Fest Flow

In this episode, we break down the key decisions and discussions from the June 16th Birmingham City Council meeting. Then, get ready for sunshine and good times as Councilor Josh Vasa sits down to break down everything you need to know about Summer Fest. Plus, we share updates on upcoming events and other important information you’ll want to know.

Transcript

SPEAKER_05 0:04

Welcome to Motion to Adjourn, the podcast about the work that continues with the Birmingham City Council. Beyond what happens on Tuesdays during council meetings.

SPEAKER_04 0:13

All in favor, let it be known by staying aye.

SPEAKER_05 0:15

Or in the committee meeting. After the official motion to adjourn, the council's continue work on behalf of the city and its residents. Welcome to the motion to adjourn podcast. I am your host, Anaya Kenyan, a service project manager for the Birmingham City Council. Today we are diving into some of the most significant items that were mentioned during Tuesday's council meeting. On Tuesday, the council approved an ordinance permitting council members to attend and participate in meetings virtually on a limited basis. Under this ordinance, counselors may join meetings remotely up to six times per year when an illness or physical condition makes in-person attendance difficult. Virtual participation may only occur when a quorum is physically present on the dais. Counselors who are unable to attend but wish to participate virtually must notify the council president and the city clerk on or the day before the meeting. All virtual attendants must comply with the Alabama Open Meetings Act, and any votes cast remotely will be conducted through a roll call vote as outlined in the ordinance. The council has approved a contract with Greenlining Realty USA to advance new housing development in the Druid Hills neighborhood with funding up to $167,245. Now, let's hear from Council President Pro Tem Latanya Tate, who represents the district, as she explains what this project means for local residents.

SPEAKER_03 2:01

This means a lot, you know, to the community. It just continues to show the investment throughout District 9. As you know, we are building 52 attainable homes for families in District 9 and Shadowbrook. So this adds to that footprint, you know, for Drury Hills, you know, to get that expansion. When you look at Drury Hills, you look at Fountain Heights. It's doing a lot of revitalizing up there. We have the accelerated homeowners program that's building 25 new homes, you know, in Fountain Heights. So all this correlation for District 9 is just a win, you know, for the community and attracting families back, you know, to the area. So this is a great win for District 9.

SPEAKER_05 2:41

The development is expected to include 35 to 40 new residential units with at least 10% reserved for households earning at or below 100% of the area median income. The council has approved an agreement with 16th Street Baptist Church, allocating up to $250,000 to support programming at the church's new education and visitor center. This 14,000 square foot facility will serve as the central information hub for the Civil Rights District and its landmark sites. Let's hear from Counselor Darrell O'Quinn, who represents this district.

SPEAKER_01 3:20

Like a lot of other things that we support from an economic development perspective, this is one that, you know, is very important to our history, is important to support, you know, for the visitor experience. I'll just add that the 16th Street Baptist Church has been supported by federal grants in recent years, several uh rounds of funding to help renovate the structure, address some deferred maintenance issues. Uh so it's really gotten a big boost, and and that's important because um like a lot of other congregations around the country, uh the the congregation is not sufficiently sized enough to you know support all of the issues, you know, for the the historic site. Um and you know, I I would argue that 16th Street Baptist Church uh while it is a church and houses the congregation, it's much bigger than that. They they have a outsized mission compared to just your conventional um churches. Um so their their reach goes far beyond just their ministry.

SPEAKER_05 4:50

The project preserves the church's historic legacy while preparing the campus to welcome more than 200,000 visitors each year. The council has approved an updated agreement with Small Magic, also known as Birmingham Talks, to continue their vital work in early childhood education. Founded in 2019, Small Magic has been instrumental in improving literacy outcomes in Birmingham City Schools. This amendment allocates an additional $371,500, bringing the total contract value up to $750,000. According to Small Magic, approximately 2,000 children in Birmingham will benefit from the program this year. Families receive a specialized wearable device that tracks the number of words children hear each day, helping generate meaningful data-driven insights. Now, let's take a listen to Counselor Clinton Woods as he highlights the impact of programs like this.

SPEAKER_00 5:53

Our partnership with Small Magic is all around youth literacy, and so we want to basically close the gap between uh baseline and number of Birmingham children that are reading at or above grade level. One of the biggest indicators of uh being successful in uh reading at or above grade level is the number of words young people are hearing uh basically before they start school. And so uh this program allows uh them to actually keep up and have some measurable data around just the number of words each child is hearing and allow us to build a plan to really increase that. And so what we've seen, the state is taking action over the years that actually holds back uh third graders if they're not reading at or above grade level. Well, we've seen great improvement. Uh, Birmingham City School System is continually seeing increases in that space, and this is one of the partnerships that allows us to uh really capture youth before they get behind.

SPEAKER_05 6:48

This program offers a 10-week early education service that equips families and caregivers with tools to strengthen how they speak, read, and engage with their children, ultimately helping close the word gap many children face before entering kindergarten.

SPEAKER_02 7:09

Hey, this is Birmingham City Councillor Crystal Smithman. I'm thrilled to invite you to one of my favorite summer traditions, the District 6 Summer Farmers Market, which will be held every second Saturday in June and August. On June 13th and July 11th, we'll be at Memorial Park, and on August 8th, we'll be at the Grove. The market will be open from 1.30 to 3:30, and all forms of payment will be accepted. So let's shop local and support our farmers. I'll see you there.

SPEAKER_05 7:57

From school supply drives to family activities, vendor markets, and creative partnerships. This event is definitely designed to bring neighbors together and strengthen community pride. Today we're joined by Counselor Josh Vasa to talk about the inspiration behind Summerfest, what residents can expect, and how this event aims to make a lasting impact on our district. Let's jump right in. We're glad to have you.

SPEAKER_06 8:22

Anaya, thanks for having me. Glad to be on this podcast. And also you've been doing such a great job with it.

SPEAKER_05 8:27

Oh, thank you. I do appreciate it. As this is your office first major community event, what message are you hoping that SummerFest sends to residents?

SPEAKER_06 8:37

Great question, Anaya. And thanks again for focusing on the Summerfest. You know, we're really excited. This is the first time, uh, as I understand in quite a while that District 3 has had sort of a district wide event. Uh we're excited about the Summerfest. Uh, you know, the reason why is, you know, we heard from a lot of folks when we were campaigning knocking on doors and then the last six months in office that they love getting to know each other. They love community engagement, uh, and they love our public spaces, right? So what a bet great opportunity, what better opportunity do we have than to put together a District 3 Summerfest?

SPEAKER_05 9:09

Oh, yes, oh yes. And so I am aware it's a lot of different events that will be taking place within this major event. So you have a school supply drive uh that's part of Summerfest. What items are you encouraging the community to bring and how do you hope it will impact local students as they pre prepare for the upcoming school year?

SPEAKER_06 9:26

Great question. So we uh we are excited about the school supply drive. A lot of folks know that you know I have 20 years of nonprofit experience and education is near and dear to my heart. Uh and so, you know, one of the things that we've done is is met with each of uh our schools that are in district three or public schools. So we have Glenn Iris Elementary, we have Epic Elementary, we have Avondale Elementary. Um and so we want to definitely support those institutions. So what we've heard from them is uh is that that would be helpful to have a supply drive, right? Students need supplies, uh school's gonna be coming up uh in a couple of months after this. And so uh we've asked each school to provide us a list of uh school supplies closer to date. We're gonna put those out on social media so folks can see hey, what are what are my menu of options for supporting the community? So we'll be putting that out for sure. But those items might be uh notebooks, pencils, crayons, you know, folders, backpacks, basic needs that that students will have when they need to go to school.

SPEAKER_05 10:23

Oh, yes, that is awesome. And what was the biggest motivation behind launching SummerFest now? And why was June chosen as the perfect time?

SPEAKER_06 10:31

That's great. So, you know, June was chosen because uh six months in again. Folks may remember we did a uh private resident priority survey uh the first kind of two months we were in office, and we heard from folks the message was loud and clear uh infrastructure and public safety were the number one and number two, and so we've worked really hard to address several of those items. I could speak to that at another time. But the third item was really coming together, our parks and making sure that we have time to engage with one another. And so that really was the impetus for starting this thing. Um we also know that District 3, you know, one thing that I love about it, it is it is so diverse. We have so many different types of people. You have everyone from students all the way to retirees, right? You have uh, you know, folks who are at at UAB and Miles and and having those youthful experiences to those like myself who are who are mid-career and middle-age. Um, no offense to my wife, uh, but uh I don't mean to call it middle-aged, but um but nah. And then we have folks, you know, all the way above, folks who have retired and and lived here for for decades. And so, you know, what uh there's no in my mind better opportunity than music and entertainment and kid zones in a park that is loved uh in District 3. So I'm excited about folks coming together, getting to know each other. Uh and and honestly, this is kind of a broad part of a broader strategy, and that is, in my opinion, uh, and I've kind of said this before, that the neighbor is the smallest unit in a democracy, right? In order to move forward as a community, we have to know who our neighbors are and uh what's important to them and and see where we align and we can s where we can spearhead efforts towards. So this is part of a broader plan to make sure that our seven neighborhoods that are part of District 3 align together, get to know each other, uh, and get excited around some some fun and engaging opportunities.

SPEAKER_05 12:25

Oh yes. And what partnerships or community collaborations were essential in bringing this event to life?

SPEAKER_06 12:31

Partnerships are really important. Um we're really thankful to Birmingham Parks and Rec. We've uh leaned into them. I know they're working on making sure there's some uh a few sort of smaller infrastructure improvements at George Ward Park. Uh so we appreciate uh Director Chine and all the work that that's happening there. Um and of course, uh our schools that have been great to partner with. We're also excited about the bands, and I know we're gonna get to the music shortly, but uh we really wanted to lean into uh the musicians we have in District 3. So one of them who's starting out the set at 10 a.m. is uh is is Canu. Canu Babbel is a wonderful artist. He's playing from 1030 to 11 on Saturday, January 20th. Um so he's gonna kick it off. Uh then we have Gabriel Tajou, um, who lives adjacent to District uh 3, but I believe has lived in District 3 before. Uh he's playing 1115 to 1145. Uh Shaheed and DJ Supreme, one of my favorite acts in town, is playing you know, high noon to 1230. And then that's gonna be followed up by Aaron Mitchell playing 1245 to 130. What I love is in addition to that, we have DJ Swayze, who has a great following as uh uh at Birmingham Classic Cuts. You know, he's a barber. He's also an amazing DJ, and he's gonna be uh sort of intermittent throughout the he's gonna be MCN as a DJ throughout. So uh definitely excited about the partnerships and the great musicians playing as well.

SPEAKER_05 13:53

Yes, yes. And you talked about the live music, but what activities will be available for families and children at the best?

SPEAKER_06 14:00

Yeah, what you typically see sort of at a kid's zone, we'll have that too. So we're gonna have some items for kids to play with. Um, you know, I believe we'll have a bouncy house and and and those type of activities, but lots of engagement. Of course, George Ward Park has two beautiful uh playgrounds. Um there's gonna be one that's on our festival footprint, so that will be utilized and incorporated into it. So definitely excited about making this family friendly. That's kind of why we did the time, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. That and it's summer, and so we want to avoid the afternoon heat. Uh, but we we're opening up at 10 to make sure families have some time to come come there, bring some chairs, bring their blankets, uh, bring a picnic basket, bring a cooler if you want, and and enjoy yourselves.

SPEAKER_05 14:42

And for the last question, looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Summerfest? And how do you envision this event growing in the coming year?

SPEAKER_06 14:52

Great question. And I say that because, you know, one thing that District 3 has is a lot of wonderful events. And so um we uh w uh certainly want to make sure that we uh yeah, see how this goes. Look, this is round one, right? So we're gonna see how the community responds and what the feedback is. Uh we do have plans for scaling up and scaling down. So it might uh look like smaller events in different districts um throughout the year. It may look uh may look like us uh you know busting this up and and seeing what that looks like. So time will tell, but we're definitely excited about uh trying this for the first time.

SPEAKER_05 15:27

Oh yes, and I'm excited. Um any last words, Councillor Boston?

SPEAKER_06 15:31

Uh thanks so much. You know, I think the other thing I want to say is that um is that we are really excited about showcasing. I just want to get back to George Ward Park. You know, there are a lot of parks that we have in our district, and George Ward Park is one that has really been meaningful to me personally. Uh when our when my wife and I got married, uh our daughter was about 11. Um and so uh so we used to take her to George Ward Park and play in the playground. And we've walked around there, we've really utilized it, and so to have this be a space where uh where we have this is gonna be great. And I also want to give a shout out to some of the vendors that we will have. I know we will have our our sort of uh disc golf group that will be present, uh New South South Softball. New South Softball will also be present. Um and we'll have several food trucks on site, so food and and drinks will be uh taken care of as well. So again, just excited about bringing community together and seeing where where we can take this going forward.

SPEAKER_05 16:30

Yes, and we're excited as well. Well, that wraps up today's conversation on District 3 Summer Fest. Make sure you come out on June 20th, starting at 10 a.m. at George Ward Park. And thank you to Councilor Vasa for sharing the vision, the planning, and the passion behind bringing this fest to life. And we hope today's conversation encourages you to come out. And thanks again for listening to Motion to Adjourn. Be sure to subscribe.

SPEAKER_04 16:58

Got a sec. Perfect. Motion to adjourn drops quick, clear updates on everything happening in city council meetings, initiatives, community resources, and more. Fast facts, zero fluff. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

SPEAKER_05 17:34

The Safe Summer Series is back. Join the District 7 office for their Safe Summer Series concert on Father's Day, this Sunday, June 21st, starting at 4 o'clock PM at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Get ready for performances by Cut Close, JP Capone, Keith Washington, and Logan the Entertainer. Come out and celebrate with Council President Wardine Alexander and the District 7 team. Bring your father, bring your family, and let's enjoy an unforgettable evening together. Get ready for a D6 Fest weekend. Join Counselor Crystal Smithman for a full weekend of free fun. Starting Friday, June 26th, the festivities kick off with the D6 Fest Comedy Show at the Grove beginning at 8 o'clock p.m. On Saturday, June 27th, start your morning by supporting a local favorite during brunch at Toasted Yolk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Later that day, the D6 Fest continues at Memorial Park starting at 3 o'clock p.m. Come out and enjoy giveaways, food trucks, a kid zone, musical performances, and so much more. Then on Sunday, join us for a service day beginning with church service and a food box giveaway at First Baptist Church of Mason City starting at 10 a.m. And then we'll close out the weekend with a taste of West End at Arlington House starting at 4 45 p.m. You don't want to miss this fun happening in D6. Don't forget our motion to adjourn mailbag is open, but we need it filled with your questions. Mailbag is your chance to connect directly with your city. Got a question, suggestion, or concern? We want to hear from you. Send us an email at bhamalcitycouncil at gmail.com and let your voice be part of the conversation here on the Motion to Adjourn podcast. Again, that's Bham AL City Council at gmail.com. Remember, together we're building a stronger community, one idea at a time. Thanks for listening to Motion to Adjourn. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast to learn more about your city and local government. Also, follow us on our socials on Instagram and Facebook at City CouncilBeham. Until next time, stay informed and stay engaged.