Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Advisory Boards topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission pauses Multimodal Transportation Board meetings while it reviews board ordinance
Summary
After hearing that members of the Multimodal Transportation Board expressed confusion over their authority, the Birmingham City Commission voted to pause the board’s meetings while commissioners review and clarify the city code defining the board’s scope and duties.
The Birmingham City Commission voted Aug. 25 to place a temporary pause on Multimodal Transportation Board meetings and actions so the commission can review Birmingham City Code sections that define the board’s authority and duties.
City Attorney Kucarek told the commission she had reviewed the board’s Aug. 7 meeting and reported board members repeatedly said they lacked clarity about their role and whether they could make decisions about matters referred by staff. "They need clarity," she told the commission, and recommended a moratorium while the commission reviews code sections 110‑30 and 110‑31.
Commissioners said they value the board’s recommendations but agreed members at recent meetings had expressed frustration. Commissioner Therese Long noted that the board is advisory and does not have authority to bind commission decisions, while urging a prompt, collaborative review so the board understands expectations and so residents have clearer meetings.
The commission directed staff and the city attorney to place the ordinance review on a future agenda and to schedule a joint meeting or workshop with the multimodal board, with a goal of moving quickly to restore productive meetings. The motion passed by roll call, with all four commissioners present voting in favor.
Ending: The commission asked the city attorney and city manager to prepare the ordinance sections and to return with recommended clarifications or proposed amendments and to set a date for a joint meeting with the multimodal board.
