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

Birmingham City Council Highlights 2.15.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 2.15.22

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

ITEMS 1-2

The Birmingham City Council voted to delay a public hearing for two weeks while the Council reviews the safety plan presented by the owner of Mahogany Social Club and Lounge. The business was applying for a Retail Liquor Class 1 License as well as a Division 1 Dance Permit.

Following presentations from law enforcement officials, the Council delayed the item to gather further information relative to future plans for the establishment. The item received an unfavorable recommendation from the Public Safety Committee that met last week. The item, which is labeled as a public hearing, will be back before the Council on the March 1, 2020 meeting agenda.

Here are the items as they appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 1. A Resolution relative to the application of Montego Temple for a Lounge Retail Liquor Class I License to be used at Mahogany, 1709 3rd Avenue West, Birmingham, and the hearing of all interested parties. (Submitted by Councilor Tate, Chair, Public Safety Committee) (Not Recommended by the Public Safety Committee)

ITEM 2. A Resolution relative to the application of Montego Temple for a Division I Dance Permit to be used at Mahogany, 1709 3rd Avenue West, Birmingham, and the hearing of all interested parties. (Submitted by Councilor Tate, Chair, Public Safety, Transportation and Communication Committee) (Not Recommended by the Public Safety, Transportation and Communication Committee)

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

The Council voted unanimously to appoint 8 members to the Birmingham Planning Commission, which is the official planning agency for the City of Birmingham. Under Title 11, Chapter 52 of the Alabama Code as amended in 1975, its broad responsibility is to plan for the orderly physical development and/or redevelopment of the City, including its transportation network, community facilities, and the arrangement of land uses. More specifically, the Commission is responsible for preparing and maintaining, on a current basis, a Comprehensive Plan, which serves as an overall guide to coordinate private and public development within the City.

The Birmingham Planning Commission is composed of sixteen (16) members; twelve are private citizens appointed by the City Council, and four are ex-officio members; the Mayor, an administrative officer selected by the Mayor, and two members of the City Council or their representatives.

Here are those appointments:

Reappointments:

Michael Morrison, term expiring October 6, 2027

Mashonda Taylor, term expiring October 6, 2026

Brian Gunn, term expiring October 6, 2026

Patty Pilkerton, term expiring October 6, 2026

New Appointments

Bryan King, replacing Devon M.T. Sims, term expiring October 6, 2022

Stephen Schrader, replacing Brian Ruggs, term expiring October 6, 2025

J. Charles Jordan II, replacing Dr. Kathryn Doornbos, term expiring October 6, 2027

Sharon Deep Nelson, replacing L.Tryce Slade, term expiring October 6, 2025

Ex-Officio Appointments

Councilor Valerie Abbott, reappointment, term expiring October 28, 2025

Councilor LaTonya Tate, vacant seat, term expiring October 28, 2025

REZONING CASES

The Council voted to set public hearings for two rezoning cases for March 22,2022. Below are the details for those items as they appeared on today’s agenda:

ITEM 47. A Resolution setting a public hearing March 22, 2022 to consider the adoption of an Ordinance “TO AMEND THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM” (Case No. ZAC2021-00020) to change zone district boundaries from M-2 Heavy Industrial District to MU-D Mixed Use Downtown District, filed by Clay Smith (Kimley-Horn), applicant, representing the owner AGL Properties LLC, for property located at 1028 2nd Avenue South and situated NE¼ of Section 02, Township 18-S, Range 3-West, Birmingham. [First Reading](Submitted by Councilor Abbott, Chair, Planning and Zoning Committee) (Recommended by the Z.A.C. and the Planning and Zoning Committee)**P

ITEM 48. A Resolution setting a public hearing March 22, 2022 to consider the adoption of an Ordinance “TO AMEND THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM” (Case No. ZAC2021-00021) to change zone district boundaries from B-1 Neighborhood Business District to “Q” MU-D Qualified Mixed-Use Downtown District, filed by Taylor Schoel (Schoel Engineering), applicant, representing the owner Magnolia Point, LLC, for property located at 2234 Magnolia Avenue South, and situated in the NW¼ of Section 06, Township 18-S, Range 2-West, Birmingham. [First Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Abbott, Chair, Planning and Zoning Committee) (Recommended by the Z.A.C. and the Planning and Zoning Committee)**

VIDEO: Full Council Meeting 2.15.22

Magic City Spotlight

Full 2022 USFL season to be held in Birmingham

The United States Football League (USFL) will host its 12-week season with eight teams in Birmingham beginning in April.

Read more about this successful collaboration across the region in the Birmingham Times by clicking the image above or the button below.

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Protecting Good initiative shows neighborly love to Northside Birmingham residents

The Protecting Good initiative is making it easier for residents to sleep at night. Marie Sutton tells the story of how Druid Hills resident Wanda Holcomb can now rest in any weather because of Protecting Good.

 It was a miracle, Holcomb said. 'Nobody but God.'"

 Read the full story by clicking the image above or the button below.

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SWAC set to host series of football games in Birmingham

The Southwestern Athletic Conference, known as SWAC, will host a series of football games at Birmingham’s Legion Field each season for the next three years. The Birmingham City Council recently approved the agreement recommended by the mayor, which also includes an option to renew for an additional two-year term.

 The SWAC is considered one of the premier Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) conferences in the country. Currently, it ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of alumni playing with professional sports teams. The league continues to set the bar for college football attendance, leading all Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) conferences for 44 of the past 45 seasons as of 2021.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 1.25.22

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

ITEM 13
 
On Tuesday, the Council approved an item for a pilot program that will transfer 27 lots in Belview Heights to Housing Redevelopment Corporation of America to develop affordable single-family homes. The funding will be used to help subsidize the cost of the homes, an effort that city officials hope to replicate across the city. The money that is being allocated is part of the federal American Rescue Plan funding that the City received last year.  
 
The homes will be priced around $165,000 and will be made available to potential buyers whose income is less than $61,000 annually for a family of four, according to a presentation that was given during Monday’s Budget and Finance Committee meeting. Currently, four homes are nearing completion on the project and will be up for sale in the near future.
 
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
 
An Ordinance approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute an Amended and Restated Redevelopment Agreement with Housing Reinvestment Corporation of America under which the City will transfer up to twenty-seven (27) vacant lots which comprise a portion of the former Camelia Terrace Apartments property located in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of 51st Street, in the Belview Heights Neighborhood to Housing Reinvestment Corporation of America for a price of $1.00 per lot, and Housing Corporation of America will develop a single family housing unit on each lot transferred. In consideration for the Redeveloper’s agreement to complete the Project and sell homes both as market rate and affordable homes, the City hereby agrees to provide an amount not to exceed $540,000.00 in support of the Project as authorized by the Alabama Code 11-96A and consistent with the development of affordable housing under the American Rescue Plan Act. [First Reading] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee)**

ITEM 14
As we’ve seen in recent months, there have been supply chain issues across the country stemming from COVID-19, increased demand and other factors. Some may not realize that Birmingham has an inland port located along the Black Warrior River capable of accommodating large cargo ships carrying the equivalent of 60 truckloads of goods at a time.

On Tuesday the Birmingham City Council approved a funding agreement between the City and the Birmingham Jefferson County Port Authority in an amount not to exceed $125,000 to help facilitate, “recreational, transportational, agricultural, industrial and commercial purposes and other professional services as needed to carry out its duties and responsibilities and other services.”
 
The BJCPA has been in the process of constructing a warehouse that would store goods and allow the port to reach its full potential. However, those plans were stalled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With funding in place, the BJCPA hopes to complete the warehouse later this year. Below is a brief review of the timeline and other details about what the port could mean for Birmingham’s continued economic growth.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
 
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Funding Agreement with the Birmingham Jefferson County Port Authority (BJCPA) under which the BJCPA will provide for the operation of an inland port facility on the Black Warrior River for recreational, transportational, agricultural, industrial and commercial purposes and other professional services as needed to carry out its duties and responsibilities and other services that are required to fulfill the intent of the Port Authority Act as defined in Chapter 94 of Title 11 of the Code of Alabama 1975, and the purposes of the Funding Agreement, and the City will pay the BJCPA an amount not to exceed $125,000.00 for such services provided that such funding has been approved and included in the City’s General Fund Budget for FY2021-2022. (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor, the Budget and Finance Committee and the Committee of the Whole)**

ITEM 15
 
As Birmingham continues to position itself as a sports tourism destination, the Council voted on Tuesday to approve a 3-year agreement to host Southwest Athletic Conference football games at Legion Field with the option to renew for an additional two years. SWAC is the nation’s most prominent HBCU conference and the games will provide an estimated $16 million economic impact, according to a presentation given by conference officials at Monday’s Budget and Finance Committee meeting.
 
For the first three years, Birmingham would host Jackson State University, a school that recently made national headlines by landing two of the country’s most highly touted recruits and is coached by NFL legend Deion Sanders.
 
“We have a number of third parties wanting to host these conference games,” SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland explained. “We want to control our own narrative and we want to control our brand. We don’t just want to sell ourselves to a third party and let them decide for us. We think we can change the way business is done with HBCUs. We want to support our local community through economic impact as well as educational impact and that is why we are in favor of this agreement.”
 
In addition to the annual conference football games, Birmingham will be hosting the SWAC Baseball tournament this spring at Regions Field for the first time ever.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
 
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement with the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) under which SWAC will host a Conference Football Game at the Legion Field Stadium for a term of three (3) years, with an option to renew for an additional two (2) year term subject to an appropriation by the City Council in each corresponding fiscal year’s budget. The SWAC Game is expected to generate revenue from out-of-town visitors and positive publicity for the City and the City will provide incentives and in-kind services to SWAC in an amount not to exceed $300,000.00 each year the SWAC Game is played at Legion Field Stadium. (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee)**

Watch Woodfin's State of the Community 2022 Speech

Mayor Woodfin begins his State of Community address with the burning question, "How do we make hope tangible?"

Hear more from Mayor Woodfin and citizens of Birmingham when you watch the full address by clicking the image above or the button below.

News You Can Use - January 18, 2022

News You Can Use

Jan. 18, 2022

• Applications for Embrace Mothers will open on Jan. 31 at 8 a.m. Applications will close on Feb. 7. Please see the flyer for more info. The applications will be available at www.birminghamal.gov/embracemothers. The online applications will not be available until Jan. 31. In this program, 110 single mothers living in Birmingham will be randomly selected to receive $375 per month for 12 months as part of the national Mayors for Guaranteed Income research project.

• The City of Birmingham will host a warming station at Boutwell Auditorium on Thursday, Jan. 20 – Wednesday, Jan. 26. The warming station will open at 5 p.m. each day and close at 8 a.m. the following day. Organizers will accept various products on Thursday, Jan. 20 and Friday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of Boutwell. Dates and times for future donation drop-offs will be announced later. Organizers will accept the following: toilet paper, paper towels, spray disinfectants, disinfectant wipes, individually wrapped snacks, hand warmers, bottled water, and washable blankets (twin bed size). Organizers will be unable to accept clothing or shoes.

• Nominations for StrongHer, the City of Birmingham’s annual salute to outstanding women who live, work, attend school or volunteer in the Magic City, will close on Feb. 4. To nominate someone today, send emails to strongher@birminghamal.gov. To see profiles on past winners, visit www.birminghamal.gov/strongher. For more info, see flyer.

• Jan. 31 is the deadline for high school seniors in Alabama to enter the World Games Art Poster Contest. Students may submit photos, mixed media or digital. Prizes include $500 for first place, $250 for second place; and $100 for third place. Students in grades 9-12 may submit an entry in one of three categories: The World is Coming!; Sustainability; or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Go here for more info.

• The Food Bank of Central Alabama will host several food box giveaways in 2022. People may pick up a free 15 to 25 pound box of fresh, perishable foods while supplies last. To see locations and dates for Food Bank box giveaways, go here.

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Do you know someone impacted by the severe storms and flooding that happened on Oct. 6-7, 2021? Well, the U.S. Business Administration continues to offer loans to those in need. The SBA has established the Business Recovery Center for businesses, homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations in any of the declared Alabama counties to apply for low-interest disaster loans for damages caused by severe storms and flooding.

The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 21, 2022. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Sep. 21, 2022. Terrell Perry is the lead public affairs specialist on this disaster. She may be reached at 404-387-8716 or email terrell.perry@sba.gov.

Highland Park Neighborhood Information and Upcoming Events

www.highland-park.org

Curbside Recycling Pickups
(1st & 3rd Wed. of each month ONLY)
Next pickup - Wed. 10.6.21

*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).)

Check our website for more details on what can be recycled by clicking here.

The St. Symeon Food and Culture Fair is coming up October 9 from 9-3. We are moving the marketplace outdoors this year and will still offer a wide variety of artisanal baked goods plus handmade pierogies, kielbasa sandwiches, and made-to-order Greek honey puffs. Our renowned choir will give a concert at 11 titled "The Psalms, Songbook of the Church," and our deacon will give a talk on the ancient Byzantine tradition of sacred art at 1 p.m. Church tours will be available throughout the event.

Blessing of the Animals

Sun., Oct. 10, 4pm

Rushton Park

Join Baptist Church of the Covenant to Bless the Animals we love. This brief, informal service is open to anyone who wants to bring their pet to receive a blessing.

We have treats for most animals (not the humans that come with them though).

We’ll have supplies for the humans to clean up after their pets. And we ask that the animals keep their humans on a leash, or restrained around the other animals.

Baptist Church of the Covenant
www.bcoc.net

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

MEETING TUESDAY, 10.12.21, 6pm
via Zoom ONLY*.

*Due to rising COVID cases and low vaccination rates, we have decided to return to virtual meetings. 
Link to General Agenda/Mtg. Format

Oct. 12, 2021 6pm - Speaker(s)/Guests:

Brent Cotton Bham Visitors and Convention Bureau

Christina Argo with Birmingham Transportation Dept. re: Veo and Bolt scooters and bikes to answer questions, address concerns, etc.
***Join Zoom Meeting (updated link as of May 2021)

One tap mobile:

US: +16465588656,,93671898724# or +13017158592,,93671898724#

Meeting URL:

https://osgnoc.zoom.us/j/93671898724

Meeting ID:

936 7189 8724

Join by Telephone:

Dial: +1 346 248 7799 or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID:  936 7189 8724
Zoom is an app/online tool used for video conferencing. BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE OR APP BEFORE THE MEETING TIME!  Here are instructions; you do NOT need an account or to sign in to join the meeting.

September Minutes Coming Soon
Click here for August Minutes
Click here for July Minutes

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Hanover Circle Repaving*

Start Date Monday, Sept. 27, 2021

Capital Projects Division is meeting and managing the contractor. 

• The contractor will also provide notifications in advance of work taking place in front of houses as it occurs.

• Capital Projects staff can keep the neighborhood informed of any schedule changes or issues if they occur.

Will they do one side of the street at a time so people can still get to their homes?

• Yes, the contractor plans to do one half of the street at a time in order to minimize disturbances to access.

If not where are people to park and how can they access their homes?

• Access will be maintained. In some circumstances the resident may need to park a few houses down, but those disturbances would be minimal and only a few days at a time.

Will the gate to St. Vincent’s be opened during this to assist in people accessing their homes?

• No. The gate will remain closed. This is to avoid disrupting the hospital traffic by keeping additional traffic and the contractor from trying to use that route, and equally keeping hospital traffic from trying to come in a disturb the contractor’s work.

Are there phases and will people be able to drive to their homes in between?

• Yes, there will be phases (the contractor is to provide a schedule/phasing plan by 9/22). In general they will do the curb and sidewalk replacements first, then half of the road to the centerline, then the other half of the road. Access is to be available at all times.

Who is the main point person on this with the city?

• Jeffrey McCay is Capital Projects contact for this project.

How can people get answers to ongoing or new questions?

• For follow up questions, please contact Dr. Darryl A. Lee (Chief of Staff, Councilor Valerie A. Abbott): 205-254-2355 office, 205-440-5345 cell, Valerie.Abbott@birminghamal.gov; Darryl.lee@birminghamal.gov

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Large Trash and Brush

Future Dates: *FRIDAYS (10.15, 11.5, 12.1, 12.22)
*Friday until further notice (instead of the usual Thurs.)

Buildings with dumpsters DO NOT receive city pickups.

Please do not make new piles right after pickup; try to wait until closer to the next pickup.

Leaves and smaller brush and trash MUST BE BAGGED. Larger limbs/branches and furniture items can be piled neatly.  
If space allows, make separate piles: trash/furniture/mattresses/appliances/etc. in one and another pile for plant materials (leaves, limbs, brush) to be mulched by the city. 
They use two different trucks, and making separate piles helps them stay efficient.

Sometimes the city runs behind...if your pile is missed and not collected the following day, please report to 311 (by dialing 311 or the city portal www.birminghamal.gov/311-portal) and send the confirmation code and address to highlandparkneighborhoodal@gmail.com.

Highland Park Neighborhood Association Newsletter - August 2, 2021

www.highland-park.org

Curbside Recycling Pickups
Back to 2X/MONTH!!!!
Next pickup - Wed. 8.4.21
(1st & 3rd Wed. of each month ONLY)
*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).)
Check our website for more details on what can be recycled by clicking here.

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"Meet the Candidates"
Hosted by the Jefferson County Citizens Coalition
Wed., 8.4.21, 6-8pm
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
2150 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203

On behalf of Congressman Earl F. Hilliard, you are cordially invited to the "Meet the Candidates" Reception hosted by the Jefferson County Citizens Coalition. The reception will take place on Wednesday, August 4 2021, from 6 pm - 8 pm at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. 

Please stop by for light hors d'oeuvres and good conversation. 

We look forward to seeing you at the event. Please RSVP to thejccc.al@gmail.com. 

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Scooter Townhall
Thurs., 8.5.21, 6pm
Wine Loft: 2200 1st Ave N., Birmingham, AL 35203
City Councilor O'Quinn has organized a gathering of personnel from BDOT, BPD, and the scooter/bike companies to speak with residents in the Loft District (CCNA). He will have vendor franchise agreements available along with the City’s ordinance (via a link or printouts).
We had contacted Veo to have a representative come to our Aug. 10th Highland Park Neighborhood mtg., but they have been unresponsive.

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City Job Opportunities
The City of Birmingham is hiring for the following positions:
Automotive Technician - General; Automotive Technician - Heavy Truck; Construction Equipment Operator; Data Management Specialist; Data Management Technician; Electrical Inspector; Electrician Supervisor; Firefighter Paramedic; Forensic Scientist; Gardener; Green House Worker; Historic Preservation Manager; Heavy Equipment Operator; Landscape Crew Operator; Lifeguard; Municipal Court Senior Probation Officer; Plans Examiner - Mechanical, Plumbing, Gas; Police Officer; Property Control Clerk; Senior Arborist; Senior Civil Engineer; Senior Land Acquisition Agent; Senior Lifeguard; Senior Municipal Court Clerk; Senior Swimming Pool Supervisor; Traffic Maintenance Worker; Traffic Stripping Machine Crew Leader; Transportation Design Manager; Truck Driver

To apply and for more information visit https://www.pbjcal.org/jobsquest/

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

MEETING TUESDAY, 8.10.21, 6pm
via Zoom ONLY*.
 

*Due to rising COVID cases and low vaccination rates, we have decided to return to virtual meetings.  Please see below for thoughts and an article from our July Speaker and Highland Park Resident Dr. Mike Mugavero.

Link to General Agenda/Mtg. Format

August 10, 2021 6pm - Speaker: Captain Harry Greenberg of the South Precinct to discuss Trespassing Legalities and other questions/concerns. (We have invited a VEO Scooter Representative to attend, too, but we have not yet heard back.)

***Join Zoom Meeting (updated link as of May 2021)

One tap mobile:

US: +16465588656,,93671898724# or +13017158592,,93671898724#

Meeting URL:

https://osgnoc.zoom.us/j/93671898724

Meeting ID:

 936 7189 8724

Join by Telephone:

Dial: +1 346 248 7799 or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID:  936 7189 8724

Zoom is an app/online tool used for video conferencing. BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE OR APP BEFORE THE MEETING TIME!  Here are instructions; you do NOT need an account or to sign in to join the meeting.

*- Vaccination remains critical, but is not a panacea (at current rates) — at current vaccination rates (<50%) and with the amount of virus circulating in our community, other public health testing and mitigation measures are increasingly important (again). It is critical that we encourage those eligible to get vaccinated, listen to their concerns, provide evidence based scientific information, and respect their decisions — even if they choose not to get vaccinated.

- There is a difference between “infection” and “disease.” While vaccinations are effective in reducing the risk of both acquiring covid (“infection”) and getting symptoms/sick (“disease”), vaccinated persons are still getting infected (“breakthrough”) and getting disease, overwhelmingly with the delta variant. Thankfully, severe disease/illness — hospitalization, ICU, mechanical ventilation and death are significantly reduced among those vaccinated. Data from England are compelling and forebode how the “4th wave” will play out in the USA.

- Even among those vaccinated, masking, especially in crowded indoor settings (e.g., grocery stores, churches, indoor concerts and sporting events, etc) is an important consideration. Again, respecting individual’s choices is essential in my opinion, but persons should make educated, informed masking decisions based upon their beliefs, risk tolerance, etc. I wear a mask in all indoor settings when I am with others, except in my home with my immediate family.

- Consideration to the size of our “social bubbles” is an important consideration, even for the vaccinated. We are all exposed to the individuals in the social networks of every person we interact with — not just that person we are with — but everyone else they have interacted with in person in recent days.

- CDC is now recommending all persons, including the vaccinated, quarantine / isolate for 10 days if they have a covid infection. Persons with symptoms are well served to seek testing and err on the side of isolation / quarantine for the safety of others.

- Children under 12 y/o still cannot get vaccinated. Although rare, serious and fatal infections do occur in this age group. In terms of our individual vaccination, masking, social bubbles and other testing & mitigation choices, we all should be aware of this fact.

https://www.al.com/news/2021/07/alabama-just-saw-the-worst-week-since-winter-for-covid-cases-hospitalizations-week-in-review.html

July Minutes coming soon
Click here for June Minutes
Click here for May Minutes

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Large Trash and Brush

Future Dates: *FRIDAYS (8.13, 9.3, 9.24)

Buildings with dumpsters DO NOT receive city pickups.

*Friday until further notice (instead of the usual Thurs.)

Leaves and smaller brush and trash MUST BE BAGGED. Larger limbs/branches and furniture items can be piled neatly.  
If space allows, make separate piles: trash/furniture/mattresses/appliances/etc. in one and another pile for plant materials (leaves, limbs, brush) to be mulched by the city. 
They use two different trucks, and making separate piles helps them stay efficient.

Sometimes the city runs behind...if your pile is missed and not collected the following day, please report to 311 (by dialing 311 or the city portal www.birminghamal.gov/311-portal) and send the confirmation code and address to highlandparkneighborhoodal@gmail.com.

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Municipal Election Aug. 24

For more information visit: https://birminghamwatch.org/category/government/2021-birmingham-city-election/

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World Games 2022

VOLUNTEER AT THE WORLD GAMES 2022. Learn more about how you can volunteer for the games by visiting https://twg2022.com/volunteer/
 
TICKETS FOR THE WORLD GAMES 2022. Visit https://twg2022.com/tickets/ for more information.