Ice arena first topic for new workshop series

In an effort to delve deeper into various topics beyond city commission time constraints, a new workshop series will be offered at 6 p.m. prior to the first regularly scheduled city commission meeting of the month, with the first workshop scheduled for Monday, March 8.

City commission meetings will follow. Residents are encouraged to attend the workshops to get a better understanding of the issues coming before the city commission. There will be a public comment period at the end of each session to allow for community input.

“Creating time for workshops will allow the city commission to take the necessary time to learn, explore and gain insight on important topics before making decisions in the best interest of the city,” said city manager Tom Markus.

The workshop at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 8 will explore future opportunities at the Birmingham Ice Arena, with topics to be discussed to include the pros and cons of using an enterprise fund; discussion about the ice arena renovation/addition design review with Robert Stempien from Plante Moran Cresa; and a deep dive into potential revenue sources that could be generated by the ice arena.

“With the passage of the Birmingham Parks and Recreation bond last fall, this is the perfect time to delve into the scheduled improvements, long-term use and financial aspects of the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena,” said Birmingham Director of Public Services Lauren Wood.

The tentative dates and topics for upcoming workshops are Monday, April 12, unimproved streets; Monday, May 10, a deep dive into the parking assessment district concept; Monday, June 14, short-term rentals; and a date in July, commission standards for online platforms/social media conduct.

Workshop agendas will be available each Thursday preceding the meetings at bhamgov.org/commissionagendas.