

3:46

Here.

3:46

Council Member Penn.

3:48

Here.

3:48

Councilmember Ingram.

3:49

Councilmember Reynolds.

3:51

Council Member Fleming.

3:52

Here.

3:52

Council Member Woods.

3:54

Here.

3:54

Statement of rules.

3:55

And good morning, everyone.

3:57

Good morning, everyone.

3:59

It's good to see her about it this morning.

4:01

Welcome to our July 7th, 2026 meeting.

4:05

At this meeting, we do have rules.

4:07

At this time, I ask if anyone have any typing electronic device, including cell phones, please at this time put on the all for the vibrate position, the all for the vibrate position.

4:20

Any person that desire to address the Mobile City Council must sign in indicating the resolution, the ordinance, a public hearing agenda item before entering the meeting.

4:29

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

4:33

Any person that desires to address the council on a non-agenda item must contact the city clerk office no later than two o'clock here on the Thursday prior to the council meeting.

4:43

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

4:55

Would not be allowed to address this council.

4:57

Each speaker is allowed three minutes to address this council.

5:00

A bell was signed to indicate the end of two minutes.

5:03

One minute remain for summarizing.

5:05

The second bell indicates that your time has expired.

5:08

When addressing this council, there'd be no personal address to any individual council members.

5:13

All statements are to be made to the chair who was that any council member who wish to respond.

5:19

To maintain the coin that shall be no undue applause or public alqua allowed.

5:24

Madam Clerk.

5:27

Approval of minutes of June 23rd and 30th.

5:29

So move.

5:30

Second.

5:31

Prophet movement stacking in any discussion.

5:33

All in favor.

5:34

Aye.

5:35

All the polls.

5:38

Communications from Mayor Chair Gottes.

5:40

Good morning, everyone.

5:43

I want to thank the council for that moment of silence and the recognition of Sheriff Sam Cochran.

5:49

I was truly saddened yesterday to learn of his passing.

5:53

Sam was a true servant leader for our community, truly one of our Mobile's favorite sons.

6:00

And as a young prosecutor, he was he was a very kind to me and uh at times took me under his wing, and I was very thankful for that relationship.

6:12

Uh, on behalf of the city of Mobile on behalf of our administration, I want to express our sincerest condolences to Sabrina, to Sam's children, grandchildren, to his entire extended family, and of course, is his law enforcement family at both MPD and the sheriff's office.

6:31

Uh his loss is truly a tremendous one, and I I look forward to celebrating his life and honoring his service to our community.

6:40

Um I hope everyone had a great 4th of July.

6:44

Uh, I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating our semi-quincentennial uh celebration for our great country.

6:52

We're far from perfect, but we are truly great.

6:55

And I I certainly enjoyed celebrating uh America's birthday.

7:00

Uh part of that celebration was opening a time capsule and taking in a live action reenactment of some of the Mobile centric revolutionary war events over at Fort Conde this past Sunday.

7:13

I want to express my thanks to the History Museum of Mobile and all the people that made that reenactment happen.

7:20

Uh, everyone uh at our team who helped uh get me a golden crowbar to peel the top off of that time capsule, and I believe they still have all the items from 1976, our uh bicentennial celebration on display over there uh at Fort Conde, and I certainly encourage everyone to go check them out.

7:41

Uh this Friday, we're celebrating National Watercolor Month and at the Lota Art Walk.

7:48

So Friday, July 10th.

7:50

I hope you'll enjoy me.

7:52

Uh join our events department for this ever popular downtown event.

7:57

Of course, we'll be closing the streets, having a lot of fun.

7:59

Uh, it will be warm, so you know, hydrate, but um, would love to see out Friday for art walk.

8:06

Uh following back up on some of the after effects of Tropical Storm Arthur, our public works department has um caught up with on all the trash pickup related to Tropical Storm Arthur.

8:20

Um, they are back on schedule and they're asking that everyone from here forward, if you will follow your typical uh roadside trash pickup schedule going forward.

8:30

Um, of course, if you have any particular issues that you see out there, we do ask you to report those to 311.

8:36

We're doing our best um to make sure that we're serving the citizens' needs and answer all those 311 concerns.

8:44

Uh today we're also recognizing National Parks and Recreation Month with a series of events uh every Wednesday in July.

8:54

Uh, we celebrate the power of parks and recreation tomorrow with one of those events.

9:00

It's going to be an adult splash party at Tri-Centennial Park.

9:04

Should be fun.

9:05

Uh, that'll be tomorrow at Tri-Centennial Park from 6 to 8 p.m.

9:09

Uh, if you're 21 and up, it's your chance to enjoy the splash pads without fearing running into someone of smaller stature and possibly hurting someone.

9:18

Uh, come out, have some fun, join the mobile parks and recs department tomorrow for that.

9:25

Um, there the team is doing a fantastic, fabulous job for our city.

9:30

Uh, and I hope that you get a chance to go check out their hard work and all their great things that they're doing at a park near you very soon.

9:39

On that note, it's my pleasure to call up Miss Shonda Smith and the Parks and Recs team for a little proclamation.

9:48

Get up there, Shonda.

9:49

Don't be slow.

9:50

You know, you know, don't be shy.

9:56

We got a good group here this morning.

10:01

You're gonna have to leave room for me to squeeze in for the picture.

10:03

So I'm just warning you.

10:06

But it's my honor to read this proclamation to all of you.

10:09

Whereas parks and recreation are an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the city of Mobile, Alabama.

10:16

And whereas parks and recreation promote health and wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who live near parks.

10:24

And whereas parks and recreation promote time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being and alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's.

10:40

And whereas parks and recreation encourage physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools, and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles.

10:53

And whereas parks and recreation is a leading provider of healthy meals, nutrition services, and education.

10:59

And whereas parks and recreation programming and education activities, such as after school programming, youth sports, and environmental education are critical to childhood development.

11:10

And whereas parks and recreation are fundamental to the environmental well-being of our community and our essential and adaptable infrastructure that make our communities resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change.

11:24

And whereas our parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors.

11:35

Now, therefore, I spirit of Chair Gotas, the mayor of the City of Mobile, to hereby proclaim the month of July 2026 as parks and recreation month in the city of Mobile.

11:53

Shonda, you're on the spot.

11:54

You want to say a little something?

11:56

Talk about this wonderful team you have with you.

11:58

Good morning, everyone.

12:00

July is always the time we do this all the time, but it's always good to celebrate Parks and Rec month to highlight all of the things that we do.

12:07

If you get our brochure, it's a full month of 30 days of all the things that we do, but we add a little razzle dazzle to it.

12:14

So you've heard about the window Wednesdays.

12:17

So we're trying to do something different.

12:19

And the theme is the power of play through connection, through fun, through community, through belonging.

12:26

And so it's being able to elaborate what parks mean to all the different people that interact with parks.

12:32

Um and so I had them all come and I'm laughing because they was like, we on time and dressed appropriately.

12:38

But this is part of the team because we are in the middle of summer camp and they're probably but their phones are probably ringing off the hook.

12:45

But I wanted them to come because again, parks and rec only function because of them.

12:50

It's all the things that they do to make sure it happens, the late phone calls, the morning phone calls, the making sure the grass is mowed, making sure the activities are set up, and so we wouldn't have parks and rec if it wasn't for them.

13:02

So I want to give them a hand for all of the things that they do to keep us running.

13:38

That's Mr.

13:39

Penn.

13:39

Um, I just want to truly thank um all the staff and representatives here from parking recreations um department.

13:46

They are, I believe, the best um park and recreation department in this nation.

13:52

Um they do an amazing job.

13:54

I have opportunity to sometimes go visit them, of course, um in the daytime, and then I see them at an event, you know, event at nighttime.

14:01

I'm like, how y'all doing it?

14:02

How y'all?

14:03

I mean, they're working from morning to nighttime, providing opportunities in all of our districts, but in my district particular, they did wishing for fishing last week, and then now they're doing um the adult uh splash pad party this week.

14:19

I mean, it's just so much going on, and I just want to commend y'all.

14:22

Y'all doing an amazing job, and thank you for the service you provide to this amazing city, not just to the city, because people come from near and far.

14:30

Um, we had the event at the um figures park, and we had someone come from the Grand Bay community to enjoy our parts.

14:37

So they're not just enjoying our own community, it's people coming from all different places to enjoy all the different activities.

14:44

So again, I commend y'all and thank you for your hard work.

14:52

Mr.

14:52

Woods.

14:54

Thank you.

14:54

I just want to echo what uh Councilmember Penn said.

14:56

Thank y'all for what you do, uh, especially in District 6 of Metal of Honor Park.

15:00

I know it is a chore to keep that dad going, splash pad running.

15:03

But thank you.

15:04

I appreciate that.

15:06

So and then also to uh uh my boys, we we thoroughly enjoy all of our parks.

15:10

Again, I think I said at the beginning of the year, our mission is to visit every playground that we have this year.

15:14

We're up to 10, we're almost there, we're getting there.

15:17

And then um, I just also want to say thank you uh for the gymnastics that occurs at uh Mel of Honor Park.

15:22

That's we have something for everybody our parks.

15:24

So thank y'all for the entire team.

15:26

Thanks for what you do.

15:26

And again, thanks for keeping that splash pad running.

15:28

So thank you.

15:30

And me too.

15:31

Before y'all get out of here, Chad, I I can't help but just notice the suit.

15:35

Way to go.

15:36

Y'all, y'all dressed.

15:37

Dan and Scott, Gerard, all of y'all.

15:39

You got the you got the memo, but thank you all for what you're doing.

15:42

District 7 has a lot of parks as well.

15:45

Plus, we've got some big ones, Langham, Tennis Center, just to name a couple of really big areas that we take care of.

15:51

Thank you, thank you for all that you do, all the programs and for the hard work that you all put in because it's noticed.

15:58

We really, really appreciate it.

16:00

Thank you.

16:01

Yeah, thank each and every one of you all for all your hall work and especially to y'all leader.

16:05

Thank you, uh, Ms.

16:06

Smith for all the hard work because we know that your hands are busy between public works and parts, but thank you so much for all that you do for our city.

16:13

Thank y'all.

16:16

Amen.

16:20

Amen.

16:20

That's a great team.

16:21

I did notice Shad crossed himself when we were talking about keeping that splash pad.

16:28

Um we we truly have an exceptional parts department.

16:33

We continue to improve upon it every day, which seems impossible because they're doing such a great job.

16:40

Uh all right, it is uh lastly my honor to welcome up John and Sarah Johnson uh for a reading of this proclamation, celebrating the life of Javante Johnson.

16:57

Welcome up.

16:58

All right, whereas the life of Javante Johnson continues to inspire hope, compassion, service, and a commitment to uplifting others, and whereas the Javante Johnson Foundation of Hope was established to honor his legacy by providing support, um, encouragement, resources, and opportunities for young people facing life's challenges.

17:21

And whereas many youth and young adults throughout Mobile County experience significant hardships, including grief, homelessness, substance abuse, mental health struggles, poverty, trauma, and a lack of positive guidance and support systems.

17:37

And whereas these challenges often leave young people feeling isolated and without access to resources, mentorship, and community connections necessary to thrive.

17:48

And whereas the Javante Johnson Foundation of Hope works to address these issues through mentorship, advocacy, community outreach, resource assistance, life skills development, and programs designed to foster resilience, healing, and personal growth.

18:04

And whereas the foundation seeks to create a community where every young person is valued, supported, and empowered to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential.

18:16

And whereas it is fitting and proper that the citizens of Mobile County recognize the importance of raising awareness about the challenges facing our youth and support efforts that provide hope, healing, and opportunity for future generations.

18:31

Now, therefore, I spiritual gatas, the mayor of Mobile, 109th Mayor of Mobile, to hereby proclaim the month of July 2026 as Javante Johnson Foundation of Hope Awareness Month in honor of the life and legacy of Javante Johnson and in recognition of the many young people in our community who are facing challenges such as grief, homelessness, substance abuse, mental health struggles, and a lack of guidance and support.

18:58

Thank you.

19:33

First off, I we would like to thank the city of Mobile and the Mayor for giving us this uh honor.

19:41

Uh uh I would also like to recognize everybody that came with us, asking y'all to stand.

19:49

Uh this is a small portion of our support group, uh which we we really uh are aiming to go out and help young men and anybody that comes to us, but we're focusing on helping young men between the ages of 13 and 30.

20:10

Uh God really gave us a plan.

20:12

He gave us a purpose.

20:14

Uh he turned pain into purpose.

20:16

And so we thank God for this opportunity and uh with God's help and everybody here backing us.

20:23

We we just want to continue to push forward.

20:27

Uh and we also thank our church family as well.

20:42

Uh I want to thank John and Sarah for coming in today, and I want to thank you for the service that you provide our community, but specifically our young people.

20:51

You know, I believe that certainly uh on my heart, you know, to serve that community of young people specifically.

20:58

Uh I want to win them back, and I want to make sure that they know how valuable they are, not just to their friends, their family, but our our city and community.

21:07

Uh I think what you're doing with this foundation um is proof that God can turn the worst thing to ever happen to you into uh a positive purpose and and make good out of evil.

21:19

So thank y'all.

21:21

Thank y'all for being here.

21:22

And with that, I conclude my remarks.

21:28

Um Councilman Woods.

21:30

Thank you, Mr.

21:31

President.

21:32

Um, as I'm talking, if I can, if I can get uh the West Side 11U Blue team to come join us down here if y'all don't mind, and we'll even let Coach Spivey come as well.

21:42

But uh so as we're wrapping up um spring baseball, um obviously we we go into all-stars.

21:49

Uh and you know, personally on on this, all three of my knuckleheads played uh played this season, um took a toll on us.

21:57

Um I uh had West Side fries every night.

22:00

Uh we learned to live at the ballpark and eat the food.

22:03

Um, the personal toll that that the season took was uh we lost two gloves and a baseball bat.

22:08

But uh so it was a great season outside of that.

22:11

But um here today, uh joining us from District 6's West Side Park.

22:16

Uh we have the West Side 11U Blue team.

22:19

Um a little bit about the blue team.

22:21

They were undefeated in both tournaments for the all-stars.

22:24

Uh that included the Cal Ripkin Big Park District and the Big Park State Champions.

22:28

Uh tomorrow they're they're loading up and they're headed to regionals in Louisiana to represent the state of Alabama and our region.

22:35

And I'm obviously the city of Mobile.

22:37

Um, so I just want to wanted to come down and recognize these guys.

22:39

Want to say thank you to to Coach Russell, uh, Coach Chapman and Coach Spivey uh for leading leading these guys, looking forward to seeing what they do in Louisiana.

22:48

You got to come back with uh with a with a couple wins for us if you don't mind.

22:51

And then I'm just a little bit about West Side.

22:53

Um obviously it's in District 6 and uh very proud of of what uh Coach Spivey and all the boards done out there.

22:59

Uh this year they they started the season with 874 kids as far as the regular park is concerned, and then um including Babe Ruth, they uh showcased 926 uh of uh young people's lives this this year during baseball season.

23:12

So I just want to say congratulations to this team, very proud of you guys, looking forward to what you do in Louisiana.

23:17

And um, I have a nice little certificate for you guys saying in recognition of the 2026 baseball season.

23:24

Congratulations done at the city of Mobile, Alabama on this seventh day of July 2026, and it's presented to the West Side 11U Blue team.

23:31

Congratulations, guys.

23:43

And uh I'm gonna give a certificate.

23:45

You want to hold it for us?

23:49

Thank you, sir.

23:59

And again, if any of you guys find a baseball glove, it's probably my kids.

24:03

So you know thank y'all and good luck.

24:12

Again, congratulations, West Side.

24:15

Madam Clerk.

24:20

Adoption of the agenda.

24:22

So move.

24:23

Second.

24:24

Prompt to move and second in discussion.

24:26

All in favor, aye.

24:28

All opposed.

24:29

Agenda is adopted.

24:30

Appeals, we have requests for wave of the noise ordinance on July the 18th on Airport Boulevard and October the 10th on Black Lawn Street.

24:41

So move.

24:42

Proper move and second in discussion.

24:44

All in favor?

24:45

Aye.

24:46

All opposed.

24:47

Item passed.

24:49

Public hearings today is the public hearing to fix the cost for demolition of structures at 1966 Halls Mill Road and 1401 Vega Drive.

25:00

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

25:02

Is anyone present I would like to address the council on these items?

25:08

If not, these public hearings are closed.

25:12

Presentation of petitions and other communications to the council.

25:14

Melvin Jones.

25:28

Good morning, everyone.

25:30

Morning.

25:34

My name is Melvin Jones and I serve as head football coach at the Sell Academy.

25:39

But for those of you who may not know, a cell academy is the state of Alabama's first public charter school.

25:46

And we have been open since 2016.

25:49

And this year, uh we have been granted through the state to begin playing football.

25:54

So far, we have basketball, volleyball, track and field, and bowling at the school at this time, but football is a big thing.

26:02

And I have been granted the opportunity to become the head coach of this esteemed school.

26:09

And with that being said, we're at a where we're located, we're landlocked.

26:15

So we're, you know, trying to find places to practice and work out and things of that nature.

26:20

So I've been in contact with Mr.

26:22

McCants and people from Parks and Recs to try to obtain a Sage Park for when school starts for us to have somewhere to provide a place for the kids to practice.

26:32

And uh at this time with us being a brand new sport and a brand new thing on the campus, we're starting from ground zero.

26:40

So everything that we're trying to do is coming from funding from within or wherever we can try to pull it in.

26:46

And uh we have an invoice that comes from parks and rec in order to use Sage Park for uh a total of $2,955.

26:56

And Dr.

26:56

Marlin Furrell wanted to be here this morning, but he had an emergency meeting he had to go to, so he sends us regards.

27:02

But we were just trying to see if there was any way that the council can help assist us with this uh invoice to either try to clear it or at least help us in some kind of way, and we do the rest until we begin to get the funding that we need to sustain on our own.

27:20

Uh yeah, thank you so much, Mr.

27:21

Jones, for uh coming down and everything.

27:23

And um, I believe that the parts recreation, they do charge you know, all the teams, football teams, um, something to use the park.

27:32

I would like for you to just send the council a requ a letter and just um they're asking for us a donation and it's again close to the end of the year, so funds might be tight, but um the council members may respond back to you, and if so, they may go ahead and try to give you something, they have something left in their discretionary funds.

27:49

Thank you.

27:50

Okay, yes, Mr.

27:52

Fleming.

27:53

Hey, Coach Jones, thank you for um leading this team at the school.

27:57

Could you give me the uh dollar amount that you mentioned again for the um 2955?

28:04

Okay.

28:04

Um I know we all want to help the academy.

28:08

Has the school reached out to other parks in the area too, maybe Matthews Park or anything like that.

28:14

Uh no, I think everything uh falls upon the umbrella of mobile parts and rec and at the at the talking, we went to go talk to them, and they gave us a list of the parts that may have availability I think with football season starting to roll up a lot of the parts have already been secured by other okay.

28:33

Thank you for being here, and uh please send us something so we can see what we can do to help you out.

28:37

Thank you all so much.

28:40

Yes, I've already talked to Shonda about this.

28:43

We are supporters of XL Academy and all our education systems.

28:47

We want to be able to facilitate their athletic activities, and so the fees that Mr.

28:52

Jones is talking about have been waived.

28:54

Okay, all right, thank you, sir.

28:56

You got your answer.

28:57

Thank you so much.

28:58

All right, okay, thank you, Chief.

29:00

Thank you.

29:01

All right, Jasmine Jasper.

29:09

It's Ms.

29:10

Jasper.

29:11

Jasmine Jackson present.

29:13

Okay, Madam Clerk.

29:15

Consent resolutions held over.

29:17

31714 authorized the mayor to apply, accept and receive a grant from the U.S.

29:22

Department of Housing Urban Development for the Policy Development and Research Programs Automated Permitting Systems Demonstration Grant.

29:29

So moved.

29:30

Second promptly move and second in discussion.

29:33

All in favor, aye.

29:34

All opposed, item passed.

29:36

Resolution is held over 01707, authorized agreement with CSX transportation for shipyard road boat launch.

29:46

08708 and 709 are approved and purchase orders to North American Fire Equipment Company.

29:53

08710, approved purchase order to Dell Marketing for 50 Dell Desktop Computers.

30:00

So moved.

30:01

Second.

30:02

Proper move and second in discussion.

30:04

All in favor.

30:05

Aye.

30:06

All opposed.

30:07

I don't pass.

30:09

Consent resolutions being introduced.

30:11

09715 through 6728.

30:14

Move to waive the rules for immediate consideration of these resolutions as read.

30:19

Second.

30:19

Proper move and second in discussion.

30:21

All in favor.

30:22

Aye.

30:23

All opposed.

30:24

Madam Clerk.

30:25

09715.

30:26

Transfer funds from District District 3 discretionary account to Oakdale Community Cleanup and Unity Day Mail Out.

30:34

37716, 717, and 718 are recommending approval to the ABC board for issuance of a retail beer table wine off premises only license to Lois Grocery and Market on Plum Street to for issuance of a retail beer table wine off premises only license to the people's room on St.

30:52

Francis Street for issuance.

30:56

Oh okay.

30:56

I'll take this last one separate.

30:59

Okay.

31:00

So moved.

31:02

Second.

31:02

Proper move and second in discussion.

31:05

All in favor.

31:06

Aye.

31:06

All opposed.

31:07

Item pass.

31:08

Madam Clerk.

31:09

Oh 37718 recommended approves at the ABC Board for issuance of a special events retail liquor license to inflatable night uh grown-up edition on Hillcrest Road.

31:21

So moved.

31:22

Second.

31:22

Proper move and second in discussion.

31:24

Uh Mr.

31:25

Presidents Woods.

31:26

Um I'd like to offer an amendment to change the time from 9 a.m.

31:30

to 10 p.m.

31:31

to 7 p.m.

31:33

to 10 p.m.

31:34

Second.

31:35

In a discussion on amendment, all in favor?

31:38

Aye.

31:38

All opposed.

31:39

Amendment passed going back.

31:40

Rep in other discussion.

31:43

All in favor?

31:44

Aye.

31:44

All opposed.

31:45

Item passed.

31:46

Madam Clerk.

31:46

4719 and 720 are fixing the cost of demolition of structures at 1966 Halls Mill Road and 1401 Vega Drive.

31:57

6721 through 728.

32:01

Or determining an appropriation to next level Moxie.

32:04

Opportunity for entertainers, Mobile Christian School, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc., Forrest Hill Elementary, John Will Elementary School, Archer School, and Mobile Arts Council serve a public purpose and approved payment.

32:19

So moved.

32:20

Second.

32:21

Second.

32:21

Proper move and second and discussion.

32:23

All in favor.

32:24

Aye.

32:24

All opposed.

32:25

Item passes.

32:27

Resolutions being introduced.

32:29

08729 through 6741.

32:33

Move to waive the rules for immediate consideration of resolutions.

32:44

Second.

32:45

Property move and second in discussion.

32:47

All in favor.

32:48

Aye.

32:48

All opposed.

32:49

Moves waived.

32:51

Madam Clerk.

32:52

08730.

32:53

Approved purchase order to Gray Bar Electric for decorative aluminum light pose and cross arms and light fixtures.

32:59

08731.

33:01

Approved purchase order to Muse Software for subscription and implementation fee for Muse Point of Sale Software.

33:08

08733.

33:10

Approved purchase order to research electronics international for enhanced spectrum analyzer for detection of hidden electronic devices.

33:20

So moved.

33:21

Second.

33:21

Prop the move and second in discussion.

33:23

All in favor.

33:24

Aye.

33:25

All opposed.

33:26

Resolution passes.

33:27

Announcements.

33:30

Thank you, Mr.

33:31

President.

33:32

I want to give a big congratulations to Team Alabama Special Olympics traditional volleyball team.

33:37

They won the goal.

33:39

And so it's amazing.

33:41

They are from Mobile.

33:42

They represent Alabama.

33:49

Also, I will have a community meeting at New Shallow July the 14th, 6 p.m.

33:55

Um, our community meeting for the midtown community, but everyone is invited.

33:59

If you live outside the area, you're still welcome to come.

34:02

Thank you, Mr.

34:02

President.

34:03

Thank you, Mr.

34:03

Penn.

34:04

District 5, Councilman Fleming.

34:06

No announcements.

34:07

District 4, Councilman Rumbles.

34:09

Yes, sir, Mr.

34:09

President.

34:10

I can't let the opportunity pass by that we have a new city attorney, Mr.

34:15

Robert Shreve.

34:16

He was announced last week.

34:17

Just wanted to say look forward to working with you.

34:20

We're not always going to agree on everything, but we can be civil as we disagree.

34:24

Uh, just as uh Mr.

34:26

Woods and I did.

34:27

And I mean, I think I think the sky's the limit for us with the team that uh mayor chair got us put together.

34:33

Thank you, Mr.

34:34

Reynolds.

34:35

District 6, Councilman Woods.

34:36

Thank you, Mr.

34:37

President.

34:38

Uh, I do want to go back and touch base on uh on the uh condolences to the Cochrane family and the friends.

34:44

Uh Sheriff Cochran was uh was a mentor um in in certain aspects.

34:48

Uh um as I saw office a couple times.

34:52

Uh he uh he always stepped in and he offered encouragement and advice, and um I he would greatly be missed, and I'm definitely doing a uh express my condolences.

35:00

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and and friends.

35:03

Um also too, want to touch base again on what the mayor said as well.

35:07

Uh thank you to everybody that made the Fourth of July Independence Day celebration here at Mobile uh spectacular.

35:13

Um we had a great time watching the uh watching the fireworks.

35:16

Uh as far as I'm concerned, it was better than the ones that were in DC.

35:20

Um they were very, very impressive fireworks.

35:22

Um thank you for all the time and effort and the employees that that uh made that happen.

35:26

Um also too, want to want to give a shout out to the history museum.

35:29

It was extremely hot.

35:31

Um, I really think that if possible, we should, you know, especially in the south here, we should maybe celebrate Independence Day in October.

35:37

And uh but I yeah, I don't think that's ever gonna happen.

35:40

But um it was a wonderful thing to watch.

35:42

Uh the reenactment and also too the unveiling of the time capsule was was really cool.

35:46

Um thank you for everybody at the history museum for all they did to make that happen.

35:50

And um, it really truly was a great 250th and uh in the city of Mobile.

35:54

Um that's it for me.

35:55

Thank you.

35:55

Uh thank you, Councilman Woods.

35:57

District 7, Vice President Gregory.

36:00

Thank you, Mr.

36:01

President.

36:02

I just want to remind everybody in the district that July 30th at 6 o'clock p.m.

36:06

at the Mobile Museum of Art, we will have our back to school rally.

36:11

Um that includes a uh light dinner, and also we will be awarding some checks to the three elementary schools in the district.

36:19

You heard those announced today.

36:21

Forest Hill, John Will, and Orchard School.

36:24

Again, it will be at 6 o'clock on July 30th at the Mobile Museum of Art.

36:28

Thanks.

36:29

Uh thank you, Vice President Gregory, and greetings to the citizens of District 3 on this coming Thursday, uh July the 9th at 1130 a.m.

36:38

Representative Barbara Drummond and myself will be putting on our annual 2026 Chat and Chew Town Hall for Seniors.

36:46

Again, we inviting all the seniors uh in District House 103 and District 3 city limits to come out this Thursday again.

36:55

Um we are inviting all the uh seniors to come out and uh RSVP uh at uh I had phone number here, but you can call 251-208741 until today.

37:08

Again, the cutoff time will be on today, but again, this is our annual uh 2026 chat and two, which will be this coming Thursday at the Maritime Museum.

37:17

Is there anything from the administration?

37:21

Motion to adjourn.

37:22

Second property movement second into discussion.

37:25

All in favor, aye, all opposed, this meeting is adjourned.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████████████████████43%
Parks and Recreation███████████████████████████27%
Youth Programs█████████████13%
Public Engagement███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Mental Health Awareness████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Mobile City Council Regular Meeting – July 7, 2026

The Mobile City Council held its regular meeting on July 7, 2026, beginning with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for former Sheriff Sam Cochran. The council approved consent items, recognized community groups, heard one public request, and passed resolutions without opposition.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of minutes from June 23 and 30 meetings.
  • Adoption of the agenda.
  • Waiver of noise ordinance on July 18 (Airport Boulevard) and October 10 (Black Lawn Street).
  • Consent resolutions held over: Authorization to apply for a U.S. HUD Automated Permitting Systems grant; agreement with CSX for the Shipyard Road boat launch; purchase orders to North American Fire Equipment Company and Dell Marketing for 50 desktop computers.
  • Consent resolutions introduced and passed (items 09715–09728): Transfer from District 3 discretionary account for Oakdale Community Cleanup; recommendations to the ABC board for three licenses (Lois Grocery and Market, The People's Room, and a special events retail liquor license for Inflatable Night Grown-up Edition); demolition cost fixes for 1966 Halls Mill Road and 1401 Vega Drive; appropriations to Next Level Moxie, Opportunity for Entertainers, Mobile Christian School, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc., Forrest Hill Elementary, John Will Elementary School, Archer School, and Mobile Arts Council.
  • Resolutions being introduced (items 08729–08741): Purchase orders for decorative aluminum light poles (Graybar Electric), Muse Point of Sale Software subscription, and an enhanced spectrum analyzer (Research Electronics International).

Amendment: Councilman Woods amended the special events liquor license for Inflatable Night Grown-up Edition on Hillcrest Road, changing the hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. to 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The amendment passed, and the item was approved as amended.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • National Parks and Recreation Month: Mayor read a proclamation declaring July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month. Shonda Smith and the Parks & Recreation team were recognized. Councilmembers Penn, Woods, and others thanked the department for its work, highlighting programs in multiple districts.
  • Javante Johnson Foundation of Hope Awareness Month: A proclamation was read, and John and Sarah Johnson spoke about the foundation’s mission to support young people facing grief, homelessness, substance abuse, and other challenges. The mayor expressed support for serving youth.
  • West Side 11U Blue Team: Councilman Woods recognized the team for winning the Cal Ripken Big Park District and State Championships. The team was headed to regionals in Louisiana. Councilman Woods noted that West Side Park served 874 regular park participants and 926 including Babe Ruth during the season.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Melvin Jones (Head Football Coach, Sell Academy): Requested council assistance with a $2,955 Parks and Recreation invoice for use of Sage Park for the school’s new football program. He noted the school is landlocked and had contacted Parks and Rec. Councilman Fleming asked if other parks were considered. The mayor (referred to as “Chief”) stated that the fees had already been waived. Council President advised Coach Jones to send a letter to council members for possible discretionary funding, but the waiver was the final outcome.

Discussion Items

  • Public Hearings for Demolition Costs: Hearings were opened for properties at 1966 Halls Mill Road and 1401 Vega Drive. No one spoke; hearings closed.
  • Special Events Liquor License Amendment: As noted above, Councilman Woods proposed and the council approved an amendment to change the time for the Inflatable Night Grown-up Edition license.

Key Outcomes

  • All consent items and resolutions passed unanimously.
  • The public hearings for demolition costs were closed without comment.
  • The Sell Academy’s park usage fee was waived by the administration.
  • The special events liquor license for Inflatable Night Grown-up Edition was approved with amended hours (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
  • Councilmembers announced upcoming events: Councilmember Penn’s community meeting on July 14 at New Shallow; Vice President Gregory’s Back to School Rally on July 30 at the Mobile Museum of Art; and President Small’s Chat and Chew Town Hall for Seniors on July 9 at the Maritime Museum.
  • The meeting adjourned without further business.

Meeting Transcript

This is the regular meeting of the Mobile City Council Tuesday, July the 7th. Please stand for our invocation led by Pastor Tony Legier, Public Safety Chaplain, and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence following the pledge. Good morning, everyone. God bless America. It's good to be here today, and let's have a good word of prayer and a productive meeting today. Our father, we humble ourselves before you here today, once again at the gates of our city. And we humbly ask for your presence. Father, would you smile upon us as your word says that you look favorably upon a righteous nation, a righteous people. So we pray that our leaders today might sense and benefit from your guidance, and that our communities gathered to celebrate the goodness of a good and loving God. We'll honor you today, Father, and ask you to bless our path in Christ's name. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Sam Cochrane is a Mobile native. He graduated from McGill Institute and he held a bachelor's and master's degree in criminal justice and public administration from the University of South Alabama. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. I considered Sam Cochrane a friend. I know many of you in this auditorium considered Sam a friend. I had the fortune to work with Sam as police chief and as sheriff all these years. Great law enforcement man. Sam never hesitated to tell you what he thought. But you'll never find a better gentleman and better law enforcement, a man about law enforcement than Sam Cochran. So our condolences go out to Sam's family, his wife, his children, his extended family and law enforcement, and of course that includes our MPD and Sheriff's Office. So if you would, a moment of silence for Sam. Royal Call, President Small. Here. Vice President Gregory. Here. Council Member Penn. Here. Councilmember Ingram. Councilmember Reynolds. Council Member Fleming. Here. Council Member Woods. Here. Statement of rules. And good morning, everyone. Good morning, everyone. It's good to see her about it this morning. Welcome to our July 7th, 2026 meeting. At this meeting, we do have rules. At this time, I ask if anyone have any typing electronic device, including cell phones, please at this time put on the all for the vibrate position, the all for the vibrate position. Any person that desire to address the Mobile City Council must sign in indicating the resolution, the ordinance, a public hearing agenda item before entering the meeting. When addressing this council, the speaker must give his or her name. Any person that desires to address the council on a non-agenda item must contact the city clerk office no later than two o'clock here on the Thursday prior to the council meeting. The surgeon that he or she wishes to express to the Mobile City Council must be identified and pertaining to the city of Mobile Business. Would not be allowed to address this council. Each speaker is allowed three minutes to address this council. A bell was signed to indicate the end of two minutes.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com