City Council Meeting Recap 4.28.20
Here is the video from today’s meeting:
Item 21
The Birmingham City Council approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor and the Office of Social Justice to execute all necessary documents for Birmingham to become a member of America’s Welcoming network, an organization whose goal is to “reduce the barriers that immigrants face to fully participating and build bridges between newcomers and long-time residents.”
Councilor Crystal Smitherman said the goal is for Birmingham to maintain its status as a city that is focused on civil rights and liberty for all people. By becoming part of the Welcoming America network, Birmingham will commit to identifying strategies for ongoing inclusion and provide long-term social and economic integration pathways for immigrant families.
“Birmingham is a city that has fought — and will continue to fight — for equality and justice for all people, regardless of race, religion or where they were born,” Smitherman said following Tuesday’s vote. “By becoming part of the Welcoming America network, Birmingham is sending the message that we are committed to protecting the rights of immigrant families and providing ways for them to become an integral part of our community. We celebrate diversity and welcome all people into our city with open arms.”
Addendum Item 39
The Birmingham City Council approved a Resolution in support of “no excuse” absentee voting in Alabama.
As it stands, at least 29 states plus the District of Columbia, currently allow citizens to cast an absentee ballot without an “excuse.” The resolution that was passed on Tuesday urges the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation to propose and support changes to current Alabama law so as to allow “no excuse” absentee voting in Alabama.
Councilor Crystal Smitherman, who submitted the item, said it’s crucial that during this public health crisis all citizens have the opportunity to vote in a safe and responsible manner. “This situation is changing everyday,” she said. “Every person in Alabama needs to have the peace of mind knowing they can participate in our democratic process without putting themselves or others in harms way.”
Addendum Item 43
The Birmingham City Council has approved an ordinance that will require face coverings while in public spaces in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The move comes as Governor Kay Ivey announces plans to slowly reopen some businesses in Alabama. The ordinance that was approved by the Council follows the guidelines offered by the Center for Disease Control.
The ordinance will go into effect on May 1, and the Council will reconsider the measures by May 14, to see if the order needs to be eased or possibly extended. The safety measures apply to any individual over two years of age.
“I’ve been really encouraged by the amount of people I’ve seen wearing face coverings and gloves in public places,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “I believe this ordinance will help normalize that so we can continue to reduce the spread of this virus.”
Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $500. There are exceptions for individuals who are exercising or have difficulties breathing.
“It is incumbent upon all of us to do what is necessary to eradicate this virus in our community,” Council President William Parker said. “This is about public safety and protecting our at-risk population such as elderly citizens and people with preexisting conditions. As a Council, we are committed to doing everything we can to protect our residents and at this time, we believe this is a difficult but necessary step to getting back to some form of normalcy in our city.”
According to the ordinance, face coverings can range from household materials such as a bandana or cloth, to protective medical equipment.
Full Agenda
ADDENDUM ITEMS
ITEM 35.
An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE CAPITAL FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, by transferring $11,132.59 from Street/Sidewalk Improvements, $300.00 from 12th Street Rickwood, $28,510.20 from Street Resurfacing, $2,037.57 from Cotton Avenue Realignment and appropriating $41,980.36 to Pavement Rehabilitation and ADA Upgrades Grant Match. (Submitted by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee) (Recommended by the Director of Finance)
ITEM 36.
An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE GRANTS MATCH FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, by appropriating $41,980.36 to PEP, Pavement Rehabilitation & ADA Upgrades (ALDOT) Grant Match. This represents the difference in the initial grant award and the Bid Award accepted by ALDOT. (Submitted by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee) (Recommended by the Director of Finance)
ITEM 37.
An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE GRANTS FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, by appropriating $167,921.50 to PEP, Pavement Rehabilitation & ADA Upgrades (ALDOT). (Submitted by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee) (Recommended by the Director of Finance)
ITEM 38.
An Ordinance to amend Title 12 of The General Code of the City of Birmingham, 1980, by adding and enacting a new Chapter 3.10, establishing standards for small cell facilities in the City of Birmingham. [First Reading] (Submitted and Recommended by Council President Parker)
ITEM 39.
An Ordinance urging the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation to propose and support changes to current Alabama law so as to allow “no excuse” absentee voting. (Submitted and Recommended by Councilor Smitherman)
ITEM 40.
Receiving the Emergency Purchase Notice from the Purchasing Agent relative to the emergency purchase of network equipment for the Information Management Services Department.
ITEM 41.
Receiving the Emergency Purchase Notice from the Purchasing Agent relative to the housing of highly sensitive electronic data by the Information Management Services Department.
ITEM 42.
Receiving the Emergency Purchase Notice from the Purchasing Agent relative to the emergency purchase of additional laptops for remote telework for critical staff.
ITEM 43.
An Ordinance to require wearing masks in public in the City of Birmingham during the COVID-19 public health emergency and recovery. (Submitted and Recommended by the Mayor)
