[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6521161,"mediaKeyId","5113888-a6123d900c7589cc73635bd81ad89cf6","parentId",5113888,"title","Council delays Alabama Power camera addendum after cost and vendor questions; several contracts and grants approved","audioSeconds",2066,"startMs",4021000,"endMs",6087000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113888-a6123d900c7589cc73635bd81ad89cf6&start=4021&end=6087","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113888-a6123d900c7589cc73635bd81ad89cf6/thumbnail_4021000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6521161/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Council-delays-Alabama-Power-camera-addendum-after-cost-and-vendor-questions-several-contracts-and-grants-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521161-d9f99d57abb5232057d8b7bd16c2ba91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157236&Signature=dvbHB-0GF8-pcvp0mtoWgF6tfbbCa0~Ko7LXMBYRsIZeFNEdmyn~doLhREZyy-BIaY1I0jZGmRcJCL0AGHA6nuxdVf2NUvuwvyzm5cQ~gBJ0PvB4ntIdPkJHT3U-PZsa-p3rfT4OSrusEOUJpen8LVZaXxWj5ARNYZ5KVlmy0kYGTzB-pZpY6WtsmiVDnTgi6XJh1cZ2iNgSUCXvHHNeYc~6CGDzlZGmIYusrEUFX6D8tiXuW1c-TVNZUELOPoZ57TlVy79ptd4mPeUUBYymH1Yl9pNisRPiVr2xsEnJj3ywmIOFk14uebaE6QrnhVhoWXecjKzIRRKMChdxhmRjdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Birmingham","date","2025-07-01T00:00:00Z","article","The Birmingham City Council voted to delay one week consideration of an amendment to the city’s master public‑safety agreement with Alabama Power that would add additional public‑safety video surveillance equipment, citing unanswered questions about overall cost, vendor alternatives and long‑term sustainability.

Councilor Lauren Williams (first reference: Councilor Williams) pressed for a briefing with Alabama Power before approval. “I would love to meet with the Alabama Power folks to get a comfort level on it,” Williams said during the debate, adding that she had concerns about the magnitude of recurring monthly costs.

City staff and police officials said the addendum would expand an existing agreement and that Alabama Power’s pole ownership and existing partnership made the arrangement operationally efficient; the mayor’s office said the urgency reflected supply‑chain and tariff considerations for electronic equipment. A police official described a timing risk tied to evolving federal tariffs on electronics and urged council action to lock in current pricing.

Councilors pushed back on costs and procurement approach. Councilor Mary Abbott said she had not had an opportunity to read the full addendum and flagged the proposed contract increase from roughly $5.4 million to a ceiling near $9.7 million as a “really big jump.” Several councilors asked for Alabama Power and police to provide additional detail on unit types, site lists and the monthly monitoring and electricity cost components before final approval.

After debate the council moved, seconded and approved a motion to delay the item for one week to allow a focused briefing and additional materials. The motion carried; one councilor recorded opposition to the one‑week delay. Item 23 will be taken up at the next council meeting with Alabama Power representatives and additional information requested by council.

Votes at a glance (formal actions taken or moved during the meeting):

- Item 7 (Ordinance) — Convey five vacant lots (125 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd) to Park Street Homes LLC to build eight single‑family homes; up to $360,000 in city assistance. Outcome: approved (first reading) — Roll call: Abbott (Aye), Clark (Aye), Moore (Aye), Smitherman (Aye), Tate (Aye), Williams (Aye), Woods (Aye), President Pro Tem Alexander (Aye), President O'Quinn (Aye).

- Item 11 (Resolution) — Amendment to agreement with Black Women's Mental Health Institute (d/b/a Black Women's Mental Health Institute), not to exceed $400,000 for 12 months to provide free counseling and outreach in Districts 6 and 9. Funding source stated as ARPA. Outcome: approved.

- Item 12 (Resolution) — Authorize mayor to submit HUD one‑year Action Plan and enter into CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA agreements for July 2025–June 2026. Outcome: approved (one abstention recorded by Councilor Clark).

- Item 14 (Contract) — Award lump‑sum contract to Global Construction & Engineering Inc. for storm‑sewer repairs, not to exceed $500,000. Outcome: approved.

- Item 15 (Contract) — Storm‑sewer cleaning and CCTV inspection work‑order contract (IDIQ) with Smith Industrial Service Inc., $250,000. Outcome: approved.

- Item 17 (Purchase) — Payment to Safeware Inc. for weapons detection systems for municipal court and another facility, $115,899.36. Outcome: approved.

- Item 23 (Amendment to Alabama Power master public‑safety services agreement) — Proposed amendment would add cameras, license‑plate readers and solar surveillance trailers and increase the not‑to‑exceed amount cited in the packet; council voted to delay by one week to allow additional briefings with Alabama Power. Outcome: delayed one week (motion passed; one opposing vote recorded).

Councilors asked staff to provide specific cost breakdowns (equipment, installation, monthly monitoring and electricity) and to schedule a briefing with Alabama Power and police technology staff before the next council meeting. Several councilors also suggested pursuing options to expand community‑owned or business‑connected camera capacity and to explore whether non‑Alabama Power approaches (for example solar trailers or a la carte purchases of certain equipment) could reduce long‑term subscription costs.

Alabama Power representatives were not present at the meeting; council members requested their attendance at the next session or a special briefing so members could evaluate alternatives and long‑term budget impacts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Birmingham - Regular City Council Meeting - Jul 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After extended council debate about cost, vendor choice and long‑term sustainability, the Birmingham City Council voted to delay one week an amendment to its public‑safety agreement with Alabama Power that would add cameras and license‑plate readers; meanwhile the council approved several other contracts and resolutions, including grants for mental‑health services and storm‑sewer contracts.","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},6521166,"Mayor Woodfin and police chief cite 52% homicide drop in first half of 2025; issue Fourth of July safety reminders",72,259000,331000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113888-a6123d900c7589cc73635bd81ad89cf6&start=259&end=331","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113888-a6123d900c7589cc73635bd81ad89cf6/thumbnail_259000.jpg","/articles/6521166/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Mayor-Woodfin-and-police-chief-cite-52-homicide-drop-in-first-half-of-2025-issue-Fourth-of-July-safety-reminders","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521166-bb38043f00c3c7262d7c0392ac045b03/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157236&Signature=GclK~EOggqCUIsJnE3goVDiLuVgdcy9dXz9ye4borfu8vhtT9odm9DkcW0pymfKM9zZb2AqHDa0ayjMNzRNbNKwFVMBFgceZ2ri8NfFOUPog78ggjd22Qwpaj84iu43IDrH6-GjPBduQY64KaIzh0kadXs1dQKVs-JOIEUvCUc0cRTxSDTe4ydm65vkAaDKq4ieTZtYUc0Km~An~NHTieB8zyWhhc8ZU08nXEu6T~EiqWd~0JtrdV4FHFLppnwi6lp1PMBI-sxplDO~wB8yIFIOZB-u5pIxbEXHrduzK2HYCu5eTBZ-GEtvCmNptObS326l96vb2zsfDITXzPFgo2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Randall Woodfin told the City Council that City of Birmingham offices will be closed on July 4, with police, fire and 911 continuing to operate, and encouraged residents to celebrate safely.

“I do wanna encourage everyone not only to be safe, but remember that celebratory gunfire is not only dumb and stupid, it's dangerous,” Mayor Woodfin said, adding that children and seniors will be outside for the holiday and urging residents not to fire guns into the air.

Woodfin and Police Chief Michael Pickett reported declines in violent crime during the first half of 2025. Chief Pickett told the council, “Right now, we're reporting 52% reduction as of today. 52% reduction in our in our homicides.” He credited the decline to department work, assistance from Jefferson County and state and federal partners, community organizations and residents reporting tips and intervening to deescalate situations.

The chief also outlined recruitment efforts. He said the department is conducting a physical agility screening this Saturday for an academy class expected in early August (dates mentioned: August 8 or August 11), with the screening running 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Police Academy. “We're doing a big push,” Chief Pickett said, and thanked council members and residents for supporting recruitment and retention initiatives.

Mayor Woodfin and councilors also highlighted the local economic benefit of hosting the World Police and Fire Games, noting more than 8,000 visiting officers and firefighters and their families participating in events across the city. Woodfin cited museums, restaurants and tourist sites as benefitting from visitors attending the games.

Councilors praised the police department’s work and encouraged residents to support violence‑reduction programs and community practitioner trainings referenced by councilors. Woodfin and Pickett asked council members to promote safety messages on their platforms and to encourage residents to use 911 or local tip lines to report suspicious activity.

","Mayor Randall Woodfin and Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett reported a 52% reduction in homicides in the first half of 2025 and urged residents to avoid celebratory gunfire ahead of July 4; police also announced a recruitment push and upcoming academy screening dates.",{"_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},6521170,"Birmingham council approves sale of five city lots to Park Street Homes for eight affordable houses",1487,1586000,3073000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113888-a6123d900c7589cc73635bd81ad89cf6&start=1586&end=3073","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113888-a6123d900c7589cc73635bd81ad89cf6/thumbnail_1586000.jpg","/articles/6521170/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Birmingham-council-approves-sale-of-five-city-lots-to-Park-Street-Homes-for-eight-affordable-houses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521170-f7348c350bbc2c462843063d4b99e9b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157236&Signature=TemuZrKowwrOFiqDMCMeiyNhYl7HwxTcGw15aF37iDZzJ39JiR1D5lJkLMHf5G1L6d7aJg6rYq~MndpIl5AOH4mvkiLMU5J2v7rma9-Gk5LykQefYPZ8CN9hzGPTVD~dcT70klOs5Tg9md7lEPeta1pott08z0sUHvUsZjmLIHjB~J8lqF9sDdohPy3Zoc6i51yz9Pff~afKfNV9urPph-kqapIVw9b8Ylavia9UGI6vGN2foOrBaCUTQKxosD16mCXzyid4tjFSmjcXE0avNJOUlDWpWXcyg5VUet8~JUgdB4a8Sj1QcDfkCFUvCUBtfBru516UL6XgZgr~jqmKSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Birmingham City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to convey five vacant lots at 125 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard to Park Street Homes LLC for a purchase price of $1 and to provide up to $360,000 in city assistance to support development of eight single‑family houses. The measure passed on first reading and was approved by unanimous voice vote.

The project is planned as affordable homeownership in Smithfield, with the city saying the funding will come from HOME program funds. City staff and the developer told councilors the project can be adapted if zoning or spacing requirements require larger side yards.

Miss Stallworth, a community development staffer leading the presentation, said the city intends to treat the site “in the same manner we would zone townhouses” and that staff will continue work with planning and transportation departments to finalize spacing and development plans. Stallworth told the council the city is “flexible on the spacing of the houses if we need to space them a little bit more.”

Park Street Homes owners Kelvin Shelton and Ayesha Shelton and project manager Thad Bilbo introduced themselves in the chamber. Kevin Shelton said, “We are Park Street Homes… we specialize in affordable homeownership products,” and described the firm’s work in Houston and its national affordable‑housing advocacy.

Council members questioned details about lot layout, resale rules and soundproofing. Councilor Mary Abbott asked about the extremely narrow side yards that appear on the submitted concept. “These houses will have 18 inches on either side. Their side yards will be 18 inches,” Abbott said, asking which zoning district would allow that spacing. Stallworth replied the property is zoned single‑family and staff can deliver a plan that provides greater spacing if required.

Councilor Abbott also raised livability concerns: “I can just see that one guy likes his stereo turned up real high, and the guy next door likes to sleep. And 3 feet is nothing and 18 inches is even less.” Developers and staff described construction details intended to reduce noise: project representatives said units will be built with a firewall between attached units, a double layer of sheetrock and insulation; there will be no windows on the firewall side and access is provided from the front and back.

Council discussion addressed resale and rental contingency rules. Stallworth said this requirement comes from the federal HOME program: if units do not sell within an initial period (typically 60–90 days), developers must convert them to rental occupancy so the properties are not left vacant.

Councilors praised community engagement. Several council members noted large turnout at public meetings and thanked staff and Park Street Homes for attending neighborhood events. The ordinance as presented passed on first reading; councilors asked staff to return with final zoning/development details and a confirmed budget breakdown.

Votes and immediate next steps: the council approved the ordinance and authorized conveyance and the funding commitment; staff said they will return with updated development plans and zoning recommendations before final action.

","The City Council approved an ordinance conveying five vacant lots on Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard to Park Street Homes LLC for $1 and authorized up to $360,000 in city assistance to build eight single‑family homes in the Smithfield neighborhood; council members pressed staff on zoning, minimum side yards and resale rules.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council delays Alabama Power camera addendum after cost and vendor questions; several contracts and grants approved

Mayor Woodfin and police chief cite 52% homicide drop in first half of 2025; issue Fourth of July safety reminders

Birmingham council approves sale of five city lots to Park Street Homes for eight affordable houses