Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.29.2

Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.29.23

ITEMS 18-19

The Birmingham City Council has voted to delay considering proposed amendments to the City’s parking and towing ordinances following a public hearing at today’s Council meeting.

Several representatives from local towing companies addressed the Council during the hearing and raised concerns over the proposed language surrounding insurance coverage in the updated ordinance. In order to get the corrected language included into the ordinance, there will be a two-week delay.

Written submissions for public comments will still be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5th; the public hearing to consider the amended parking and towing ordinances will be held September 12th during the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

Written comments can be sent to Darrell.OQuinn@Birminghamal.gov

The Council will be in a position to consider approving the amendments at the conclusion on the public hearing on September 12th.

The Office of the City Attorney presented the proposed changes during a Town Hall held in June. Some of the key points of the updated ordinance include, but are not limited to, increasing insurance requirements for operators; clarifying proof of payment to help drivers with dispute options; prohibiting operators from towing/booting a vehicle while a driver is paying; additional payment options — the use of mobile and web payment systems; improved requirements for signage.

In addition to modernizing the way parking in paid for by phone, the updated ordinance also gives the Birmingham Department of Transportation purview to oversee parking signage placement and regulations.

Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, chair of the Transportation Committee, said he has been encouraged by the productive conversation and feedback from members of the public throughout this process.

“There were definitely issues that were brought up that we had not heard before when we heard from residents in June. It’s really great to get these comments into the public record,” O’Quinn said. “There were multiple people that have referred to the ambiguity of the signage that refers to overnight parking. I think that’s really valuable to for us to hear. I’m looking forward to this additional opportunity for people to provide feedback. I’d like to thank the Mayor’s team and our City Attorneys for their continued work and diligence on these important updates to our city code.”

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ITEM 30

The Council approved a resolution for a grant application seeking $15 million for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program with the U.S. Department of Transportation to convert 4th Avenue North from a one-way to a two-way street.

This would take place from 24th Street North to 9th Street North through the downtown corridor. This program is part of the bi-partisan infrastructure bill that was passed by Congress in 2021. These conversion plans are supported by the City Center Master Plan and Northside/Southside Framework Plans, which have shown a need to convert several one-way streets as a way to boost economic activity and help prevent incidents of reckless driving.

This corridor is the home of the Fourth Avenue Business District. According to representatives with the City’s Department of Transportation, national studies have shown that converting roads from one-ways is a big boon for local businesses. Two-way traffic allows for people to access these stores from both directions and allows for a slower pace of traffic.

“I know we have had many instances of collisions at the intersection by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and there is some confusion with drivers when they are passing through this area,” Council President Wardine Aleander said. “I think it’s so important for the City to support this historic Black business center. I am hopeful this grant application will be successful and we will be able to make our roadways a little safe and more supportive for local businesses.”

Most of the cost would be incurred from outfitting the intersections with new signals and ADA compliant features.

This corridor is located in an “area of persistent poverty” and therefore does not require the typical 80/20 percent grant match under federal guidelines. However, in order to strengthen the grant application, the City will be contributing $2 million towards the project in the event the application is successful.

Here is the item as it appeared on the agenda:

ITEM 30.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents

required for the City to apply for a Reconnecting Communities and

Neighborhood (RCN) Program grant from United States Department of

Transportation in the amount of up to $15,000,000.00 to convert 4th Ave

North from a one-way to a two-way from 24th Street to 9th Street. This

grant requires matching funds in the amount of twenty percent (20%) of

the total grant received by the City and authorizing the Mayor to take any

and all actions and execute such documents as are appropriate and

necessary to accept and expend the grant funds on behalf of the City in

accordance with the grant documents. (Submitted by the City Attorney)

(Recommended by the Mayor and the Chief Community Planner)

BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL: Week in Review, August 14th - 20th

Public Safety Chair (D9) Councilor LaTonya A Tate Hosts Credible Messenger in the Magic City

At Wednesday's Committee of the Whole Meeting, Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement President and CEO Clinton Lacey was in town for a presentation for the Birmingham City Council.  Mr. Lacey's presentation was one of several given at the meeting, geared toward addressing and reducing violence in the City.

Credible Messenger is a community-based crime prevention program that is currently active in 20 states.  While in town, Councilor Tate and Lacey also visited the Ross Bell Juvenile Detention Center and met with Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway and Urban Alchemy.

Learn more about Credible Messenger here...
Watch the Committee of the Whole meeting for Mr. Lacey's presentation here...

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Council President Wardine Alexander Hosts Quarterly Chat and Chew with Neighborhood Leaders

Council President Wardine Alexander sat down with neighborhood officers during the annual District 7 Chat & Chew.

A number of neighborhood officers had the opportunity to voice neighborhood concerns to Mayor Woodfin and also break out into small groups to discuss projects, collaborations, and nonprofits.

Click Here to View Event Photos

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Council Votes to Approve Resolution of Intent for Birmingham-Southern College Funding

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council voted to approve a resolution of intent to provide funding to Birmingham-Southern College as the institution works its way back from a period of financial uncertainty.
 
The resolution of intent does not transfer any funds or establish a dollar amount for the one-time funding agreement. However, based on conversations that took place from the dais and during previous Education Committee Meetings, the leadership at BSC is seeking a commitment of up to $5 million.

The resolution passed 6-1 with the dissenting vote coming from Council President Wardine Alexander, who expressed her support of the institution, but said she would like to see similar investments made into neighborhoods across the city.

Councilor J.T. Moore, chair of the Council’s Education Committee, said he would like to see more opportunities for service-based learning taking place in schools across the City.

“We would love to see Birmingham-Southern become a part of the Birmingham Promise network of schools,” Councilor Moore said. “We want to increase the access that our students have to this institution, and create a more robust partnership with BSC, especially as we look to improve our reading levels in city schools. Their service-based learning model has been a great resource, and we’d like to build on that moving forward.”

Read more here...

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Council Pro Tem Smitherman Partners with Operation HOPE for Financial Wellness Series

Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman has partnered with Operation Hope for a series of financial wellness workshops. This week's focus was on how to improve credit scores and money management.

We hope you will join us for the next installment when we discuss pathways to homeownership. That will be taking place at 5:30 pm at the West End Library on Thursday, September 21st!

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Public Hearing Set For Birmingham's Parking and Towing Ordinance

REMINDER: The Birmingham City Council recently voted to set a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to the City’s parking and towing ordinance. That public hearing has been set for Tuesday, August 29th during the Council meeting on the second floor of Boutwell Auditorium.

Read more here...

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UPDATED TIMEFRAME: Due to Chamber Renovations, Council Meetings are being held at the Boutwell

The Council voted to extend the length of time in which meetings will be held at the Boutwell Auditorium while the City Council chambers are being renovated. That completion date has been extended to December 19, 2023. 
 
The Council unanimously passed an ordinance earlier this year to change the regularly scheduled meeting location to the second floor of the Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard. The meeting time will remain 9:30 a.m. on every Tuesday.

If you plan to attend the meeting in person, please arrive early.  All meetings will still stream to the Council's Facebook page: @citycouncilbham

Magic City Spotlight: Sign up for ACE and learn how to make change in your community

The next Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) cohort is beginning soon!

ACE is a city-wide leadership initiative aimed at bringing residents together for a deeper understanding of how the City works for them and how they can plug into various opportunities. Orientation begins September 7.

Click the image above or the button below to watch Mayor Woodfin's message offering more details about this comprehensive six-week program designed to prepare residents to go out into their communities to act, serve, and lead.

Learn more and sign up at birminghamal.gov/ace.

The City of Birmingham Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry in Birmingham.

This is an honorary position, and roles and responsibilities include making local appearances, facilitating public and educational programs, and building advocacy and community through poetry.

The poet laureate will receive an honorarium of $5,000 over the course of their term. Additional funds will be available for materials and other approved costs associated with community engagement programs that the poet laureate facilitates.

Click the button below to learn more and access the application portal.

Applications close on October 2.

You're invited to join Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan and Mayor Randall Woodfin for the Rally For Reading on August 28.

Join us to instill the joy of reading in our students and prepare them for academic success.

Click the image above or the button below to watch the video to learn more.

See you there!

Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.15.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.15.23

ITEM 17
 
Today the Birmingham City Council voted to approve a resolution of intent to provide funding to Birmingham-Southern College as the institution works its way back from a period of financial uncertainty.
 
The resolution of intent does not transfer any funds or establish a dollar amount for the one-time funding agreement. However, based on conversations that took place from the dais and during previous Education Committee Meetings, the leadership at BSC is seeking a commitment of up to $5 million.

The resolution passed 6-1 with the dissenting vote coming from Council President Wardine Alexander, who expressed her support of the institution, but said she would like to see similar investments made into neighborhoods across the city. 
 
The next steps will be for the Mayor and his administrative team to draft a funding agreement, which will include the funding source, the amount of funds to be provided, as well as conditions that must be met by BSC. That will then come before the Council for final approval.
 
Councilor J.T. Moore, chair of the Council’s Education Committee, said he would like to see more opportunities for service-based learning taking place in schools across the City. “We would love to see Birmingham-Southern become a part of the Birmingham Promise network of schools,” Councilor Moore said. “We want to increase the access that our students have to this institution, and create a more robust partnership with BSC, especially as we look to improve our reading levels in city schools. Their service-based learning model has been a great resource, and we’d like to build on that moving forward.”
 
Last week, BSC President Daniel Coleman met with the Education Committee and laid out several steps the school has taken to ensure future financial stability. In order to prevent future overspending of their endowment, the college has set up a separate board of trustees to oversee the endowment.
 
This consists of seven trustees – four appointed by the college, three that are independent. It will take a unanimous vote to spend over 5% of the endowment annually, according to Coleman.
 
“We’ve been very encouraged by the work that has been done by leadership at BSC as they work their way back to financial stability,” Councilor Moore said. “Our priority is not having a situation where there is an abandoned college campus in the middle of Birmingham. Look at Carraway Hospital to see what that would be like, but on a larger scale. In my opinion, this is a potential investment into the continued success and vibrancy of the surrounding area.”
 
In June, Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill ( SB278) that created a state loan program for higher education institutions that will extend $30 million in loans to BSC to aid in the financial recovery.
 
BSC leadership will also be seeking financial commitments from Jefferson County as they look to reach their $200 million fundraising goal over the next several years, a sum largely consisting of private donations.

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ITEM 13
 
Major League Baseball will be coming to Birmingham next year, and Rickwood Field will be receiving a series of upgrade in anticipation of this monumental event.
 
Last week, the branding and logo were unveiled for the “2024 MLB at Rickwood Field, A Tribute to the Negro Leagues.” The game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will be played at America’s oldest surviving ballpark on June 20th, 2024.
 
On Tuesday, the Council approved an agreement to provide the Friends of Rickwood Field, the nonprofit that oversees maintenance and operation of the facility, with $150,000 in annual funding for the next three years.
 
Councilor Carol Clarke, who represents the district, said she is excited for what the future holds for this piece of history. “We owe a great deal of credit and gratitude to this group who have acted as stewards for this incredible, historic facility,” Councilor Clarke said. “These improvements will help with the continued success and vibrancy of this ballpark, especially as we look to market ourselves for future sporting events that could be held there.”
 
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
 
ITEM 13. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute to execute on behalf of the City of Birmingham an agreement with the Friends of Rickwood Field, (Rickwood), an Alabama nonprofit corporation, under which Rickwood shall manage and operate the Birmingham Rickwood Field including providing research, education, and conservation programs for the benefit of the citizens of Birmingham, for a term of three (3) years ending June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00 each year subject to an annual appropriation by the City Council in each City’s corresponding fiscal year’s budget. [G/L Account: 001_400_96500_96518.550-009] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee)

District 3 Street Resurfacing List

Academy of Civic Engagement - New Session Starting September 7th!

Magic City Spotlight: Birmingham receives $50 million grant for Smithfield revitalization

HUD awards Birmingham $50 million grant to uplift Smithfield community

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced Wednesday the awarding of Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grants totaling $370 million to eight communities throughout the country. These awards support communities that have undergone a comprehensive local planning process and are ready to implement their “Transformation Plan” to redevelop the neighborhood.

Secretary Fudge made the announcement in Birmingham, Alabama, where she presented a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant of $50 million to the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and the City of Birmingham.  For decades, Birmingham’s Smithfield area was a thriving African American community, replete with creative character. But several factors led to the community’s decline, beginning with mortgage redlining and racial zoning in the 1930s; the construction of Interstates 65 and 20 in the 1950s, which cut off the area from Birmingham’s Central Business District; and a lack of investment in schools and infrastructure.

The Choice Neighborhood plan for neighborhood investment reflects the City of Birmingham and Housing Authority of the Birmingham District’s philosophy of ‘Putting People First’ with input from residents and community stakeholders.

“This investment represents HUD’s commitment to creating new housing for Birmingham residents and communities across the country,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “When we envision the future of public housing investment, we think of programs like Choice Neighborhoods. These awards promote the innovative collaboration needed to tackle the affordable housing crisis. A community-driven, whole-of-government approach to neighborhood revitalization is what leads to impactful changes in the neighborhoods that need it the most.”

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants will help revitalize and transform the distressed public and/or assisted housing and neighborhoods across the country, while also providing residents with services focused on income, health, and education.

Click the button below to watch the press conference with Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, Mayor Randall Woodfin, and other leaders, officials, and members of the Smithfield community.

The Smithfield community is about to embark on a journey that will transform lives.

For some, that journey can be hard to imagine. So, allow us to introduce you to Ava.

Ava and her family are along for the ride. Click the button below to watch Ava's story and see the vision of where the impact of this investment and the support of her community will take her.

Want to know more about plans for Smithfield?

Click the buttons below to visit smithfieldchoice.org to learn more.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 7.18.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 7.18.23

ITEM 13

On Tuesday, the Council approved and agreement to host the 2024 Transplant Games of America, which will be held July 5-10 at various venues around the city.

These games have been held every two years since their inception in 1990 and are aimed at uplifting and highlighting athletes who have survived transplant procedures.

These games bring together survivors, their families and medical professionals for a five-day event with over 20 sports. Last year, the United States saw roughly 40,000 organ transplants, which was a record number. However, there are still 100,000 people who are waiting for transplants. These games help raise awareness to this issue and will bring roughly 10,000 people to the city of Birmingham.

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

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an Agreement between the City of Birmingham and Transplant Life Foundation, under which Transplant Life Foundation will assist the City by providing organization, promotion, management, hosting, planning, record keeping and facilitation services related to the 2024 Transplant Games of America, which are to be held in Birmingham between July 5, 2024 and July 10, 2024, and the City will provide funding to Transplant Life Foundation in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00, in support of the event. [G/L Account: ARPA FIN039RM 99999A_005_006 -$335,000.00 and CDA DCP156CP - $65,000.00] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Chief Community Planner)**

Statement from the City Council on the passing of Firefighter Jordan Melton:

"We are heartbroken to hear the news that we have lost one of our local heroes, firefighter Jordan Melton. We stand behind all the dedicated servants of the Birmingham Fire Department during this extremely challenging time. This exemplifies, even more, the dangers that they face every single day serving the citizens of Birmingham.

This is a time when we need for our community to rally around the men and women who continue put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Jordan Melton’s family, friends and colleagues at Birmingham Fire and Rescue deserve answers and justice. Our City is hurting tonight -- and we are sending them our love, support, and deepest condolences."

News You Can Use: June 29, 2023

THURSDAY, JUNE 29 

The Gaston Motel opens today! 

• The historic A.G. Gaston Motel opens to the public today for free visits for a limited time beginning Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, go here. All group and commercially operated tours must be pre-arranged to accommodate for the motel’s capacity. Schedule those at gastontours@birminghamal.gov. 

FRIDAY, JUNE 30 

Several of our city’s senior leaders have a message to COB men about “checking in”  

• Watch the video here.   

• Details: The City of Birmingham is hosting a Men’s Health Fair on Friday, June 30 at Linn Park. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come get tips on physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health. See attached for details.  

SATURDAY, JULY 1 

Birmingham Stallions headed to the finals   

• Congratulations to the Birmingham Stallions. They will return to Canton, Ohio this week to compete for its second straight USFL Championship. You can watch the Stallions take on the Pittsburg Maulers on Saturday, July 1 on NBC at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.  For details, go to theusfl.com. 

UAB DAY 

• July 1 is UAB Day in the city of Birmingham. It kicks off their official membership in the prestigious American Athletic Conference (AAC). Get more details here. 

MONDAY, JULY 3 

Movies in the Park 

• Enjoy a family evening under the stars at Memorial Park, located 524 6th Ave. South. The free event is at 7 p.m. Presented by District 6. See attached for details.  

Get fit with a free weekly bootcamp   

• Every Monday, Birmingham Park and Recreation hosts a free bootcamp at Boutwell from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. powered by IAM BHAM. See flyer for details.   

TUESDAY, JULY 4 

Titusville Community Day 

• Enjoy the Fourth of July with this event featuring music, BBQ and more at Memorial Park. 3-9 p.m. See attached for details. 

WEDNESDAY,  

Support area restaurants and bars with Magic City Sips   

• Magic City Sips is a summer-long, city-wide happy hour event series taking place every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., during the months of June, July, and August. Participating bars and restaurants will host their own happy hours, highlighting Sips-specific drink and food specials. See attached flyer with a QR Code to scan for additional information. Follow them on Instagram @ieobirmingham.    

Get some financial tips and lunch on Wednesdays  

• Enjoy the financial workshops follow hosted by Birmingham City Credit Union, located at 2725 35th Ave. North. These events are on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Free to BCCU members. $10 for non-members.    

• How to Navigate Estate Planning – Wednesday, July 12  

• How to Navigate Life Development – Wednesday, July 19  

• How to Navigate Obtaining Healthy Food – Wednesday, July 26  

• See attached for details.    

SATURDAY, JULY 8 

Check out the District 6 Summer Farmers Market 

• Enjoy fresh fruit, vegetables, breads and honey jams at Memorial Park from 1:30-3:30 p.m. See attached for details. 

ONGOING 

Enjoy Treasure Island in the Park! 

• Birmingham Park and Recreation has partnered with Birmingham Childrens Theatre for performances of “Treasure Island” in parks across the city. See the attached for details! 

COMING UP 

Make plans to attend Wind Down Wednesday   

• The next Wind Down Wednesday after work inspire and empower series will take place at the Boutwell Auditorium on Wednesday, July 19. It’s free and all (21 and up) are welcome. 

Enjoy a photographic tribute to Historic Sloss Furnaces Opening Reception 

• Since the mid-1970s, Ken Boyd has been photographing Sloss Furnaces and has compiled his best works into this photographic exhibition at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Come out on Thursday, July 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to the Sloss Visitor Center to see the exhibit and meet the artist. Ken Boyd has published several photography-based books on various topics and has taught at both Samford University and UAB. This is a free event and light refreshments will be provided. See attached for details. 

Jr. Archaeology Day is coming soon 

• Come out to the Sloss Furnaces Company Quarters Commissary (across the street from Sloss Furnaces and next to Back Forty) on Friday, July 21 from 1-5 p.m. for a free archaeological event! There will be K-12 activities and all ages are welcome to come out and observe. This is a great opportunity for anyone who may be interested in learning more about archaeology and how to pursue it as a career. Presented by The Alabama Archaeology Society. See attached for details. 

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Stay updated regarding the Forging Justice 60th Commemoration   

• All year long, the City of Birmingham is commemorating the heroic acts of our citizens during the 1963 civil and human rights campaign. June is themed “Break Every Chain.” There are free June posters on the first floor of City Hall. Check out this calendar for details regarding upcoming events: birminghamal.gov/forging justice. 
     

Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.

Magic City Spotlight

Ted's Restaurant, a Birmingham institution, celebrates 50 years

Ted’s Restaurant, one of Birmingham’s landmark eateries, is celebrating 50 years of business.

It’s not unusual to see a line of patrons ready to get their fill of homestyle Southern cooking seasoned with old-style Greek hospitality at Ted’s. People say they come for the food and stay for the tradition at this eatery, which has seen dedicated owners work to make the restaurant what it is today.

So what exactly is the secret behind 50 years of success for Ted’s, which offers breakfast, brunch and lunch?

“It’s our dedication to our customers and the Birmingham community. They are like family to us, and we are constantly looking for ways to better serve them, whether it’s cooking up someone’s Saturday morning regular or supporting local charities,” said Beba Touloupis, who runs the business with her husband, Tasos.

Click the button below to read more about the Touloupis family and how they are keeping a Birmingham staple alive motivated by the legacy of Ted's and the community it serves.

Freedom Fest returns to the Civil Rights District

Birmingham Freedom Fest presented by City of Birmingham returns this summer on July 29 in the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Join us for a day filled with music and empowerment as we celebrate the triumphs of Birmingham’s civil rights history and its commitment to forging a united future. Tickets are on sale now at www.freedomfestbhm.com.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department welcomed new recruits and celebrated rising stars in today's graduation and promotion ceremony at Boutwell Auditorium. Congrats, and thank you so much for being our protectors.

While we celebrate their accomplishment, now is a great time to shout out our heroes!

Take a look at how Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department kept you safe in the month of May.

We thank them for their incredible work and appreciate those who have joined them in this important work.