Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.21.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.

ITEM 2

The Birmingham City Council voted to amend the City’s taxi cab ordinance to allow for an increase in rates to help alleviate some of the costs associated with current gas prices for local companies. The City has not amended the taxi cab ordinance to increase fares since 2012.

In the last year, the cost of fuel has increased 50% and appears that it will remain at these levels for the foreseeable future.

In the ordinance, there is a provision that states the council will review the rates in 6 months to determine a future course of action. The increased rates are as follows: Three dollars for the first ¼ mile (unchanged) and $0.32 for each 1/8 mile after that, an increase of $0.07 cents. A charge for waiting also increased from $24 an hour to $30 per hour, according to the ordinance.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 2. An Ordinance amending Section 12-16-8 of the General Code of the City of Birmingham, to provide for an increase in the maximum rates of fare for taxis and to provide a temporary surcharge in response to the sharp increase in fuel costs. (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Transportation Committee)**

Boards and Agencies

The Birmingham City Council is currently seeking applications for two positions on the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board. Councilor Carol Clarke, who chairs the Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee, is asking all interested parties to please send a letter of interest and their resume to her office: Carmen.mays@birminghamal.gov

The goal of this board is to oversee the operation and maintenance of all of Birmingham’s parks. Qualifications for the board include: Resident of the City of Birmingham, registered voter, over 21 years of age, taxpayer and real property owner