Highlights from
Mobile City Council Meetings
NOTE
Information contained here does NOT represent an official communication from the City of Mobile or any member of the City Council and should not be considered a thorough or definitive summary of meeting procedures.
The purpose is to provide clarity, context or commentary on selected issues of social and cultural significance to the citizens of Mobile, in a format that is condensed, focused and accessible.
June 29, 2021
Mobile City Council Meeting June 22, 2021
343 Citizens viewed this meeting online.
Concerns Raised in PRE-MEETING
C.J. Small asked about the shortage of street sweeper employees necessary for regular maintenance. Col. Delap acknowledged “a gap in personnel hiring in all of our departments.” Small said many citizens have contacted him about this complaining they haven’t seen a street sweeper in months and wanted to know how the city council can help to recruit applicants to the city personnel board. He also requested a list of available positions which can be distributed. Councilperson Gregory added that she has received the same complaints in her district and confirmed the need to distribute information about openings in city personnel.
Councilman Williams asked about dredging of the north canal in Cypress Shores, noting that he had been asking regularly since the first day of the current mayor’s administration. “There have been numerous excuses throughout the years,” he said, and each concern raised has been addressed. Yet, “there has been no project,” he said “which I have asked for more and received less.”
Councilman Small commented on the funding of
Citizens of D.I.P. are waiting and anxious for progress on this project. There has recently been increased public outcry regarding the delays and Small requests that something be done.
COMMUNICATIONS from the MAYOR
Mayor Stimpson read a proclamation recognizing June 19th as a city holiday beginning this year.
He described the progress being made on the area of the Perch Creek Preserve which the city acquired from MAWSS. Restoration efforts, he said, will allow connectivity between other nature and biking trails along the bay. *
Stimpson recognized the 64th Annual Distinguished Young Women’s Program and encouraged citizens to tune in through the live stream link on Facebook.
Mayors of Alabama’s ten largest cites came together in Mobile June 26 - 28 to share information and discuss strategies for addressing gun violence. Stimpson noted the importance of approaching the issue as a “societal,” not just a “policing” problem and hoped to bring new insights back to citizens.
Finally, Mayor Stimpson proclaimed June 21 – 25 as Boys and Girls Club Week and introduced the Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama Youth of the Year, Kiera Mosely, who enthusiastically thanked the city council for their support.
Councilman Richardson spoke directly to the mayor, citing numerous correspondences with citizens complaining that community centers had been recently closed during normal operating hours, while others, he mentioned were open. He sent a letter to the mayor’s office requesting policy that would guarantee equity among all community centers in the city but had not received a response. Councilperson Rich expressed great offense at the idea that the Connie Hudson Center was given special treatment, noting that it was a center strictly for seniors, not for children. Richardson contended that the Sullivan Center is similarly a seniors-only center and yet on the same day, the doors and one center were open while the others were locked. They agreed that all centers should be given the resources to uphold the same standards and accessibility.
City Attorney, Ricardo Woods, later made the point that access control (intended to direct visitors to a particular entrance and exit point) may have been the reason Councilman Richardson or the citizens in his district encountered locked doors but he clarified the city’s policy that all centers did have equal access and that no person had ever been turned away during normal operating hours.
The monthly finance report which included an unexpected rise in tax revenue, well exceeding budgeted expectations.
MARIO D. YOW, SR. reported that he was issued a citation for having a tree cut that the City gave him permission to do so. 2. Suzette Mason, 1363 Azalea Road, spoke against the demolition of property at this address. He was advised to complete an application to the Mobile Tree Commission to have the live oak cut as necessary to protect his home. To prevent any further setbacks, Council President Manzie offered to contact Tree Commission President, Jessie McDaniel and share the information presented by Mr. Yow.
SUZETTE MASON opposed the demolition of her home. The City Council, having previously granted an extension, voted for the demolition of the property. The demolition has been appealed and Ms. Mason is advised that this is no longer an issue for the City Council but must be handled through the Circuit Court.
REGGIE HILL
Regarding Mr. Yow’s complaints, Mr. Hill mentioned that the Tree Commission is an advisory board to the City Council. According to the Zoghby Act and city ordinances, because Mr. Yow received permission directly from his City Council representatives to have the tree taken down, he should not have been fined for this action.
REGGIE HILL requested more information for citizens about the funds used for the city’s purchase of land along Dauphin Island Parkway, questioning whether it was coming from the state’s allocation of funds to the city for tourism-related projects and, if so, what was the rationale supporting this decision over other tourism-related initiatives which might have a greater impact.
He also requested the Council take into consideration the purposing of cyber initiative funds toward criminal surveillance as a more direct means of addressing criminal activity in the city.
Addressing agenda resolution # 08-443-2021, sponsored by Mayor Stimpson for over $40,000 to be spent on mowers at Azalea City Golf Course, Mr. Hill requested more information and the rationale behind the decision to prioritize these mowers at Azalea City over the needs of similar city recreational facilities which have had far less support and funding in the past.
TIMOTHY HOLLIS
Addressed the council with a general request that more information be available on agenda items, particularly items on which the council votes to approve funding. He expressed the opinion that citizens should have more transparency regarding these decisions and require more information on actions taken by the council in order to maintain their right to be actively engaged and provide necessary oversight.
As an example, he addressed the agenda resolution # 08-444-2021 which called for bids to be accepted on equipment for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department without specifying what the purpose or necessity of the equipment or the status of bids.
In general he stated his opinion that “When someone comes to this podium and asks a question … the answer should be provided…The citizens deserve a transparent answer.”
Voting on the amendment of the new UDC was delayed for two weeks.
Regarding the ongoing proposal to demolish the building at 962 Government Street. Mr. Billings, who spoke to the council two weeks earlier on behalf of the property owner, attempted to provide an update on progress but because he had not signed in, he was not allowed to speak. The council was eventually informed however, that progress was moving ahead on restoration and the decision was laid over for 30 days.
Returning to the proposed resolution (initially on the agenda for June 15, 2021 but delayed upon request of Council President Manzie) regarding the a request by the President of Bishop State Community College for the city to vacate portions of Pearl Street, Lyons Street, Hospital Street and Basil Street, allowing for the expansion of campus facilities,
a public hearing on the issue was scheduled for
JULY 20, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Mobile Government Plaza Auditorium, 205 Government Street.
Any citizen alleging to be affected by the proposed vacation may submit a written objection or may speak at the public hearing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilmember Gregory reminded citizens that the District 7 Community meeting will be held on July 6, 2021, at the Mobile Museum of Art.
Councilmember Daves reminded citizens that a District 5 community meeting will be held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church on July 13, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.
Councilmember Rich said that she will host an event for District 6 candidates to share their platform on August 5, 2021, at the Connie Hudson Senior Center, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
NOTES:
Perch Creek Nature Trail & Preserve - The Peninsula of Mobile
Perch Creek Dauphin Island Parkway Tract in Mobile County, Alabama (1 Photos) | National Land Realty
MOBILE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 15, 2021
Communications from the Mayor
Mayor Stimpson commented on the continued growth and success of Art Walk and the inaugural “Saturday at the Coop” event at Cooper Riverside Park. “This is,” he said, “an indication of an effort to increase programming at city parks and recreation centers” and he congratulated the leadership of the Mobile Parks and Recreation Department on their accomplishments.
Stimpson announced that the city’s plan for using the Federal American Rescue Plan funding, which amounts to approximately $58 million, was presented to the council earlier in the morning. The city’s plan is being called “People First.” He emphasized federal restrictions on how the money is to be spent but said city officials would “engage with the city council … to impact in the City of Mobile.”
Citing again the issue of trucks ordered a year ago which had not been delivered on time, Stimpson addressed the city’s effort to catch up on trash and garbage collection. Updates are, he said, posted each night on the city’s website to inform citizens of where and when trash collection will take place and the city is determined to “catch up and stay up.”
Shonda Smith, head of Mobile’s Parks and Recreation Department was invited by the mayor to address public concerns over the summer camp programming. Beginning with the issue of senior citizens not being picked up from their homes as they have in the past, she cited the increased need for food delivery and said the department was forced to make a choice between food delivery and citizen pick up. Food delivery was prioritized for the time but she said that senior citizen pick up will resume very soon.
Smith then addressed the new structured summer camp program, initiated this year. Through community engagement meetings, the department assessed needs and requests. As an initial step, adult and youth programs were focused in specific locations. The Department then made every effort to create structured programs for children which parents could depend on during the summer. This need was balanced with the community center’s traditional public service, remaining available and accessible sites for neighborhood youth, with no required registration.
The centers have adopted a program whereby unattended youth who visit the centers during summer camp hours without registration or payment are allowed to participate in programming if they assist in some way by performing necessary tasks in the center. Center directors have informed her, she said, that no child is ever turned away.
Councilman Richardson noted complaints to the contrary. His constituents have complained that children were being turned away for lack of payment. Debate on this issue continued at length with the concern among the council that no child should ever be turned away from a Mobile community center. Councilman Manzie expressed concern that employees onsite may not fully understand or effectively implement the policy as Smith described it. He offered to use discretionary funds to help alleviate the problem at community centers in his district.
That debate ending the mayor’s communications, Councilperson Rich read a proclamation from the mayor and City Council recognizing June as “Myastenia Gravis Awareness Month,” aimed at funding research and supporting people suffering with this neuro-muscular disease. *
JENNIFER TRULY, Director of the the ”Tunnel to Tower 5K Run and Walk” requested support and assistance with the fundraiser which will take place on September 11th at Battleship Park, honoring the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Councilperson Rich asked for specific fundraising goals and Ms. Truly promised to submit further information and details to each council person.**
DANIEL HENDERSON addressed the council regarding the demolition of 1040 Dauphin Island Parkway, the Pheonix Apartment building. He agreed that some of the buildings should be demolished, but requested more communication with the city before demolition proceeds and time to restore the buildings which can still be saved.
Councilman Small, in whose district the property is located, encouraged Mr. Henderson to continue work in light of the “desperate need of affordable housing in the City of Mobile,” but added that he receives weekly comments from his constituents who are concerned about the property’s current condition.
KENNY OWEN addressed the council on the issue of public safety and traffic control, citing the ongoing problem with speeding vehicles in his neighborhood. “It’s not if a kid is going to get hurt, it’s a matter of when,” he said. He lives on Mohawk Street, which he referred to as a “cut-through” street. He communicated the problem to his council representative, Fred Richardson, who was told by the mayor that no speed bumps would be installed. Councilman Richardson confirmed that was the case, citing a recent example in which residents near the new USA medical facility on Old Shell were experiencing a great increase in traffic as a result and appealed for help. At that time, Richardson said he was told that there would be no more speed bumps. After repeated requests however, the traffic and engineering department was able to procure one speed bump. Richardson was then informed that it would be the last.
Director Battiste informed the council that there is now indeed a policy “under final review” that will determine need and regulate the implementation of traffic-calming devices. “I think you will see that coming from the administration, probably in the next month.”
Councilpersons Gregory and Rich both emphasized the need for action on this and thanked Director Battiste for his effort to implement a “standardized” policy. “I was always hopeful the city would understand the need,” Rich said. “It is something that truly does affect the residential quality of life.”
WESLEY YOUNG urged the council and administration to be proactive in funding and staffing the departments of trash and garbage collection as well as parks and recreation, stating his opinion that they are severely understaffed and overworked. “We need to look at these public service departments. They have been behind for seven and a half years. It needs to be addressed and it needs to be addressed now,” he said.
REGGIE HILL requested more transparency and communication regarding the findings and planned implementation of the new Unified Development Code as well as the use of public purpose funds. He urged the council not to allow the administration to have “complete control.” The City Council, as the people’s representatives, “must be a part of this,” he said. He reminded the council that the Zoghby Act called for what is referred to as a “Strong Council” form of government. “It is unique,” he said, but “for some reason we are not implementing it properly.”
NOTES:
* MG Awareness Month – Turning Awareness into Action (myasthenia.org)
** 2021 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Mobile - Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)
