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City Commission Meeting
Published: Jun 23, 2026
Community House Board Candidates Present Visions for Future; Appointments Made
The city commission held public hearings and interviewed candidates for the Birmingham Community House Board. Several applicants, including Linda Solomon, Kristen Bounty, Lee Trumbull, Anthony Long, Sam Cernnow, Kevin Denha, Richard Weatherhold, and Racklin Hoff, presented their qualifications and visions for the Community House. Common themes included the need for financial sustainability, community engagement, strategic planning, and evolving programming to meet modern needs. Applicants emphasized their experience in fundraising, financial management, governance, and community involvement. The commission also discussed the formation of committees and the structure of the board, including the reservation of two-year terms for city commissioners. The importance of the Community House as a central gathering place and a valuable community asset was frequently mentioned.
City Commission Navigates Lengthy Agenda, Approves Key Appointments and Financial Matters Amidst Time Constraints
During a lengthy commission meeting, several agenda items were either removed, pended, or handled via consent agenda due to time constraints and the late hour. The city manager's report was noted as being available online. A resolution regarding a sustainability fee was removed. New business item D, a draft RFP for capital improvement projects, was also removed for a later date. The consent agenda, excluding items H, I, and L, was approved. Item H, related to transfers from the general fund for police expansion salary, was discussed and approved after clarification. Item I, concerning parking meter and deck rates, and Item L, related to fee schedules, were passed as is with the understanding that a subcommittee or further review might address potential adjustments later. The commission also addressed unfinished business regarding a stop sign proposal, ultimately tabling the discussion for further exploration of traffic calming solutions. Public hearings for special assessment districts and project confirmations were held, and appointments to various boards were made.
City Commission Confirms Numerous Board Appointments and Votes on Key Positions
The city commission discussed and voted on appointments to various boards. For the Museum Board, four positions were open, and five applicants were interviewed. Commissioner Host nominated Christy Barrett for a regular member term expiring July 6, 2029. Commissioner Cole nominated Wedette Bradford for a regular member term expiring July 6, 2029. Commissioner Cole also nominated Michael Abson for a regular member term. Commissioner Kazolski nominated Robert Bowen for a four-year term expiring June 17, 2030, and Sam Cernnow for a three-year term expiring June 18, 2029. Mayor Prom-Long nominated Eva Kirkman for a four-year term expiring June 17, 2030, and Kevin Denha for a three-year term expiring June 18, 2029. Commissioner Host nominated Martha Rush-Loe for the remaining regular position expiring July 6, 2027. Alexandra Harris was nominated as an alternate. For the Ethics Board, two openings had two applicants: Lawrence Handler and Tim Bradley. Bradley was nominated for an alternate member position, and Handler was nominated for a regular member position expiring June 30th. For the Birmingham Community House Board, two two-year terms were reserved for city commissioners. Commissioners Long and Balor were nominated for these two-year terms expiring June 19, 2028. Other regular member positions were filled by Ambika Robertson (three-year term expiring June 18, 2029), Anthony Long (four-year term expiring June 17, 2030), Robert Bowen (four-year term expiring June 17, 2030), Sam Cernnow (three-year term expiring June 18, 2029), Eva Kirkman (four-year term expiring June 17, 2030), Kevin Denha (three-year term expiring June 18, 2029), Richard Weatherhold (three-year term expiring June 18, 2029), and Racklin Hoff (three-year term expiring June 18, 2029).
Special Assessment Districts Approved for Cape Seal and North Old Woodward Projects; FDM Contracting Awarded North Old Woodward Project
The commission approved several resolutions related to special assessment districts and project funding. Resolution 921 confirmed the special assessment district role for the 2027 Cape Seal program, allowing costs to be paid over five years with a 7.75% interest rate. Public comment from a resident on Pleasant Street raised concerns about the condition of the underlying street, potential worsening of drainage issues, and the safety hazards posed by potholes, although the resident did not object to their property's assessment. The commission also approved Resolution 922, confirming the special assessment district roll for the North Old Woodward project's sewer and water laterals, also with a five-year payment plan and 7.75% interest. Additionally, the commission approved awarding the North Old Woodward project, number 8-26 (P), to FDM Contracting, Inc. for $2,686,800, plus a 10% construction contingency, and authorized a budget amendment for the sewer fund.
Stop Sign Debate Dominates Traffic Discussions; Pleton/Wimbledon Intersection Tabled
The commission extensively debated the installation of stop signs and other traffic control measures at the intersections of Pleton Road with Wimbledon Road and Warwick Street. Traffic consultant Julie Kroll presented recommendations, including two-way stop control at Pleton and Wimbledon, and a stop sign on Warwick. Residents expressed concerns about safety, particularly for children, and the effectiveness of the proposed measures, with some advocating for a four-way stop or traffic lights at Pleton and Wimbledon due to existing sightline issues and the road's width. There was significant discussion about the non-compliance of current stop sign placements and the limitations of implementing certain traffic calming measures on Cape Seal roads. Ultimately, the commission voted to table the discussion on the Pleton and Wimbledon intersection, requesting further exploration of traffic calming solutions, while approving the stop sign for Warwick, with a plan to monitor its effectiveness. Public comment also touched on existing traffic speed issues on Wimbledon and the potential for the new road design to exacerbate speeding.
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