City Council Meeting Recap 1.8.19
Here’s the video from the meeting:
And here’s a recap of some of the items the City Council passed by the Council:
Item 7
A Resolution expressing the Council’s opposition to Act No.# 2016–277 (HB515) and requesting that the Alabama Legislature repeal each of the following amendments to : Sections 45–37A — 52.55, 45–37A — 52.56, 45–37A — 52.59, 45–37A — 52.95, 45–37A — 52.128, 45–37A — 52.134, 45–37A — 52.198, 45–37A — 52.200, and 45–37A — 52.270 of the Code of Alabama (1975) during its 2019 regular legislative session.
After amending the language of the Resolution to replace the word “opposition” to “concerns with”, the Council unanimously passed this item.
In 2016, the Alabama State Legislature amended portions of the Mayor-Council Act, the effect of which was to effectively weaken the powers of the City Council. Among the changes were:
- Shortening the terms of the Council President and Pro Tem from 4 years to 2.
- Prohibiting Councilors from serving on City boards or commissions during their tenure in office
- Requiring the Mayor’s approval to pass legislation creating, cutting or changing the responsibilities of any city department.
- Splitting appointing power with the Mayor to various City boards and agencies like the BJCTA and Park and Recreation Board for which the Council previously had exclusive appointing power.
- Requiring the Mayor’s written approval to amend the City’s general fund budget.
- Allowing the Mayor to “retain the services of outside counsel and other professional services” without the approval of the council.
For the full language of the 2016 Mayor-Council Act changes, visit:
Item 8
A Resolution supporting and encouraging an environmental policy for Legion Field called “Legion Field Green Initiative.”
The Resolution, jointly submitted by Council President Pro Tem William Parker and Councilor Crystal Smitherman, does not mean a policy has been adopted, rather the legislative body of the city is voicing support for one to be implemented. The Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board will have to adopt a plan, which Parker believes could happen in the next 30 days.
Stadiums around the country — such as Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field — have deployed recycling programs to great effect. According to a study published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stadiums present a unique opportunity for recycling efforts that can increase revenues. After installing bins throughout the stadium, Heinz Field has been able to recycle 6–7 tons of material per NFL game.
From the City of Birmingham Public Works Department: Acceptable materials — to recycle at the city’s landfills — are household plastic containers #1 through #7, aluminum cans, steel cans (canned food), newspaper, cardboard (flattened), mixed paper: junk mail, telephone directories, catalogs, magazines, office paper (shredded too), and textbooks.We also accept recyclables placed in brown paper bags. (No plastic bags please).
For more information on this Item, please read:
Item 9
A Resolution certifying the results of the October 30, 2018 Neighborhood Association Election, and candidates having received the majority votes cast and are elected to their perspective positions for a term of two (2) years beginning January 2019 until December 2020 or otherwise noted in the Citizen’s Participation Plan Guidelines and authorizing the Community Resources Representatives to proceed with the Installation of Officers.
Neighborhood Officer elections for each of Birmingham’s 99 Neighborhood Associations were held on October 30th, 2018. Each Neighborhood Association voted on a President, Vice President, and Secretary.
Elections were contested in a few of the neighborhoods, due to issues with attendance requirements (candidates are required to attend 4 Neighborhood Association Meetings during the course of the previous 12 months before running for office), or other matters.
Contestant elections in the Inglenook and Central Park have necessitated new elections in those two neighborhoods (date To Be Announced), but the 3 officers for each of the other 97 Neighborhood Associations will be sworn in at the Boutwell Auditorium this Thursday, January 10th at 6:00pm.
Full Agenda
Upcoming Meetings
Monday, January 14, 2019
3:30 p.m. — Joint Budget and Finance Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — Conference Rooms “D & E”
Tuesday, January 15, 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 Utilities/Technology Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — Conference Rooms “D & E”
3:30 p.m. — Joint Public Safety Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — City Council Chambers
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
9:00 a.m. — Park Board Meeting — Maxine Herring Parker Board Room, Legion Field, 400 Graymont Avenue West
Thursday, January 17, 2019
3:00 p.m. — Joint Planning and Zoning Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — 5th Floor Conference Room-City Hall
