Birmingham City Council Highlights 5.31.22
Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
ITEM 8
The Council approved an Interlocal agreement between the City and the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District to provide a law enforcement taskforce of up to 14 officers, 1 sergeant and 1 captain to assist with patrolling public housing developments.
The HABD will provide funding up to $3,293,645 to pay for personnel costs, fuel and maintenance. The agreement is for a two year period ending in February 2024.
“Currently we have 8 officers, 1 sergeant and 1 captain currently signed to this program,” said Acting Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond. “It’s been in affect for about a year now and we’ve seen success with it.”
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
An Ordinance, pursuant to Alabama Act 1969-916, authorizing the Mayor to execute an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Birmingham and the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to provide a law enforcement task force and Community Safety Partnership related to HABD’s High-Intensity Community Oriented Police Patrol Program at designated HABD properties for a period of up to two (2) years, with an end date of February 28, 2024 unless terminated earlier by either party. HABD will provide funding to the City in the amount of $3,293,645.54 to cover personnel costs, expenses and reimbursement for maintenance, fuel and repair of vehicles. The City will provide up to fourteen (14) police officers, one (1) sergeant and one (1) captain to perform law-enforcement functions in the housing communities as part of the Task Force. [First Reading] (Submitted and Recommended by the Mayor)**
ITEM 9
In anticipation of the World Games, the Council passed a temporary suspension on issuance of new construction permits around the venues that will be used. This will allow for traffic flow to be unimpeded and to increase public safety in and around the venues.
The vote will not impact permits and projects that have already been issued.
Speaking to members of the media after the meeting, Councilor Carol Clarke explained why this is a necessary step. “There are several zones around venues that are going to be used that we would like to make sure are free of construction equipment and are not obstructing streets and sidewalks. We will be closely monitoring the active construction site, for both safety and to make sure the roads are clear.”
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
An Ordinance to provide for a Temporary Suspension of Construction and Construction Permitting activities around the World Games venues for the efficient traffic flow of traffic and the safety and security of the venues, infrastructure, citizens and visitors. (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor)**
BUDGET HEARINGS
Last month the Council was given the proposed FY 2023 Budget, totaling roughly $517 million. This is the initial step in the City’s annual budgeting process. Following a presentation from the Mayor, outlining some of the key points, the Council voted to set a public hearings for Monday, June 6th and Thursday, June 16th to hear from members of the public regarding the budget. The hearings will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Here are a few brief points on the proposed FY 2023 Budget as it was presented today:
Mayor’s Proposed Operating Budget Fiscal Year 2023: $517,017,653
Appropriations to city departments will be $453,350,447 in the FY2023 proposed operating budget, up $75.6 million
Appropriations up across the board for departments in General Government, Public Safety and Culture/Recreation
Recently passed 5% employee raise reflected in each department
Division of Youth Services will transition to Department of Youth Services ($3.1 million proposed budget)
Division of Capital Projects will transition to Department of Capital Projects ($4.2 million proposed budget)
Investing In Youth
Birmingham Promise: $2 million
Conflict Resolution: $1 million (Department of Youth Services)
Early Childhood Development: $1 million (Community Development)
Financial Literacy: $1 million (Department of Youth Services)
Juvenile Reentry: $225,000
Mental Health Services: $1 million (Birmingham City Schools Board of Education)
Save Haven Program: $1 million (Parks and Recreation)
Summer Jobs Program: $210,000 (Department of Youth Services)
Investing in Neighborhoods
Demolition/Weed Abatement: $3.5 million
Land Bank Authority: $500,000
Sidewalks: $275,000
Street Resurfacing: $15 million
Strategic Pavement Management Plan: $500,000
Uniform Trash Receptacle Initiative: $7 million
Investing in Transportation
Birmingham Xpress Bus Rapid Transit: $1 million
BJCTA: $10 million
VIA/Bham On Demand: $1.2 million
Investing in Employees
Cost of Living Adjustment (recently passed 5% employee raise): $11.6 million through surplus
Medical Insurance Increase: additional $1.4 million
Longevity Pay: $1.5 million
Merit Pay (5%): $2.9 million
Pension: $32.7 million
Contribution to Fire and Police Supplement Pension: $4.8 million increase
Police Department Uniforms: $1.3 million
