Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.6.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.6.23

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

ITEM 10

The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously to approve the vacation of 154,638 square feet of unopened right of way near the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport to pave the way for a new cargo facility.

This is part of a larger effort from the Birmingham Airport Authority to help bolster their standing as a hub for cargo transportation and logistics.

Above all else, airports require robust infrastructure to function effectively.

With its central location, proximity to major highways, rail networks, an inland port, Birmingham serves as a key facilitator of trade and commerce throughout the state.

Recently, Councilor JT Moore spoke during a groundbreaking ceremony for the global shipping and logistics company Kuehne+Nagel, which will be expanding their operations to the airport.

“Birmingham's expansion in this sector will not only provide a boost to our local businesses but also position us as a critical player in the global market,” Councilor Moore said. “And despite recent reports about population growths in other Alabama cities, Birmingham remains the economic engine for the entire state and will remain so with the amazing work being done by our local partners and leadership on the Birmingham Airport Authority.”

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

ITEM 10. A Resolution assenting to the vacation of the following: 154,638 square feet of (Unopened) right of way that is located parallel to and between E. Lake Blvd and 15th Avenue N. and perpendicular to 50th Street N., on behalf of the Birmingham Airport Authority, owners, so that the owner can consolidate property and the hearing of all interested parties, Case No. SUB2023-00011. [Second Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Smitherman, Chairperson, Public Improvements and Beautification Committee) (Recommended by the Subdivision Committee of the Birmingham Planning Commission and the Public Improvements and Beautification Committee)**

Town Hall Meeting Reminder
 

The Birmingham City Council will be holding a town hall meeting to discuss parking and towing practices in the city of Birmingham. The meeting will be held on the second floor of the Boutwell Auditorium, beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7th.

Those interested in speaking will be able to sign up as they enter from 5:30 p.m. until when the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

“This is an important issue that we’ve been working on with city leaders for some time,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “We understand this is an issue across our city, however towing often happens on private property. So this discussion is going to focus on solutions for our residents and letting them know where we currently are on this.”

Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, Chair of the Transportation Committee, explained that the format of the meeting will be for the Office of the City Attorney to give a presentation then members of the public will be able to respond.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that we have a serious problem in our city with predatory towing,” O’Quinn said. “We all receive many complaints about this practice. We want this to be a solution-based conversation and to get feedback from our residents.”

The meeting will be streamed on the Birmingham City Council’s Facebook Page.

WATCH THE FULL BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL MEETING HERE

Magic City Spotlight: Bush Hills residents unite to establish new community center

99 Voices: Vacant school becomes site of new life for Bush Hills neighborhood

In the latest 99 Voices highlight, Bush Hills residents are showing us what being a good neighbor truly means.

Click the button below to hear the journey residents have taken to transform the former Woodrow Wilson Elementary School into a vibrant community hub.

City of Birmingham files public nuisance lawsuit against vacant East Thomas apartments

The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Birmingham has filed a lawsuit against the owners of East Thomas Apartments to have the property declared a public nuisance. The long-vacant multi-unit apartment complex has been the scene of many calls related to arson, violent crimes, illegal drug sales, overdoses and theft.

“When violence and drugs threaten public safety, it’s important that the city steps in to disrupt the flow of drugs into our streets, holds criminals accountable and makes our neighborhoods safer for residents, businesses and visitors,” said City Attorney Nicole E. King.

Click the button below to learn more about the lawsuit filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court.

Pro tip: If you put Food Truck Friday on your calendar, it's technically a meeting.

We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer and into fall for Food Truck Friday at City Hall.

Click the button below to see the lineup of food trucks coming this Friday, June 2.

The City's 60th commemoration poster series continues 

As we continue to commemorate the 1963 Birmingham Civil and Human Rights Movement all year long, the City of Birmingham will unveil a different themed poster each month to honor the various people and acts of heroism that took place in our city.  June is the month we reflect upon restorative justice and the efforts to repair the breach of racism. June's poster is themed “Break Every Chain" and features a collage of past and present champions of justice.

This month, our partners will host several events across the city. In addition, The City of Birmingham will re-open the historic A.G. Gaston Motel in the days to come.  Check out the calendar of events for details about these and other activities happening all year at birminghamal.gov/forgingjustice. Free copies of this month’s poster are available in city hall. 

Glen Iris Neighborhood Cleanup on June 10th!

Birmingham City Council Highlights 5.23.23

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

ITEM 3
 
As a way to combat food deserts across the city of Birmingham, the City Council approved an ordinance to transfer $298,686 for a grant to create a food sovereign program. The goal of this program is to identify areas of need and to help bolster healthy food options across the city.
 
Food insecurity is an issue that impacts a majority of residents in the city of Birmingham and the City Council has made concerted efforts to help address this situation.
 
“Building equity in our community, especially as it relates to food insecurity, must address these issues in such a way that ensures healthy, affordable food options for residents that live in one of Birmingham’s designated food deserts,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “This past year, I partnered with local farmers and vendors to for monthly farmer’s markets across District 6 in Birmingham. Not only was this an opportunity for residents to access fresh produce, but also allowed them to build relationships with local farmers.”
 
According to a recent study published by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in Alabama alone close to two million residents live in a food desert, and almost 150,000 of them live in Birmingham. This accounts for 69% of the city's total population. Addressing food insecurity is as much about environmental justice as it is about racial equity.
 
This budget ordinance will create a budget line item for a grant received by the USDA. The city has already received a grant of this nature, which is being utilized by Jones Valley Teaching Farm to create a food fellowship program to establish urban farms across the city. This grant will help to hire a food system manager to expand food access strategies across the city. It will also help support the expansion of farmers markets in the Birmingham area.

ITEM 4
 
The Council approved changes to the city’s code to allow for the new regulations and guidelines for the uniform trash bins that are currently being rolled out in phases across the city. The changes also outline penalties for violating the new ordinance, especially as it pertains to bulk trash and illegal dumping following residential evictions.
 
“I’m tired of the city of being taken advantage of, all their stuff they dump out like mattresses and concrete piles we have to pick up. If there are no puntative measures enforced, they will continue to do this, especially when it comes from landlords and construction project.” Councilor Valerie Abbott said.
 
The update to the city’s waste collection and disposal ordinance will allow the City to modernize these practices and stiffen penalties for those who do not comply with proper waste disposal. The updated ordinance also allows for residents to purchase another trash bin in the case their original bin is damaged or stolen. Secondly, the ordinance will allow for up to 24 hours for residents to remove their bins from the street once the trash has been collected.
 
The 96-gallon trash bins are currently being distributed in phases across the city. For more information on how to utilize these new bins or to check your schedule, please visit:

WATCH THE FULL BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL MEETING HERE

Birmingham City Council Highlights 5.16.23

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

ITEM 1

During Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, the Mayor and his administration presented the legislative body with the proposed FY 2024 City Budget.

The Mayor also outlined budget priorities including, neighborhood revitalization, infrastructure improvements and investments in Birmingham’s youth.

The Birmingham City Council will be holding a public hearing to receive feedback on the proposed FY 2024 Budget – that meeting will be held Monday, June 5th at 5:30 pm at the Boutwell Auditorium

The proposed budget totals roughly $554 million, the largest in the city’s history.

Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman, who chairs the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee, said she will be working with her colleagues to compile questions to be submitted to the Mayor’s administration.

“Passing a balanced budget is one of the most crucial responsibilities we have as Councilors and I’ve been very pleased with the level of cooperation we’ve had in recent years during this process,” Smitherman said. “Hearing from members of the public is an integral part of the process and I am looking forward to the upcoming hearings so that we can get a clear picture of what it is our residents want to see reflected in this year’s budget.”

Here are some of the main budget points discussed at the meeting:

• Priorities: neighborhoods (includes public transportation), youth, employees, enhancing public safety

• Budget leverages current surplus expenditures of $60 million

• Parks, sidewalks, libraries, fleet

• Plus, supporting ARPA fund allocations

• Public transit • Restoring tourism

• Redevelopment of blighted properties

• Affordable housing and homelessness

• Small business support

• Supporting city employees

• Community-based public safety initiatives
 

Neighborhood revitalization means providing the investments and services that make our residents feel and see improvement.

• Increased investment in street resurfacing: $15 million (up $2.5 million)

• Boost in weed abatement funding to better service parks, rights of way, empty lots

• Leverage current funding for sidewalks to expand program ($200k + $875k previously)

• Expand traffic calming: $250,000

• Support Land Bank: $500,000
 

We make our neighborhoods stronger when we invest in public transportation.

• BJCTA fixed route investment: $11 million

• Birmingham Xpress: $3 million

• Birmingham On Demand (VIA): $2.5 million
 

Investing in Youth

• Maintaining and expanding programs previously established

• Birmingham Promise: $2 million • Birmingham City Schools Mental Health Support: $1 million

• Financial Freedom financial literacy program: $1 million

• Common Ground/H.E.A.T. curriculum: $1 million (expansion)

• Safe Havens: $500,000 (expansion) • RESTORE juvenile re-entry: $225,000

• DYS Kids and Jobs: $210,000

CAREER FAIR

In response to the recent announcement that Golden Flake will be shuttering operations at their Birmingham facility, Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman has partnered with Jefferson State Community College to host a career fair for the 175 employees who will be laid off in July.

The career fair will be held on Wednesday, May 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Memorial Park Recreation Center. There will be over 20 employers on hand.

The goal of the career fair is to connect these residents with local companies who are looking to fill positions, while also helping to provide a smooth transition for those affected by Golden Flake’s closure.

“When I heard the news about Golden Flake closing, my mind immediately went to the people in our community would be losing their jobs,” Councilor Smitherman said. “I’m honored to be able to partner with Jefferson State Community College so that we can help connect these residents with high-quality career opportunities.”

Those who are interested need to be sure to bring multiple resumes. For more information call (205)-856-8024 or visit www.d6bham.com 

Here is a list of the employers who will be participating:

· Ventura Foods

· US Foods

· Woodfruitticher

· Serv Pro

· Process Barron

· Piggly Wiggly Distribution Center

· Milo's Tea

· Coca-Cola United

· Coil Manufacturing

· Flowers Baking Company

· Atlas Tube Mfg.

· ABC Coke/Drummond Company

· Altec Industries

· JSCC Workforce Education

· Kamtek

· Dunn Construction

· City Wholesale

· CMC Steel

· AlaBev - Alabama Beverage/Birmingham Beverage

· United Ground Express

· Saddle Creek Logistics

· Personell Staffing

· Snelling

· SK Services

· Elwood Staffing

WATCH THE FULL BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL MEETING HERE

View Mayor Woodfin's Proposed FY 2024 Budget

The City of Birmingham is in a time of unprecedented investment in our community. Our economic outlook is strong and we have already dedicated $60 million from a budget surplus to invest in our people, neighborhoods and facilities. We are leveraging the more than $140 million provided by the Biden-Harris administration’s American Rescue Plan Act to make an impact in our community. Let’s not forget the opportunities that remain from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and our aggressive efforts to land federal grants to support our neighborhoods. My proposed operating budget combined with these additional funding resources will provide an opportunity for us to invest in our shared priorities, enhance our current efforts and position Birmingham for continued growth. 

This $554 million dollar budget enhances our laser focus commitment on neighborhoods and our youth, builds upon our momentum in public transportation like never before and strengthens our efforts to competitively recruit in the public safety sector. All of this while funding the services the city provides to our residents and businesses. 

Read Mayor Woodfin’s complete budget message here. 

 

Key Budget Points

• Proposed Operating Budget Total: $554,805,617

• Appropriations to city departments: $464,375,563

Investing in Neighborhood Revitalization

• Street Paving: $15 million (up $2.5 million from FY 2023)

• Sidewalks: $200,000 (combined with surplus carry over of $875,000)

• Weed Abatement: $2 million (combined with surplus carry over of $1.25 million)

• Demolition: $1 million

• Land Bank Authority: $500,000

• Recycling: $300,000

• Traffic calming: $250,000

Investing in Youth

• Birmingham Promise: $2 million

• Birmingham City Schools (Mental Health Services Support): $1 million

• BHM Financial Freedom financial literacy: $1 million

• Conflict resolution through Common Ground H.E.A.T. Curriculum: $1 million

• Safe Haven Program (Parks and Recreation): $500,000

• RESTORE juvenile justice reentry: $225,000 

• Kids and Jobs Program: $210,000 (Department of Youth Services) 

Investing in Public Transportation

• BJCTA fixed route service: $11 million

• Birmingham Xpress bus rapid transit: $3 million

• Birmingham On Demand powered by VIA: $2.5 million

Investing in Employees

• 5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Fire and Police

  • *All city employees have received two 5% COLAs since May 2022

• Merit Pay (5%) available for 2,555 eligible employees

• Longevity Pay available for 1,875 eligible employees

• City will fund 4.75% of an 8.75% increase in healthcare benefit costs

• Pension contribution: $39.6 million for R&R, $13.3 million for F&P

• Contribution to Fire and Police Supplement Pension: $4.8 million increase

 

Capital Improvements

• Department of Public Works deferred maintenance: $3 million

• Rolling stock: $5 million

• Upgrades for 24 of 32 fire station dorms: $1.3 million

Notable

• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute capital improvements: $1 million

• Ruffner Mountain: $250,000 (up $25,000)

• Red Mountain Park: $250,000 (up $25,000)

• Vulcan Park: $525,000 (up $50,000)

Read the Proposed FY 2024 Operating Budget here. 

Read the Proposed FY 2024 Capital Projects Budget here. 

Birmingham City Council Highlights 4.11.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 4.11.23

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

ITEM 16

The Council voted unanimously to remove the 2020 Census Redistricting Committee and replace that body with the Housing Policy Committee.

The Housing Policy Committee will be chaired by Councilor JT Moore, and he will be joined by Councilors Carol Clarke and Darrell O’Quinn.

The Committee will have the responsibility of overseeing local policy and programs that guide and sustain affordable housing opportunities for all citizens and to advocate for fair housing policies.

In the 1930s, the Federal Housing Administration created maps that ranked neighborhoods based on their perceived creditworthiness, a practice known as redlining. Birmingham is one of the most redlined cities in America.

This committee will provide an opportunity for the City Council to take an active role in remediating the effects of that practice.

The time and day of that meeting will be announced in the coming weeks.

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BOARD APPOINTMENTS

There is an opening on the Birmingham Parking Authority, which regulates city's parking spaces, decks and lots.

Applicants must be a registered voter with an address in the city limits of Birmingham.

For anyone interested in serving, please forward a letter of interest and resume to Myeisha.Hutchinson@birminghamal.gov

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FAIR HOUSING MONTH RESOLUTION

Today, the Birmingham City Council passed a resolution brought forward by Councilor Darrell O’Quinn recognizing April as Fair Housing Month. April 11, 2023, marks the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, which clarifies a national policy of fair housing for all who live in the United States.

“Today we’re celebrating that achievement with this resolution. Over the past several years, the Council and this administration have made an effort to address affordable housing and blighted properties in the city,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said. “One of the issues that we of course recognize is everyone needs to have equal opportunity to access affordable housing.”

According to the resolution, “The Council of the City of Birmingham with Mayor Randall L. Woodfin concurring, supports the goals and ideals of the Fair Housing Act and recognizes the month of April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Birmingham, Alabama, which includes bringing attention to the discrimination faced by everyday citizens in housing and housing-related transactions based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, and religion. We commend the Birmingham Association of Realtors whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment and an uncompromising standard of excellence in its endeavors on behalf of all citizens in this great city.”

Councilor O’Quinn also stated that he is working on an amendment to update the City’s current Fair Housing Ordinance to include source of income discrimination. This would not just be for housing choice voucher recipients, but also those receiving alimony, veteran’s assistance, disability checks and so forth. Cities across the country have passed similar legislation for decades.

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Highland Park Neighborhood Association Newsletter

www.highland-park.org

highlandparkneighborhoodal@gmail.com or hpnabham@gmail.com

Newsletter/Email Archive

Earth Month Seedling Exchange Sat. April 1

10am @ Southside Public Library

1814 11th Ave. S

Details here.
More plant events and information further in this email…

Curbside Recycling Pickups
(1st & 3rd Wed. of each month)
Next pickup 4.5.23

You can put recycling in a city bin, your own bin, cardboard box, paper bag, etc. Please do NOT use plastic bags.

What Can Be Recycled:

Paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, and broken down cardboard boxes (if using a box for your "bin" you do not need to break it down)

Aluminum, steel, or tin cans

#1 and #2 Plastics only.

DO NOT INCLUDE THESE: trash, phone books, styrofoam, glass, plastic packing materials/wrappers or plastic bags or anything with food residue. (Rinse all items and discard greasy parts of pizza boxes (for example.)

When in doubt, throw it out!

*We have unfortunately confirmed that if the truck comes by on other days, they will pick up materials and take them to the dump.
(Recyclables can still be dropped off at Birmingham Recycling and Recovery M-F 7am-4pm* - 9 41st St. S., 35222 (Avondale).)

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Upcoming Highland Park Neighborhood Association Meetings - Agenda and Speaker(s):

Next Meeting will be Tues., 4.11.23, 6pm
In Person and via Zoom

Upstairs at the Highland Golf Club at 3300 Highland Ave. S. 35205.

Enter via door to the right of the snack bar area. For elevator access, enter the same door and go through the next door, turn left and go past the snack bar.

Link to General Agenda/Mtg. Format

Speaker(s)/Guests/Agenda Items:

1. Linda Nelson with the Birmingham Historical Society will speak on how to obtain a historical marker for one’s home and share about one of her favorite historic places in HP.

March Minutes and Mtg link coming next week

*Please be patient with us as we fine tune the hybrid meeting option. We will have a microphone in person to help with virtual attendees being able to hear.
You DON'T need to have a zoom or google account to join the meeting.

Meeting Minutes

Tails in the Trails 2022 - You're Invited!

Make summer count with ASFA summer camps! 🌞

Register for ASFA Summer Camps today!

Make your 2023 summer count with Alabama School of Fine Arts summer camps! Offering camps in app design, computer science, visual arts, creative writing, and three-week pre-algebra and algebra intensives for those looking to review or get ahead.
 

Come create, learn and discover with ASFA's award-winning faculty!
Register at www.asfaschool.org/summer-camps.