Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.28.22

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

ITEMS 1-18

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

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

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

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

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

· Appropriations to city departments will be $453,350,447 in the FY2023 operating budget, up $75.6 million

· Appropriations up across the board for departments in General Government, Public Safety and Culture/Recreation

· Recently passed 5% employee raise reflected in each department

· Division of Youth Services will transition to Department of Youth Services ($3.1 million proposed budget)

· Division of Capital Projects will transition to Department of Capital Projects ($4.2 million proposed budget)

Investing in Youth

· Birmingham Promise: $2 million

· Conflict Resolution: $1 million (Department of Youth Services)

· Early Childhood Development: $1 million (Community Development)

· Financial Literacy: $1 million (Department of Youth Services)

· Juvenile Reentry: $225,000

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

· Save Haven Program: $1 million (Parks and Recreation)

· Summer Jobs Program: $210,000 (Department of Youth Services)

Investing in Neighborhoods

· Demolition/Weed Abatement: $3.5 million

· Land Bank Authority: $500,000

· Sidewalks: $275,000

· Street Resurfacing: $15 million

· Strategic Pavement Management Plan: $500,000

· Uniform Trash Receptacle Initiative: $7 million

Investing in Transportation

· Birmingham Xpress Bus Rapid Transit: $1 million

· BJCTA: $10 million

· VIA/Bham On Demand: $1.2 million

Investing in Employees

· Cost of Living Adjustment (recently passed 5% employee raise): $11.6 million through surplus

· Medical Insurance Increase: additional $1.4 million

· Longevity Pay: $1.5 million

· Merit Pay (5%): $2.9 million

· Pension: $32.7 million

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

· Police Department Uniforms: $1.3 million

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ITEM 20

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

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

ITEM 21

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

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

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

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

Updates From The Regional Planning Commission

Read the latest news from the RPCGB

Economic Development

RPCGB awarded an EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant

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

Economic Impact Modeling Program

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

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Current grant and funding opportunities:

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

• Deadline: Noon, July 18, 2022

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

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

• Deadline: Noon, July 18, 2022

• Grant Ceiling: $350,000

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

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ADECA Alabama Community Broadband and Technical Assistance Program

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

Broadband 101 Webinar:

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

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

Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program Webinar:

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

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

Federal Broadband Funding Webinar:

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

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

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

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Projects recently completed or adopted:

Morris Master Plan:

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

Fairfield Master Plan:

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

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

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

Irondale Comprehensive Plan Update:

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

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

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

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

From The City Of Birmingham Website

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

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

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

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

Birmingham Trash and Brush Pickup Schedule - July 2022

Five Points South Neighborhood Newsletter - June 2022

Birmingham City Council Highlights - June 14, 2022

Birmingham City Council Highlights for June 14, 2022

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

ITEMS 2-19

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

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

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

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

Boards and Agencies

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

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

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

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

Man Up Breakfast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call for Summer 2022 Art Camp Volunteers!

Call for Summer Art Camp Volunteers

Space One Eleven is looking for volunteers to help with summer art camps for (rising) 2nd through 12th-grade students.

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I'm an Alabama Artist, Too! (rising grades 2-5):

• June 13-17, 9 am - 3 pm daily

• June 20-24, 9 am - 3 pm daily

Specialty Camps (rising grades 6-12):

• Drawing, Printmaking, and Zine Making Camps

  • June 6-10, 9 am - 3 pm daily

• Drawing, Digital Art, and Clay Camps

  • June 27-July 1, 9 am - 3 pm daily

• Clay, Finding Your Creative Voice, and Sew Cool Fashion Camps

  • July 11-15, 9 am - 3 pm daily

• Sew Cool Fashion, Architecture, and Portfolio Development Camps

  • July 18-22, 9 am - 3 pm daily

• Photography Camp

  • July 25-29, 9 am - 3 pm daily

Information about the NEW ACE Program - Apply Today

We are so excited for The Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) season five and to be back in person engaging our residents! We will kick off ACE on April 7, 2022, at 5:30 pm at the Boutwell Auditorium.

ACE is a City of Birmingham initiative with the central goal of getting residents directly involved and engaged with their local municipal government. ACE is a citywide leadership initiative aimed at bringing everyday residents together for a deeper understanding of how the city is working for them and how they can plug into a variety of opportunities. ACE wants to prepare residents to go out into their communities to act, serve, and lead.

 The Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity is now taking applications from residents who are interested in participating in the 7-week ACE initiative. Participants must be a resident of the City of Birmingham to enroll in ACE.

Applications close April 6, 2022.

The World Games Reveals Medals for 2022 Events in Birmingham

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

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

For tickets are more information, click the button below.

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