Birmingham approves road contract, confirms two special assessment rolls and clears local permits and ordinance changes

At its March 23 meeting the Birmingham City Commission moved forward on multiple infrastructure, planning and administrative actions: it confirmed two special assessment rolls, awarded a major contract for the Bird Phase 1B project, approved a restaurant special land use permit, and adopted ordinance changes to update the Multimodal Transportation Board.

Special assessment rolls: Deputy Treasurer DT Katz presented and the Commission confirmed Special Assessment Roll No. 917 (Cape Seal Program) and Roll No. 918 (Bird Phase 1B). Both resolutions allow property owners to pay the special assessments in five installments; the roll confirmations were adopted by roll call with all commissioners voting yes.

Bird Phase 1B contract award: City Engineer Coatta recommended awarding the Bird Phase 1B Project #7-26 (water) to F.D.M. Contracting, Inc. for a construction award of $1,298,186.82 plus a 10% construction contingency, for a not-to-exceed authorization of $1,428,005.50. Funding for the contract was allocated across three accounts: Local Street Fund ($502,545.99 base), Sewer Fund ($400,213.49 base) and Water Fund ($395,427.34 base); contingencies were allocated proportionally. The Commission approved the award contingent on contract execution and required insurance and bonds.

Land use and zoning: The Commission approved a Special Land Use Permit, Final Site Plan and Design Review for Old World Pizzeria (600 N. Old Woodward, Suites 101 & 203). Applicant Cyrus Garmo answered questions about operations; commissioners discussed potential delivery‑related parking impacts, opportunities to increase outdoor seating for family friendliness, and the importance of cleanliness to reduce rodent risk.

Boards and ordinances: City Planner Blinzinski presented ordinance amendments to move and update enabling language for the Multimodal Transportation Board (moving provisions from Chapter 110 to Chapter 82), broaden the Board’s duties and lift a moratorium so the Board may resume meetings. Commissioners supported soliciting MMTB feedback and integrating public-transit considerations; the Commission adopted the ordinance changes.

Other formal actions: The Commission approved consent-agenda items including two warrant lists (Automated Clearing House payments of $5,393,399.61 and $843,554.19), set a public hearing for a project at 211 Hamilton Row, approved the City's emergency operations plan for signature and accepted Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Long’s resignation effective April 13, 2026, directing the City Clerk to begin filling the vacancy. A motion was made to review short-term rental ordinances from peer cities, which passed on a split voice vote. Commissioners also directed staff to return with information on builders' bonds and road repair procedures for a future agenda.

Votes at a glance: 03-059-26 — Appointment of Janelle Whipple-Boyce to Planning Board: approved (voice vote). 03-061-26 — Resolution supporting Police Department position on immigration enforcement: approved (voice vote) — see separate item. 03-062-26 — Consent agenda (A–G, including warrant lists and Mayor Pro Tem resignation): approved (roll call). 03-063-26 — Confirm Special Assessment Roll No. 917 (Cape Seal Program): approved (roll call); assessments payable in five payments at 7.75% annual interest. 03-064-26 — Confirm Special Assessment Roll No. 918 (Bird Phase 1B): approved (roll call); assessments payable in five payments at 7.75% annual interest. 03-065-26 — Special Land Use Permit/Final Site Plan & Design Review for 600 N. Old Woodward (Old World Pizzeria): approved (roll call). 03-066-26 — Bird Phase 1B Project award to F.D.M. Contracting, Inc.: approved (roll call); base award $1,298,186.82, contingency 10%, total authorization $1,428,005.50. 03-067-26 — Ordinance amendments to Chapters 82 and 110 to update Multimodal Transportation Board and lift moratorium: adopted (roll call). 03-068-26 — Motion to enter closed session under MCL § 15.268, Sec. 8(1)(d): approved (roll call); Commission entered closed session and returned the same evening. 03-069-26 — Motion to review short-term rental ordinances (Ann Arbor, Ferndale, New York City): approved (voice vote; split), to be scheduled for future consideration. 03-070-26 — Direction to place builders' bonds and road repair procedures on a future agenda: approved (voice vote).

Next steps: Several items directed staff to return with additional details (builders' bond history and procedures, and further implementation steps for assessment collection). Contract award to F.D.M. is contingent on meeting insurance and bonding requirements prior to execution.