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council Birmingham · Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Regular City Council Meeting

Agenda items
77
39 consent · 38 regular
Votes
31
minutes text
Total dollars
$3.1M
24 items with amounts
Roll call

Votes (31)

passed #8216 official minutes · high
Re: #53. ITEM 16. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with the law firm of Balch & Bingham in an amount not… structured fact · 90%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8217 official minutes · high
Re: #54. ITEM 17. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with the law firm of Christian & Small in an amount n… structured fact · 90%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8218 official minutes · high
Re: #55. ITEM 18. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with the Cooper Law Firm in an amount not to exceed $… structured fact · 90%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8219 official minutes · high
Re: #58. ITEM 21. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an appointment letter for the law firm of P. Alan Goodwine in an… structured fact · 90%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8220 official minutes · high
Re: #59. ITEM 22. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an appointment letter for the law firm of Arthur Shores Lee in a… structured fact · 90%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8221 official minutes · high
Re: #60. ITEM 23. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an appointment letter for the law firm of Tyrone Townsend in an … structured fact · 90%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8222 official minutes · high
Re: #61. ITEM 24. AMEND TO READ "$10,000.00" A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an appointment letter for the law fir… structured fact · 90%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8223 official minutes · high
Re: #62. ITEM 25. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an appointment letter for the law firm of Everette Wess in an am… structured fact · 90%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8224 official minutes · high
Re: #63. ITEM 32. A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Loan Agreement with MSB-WU Properties, LLC ("MSB-WU") under wh… structured fact · 90%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8225 official minutes · high
Re: #64. CONSENT ITEM 31. An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Amended Lease Agreement and an Amendment to Redev… structured fact · 80%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8226 official minutes · high
Re: #65. CONSENT ITEM 34. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into the First Amendment to the Construction Agreement wi… structured fact · 80%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8227 official minutes · high
Re: #66. ITEM 39. A Resolution declaring the property known as Larkway Garden Apartments an emergency public nuisance and by so … structured fact · 80%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8228 official minutes · high
Re: #66. ITEM 39. A Resolution declaring the property known as Larkway Garden Apartments an emergency public nuisance and by so … structured fact · 80%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8229 official minutes · high
No agenda item linked.
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8230 official minutes · high
No agenda item linked.
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8231 official minutes · high
No agenda item linked.
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8232 official minutes · high
No agenda item linked.
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8233 official minutes · high
No agenda item linked.
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8234 official minutes · high
Re: #71. CONSENT ITEM 26. An Ordinance "TO FURTHER AMEND THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET" by appropriating $13,474.25 to Personnel - Ex… text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8235 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8236 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8237 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8238 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8239 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8240 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8241 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8242 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8243 official minutes · high
Re: #66. ITEM 39. A Resolution declaring the property known as Larkway Garden Apartments an emergency public nuisance and by so … structured fact · 80%
7–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8244 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
passed #8245 official minutes · high
Re: #7. REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC text similarity · 75%
8–0
Abbott · YEA Austin · YEA Hoyt · YEA Parker · YEA Roberson · YEA Scales · YEA Smitherman · YEA Royal · YEA Rafferty · ABSENT
Business

Regular Agenda (38)

Procedural: INVOCATION: Reverend Ralph F. Patterson, Jr., M.Div., Sr. Pastor's Assistant at Greater Saint John Missionary Baptist Church
Procedural: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilmember Carole Smitherman
Procedural: ROLL CALL
Procedural: APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: June 19 and 26, 2012
Procedural: MINUTES NOT READY: July 3 - September 11, 2012
Procedural: COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
Procedural: REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC
· Item number:Item #43 Total cost: $21K

Budget amendment shifts $29.1K between capital projects

Council reallocates capital funds from storm drainage, building repairs, and golf course maintenance to redirect spending. The largest transfer ($20,989.45) affects how the city prioritizes infrastructure projects.

Funding source: Capital Improvement Plan Action type: Budget amendment
· Item number:Item #44 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $42K

Council awards $42,300 masonry contract to Masonry Arts for Star Tower repairs

City committing $42,300 to repair stone veneer at Highland Park Pro Shop Star Tower, following competitive bidding. Work maintains the facility's structural integrity.

Counterparty: Masonry Arts, Inc. Funding source: Unknown Action type: Contract award Location: Highland Park Pro Shop Star Tower
· Item number:Item #45 · 🏗️ Property Recovery Total cost: $1.0M

City refunds $1,033,900 from general fund

The city is returning $1.03 million in previously reserved funds back to the general fund, freeing up money for other city operations or reducing the budget gap.

Funding source: General Fund Action type: Resolution
· Item number:Item #48 · 🏗️ Property Recovery Total cost: undisclosed

City approves employee expense accounts

Authorizes reimbursement of work-related expenses for city staff. Comes from the general fund.

Counterparty: city employees Funding source: General Fund Action type: Resolution
· Item number:Item #49 · 🏗️ Property Recovery Total cost: undisclosed

Speedy Cash permit name change approved at 321 Palisades

Speedy Cash, a gold/silver buyer at 321 Palisades Boulevard, changes its operating name under city permit. This allows the business to continue operations under the new name.

Counterparty: Doug Rippel d/b/a Speedy Cash Funding source: Unknown Action type: Resolution Location: 321 Palisades Boulevard, Birmingham
· Item number:Item #50 · 🏚️ Blight Accountability ✨ Total cost: undisclosed

Weed abatement: 564 properties declared public nuisance

City will post notices on 564 blighted parcels with dangerous weeds, triggering abatement action. Owners have chance to clear weeds or face city enforcement and potential fines.

Funding source: Unknown Action type: Weed abatement
· Item number:Item #51 · 🤝 Sole-source / no-bid ✨ Total cost: $17K

City hires Janice Douthard for industrial property management ($16,600)

Birmingham is bringing in an outside professional to handle industrial property deals and management. This sole-source hire suggests the city is accelerating acquisition or recovery of manufacturing sites.

Counterparty: Janice Douthard Funding source: Unknown Action type: Appointment executive
· Item number:Item #53 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $150K

City hires Balch & Bingham for litigation; $150K through June 2013

City commits $150,000 in general funds to law firm for ongoing litigation and legal matters. Sole-source contract reflects urgency or specialized need in pending cases.

Counterparty: Balch & Bingham Funding source: General Fund Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #54 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $100K

City hires Christian & Small law firm for $100K legal services

City Council approved a sole-source contract with the law firm to handle litigation and legal matters through June 2013. Residents fund this legal work.

Counterparty: Christian & Small Funding source: Unknown Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #55 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $100K

City hires Cooper Law Firm for $100K litigation support

City commits $100,000 in general funds to Cooper Law Firm for ongoing litigation and legal representation through June 2013. Sole-source contract awards deserve public visibility.

Counterparty: Cooper Law Firm Funding source: General Fund Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #56 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $175K

Council hires Hand Arendall LLC for legal services; $175K through June 2013

City commits $175,000 in general funds to the law firm for litigation and legal matters through mid-2013. Sole-source procurement means no competitive bidding.

Counterparty: Hand Arendall LLC Funding source: General Fund Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #57 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $100K

Council approves $100K contract with Walker Law LLC for litigation

City commits $100,000 in public funds to Walker Law LLC for legal representation through June 2013. The sole-source procurement bypasses competitive bidding.

Counterparty: Walker Law LLC Funding source: General Fund Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #58 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $10K

City retains law firm P. Alan Goodwine for $10K legal services

City spends $10,000 from general funds for ongoing litigation and legal matters through June 2013. Sole-source contract to a private law firm.

Counterparty: P. Alan Goodwine Funding source: General Fund Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #59 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $10K

City hires Arthur Shores Lee law firm for litigation, up to $10K

City spending $10,000 in public funds for legal services through June 2013 to handle unspecified litigation and legal matters.

Counterparty: Arthur Shores Lee Funding source: General Fund Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #60 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $10K

City retains Tyrone Townsend for legal services, $10,000

City commits $10,000 in general funds to external counsel for litigation and legal matters through June 30, 2013. This is a sole-source engagement without competitive bidding.

Counterparty: Tyrone Townsend Funding source: General Fund Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #62 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $10K

City hires Everette Wess law firm for $10K legal services

City commits $10,000 in general funds to legal representation by sole-source appointment through June 2013 for unspecified litigation and legal matters.

Counterparty: Everette Wess Funding source: General Fund Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #63 · 🏗️ Property Recovery Total cost: $1.0M

City loans $1M to MSB-WU Properties for business development

The city is committing $1 million in public funds to a private business. Citizens should know how their tax dollars are being used and what return the city expects from this investment.

Counterparty: MSB-WU Properties, LLC Funding source: Unknown Action type: Resolution
· Item number:Item #66 · 🚨 Emergency action ✨ Total cost: undisclosed

Emergency demolition approved for Larkway Garden Apartments

City declares this property an emergency public nuisance and will demolish the buildings. Removal of blighted structures improves neighborhood safety and clears the path for future redevelopment.

Funding source: Unknown Action type: Demolition Location: Larkway Garden Apartments
· Item number:Item #67 · 🏗️ Property Recovery Total cost: $500

City budget: $500 for neighborhood fun day food

Spending decision on public events. The city sets aside $500 to buy food for neighborhood fun days, promoting community goodwill.

Funding source: General Fund Action type: Resolution
· Item number:Item #68 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $28K

City hires Arbitrage Group to calculate $28K bond rebate

Arbitrage calculations determine whether the city must pay back excess bond earnings to the federal government. This $28,000 fee covers the professional analysis needed to get that number right and avoid penalties.

Counterparty: The Arbitrage Group, Inc. Funding source: Bond Action type: Contract award
· Item number:Item #69 · 🛡️ Public-Safety Tech & Privacy Total cost: $12K

City hires Shepphard-Harris for $12,500 rebate analysis

Professional firm will determine how much money Birmingham is owed in rebates—the outcome could affect the city budget and services residents depend on.

Counterparty: Shepphard-Harris & Associates, P.C. Funding source: Unknown Action type: Contract award
Procedural: INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
· Item number:Item #72 · 🏗️ Property Recovery Total cost: undisclosed

Itinerant Junk Dealer's Permit for Stephen C. Gamble

Council will decide whether to issue an itinerant junk dealer permit to Stephen C. Gamble of Mt. Olive. The permit allows operation of a mobile junk-collection or salvage business within city limits.

Counterparty: Stephen C. Gamble Funding source: Unknown Action type: Resolution Location: Mt. Olive, Alabama
· Item number:Item #73 Total cost: undisclosed

Liquor license hearing: Boujee Lounge, 204 Avenue U, Pratt City

Council will hear from Boujee Lounge and neighbors on whether to approve a retail liquor license for this Pratt City lounge. Local input shapes whether the business opens.

Counterparty: Boujee Lounge Funding source: Unknown Action type: Liquor license Location: 204 Avenue U Pratt City, Birmingham
· Item number:Item #74 · 🏗️ Property Recovery Total cost: undisclosed

Booting and towing rules tighten — city regulates impound practices

New law limits when cars can be booted or towed without owner consent, protecting drivers from surprise vehicle seizures and reducing predatory impound fees.

Funding source: General Fund Action type: Ordinance
· Item number:Item #75 · 🏗️ Property Recovery Total cost: undisclosed

City sets new rules for food trucks and pushcarts

Mobile food vendors operating in Birmingham will face new licensing and operational requirements. Affects vendors and residents who buy from street food carts and trucks.

Funding source: Unknown Action type: Ordinance
Procedural: OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Procedural: ADJOURNMENT
Consent calendar

Consent Agenda (39)

Items passed as a group without individual discussion unless pulled by a council member.

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