City Council - Regular Meeting

ordinance before entering the meeting. When addressing the council, the speaker must give his or her name. Any person that is that desiring to address the Mobile City Council on a non-aggenda item must contact the city clerk office no later than 2:00 p.m. or Thursday prior to the council meeting. The subject that he or she wishes to express to the Mobile City Council must be identified and pertain to the city of Mobile Business. Anyone who has not given proper note to the city clerk's office and wish to speak on a non-aggenda item would not be allowed to address this council. Each speaker is allowed three minutes to address this council. A bell was sound to indicate the end of two minutes. One minute remain for summarizing. The second bell indicates that your time has expired. When addressing this council, there be no personal address to any individual council members. All statements are to be made to the chair who will recognize any council member who wishes to respond to maintain the quorum. There would be no do applause or public outcry allowed. Madame clerk

approval of minutes of March 24th and 31st. So move second proply move and second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose minutes approve. Communications from Mayor Chair Gatis.

Good morning everybody. Uh, as you could tell by this packed house, we have a lot of special guests in today and I have a big stack, so apologies. Um, first this morning, uh, I want to tell everyone I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I hope you got to spend some time with families, maybe find some hidden eggs or other treats. I got none, but that's okay. Uh this morning, one thing I I want to um point out and highlight is that we opened applications for our 2026 critical repair grant program today. Uh this this program uh the goal is to help mobiles, particularly those on a fixed income, make needed repairs to their homes. This program is administered by the neighborhood development department, and it's designed to help stabilize neighborhoods and prevent blight from occurring. This year, we've significantly expanding the program, tripling the number of households we can serve to more than 220 homes. The program's focused on roof replacements, uh, which is one of the most urgent and often most costly repairs homeowners will face. Just one of several events and initiatives our neighborhood development team is leading this week, which is National Community Development Week. Uh, we have an open house at Woodcock Place. There'll be a wills and heirs workshop with legal services Alabama uh and a small business microloan seminar this Friday. If you want more details on those events, please go to cityofmobile.gov and we'll have all of the information there. Um I do want to highlight one other thing uh from for community development week. As a city, we are excited to announce that a city supported project has received a critical state tax credit. Anchor place, which is a new workforce housing development, has received the first working uh workforce housing tax credit

in Mobile County history. This type of tax credit helps make workforce housing financially viable for developers. Overall, it'll be a $26 million investment, 70 new housing units off of De Metropolis Road for working families. Our project partners will be Holy uh Holly Hand Development, Figures Construction and Development, and the Fuse Project. Housing is a is critical to workforce development because people want to live where they work in safe, quality, and desirable housing. Anchor Place builds on strong momentum for affordable housing here in Mobile and it's one of the many projects currently in planning or in the construction phase here in the city of Mobile. And as part of that, I want to recognize our neighborhood development team. I think we have some folks here. Come on, y'all stand up. Don't be shy. Jamie didn't warn y'all I was going to do that. Um the we are making major gains when it comes to housing, specifically affordable and workforce housing in the city of Mobile. And that team that just stood up is primarily responsible for it. So thank y'all for your work and enjoy your week. Um couple of last things before I get to the stack. Uh today at 2 o'clock 2 pm we're going to be unveiling the official name for the new arena along with an incredible title sponsor. Uh this is yet another milestone for one of the most transformative projects happening in Mobile, the most expensive project in Mobile's history. Uh knocking on wood over how many things are coming together for this project. We continue to be on time and on budget. It is truly going incredibly well. Uh, and that's because of our great team that's leading

construction, a great operational partner in Oak View Group, and I am very excited about our new title sponsor, but I won't give any spoilers. So, if you want to know who that is, be there at 2 PM today. I think most of the council will be joining us. Uh, and uh, it's it's an exciting day here in Mobile. Um, so hope you can join us at 2 o'clock. Uh so before I start my proclamations, I do want to recognize our officer and firefighter of the month. Uh we'll start with um Officer Joshua Besson Besson. Come on up. Good morning. Good morning. Thank you for having us here today. I have the privilege of presenting Officer Joshua Basson as our officer of the month for the month of February. I would like to highlight a couple of his actions that awarded him this distinct uh position. So officer officer Basson along with other officers answered a call around the Cochran Bridge area where an individual was possibly attempting to harm themselves. Officer Basson with disregard of his own safety jumped the railing of uh the Cochran Bridge made contact with the individual talked and deescalated the situation and was able to get the individual back to safety without incident. Additionally, officer Basson, while making several traffic stops during the month of February, was able to get both dangerous drugs and dangerous weapons off the streets of Mobile. One of the weapons, might I add, was discovered to be stolen from the from a neighboring police agency. Uh, personal settlement. It doesn't surprise me because this man is a Marine, right? And again, simple five, by the way. I like that. Again, this is just a small bite of what officer Bason accomplished in the month of February. And this is why I am proud and honored to present to

you Officer Basson, our February officer of the month, Mobile Police Department. Congratulations. I can't do a good URA. But um next I'd like to call up uh Chief Glisten is here with our firefighter of the month, Miss June Long. Good morning. It is my privilege to introduce June Long, fire service driver with Mobile Fire Department and our employee of the month for February. So, she has uh exemplified what we want to see in our firefighters, both on duty and off duty. Um, and this is something that we look forward to seeing how she's going to provide in the future and her long-term career with this department and her goals to promote even higher and protect the citizens of Mobile. So, she is stationed down at Central Fire Station and uh she enjoys being down this way and I think uh this is a career that she's going to long to keep here on the department. So, we're proud to present uh fire service driver June Long as our February firefighter of the month.

I should have brought the whole stack. You're right. Uh I want to thank both of those individuals. True true true serviceled leaders in our community. And I did talk to firefighter Long. She wants to finish her career in about 38 years as a captain. So wish her good luck in that in that goal. Um, I have a few proclamations this month as this week as well. Uh, the first will be for autism awareness month. So, do I have Miss Rosler here, Kimberly Hill, Shaquana Burch, uh, and anybody from the learning tree? Come on up. All right, I'll start by reading the proclamation. If y'all have any words, please share them. Uh whereas autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental condition that affects individuals in unique ways impacting communication, behavior, and social interaction and is estimated to affect one in 36 children in the United States. And whereas individuals with autism possess diverse strengths, talents, and abilities, and with understanding, acceptance, and appropriate support, they can lead fulfilling, meaningful, and productive lives. And whereas autism awareness month recognized each April provides an opportunity to increase public understanding of autism promote inclusion and encourage acceptance of neurodeiversity within our schools, workplaces, and communities. And whereas early diagnosis, evidence-based intervention, and access to educational and therapeutic services significantly improve outcomes for individuals with autism and support families and support families and caregivers. And whereas organizations, educators, healthc care providers, and advocates throughout our community work tirelessly to support individuals with autism by providing specialized services, inclusive education, job training, and family

support programs. And whereas recognizing Autism Awareness Month affirms our community's commitment to fostering compassion, dignity, and equal opportunities for individuals with autism and their families. Now therefore, I, Spiro Cheragatus, the 109th mayor of the city of Mobile, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as autism awareness month and encourage all residents to learn more about autism, celebrate the strengths and contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum, and support efforts that promote inclusion, acceptance, and understanding throughout our community. Thank you.

Thank you all. All right, only 10 more. Um, all right. Next, we'll be recognizing the week of the young child. So, do I have uh Wendy McCurchin, uh CEO of Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services, Kim Carroll, Allison Goff, Julie Bill Casease, and any other staff members from Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services? Don't be shy. Wow. Very good. Round of applause. Thank y'all so much for being here with us today. They won't tell you, but I will tell you. You can sit down if you wish. Um, I want to give this proclamation. Whereas the week of the young child is a national initiative led by the National Association uh for the education of young children celebrating young children, their families, and the educators and community partners who support early learning. And whereas the early years of a child's life are critical to lifelong success with communities playing a vital role in fostering growth, learning, and development. And whereas Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services, Grecks, a Mobilebased nonprofit, is dedicated to strengthening early childhood education and family engagement throughout our community. And whereas the week of the young child will culminate on Friday, April 17th during the family Friday event, which highlights the importance of family involvement in a child's development. And whereas Gres will launch the voices of Alabama families, a

podcast series on early childhood culture, learning, and belonging on April 17th with the goal of elevating local stories reflecting Mobile's culture, values, and commitment to children. Now therefore, I, Spir Cheragatus, the 109th mayor of the city of Mobile, do hereby proclaim April 11th through April 17th as Week of the Young Child here in the city of Mobile and encourage all citizens to support and celebrate our youngest residents. Thank y'all. only um we're celebrating 34 years at Guff Regional uh next month and we um every day work to support the childcare providers who serve 17,000 children uh in and around Mobile, mostly in the city of Mobile. And as you know, that's a critical need for our employers, workforce development. So, we feel like it's about children, but it's about families. It's about our community and we all have to work together.

Thank you.

Okay. And now we're going this. All right. Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you for bringing such a great.

All right. While I have four, I will be hoping to recognize everybody at once. So, uh, in recognition of National Public Health Week, do I have Dr. Stephanie Crawford uh and represent representatives from Accordia Health Primary uh Franklin Primary Health Center and Mostellar Medical Center. Come on up.

All right. I'm going to borrow the mic first, but I will turn it over. All right. So, we have Dr. Kevin Michaels here with us. Thank you. Yes, sir. Very well. Very well. Thank you'all for being here.

All right, so I'm going to read this for everybody. Um, whereas the week of April 6th through 12th, 2026 is National Public Health Week, and the theme is ready, set, action, highlighting the public health actions occurring through scientific discoveries, legislation, and community initiative initiatives have significantly improved the health of all Americans. And whereas significant strides have been made in public health since the inception of National Public Health Week in 1994, such as childhood mortality, smoking rates, deaths due to HIV, AIDS, mental health awareness and treatment, lead poisoning, health impacts of climate change, and pandemic preparedness. And whereas public health organizations use national public health week to educate public policy makers, policy makers, public health professionals and and the public on issues that are important to improve the health of the people. And whereas efforts to adequately support public health and prevention of disease and injury can continue to transform a health system focused on treating illness and promoting wellness. Now therefore, I spirit cherry 9th mayor of the city of Mobile and and the members of the Mobile City Council proclaim April 6 through 12, 2026 as National Public Health Week done this day, the 7th of April. Congratulations for everybody. Congratulations. If anybody would like to say something, Kind of running out of room here.

Mr. President. Yes, madam. Yes. I would just like to acknowledge both Franklin and Mobile Health Department. Both are in District 2. You know, the theme this year, Ready, Set action, truly represents the impact you've made in our community, and we could not do it without you. So, thank you for what you do daily for uh District 2. Thank you.

All right. Good morning and thank you for the council members and the mayor for honoring recognizing Mobile County Health Department during National Public Health Week. For those people who don't know me, I'm Dr. Kevin Michaels, a health officer for Mobile County. This year's theme, Ready, Set, Action, calls on all of us to make meaningful steps towards building healthier communities. Since 1816, the Mobile County Health Department has upheld a legacy of excellence in working diligently to protect and improve the health and well-being of our residents by providing essential services such as disease surveillance and prevention, health education, environmental health, and critical care and emergency preparedness. Public health touches every stage of life from birth to death, everything in between. Through our vital records department, individuals individuals can obtain birth and death certificates, ensuring that life's most important milestones are properly documented. Our comprehensive services extend far beyond, reflecting the wide-reaching impact of public health in our daily lives. Our environmental health team plays a critical role in safeguarding the community by inspecting restaurants, bars, groceries, and convenience stores, adult and child daycares, school cafeterias, camps, jails, and institutions, tattoo parlors, public swimming pools, spas, hotels, and on-site septic systems. In addition, they lead efforts in rodent and mosquito control, protecting the public from environmental hazards and disease risks. While public health continues to face evolving challenges, including emerging health threats, chronic disease, health disparities, and resource constraints, our team remains committed to action. The dedicated employees of Mobile County Health Department diligently to fill our mission in serving with professionalism, compassion, and purpose. As we observe public health week, we celebrate not only our history of service, but also

the people who make this work possible. Together we remain ready. We set our course and we take action to ensure a healthy future for all. Thank you. Hello. I am Sheree Vivian, director of healthcare quality at Franklin Primary Health Center. And if you've ever met my wonderful CEO, Mr. White, you know he never takes an opportunity not to speak on the mic. So in honor of him and all the 300 plus employees at Franklin Primary Health Center, our board of directors, thank you Mayor Spiratos, the city for recognizing us in the work that we do. Our mission is to be the provider of choice in the communities that we serve. And that's the reason why since 1975, Franklin has done everything it could to have healthy communities, healthy babies, healthy seniors. So we thank you.

Thank you. Well, thank you all so much for all your hard work for the community. And finally from my end, I want to call up Mr. Shag Collins and Mr. Marcus Fluker from Mobile Parks and Recck Department. Uh, you know, Mobile is a city of champions. And as you might can tell looking around this crowd, we have some champions to recognize today. Uh, looks like Shad's taking the day off, so I'll let Mr. Fluker. Um, we've got a lot of uh young folks here, a lot of champions, and I just want to say congratulations and look forward to hearing you recognized.

Well, to our members of the council, uh, Mr. Mayor, we thank y'all for allowing us to come here today. or this is a annual thing we do where we recognize our champions and state champions from our NPD 2025 and 2026 youth basketball season. So with that said, we we'll start to introduce the champions. Right. So, in the 4U division, we have the Trinity Garden Falcons, coached by Coach Jeffrey Enters and Jakori Jacobs. In the FIU division, we have Peters Park Panthers, coached by Coach Terence Goston and Fred Sllay. In the 6U division, we have Trinity Gardens again, coached by coach Kendrick Winston and Frank Irby. In the seventh division, we have the Spring Hill Wild coached by coach Devin Bend, Justin Reed, and Winston Jane. Y'all don't be afraid to stand up if we call the teams out. We ask that you guys come down and play to get your falter opportunity chance. So y'all come down right here. Well, they they're too short. They got

to go up there. Oh, well, they're going down there. Okay.

You want to take it? Right. Take it right now.

Now, if we want to get a a full picture, too, it looks like the Spring Hill Wildcats won the 7U, 8U, 9U, and 10U championships this year division. In the 10 division, they actually this is their third time in a row. Yeah. Okay. Then we had the 8U Spring Hill Wildcat coached by Rashard Butler and Dominic Pwway. This way. Three, two, one.

Also, as as far as Spring Hill is concerned, this is the program that produced Learon Feline who actually plays for the University of Alabama and one day NBA prospect. So, they've been doing good things at Spring Hill for a while. This is the 9U Spring Hill Wildcats coached by Dcoin Barkin, Mike Loftton, and Leseawn White. And actually for this 9U group, the Alabama Parks and Recreation called me and said they needed an extra team in the 10U division for the state tournament. So we took the nineyear-olds to the state tournament. actually won two games in the state tournament as a 10-year-old with this 9-year-old group. Then we had a 10U Spring Hill Wildcats coached by Dominic Pway Stalworth and Rashard Bug. And not only were they the city champions, they this group actually was the 10U state champion as well. Okay. Three, two, one.

Then an 11U division we have team confidence coached by Kenneth Johnson and Jakor Jerora Coleman. In the 12U division, we have Kid Park Wolves, coached by Joseph Smith and Regina Parker. Moving on to the girls division. Um, for the AU division, we had the Texas Street Hawks coached by Coach Dantra Pway, Tama Harden, and Sophia Cross. This way. Three, two, one. Yes. In the tenure division, we had a Bush Park, Lady Bingers, coached by Carlos

Thompson, Timmons, Jordan Rochard, Angelica Manass. Miss Lady Biggest group is the twotime ch city city champion as well. I would like to um to acknowledge Councilman uh Ross Smith from Pritchard, Alabama. He's part of the group there. Yes. Then lastly, in the girls division, we have the 12U Bush Park Lady Bingers coached by Angelic Manasses and Carlos Timmons. This is This group is a threetime state I mean city champion.

3, two, one. I

also believe um this team is probably the winningest team, latest team in the history of the city of Mobile. So, shout out to the lady Bengals. My daughter also play on the team. Well, in Mobile, in the city of Mobile and Parks and Recreations, we have a unique thing that we do as far as the state tournament is concerned. The winner of the of the city championship, we automatically send to the state tournament, but the runup has their own chance to go if they want to. But so with that said, we not only city champions, we send the second place team. And it it it give us great joy to say that out of those teams that we sent up there, we had seven teams to finish in either the final four or win the state championship this year. Um some of those teams were already recognized, but for the teams that we have in in the Bin, we had the Alabama Kings who actually was the runner up in the state champion in the AU division, coached by coach Tony Johnson and Charles Bagby. Congratulations. two.

And in the girls division, we had the 12U Cottage Hill Steelers coached by coach Fil Marshall, Natalyn Rogers, and Darius Campbell. All right. Three, two, one. Again, Mobile Park Recreation thanks to the city council and and the mayor for allowing us to recognize our champions. You guys have a good day. Yes, sir.

Mr. President, uh Mr. Pen.

Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to give a big shout out to Mobile Parks and Recreation, M. Mr. Fluker, Mr. Collins and everyone on the team. They do an amazing job. Um and then and I just want to thank you all. It's a lot of hard work go into planning and coordinate these type of events. Um even see the growth of the girls basketball team. I believe some years ago we didn't have that many teams and now it has grown and so they are sending champions and they are developing players not just players but youth. Um they are teaching them skill set hard work and and they are some of the amazing um athletes student athletes in the city of Mobile. So, I just want to commend you all and thank you for your hard work. And I also want to just I don't know if y'all heard all those District One teams. We had Trenton Garden in there. We had Bush Park, but I just want to give a big shout out to them. Thank you again. Can we give them a big hand?

Mr. President, Madam, I want to echo Mr. Pan's comments. You know, clearly it takes leadership, commitment, and passion to grow champions the way you are. Thank you for the work that you're doing. Um, you can see it in our youth. You can see the way they're dressed, their mannerism, and all of that. That's leadership. But I also want to challenge Mr. Penn to go back and look at the numbers because most of that was Spring Hill, Texas Street, and all of that was in District 2. Thank you, Mr. Pan.

Very good. I I do want to echo um what what Mobile Parks and Rec Department does for our youth. I I was out at the building not too long ago. Got to hear directly from Mr. Fluker and Ched and uh the pride, the excitement, the love that y'all have for this program, for these leagues uh is clearly evident. You can see it on every kid that walked through here today. Thank y'all for what you do for our community and thank you for being here today. With that, I am done. And do we have representation from Lifeline Counseling Services? Miss Roland, come on down.

Good. How are you? I presented this great proclamation on this morning and this read whereas the rape crisis center has provided comfort and support to sexual assault victims in this community for 48 years bringing awareness and education to masses while offering highquality assistance to those in need. And whereas the Rate Crisis Center provides 24-hour support to sexual assault victims and their families through direct services, preventions, education, and professional training to all residents of Mobile County. And whereas the Rate Crisis Center provide community education and prevention programs for you and the community on sexual assault issues. And during 2025, the rate crisis center and outreach and education staff presented 128 programs to 4,984 students and individuals in Mobile, Washington, and Clark counties. And whereas the rate rights the rate crisis center serve a cross-section of people of various races, social economics, and educational levels. In 2025, the center provided 395 crisis phone calls, 210 hospital calls, 133 crisis interventions office visits, 827 followup built support calls, court advocacy, family and friend support, clothing bank, dolls bear giveaway to child victims, 75 hospital clothing bags given to victims, 60 emergency transportation provided, 59 law enforcement, 136 information referrals to community

agencies. And now therefore, I, President CJ Small, and the members of the Mobile City Council, hereby proclaim the month of April, 2026 as sexual assault awareness month done at the city of Mobile, Alabama on the 7th day of April, 2026, signed by all seven council members. Congratulations to you all. Thank you all very much for for the recognition. Um, I had planned on saying a few words, but instead I want to have one of our volunteers and survivors speak to how and why this means so much to her. Thank you. Um, my name is Misty Lee and on behalf of Lifelines Counseling Service and the Rape C Rape Crisis Center, we would like to thank the city of Mobile for your continued support. Without it, we would not be able to provide the crucial support and services as well as raise awareness in our community. I myself am a survivor of sexual violence when I was 19. My event happened almost 30 years ago, but is still very much alive in my nervous system today. I know firsthand the love and care that was and continues to be poured into me by the advocates at the rape crisis center. I have flashes of them being in the hospital with me the night of my attack. And again, each time I was called to testify, not only at each of my trials, but each time I was called to testify at his other victim's trials as well. When I was called many

years later to testify again, it was handled with the utmost care as there was concern about my mental state and the disruption it was caused. The survivors, excuse me, the services they offer are vital to anyone that loves or even comes into contact with a survivor. The trauma is like octopus arms. It can affect everyone that person knows, especially our children. Because of my inability to cope with what happened to me and limited support, my PTSD led me down to the road of addiction, fractured relationships, homelessness, suicide attempts, and mental hospitals. The community education and support that is provided is invaluable to individuals, and you all make that possible. I would like to thank thank each and everyone here for recognizing the importance of declaring this month sexual assault awareness month and these services to people like me. They were there at the beginning with support and again now as I regain my footing and move on to the next phase of my healing. Thank you all so much. Madam clerk, Adoption of the agenda.

So move second. Promptly move and second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose. Agenda's adopted. Appeals. We have requests for wave the noise ordinance on May the 2nd on Spring Hill Avenue, April 25th on Elmyra Street, and October 24th on Benia Road. Some move. Second. Move and second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose. Appeal passes. Public hearings today is a public hearing to declare the structures at 1902 Clinton Avenue, 2754 Hayes Avenue, 311 Calhoun Street and 1423 Cedar Park Drive, a public nuisance in ordering them demolished.

This open up the public hearing for these particular said items. Is anyone present that would like to address the council on these items? If not, these public hearings are closed. Presentation of petitions and other communications to the council. Sabrina Mass.

Good morning.

Morning. So, good morning. Thank you for um letting me speak today as I normally do every now and then. So today I am honored today to actually be the first person to ever introduce the Alabama Stings Women's Tackle Football representing Mobile, Alabama right there. And they are a full contact women's sports football. Oh my goodness. Man, let me tell you, if I was so old, I'd be out there with them trying to meet me some contact. But listen, I would like to say I am honored today to introduce the Alabama Stings ladies tackle football team. They have they are actually already scheduled to play in Houston, Texas, Carolina, and Miami. Miami, right? Okay. And their first game will be in Mobile, Alabama on April the April 18th at Cottage Hill Park at what time? 6 p.m. 6 p.m. Okay. So everybody please go and let's we got to go see them. So I am here today to say um they need all of our support. The city council mayor chair Godis and your administration the the whole city they have done so many phenomenal things. These are young ladies here to represent our city of

different backgrounds different cultures and these ladies have a testimony even in them themselves to tell about their journey. So these um um ladies, Miss Karen and Miss Toy, the owners of this football team are here to give these ladies opportunities to not just play football, but to continue their education, you know, even offering daycare center, child care, whatever it is, the resources they need, they are offering them these resources. But I am Sabrina Mass here to say please support these ladies. They are starting. They do have funding issues that they need right now. We're doing fundraisers. We're doing a lot of things. And as I explained to them, I know the city council does this budget, you know, once a year budget thing. I'm not sure how you guys can help them, but I'm asking you to help them however you can with whatever finances that they need. I am definitely here to support them. I love sports. I'm a sport advocate. I am definitely a sports type of chick. And I am here to say I am honored to represent and to speak for the Alabama Stings football team. Please. And one more thing I would like to request from the the city council representatives and mayor chair Goddis and your administration if I could just have some letters of support to take to Davidson High School my children and my alumni Davidson High School because we're trying to get that stadium to where they can play their their regular teams at at um Davidson High School stadium. They did try to secure the lab peoples but they were trying to $29,000 a game. That's a lot. So they can't, you know, at this moment afford that. But I'm going to be trying to advocate um Davidson High School, which I'm very connected to, to let them use their stadium for their future home games in Mobile. If I could just get you guys a letter of support to go with my support, I would appreciate it. Thank you. And y'all have a nice day.

Thank you, Latoya Watson. Come on, Alabama State. Good evening. Good morning.

Good morning, council. Good morning, mayor. My name is Karen Enoch Pedford, co-owner of the Alabama Stings Women Football Team. Mobile First Allomen Tackle Football Team. Owner, head coach is Drew Thomas. President and assistant coach is Jason Brooks. And our PR person is here, Latoya Watson. The Alabama Stings is a growing organization dedicated to empowering women in sports while making a lasting impact in our community. They didn't just join a team. They became part of something bigger than themselves. They are now part of the Alabama Steams. A sisterhood built on strength, resilience, and purpose in a city that I consider to be one of the fastest and most talented cities in our state. The Alabama Stings are more than a football team. We are a movement. Our mission is to pro provide opportunities for female athletes to compete at a high level, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of young girls to pursue their goals both on and off the field. Through teamwork, discipline, community engagement, we are creating a powerful platform for leadership and visi visibilities. We've helped women where they were homeless. Some just moved here to the area that we helped find housing. Um I also worked with a couple through family first housing to try to help them get us some assistance. So just through this sisterhood of building this team, I feel like I'm almost like a big sister, a mother now because these women as they stand behind me of all nationalities and genres. They come with everything that a mother, a woman could bring into a home. So with this team, we're not just building a house. We're building a foundation frame by frame where we're building a home. and we come before you

today for your support and your help as some of the ladies um because of financial reasons or whatever. And I didn't wake up January the 1st and say, "Oh, I'mma be co-owner of a women football team." It kind of dropped in my lap as they asked me to be the secretary. Then they asked me to be the treasurer. Then I became a co-owner to do what I needed to do because these women and we missing about 15 more ladies that they couldn't get off work. But they end up touching my heart because when I started my nonprofit, it was really based on trying to help women. And that was from head to toe. I never in a million years thought I would be standing before you ladies and men today to say please help us in honoring and recognizing the talents the time that they are giving up to be a part of something bigger. You don't have to go to New Orleans to the Saints game. You don't have to go to Atlanta to the Atlanta families game. You can come right here in Mobile Alabama and see a highpaced game that's full of action.

Wait, something was stand a minute? Yes, we got one more minute. Okay. And you can come right here in Mobile and see some action packed talent based on the football field. So, thank you. Any questions or comments from this council? Thank y'all so much and congratulations to you,

Reggie Hill. Reggie Hill. Thank you, Madam City Clerk. Uh to the citizen stakeholders of Mobile, greetings. Raie Hill is my name. Uh there was an old adage that a steady drip of water uh will put a hole in a rock. So, in that same spirit, I rise today to continue these pertinent conversations pertaining to our city's business. Um, when Mr. Manzy was president, Loriso, there was a a lot of robust discussions at this podium, but the one thing that he did do was at least respond or he at least pivoted to the department or the administration for which a matter could be resolved. A lot of times we are not doing that anymore and I think that could be something that's addressed in the rules. There are a lot of pieces that I feel are important on the rules spectrum but when I looked at the previous meetings this is something that I think we need to address directly and uh more swiftly. It's one thing for us to argue about the position of we should go for something or stand against it. But when we don't even know what's on the agenda, that's an issue. I bring that up because 21 that's 351 it specifically says increase but yet it's being reported into the media that it's not an increase. These are some issues that we need to have resolved here amongst this body because it's taxpayer dollars and these are six figure plus

contracts as well. Again we had heated debates when we looked backwards before 2021 but it was because you were talking about being for something or being against it. Well, I used to say Mr. Joel Days was my favorite. Not because we agreed on anything, partly maybe five times since I've been down here, but because whenever something hit the agenda, I didn't have to question his position. I didn't have to worry about where he was going to be this week or the next week. Whatever he said, that's where he stood. And when he talked about that money, he said, "You better tell us where you going to get it from if you want to move it." And so, these are the things that we see being done now, but they're kind of missing. I'm hoping we can get back to that. And we're fighting a fight. There's a lot of people who are present here, but we're continuing this fight for people who really don't know a fight is going on. I mean, let's look at what we're talking about with the the airport authority. I hope that you all can use this is in the economic development piece. I hope that you all use your investigatory powers because if I'm not mistaken, the planning commission airport authority only things that a mayor has autonomy over. And then we're seeing a lot of things that are going on now that are not prudent for the city. And then just look at what a regional airport space is. there's more land there and we're trying to cram something international into a smaller place and now we're going to have to wait another year before we even see about how we move forward on that. That's something that we need to look into cuz there are millions of dollars being spent on that. Then we see today there are millions of dollars for vehicles again for the public safety department. I have family members that are in police enforcement. I I have nothing against any of these individuals personally, but if we're going to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Mobile, we're gonna have to invest at an equal level of enthusiasm and initiatives that work. And we'll continue this in the coming days. Thank you on the floor.

Estelle Troder,

she's not present. Resolutions held over 01 32901330 authorizing cooperative maintenance agreement of public right of way with ALDOT route number US 98 mile post 18.82 82 and route best I65 service road mile post 4.58 08331 approved purchase order to convergent technologies for security cameras from mobile bill museum of art 08340 approved purchase order to Due Chevrolet for Chevrolet Taho approved purchase order to Dana Safety Supply for patrol unit upfitting of Chevrolet Taho3 approved purchase order to truck equipment sales for Ford crew cab truck with net nap hide body. 08345 approved purchase order robin sports surfaces for basketball floors, storage carts and transition ramps for mobile arena. 08346 approved item based bid for police vehicle graphics production installation and removal services. 09, 347, 348, and 349 are transferring funds from general fund transit system to capital fund transit fleet and equipment and transit restroom and plumbing. 21350 authorized contract with Saint Associates for Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan update. 21351 authorized contract amendment number three with Goodwin Mills in Kwood for improvements to the master plan for the Mobile Civic Center Arena 21352 authorized contract of BML construction services for gangway repairs at the Mobile Cruise Terminal 50 353 authorized amendment to resolution 5011 which authorized municipal sales and use tax

exemption certificate for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project 01354 authorized cooperative agree agreement with friends of municipal park. Some moved. Second. Prompt to move and second in discussion. Yes sir. Mr. President, vice president

on 01-354 which is authorizing a cooperative agreement with friends of municipal park. Um this is not the first time we have done this and we are doing it because it works so well and it's a great way to have a private public partnership. Um the friends group is required to provide um different types of activity reports and financial statements to the city. Uh the funding that they are using really centers on a lot of different improvements at the park from athletic fields to concession stand to restrooms, light fixtures, uh fields, you name it. In fact, just recently the friends were able to buy new light bulbs for lights at some of the fields and the funding that we are providing today will go toward the actual poles. You got to have poles to put those lights on and the poles that have been out at municipal were wooden poles and they were deteriorating badly. So the money will be used very quickly but at the same time it helps them go out and secure grant monies as well as private donations to go back into the work that they are doing at municipal. I don't think that they are just out on their own running rough shot and doing whatever they want. That that is not the case at all. Do you all know Sha de Smith and the parks and recreation board? They oversee everything that the friends do and get all of the permits in place before anything is done. So, it is a it's a great relationship. I'm really proud of the friends and what they have been able to do. It's it's a great role model for everyone else in the city because these people actually get out, they step up to the plate, pun intended, to, you know, help and do the work that is needed. So, again, it's a great relationship and I'm really happy to be able to support this and make this happen today.

Any other discussions? All in favor? All oppose? Item passes. Consent resolutions being introduced 37360 through 6375. Move to wave the rules for immediate consideration of these resolutions as read. Second. Promptly move and second. Any discussion? All in favor?

All oppose. Rules wave. Mad clerk. 37360 and 361 are recommending approval to the ABC board for issuance of a restaurant retail liquor license to Koyaki on Airport Boulevard and issuance of a restaurant retail liquor license to First Watch restaurant on Chillinger Road South 40, 362, 363, 364, and 365 are declaring the structures at 1902 Clinton Avenue, 2754 Hayes Avenue, 311 Calhoun Street, and 1423 Cedar Park Drive. public nuisances and ordering them demolished. 46366 honorarily renamed Ruby Street to honorary Reverend Elmore Pate Street. 6367 through 375 are determining appropriations to Miss Alabama Foundation, Mothers Involved Against Gun Violence, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Gulf Coast, and Kappa Alpha Sai Fraternity Incorporated. Serve a public purpose and approve payment.

So moved. Second. Probably move a second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose? Item passes. CIP resolutions being introduced. 08376. Move to wave the rules for immediate consideration of this resolution as read. Second. Prompt to move and second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose. Rules. Way. Madam clerk. 08376. Approve purchase order to A andd remodeling for Unity Park fence mountain curb and wall repairs. Some move. Second. Promptly move and second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose. Item passes.

Resolutions being introduced. 08377 through 21389. Move to wave the rules for immediate consideration of resolutions 08-378 379 380 381 382 385 and 387. Second. Prompted move and second. Any discussion? All in favor? All oppose? Rules wade. M clerk.

08378 approved purchase order to A&D Crumbwell concrete for storm drainage vegetation and debris removal. 08379 and 380 are approving purchase orders to J&J Quality Homes, Southern Realy Management Group for storm drainage, vegetation, and debris removal. 08381 approve purchase order to CDW government for annual renewal of Net Motion wireless network security software. 08382 approve purchase order to Civic Plus for a six-mon subscription to doc access PDF remediation software for ADA compliance. 08383 approved purchase orders emergency equipment professional for engine rebuilds for pumper and aerial trucks. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to read that one. No, that was right.

382. Then down the 38. Um 08. No, I didn't mean to read that one. I'm sorry. Remove 08383. 08385. Approve purchase order to Marinas Engineering for Fender System Components for cruise terminal. 08387. Approve purchase order to Styver Sport Lincoln for pickup trucks. That's it. So move. Second. Promptly move a second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose. Item passes.

Call for public hearings. 41390. Call for public hearing to consider the modification of a previously approved planning. Approval for property located at 65 Mobile Street. scheduled May the 12th, 41391. Call for public hearing to consider the modification of a previously approved plan unit development for property located at 65 Mobile Street. Scheduled May 12th, 41392. Call for public hearing to consider the vacation of unused right ofway adjacent to property located at 6401 Overlook Road, scheduled May 12th. So moved. Second. Second. Properly move and second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose. Open public hearings. Call.

Announcements. Uh, District Five, Councilman Fleming. No announcements, Mr. President. District 2, Councilwoman Engel.

Thank you, Mr. President. Greetings, District 2 residents. Uh, this is a busy week for District 2. We have several opportunities to connect and collaborate. Um, starting today at 6 PM, I will serve as the guest speaker for Midtown Citizens Action Group at Westside United Methodist Church. So, if you would come out to be a part of that. On Thursday, April the 9th at 7 PM, we will have our monthly virtual chat via Zoom. And during this month's chat, we will discuss volunteer opportunities as it relates to litter and homelessness. So, please join us and be a part of giving back to the community. Um, and lastly, on Sunday, April the 12th at 1 p.m., I will serve as the moderator for a book discussion and signing with the civil rights attorney Ben Crump at Big Zme Church. So, please come out and join us as we talk about truth, justice, and moral responsibility. Again, it's going to be a busy time, but more importantly, it's a time for us to connect and collaborate. So, please join us. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, thank you, Councilwoman Ingram. Uh, District 6, Councilman Woods.

Uh, no announcements, Mr. President. Uh, District One, Councilman P. Thank you, Mr. President. This past weekend, we had an amazing time um with our Easter egg hunt in District 1. I want to give a big shout out to Mobile Parks and Recreation, um, the whole team, to see the kids, see the family. That's amazing. Um, to be out to support during this past weekend. Uh we will have our Tomaville community meeting May the 19th at John Laflur High School at 6 PM. More information will be coming out through newsletters and other forms of communication. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Councilman Pan. District 4, Councilman Reynolds.

Thank you, Mr. President. Last week, um Councilwoman Ingram and Council Member Woods uh joined me in the Timman's Corner area to break the ground on the starting of the Gateway Initiative. Uh the the starting of the project was signified by the installation of a long awaited sign identifying the Tilman's corn corner community as part of Mobile and it is a five-phase project. There's funding for the first phase currently largely as a result of the Mobile Area Lodging Corporation. Without them and their support, this would not be possible. Uh we hope to have a tiff established in October um so that we can fund the remaining phases of the project and sort of uplift the area in a u good way and uh have the snowballing effect of the tiff district so we can continue to make reinvestment in the southern part of the city. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Councilman Reynolds. District seven, Vice President Gregory.

Thank you, Mr. President, this Saturday, the biggest southern soul blues show in the country or the world maybe will be in District 7 at the grounds. So, this is this is Spring Fling. It's Mobile, Alabama Spring Fling 2026. Uh they do bill it as the biggest Southern Soul Blues show in the world. Um this is the 32nd annual. It is Saturday. There's a quick little concert on Friday ahead of time. Tickets are still available, so get your tickets. I will be bringing greetings uh on behalf of the city, welcoming everybody. And I know that hotels are already packed. Um reservations have been made to come into town for this great big concert. And because it is such a great big concert all day long, the areas of Cody Road and Ziggler will be u pretty busy. So, uh, plan ahead if those are part of your daily route to maybe take a different direction to get there. But this is a, you know, really big event for the city of Mobile. Concert, you know, entertainers throughout the day. Uh, police will be on hand helping to direct traffic. Um, so just come out, get your tickets, have a great day, and I look forward to seeing everybody at Spring Fling 2026. Uh thank you, Vice President Gregory. And greetings to the citizens of District 3. On this past Saturday, uh we had our annual Easter egg hunt. Hundreds of kids, thousands of heads, the Easter Bunny, even McGrath the crime dog even showed up. I'd like to thank all the uh sponsors, uh Decamp Lounge for providing all the uh food. Uh hot dog, ribs, chicken, hamburger, uh they had it, you name it. Um, I'd like to also thank Franklin Primary Health Drug Education Council. Also like to thank Cumulus Broadcasting, uh, the men's of Capasai and also Marbella Elementary School. I

also like to thank, uh, Judge Shaban Hall and also Chris Aldridge for also, um, helping to uh, make sure that this Easter egg hunt was a great success and all the volunteers, especially you, Miss Kesha Brown. Um, again, it was a great success, beautiful weather. Um everybody that came out enjoyed theirself and again looking forward next year for our annual Easter egg hunt. Uh on this evening uh 6 o'clock pm also at Marville Elementary School we will have our district meeting for the communities of North and South AIP uh Odell community and the Mazeville community. Invite all those residents to come out this evening at 6:00 p.m. to see exactly what's going on in your community. We have anything from the administration.

Motion to adjurnn. Second properly move and second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose. This meeting is adjourned.