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!

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."

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.

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. 

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.