Birmingham City Council Highlights 7.5.22

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

ITEM 15

The Birmingham City Council voted to approve spending for roughly $25 million of the Covid State and Local Recovery Fund Budget dollars that were allocated to the city. The ordinance appropriates $3,992,058 to the Birmingham Police Department, $2,430,199 to the Department of Public Works, $1,124,066 to the Birmingham Fire and Rescue, and $18,000,000 to district specific projects.

The City received $141 million in two separate tranches of roughly $70 million each. This money is part of the second tranche. 

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

An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE COVID STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, by appropriating $3,992,058.00 to Birmingham Police Department, $2,430,199.00 to Public Works Department, $1,124,066.00 to Birmingham Fire and Rescue and $18,000,000.00 to District-Specific and City-Wide Councilor Projects per funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act. (Submitted by the Mayor) (Recommended by the Mayor and the City Council)**

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

Update on Access to City Hall

In anticipation of the 2022 World Games, Birmingham City Council staff began temporarily working remotely on Thursday, June 30 until July 18, following the conclusion of the games. Due to security measures being put in place, there will be limited access to City Hall. There will not be a Birmingham City Council meeting held on July 12th.

A temporary satellite office has been established until Friday, July 15 so that the business of the city can continue unimpeded. That location is 1200 Tuscaloosa Ave, Birmingham AL 35211. Hours of operation for the permitting office will be 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the finance office will be open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Please stay tuned to our website, www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org for updates about future meetings and more.

Below is a map of the downtown road closures and a graphic indicating what can be brought into the games. 

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.28.22

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

ITEMS 1-18

The Birmingham City Council voted to approve the City’s FY 2023 Operating Budget.

The new Fiscal year begins July 1, 2022. Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman, who chairs the Budget and Finance Committee, spoke to the spirit of cooperation that was exhibited throughout this year’s budget process.

“I’d like to first thank the members of the public who took time to be a part of this process and for providing us with their feedback. I’d also like to thank the Mayor and his administration for their due diligence and willingness to answer questions that members of the Council raised. My colleague and I take this process very seriously and I am pleased with the level of cooperation we had from start to finish. This budget reflects the priorities we’d all like to see addressed across all nine districts and also focuses on building up our youth services.”
 

Here are a few brief points on the FY 2023 Budget that was passed by the Council:

· Operating Budget Fiscal Year 2023: $517,017,653

· Appropriations to city departments will be $453,350,447 in the FY2023 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)

· 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

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ITEM 20

The Council voted unanimously to expand the footprint of the Uptown Entertainment District to include Protective Stadium and a large portion of the newly constructed City Walk that is located under I-20/59.

The Uptown Entertainment District was the first of its kind established in Birmingham in 2015 and allows the consumption of alcoholic to extend beyond the immediate premises of individual retailers licensed by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. State law currently allows for up to five designated entertainment districts for Class 1 municipalities.

ITEM 21

The Council approved an ordinance allowing for the sale of the former McCoy Center and Church Building located at 700 and 730 8th Ave West. Freedom 1957 LLC will purchase the building and redevelop the site into a small business accelerator. The organization currently owns and operates out of the Arthur Shores Law Center.

“I’m really excited for this. It will create a lot of opportunity for new businesses to establish themselves in this area,” said Councilor Carol Clarke, who represents the district. “This might even create a chance for these business to graduate from this space and occupy buildings on 3rd Ave West and help us revitalize that corridor. I’m very hopeful about this new venture.”

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

An Ordinance approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a Redevelopment Agreement with Freedom 1957, LLC, under which Freedom 1957 will undertake a project to repurpose the former McCoy Center/Church Building located at 700 and 730 8th Avenue West, Birmingham, and a vacant lot located at 619 8th Street West, Birmingham, for private and non-profit office space and other venues and the City has agreed to make the property available to Freedom 1957 at a use value of $600,000.00 in support of the project. [First Reading] (Submitted by the Mayor) (Recommended by the Mayor, the Budget and Finance Committee and the Economic Development Committee)**

President Biden Signs the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into Law

Yesterday, President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, historic legislation that will reduce gun violence and save lives.

The President has worked on this issue his entire career, and knows both how hard it is and what it takes – he was there 30 years ago, the last time this country passed meaningful gun safety laws.

We have lost too many to gun violence. When the President traveled to Uvalde, he heard a clear message: do something. Yesterday, we did.

This bill doesn’t do everything the President wanted want it to, but it does include actions he has long called for and that will save lives:

• It funds crisis intervention, including red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and to others.

• It finally closes what’s known as the “boyfriend loophole,” so if you assault your girlfriend or boyfriend you can’t buy or own a gun.

• It requires young people aged 18-21 to undergo enhanced background checks.

• It includes the first federal law that makes gun trafficking and straw purchases distinct federal crimes.

• It clarifies who needs to register as a federally licensed gun dealer and run background checks before selling a gun.

• And it provides historic funding to address the youth mental health crisis in this country, especially the trauma experienced by survivors of gun violence.

• And it invests in anti-violence programs to work directly with people who are most likely to commit gun crimes or become victims of gun crimes.

At a time when it seems impossible to get anything done in Washington, bipartisan lawmakers and President Biden delivered for the American people.

And the President believes that if we can reach a compromise on guns, we ought to be able to reach compromise on other critical issues, from veteran’s health care to cutting-edge American innovation and more.

Updates From The Regional Planning Commission

Read the latest news from the RPCGB

Economic Development

RPCGB awarded an EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant

The RPCGB has been awarded a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant. This grant allows RPC and its partners to inventory, characterize, assess, conduct a range of planning activities, develop site-specific cleanup plans, and conduct community involvement related to brownfield sites. RPC will be partnering with PM Environmental, Jefferson County, Walker County, and the City of Cordova for this ongoing project.

Economic Impact Modeling Program

The RPCGB Economic Development Department has launched a new Economic Impact Modeling program. With this program we can model specific impacts of economic development projects within communities using IMPLAN Economic Software. From these analyses, member governments will be able to better understand small- and large-scale effects of their projects and more effectively plan future development efforts. For more information on this program, please contact Sarah Thomas, Economic Development Coordinator at sthomas@rpcgb.org.

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Current grant and funding opportunities:

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) Program

• Deadline: Noon, July 18, 2022

• More Information: https://adeca.alabama.gov/cdbg/cdbg-application-manual/

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

• Deadline: Noon, July 18, 2022

• Grant Ceiling: $350,000

• More Information: https://adeca.alabama.gov/arc/arc-application-information/

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ADECA Alabama Community Broadband and Technical Assistance Program

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is planning to kick off the Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program (ACB TAP), a competitive program that will provide technical assistance for communities seeking to expand broadband infrastructure and services in response to the critical need for internet access around the state. To kick off the project, ADECA is holding three webinars to provide information about ACB TAP, broadband infrastructure, and recent federal broadband funding. Separate registration for each session is required; click the links to register.

Broadband 101 Webinar:

June 30, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. CT

This webinar explains the fundamentals of broadband infrastructure, technology, and strategy for communities.

Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program Webinar:

June 30, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. CT

This webinar explains ACB TAP and the upcoming Technical Assistance Application.

Federal Broadband Funding Webinar:

June 30, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. CT

This webinar explains the updated federal broadband funding landscape given recent information on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

If your community or organization needs grant writing or application assistance, RPCGB is here to help. For questions about funding application assistance, please contact Jesslan Wilson, Economic Development Specialist, at jwilson@rpcgb.org or 205-264-8417.

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Projects recently completed or adopted:

Morris Master Plan:

The Morris Planning and Zoning Board adopted the city’s first master plan earlier this month. Visit the project website at www.MorrisMasterPlan.com to learn more and view the plan.

Fairfield Master Plan:

In March of this year, the Fairfield Planning and Zoning Commission adopted the new master plan, which was developed by a consultant team led by PlaceMakers LLC.

The plan focuses on three main topics: enhancing economic development, addressing abandoned and dilapidated housing in the Inter Urban Heights neighborhood, and infrastructure improvements.

Visit the project website at www.FairfieldMasterPlan.com to learn more and read the plan.

Irondale Comprehensive Plan Update:

In December 2021, the Irondale Planning and Zoning Board adopted this update to the city’s 2016 Irondale on the Move Comprehensive Plan.

The consulting firm of KPS assisted the RPCGB with creating redevelopment and policy ideas for three focus areas: Downtown Irondale, Grants Mill Station, and the I-459 at Grants Mill Road area.

Click the link here to read the plan or visit the City's website at https://cityofirondaleal.gov/community/irondales-new-comprehensive-plan/

Join The Race For Freedom With The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI), in partnership with The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, NASCAR, Honda, Southern Custom Exhibits, Microsoft and The Southern Center for Broadening Participation in STEM, is pleased to announce the opening of a special exhibit on July 7, 2022 in conjunction with The World Games. Race to Freedom: African Americans in Sports & The Marathon for Progress will be an interactive display bringing into focus the powerful symbol of the wide-ranging challenges and triumphs in the nation’s history of race and racism - sports.

The exhibit will take visitors through an observation of the space within society where African Americans have engaged in inventive ways to incite change and advocate for equality. The narrative and full-sensory experience will encourage visitors to consider the harrowing intersection of racism in sports and sports as conduit for progress. The points of reflection, or marks on the track of progress, include Segregation, Discrimination and Stereotypes, Activism and Change.

Adorned with a real BCRI branded NASCAR stock car that will be on display at the Institute as part of the presentation, this special exhibit is expected to bring thousands of visitors to learn more about the struggle for equality that Black athletes have faced for centuries. Race to Freedom will include weekly giveaways, a Gee's Bend Quilt, interactive features, unique photo opportunities with celebrities, sports archives and memorabilia. Featured objects and narrative pay tribute to athletes and athletic organizations tied to Alabama, including but not limited to: Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Alice Coachman Davis, the Birmingham Black Barons, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, NASCAR, and others. Throughout, visitors will face statistical data related to racism and sports before exiting with their batons to continue the race for equality.

City of Birmingham to open temporary satellite location for certain services during World Games

From The City Of Birmingham Website

Birmingham, AL – The City of Birmingham will open a temporary satellite office for permitting and finance services during the upcoming World Games. The office will be located at 1200 Tuscaloosa Ave. on weekdays from Monday, June 27 through Friday, July 15. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for permits and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for finance.

All permitting applications will be available at the satellite office as well as the following finance operations: business licenses, business taxes, payment of permit fees, and cash management functions. Checks and debit/credit cards are preferred for all payments.

The satellite office is being offered because City Hall will have limited access due to its location within a secure perimeter during the World Games, which takes place July 7-17. City services will continue at City Hall with reduced staff and limited parking because of road restrictions. In an effort to provide ease of entry and quicker access to services, the satellite location is being made available.

For questions about permitting services offered at the satellite office, call 205-254-2252 and 205-254-2904. Inquiries about finance services offered at the temporary site, call 205-254-2188 for cash management and 205-254-2198 for tax and license

Birmingham Trash and Brush Pickup Schedule - July 2022

Birmingham City Council Highlights - June 14, 2022

Birmingham City Council Highlights for June 14, 2022

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

ITEMS 2-19

Today, the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved a series of interlocal cooperation agreements with municipalities across the state that will be providing resources and equipment for the 2022 World Games next month.

Some of the resources include, but are not limited to, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency providing up to 91 troopers, four bomb technicians, three K-9 teams and 98 vehicles; the City of Fultondale will provide a Sky-Watch tower; the City of Huntsville will provide up to 10 officers, two K-9 units and 5 drone tech equipment and operators. The entire list of municipal contributions can be found on Tuesday’s agenda on items 2-19.

Councilor LaTonya Tate, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee, said she is pleased with the level of regional cooperation that has taken place in anticipation for the 2022 World Games.

“When you have an event of this size, you have to think about the logistics, equipment and manpower that goes into making it go smoothly and safely for everyone in attendance,” Councilor Tate said. “All of these items had to be approved by each municipality, from all corners of the state. It just goes to show the level of regional cooperation and leadership we’ve seen in leading up to this event. Safety is at the forefront of this event and today’s vote sends a strong message out to the community that they’re going to be taken care of.”

Boards and Agencies

There are two board openings that the Birmingham City Council is seeking applications for currently.

1) The Birmingham Parking Authority Board – The only qualification is that applicants be a resident of the City of Birmingham. This board regulates city parking spaces, decks and lots.

2) The Birmingham Jefferson County Port Authority – The only qualification is that applicants be a resident of Jefferson County. This board works to develop waterfront property for recreational, transportational, agricultural, industrial, and commercial purposes by financing, acquiring, enlarging, improving, replacing, owning, operating, selling, leasing, and disposing of a project or projects

For all interested parties, please email your resume and letter of interest to Myeisha Hutchinson (myeisha.hutchinson@birminghamal.gov ) and/or Councilor Darrell O’Quinn (darrell.oquinn@birminghamal.gov

Man Up Breakfast

On Saturday, June 18th, Councilor Clinton Woods will be hosting the annual Man Up Breakfast at the Birmingham CrossPlex. The annual event is aimed to celebrate fathers and highlight positive male role models in Birmingham. This year will feature keynote speaker Art Franklin, who built a career as one of Birmingham’s most trusted news anchors.

“We are very excited to have Art Franklin as our speaker this year,” Councilor Clinton Woods said. “Not only has he built an incredible career in journalism here over the decades, but he was the first African American man to anchor primetime news in Birmingham. Beyond his storied career in news, he also brings a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to be an entrepreneur and to run a business.”

This year’s Man Up Breakfast will also feature a panel focused on “Closing the Wealth Gap;” distinguished panelists include Isaac Cooper with IMC Financial Consulting, Greg Jones from The Jones Group LLC, and Abra Barnes with Barnes and Associates.

“This group is going to bring a lot of insight about what we can do to build wealth, and what work is needed to close the wealth gap,” Woods said.

Jermaine “Funnymaine” Johnson will serve as the emcee for the event.

Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the event is free and open to the public. To register, please visit:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/man-up-breakfast-2022-registration-337395758797

Birmingham City Council Highlights 5.31.22

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)**

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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

To review the entire FY 2023 Budget, please visit:

https://www.birminghamal.gov/2023budget

The World Games Reveals Medals for 2022 Events in Birmingham

The World Games unveiled its gold, silver and bronze medals Tuesday at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, an event that featured three medal-winning Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Birmingham can't wait to host this history-making event starting July 7.

For tickets are more information, click the button below.