City Council Meeting Recap 2.26.19
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 14
An Ordinance to change the start time of the Regularly Scheduled City Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. (Submitted by Councilor Woods) (Recommended by the Governmental Affairs and Public Information Committee)
In an effort to make local government more accessible to families and people who may not be able get off work to attend the regular 9:30 a.m. meetings on Tuesdays, Councilor Clinton Woods submitted an Ordinance proposing having quarterly meetings at 5:30 p.m., a total of four meetings a year.
The Council has approved the following dates this year for the 5:30pm meetings to be held: April 30th, July 30th, and October 29th.
For more information on this item, please read:
Item 15
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the American Red Cross, Mid-Alabama Chapter, for fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00, to provide immediate relief and emergency services, public education, and fire prevention and preparedness services to the city and its citizens under its Home Fire Campaign/Sound The Alarm Program.
The Council approved up to $15,000 to help the local chapter of the American Red Cross implement its “Home Fire Campaign” and “Sound the Alarm Program” services in Birmingham.
According to the American Red Cross, every day, seven people die in home fires. During their spring kick off to the campaigns, volunteer participants will canvass neighborhoods at risk of fire, or who have faced fires, to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, educate families about fire prevention and safety, and fundraise to help sponsor this life-saving mission. During their fall campaign, the American Red Cross will be joined by Firefighters from the Birmingham Fire Department on this effort as well.
Item 16
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement on behalf of the City of Birmingham with Major League Baseball Youth Foundation and Birmingham Park and Recreation Board. (Submitted and Recommended by Council President Pro Tempore Parker)
An agreement that would allow the Major League Baseball Youth Foundation (MLBYF) to construct and operate a youth baseball academy at George Ward Park was delayed one week.
However, the Council debated whether there are other options for the new youth academy. A Resolution of support was passed following several amendments, encouraging the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board to consider alternative locations including Banks Middle School, Cooper Green Park, East Lake Parks and other viable locations.
There has been some public concern over the MLBYF building a facility in George Ward Park. Councilors addressed some of the concerns during the discussion, including what will happen to the softball leagues that have called the park home for decades.
By delaying the item a week, the Council hopes to get more information to the public about the proposed plans for George Ward and also allow for additional locations to be considered.
For more information on this item, please read:
Full Agenda
Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
3:30 p.m. — Committee of the Whole Meeting — Conference Rooms “D & E”
Monday, March 4, 2019
12:30 p.m. — Joint Parks and Recreation Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — City Council Chambers
4:00 p.m. — Joint Transportation Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — City Council Chambers
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
9:00 a.m. — Pre-Council Meeting — City Council Chambers; 9:30 a.m. — Council Meeting — City Council Chambers
3:30 p.m. — Joint Public Safety Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — City Council Chambers
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
9:00 a.m. — Park Board Meeting — Maxine Herring Parker Board Room, Legion Field, 400 Graymont Avenue West
Thursday, March 7, 2019
3:00 p.m. — Joint Planning and Zoning Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — 5th Floor Conference Room-City Hall
