Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenters urge scrutiny of Waterworks, request answers in jail death, and flag contractor concerns
Summary
Three public commenters raised distinct community concerns: alleged discrimination and governance issues at the Waterworks Authority, a mother's plea for access to her daughter's body and information after a jail death, and a museum representative's request for transparency about a contractor tied to sewer repairs and flood recovery.
During the Community Voices portion of the Feb. 3 meeting, three speakers used their allotted time to raise urgent local concerns.
William Mohammed (411 Lorraine Street) said he had obtained an anonymous letter alleging chaos at the Waterworks Authority (CAW) since passage of a state bill. Mohammed alleged that the CEO has broad authority and that "black managers are being stepped over and replaced by whites who have less experience," and said the organization lacked HR rules and board committees. He linked past litigation and legislative changes to current governance and encouraged attendance at a Jefferson County town hall on Feb. 14 for more information.
Elder Veronica Jabreen told the council she had not been allowed to see her adopted daughter, Taisha Hutchins, who she said died in the city jail on Jan. 28. She said her family in Africa learned of the death before she did, that mortuary staff urged cremation, and that she has been unable to get clear answers from county or city offices. "Let me see my child," she said, asking the council and administration to help her gain access and to assist her family.
Paul Freeman, representing the Birmingham Black Radio Museum, described the museum's board and said the museum leases space via the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame under a city-approved contract through 2028. Freeman said dye tests show sewer flow problems between the Carver Theater and the county trunk line and urged the council to know who the contractor is and to exercise oversight as flood-repair and sewer work proceeds, noting the issue poses public-health and preservation concerns for the museum and nearby properties.
Council president Alexander acknowledged the comments and said administration staff would follow up with assistance for Veronica Jabreen. No formal council actions were taken on these public comments at the Feb. 3 meeting; the speakers sought investigation, transparency, and assistance.
