Residents raise Water Works lawsuit, title dispute and police conduct during public comments

Several residents used the council's public comment period on March 24 to raise legal, property and public‑safety concerns and to announce community events.

William Mohammed identified himself as a former Birmingham Water Works board member and said his group filed a lawsuit on Feb. 21 challenging Senate Bill 330, which increased the board to nine members and included appointees from outside the city. Mohammed alleged administrative actions since the bill's passage — including a round of drug tests and a layoff of approximately 135 workers — and said his group is preparing a temporary restraining order, asking the council for help: "We are in the process of filing ... a temporary restraining order because the drug tests were illegal," Mohammed said.

Joseph Hope addressed a separate property issue after earlier council action to deny his quitclaim deed request. He said he submitted $13,785 to clear a lien that the city later said existed on one of five lots included in his purchase and asked administration to work with him and the title company to resolve missing paperwork so the deed can be processed.

Tammy Smith of 1708 3rd Avenue North thanked Councilor Tate for recent sidewalks in Hooper City and raised a complaint about the conduct of a police officer called repeatedly to assist an elderly resident who she said may have dementia. Smith described multiple calls and said the officer's demeanor was "rude and cocky," asked for more hospitality training, and requested that the chief follow up with her.

Finally, a representative for Universe Soul Circus (recorded in the minutes as "Sam/Miss Samuel") announced the troupe will return to Legion Field April 16–26 and said opening night will include the mayor and local commissioners.

The council thanked speakers and directed administration to follow up where appropriate (for example, the clerk referred a deed matter to administration and the council asked the chief to follow up on Smith's concerns). No formal votes were taken on public‑comment items.