[{"_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",6473319,"mediaKeyId","5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709","parentId",5749133,"title","Votes at a glance: Mobile City Council actions Sept. 9, 2025","audioSeconds",3288,"startMs",2031000,"endMs",5319000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709&start=2031&end=5319","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709/thumbnail_2031000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6473319/Mobile-City/Mobile-County/Alabama/Votes-at-a-glance-Mobile-City-Council-actions-Sept-9-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473319-68237dc116edb506b5c5f169bc7d2db8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181234&Signature=jNOC8U6bn8MzTqrZuJHt6pxSaZjBZ-edvFDlIH~kETO4F3aStjfdk9gpykqA5oDkJ3dFFtTKD5OkmpI3WFBdGLWcvZgERVg9Se-Is16qFwcDfscVEB5Fis~1qIVJE4f-lr1bL63n1HTKLPTUIT9LwSgQh2DwW42lhZj8-jHQYjZP7ByvDwPn8o1hex84CFfAA3QCker5UgX5mI7mylxzfzGyLf2MPf-VKjORrYnbjXNS7tzVqr5Cl87YYcQGJhXtUVs74ZFRK1mFurDg6N4bnZa7EoO3wMGr-1-aVRx4aGG1VZyk357fb0tSHAUHfj8FxHVTlh9mgNxusVikoNwkaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Mobile, AL","date","2025-09-08T22:00:44Z","article","Here are the formal outcomes from the Mobile City Council meeting on Sept. 9, 2025, as recorded in the meeting minutes and transcript.

Adopted items
- Adoption of agenda: Council adopted the meeting agenda by voice vote.
- Appeal to waive the noise ordinance (Oct. 25, Government Street): Motion passed. (Transcript: “Appeal passes.”)
- Consent resolutions and purchase orders: The council approved multiple consent items including purchase orders and contracts for surveillance cameras, emergency equipment, IT credits, generator rental, rescue boats, museum exhibit contracts, and professional services listed by item numbers during the consent vote. The clerk read item numbers 081137–081142, 09/1145, and 21 11 50–21 11 52 among others; the council moved, seconded and passed the consent items by voice vote.

Laid over or tabled
- Procurement/contract 21 11 49 (contract with Port City Transit to operate the city's transit system): Motion to lay over one week passed (item laid over for one week).

Public‑hearing outcomes and holds
- Public hearings opened and closed for several planning items and for the proposed FY2025–26 budgets; the budget hearing remained open for public comment (no adoption recorded Sept. 9). Several nuisance demolition declarations (1606 Katy St., 270 Oak Dr., 506 Patton Ave.) were read; the council held the 506 Patton Ave. demolition over for 60 days.

Why it matters: The consent approvals authorize procurement and contracts that put equipment, services and capital projects into procurement or implementation pipelines; the transit contract layover signals further negotiation and review is needed before any final contract award.

What comes next: Several items will return for further committee or council consideration, including the transit contract, introduced ordinances listed for first reading and public hearings scheduled for Oct. 14.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Mobile City Council Meeting Sept 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council adopted its agenda, granted an appeal to waive a noise ordinance for Oct. 25, approved multiple purchase orders and contracts on consent, and laid over a transit contract for one week. Several nuisance-demolition items were held 60 days.","taxTitle","Mobile City, Mobile County, Alabama","taxId",3866,"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},6473324,"Neighbors seek to defend council's rezoning denial after judge orders property rezoned",217,4446000,4663000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709&start=4446&end=4663","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709/thumbnail_4446000.jpg","/articles/6473324/Mobile-City/Mobile-County/Alabama/Neighbors-seek-to-defend-councils-rezoning-denial-after-judge-orders-property-rezoned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473324-ccd0145193dbbc8207d15309c31e2cfc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181234&Signature=K9NIjtnGFKrWRm2PfWeO62ufn083IJnzSEBKvkB~vde5~Lsi6xDGYF29juysuLtHP6ioC4vqeTyZouHYSsrRK~MyFapoRXDCH7KjQWfGsluivnR9Ulue6t0mgON4zCHcw9cp75VVUBCeQr4XzBHQtu-ugsXOkJ09ejqW4Z5SbJ9s~oX5dSLOEsL33V~t2CAC99tsEz02cgpQF3oN4RGjgHo2mvnfK5XZSYmM1-6-MIu6xfgPgA1OjVCCg9JThDpjqb8G6he8Lo5QaklPEbHPqYbDpR8qeD3k8hgws-E9u0zTjCXkVWEYSUtVbdHHUxRTahGIz-2hedCVMCLF-CI4UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A neighborhood representative told the Mobile City Council on Sept. 9 that judicial action has undone the council's unanimous 2024 decision to deny rezoning of residential property next to a CVS, and asked whether the council would defend its prior decision.

Cathy O'Keefe told the council the council had unanimously voted to deny rezoning on May 14, 2024, and said a lawsuit was filed July 24, 2024. She said neither residents nor the council were notified that the city attorney did not defend the council's decision and that, on July 22, 2025, a judge ordered the council to rezone the property. O'Keefe said neighbors had not been included in earlier court proceedings and asked the council to take action to defend its prior ruling.

Council leadership responded that litigation is active and that at least two neighbors have filed motions to intervene to defend the council's decision. The council indicated it did not plan to oppose neighbor intervention; the case will continue in circuit court with additional filings and arguments.

Why it matters: The dispute concerns land use and neighborhood preservation near Airport/University area parcels and a CVS site; it raises questions about notice procedures, the city's handling of litigation, and the role of neighbor intervenors in defending local zoning decisions.

What comes next: The court case remains active. Neighbors who asked to intervene have filed to do so; the judge will consider additional briefing and a second decision on the matter.","A neighborhood speaker told the council that a judge ordered rezoning of a parcel after a city attorney conceded the earlier council denial; neighbors have filed to intervene and the council said it will not object to the intervention while the litigation continues.",{"_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},6473329,"Transit union raises questions about leave payout, job security as city transitions operations",179,3827000,4006000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709&start=3827&end=4006","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709/thumbnail_3827000.jpg","/articles/6473329/Mobile-City/Mobile-County/Alabama/Transit-union-raises-questions-about-leave-payout-job-security-as-city-transitions-operations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473329-3da0b36e1d6f7df8527146eeee920296/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181234&Signature=d9YhNKRBh5BQSuWjMx1IZJyCiOOszTVj5tJnVueJ8iIvWH8EgTHfW4ysqtFtkfMGARN8-7kqjNrrIjeWdnj5b886q6JoVV99AOXQb~3vmtDklbLCIhWwCSu9bq93qE8N-LbtCy4dwlIuWc0src0sXDQgqgz6Ku63f~KhM6d7rdGQT2hg9cXFyZjLXkvlRuy8o78J3BpxOLepcI-3EP6THmWWmjUGpzRlj4fO3lm8xg5kHI6AnHwSvlXQPh3CGJyYckgkFfbB9OUxN~MHOq8~oRhxFNRmtslwBgGWlMJ6FQjfJY~8AKbPNT64Y9olkldoEqIr1j1dQ66~S2hfxfv67Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mobile City Council heard questions Sept. 9 from transit workers and council members about employee protections and accrued leave as the city's contracted transit operator transitions operations.

Antoni Maven, president of the transit union, asked whether accumulated sick and vacation balances would be preserved when Via takes over operations and whether payouts would push employees into higher tax brackets. “These people have to start our way back over here if you pay them out,” Maven said, describing workers with large sick‑leave banks and expressing concern about losing accrued protections.

City officials responded that the parties—Transdev (the current contractor) and Via (the incoming operator)—have indicated employees will not be laid off and that Via intends to add staff. Scott, the executive director of finance, said accrued balances are expected to be paid out under the existing Transdev contract at the time of final separation, and that when employees join Via on Oct. 1 they would continue to earn vacation and sick time at accrual rates tied to their seniority; they would not “start over,” administration said.

Officials described a choice in the negotiations between paying accrued balances in a final Transdev paycheck or transferring cash into another holding arrangement; the city said that liability is a matter between the private contractors. Council members asked whether the city could require a different handling of those funds; legal and administrative staff said the employees are private‑sector workers for the contractor, limiting direct city authority over contractor employment decisions.

Why it matters: Transit employees and union leadership sought clarity about pay, leave and job continuity ahead of the Oct. 1 transition date. The outcome affects workers' taxes, short‑term leave availability and long‑term employment terms under a private contractor.

What comes next: Council members requested additional written answers and historical precedent on prior transitions. The council laid related procurement and operations items over for further committee consideration; administration said it will continue discussions with the contractors and the union.","Transit union president and council members pressed administration about how accrued leave, payouts, tax implications and staffing will be handled as operations transition from Transdev to Via/Port City Transit; administration said Via plans to add staff and that accrued balances will be paid out under existing contract terms.",{"_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},6473332,"Council holds public hearing on FY2025–26 budget as retirees press city on insurance increases and COLA studies",364,2110000,2474000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709&start=2110&end=2474","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709/thumbnail_2110000.jpg","/articles/6473332/Mobile-City/Mobile-County/Alabama/Council-holds-public-hearing-on-FY202526-budget-as-retirees-press-city-on-insurance-increases-and-COLA-studies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473332-4e40a820ff602bd064f0cb96827c06bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181234&Signature=OF7aDkMeSCijDrW-FnCuTOi9IQnIEQGuNkdJxUTG7v-sVL~1SYl9AKE8wwghmVq7CC7Xz74Z5SIPpTOla7pa1XJcE4kWAV22HhmxTijg21LhqBtm92ZTNg2grzz-enMLqwcJWn1sTIcqnznvDwdlS6oaRlhqPAqOuImQ1-0vgd18hBo~kb93Xx08hV~ovWiRQ-epmyk8XoC4w7UvwG239D98RbVMQQfiWKr6OM3sQSs8P~y0AF44dhJXyDQ~m1rdHP4bO0aWHGx9uldp1pcppVrK9uTduwFrlgRnS1jUp2H2bP9j2mqplV0pbY0Dwpvc46hmFljnwF4JVNlgawc1GQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mobile City Council opened a public hearing Sept. 9 on the proposed fiscal 2025–26 general fund and capital improvement budgets as retirees and community groups weighed in on benefits, spending priorities and program funding.

Randy Reed, speaking for the Firefighters Retirees Association, said retirees have gone without a cost-of-living adjustment for roughly two decades and asked the council to consider relief amid rising expenses. “These retirees... currently left out making less than what your entrance level pay is right now,” Reed said, urging the city to “please strongly consider a cost of living raise for the retirees.”

During the hearing, city staff said the mayor signed a personnel document after the budget was submitted that will raise monthly health-insurance contributions for some retirees and current employees by about $10 to $36 per month. Scott, the city’s executive director of finance, said the change would not change the budget totals presented to council and estimated the adjustment’s net effect for the city at roughly $800,000 annually; he said those funds would return to the general fund.

Scott also said the magazine of administrative authority allowed the mayor to adjust employee premium contributions and that the premium change was executed administratively after the budget submission. Council members asked whether such post-submission changes require council approval; Scott said it was his understanding the change is an executive-branch administrative action.

Council members pressed for information about a possible cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees. Scott and other administration speakers said the city and the pension board are prepared to commission actuarial work to quantify the long-term cost and that the city is discussing next steps with the pension board and actuary. Council members warned that any raise for retirees would create a perpetual cost that requires actuarial study before a decision.

Community groups and citizens also spoke during the hearing. Jabaria Dent of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama asked the council to fund an expansion called Bridges to Great Futures, seeking an additional $200,000 per year from the city as part of a three-year, $600,000 plan to serve five middle schools and grow the organization's reach. Reggie Hill raised concerns about capital allocations and urged more CIP money for drainage and district-level needs.

Why it matters: The budget hearing exposed several follow-ups the council must answer before final approval — how to respond to post-submission administrative changes to employee benefits, whether the city will pursue an actuary study and whether the council will shift resources to social services or public safety in coming budget votes.

What comes next: Administration said documents on the insurance change are in HR and will be distributed to council members. Council members asked for actuarial information from the pension board to understand the cost of a COLA. The council will continue budget deliberations in committee and at future council meetings.","During a public hearing on the FY2025–26 general fund and capital improvement budgets, retired public safety employees and council members pressed administration on a post-submission health-insurance premium change, the prospect of a cost-of-living adjustment for retirees and budget priorities for community programs.",{"_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},6473337,"Mobile administration introduces downtown vacant-building ordinance to address safety, blight",196,183000,379000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709&start=183&end=379","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5749133-29c8e0d5c56c4276c5f5419535156709/thumbnail_183000.jpg","/articles/6473337/Mobile-City/Mobile-County/Alabama/Mobile-administration-introduces-downtown-vacant-building-ordinance-to-address-safety-blight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473337-24d4d5322a1b257fb6b92cbc3cb84ede/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181234&Signature=WOBGNL2kVWl04GeNeSUV7n56IkhWaZ66lT-igmt44BiypNW4jw2~w4oQJfkq6OZw4CUIAWGhV7zL~btU9Q7Q214FSHrs~6A4G28m4xLSPPvD~xbZ2t9c12A3uCYXhicQl3g2Hl~uvVURVGgpk24cZTo9ODDAU-c41BNb2CWS0-2hTVtVJahI8mU0i20Xy5Fiie2bv6g8~bUThD2fSPVMOSbvJpY0PhanVWlr6b4tpObZIlE2l7LbAaH~k1GH-jyDvh9memaHP0cLB~4-8zPf37kQnXHNYTFnVcCeI0z0rd7LGvxXLRePNhvWhtmf-JvVTrbuuZeOfwiNDUCocdps9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City administration introduced an ordinance on Sept. 9 that would create a vacant-building registry for Mobile's downtown, saying the measure is intended to reduce public-safety risks and encourage property owners to return buildings to productive use.

An administration representative speaking for Mayor William S. Stimpson told the council that the ordinance targets vacant downtown properties because “they create us a public safety issue and they stifle the development of our downtown business district entertainment.” The remarks said vacant buildings pose fire hazards, “they attract crime, and they create more blight within our downtown area.”

The administration representative said the measure is “not a punitive action by the city, but we wanna incentivize the owners of the property to improve the properties or put them back into productive use.” The presentation said the draft ordinance was developed in coordination with the Mobile Police Department, the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department and the Downtown Alliance.

Council members did not take a final vote on the ordinance at the Sept. 9 meeting; the measure was introduced for further review. Administration staff told the council they were available to answer questions and planned follow-up briefings.

Why it matters: downtown property owners, businesses and residents could face new registration requirements and possible compliance deadlines if the ordinance is adopted. City officials framed the proposal as a tool to reduce hazards and encourage reinvestment in the downtown commercial district.

What comes next: the ordinance was introduced and will return for committee review and additional council consideration. The administration said staff and representatives from public safety and the downtown alliance are prepared to answer questions at follow-up meetings.","City administration introduced an ordinance to register and incentivize remediation of vacant downtown buildings, saying the measure aims to reduce fire and crime risks and spur downtown redevelopment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Mobile City Council actions Sept. 9, 2025

Neighbors seek to defend council's rezoning denial after judge orders property rezoned

Transit union raises questions about leave payout, job security as city transitions operations

Council holds public hearing on FY2025–26 budget as retirees press city on insurance increases and COLA studies

Mobile administration introduces downtown vacant-building ordinance to address safety, blight