[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6571787,"mediaKeyId","3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8","parentId",3148951,"title","Council approves speed-cushion and pool repairs, delays two items and OKs EV station support; summary of April 29 votes","audioSeconds",6,"startMs",4334000,"endMs",4340000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8&start=4334&end=4340","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8/thumbnail_4334000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6571787/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Council-approves-speed-cushion-and-pool-repairs-delays-two-items-and-OKs-EV-station-support-summary-of-April-29-votes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571787-0492f62fdf7693584e3a4179c4ba71e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448193&Signature=UXPxcZMCT1ZbTCPS0MzaHJARXpVGA~jRs0e3OMnh8d4~1eXhgfadiRhEk3f1NUpySY-GuOm~xP8cygo87H8KGcm1Ilx-ANqJ4Kj2PwO1vPRHvJwsPo8Z8SOOhdkzuFNkGbUnH1lXgi1GetX3kKOGbsq0VCdCB1rXLXsOowYWZKM9z3AUTECiL7CaJW2YL4DJhCqcFFyW1LlxD85QE6KnyToaR74dNYU~IRixe7msldFZmqSz97yAULc-rqR9Ofd79ZkojnO91vmNDwK5NvtGEQghFcOkfmWcNpl7M8PhH1y9oliN2TM0aq~T2Emnaqdp1eibdfuXO7ELt~lxiaRPeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Birmingham","date","2025-04-29T00:00:00Z","article","The Birmingham City Council took multiple consent-agenda actions on April 29, approving contracts for traffic-calming work, recreation-center repairs and maintenance for electric-vehicle charging stations, and deferring other items for further review.

Key votes and outcomes

- Speed-cushion installation: The council accepted the proposal from James Paving Company LLC of Birmingham for $49,992.80 to install speed cushions at various city locations. The administration said the contract is intended to reduce a backlog of more than 300 traffic-calming requests. The council voted to approve the contract.

- East Pinson Valley Recreation Center waterproofing: Council accepted a low bid from Splunk Construction Inc. for $362,007 to waterproof the rec center. Councilors characterized the project as important to reopen pool facilities and improve related amenities; the motion passed.

- Electric vehicle stations: The council approved a three-year support, maintenance and parts agreement with ChargePoint (Campbell, Calif.) for $27,100 through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program. Officials said current EV chargers are on Sixth Avenue and the city plans additional chargers in parking decks for employee vehicles. The motion carried.

- Delays and removals: Council agreed to a one-week delay for items 66 and 67 at the request of council members so staff can provide additional information. Several other consent items were removed from the consent agenda for later discussion.

Why it matters: The speed-cushion contract addresses long-standing neighborhood requests for traffic calming; East Pinson Valley pool repairs respond to community demand to reopen a heavily used facility; and the EV support contract aligns with the city's stated sustainability goals.

Details and clarifications: The administration said the speed-calming contract will expedite installations beyond relying solely on internal crews but did not list locations or total number of cushions covered by the contract. The city said it would provide a schedule once the contract is executed. For the EV agreement, staff said the fleet includes EV-capable vehicles for code enforcement and revenue divisions and that the city has roughly a fleet-size in the 50s that utilizes charging infrastructure.

Ending: The consent agenda concluded after those votes; the council flagged additional items for later review and recorded no controversial roll-call tallies in the public minutes.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Birmingham - Regular City Council Meeting - Apr 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the April 29 meeting the Birmingham City Council approved a contract for speed-cushion installation ($49,992.80), awarded a waterproofing contract for East Pinson Valley Recreation Center ($362,007), approved a three-year ChargePoint support agreement for EV charging ($27,100), and delayed two council-purchased items for one week.","taxTitle","Birmingham City, Jefferson County, Alabama","taxId",3652,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6571791,"Mother urges council to act after son attacked at City Walk; police and council promise follow-up",303,3301000,3604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8&start=3301&end=3604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8/thumbnail_3301000.jpg","/articles/6571791/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Mother-urges-council-to-act-after-son-attacked-at-City-Walk-police-and-council-promise-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571791-713cfe9ca604f4e1358dfcf253152d33/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448193&Signature=CQfep-ZiCCmW~1it3~j9PpRZUBKQjVXVaU~j7~BDRGQG04Fkufd3O~u8EmiCOZ64TNTwRRDabS2ilBGgFacW-jjK45mgzURrm0SoyDGXWyxSc1RyQhMb3zxrjGymgv0tKmYc4YwsCPkfNv10vmCZkU5zbthswAufNwKjKqRKlQ6iK0-xcmb~841OhmN8VLsEC-1SGljB8CoRe093o23ZEdaHTAohXZVNdaRWYEZ6TzJsANEYpoTG~~DlRErjAwaZOkE9R8TT3lva8waAcAV0x56b7b1ME6iPkF2EvrBfmOR6SOP1uBFVw7WITfgxOxvbSAtEzV5cUyr1vL8pKls7xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the April 29 Birmingham City Council meeting a resident, Mamie Easley, described an April 13 attack on her son at City Walk and asked the council to overturn a juvenile magistrate's decision not to arrest the youths she identified.

Easley said her son was \"attacked by 20 young men\" and that the group beat him unconscious over a ski-mask theft. She said she had spoken with police and the district attorney and that four youths had been identified but that the juvenile magistrate declined to pursue arrests. \"I want these young men arrested,\" she told the council.

Chief Sparks of the Birmingham Police Department responded that the department would follow up. Sparks told the council the matter involved minors and that family court procedures apply; he said the police would provide guidance and follow up \"to make sure that our police department provides you with the proper guidance.\"

Council members expressed sympathy and support for Easley. Councilor Spindler said she had seen the video and offered to help find contact information for follow-up; Councilor Tate stressed accountability and reminded the public that Alabama law allows 16-year-olds to be charged as adults in some cases.

Why it matters: The public comment highlighted community concern about youth violence and the limits of council authority in criminal-justice matters. Easley asked for greater accountability and for help identifying remaining suspects.

Next steps: Chief Sparks said the police department would follow up with Easley and the family-court juvenile magistrate to ensure the family's concerns are addressed by the appropriate authorities. No formal council action was possible at the meeting; councilors urged constituents to continue coordinating with law enforcement and the district attorney's office.

Ending: Council members offered condolences and said they would seek to support the family by directing administrative follow-up through city public-safety channels.","A Birmingham resident told the City Council her son was attacked April 13 by a group of youths at City Walk and asked the council to overturn a juvenile magistrate decision; police said they would follow up and council members expressed support but noted limits on the council's authority.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6571795,"Operation Hope urges Birmingham to join national 'green socks' challenge during Financial Literacy Month",602,314000,916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8&start=314&end=916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8/thumbnail_314000.jpg","/articles/6571795/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Operation-Hope-urges-Birmingham-to-join-national-green-socks-challenge-during-Financial-Literacy-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571795-7d224b9b8337955c4153163e09e558a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448193&Signature=IOUU8zv4bvBZtZXPNOpuBqoz-1wLpxuovdM11xb9LHPhXz~5NMegu-6voTVyJDBDwZEttAo9Y0xOvaIXY6msyn5-aQNAJFDtcQmWemaHpTiSyw89~6YI0UH0kH-L7tKArHtOSPT2ClaNLYgaNFraz8QFOWvmF13Ke6iYqyO0YTLVVIDuKCciddfBEu-vAF-gXBbw2M33aGV3Vzl8nx1XJ1aaKAJF7djq1mBUg5iekFmJTGJ2QZhwWFKU-zHfw6CAuhWbhizOyFM3Q6y849mSu7PdzNZA7fp~ZeXJVj2RAT6QjsH1u8aWpc2FrxPkrb4gmUZysLH7f9V96RYBXoUtmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Operation Hope representatives visited the Birmingham City Council on April 29 to promote Financial Literacy Month activities and a local program of events that includes a photo challenge and community workshops.

Judy Woods of Operation Hope described a national Green Socks Day challenge organized by Operation Hope founder John Hope Bryant. Woods said the organization and partners including Walmart would distribute green socks and run a social media photo contest; the top photos would be displayed in Times Square. She also invited the public to a community financial-literacy event at United Way of Central Alabama from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 30, which she said would include door prizes and a giveaway of a green bike.

Mayor Randall L. Whitman and multiple council members praised Operation Hope's local partnerships and financial-literacy work. Councilor Moore said she had attended recent events and cited the organization's work with small businesses; Councilor Woods highlighted the importance of early financial education.

Why it matters: City officials framed the outreach as part of broader efforts to increase financial capability among residents, with immediate local events and longer-term partnerships involving community organizations and employers.

Details: Woods directed listeners to operationhope.org and to imcffp.com for additional scheduling information about related events. She said partners at the April 30 event would include the Alabama Housing Finance Authority and the Birmingham Urban League.

Ending: City leaders encouraged residents to attend the scheduled events and noted the City's prior support for financial-literacy programming.","Operation Hope representatives briefed the City Council about Financial Literacy Month activities, including a Green Socks Day photo challenge and a free community financial-literacy event at United Way of Central Alabama on April 30.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6571798,"John Lennon Educational Tour Bus visits Birmingham; UAB and Grammy Museum stage student workshops",1368,1253000,2621000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8&start=1253&end=2621","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8/thumbnail_1253000.jpg","/articles/6571798/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/John-Lennon-Educational-Tour-Bus-visits-Birmingham-UAB-and-Grammy-Museum-stage-student-workshops","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571798-2b0787f1b299b9b19e4950bfea7d28ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448194&Signature=aOZZmSWHWljUnnxWLAANMU9j5VJYDK-3JDa0aYE1ZIYPCs5fyi5gUR6YJ1DgHnxPLeeZatthXWTR7OX63C1xRMRYJbK3FTHsisx~SBUwbpPN9Fi3eFxkReLCnsusVOfjLulBYGxxo~w5Sl~NrycGCMAgsXuK2jFRHm26A8Yhh-6unaxKIyJgmcBnQxgNQhA4aSguvbpAwncl7yQYOQ57tj9j0YCAWMkmr6ZIsSaCPLI1PhWmx1pvtt1pwmvERk85x990-Xv2EfQY0Hd4yEnvOv8JHajsP7ZOm9JDuN3dBzUzgKkn97SLB6Mqmb72wI5GniIqfHqtLZCI~VzSoQsXKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Hall on April 29 hosted the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a traveling music-education studio, and city leaders used the visit to highlight local arts education partnerships that will bring student workshops to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Mayor Randall L. Whitman presented a proclamation recognizing the bus's visit and described the program's role in giving students hands-on experience in music production and digital media. Whitman read parts of the proclamation noting the bus's 20-year national history and a special UAB stop on April 30.

Dr. Henry Panion, who led the local effort, told the council the bus gives students \"a once in a lifetime chance to learn, create, and dream through hands on experiences in music production and digital media.\" Brian Rothschild, cofounder of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, and representatives from the Grammy Museum said the program also introduces students to nonperforming careers in the music industry.

Council members praised the partnership. Councilor Clark, chair of the Arts and Culture Committee, said the visit underscored the importance of the arts as a community resource and invited the public to visit the bus while it remained at City Hall.

Why it matters: The program brings production resources and industry professionals into Birmingham classrooms and supports career exposure beyond performance, including engineering, production and industry business roles. The city and partners said about 20 students would participate in UAB workshops the following day.

Next steps: The bus will move to the UAB campus on April 30 for student sessions. City officials encouraged families and students to see the bus at City Hall while it is available.

Ending: City arts and education leaders framed the visit as part of ongoing efforts to expand arts access for Birmingham students.
","The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus set up at Birmingham City Hall April 29, with student workshops scheduled at UAB on April 30 in partnership with the Grammy Museum and local arts leaders.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6571800,"Birmingham mayor warns $400 retiree increase would require $18.1 million up front, could strain city budget",747,2465000,3212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8&start=2465&end=3212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148951-fdd20bacc1ddeea5071b61dba77161d8/thumbnail_2465000.jpg","/articles/6571800/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Birmingham-mayor-warns-400-retiree-increase-would-require-181-million-up-front-could-strain-city-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571800-1b4f6d2149ac76bd023b2132b67d8d97/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448194&Signature=IkXxiGCM7LmKyf7R-EvFIv5I51ZTP5UyPDoqUcJKdDmLAXrzOLUyBzigsr0mBgL2DUYSyoxprdSCXJcqmwW~04Zq3swvNWJwZTegcfbeYsLSAShnkiTw5Xn8Wc41rq8qVHnjKpGSpvH2OM2rA6rfZMj7mH9INhurHNtqzea6zDV~x3EqZUaLos5kf3xX1JfYmb7oafrpJvIyZnBOZnt6BLoGdgD-BuWz1FtWxK9PkeBrBAJYPflM~g~6mNYii2BRWdTnY4TizphaJ3vntjGx-~SCViYQV2ECVZIzwJkbHhzYPtTkRcF6it~acHGGGZ3kQSSo70yTPTth~Nz2uznxhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Randall L. Whitman told the Birmingham City Council on April 29 that a pension-board recommendation to increase retiree pay by $400 per month for 12 months would require the city to pay about $18.1 million up front and could not be funded from the pension because the fund has no surplus.

Whitman said the board's April vote was advisory and repeated his warning: \"The Board's vote was a recommendation, only it was not binding. I want to repeat that.\" He added, \"The actuary has confirmed that 100% of the cost of the increase would have to be paid upfront before the increase could be paid to the retirees.\"

The mayor told the council the pension plan currently covers about 3,700 retirees and that the one-time increase would cost roughly $18,100,000. He said the city's most recent annual contribution to the plan is \"more than $35,000,000,\" and that the pension \"does not currently have a surplus to support such a recommended increase, which means any increase would have to be supported by the city's operating budget.\" Whitman stressed his dual role, saying he speaks both as mayor and as chair of the pension board.

Why it matters: Council members expressed concern that committing to an $18.1 million upfront cost while the city is preparing next-year revenue projections could jeopardize other obligations. The mayor framed the discussion as one of long-term solvency: \"The priority is to make sure we can fund the pension. We'll continue to consider the needs of the retirees along with our current employees, along with our residents, along with our city's infrastructure,\" he said.

Council reaction and context: Council members who spoke acknowledged sympathy for retirees but urged caution. A council member, speaking on the record without a name in the meeting transcript, said they did not want future retiree payments to shortchange the operating budget and noted the recurring nature of any ongoing obligation. Whitman provided additional context about statutory minimums: he said the statutory minimum retirement benefit is $400 per month and the statutory minimum for a surviving spouse is $320 per month and that only 33 retirees currently receive the $400 statutory minimum. He also said the average retiree benefit is roughly $2,200 monthly.

Next steps: Whitman said it would be premature to commit to the proposed increase while the city finalizes revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year. No formal action or vote on the $400 recommendation was taken at the April 29 meeting; the discussion remained advisory and informational.

Details and clarifying figures discussed during the meeting: 3,700 retirees (approx.), $18,100,000 estimated upfront cost for a one-year $400/month increase for all retirees, current annual city contribution to the pension of more than $35,000,000, statutory minimums of $400 (retiree) and $320 (surviving spouse), and an average retiree benefit around $2,200 monthly. All numerical values and program descriptions come from Mayor Whitman's remarks to the council during the April 29 meeting.

Ending: Council members asked the administration to continue to share actuarial and budget projections as staff prepare the next fiscal-year budget; no binding decision was reached at the meeting.","Mayor Randall L. Whitman told the City Council that a board recommendation to give all retirees a $400 monthly increase for one year would require an upfront payment of about $18.1 million and must be paid from the city operating budget because the pension lacks a surplus.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves speed-cushion and pool repairs, delays two items and OKs EV station support; summary of April 29 votes

Mother urges council to act after son attacked at City Walk; police and council promise follow-up

Operation Hope urges Birmingham to join national 'green socks' challenge during Financial Literacy Month

John Lennon Educational Tour Bus visits Birmingham; UAB and Grammy Museum stage student workshops

Birmingham mayor warns $400 retiree increase would require $18.1 million up front, could strain city budget