City of Birmingham

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the appointment of Kathleen Devereaux and Jill Stress to the Board of Review, and the confirmation of Assistant Fire Chief Matt Bartalino as the new Fire Chief. The public commented regarding the desire for a publicly accessible indoor fitness facility with a pool and the resolution of Community House issues. The consent agenda covered approvals for previous meeting minutes, warrant lists totaling over $2.7 million, a one-year agreement with MDOT for highway right-of-way work permits, amendments to the parking fee schedule, and administrative services agreements with the Birmingham Shopping District. Appointments/resignations for the Wayfinding and Branding Committee, Multi-Modal Transportation Board, and Parks and Recreation Board were also addressed. New business featured a public hearing and approval for the Special Land Use Permit and Final Site Plan for the InvestWise Financial building at 36977 Woodward. The Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit Presentation highlighted increased revenues, decreased expenses, and a healthy financial status for the City. Schematic designs for the Peabody, Pierce, Park, and N. Old Woodward Parking Garages were approved, with an understanding that implementation for initial decks would allow for further review. The Birmingham Museum 2026-2028 Strategic Plan was approved. A motion to discuss special assessments and 'major road' designations failed due to premature timing. The Commission then entered a closed session to discuss pending litigation concerning The Community House, after which the Mayor provided an extensive public statement regarding the City's commitment to securing the property as a community asset.

The meeting involved several appointments, including Natalia Dukas to the Design Review Board and both Natalia Dukas and Steven Lemberg to the Historic District Commission, as well as Mary Jaye as an alternate member to the Historic District Commission. Public comment covered support for making Poppleton Park an all-ages space, an upcoming event at Greenwood Cemetery, and matters related to the YMCA and property at 400 E. Lincoln. The Consent Agenda included motions regarding claiming an exemption from the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act for the year 2025 and approval of a significant warrant list. New Business focused heavily on direction for the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee (SCC) regarding future use of 400 E. Lincoln, including discussion about renovating the present building versus building new, and the future involvement of the YMCA. The Commission also approved a six-month agreement with Cobalt Community Research for a community survey not to exceed $21,435.00. Finally, the Commission entered a closed session for the periodic personnel evaluation of the City Manager, subsequently approving a 7% increase to her base compensation package.

This Historic Preservation Master Plan for the City of Birmingham aims to support, strengthen, and expand connections to its vibrant history by preserving historic buildings and places. It is structured around three core goals: 'Get Back to the Basics' to support existing historic resources and create a conducive environment for preservation; 'Embrace Proactivity' to transition from a reactive to a proactive approach; and 'Inform and Engage' to boost public profile and unify opinion. The plan seeks to retain Birmingham's unique character, bolster sustainability efforts, and preserve authenticity.

The meeting agenda included call to order and roll call, followed by Proclamations, Congratulatory Resolutions, Awards, Appointments, Resignations and Confirmations, Administration of Oaths, Introduction of Guests and Announcements. Key discussions included appointments to the Design Review Board and the Historic District Commission, and the introduction of new Human Resources staff member Tyresse Ferguson. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of a large warrant list dated September 10, 2025, claiming an exemption from the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act for 2025, setting a public hearing date of October 27, 2025, for a Special Land Use Permit Amendment transfer, and accepting resignations from the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee, Advisory Parking Committee, and Board of Review. New Business items included approving a six-month agreement not to exceed $21,435.00 with Cobalt Community Research for a community survey, directing the City Manager to post an RFP for a Professional Owner's Representative for Public/Private Partnership Opportunities, and a resolution to meet in closed session for the periodic personnel evaluation of the City Manager. Unfinished Business addressed questions regarding the mission and role of the SCC.

The meeting included several key actions, notably the reappointment of Carl Kona and the appointment of Susan Shacket to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the appointment of William Watkinson to the Board of Review. The Commission concurred with the City Manager's appointment of Beth Hussey and William Roberts to the Birmingham Shopping District Board. The consent agenda covered the approval of a warrant list, acceptance of a Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund grant, approval of the Brrmingham Blast special event permit, and acceptance of resignations from the Advisory Parking Committee, alongside an agreement extension for wayfinding signage. A public hearing was held regarding the 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant Application, followed by approval of recommended projects totaling $34,052. Significant discussion and approval occurred regarding the Poppleton Park Playground Improvements, totaling nearly $1.71 million, including the approval of the layout design, equipment purchase, and installation, as well as subsequent approval for funding adjustments and the design of five parallel ADA parking spaces along Oxford Street. An ordinance amendment was adopted to change regular City Commission meetings from 7:30 p.m. to a new schedule of 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., with options for extension. The Commission also entered into three separate closed sessions concerning the purchase of real property, a written attorney/client privileged communication, and pending litigation involving Paul Wells.