Here are some of the highlights from the Birmingham City Council Meeting
ITEM 2
The Birmingham City Council voted to refer a show cause hearing item -- which was to consider the revocation of a business license for CRU Lounge -- back to the Public Safety Committee following a lengthy discussion.
The Council voted 7-1 (Councilor Crystal Smitherman abstained) to send the item back to committee for additional fact finding and due diligence.
During the hearing, which revealed several complex discrepancies with the business’s licenses and ownership, representatives with CRU Lounge said that the majority ownership had relinquished their Alabama State Liquor License earlier this week.
As it stands, the business owners will need to meet local and state legal requirements for their licensing.
“In order for this business to be in compliance, they are first going to have to reapply with the City of Birmingham, which will be part of the Public Safety Committee’s agenda at a future date,” Councilor Hunter Williams told reporters after the meeting.
In the meantime, city officials have said that CRU Lounge will be able to remain open but will only be able to serve food.
ITEM 15
The Council voted to approve an amended agreement with Jones Valley Teaching Farm for an additional 12 months of the Good School Food Program.
The $805,000 for the program, which is being funded by American Rescue Plan Act funding from several council districts, provides Birmingham youth with employment and training to sustainably grow healthy food for the community while connecting them to career and postsecondary education opportunities, workforce development, and professional support.
“This is a great opportunity for our young people to learn about sustainable, healthy food and how that can fit into their daily lives,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “Jones Valley Teaching Farm has been an outstanding partner in helping our young people get a better understanding of urban agriculture and all the programing that goes along with that.”
Council President Darrell O’Quinn abstained.
New and Old Business
City offices will be closed on Wednesday in observance of Juneteenth. In 2021 the Birmingham City Council approved a recommendation by Mayor Randall L. Woodfin to make June 19 --Juneteenth -- an official city holiday.
"Enshrining Juneteenth an official holiday in Birmingham honors the resilience and contributions of African Americans in our nation. It’s a day that we can pause to reflect on our legacy here and where that fits into the ongoing efforts to make sure we are living up to the promise of a nation that stands for liberty and justice for all people,” Councilor JT Moore said.