Mobile City Council Regular Meeting - September 15, 2026

The Mobile City Council met on September 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM (presumed start time) in the Council Chambers at Government Plaza. The meeting was called to order by President C.J. Small, with an invocation by Dr. Dan Taylor, Public Safety Chaplain, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting included recognitions, proclamations, public hearings, and votes on several agenda items.

Opening & Recognitions

• Officer of the Month (August): Officer Hayden Yerby (2 years with the department) was recognized by Police Chief Jackson. He responded to 67 calls for service, 16 self-initiated activities, made significant arrests in assault, domestic violence, theft, and narcotics cases, and provided life-saving medical aid to an individual with a severe wound. A lifesaving award is expected next year.
• Firefighter of the Month (August): Firefighter Joshua Carrera (joined July 2025) was recognized by Fire Chief Barry Gleason. He promoted a technical rescue tower climbing training program and is attending paramedic school.
• Parks & Recreation Employee of the Month: Cassandra Pettaway from the Chickasaw Senior Center (District 1) was recognized by Parks and Recreation Director Shad Collins. She was praised for creativity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to senior programming, often checking on seniors after hours.
• Library Card Sign-Up Month (September): A proclamation was presented by Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Mobile Public Library Director Jurae Hall Mitchell reported that over the summer the library system hosted 642 total programs with 22,252 attendees, partnered with 57 community partners, and registered 5,017 new library cardholders.
• Find the Good Day (September 17, 2026): A proclamation was presented to the Junior League of Mobile. President Shannon Harris announced the league will distribute diapers to six community partners, expanded on last year's 70,000 diaper distribution, adopted Holloway Elementary and Williamson 6th Grade, and will deliver supplies to Ronald McDonald House and Penelope House.
• MoonPie Over Mobile New Year's Eve: Fred Richardson of Events Mobile announced the 19th annual MoonPie Drop, ranked by USA Today as the 9th best New Year's Eve event in the nation. The family-friendly celebration includes a Kids' Zone (11 AM-1 PM at Mardi Gras Park) and the world's largest edible MoonPie served at 7 PM. The headliner artist revealed to be CeeLo Green, a five-time Grammy Award winner. Events Mobile promised packed streets and fun.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: September 8, 2026 meeting minutes approved.
• Adoption of Agenda: The agenda was adopted.
• Waiver of Noise Ordinances: Six noise ordinance waiver requests for various dates (September 19, October 17, October 10, September 26, and others) were approved.
• Consent Resolutions: The following items were approved without discussion:
  • Purchase order to Burwell Material Handling for Bobcat Forklifts.
  • Purchase order to Camel Manufacturing for floor cleaning equipment.
  • Authorization for the mayor to apply for a grant for five new trolley-style buses from the Federal Transit Administration.
  • Authorization for limited temporary access easement permits for the Mobile River Bridge project.
  • Approval of consent resolutions 99,983-99,991, including demolition of structures at 1550 Stewart Avenue, 1318 Hercules Street, 858 McQuillen Street, 1109 Bay Avenue; approval of special bonuses for employee, firefighter, and officer of the month.
  • Purchase orders for storm drainage vegetation/debris removal and for a Ford Bronco SUV.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nicholas Poe (Texas Street property): Poe stated he purchased a property on Texas Street that is in the historic district. He filed for a demolition permit three months ago but is waiting on the Architectural Review Board approval. He expressed frustration that the process can deter development, citing a three-month wait for a permit on another property. Councilwoman Ingram requested a 60-day hold on the demolition order to avoid interfering with the ARB process. (See Key Outcomes for vote.)
• Sunny Mui (Grand Berry Executive Transport): Mui presented the company's application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate a shuttle, sedan, and limousine service. They are based in Grandbury, Texas, with a second location at The Wharf (Gulf Shores Airport). No questions or comments from the council. The public hearing was closed.
• Linny Robinson (457 Sunny Valley Lane West, District 4/5): Robinson reported a ditch behind his home that is overgrown, causing snakes, raccoons, and possums. He called 311 in June but the case was opened and closed without resolution. Councilwoman Ingram (District 5) and Councilman Runnels (District 4) promised to look into the issue. The Mayor's office noted the ditch may be private right-of-way and not a city responsibility. The administration agreed to investigate why the 311 case was closed and communicate with the resident.
• Jaden Bloodworth (Senior, Enterprise High School; Founder, All the Same Alabama): Bloodworth donated 1,000 water bottles to Mobile firefighters in recognition of first responders. He also distributed pamphlets urging unity and respect for constitutional rights (First Amendment) regarding recent banners in the city. Multiple council members praised his leadership and community service. President Small offered to provide an excused absence letter for future school days. (Bloodworth's twin sister's birthday was also noted.)
• Estella Trotter: Trotter expressed strong concerns about the Taylor Landing affordable housing project (Resolution 09978) and the Mobile Housing Authority's handling of vouchers. She alleged corruption, lack of transparency, and that the housing authority failed to properly file for vouchers. She called for a federal audit and for the council to hold oversight public hearings. She also criticized the council for previous treatment of her.
• Clerk Sabrina Moss: Moss spoke regarding Resolution 09978 (Taylor Landing project). She thanked Mayor Sandy Stimpson for transparency and advocated for honesty and truth. She expressed concern that the project was being fast-tracked to avoid HUD regulations. She asked whether displaced residents would be able to return to the new housing. She called for new appointees to the Mobile Housing Board.
• Reggie Hill: Hill addressed several budget-related items, including the use of $2 million for Taylor Landing (Resolution 09978 and 09979). He criticized the lack of oversight and accountability in taxpayer spending and listed several recommendations: abolishing $1.4 million for traffic citations, returning $500,000 for the library, dissolving the Office of Professional Responsibility, restoring $200,000 for parks and recreation, moving $1 million each to districts 1-3 for stormwater, approving $14 million for public transit contingent on maintaining routes for seniors, using $5 million from the unassigned fund balance for Taylor Landing and current tenants, and other proposals. He urged careful stewardship of taxpayer money.

Discussion Items

• Taylor Landing Affordable Housing (Resolution 09978): Councilman Woods introduced an amendment to the resolution, updating language and adding wording requested by Councilman Penn. The amendment passed. Councilman Penn (District 3) explained that the item allocates close to $2 million in CDBG funds for new townhomes to revitalize Baltimore Street and the Taylor Park community. He noted this was not a sudden decision; the community center and street are already being rebuilt. The address will be changed from 1010 Baltimore Street. Councilman Penn emphasized collaboration and moving the community forward. He also stated that any allegations of wrongdoing should be reported to the U.S. Attorney or HUD for investigation.
• Zoning Changes:
  • Resolution 64043 (Bear Fork Road and Moffitt Road): Vice President Gregory argued for approval, noting the property is currently wooded, adjacent to the applicant's existing business, and the area is already largely commercial. HOA representatives had no objections provided no mobile home or RV parks are built. The rezoning was approved.
  • Resolution 64038 (255 Church Street): Held over for one week to gather more information on adjacent requirements.
• Council Announcements:
  • Councilwoman Ingram (District 2): Recapped a unity walk and felt unity in the community.
  • Councilman Runnels (District 4): Praised the mayor's difficult decision to postpone the opening of the new arena (city asset) to ensure proper inspection and completion. Announcements: district meeting on September 29 at Mobile Christian at 6 PM.
  • Councilman Penn (District 1): Announced a volunteer meeting in two weeks to support the Safe Passage program and other community initiatives.
  • Vice President Gregory (District 7): Announced a public safety committee meeting next week. Also mentioned a meeting to discuss the future of Azalea City Golf Course and the honor of Jimmy Buffett's exhibit at the Maritime Museum.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition of 913 Texas Street: Held over for 60 days (moved by Councilwoman Ingram) to allow the owner to proceed through the Architectural Review Board process.
• Taylor Landing Affordable Housing (Resolution 09978): Passed with an amendment. Council allocated CDBG funds to the development of townhomes on Baltimore Street. (Specific vote tally not provided, but passed without opposition after discussion.)
• Police and Fire Monthly Awards: Daniel (Officer) Yerby earned a lifesaving award, and Joshua Carrera of the Fire Department was honored.
• Public Safety Committee Meeting: Scheduled for next week following the council meeting.
• Noise Ordinance Waivers: Approved for multiple dates and locations.
• Library Card Sign-Up Month: Proclaimed September 2026.
• Find the Good Day: Proclaimed September 17, 2026.
• MoonPie Drop Artist Revealed: CeeLo Green announced as performer for the 19th annual event.
• Community Partnership: Councilman Penn and the administration collaborate on Safe Passage initiative, with a volunteer meeting planned in two weeks.
• CDBG and HUD Oversight: The city attorney clarified that the council's role is legislative and funding; enforcement authority lies with HUD and federal agencies. The council stated it lacks authority to investigate HUD compliance, but will continue to work with federal partners.