Council approves multiple pesticide and fertilizer contracts amid members' environmental concerns

The Birmingham City Council approved a set of one‑year contracts to supply pesticides, fertilizers and soil amendments to the Department of Public Works, but the purchases drew criticism from several council members who urged more selective use and clearer resident opt‑out procedures.

City staff read five bid awards (Items 13–17) accepting the lowest qualified bids for different line items and vendors. The items were grouped and called up together; after debate the council approved the resolutions by voice vote and then conducted a roll call to record opposing votes.

Council member Clark, speaking during general discussion, linked the item to the mayor’s Climate Action Plan remarks and urged caution about the environmental effects of broad‑spectrum herbicides. “We can pick different chemicals that do the same thing that are more sensitive to the environment,” Clark said, and asked the administration to identify no‑spray zones and more selective chemical choices.

Council member Abbott also urged household prevention measures for mosquitoes and said residents need clearer guidance on when the city sprays: “I think that the city needs to provide residents with information like that so that they understand that the city is not in charge of mosquitoes,” Abbott said.

Mayor’s staff noted residents previously had the option to contact Public Works to opt out of chemical spraying adjacent to their property; the mayor’s office representative said that option continues to be available but did not provide a change in policy during the meeting.

After discussion the council approved the bid awards. A roll call recorded three council members voting “No” (Abbott, Clark and Moore) and six voting “Aye” (Smitherman, Che, Williams, Woods, Pro Tem Alexander and President O’Quinn). The clerk declared the items approved.