Checking in: What has Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson been up to?
Ever wonder what your mayor been up to each month? Sure you may have helped elect them, but what happens after that? Alabama Today has you covered. Each month we’ll highlight what the Yellowhammer State’s Big 5 mayors have been doing in an effort to hold them accountable and keep things more transparent. In the last month, Mobile, Ala. Mayor Sandy Stimpson has implemented several changes to the city, traveled to the United Kingdom on behalf of his constituents, and announced the launch of the city’s first bike sharing program among other things. Here’s what he’s been up to for the last month: July 12 The city of Mobile enhanced Three Mile Creek Trail; adding picnic tables, fitness zones, pet stations, and several other amenities. “These new amenities will encourage fitness, support recreation and educate our citizens on one of our most precious waterways,” Stimpson said in a press release. “Our goal is to link neighborhoods, businesses and residents across Mobile. Within a mile radius of this segment alone, there are 69,000 residents, 900 businesses and 3 hospitals. Three Mile Creek was once Mobile’s drinking water source before World War II, and now it can once again connect communities throughout the City of Mobile.” July 15 – 17 Stimpson attended the Farnborough International Air Show in London meeting with Governor Kay Ivey, and several airplane manufacturers about expanding in Mobile. “Our strategy this week is all about jobs! Our momentum is surging with Airbus and Bombardier expanding at Brookley,” Stimpson posted to his Facebook page. “We have a busy week of meetings and businesses are eager to learn more about Mobile.” July 23 Stimpson attended and spoke at a community meeting at Williamson High School on the Ladd Peebles Stadium. July 25 Stimpson spoke to the Mobile City Council about the Ladd Peebles Stadium, addressing the comments of the community to the council. “For years, the problems at Ladd Stadium have been kicked down the road for someone else to handle. It’s time for that to change,” Stimpson posted on his Facebook page. July 30 Stimpson announced the launch date of Mobile’s first bike sharing program, Limebike. “In a statement, Stimpson called for Mobilians to help make the bike share program a success,” the Associated Press reported. “He asked motorists to give cyclists plenty of room, and asked cyclists not to park their bikes in places that block vehicular or pedestrian traffic.” August 4 Stimpson hosted the fourth annual Mayors Cup, a full day of football, soccer, and track events for young people in the community. “I am extremely excited to welcome back the Mayor’s Cup this year. I look forward to seeing the local community come together for a fun day outdoors and enjoy one of our beautiful parks in the City of Mobile,” Stimpson said in a statement. “This event teaches our young people the important values of teamwork and sportsmanship. May the best man or woman win!”
Mobile City Council to vote on University of South Alabama stadium
After a “task force” meeting on Monday, the Mobile City Council still seems poised to vote Aug. 14 on a proposal to help fund a USA Stadium. But in a fresh twist, that vote now seems to be linked to a companion measure that hasn’t seen daylight yet. Going in, the task force — essentially an ad hoc committee chaired by Councilman Fred Richardson — was portrayed as a chance for council members to air out any concerns, complaints or possible changes in the terms of a letter of intent proposed in late June by Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Under the terms of that agreement, the city pledges to commit $10 million to the University of South Alabama over the course of 20 years, to help pay off the debt it plans to incur in building an on-campus stadium. It also calls for USA to give the city a $2.5 million lump payment, once the new stadium is operational, to help redevelop Ladd-Peebles Stadium, the city facility it has been using. That arrangement has been seen by some as evidence of a city plan to tear down Ladd-Peebles, depriving the Maysville community of a landmark and the major events it hosts. As Richardson led the task force through a clause-by-clause review of the letter of intent, members did ask for some changes. For the most part, USA representatives were amenable. For example, the council wanted a reference to the “renovation and repurposing” of Ladd-Peebles changed to delete the “repurposing” and leave it to “renovation.” USA representatives did not seem opposed. More of a sticking point was another suggestion from Councilman Levon Manzie. The letter of intent specifies that three bowl games — the Senior Bowl, the Dollar General Bowl and the Gulf Coast Challenge — can be held rent-free at the new stadium but will have to pay operating expenses. The letter says the same arrangement will apply to any other “city events” that USA and the city agree to hold at the stadium. However, Manzie suggested that if the city is chipping in to help pay for the stadium, it should get a better deal than the bowl games. He asked if USA would be willing to waive operating expenses for such city events. “We can take that under consideration. Quite frankly I’m not sure that we’re willing to go there,” said USA President Tony Waldrop. “That’s good to know,” said Manzie. As the general discussion progressed, this much was clear: When the letter of intent comes up for a vote on Aug. 14 — a vote that’s already been postponed more than a month — it’ll feature some changes. They may or may not include some compromise on the arrangements for any hypothetical future city events to be held at USA’s hypothetical future stadium. The real revelation on Monday was Manzie’s announcement that the council’s vote on the letter of intent is now linked to some sort of companion measure addressing the future of Ladd-Peebles and the surrounding community. Richardson said there were some council members who “believe that some sort of resolution should be reached on Ladd before they vote. And it is our understanding that there is an effort toward reeling that in and giving us something definitive regarding the future of Ladd.” “We are working on an initiative that hopefully will provide some firm and definitive answers as it relates to not only Ladd but to the impacted communities,” said Manzie. “We’re still working toward that end and as soon as we can make some substantive process I’m going to make certain everybody is updated.” “It’s certainly not anything I’m at liberty to discuss now,” said Manzie, steering the discussion back to the letter of intent. Speaking after the meeting, Manzie said the purpose of the new measure was to spell out the city’s commitment to Ladd-Peebles Stadium and the neighborhoods around it. He said his goal was to present the measure to the council on Aug. 14, if not sooner. He said that in his mind, a vote on the letter of intent couldn’t happen without concurrent consideration of the new initiative. “They are of mutual interest to me,” he said. “If one doesn’t work, the other doesn’t work.” “As quickly as we can get a draft out, we’ll get a draft out,” he said. Manzie said that discussions on the new proposal had involved himself, the mayor’s office, and council members C.J. Small, Gina Gregory and Joel Daves. “I think we’re going to get there,” he said. “We’re working as a team.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Mobile City Council asks Kay Ivey for Amtrak money
Members of the Mobile City Council are asking Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to approve funding to help restart passenger train service between New Orleans and the port city. WALA-TV reports members sent Ivey a letter Wednesday saying renewed Amtrak service would help increase tourism and economic development in Mobile. The governor’s office didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi must commit almost $35 million total over three years by Thursday to be eligible for the same amount in federal funds that would let Amtrak trains travel the northern Gulf Coast for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. Officials say Louisiana and Mississippi have committed money, but Alabama is refusing. Ivey’s office says she supports renewed rail service but isn’t committing money to the project. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Despite delay, Mobile still looks like it will lead the way with Uber
Mobile City Council was suppose to take up a measure on Tuesday aimed at allowing ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft to be fully operational within its city limits. The vote, however, was pushed back a week. Sources tell Alabama Today, though, that the delay shouldn’t be seen as a major setback because most council members are expected to support the most recent proposals. The proposed changes to the city’s ordinances likely will be seen as favorable to both ride-sharing operations and traditional taxi cabs. It’s a model intended to keeping the playing field level by easing some restrictions on cab companies while allowing ride-sharing companies to come in while still maintaining high standards for riders in both operations. It’s a big turning point for Alabama. A move by Mobile to allow such services puts it leaps and bounds ahead of cities still holding out and fighting on behalf of a dated system reling only on the cab industry, such as Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Auburn. There have been growing pains in the regulatory side since Mayor Sandy Stimpson of Mobile welcomed Uber to town in June, but again the city’s efforts are commendable. In a news release at the time, Uber stated, “We want to thank Mayor Stimpson for his leadership and vision in bringing innovative transportation options to Mobile. Uber couldn’t be more honored to connect Southern Alabama residents and visitors with safe, reliable and affordable rides.” Al.Com later reported that city council members took issue with the legality of Uber operating, a point that prompted Colby Cooper, the mayor’s chief of staff, to email council members, “The reality is we are dealing with a scenario where technology is outpacing regulations, and is creating a lot of gray areas for municipalities across the country.” All signs point to a city council responsive to its residents’ needs and opening the door for business. Here’s hoping others follow suit. We’ll keep you posted. (Looking back, check out Will Lochamy‘s guest editorial highlighting some of the benefits of Uber and busting some of the common myths here.)
