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
S.T.E.M. Rover Academy 2023
Dogwood Festival Concert
Come enjoy the music of these local rising stars at the Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival Concert. April 21 at 7pm. On the lawn at Wald Park. FREE. Concessions Available. All ages welcome!
Save the Date for UWCA’s 100th Anniversary Event
Mark Your Calendars for June 24th
and join us for a community Centennial Celebration!
For 100 years, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) has served our community’s most vital needs, thanks to the support of countless individuals and organizations. Now we want to celebrate our wonderful volunteers, donors, partner agencies and all those who make up this place we call home. We’re hosting a FREE public event on June 24, 2023, from 3 to 8 p.m. at City Walk BHAM. All are invited to join the festivities, which will include:
Live Music and Entertainment.
Food Trucks and Beverages.
Partner Agency Fair.
Pacesetter Campaign Kickoff.
Activities for all ages and more.
Details will be announced as we get closer to June, so keep an eye on your email and on UWCA’s social media pages! #UWCA100
We hope to see you there,
Your UWCA Family
Birmingham City Council Highlights 4.11.23
Birmingham City Council Highlights 4.11.23
Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
ITEM 16
The Council voted unanimously to remove the 2020 Census Redistricting Committee and replace that body with the Housing Policy Committee.
The Housing Policy Committee will be chaired by Councilor JT Moore, and he will be joined by Councilors Carol Clarke and Darrell O’Quinn.
The Committee will have the responsibility of overseeing local policy and programs that guide and sustain affordable housing opportunities for all citizens and to advocate for fair housing policies.
In the 1930s, the Federal Housing Administration created maps that ranked neighborhoods based on their perceived creditworthiness, a practice known as redlining. Birmingham is one of the most redlined cities in America.
This committee will provide an opportunity for the City Council to take an active role in remediating the effects of that practice.
The time and day of that meeting will be announced in the coming weeks.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
There is an opening on the Birmingham Parking Authority, which regulates city's parking spaces, decks and lots.
Applicants must be a registered voter with an address in the city limits of Birmingham.
For anyone interested in serving, please forward a letter of interest and resume to Myeisha.Hutchinson@birminghamal.gov
FAIR HOUSING MONTH RESOLUTION
Today, the Birmingham City Council passed a resolution brought forward by Councilor Darrell O’Quinn recognizing April as Fair Housing Month. April 11, 2023, marks the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, which clarifies a national policy of fair housing for all who live in the United States.
“Today we’re celebrating that achievement with this resolution. Over the past several years, the Council and this administration have made an effort to address affordable housing and blighted properties in the city,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said. “One of the issues that we of course recognize is everyone needs to have equal opportunity to access affordable housing.”
According to the resolution, “The Council of the City of Birmingham with Mayor Randall L. Woodfin concurring, supports the goals and ideals of the Fair Housing Act and recognizes the month of April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Birmingham, Alabama, which includes bringing attention to the discrimination faced by everyday citizens in housing and housing-related transactions based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, and religion. We commend the Birmingham Association of Realtors whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment and an uncompromising standard of excellence in its endeavors on behalf of all citizens in this great city.”
Councilor O’Quinn also stated that he is working on an amendment to update the City’s current Fair Housing Ordinance to include source of income discrimination. This would not just be for housing choice voucher recipients, but also those receiving alimony, veteran’s assistance, disability checks and so forth. Cities across the country have passed similar legislation for decades.
Birmingham City Council Meetings to be held at Boutwell Auditorium during renovation period
Birmingham City Council Meetings to be held at Boutwell Auditorium during renovation period
Press Release
April 4th, 2023
The Birmingham City Council will be holding the regularly scheduled meetings at the Boutwell Auditorium from May 2nd, 2023 through August 1st, 2023 while the Council Chamber undergoes renovations to improve the experience for the public.
The Council unanimously passed an ordinance 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.
Included in the renovation is upgraded seating with more handicap accessible accommodations, rewiring the electrical to improve lighting, sound and video quality for the audience members, new flooring and updated broadcasting equipment for residents following along remotely.
The meetings will still be livestreamed to the Birmingham City Council’s Facebook page during the temporary move.
PROJECT BUDGET
$15,732.50 (Design)
$234,149 (Lighting/Electrical)
$18,215.72 (Flooring)
$28,296.00 (Seating)
Here is the amended item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
An Ordinance to change the regularly scheduled meeting location of the Birmingham City Council from the City Council Chamber 3rd Floor City Hall to the Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Birmingham commencing for the regular meeting to be held May 2, 2023 through August 1, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.. [First Reading] (Submitted and Recommended by the City Council President Alexander, Chair, Administration Committee) **
Forest Park / South Avondale (April Newsletter)
FOREST PARK / SOUTH AVONDALE
TUESDAY, April 4, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
Avondale Library
Agenda:
1. Report from South Precinct
2. Parking Variance Parking Modification to allow for 8 off-street parking spaces instead of the required 43 parking spaces for a restaurant. Old Melt location, 4105 4th Av. S.
3. Setback Variance to allow for a covered porch addition to be set back 19.9 feet from the front yard property line instead of the required 25 feet front yard setback. (3400 Altamont Way)
4. Update on Neighborhood Meet and Greet, Pam Murray.
5. Update on 4167 & 4173 Cliff Road Nuisances, Shannon Blankenship
6. Update on efforts to create a sidewalk along Altamont Park, Maury Shevin.
7. Report from Friends of Avondale Park, April Merritt.
8. Report from Birmingham Board of Education, Mary Boehm
9. Report from District 3 City Councilor, Valerie Abbott
10. Report from District 5 City Councilor, Darrel O'Quinn
Brush and Bulk Trash Pick Up Date:
Forest Park / South Avondale
THURSDAY, APRIL 12
https://www.birminghamal.gov/bulktrash
The City of Birmingham has entered phase 2 delivery of the new uniform garbage carts. More than 20,000 carts will be delivered to residences over the next few weeks.
The carts will be distributed equally among the four waste management districts (north, south, east, west). If you have received a cart in the phase 2 delivery, please refer to the information packet included with the cart. You will receive additional information in the mail soon. Read more about the new system and delivery plans at www.birminghamal.gov/pickup.
Please remember to pick up after your pet and avoid disposing of their waste in your neighbor's trash can. Also be mindful of your pet peeing or pooping on your neighbor's lawn, shrubbery and ground cover. Pet urine is toxic to many of our plants.
Forest Park and Avondale Park Historic Districts
Design Review Information
When applying for a building/construction permit, the City's database will alert the clerk if your address is within one of the City's historic districts. If you reside in one of the City's historic districts, construction / renovation projects will likely be subject to Birmingham's design review process. Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood has two historically designated districts (Forest Park and Avondale Park). These districts are subject to design review when new construction, renovation, repair, and remodel projects affecting the exterior of any structure located within the historic district boundaries. Research has show that property values are greater for homes located in historic districts, especially districts that are subject to design review.
When City permitting personnel determines that your proposed renovation/construction project is within a historic district, you will be referred to City's design review personnel for a determination if the repairs, construction etc. are subject to review by the City and local design review committees.
If your case is subject to design review, you will be given a date to present your case to the City's design review committee. You will also be referred to your local "Neighborhood" committee for review. The local committee will review your case prior to the date set for review by the City's committee and make recommendations to the City Design Review Board.
Local design review committees are made up of historic district residents with the requirement that at least 2 members of the committee are architects. Local committees make findings and recommendations that are submitted to the City committee. The findings and recommendations of the local committee are binding and can only be overturned by a two thirds majority of the City's design review committee.
As a word of caution, if you think your residence is located within one of Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood's Historic Districts, DO NOT purchase materials or commence exterior renovations/construction prior to a determination whether your project is subject to the City's design review process. If your materials / design are not approved during the process, you may not be able to recoup the expense for materials and / or construction labor.
Forest Park Design Review Committee Interim Chairman
Jeff McGee - jeffmcgeefpsa@aol.com (205) 999 3185
Avondale Park Design Review Committee Chairman
Jeff McGee - jeffmcgeefpsa@aol.com (205) 999 3185
Avondale Park Historic District Map
https://gisweb.birminghamal.gov/StandardMaps/Historic/AvondalePark.pdf
What They Are Reading in the States: Biden-Harris Administration is Investing in America; Local Communities Reap Benefits
What They Are Reading in the States: Biden-Harris Administration is Investing in America; Local Communities Reap Benefits
The Biden-Harris Administration is delivering historic investments to communities across the country, growing our economy from the middle-out and bottom-up, not top-down. This week, as a result of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, multiple manufacturing companies announced new investments that will create hundreds of good-paying jobs, and the Administration announced significant actions to implement the historic legislation President Biden signed into law that is creating economic opportunity for hardworking American families.
Prompted by the Inflation Reduction act, this week LG Energy and QCELLS both announced expansions of their manufacturing facilities in Arizona and Georgia, which will create hundreds of good-paying jobs. Vice President Kamala Harris announced $197 million to support wildfire resilience across 22 states, putting people to work and protecting communities. And the Department of Transportation announced investments in new programs across 33 states that will improve transportation infrastructure and safety.
Also this week, the White House announced that President Biden will be kicking off an Administration-wide, three-week Investing in America tour that will highlight how the President’s economic policies are benefiting hardworking Americans across the country and reinforce what’s at stake if MAGA Republicans in Congress get their way and repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and slash funding for manufacturing, research, and innovation.
A sampling of the local coverage on President Biden’s investments across the country:
AZ: Arizona Central: Korean electronics giant LG announces huge expansion of plans for battery factory in Queen Creek
“LG Energy Solution said it will quadruple its initial budget for a battery manufacturing plant in Queen Creek and now plans to spend $5.5 billion for the project, which will create thousands of jobs and could become the largest stand-alone battery complex in North America. LG Energy Solution said demand for batteries is surging, and the company expects its 2023 revenue to increase by 25% to 30%. The company attributed the demand increase in part to federal tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed by Congress last year.”
GA: Atlanta Journal Constitution: Solar parts supplier for Qcells building $147M Cartersville plant
“In a statement on HAGA’s plant, Biden connected the dots between the IRA and the new investment in Georgia. The IRA provides $10 billion in tax credits for building new solar manufacturing facilities, plus billions more for manufacturers to make components for solar panels, batteries, and wind turbines in the U.S., among a host of other clean energy incentives. ‘With the support of Senators Warnock and Ossoff and Georgia House Democrats, clean energy manufacturing announcements in Georgia are creating thousands of good-paying jobs making solar panels and components here at home and tackling the climate crisis,’ Biden said in a statement.”
NC: Spectrum (North Carolina statewide): President Biden to kick off 'Investing in America' tour in N.C. next week
“President Joe Biden plans to visit North Carolina Tuesday as part of a three-week administration-wide "Investing in America" tour. The White House says Biden will travel to Durham to visit Wolfspeed, a producer of semiconductors and their key components. Wolfspeed recently announced a $5 billion investment to build its North Carolina facility and the creation of 1,800 jobs.”
KY: Louisville Courier Journal: These 4 flood-prone underpasses in Louisville are getting 'smart technology'
“The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding Louisville nearly $2 million to improve its aging traffic management system at four of its most dangerous, flood-prone underpasses, local and federal officials announced Tuesday. The $1,999,481 grant comes thanks to the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation program that was established through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed the $1.2 trillion bill into law in 2021.”
NY: The Daily Sentinel: NY Thruway awarded $1.5M federal grant for drone program
“The New York State Thruway Authority will continue its drone program with the support of a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Biden administration announced Tuesday that more than $94 million has been awarded to 59 entities through the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation program, which created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.”
CA: Los Angeles Times: Harris unveils $197 million for wildfire resilience as California’s fire season looms
“Vice President Kamala Harris detailed $197 million in new federal grants on Monday to help fortify high-risk communities against wildfires. More than 100 communities scattered across 22 states and seven tribes will receive funding to supplement pay for wildland firefighters and provide housing for fire personnel as part of the Biden administration’s wildfire defense grant program.”
NM: Source New Mexico: Feds to send nearly $200 million to help communities prepare for wildfires
“The Biden administration will send $197 million from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law to help communities prepare for wildfires this summer, Vice President Kamala Harris and other administration officials said Monday. The funding represents the first round of a new $1 billion Community Wildfire Defense Grant program authorized under the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that President Joe Biden signed in November 2021.”
NV: KUNR (NPR Reno, NV): Wildfire projects in Mountain West receive new federal funds
“The money comes from the department’s new Community Wildfire Defense Grant program, a $1 billion initiative funded by President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law. The first round of funding is aimed at 100 projects in 22 states and seven tribes, with most plans focused on clearing flammable brush near homes and businesses, and in forests. Communities are increasingly at-risk as the climate changes, Vice President Kamala Harris said in a call with reporters on March 20.”
Career Opportunity: Programs Assistant at Space One Eleven Arts Center
Position Available:
Programs Assistant
Space One Eleven seeks a Programs Assistant to work closely with staff in the Exhibitions and Arts Education programs. To be considered for this position you must have a strong knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art. A college degree in visual art or art history is preferred. The successful applicant must also have at least one full year of experience working in a professional office environment.
This is a full-time position. Some evening and weekend work is required.
About Space One Eleven
Founded in 1986, Space One Eleven’s mission is to provide professional opportunities for artists, create a forum for public understanding of contemporary art, and offer arts education to area youth.
The exhibitions in Space One Eleven’s galleries showcase artists of local, regional, and national prominence; thereby providing an opportunity to see and experience all types of cutting-edge contemporary art, and to provide a platform for artists and community members to engage in dialog about current issues. Space One Eleven’s rigorous afterschool art classes and summer art camps serve youth in grades 2 through 12. Space One Eleven also offers art classes in public schools, and workshops for adults in its downtown studios.
Job Accountabilities
• Assist with the organization and installation of exhibitions.
• Coordinate with exhibiting artists.
• Act as gallery docent.
• Process art student registrations.
• Correspond with a variety of individuals including parents and artists.
• Assist with implementing public relations and marketing plans.
• Maintain appointment and project calendars.
• Maintain and update the website and use database software.
• Assist with other operations, as needed.
Essential Requirements
• Have a commitment to Space One Eleven’s mission and values of social justice and human rights.
• Be highly organized with attention to detail.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills and knowledge of communication principles and practices.
• Be proficient with MS Office Suite.
• Have experience with social media tools: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Hootsuite.
• Have flexibility performing in varied job assignments.
• Be able to comfortably lift 50 pounds.
• Be comfortable working on a ladder.
• Have access to a personal vehicle for transportation.
Compensation
$15 Hourly
Benefits: Health Reimbursement Account, SIMPLE IRA up to 3% employer match, paid vacation, and holidays.
Hiring Process and Timeline
• We will read your cover letter and resume first. In your cover letter, please be sure to tell us why you are interested in this job and what makes you a strong candidate.
• If you are invited for an in-person interview, we will ask for three professional references.
• We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Email resume with cover letter to:
applications@spaceoneeleven.org.
Please include “Team Member Application-Programs Assistant” in the subject line.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Space One Eleven is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants of all backgrounds.