City Council Meeting 8.27.19
Here’s the video from the meeting:
And here’s a recap of some of the items the City Council discussed by the Council:
Item 1 Storage Facility Public Hearing
A public hearing of an appeal from T. Michael Brown appealing the suspension of an application by Morningstar Storage to construct a ministorage building and commercial office building on property located at 1905 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard, Birmingham, in accordance with Ordinance №19–86.
Once again, the Birmingham City Council held a public hearing regarding a self-storage facility that is appealing the July 2 vote to place a six-month moratorium on such facilities in the city.
Following a lengthy debate, the Council voted to continue the hearing on October 8, allowing for members to consider the future projects for the corridor on Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. where the proposed facility would be located.
The moratorium, which was submitted by Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, also leaves room for an additional 90-days if more time is needed to evaluate current zoning. During the public hearing portion on Tuesday, all of the business owners and residents who spoke voiced their disapproval of the proposed project. Representatives from Morningstar Storage presented their site plans to the council and spoke to how their facility would serve the community. The company has operated in Birmingham for five years and have invested $2.6 million on preparing the site that sits across the street from Vulcan Park and Museum.
Item 21 Internship Program Expansion
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (JCCEO) under Resolution 732–18 and as amended by Resolution №1377–18, under which JCCEO shall provide additional services assisting the City with organizing, management and supervising the youth employment programs by hiring not more than fifty (50) additional youths through the Jobs Program and Executive Internship Program, and the City will pay JCCEO an additional amount not to exceed $2,500 per intern for a nine week term for an amount not to exceed $43,500.00; for a total compensation to JCCEO in an amount not to exceed $275,000.00 each year of the Agreement, subject to an annual appropriation in the City’s corresponding fiscal year’s budget, for a term of three years ending June 30, 2020
This item allows for the Birmingham City Council’s summer internship program to be expanded to allow for interns to work for any of the nine Council offices throughout the year. The JCCEO will continue to serve as the fiscal agent for this program, and no funding will go toward any administrative fees. Rather, all funding will go toward paying the interns. The potential funding for any interns will come from each Council office’s discretionary funds. We will advertise and promote internship opportunities as they are made available by any Council office.
Item 33 Relief Fund Resolution of Support
A Resolution supporting the efforts of the Jefferson County Commission to request the Birmingham Water Works Board commit to match funds earmarked by the Commission to assist needy ratepayers with their water bill. Such action would promote a healthy environment, while supporting the social, economic, and physical health of Birmingham and surrounding communities.
Earlier this month, the Jefferson County Commission approved a $700 Million budget, which included a $1.25 Million allocation for a relief fund for residents struggling to pay high sewer bills.
Subsequently, three Jefferson County Commissioners asked the Birmingham Water Works Board to match that funding to help residents pay their water bills.
The Birmingham Water Works bills and collects for Jefferson County Sewer fees, as well as for water service. The Birmingham City Council, through its Utilities Committee, is seeking meetings with the Birmingham Water Works Board and the Jefferson County Commission to try to figure out collaborative solutions to help alleviate the burden of these rising utility costs that disproportionately affect poor people.
Full Agenda
Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
8:30 a.m. — Joint Planning and Zoning Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — 5th Floor Conference Room -CANCELLED
3:30 p.m. — Committee of the Whole Meeting — Conference Rooms “D & E”
Thursday, August 29, 2019
8:30 a.m. — Joint Special Called Planning and Zoning Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — 5th Floor Conference Room -
Monday, September 2, 2019
LABOR DAY — CITY HALL CLOSED
12:30 p.m. — Joint Parks and Recreation Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — City Council Chambers — CANCELLED
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
9:00 a.m. — Pre-Council Meeting — City Council Chambers; 9:30 a.m. — Council Meeting — City Council Chambers
2:00 p.m. — Joint Public Improvements Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — Conference Room “D”
3:30 p.m. — Joint Public Safety Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — City Council Chambers
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
9:00 a.m. — Park Board Meeting — Maxine Herring Parker Board Room, Legion Field — 400 Graymont Avenue West
