City Council - Regular Meeting

Light me up, let me see your fire Light me up, let me see your fire

Good morning, Birmingham. Today is Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026. The time is 9.34 a.m. I call to order the regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council. This morning's invocation will be led by Dr. Milton Wren, Jr., pastor of the Kingdom Builders Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama, and our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Counselor Josh Vassa. If you're willing and able, please stand and join us.

Good morning, Council President to the City Council, Mayor. Let us bow our heads for a word of prayer. Gracious God, our Father, we thank you. We come before your throne with an attitude of gratitude just to say thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to stand before your presence. Thank you for each council person that's representing all 99 neighborhoods. Father, we ask that you give them grace, give them wisdom, give them understanding. Help us to make decisions today with godly conviction, with influence, and with integrity. Let the decisions that are made today have a positive impact on our children, our city, our communities. And as always, God, we look to you for heavenly wisdom that can only come from above. Grant them the grace to work together in harmony with our mayor for the betterment of the city of Birmingham. And as we close, we say, like your son did with the disciples, Father, make us one. It is in your son, Jesus, the Christ name we pray. Amen.

Thank you so much, Dr. Wren, for that thoughtful prayer. And thank you, Councilor Vassa, for leading us in the pledge. Good morning, Mr. Clerk.

Good morning.

You can call the roll, please.

Council Member Dunn. Council Member O'Quinn.

Good morning.

Good morning. Council Member Smith. Good morning. Good morning. Council Member Smitherman. Good morning. Good morning. Council Member Vassa. Good morning. Good morning. Council Member Williams. Good morning. Good morning. Council Member Woods. Good morning. Good morning. President Pro Tem Tate, Council President Alexander.

Good morning, President. Councilors, at this time, the minutes are not ready from the meetings of April 7, 2026 through June 16, 2026. This time we have communications from the mayor. Good morning, Mayor Woodson. Good morning. No communications today? Hello. Thank you very much. At this time, councilors, we'll continue with our agenda, and we will, at this time, we'll entertain consideration of the consent agenda. All items designated as consent are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion. No separate discussion of these items will be permitted unless a council member, the mayor, or citizen interested in a public hearing so requests. If so, such items will revert to its normal place on the agenda order of business. All matters of permanent operation that's indicated with a capital P will be read. All other matters will be announced by reading the item number only. All public hearings will be announced. At this time, Councilors, I would like to revert and instead of considering the consent agenda, we do have a special presentation. So with unanimous consent, if we could go ahead and have our special presentation And we do have one this morning from Councilor Crystal Smitherman. And she would like to introduce a program that's coming to Batwell Auditorium. Councilor Smitherman.

Thank you, Madam President. If the representatives from the Bazaar Fashion Show, I'll let them speak. But I believe this is the second annual of the fashion show coming to the Batwell as well. And they're going to talk to us a little bit about it as well.

Good morning, council. A lot of familiar faces here. Good morning, council and mayor's office. My name is Desmond Wilson. I'm a Birmingham-based creative director, filmmaker, photographer, and communication strategist. I've had the privilege of building much of my career around Birmingham story through documentary work, public communications, creative strategy, and visual art. That includes my past work here, serving as communications in the Birmingham City Council office, where I saw firsthand how important it is for our city's stories, people, and neighborhoods to be represented with care, dignity, and vision. Today, I'm honored to introduce Poe's Bazaar Foundation, a 501c3 organization, and the Poe's Bazaar Fashion and Art Show, which will take place in September at Bowell Auditorium, a city-owned facility that has long served as a gathering place for Birmingham's major cultural, civic, and community moments. I'd also like to thank Councilor Crystal Smitherman for recommending us today. Pose Bazaar is more than just a fashion show. It's more than an art exhibit. It's a statewide creative platform built to spotlight Alabama artists, designers, students, and emerging creative professionals who often don't get access to spaces and opportunities like this. For many local creatives, having their work presented on a curated platform with industry professionals community leaders and potential supporters can be career changing. It can be the first major opportunity to give someone visibility that opens a door and validates years of unseen work. Opportunities like this can help launch careers, not just in Birmingham, but across the state. This event also features a scholarship fund for local students, which is one of the most important parts of this work. Post Bazaar is not only celebrating creativity, it's investing in the next generation. It's connecting art, fashion, creativity, education, entrepreneurship, and community impact in a way that directly benefits young people and gives them a stronger foundation to build from. As the curator of the art exhibit, this work connects deeply to my own personal career and purpose. My work has always been about using art and storytelling to elevate our people, preserve culture, and create opportunities that can shift how our communities see themselves and how the world sees them. We all know that Birmingham is growing as a creative city, Alabama's creative economy is expanding, and Birmingham has the opportunity to lead that growth with intention. But that only happens when the city supports organizations, artists, and platforms doing the work on the ground. Supporting Pose Bazaar means supporting students. It means supporting artists and supporting creative entrepreneurship. And the statewide initiative that brings talent, culture, and opportunity into a city-owned space and says clearly that Birmingham believes in its creative future. Organizations like these matter because they don't just host events, they build pathways, they create access, and they help people imagine a future for themselves that they may not have felt possible before. I was connected with this organization a few years ago and am now honored to serve in several capacities leading up to the exhibit that we have at Boutwell in September. The founder and executive director, Lavinia Holliday, has been in fashion for a little over about, close to about a decade and a half now. But I was motivated to work with her in the organization because she's really dedicated to the creative youth here in the city. She's facilitated field trips, taking busloads of students to Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. She has one coming up, taking students to SCAD to do a tour of their facility as well. And so we all know that these are life-changing opportunities that can create sparks that, uh, change lives. And so I'd like to introduce you to Ms. Holliday.

Good morning council. Thank you so much, uh, to Mayor Woodfin. Thank you, Councilor Smitherman. Thank you so much for allowing this opportunity. Um, my name is Lavinia. I'm the founder and executive director of Pose Bazaar Foundation. Um, I founded Pose Bazaar because I know what it feels like to, have talent, vision, and drive, but not always have access to rooms, resources, or platforms needed to truly move forward. Before Pulse Bazaar became an organization, it started as a response to a gap that I saw in our creative community. There were designers, models, artists, students, and emerging creatives with real ability, but too many of them were waiting for permission, waiting to be seen, or really trying to figure out where they belonged. And Pulse Bazaar was created to do just that. We are a nonprofit, 501c3, dedicated to discovering, supporting, and elevating emerging talent in fashion and the arts. Our work is not just about producing a fashion show. It's about really building pathways to go beyond Alabama. It's about giving young people and emerging creatives exposure to industry professionals, mentorship, real stages, real audiences, and real possibilities. Our upcoming Post Bazaar Fashion Show will take place September the 27th. That is a Sunday at the Boutwell Auditorium. For us, that truly matters because Boutwell is not just a venue, it's a city-owned facility, and we believe it is powerful for Birmingham's own creative community to be showcased in a space that truly belongs to the people. This year's show is sponsored by Bill & Tucker Sew Up, a teen designer cohort, which teaches local teen fashion design, sewing, and empowerment through the arts. That partnership represents the heart of our mission. When a young person learns to sew, design, present their work, and believe in their own creative voice, they are not just learning a hobby. They are developing confidence, discipline, entrepreneurship, and a skill set that can follow them for life. Through Pulse Bazaar, we have already helped create opportunities for artists, designers, models, and students. We have supported scholarships, creative workshops, and platforms that help take people to the next step in their career. But we also know that this work grows stronger when there is greater awareness, deeper collaboration, and more alignment between creative organizations, civic leadership, and the communities we serve. Birmingham's creative economy is not something abstract. It lives in our young people, our artists, our designers, our small businesses, our venues, and our cultural events. When those pieces are recognized and connected, the whole city benefits. Today, we are here to introduce this work, share the importance of what is being built, and invite continued conversation around how Post Bazaar can collaborate with the city, community partners, and local leaders as a cultural education and economic asset for Birmingham. We invite each of you to attend to witness the talent firsthand and to see what becomes possible when creativity, opportunity, and collaboration move in the same direction. Thank you. Oh, I'm so sorry. This is just an example. I wanted to show you all. what we did back in 2022, we partnered with Harlem fashion row, uh, which is Ms. Brandis Daniel. She is not native from Memphis. Um, and she was one of, she was the one that put together the all black female design team that designed LeBron James first shoe. And this is Ms. Alison. Her first show was post bizarre. Um, and this is what we were able to do for her. She is now in an arts conservative program in Connecticut. Um, and we also, When it comes to creating these opportunities for the creatives here, one of our models started with us in 2022 as well, and she has gone on to represent brands such as brands that are found in Sephora, Nike, and we have another model that is currently working with Harlem Perfume Company. So these are just some of the opportunities that we are working together as a community to bring more to Birmingham. and creating that pipeline that extends from Birmingham, New York and LA and beyond.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much, and thank you, Councilor Smithman, for bringing this very exciting event to our attention. I really am encouraged. I love that we give opportunities for our youth to expand in other different careers, and if their heart is in something that they really like. So I appreciate the community work that you're doing. Thank you. We look forward to having this event here in Birmingham. Thank you so much. Thank you. I believe you're still looking for models.

Is that correct?

Yes, we are. We're looking for models, designers, visual artists, performers, uh, really bringing the creative community together into a full space. Um, we are raising money for a building Tucker. So opt to help build their curriculum, get them tools, equipment that they need, and also wanting to partner with other local nonprofits who are underfunded, um, at the moment to help them provide more resources, especially in the communities that, we often are unable to touch. So it's really coming together.

Yes. And also, if you all may be familiar or knowledgeable of any creative arts programs in your districts, schools, et cetera, we'd love any alignment with those programs to help, you know, filter in potential opportunities for this event.

Thank you. Thank you again. Thank you, counselors. At this time, we will go back to our agenda and we will hear the items that are being considered for consent. Mr. Clerk, if you'll read those items.

Consent agenda starts on page two. Items one and two. Skip over to page 14. Item four should be removed from consent and changed to an ordinance, a permanent operation. Page 15, items 5 and 6 are on consent. Page 16, items 7 and 8 are on consent. Page 17, items 9, 10, and 11 are on consent. Please note that on item 10, six line from the bottom, that amount should change from 15, $1.5 million to $1 million. And above that line, 2 million should change to $2,500,000. That's on item 10. Page 18, items 12, 13, and 14 are on consent. Page 19, items 15, 16, 17, and 18 are on consent. Page 20, items 19, 20, and 21 are on consent. Page 21, items 22, 23, 24, and 25 are on consent. Page 22. Items 26, 27, 28, and 29 are on consent and you have one addendum item.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Councilors at this time, are there any items that you would like to have added or removed from consent? And also please note that we do have the addendum item number 31. Yes. The request is to add item 31, the addendum item to consent. Are there any other changes you'd like to make? All right. Mr. Clerk, we're ready for the vote.

Okay. Motion, please. So moved. All right. Voting should be open about now. Okay. So am I. All right. I think that's everyone.

All right, counselors. At this time, the consent agenda is approved. So if anyone in the audience was here for an item that was listed for consent, as well as the attendant item, those have been approved for consent. And now we'll revert to the rest of our agenda.

All right. Item three should be the first item. An ordinance approving and authorizing the mayor to execute a contract for the sale and development of real estate Between the city of Birmingham and BK Prop Co LLC, under which the city will sell, convey approximately 25 acres of undeveloped real estate located in Grand River Technology Park along Barber Motorsports Parkway to BK Prop Co for a purchase price of $1,850,000. And BK Prop Co will undertake a project to build and operate a world-class carting facility on the property. This is an item of permanent operation. We need you, C, to pass it today.

So moved.

Council Member Gunn. I'm sorry. Council Member Gunn. Council Member O'Quinn.

Aye.

Council Member Smith. Aye. Council Member Smitherman. Aye. Council Member Vassa.

Aye.

Council Member Williams. Aye. Council Member Woods. Aye. Council President Pro Tem. I'll tell you, she's out. Council President Alexander. Aye. All right. Motion to move the item. Second. Item is before you.

All right, thank you, Council. At this time, this is an ordinance approving and authorizing the mayor to execute a contract for the sale of property. Any questions regarding this item, or do you need any discussion regarding it? Yes, Council Williams.

I just have a comment. You know, I think that since I have been on this council, and now I'm one of the oldest, or longest, not oldest, longest serving members of the council. We've looked at different things to do at this technology park, and I think that I'm excited to see some movement, and I want to see this be a catalyst for continued movement out there where there's the synergy between Barber, the automotive racing industry, and everything else that is unique to that site in Birmingham. And so I'm excited that we're able to see movement after nine long years on this council.

Thank you so much. Any other comments or questions? Okay, we're ready for the vote.

All right, voting should be open.

So am I. I know. We need a refresh. All right, thank you. That item passes. Number three passes. Next item.

It should be item number four. I'm sorry.

Yeah.

Yeah. item four change again to an ordinance uh an ordinance approving and authorizing the mayor to execute four unless the act of said city a project agreement between the city of Birmingham and Baldwin properties LLC under which Baldwin will undertake a project to acquire redevelopment revitalize the existing structure located at 1909 14th avenue north Birmingham Alabama 35235 into a mixed use development containing residential rental units and commercial space for the neighborhood retailing tenants and organizations that provide good services, programs, and resources with approximately $1.85 million of capital investments and approximately $492,400 in annual revenue and the creation of an estimated 25 to 30 new jobs. The city will provide incentives in the form of forgivable loan in the amount not to exceed $300,000 in support of the project pursuant to Amendment No. 772 This is an operation that you see to pass it. So moved. Second. Council Member O'Quinn. Aye. Council Member Smith. Aye. Council Member Smith. Aye. Council Member Vassa.

Aye.

Council Member Williams.

Aye.

Council Member Woods. Aye. President Alexander. Aye. Motion, please. So moved. Second.

All right, thank you, counselors. This is a resolution approving and authorizing the mayor to execute for an act of the city, a project agreement between the city of Birmingham and Baldwin Properties LLC. We did have discussion of this item during Committee of the Whole, so this is recommended by the mayor and Committee of the Whole. Is your wish to hear any more information about this item or any questions about this item? All right, at this time, thank you, Mr. Clerk. We're ready for the vote.

Voting should be up and running. I think that's everyone.

All right, thank you. That item passes. We're very excited for this project. We thank Baldwin Properties for investing in the city and working with us to bring this opportunity for residents. Thank you so much. Next item.

This item should be item 30. A resolution setting a public hearing August the 4th, 2026 to consider the adoption of an ordinance for changing zone district boundaries for all properties in Pratt-Ensley framework plan area. including the Pratt community and Inslee community pursuant to the Pratt Inslee framework plan filed by the city of Birmingham.

All right, counselors, this is a resolution where we're setting a public hearing on August 4th, 2026 to adopt an ordinance for a change in zone district, according to the Pratt Inslee framework plan. This is just this motion at this time would be just to set the public hearing. Any questions about that date? We're ready for the vote.

Thank you, sir. All right.

Thank you. So we've set that public hearing to discuss about the Pratt-Ensley framework plan, and that will be on August 4th, 2026 here in council chambers. Excuse me. Councilors, I do just want to correct a statement I made regarding item number four. It wasn't a resolution. It was changed to an ordinance. So what we voted on was an ordinance versus a resolution regarding that particular action. No additional vote is needed. Thank you very much. Right, councilors, at this time, that concludes our agenda. And we'll be happy under old new business to entertain any updates you have regarding your districts. And Councilor Smith, are you ready? We'll start on your end.

All right, great. Well, thank you. So first we have an event that's coming up this Saturday, June 27th at the Birmingham Central Library, From Tea to Treason, How Ordinary Colonists Were Drawn into Extraordinary Rebellion. So that is going to be from 2 to 3.30. Also, Parks and Recreation Department is still conducting our citywide survey. So please visit bhmparks2035.com to complete that survey. And you might have seen that the Coast Guard is hosting a request or has a request for information that's open. So I just wanted to note that individuals would need to be registered on SAM.gov ahead of the open house that's taking place on June 24th and 25th. For more information, you can contact Ariana Williams at ariana.m.williams at uscg.mil. There will also be an industry day coming up in July, so be on the lookout for that. We have a special called Arts and Parks meeting today at 11.30 here in Council Chambers, and the Bush Hill Neighborhood Association is meeting this evening at 6.30 at the Bush Hills Community Garden and Urban Farm. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Councilor Woods.

Thank you, Madam President. There are no neighborhood associations coming up this week, but we do want to remind everybody about two upcoming events, one being the Man Up Breakfast this year. It will take place on Saturday, July 11th at 9 a.m. This will be at Nikki's Event Center off the Parkway, and this year's theme will pull from AJ Gass' iconic quote, find a need and fill it. Inviting everyone out, so definitely be Visit bhmdistrict1.com backslash manupbreakfast to reserve a seat today. Also, District 1 Serve Day is coming up July 25th. Great opportunity to get out and make an impact. We will be partnering with House Proud on some home repair projects as well as B-Litter Free Cleanup. There will be some garden work going on and lawn maintenance for seniors, so a good opportunity for everyone to get involved, and we invite everyone out.

Thank you.

Thank you. Councilor Quinn?

Thank you, Madam President. We have a couple of neighborhood meetings tonight. Fountain Heights Neighborhood Association will meet at 6 at the Fountain Heights Rec Center and Crestwood North will meet at 630 at Girls Incorporated. The Transportation Infrastructure Committee will meet again on Monday, July 13th at 2 p.m. in the council chambers. Submit agenda items to Kimberly Phillips at Birmingham AL Gov. Please note that there are several openings for the design review committee as follows. Three resident member at large position and one registered architect position and one building trades practitioner position. The Design Review Committee is a committee appointed by the City Council to review and approve the physical development of commercial revitalization project areas and reviews and approves certificate of appropriateness applications for proposed projects on exterior work in local historic districts. OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO E-MAIL YOUR RESUME, PLEASE CONTACT MYISHA HUTCHINSON AT MYISHA.HUTCHINSON AT BIRMINGHAMAL.GOV. Finally, I want to remind folks to save the date for the annual District 5 Health Fair that's going to take place on Saturday, August 8th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Parker High School. We are partnering with the Alpha Phi chapter of Omega sci-fi fraternity incorporated to make this event possible The health fair will offer free health screenings community resources back-to-school supplies and a blood drive and please contact the district 5 office for additional details and opportunities to participate and Please always remember that you can take you can find fresh fruits and vegetables and many other things at one of our local District 5 farmers markets. There's one that takes place every Saturday, 8 to noon, at East Lake United Methodist in the East Lake community. And the Pepper Place Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 7 to noon in Lakeview. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Pastor Vassa?

Thank you, Madam President. Folks, we had our D3 Summerfest this past weekend. We had a great turnout. Live music, food trucks, vendors in a kid's zone. But the highlight, if anyone was there, was a special performance from Glen Dance Group of Glen Iris Elementary. I want to shout out those wonderful young ladies who performed. Tremendous presentation. We're excited to see them performing more. In weeks to come, we gave out backpacks filled with supplies to the first 75 kids, collected school supplies for District 3 elementary schools. Really appreciate everyone who came out. George Ward Park was beautiful. Special thanks to Parks and Rec for their assistance on that. We have a new website for District 3. It is district3bham.com. Our website is full of updates, links to resources, etc. Check us out. Again, district3bham.com. And a reminder, if you want to email our office, feel free to do so at district3, the number 3, at birminghamal.gov. And lastly, as Councilor O'Quinn mentioned, we have openings for design review committee, three residents at large, one resident registered architect, and one building trades. For more information, send your resume to myishahutchinson at birminghamale.gov. Those are my announcements.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you so much, and congrats on a great District 3 Fest. I heard it was a very good, good event.

Thank you. We had a good time. Thank you.

Councilor Smitherman?

Thank you, Madam President. Well, the time has come for District 6 weekend, or Council would have said District 6 month, but that's not funny. So this Friday, we will have the D6 Fest Comedy Show at the Grove. That is a new event center in District 6 in Titusville. It's in the same area as 841 Gym, if you're familiar with that. Doors open at 8, and the show will start at 9 p.m. We'll have the host by Ms. B., and performances by Detroit Reed, Camp Too Stupid, Flossed Entertainer, Comedian Felicia, and Light Skin Chris, all local comedians that perform nationally but are coming back home to perform. And we will have Food Trucks, my favorite, 1918, and Travis, who is actually a District 6 resident. Then Saturday, we will brunch at Toasty Yolk from 10 to 2. And then the actual festival, actually, It goes on all day, but the main part starts at three. But we'll start with a youth girls' flag football, because we actually have a flag football team into this field. That will start at 11 a.m. on the football field. Then we will have a soccer game in partnership with HECA, the Hispanic Coalition, starting at 3 p.m. We'll have a live DJ and band. And then we will have a concert, which will be hosted by Lei Wu and be performed by J.P. Capone and the Voices of Birmingham. So we're thinking Young Vocals, Logan the Entertainer, and others. We'll have bouncy houses and game trucks for the kids. And we also will have open gyms. And the gymnasium as well for anybody who wants to play basketball. And then on Sunday we will have a church service at First Baptist Church of Mason City at 10 a.m. And then we will give out free food boxes at 11 a.m. And partnership will be the change. And then we will end with the Taste of West End in partnership with Urban Impact at Arlington House at 5 p.m. I want to thank our community partners, my father, Senator Roger Smitherman, Beham Now, Commissioner Sheila Tyson, and Personal Injury Law Group for helping out as well. So we look forward. So just pick any event and come. Also, Alicia's Coffee will start Matcha Monday starting this Monday. It will start five o'clock. I will be their first guest speaker. We will have free matcha kits while they last. I don't know if you had a matcha from her before, but it's amazing. And then some events happening in July, on July 11th, that's a Saturday. We will also have a D6 in-house pilot serve day. We will start at 7.30 a.m. and we will meet at Hemphill Elementary. We will beautify the school, cut lawns, paint residents' houses. So that will be happening if you want to volunteer. And our next District 6 Farmers Market will be on the same day at Memorial Park at 1.30 p.m. And then in Council Gunn's absence, he has neighborhood meetings this week. Norwood is tomorrow night at 6 p.m. via teleconference. And then Harmon Park will be this Thursday at 4.30 p.m. at the Harmon Park Recreation Center. The next Community Development Committee meeting is Monday, July 6th at 3.30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. If you have any items you'd like to submit for that agenda, please send them to carmen.mayes at Birmingham spelled out. al.gov by the close of business on Monday, June 29, 2026. And then lastly, a seat on the Birmingham Land Bank Authority Board is becoming available next month in July. The land bank works to return vacant and abandoned properties to productive use across our city. If you're interested in serving, please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest to Carmen Mays at carmen.mays at birminghamal.gov. The deadline to apply is this Friday, June 26th. And we welcome applicants with backgrounds in real estate, law, finance, urban planning, or community development. But all interested residents are encouraged to apply, and you must be a resident of Birmingham. Thank you.

you very much thank you Crestline neighborhood will be meeting this Thursday the 25th at 6 o'clock at the regular place Hope Church these are announcements for district 7 the green acres neighborhood they're hosting movie night in the park this evening at and the movie starts at 8 p.m. On Thursday, June 25th, the Industrial Center Neighborhood Association meets at 6.30 p.m. And on Monday, June 29th, the Tarpley City Neighborhood Association meets at 6 p.m. Very, very huge thank you to everyone who came out for the kickoff of the Safe Summer Series concerts. on Sunday. We had just a phenomenal crowd. We had a lot of good music, good fun, good food, and I'm just grateful to everyone that came out and joined us. We have more upcoming events coming through up until September, so look forward to those announcements. But again, thank everyone for attending on Sunday. We do have an opening to fill an expired term on the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. And this particular board carries on continuous comprehensive planning for the region. They're also responsible for preparing a regional plan and during comprehensive planning around different projects within our region. So to qualify to be on this particular board, you have to be a resident of the city of Birmingham, a registered voter. You have to be over 21 years of age, taxpayer, and a real property owner. So the application period ends on June 26th. So if you'd like to apply, please send your letters of interest or resume to izola, I-Z-O-L-A dot hall at birminghamal.gov. In lieu of the absence of Madam Pro Tem, here are the announcements for District 9. The Fountain Heights Neighborhood Association will be held tonight, 6 p.m. at Fountain Heights Rec. The Dolomite Neighborhood Association will meet by conference call. And the dial-in number, you can call the office for that dial-in number. The Enon Ridge neighborhood meeting is canceled for Thursday, June 25th. The next public safety meeting, it is canceled for today, so it will not be held at 1 p.m. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call the D9 office at the extensions 2302 and 2096. Those are all of our announcements for our districts. At this time, we'll entertain speakers on our speakers list. Mr. Clerk.

Okay. Joseph Holt.

Hello, everyone. Mr. President, Mr. President, and the city council. I got two things I just want to discuss. First of all, I saw that we had a meeting yesterday, a neighborhood meeting, and the police officer said that they were starting to get the things together for the budget for the city jail. And he said they were taking estimates. And we haven't seen any where you can apply or where you can, if you're a black contractor or any contractor, where you can apply to bid on jobs or anything of that nature. So although what y'all plan to do is great and awesome with the renovations, I would like for some transparency on how we can be it or how we can apply for anything. Because although a lot of stuff y'all say is good, come out of your mouth, it does a good thing. But once it leaves your mouth, there's no way to follow up on how can we be it? How can we go through the process? And he said they were taking estimates. I didn't see it on the website. I didn't see anything. So me and others would like to be able to be it. Even if we don't get it, the opportunity to say we could send a bid would be good progress for the community. And also, the Penny Foundation, I was granted, supposedly granted in 2024 in November, like $2,500 from the Penny Foundation, but I haven't received it. I've called Mr. Watson. There's no office to go to. There's nobody answering the phone number. There's a lot of turnover because every person you call or email said they don't work there no more. So, again, another good thing that y'all do, the money y'all give them is good, but the follow-up, once it leaves for y'all approval, there's no way to get in touch, there's no email, there's no phone number, nobody responds back. So that's a problem for citizens as well as me. So I've been calling the guy, Mr. Wise, he won't answer the phone, he'll send an email and say, I'll call you back, and he never does. So all I'm asking for is transparency, where there's some follow-up steps where it won't be broke down, where we're blaming you guys. So with the Birmingham Jail, if there's an app that you can go to or something, click, say, if you would like to be on it as a contractor right there. And with the Pennant Foundation, if you have received some money, can you call us here? Or is there a building that you can go to to actually talk to somebody? Because there's nothing there. And thank you. And like I said, I appreciate everything y'all do.

Thank you, Mr. Holt. I know you brought two issues before us. One, I appreciate the accolades for the action that we've taken as council and as administration to provide resources for our residents as well as our businesses. I'm going to allow administration, there is typically there's an RFP process, which is made aware. And if you just want to speak to that.

Yes, ma'am. We will follow up with both purchasing, the purchasing division and our finance department as well as making certain that you get contact information in coordination with the Penny Foundation and Mr. Laura Watson. So we'll do follow-up on both of those.

Okay, thank you. Thank you. Next speaker.

Antoinette Halsman.

Good morning. As you come forward, you have three minutes. There's the clock on the both of these video screens right here. And when it turns to read, you have 30 seconds left. So just give us your name and your address and the item that you're speaking on.

Okay. Good morning, city council and to the mayor and to all this here. My name is Antoinette Halsey. I reside at 1519 Green Oak Circle, Birmingham, and I'm coming in to complain about debris and trash that's been pushed up on my fence and near my property, and it's causing armadillo holes, scorpions, snakes coming down. And back in August of last year, I was bitten in my face by African killer bees, and I went into anaphylactic shock. Did not die, but I have the pictures where I woke up that morning and my cheeks were in my eyes. So I've gone from the city all the way to the county now, and District 1 helped me to talk with this man and they spoke with him he changed his property to the LLC and he was hard to find and he had sent a certified letter asking him to remove the debris but when it came down to sending it off it was a zip code for California so everything bounced back. They got someone out to come and talk, well they sent a letter, he still got it and he was told that if he did not remove the debris that he would, they would put a lien against his property. He removed one half of a tree where the power company had put, cut it and That was it. I was in the window looking out and he laughed about it and left it there. Meanwhile, while all of this has been taking place with the weather, now it's a total mess. It's a wreck. My house flooded and I'm trying to get it finished. I dare not have anyone come out there on the property with what's taking place because that would make it even worse and I would be liable where I almost could have died from going into anaphylactic shock. I don't want anyone else to go through that. I spoke with LaShondra Scales, Commissioner LaShondra Scales, her office yesterday and the young lady told me, I told her I had pictures, I had names of people that had come out and looked at the property. And I wanted them to please get this removed and resolved. And I told her I had pictures again to substantiate the before and after what's taking place now. She said she didn't care about that. She was going to only look at what was going on now. All of that debris has been pushed up on my fence and with all of that wildlife coming in. It's just not Good, and it's just it's a mess back on that Back property, so I'm asking for help with it. I know you're not the county I have gone she is the county I have come here and District one has been able to help me more than anyone else has been able to to help me when they told him that they would put a lien on his property. He moved then, but then now he's, like I said, gone LLC, set that business with his home, and that's That's his business of doing that, but I need someone to tell me and point me in the right direction because I've been hitting the ground running from the city to the county to the county commissioner's office and going wherever I could go. This is the first time that I'm speaking, but I know my name has been called on several occasions, so I'm asking please someone help me before someone gets hurt.

Well, thank you. Appreciate you coming today asking for assistance. As you did state, your property is in the county, so it doesn't come under District 1. It's helped you out, so let's just hear from Council of the Woods.

Thank you. Just for context, I think we talked last Tuesday and definitely appreciate you continuing to engage. I know your situation was unique because you're in the city, but the neighbor you're having an issue with is in the county. So we are trying to have some conversations to see if we can get that resolved just amicably around, I mean, between neighbors. And so we'll continue working on that and try to avoid that becoming a legal situation between you two. But I think there is some willingness to engage on part of the other individual. And so hopefully they'll just move the debris. But we'll continue to do everything we can from the city side to help you with that.

Okay, so you're saying that it's going to turn into a legal battle if nothing, is that what you're saying?

Right. I mean, it's just a dispute between neighbors. And so it's you and your neighbor behind you that are having some basically issues along that property line. And so typically, you know, you can solve a lot of things through just working with everybody, getting everybody to the table to sort it out. And so we are doing a little bit of convening to try to resolve that for you. And so we'll continue doing that and hopefully we can get that across the finish line for you. But, um, that's kind of where it stands now, but there has been some willingness to.

So it doesn't matter about it being on the County, uh, area.

It's in the county jurisdiction, but it's private property. The same way you're in the city, but you own your property. That's kind of the issue with that property line, but we have talked to everybody, and so I think there's some opportunity just for cooler heads to prevail and resolve that, but we'll continue to give you regular updates on that.

Okay. Thank you. Next speaker.

Next speaker spoke last week, so I'm Terry Michael.

Yes, I just want to, we're not calling up the speaker at this time because we do have, our ordinance does say, Ms. Michael, that you have to sign up by 930 and you cannot speak consecutively. So we'll invite you to speak, come back and speak next week and then you'll be within the confines of our ordinance that dictates how we allow speakers.

Okay, I appreciate that, but that is not what you said publicly at a meeting at the end of May. Also, you just said 9.30? Yes, by 9.15. They had to be signed up by 9.15.

Yes, 9.15, you are correct. And I do remember the conversation that you were speaking of, and I believe at that time we were reiterating to you that you would not be able to come back at that time. You were speaking about a subject, and I believe the conversation was is that you would not be able to come back the next week. So we'll look forward to having you to come back next week. Okay.

Okay. Well, at this time... Ma'am, that is our ordinance.

We invite you to come back next week.

Please do not break the public's trust. It is on video.

And please follow our procedures. And so we're very happy to have you come back next week. Thank you.

The people have a right to speak.

Next speaker. Ms. Bryant.

Excuse me, Administrator McDaniel.

Madam President, that oversight is on us, and we'll deal with that. All right, thank you.

Next speaker, did you call the name? Good morning. Give us your name and address.

Bernetta Bryant, 9033 17th Avenue North, Birmingham, 35206, in Councilman Gunn. I'm in his district.

Thank you.

Go ahead. Okay. My complaint is the streets that's in our area, that comes off of East Lake Boulevard. You have Zion City Roads. You have Alport Road. We have potholes everywhere. And I complained in a meeting about that. They came back and actually put lines, yellow lines, bright and white lines down, but then paved the street, left the potholes in there. And that's not fair to our community. But my main problem is my street, which is 9033 17th Avenue North, is 17th Avenue North Street. That street, and I've complained ever since Councilman Parker was in there, Councilman Moore, Councilman Gunn. I spoke to Councilman Woods at a meeting. And everybody comes out, they look at it, and then they drop the ball. I have half of a street that exists. and that's not fair that's how my street looks then they came and put some gravel and some tar and said okay it's fixed now that was an insult because that street has a hole all the way under and it took them 15 minutes and told me they have fixed the street put another cone there now only one car can come up and down the street. Somebody needs to come, and somebody needs to do something about it. In our area, we also have people that's buying homes. And what they're doing is renting out the homes, and I have no problem with Mexicans. But the problem is that they're not giving them the audience of our community. We have chickens, we have roosters, we have dogs, we have burning of the trees, and we call the fire department. The fire department tell us to call the health department. The health department comes out, and the ball gets dropped. The neighborhood, and I don't know if this is true or not, but it's hearsay, and I wish the mayor was in here that said that that area was dead to him. And I hope that's not true, but the actions that I see It's not right. In the airport, who's responsible for cutting that grass? They don't cut their grass. So do they get fined? That's my question. Do they get fined? Who can fine the ones that need to be fined for the homes with the chickens and the roosters and burning of the trees? And who's going to fix my street?

Thank you, ma'am. I do appreciate you for bringing this issue to our attention. We have several avenues that we can work here for you. We do have administration here. You've really talked about a few things. Most of that is under code violation and enforcement. We do have a full department infrastructure that also includes the Department of Transportation that looks at the paving. We also have the code enforcement piece of that. So I'm going to turn this over. I know that administration will be able to talk with you and give you some guidance on that.

That's right. That's right, Madam President. So thank you for raising these issues again. And our Office of Public Affairs has been tracking what you just noted. So I know you said that you've had several people come out over the years to investigate. We'll do a lean in to see where that breakdown is happening over the years and why. what you're requesting and what's happening is not lining up. So our team is going to be walking very closely with it. All right.

All right. And I know that council of gun isn't here today, but we will make him aware of the situation you brought to our attention. And we'll be working with that office as well as administration. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

Next person, Ricky green, Ricky green.

All right, that concludes our speakers for today. At this time, we would like to thank our officers on duty, Officer Pinker, Tarrant, Ingram, and Wesley. We'd also like to thank our fire inspectors who are on duty today, Inspectors Shaw and Griggs. Counselors, if no other business, we'll entertain a motion for adjournment. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Thank you very much. Meeting is adjourned. Thank you.

Let's try it one more time, okay? I want y'all to put some oomph into it. District 3, how we doing? That's right. Welcome to the first ever District 3 Summerfest in George Ward Park. Look around, y'all. I want y'all to do this. I want everybody to look around real quick. Look how beautiful this park is. A lot of work went into making this thing happen, okay? And the reason that we chose George Ward Park is because it is a jewel to our community. Hey, good folks. Councilman Josh Watson here, District 3. The color ain't right, man. We've been here from 10 a.m. We're going to be here until 2 p.m. We have great musicians playing. We have a tent over here for folks just in case it rains. But it ain't raining yet. That's the good news. Folks, we've had a great time. We've had kids coming out like this one. And we have a kid zone back over there. We have wonderful vendors from across District 3. Friends of Abbeville Park. Come on. Highland Park, Wildflower Alliance, all sorts of good folks here. New South Softball, Diff Golf of Alabama, they're here as well. All here to support this cause. We pulled this together to have a concept about community and have a concept about togetherness and knowing your neighbors. It just started as an idea that came from Betsy Estelle Park and the Neighborhood Association two years ago. And once we got an office, we said, let's put something like that together at George Ward Park. So we're excited. We're really glad to partner with Parks and Rec, who've really done a great job of tidying the space up and doing some infrastructure improvements. Public Works has been great. We thank Police Department. So many, so many groups have come together to make this happen. So we give thanks to all that and look forward to all the things that are to come.

Thank you.

We can do better than that. Y'all give it up with our fellow counselors, please. Counsel work isn't always easy, but it's good when you have good colleagues to work with.

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