Birmingham City Council extends city-wide face covering requirement
The Birmingham City Council on Friday called a special meeting during which they voted to extend the city’s face covering requirement for two an additional weeks. The original face covering ordinance was set to expire at 5 p.m. Friday evening. The updated order is effective through June 12 and lowers the penalties for those not wearing a face covering. The original order set a $500 fine and jail time for those disobeying the ordinance. Friday’s extension lowers that fine to $25 on the first offense, $100 on the second, $250 on the third, and removes the threat of jail time altogether. The City Council passed the extension unanimously.
Birmingham councilman Steven Hoyt suggest bringing in National Guard to address crime
Birmingham city councilman Steven Hoyt raised some eyebrows at the June 18 council meeting saying crime, specifically in Belview Heights and Ensley, was getting so bad that maybe the National Guard needed to be called in. “Growing up, my mother told me if you don’t know how to do something, ask somebody. Get some help. If the governor can’t get things in order, she calls the president. Maybe we need to call the National Guard in here to help us control this city,” Hoyt said. He went on to clarify in an interview with CBS 42 that his remarks were intended to bring attention to the dire circumstances that a number of residents find themselves in, living in areas of the city where violent crime is rampant. Hoyt who has first hand experience with violence having been held up at gun point with his own family. Watch his exchange with Mayor Woodfin here beginning at 1:54. Woodfin’s response was, “We will not be calling the National Guard. I want to speak directly to the residents of Belview Heights who were not able to be here this morning but can hear my voice or are watching. Your neighborhood is very safe. These are not random killings. These are not random murders. These are interaction between people who know each other,” Woodfin said. “There is no terror in Belview Heights. Based on the definition of terrorism, these things that are happening are very personal in nature.”
Obituaries, op-eds and statements: Reactions to the passing of Larry Langford
Larry Langford, the former Birmingham mayor passed away in Birmingham’s Brookwood Princeton Hospital yesterday, January 8, 2019 after years battling chronic illness. The following are statements made in reaction to the news. The City of Birmingham posted a press release announcing his death and highlighting his career. According to an obituary provided by his family, Langford is survived by his wife, Melva Langford; son, Ronald Strothers; niece, Lena Powe McDonald; brother, Oliver Nance; sister-in-law, Casi Ferguson; grandchildren, Ronald Strothers III and Jared Daniel Strothers; and a host of other nieces, nephews, friends and supporters. Randall Woodfin, Birmingham Mayor (Via FaceBook) “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Mayor Larry Langford. Our hearts go out to the Langford family during this time of loss. Mayor Langford had an unmatched love for his community – a love he expressed through his boldness and creativity. During all of our interactions, one thing was always clear – Mayor Langford was an unabashed advocate for the city he served. His fire for change and passion for people will be a lasting part of his legacy. Above all else, Mayor Langford loved this city. Please keep Mayor Langford’s loving wife Melva, family members and friends in your prayers during this difficult time. May he be remembered for his boundless ingenuity and as a fervent voice for the people.” Congresswoman Terri Sewell (2 separate FaceBook posts) “I am deeply saddened tonight with the news that we have lost Mayor Larry Langford. My prayers are with his wife, Melva, and their family as they honor his life and legacy in the days and weeks ahead.” “Here in Birmingham, Mayor Langford will be remembered for his dedication to serving the community he grew up in and for his fight to bring greater opportunities to people in Jefferson County. He was a man of faith, and he put his faith into action by campaigning to reduce violence and promote investments in education for our city’s young people. Mayor Langford will be deeply missed, and I was happy to see him return home to Magic City to be with family before he passed. My prayers are with his family.” Birmingham City Council (Via their FaceBook page) “The Birmingham City Council wishes to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends in the loss of our former Mayor Larry Langford. We are deeply grateful for his countless contributions to the City, County and the State of Alabama as a whole. Our prayers are that God will comfort all of those that knew and loved him as a dynamic leader and force of change in our communities.” From his Obituary in the New York Times “With a showman’s touch and a penchant for defiance, Mr. Langford was a proudly unorthodox political figure in a state full of them. In and around Birmingham, where he was a public figure for more than four decades, he was regarded with an intriguing mix of admiration — for his creativity, zeal and unstinting confidence — and derision, which flowed from his reputation as a politician who dealt in himself and in spectacularly unrealistic ideas.” From a column by Al.Com’s Kyle Whitmire: “Larry Langford was someone you could never really know. He was funny, personable and the sort of politician that, if you let your guard down, would murder the truth right in front of you. I wrote about him for years, and I still wonder how much of what I reported was accurate”
Birmingham City Council swears in two new members
The City of Birmingham swore two new City Council members during its Wednesday meeting. Clinton Woods, who will will represent District 1, and Crystal Smitherman, who will will represent District 6, were appointed by the current City Council during a meeting on Dec. 18, 2018. “I want to congratulate the new councilors. I’m no longer the new kid on the block,” said Councilor Wardine Alexander, who was appointed to the District 7 seat in October, following the Dec. 18 vote. “The candidates did not make this an easy task for us. I look forward to you joining us.” Both appointed councilors will serve until the next citywide election, a date for which has not yet been determined. The two seats were vacated by Councilors Lashunda Scales (District 1) and Sheila Tyson (District 6) when they were sworn in to the Jefferson County Commission on November 14.
Birmingham City Council appoints Wardine Alexander to vacant District 7 seat
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday appointed Wardine Alexander to fill the District 7 council seat that was vacated in August when former councilor Jay Roberson resigned in order to move in support of his wife’s career aspirations. Wardine, the former Birmingham Board of Education president was approved for the position by a 5-3. Tuesday’s vote broke the 4-4 deadlock from last week’s council meeting as Councilor Steven Hoyt changed his vote to support Alexander over the other finalist, former city council candidate Lonnie Malone. Councilors Valerie Abbott, William Parker, Hunter Williams, Darrell O’Quinn joined Hoyt in support of Alexander. Meanwhile Councilors Lashunda Scales, Shelia Tyson and John Hilliard voted for Malone. The council meeting is viewable online here:
B’ham Mayor Randall Woodfin responds to clash with City Council over funds for homeless shelter
Two days after Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, Mayor Randall Woodfin is speaking out about his disappointment over the behavior exhibited at the meeting. On Tuesday, the Firehouse Shelter — a Birmingham, Ala.-based homeless shelter — was hoping to secure a $1 million capital investment, over five years, from the city to help build a new a shelter. But the city council voted against funding the new shelter. “The behavior exhibited during Tuesday’s city council meeting was beyond disappointing,” Woodfin posted on Facebook Thursday morning. “Playing politics with a serious issue like homelessness is unconscionable, especially as temperatures are quickly falling. Making false allegations about a group of people who are committed to serving the poor is shameless.” Many council members said they had received calls from shelter employees who accused the management of discrimination against some of the shelter’s clients, and a heated debate ensued. “Are you aware that we have been getting calls about the Firehouse Shelter?” Councilor Sheila Tyson asked Executive Director of the Firehouse Shelter, Anne Rygiel, on Tuesday. “Saying that y’all are racist and y’all are mistreating the black men. You find the whites places to stay, and you won’t find the blacks. You let the blacks sleep on the floor, and you give the whites cots… we have been getting calls. We would be crazy not to question to you.” “The discrimination that takes place in the Firehouse Shelter is something we have to consider,” Councilman Steven Hoyt added. Ultimately Councilors John Hilliard, Steven Hoyt, Lashunda Scales and Sheila Tyson voted against the measure. Meanwhile Councilors Valerie Abbott, Darrell O’Quinn, William Parker and Hunter Williams voted in support of it. Following the vote, the shelter has responded to the allegations against them, also calling the council meeting “disappointing.” “Today was a very disappointing day,” the shelter posted on Facebook. “We will publicly address each issue that came up, but we want to thank Mayor Woodfin, Councilors Abbott, O’Quinn, Parker, and Williams for being willing to invest in and support the homeless. Remember- your vote counts and your voices matter.” Firehouse posted several images to their Facebook pages disputing the allegations showing that over 60 percent of their clients are black. “The broader issue is about simple respect and civility,” Woodfin contnued. “We cannot solve real issues we face as a city if we cannot have respectful dialogue without bullying and divisiveness. The people demand more from their leadership during our interactions in council meetings.” “I challenge each member of council to join me in creating a more civil atmosphere in which we conduct the people’s business,” he concluded. Rygiel said the shelter will continue to fundraise to build the new shelter without the city’s support. Watch the Council debate below (shelter conversation starts at the 2:19 mark):
Birmingham City Council vote over District 7 appointment ends in deadlock
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday found itself in a deadlock over an appointment to fill the District 7 seat vacated by Jay Roberson in August. After hearing from District 7 residents, the council cast their votes. Former city council candidate Lonnie Malone received votes from Councilors John Hilliard, Lashunda Scales, Sheila Tyson and Steven Hoyt voted for him. Meanwhile, Councilors Valerie Abbott, William Parker, Hunter Williams and Darrell O’Quinn voted for Wardine Alexander, the former Birmingham Board of Education president. In an effort to move past the deadlock, the voted again and remained with a 4 to 4 tie, and the Council voted to delay the agenda item until next week. Last week, Councilors interviewed the 11 candidates who applied for the District 7 seat. Prior to being interviewed, two of the original 13 applicants took their names out of the running for the position. Before Tuesday’s vote, five people who completed the interview process were nominated including Alexander and Malone, as well as Charles Crockrum, Raymond Brooks and Walter Wilson. President Pro Tem The Council was also slated to discuss the an appointment of a Council President Pro Tem. While Councilor Hoyt nominated William Parker, Councilor Scales did not want to vote until District 7 was represented. “If we do not have a person appointed to District 7, I think that it would be unfair of us to appoint someone right now. They will have to work with the Pro Tem. I think this item is improperly before us,” Scales said. Appointment of a President Pro Tem has also been delayed.
Birmingham City Council meeting highlights: Oct. 23, 2018
During the Birmingham City Council Meeting on October 23rd, 2018, the City Council voted on the following items: 1. Appointment of a representative for City Council District 7 due to the resignation of Councilmember James “Jay” Roberson. An election to fill the vacancy of the President Pro – Tempore of the Birmingham City Council for an unexpired term ending on the fourth Tuesday in October 2019. Was this item approved? Delayed One Week What does this mean? After holding two separate votes in an attempt to break the stalemate, the Birmingham City Council’s effort to appoint a replacement for the vacant District 7 seat ended in a 4 to 4 tie. After hearing from District 7 residents, all of whom voiced support for Lonnie Malone, Councilors John Hilliard, Lashunda Scales, Sheila Tyson and Steven Hoyt voted for Malone. Councilors Valerie Abbott, William Parker, Hunter Williams and Darrell O’Quinn voted for Wardine Alexander. Following the second vote that ended in a tie, the Council voted to delay the item until next week. The next item on Tuesday’s agenda was an appointment of a Council President Pro Tem. Councilor Hoyt nominated William Parker after the clerk read the item for consideration. However Scales, insisted that the vote would be improper without someone in place to represent the District 7 residents. Next Steps: For more information, please contact the Office of the City Council at 205.254.2294 2. A Resolution relative to the application of Robin McClain for a Lounge Retail Liquor Class I License to be used at Empire, 100 – 3 rd Avenue North, Birmingham, and the hearing of all interested parties. Was this item approved? Yes What does this mean? Over an hour was dedication to a public hearing involving the business, liquor and dance permits for Empire (formerly Mike’s Crossroads). Community members spoke both for and against the club being reopened. Robin McClain, the wife of the original owner, was listed as the applicant on Tuesday’s agenda. The Council approved the three items associated with Empire 5 to 3 with Hoyt, Tyson and Parker voting no. Councilor Hunter Williams, Chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, listed 7 reasons why the Council can legally not grant such licenses. The creation of a nuisance; Circumstances clearly detrimental to or which would adversely affect the public health, safety, and welfare of the adjacent residential neighborhoods; A violation of applicable zoning restrictions or regulations; An individual applying for the license has a prior conviction involving the use of alcohol or a controlled substance; The proximity of the business to a school or child care facility and the business hours of the operation will create a harmful environment for the children ; The traffic congestion created by licensing the proposed location will endanger others; Any other reason that poses a risk. Next Steps: For more information, please contact the Office of the City Council at 205.254.2294 3. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a project agreement with The Cooperative Downtown Ministries, Inc. to provide assistance of approximately $1,000,000.00 payable over five (5) years in the amount of $200,000.00 to assist in providing the homeless, or those in need of shelter and assistance with in an effort to end chronic homelessness in the City in accordance with Code of Alabama 1975 §11-96A. Was this item approved? No What does this mean? According to their website, the mission of Cooperative Downtown Ministries, more commonly known as the Firehouse Shelter is “to provide to homeless men, ages 18 and older, in the Birmingham Area a nurturing and caring environment offering supportive services that break the cycle of homelessness and empower individuals to achieve their highest potential.” After a lengthy discussion with representatives from the Firehouse Shelter, the Council voted 4-4, with Councilors Abbott, Parker, O’Quinn, and Williams voting for approval, and Councilors Hoyt, Hilliard, Tyson, and Scales voting against the item. The Firehouse has raised $4.2Million in a capital campaign towards the building of a new, larger facility, and was seeking support from the City of Birmingham to reach their goal. Next Steps: For more information, please contact the Office of the City Council at 205.254.2294 ••• Meeting highlights provided by the Birmingham City Council Public Information office.
Birmingham City Council meeting highlights: Oct. 9, 2018
During the Birmingham City Council Meeting on October 9, 2018, the City Council voted on the following items: 1. An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE Neighborhood Revitalization FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, by transferring $916,540.50 from Neighborhood Revitalization Projects, Undesignated and appropriating $916,540.50 to Brush Trucks for Public Works for the purchase of six (6) trucks. Was this item approved? Yes What does this mean? The Council approved an item appropriating $916,540 for the purchase of six new brush trucks. Because of the current fleet that has fallen into disrepair, the Public Works Department has had to push back brush pick up from every two weeks to three weeks. Next Steps: For more information, please contact the Office of the City Council at 205.254.2294 ——— 2. A Resolution appointing one (1) member to the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board said term expiring October 8, 2022. Was this item approved? Yes What does this mean? The Birmingham City Council appointed Carly Miller as a new member of the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board, replacing Bernard Kincaid’s expired term. Miller received five votes necessary to appoint her to the board. The term will expire on October 8, 2022. Miller is a local attorney who has represented clients on issues involving healthcare, insurance and has experience litigating civil rights violations. Miller will be welcomed at tomorrow’s special called Park Board Meeting at 9 am Wednesday October 10th. The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board is responsible for operating all City of Birmingham parks. A five-member board is appointed by the Birmingham City Council. The Board holds more than 100 pieces of property, encompassing more than 2,000 acres. Included among the park amenities are recreation centers, golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, walking tracks, lakes, athletic fields and picnic pavilions, just to name a few. It is the mission of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board to offer quality leisure service programs and open park space reflective of the changing community in a clean, courteous, efficient and safe environment. Next Steps: For more information, please contact the Office of the City Council at 205.254.2294 3. A Resolution encouraging citizens of the City to attend the 2nd public meeting regarding the future of Carraway Hospital Campus on Thursday, October 11, 2018 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the BJCC Forum Building, Room J Was this item approved? Yes What does this mean? The Birmingham City Council supports the efforts to redevelop the former Carraway Hospital Campus in Norwood. On September 11th, Corporate Reality, who is purchasing the property from the Lovelady Center, held the first public meeting to get input from residents about what types of amenities and facilities they’d like to see in the space. On Thursday, October 11th, Corporate Reality will present a new plan for the property, based on that input from the public. They hope to have all plans and necessary permits approved by the City Council by the end of 2018. Next Steps: For more information, please contact the Office of the City Council at 205.254.2294. ••• Meeting highlights provided by the Birmingham City Council Public Information office.
City Council approves surveillance camera for Birmingham’s high-crime areas
Over the next 90 days, Birmingham, Ala. will install over 100 surveillance cameras in its high-crime areas in hopes of curbing crime and violence in the city. The plans follow legislation unanimously passed Tuesday by the Birmingham City Council that allows Mayor Randall Woodfin to enter a contract with Alabama Power Company (APC) for a surveillance camera pilot program. The contract between the city and APC, who will be providing and installing the monitoring equipment, is for five years. APC will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the equipment provided. The contract totals $672,000 and will be payable through monthly installments of $56,000. “The number one quality of life issue we hear about from our residents is gunfire, and violent crime. It’s a big issue. There is no hiding from it, and we, as city leadership, certainly can’t sit on our hands and do nothing about it,” Councilor Hunter Williams said following the approval of a contract for a pilot program for a citywide public safety surveillance system. All of the footage will be going to the Metro Area Crime Center (MACC) which was opened in 2016 as a central operations hub for multiple law enforcement agencies within Jefferson County. “We can use this footage in real time,” Williams said. Before, detectives in Birmingham would have to parse together various security camera footage from nearby stores or homes to see if they could get any leads. Williams said this contract will take law enforcement out of those silos. The Birmingham Police Department will decide where to place the cameras based off crime data indicating areas where violent crime is most likely to occur. The camera equipment will be able to be moved according to current crime trends. “What I like about this particular program is that it’s not being intrusive,” Councilor Lashunda Scales said, following the meeting. “It’s helping us, in addition to shot spotters, we can identify individuals who are committing crimes. Hopefully what we can do is help these neighborhoods where crime is prevalent, it can help them feel safe. A lot of people don’t right now. We have to combat that and I believe this is one tool that does just that.”
Randall Woodfin wants to buy band uniforms for all 7 Birmingham city high schools
Nearly two weeks after news broke that Mountain Brook High School band donated their old uniforms to Birmingham’s Woodlawn High School, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin took to social media to announce that now he wants to buy band uniforms for all seven Birmingham city high schools. “I 100 percent support Birmingham City Schools, particularly our bands. I was a drummer from fourth grade until eighth grade – I walked in their shoes and I understand their commitment to excellence,” Woodfin said in a post accompanying the Monday afternoon video. “Let’s continue to invest in our students.“ According to the video, Woodfin is making a recommendation to the Birmingham City Council that the city purchase “band uniforms on behalf of all seven high schools.” The schools include: Carver High School Huffman High School Jackson-Olin High School Parker High School Ramsay High School Wenonah High School Woodlawn High School Watch the video below:
13 applicants apply for District 7 seat on Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Councilman Jay Roberson resigned from his position last month in order to move in support of his wife’s career aspirations. Roberson’s term had yet to expire, leaving a vacancy on the council that needs to be filled. The deadline to apply to fill the vacant City Council seat for District 7 was Tuesday at 5 p.m. 13 people applied for the position: Gwendolyn Calhoun: president of Hillman Neighborhood Association Gibril H. Davies Jr. Wardine Alexander: former Birmingham Board of Education president Marcus King Charles Crockrom Sr.: former assistant to former Mayor Richard Arrington; member of Birmingham Racing Commission Gertrudis A. Hunter: former candidate for Birmingham mayor Robert H. Young Lonnie Malone: former city council candidate Raymond Brooks: former Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service chief Walter Wilson: former city council candidate Theodore Smith: Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority board member Jameania Ravizee Jeffrey Rowser: former city council candidate According to the Mayor Council Act, “Vacancies in the council shall be filled by the council at the next regular meeting or any subsequent meeting of the council, the person so elected to hold office only until the next election of any kind in which the voters of the city to which this Act applies are qualified electors, at which time said unexpired terms shall be filled by said electors in accordance with all provisions of law applicable to such city; in any event, the person elected shall hold office until his successor is elected and qualified.” Interviews with the applicants have yet to be scheduled.
