Mobile City Council Pre-Meeting – October 20, 2026

This summary is compiled from the pre-meeting transcript; agenda and minutes were not available. The Mobile City Council reviewed upcoming agenda items, discussed several contracts and projects, and voted to enter executive session. No formal consent vote was taken during the pre-meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of October 14 meeting minutes was noted with no issues.
• A requested waiver of the noise ordinance for October 24, 4–8 p.m., on Arlington Street was noted with no issues.
• Held-over ordinance 88050 would authorize conveyance of city-owned land at Lot 3, Fort Hardman subdivision.
• Held-over resolutions referenced by Ms. Smill were held over again after she received materials that morning.
• Resolution 01-1111 would authorize a second amendment to the purchase/sale agreement with One Water LLC, extending the inspection period for one additional year to October 26, 2027. Mr. Penn said construction is probably at least another 12 months away because infrastructure work and a rail agreement are the critical path; another extension may be brought back if needed.
• Other consent items reviewed included: transfer of District 3 McNally Park Fishing Pier capital funds; a contract with Dynamic Security for unarmed guard and protective services; a design/engineering contract with Moffin and Nickel for McNally Park Marine Improvements; an ABC special events retail license for My Top My October Fest on Hillcrest Road; a firefighter-of-the-month bonus; public purpose appropriations to Trinity Gardens Community Civic Club, Marching Cougars Band Boosters Club, Liberty Learning Foundation, Child Advocacy Center, and Princeton Woods Homeowners Association; a $16,886.79 purchase order with Gray Bar Electric for fiber and connectors to rewire the City Fiber Network in Government Plaza; referral of St. Ignatius Parish Mobile's cemetery application to the Mobile County Board of Health; contracts with Wesley Fontaine and Elaine Campbell for tennis lessons and clinics; a $156,000 professional services contract with the Bloom Group; a $20,000 contract with Firefly for a drone show at the tree lighting; and a $500,000 Three Mile Creek Greenway Trail segment five grant application requiring a 20% local match.

Public Hearings

• The agenda included public hearings to declare structures at 264 North Dearborn Street, 2058 St. Stephen's Road, and 7216 8th Street public nuisances and order them demolished.
• Dr. Barr recommended tabling the 264 North Dearborn Street item, reporting that the owner has received a demolition permit, has a contractor, and demolition activity is currently underway. A reminder was also noted that item 40-1123 needs to be tabled.

Discussion Items

• Bloom Group contract ($156,000): A councilmember asked for more information because the contract stated only "professional services" without a scope of work. The administration answered that it covers government relations services for the Alabama Legislature and that more details would be provided. A councilmember noted the city previously had an internal person in this role and expressed concern about relying on a consultant instead of building internal capacity. The administration said the former liaison's salary will more than cover the contract, that the city is contracting with the Bloom Group rather than the former employee directly, and that the team approach provides greater coverage. Another councilmember requested monthly activity and results reports if the contract is approved; the administration agreed to monthly reports during the legislative session. Several speakers supported the contract, describing the Bloom Group as highly respected in Montgomery and as providing "bench strength." One speaker said he is 100% for going with the firm, citing savings on salary, benefits, health insurance, and retirement. The administration also said the Wyndham Group has been engaged to advocate on SSUT-related issues and that there is new legislative appetite to address remote-sales tax revenue.
• Three Mile Creek Greenway Trail segment five: A councilmember asked about the segment, which stretches from the Koanis Boys and Girls Club at Bush Park to USA Hospital. The project includes a 200-foot pedestrian bridge reconnecting Mill Street Park with the hospital and two underpasses. Plans are at 99%, one final real estate purchase with Canadian National is pending after five years, and notice to bid is expected in approximately six to eight months. Councilmembers praised the project as a game changer for walkability and connectivity.
• Drone show: The administration said the tree lighting will include a drone show, described as the first in Mobile; the date was later identified as November 20.

Other Business

• Reggie Hill was to introduce amendments to Mobile City Code chapters 38, 46, and 52, and amendments to rules, meeting procedures, and public safety.
• Administration recognized students from the Vigor Wolves who toured the Public Works Department.

Key Outcomes

• Dr. Barr recommended tabling the 264 North Dearborn Street demolition item; councilmembers noted item 40-1123 also needs to be tabled.
• The held-over resolutions referenced by Ms. Smill were held over.
• The council voted unanimously to move into executive session, on a motion by City Attorney Robert Shreve, under the Alabama Code section cited by the city attorney, for discussion of a plan. The recorded vote was: President Small, yes; Vice President Gregory, yes; Councilmember Penn, yes; Councilmember Ingram, yes; Councilmember Reynolds, yes; Councilmember Fleming, yes; Councilmember Woods, yes.