In lieu of the annual neighborhood holiday gathering, there will not be a December Neighborhood Association meeting. Please save the date for the holiday gathering on Sunday December 19.
From your Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood Association Officers and Advisory Board,
Have a safe and happy Holiday Season!
Jeff McGee, President
Jay Smith, Vice President
Elizabeth Crawford, Secretary
Emily Jones, Treasurer
Board Members
Tom Cosby, Martha Council, Jeremy Day, Neal Flum, John Forney, Donna Florio, Pat Hudson, Elizabeth Pierce, Maury Shevin, Donna Sophronia Sims, Chris Woods
Forest Park South Avondale Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Avondale Library
The meeting was called to order by Jeff McGee, president, at 6:30pm.
Friends of Avondale Park (FOAP) president Neal Flum provided an update to neighbors.
A copy of his report is attached to the end of these minutes.** After reporting strong membership numbers, Mr Flum responded to a question regarding membership renewal. FOAP is working on the IT aspects of notifying members about dues and renewals. He also stated that membership meetings that were canceled due to covid concerns will resume once a large safe space is located. A neighbor reported that seemingly toxic goose poop and algae sludge is flowing in the Park after rainstorms. Discussion of the public health concerns, World Games presentation and possible solutions to the issue followed. Neighbors are encouraged to send their concerns and pictures of the hazard to the Director of the Parks and Recreation Board, Shonae’ Eddins-Bennett, shonae.eddins@birminghamal.gov as well as to the rest of the Board. **Please see a complete list of P&R representatives at the end of these minutes for reference.
Lt. Michael Nix of Station 22 reported to the neighborhood on behalf of the Birmingham Fire Department. Lt Nix cautioned neighbors to make sure all space heaters are a minimum of 3 feet away from flammable sources. In response to a question about household fire extinguishers, neighbors were encouraged to check the expiration date on extinguishers and replace expired extinguishers. In addition, make note of the manufacturer exclusions so that the extinguishers are appropriately applied. Lt Nix assured neighbors that if called, the Fire Dept will always respond. He also asked that neighbors use best judgment when calling 911. Discussion followed regarding misconceptions of firefighter duties (they are not plumbers or electricians) and reassurances of commitment to neighbor wellbeing (they will always respond to calls for assistance, and make appropriate referrals if needed). Station 22/10 is located at 4425 5th Ave. So.
There was no report from the Birmingham Police Department or from Birmingham Public Works.
Jay Smith, vice-president, updated neighbors on the soft landing material for Triangle Park. At present, we still do not have a date for when the materials will be delivered to the park. The neighborhood approved the funds to purchase the mulch in February, and the money got to Parks and Rec (P&R) 2 1/2 months ago. Our CRS rep, Jasmine Fells, has been following this for us, and confirmed by email that the funds arrived with P&R. Now we are stuck waiting on P&R to actually order and deliver the mulch.
Mary Boehm, District 3 Birmingham Board of Education Representative, reported to neighbors her excitement to have a whole new group of young, progressive School Board members sworn in last week. She is looking forward to better partnerships within the Board and with the Mayor and City Council. $1 million of mental health funds has arrived from the City budget to provide much needed assistance following these extremely challenging pandemic years. 3rd grade reading scores continue to be their major focus, and based on state department of education data, they have work to do to get 30% of their kids up to speed before the May deadline. The schools are providing intercession periods at the end of each 9 weeks where kids get fed breakfast and lunch, and get remediation work. They will soon add extracurricular activities to that school day. Avondale School is in need of playground mulch and a tabletop basketball clock for games. Ms Boehm was asked to bring the costs for these items to the next meeting and we will welcome a formal request for their purchase.
District 3 City Councilor Valerie Abbott spoke to neighbors about the Council meeting today. Two items of interest brought to our attention included a request by the BPD to send officers to be trained by ICE and a contract with the NUSFL to play games in the new Protective Stadium. The police training is meant to help catch human traffickers and drug dealers, but was sent to committee to clarify the question of immigration enforcement. The NUSFL contract was negotiated in secret by past Council president Parker. A resolution of intent was passed by the Council allowing up to $500k in supportive funds next year if the NUSFL needs them. Councilor Abbott added her support to the idea of publicizing the problems at Avondale Park. She encouraged neighbors to send their concerns to everyone on the Board, on the Council Committee, and the Director, being the “squeaky wheel” with vivid pictures of the problem, to get something done. Finally, Councilor Abbott spoke favorably of the newly elected Council members. She believes this may be the best Council she has served with during her 6 terms, and is encouraged by the potential for civil discourse and “nice” attitudes of her new peers. She also believes the relationship with the Mayor will improve as a result.
As a final matter of interest, Jeff McGee brought the upcoming Birmingham Opera performance in the neighborhood to everyone’s attention. On Saturday, Nov. 6th, a pop up performance will be held at 4233 Cliff Rd. From 4 - 5 pm. The street will be blocked off between Essex and 42nd, to allow for chairs to be set up to enjoy the performance. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Crawford, secretary
Carly Miller, Vice President
Montal Morton, President
Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board
latonya.tate@birminghamal.govLaTonya Tate
crystal.smitherman@birminghamal.govCrystal N. Smitherman
carol.clarke@birminghamal.govChair – Carol E. Clarke
Birmingham City Council P&R Committee
shonae.eddins@birminghamal.govShonae’ Eddins-Bennett
Director, Birmingham Parks & Recreation
Birmingham Parks and Recreation Contact list:
Ronald D. Mitchell
Larry D. Cockrell
Carol E. Clarke
Please note: Individual email addresses for Board Members are not provided by the City
https://www.facebook.com/BirminghamParkandRecreationBoard/#
Forest Park / South Avondale
Brush and Trash Pick Up dates.
Monday, December 20
Missed Pick-up - Dial 311
Report Illegal Dumping - Dial 311
Special Invitation to our neighbors in Forest Park / South Avondale.
Avondale Samaritan Place is sponsoring “Cookies with Santa” on Sunday, December 12, from 2 PM - 4PM. The FREE event will include photos with the big guy himself, cookies & cocoa, Ginger Bread House Makeovers, Christmas Ornament Creation, Paper Snowflake Design 101, an Away-in-the-Manger Craft, a Reindeer Food Activity, coloring sheets and games – a real afternoon of family fun.
