Clinton Baller

The regular City Commission meeting included proceedings for the pledge of allegiance and role call. Key agenda items involved appointments to various boards. The Board Appointments section included the reappointment of Annie Del Van Geldderin to the Public Arts Board and the appointment of Lawrence Handler to the Ethics Board. Lawrence Handler discussed his relevant experience, acknowledging the board's tradition of writing opinions. Additionally, Tina Bur was appointed to the Environmental Sustainability Committee, discussing her qualifications in circular economy management. Public comment featured discussions regarding the YMCA facility, emphasizing community concern over the loss of services and the financial burden on taxpayers, and urged the commission to pursue litigation to stop the sale of the Community House, asserting that the association lacks the right to sell the property based on deed restrictions and original intent.

The agenda for this meeting focused heavily on organizational matters, including the recognition of outgoing City Commissioners, the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected officials and Library Board Members, and the election of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Several appointments were scheduled for discussion, including appointments to the Retirement Board, the Retirees Health Care Fund Committee, the Triangle District Corridor Improvement Authority, and SEMCOG as Delegate and Alternate. The consent agenda included approving the previous regular meeting minutes and setting a public hearing date for a Special Land Use Permit application for a commercial office building at 36977 Woodward Ave. New business included approving the settlement agreement for the collective bargaining agreement renewal with the Birmingham Police Officers Association and potentially moving forward with bistro applications for Teuta and Snap Taco for Special Land Use Permit review. The commission also planned to discuss adopting customer service standards and entering a closed session to discuss pending litigation and the purchase or lease of real property.

The joint meeting focused extensively on the scope and future tasks of the Multimodal Transportation Board (MMTB). Key discussion points included MMTB advocacy for multi-modal improvements, coordination with MDOT, data collection, and updating the MMTB Plan. The participants debated whether the Commission or staff should determine if a road is improved or unimproved before MMTB review, and whether the MMTB should have two meetings per month for study sessions and reviews. There was significant discussion regarding the ordinance clarifying referral topics, the necessity of resident engagement for multi-modal advocacy, and whether the MMTB provides substantial value-add to already good staff plans. Residents' primary concerns, such as speeding, cut-through traffic, and sidewalk implementation, were noted. The discussion also covered the limitations of cape seal road surfaces, the potential for experimental speed mitigation efforts, and the difficulties MMTB reviews face when special assessments are involved. Finally, it was suggested that the MMTB could undergo a regular process for updating its Master Plan, similar to the Parks and Recreation Board.

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.