City Council Meeting Recap 8.14.18

Here’s the video from today’s meeting:

And here’s a recap of the items the City Council passed today:

Item 1

An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM” (Case No. ZAC2018–00013) for a change in zone district boundaries for all properties in the West End Community as described in the map labeled West End Community Rezoning ZAC2018–00013, filed by City of Birmingham, for all properties located within the West End Community, and the hearing of all interested parties.

For the second straight week, a debate surrounding rezoning in the city took center stage at the Birmingham City Council meeting.

The discussion was focused on the West End Community Rezoning Plan, with several community members speaking against the proposed changes, specifically in the area surrounding Princeton Hospital.

The item was eventually withdrawn so that the Planning, Engineering and Permits Department to address the issues that were brought up by the residents who opposed some of the rezoning changes, and to more effectively advertise the rezoning changes to community members.

For more information about this Item, please read:

Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity codified by Council, rezoning concerns addressed

For more information, please contact the Office of the City Council at 205.254.2294

Item 35

A Resolution to set a public show cause hearing to consider revoking the business licenses issued to Express Mart of AL, L.L.C., 800 3rd Avenue West, Birmingham, AL 35204, and to consider rescinding Resolution №586–06, granting approval for an Off Premise Beer and Wine License, approved on February 21, 2006. Said hearing shall be held at the Council’s regular meeting in the Council Chambers, Third Floor, in the City Hall in Birmingham, Alabama on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at 9:30 a.m

On June 11, a 28-year-old man was shot and killed outside the Shell gas station on the 800 block of 3rd Ave West.An arrest has been made, however community leaders have been calling for the gas station to be closed, labeling it a danger to the neighborhood. Another man was shot and killed outside the store in 2015.

According the Julie Barnard with the City Attorney’s Office, there have been 13 police reports on the location filed since 2016. Barnard said they are still gathering information on the total number of incidents and call volume related to the gas station.

According to Birmingham’s City Code, the City Council can only consider incidents that occured in the past 6 months when deciding on revoking a business’s license.

For more background on this issue, please read:

Public hearing set for 3rd Ave West Shell station following fatal shooting

For more information, please contact the Office of the City Council at 205.254.2294

Item 39

An Ordinance to amend Title 2, “General Government”, Chapter 3,

“Municipal Organization,” Section 1, “City departments and offices,” to establish a new department, the “Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity.”

The Birmingham City Council approved an item codifying the newly-minted Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity (IEO). This Department replaces the City’s Department of Economic Development.

The item was on the agenda during two prior meetings but was withdrawn at the request of Councilor Steven Hoyt to add a position within the department to address issues dealing with diversity and minority inclusion.

Dr. Josh Carpenter, who was tapped by Mayor Randall Woodfin to head IEO, has laid out his vision for what he hopes to accomplish for the citizens of Birmingham and how the department is dedicated to creating a more inclusive economy in Birmingham:

“Our vision is to make Birmingham a hub for qualified and diverse talent and a premier destination for small businesses, startups and businesses looking to expand — propelling shared prosperity through inclusive growth,” Carpenter wrote in the Birmingham Times. “When a woman of color wants to start a business anywhere in the nation, we hope she chooses to launch in Birmingham because it has earned a reputation for being the best place for women and minorities to start a business.”

For more information, please contact the Office of the City Council at 205.254.2294

Full Agenda

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

9:00 a.m. — Park Board Meeting — Maxine Herring Parker Board Room, Legion Field, 400 Graymont Avenue West

Thursday, August 16, 2018

3:00 p.m. — Joint Planning and Zoning Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting — 5th Floor Conference Room-City Hall

Friday, August 17, 2018

10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. — District Six Senior Pool Party — Memorial Park, 524 6th Avenue South — Councilor Sheila Tyson, District 6

Monday, August 20, 2018

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 — Conference Room “A”

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

9:00 a.m. — Pre-Council Meeting — City Council Chambers; 9:30 a.m. — City 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, August 22, 2018

3:30 p.m. — Committee of the Whole Meeting — Conference Rooms “D & E”