City Commission Meeting

The City Commission meeting of Birmingham, MI, held on September 28, 2026, included several procurement-related discussions and approvals. The commission appointed three new members to the Birmingham Community House Foundation to fill capability gaps in events, volunteer coordination, and fundraising. A lease agreement was approved for the Birmingham Blue Dolphins to manage the lower level pool premises at 400 East Lincoln, with a nominal rent of $1 per year and responsibility for pool operations and utilities. Additionally, the commission approved an employee lease agreement to fund an executive director position for the Community House Foundation, with a budget amendment of approximately $189,000 for salary and benefits. The meeting also covered special land use permits and liquor license transfers for local bistro and theater businesses, including the Birmingham 8 Movie Theater and Imagine Palladium, with new ownership by Bloomfield Fourteen LLC. A public hearing and resolution confirmed the Birmingham Shopping District special assessment rolls for 2027 through 2030. The commission discussed and postponed action on amendments to short term rental regulations, directing staff to clarify zoning applications and consider a citywide ban on short term rentals in residential uses. Other topics included updates on city construction projects, public art mural approvals, and police department use of license plate reader cameras. Several motions passed unanimously, while some commissioners expressed concerns about transparency and financial oversight related to the Community House Foundation and bistro licensing. Overall, the meeting focused on contract approvals, budget amendments, and regulatory updates affecting city operations and vendor engagements.