NAACP Statement on Charges Against Officers in Freddie Gray’s Death

May 5, 2015

NAACP Statement on Charges Against Officers in Freddie Gray’s Death

BALTIMORE, MD — Six Baltimore police officers face criminal charges ranging from assault to second-degree murder in the death of Freddie Gray, who died from injuries suffered in police custody. In light of this development, the NAACP has released the following statement:

From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President and CEO:

“The NAACP applauds Maryland State Attorney Marilyn Mosby for taking this bold and important first step toward justice for Freddie Gray, his family and the Sandtown-Winchester community. We are encouraged by today’s charges, but we know that this is just the beginning. The NAACP has been committed to the fight against racial profiling and police brutality throughout our 106 year history and with this indictment; we will continue our work both locally, statewide and nationally on criminal justice reform including passage of the End Racial Profiling legislation.

We invoke the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers and so many others great practitioners of democracy and peace. We are grateful for the courage and tenacity of Freddie Gray’s family, whose quiet resolve is helping to shape a national movement for all of America’s children.”

From Gerald Stansbury, NAACP Maryland State Conference President:

“The Maryland State conference of the NAACP is pleased that the justice system has moved swiftly to address the tragedy of Freddy Gray’s untimely and unnecessary demise. This is a step towards due process for the family of Freddie Gray and the community. We hope that the actions taken by the State Attorney Mosby and Baltimore officials serve as an example for other states and for other “Freddie Grays” around the country.”

From Tessa Hill-Aston, Baltimore Branch NAACP President:

“The Baltimore Branch of the NAACP are elated that State Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced that all six officers involved will be charged in the death of Mr. Freddie Gray. All eyes are on Baltimore right now and we see this as the first steps towards justice for Freddie Gray. The Baltimore branch will continue to work for the civil rights of all of Baltimore citizens and to find justice for the young African-American males who have suffered from police misconduct in Sandtown and throughout Baltimore—we will continue to work with Mayor Stephanie Rawlins-Blakely on securing body worn cameras for the Baltimore Police Department. We do all this as we continue to operate the NAACP Baltimore satellite office, serving community members at 1135 N. Gilmor Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland.”

Earthquakes and a Road to Recovery

Birmingham Times

May 4, 2015

News

Earthquakes and a Road to Recovery

It could happen anywhere! This article will give you one road to recovery you may not have known about.

If a natural disaster damages your property, you have undergone a casualty loss, which can be deductible as an itemized deduction on your federal income tax return.

As a rule of thumb, to be considered a casualty loss, it must be caused by an “Act of God”. Simple wear and tear over time does not count. One type of casualty loss is damage to property caused by earthquakes. You may take a deduction for earthquake casualty losses only to the extent that the loss is not covered by insurance.

You can deduct only the amount of the loss that exceeds 10% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for the year. A one-time $100 deduction applies for the year.

Example: Your home is damaged by an earthquake. Your home has a $50,000 reduction in fair market value, but your adjusted cost basis was $20,000. Therefore, now the lower limit is $20,000. Your earthquake insurance covers $10,000 of the damage. The unpaid part of your claim is $10,000. Subtracting the $100, you end up with $9,900. If your AGI is $45,000, 10% is $4,500. You can deduct the portion of your loss above the $4,500, so you subtract that number from $9,900. Your total deduction is $5,400.

Where your disaster loss exceeds your current income, you may carry back the excess loss three years to get refunds of prior years’ federal tax payments. If you still have some unused loss, you may carry it forward for up to 15 years.

What happens if you do not repair or replace the damage? You are entitled to the deduction when the loss occurs. You do not have to fix the damage to claim tax deductions.

Casualty losses are always deductible in the year the casualty occurred. However, if you have a casualty loss from a federally declared disaster, you have another option: You can treat the loss as having occurred in the prior year, and deduct it on your return or amended return for that tax year. This way, you can get a quick tax refund.

For your records, you will need to have the following:

Documents showing that you owned each asset you claimed was

damaged or destroyed—for example, a deed or receipt.

Contracts or purchase receipts showing the original cost of the item,

plus any improvements you made to it.

An appraiser can determine the value before and after the earthquake

and subtract the two; the difference is your disaster loss.

This road to recovery also applies to storm, fire and theft damages. It will lead to a less painful recovery by allowing the government to help pay for the costs of repair and/or replacement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Eugene E. Vollucci, is considered to be one of the foremost authorities on real estate taxation and rental income investing and has authored four books in these fields. He is the Director of the Cal State Companies Center for Real Estate Studies, a real estate research organization. To learn more about the Center for Real Estate Studies, please visit our web site at http://www.calstatecompanies.com

With Rescue Near, Boko Haram Stoned Captives To Death

Birmingham Times

May 4, 2015

With Rescue Near, Boko Haram Stoned Captives To Death

ap-nigeriakidnappedgirls-447 — Nigeria kidnapped girls

YOLA, Nigeria (AP) — Even with the crackle of gunfire signaling rescuers were near, the horrors did not end: Boko Haram fighters stoned captives to death, some girls and women were crushed by an armored car and three died when a land mine exploded as they walked to freedom.

Through tears, smiles and eyes filled with pain, the survivors of months in the hands of the Islamic extremists told their tragic stories to The Associated Press on Sunday, their first day out of the war zone.

“We just have to give praise to God that we are alive, those of us who have survived,” said 27-year-old Lami Musa as she cradled her 5-day-old baby girl.

She was among 275 girls, women and their young children, many bewildered and traumatized, who were getting medical care and being registered a day after making it to safety.

Nigeria’s military said it has freed nearly 700 Boko Haram captives in the past week. It is still unclear if any of them were among the so-called “Chibok girls,” whose mass abduction from their school a year ago sparked outrage worldwide and a campaign for their freedom under the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls.

Musa was in the first group of rescued women and girls to be transported by road over three days to the safety of the Malkohi refugee camp, a dust-blown deserted school set among baobab trees opposite a military barracks on the outskirts of Yola, the capital of northeastern Adamawa state.

Last week’s rescue saved her from a forced marriage to one of the killers of her husband, she said.

“They took me so I can marry one of their commanders,” she said of the militants who carried her away from her village after slaughtering her husband and forcing her to abandon their three young children, whose fates remain unknown. That was five months ago in Lassa village.

“When they realized I was pregnant, they said I was impregnated by an infidel, and we have killed him. Once you deliver, within a week we will marry you to our commander,” she said, tears running down her cheeks as she recalled her husband and lost children.

Musa gave birth to a curly-haired daughter the night before last week’s rescue.

As gunshots rang out, “Boko Haram came and told us they were moving out and that we should run away with them. But we said no,” she said from a bed in the camp clinic, a blanket wrapped around ankles so swollen that each step had been agony.

“Then they started stoning us. I held my baby to my stomach and doubled over to protect her,” she said, bending reflexively at the waist as though she still had to shield her newborn.

She and another survivor of the stoning, 20-year-old Salamatu Bulama, said several girls and women were killed, but they did not know how many.

The horrors did not end once the military arrived.

A group of women were hiding under some bushes, where they could not be seen by soldiers riding in an armored personnel carrier, who drove right over them.

“I think those killed there were about 10,” Bulama said.

Other women died from stray bullets, she said, identifying three by name.

There were not enough vehicles to transport all of the freed captives and some women had to walk, Musa said. Those on foot were told to walk in the tire tracks made by the convoy because Boko Haram militants had mined much of the forest. But some of the women must have strayed because a land mine exploded, killing three, she said.

Bulama shielded her face with her veil and cried when she thought about another death: Her only son, a 2-year-old toddler who died two months ago of an illness she said was aggravated by malnutrition.

“What will I tell my husband?” she sobbed after learning from other survivors who used borrowed cell phones to try to trace relatives that her husband was alive and in the northern town of Kaduna.

Musa, who had been in pain and withdrawn after her arrival the night before, greeted a reporter with smiles on Sunday — and the news that her breasts were finally giving milk and nourishment to her yet-to-be-named daughter.

Another survivor, Binta Ibrahim, was 16 years old and accompanying her sister-in-law to the dressmaker when Boko Haram insurgents rode into their village of Izghe, firing randomly at civilians. On that day in February 2014, the AP reported at least 109 people were killed and almost every hut destroyed as the militants lobbed firebombs onto their thatch roofs.

Ibrahim, her sister-in-law and two of Ibrahim’s sisters were among scores of young women abducted.

Her two sisters escaped in the pandemonium that surrounded an air raid, but Ibrahim, who was caring for three children she found abandoned after the insurgents moved into the neighboring village of Nbitha, did not go with them.

“I had these three kids to care for and I couldn’t abandon them a second time,” she explained.

She described trekking for two days from Nbitha to Boko Haram’s hideout in the Sambisa Forest with 2-year-old Matthew and 4-year-old Elija Yohanna strapped to her back and 4-year-old Maryam Samaila clinging to her waist.

“They were so weak from lack of food that they couldn’t walk. There was nothing to do but rest when I couldn’t take another step, and then press ahead when I had recovered,” she said.

The children are Christian and Ibrahim is a Muslim. While Nigeria’s northeastern Islamic insurgency has polarized many of Nigeria’s people on religious lines, that was the last thing in Ibrahim’s big heart.

“I love them as if they are my own,” she said, striking her breast with both fists to show the depth of her love for the children, who were rescued with her and still remain in her care.

Rep. Sewell Congratulates Loretta Lynch on Her Historic Confirmation as U.S. Attorney General

Birmingham Times

April 30, 2015

Rep. Sewell Congratulates Loretta Lynch on Her Historic Confirmation as U.S. Attorney General

 The Congresswoman thanks Eric Holder for his leadership and courage to confront social injustice
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Terri Sewell issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Loretta Lynch as Attorney General:

“I am proud to congratulate Loretta Lynch on her confirmation as U.S. Attorney General. Her confirmation is a historic step for our nation and a testament to how far we have come. Ms. Lynch will undoubtedly lead the U.S. Justice Department with the same conviction for justice that she has shown as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and with the same dignity and grace she displayed throughout the confirmation process.
“I would also like to thank Eric Holder for his stalwart leadership as Attorney General. Mr. Holder broke new ground as the first African-American to lead the Justice Department, and he has shown tremendous courage confronting social injustice.”

Photo: Reps. Terri Sewell, Sheila Jackson Lee, Yvette Clarke, Marcia Fudge, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Corrine Brown, Barbara Lee, Frederica Wilson, Maxine Waters, and Brenda Lawrence following the confirmation vote of Loretta Lynch. They sat together on the Senate floor during the historic vote.

Potential Danger Exists From Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice) in Alabama, 96 Hospitalized

Birmingham Times

April 30, 2015

Potential Danger Exists From Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice) in Alabama, 96 Hospitalized

Alabama hospitals have reported a total of 462 patients seen from March 15 through April 20 who have experienced symptoms after smoking or ingesting synthetic cannabinoids commonly known as Spice. Of these, 96 patients were hospitalized and two deaths have occurred.
Active surveillance began on April 15, 2015. Prior to this, hospitals reported approximate date ranges and numbers of patients seen.   The Alabama Department of Public Health continues to warn about the hazards associated with the use and the risk to the public from synthetic cannabinoids. Users of the synthetic mixtures typically experience symptoms that include rapid heart rate, nausea and vomiting, agitation, confusion, lethargy, hallucinations, kidney and respiratory problems.
Over the past six months the people hospitalized have ranged in age from 13 through the 60s; most are males in their 20s and 30s. Their injuries are serious in nature, and the long-term health effects are unknown.
The designer drug substances consist of dried plant material sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids and any mixture of other unknown chemicals including pesticides and rat poison. The chemical compounds reportedly stimulate the same brain areas affected by marijuana, and they have a high potential for abuse. Users may opt for these marijuana alternatives because they believe they are safe.
Dr. Mary G. McIntyre, ADPH Assistant State Health Officer for Disease Control and Prevention says that “Responses to these chemicals can be unpredictable and deadly. People have experienced coma, kidney failure, and heart attacks just to mention some of the effects experienced by users. Please do not take the risk. Do not use these products.”
Hundreds of different variants are marketed under names that include “Spice,” “K2,” “Spice Gold,” “Sence,” “Genie,” “Zohai,” “Yucatan Fire,” “Smoke,” “Sexy Monkey,” “Black Mamba” and “Skunk.”
The possession or sale of chemical compounds typically found in these synthetic substances is unlawful.

Military Evacuating Girls, Women Rescued From Boko Haram

Birmingham Times

April 30, 2015

Military Evacuating Girls, Women Rescued From Boko Haram

By Associated Press

LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria’s military says they’re moving 200 girls and 93 women from a northeastern forest where they were rescued from Boko Haram extremists.
Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman says many are traumatized. He says the military on Wednesday is flying in medical and intelligence teams to establish their psychological and physical health.
He says they started evacuating them from the Sambisa Forest on Tuesday but would not say to where.
Military operations continue in the forest where it was announced Tuesday the women and girls were rescued while troops were destroying four Boko Haram camps.
An intelligence officer and a soldier say Boko Haram used some of the women as armed human shields, a first line of defense who fired at troops. They demanded anonymity because the issue is sensitive.

Judson College Announces 2015 Choir and Hand Bell Tour

Birmingham Times

April 30, 2015

Judson College Announces 2015 Choir and Hand Bell Tour

MARION, Ala. – Dr. Camilla Horne, Assistant Professor of Music and Head of the Music Department at Judson College, has announced the schedule for the college’s 2015 Choir and Handbell Tour. This spring’s music tour will feature performances by The Judson Singers and Handbell Ensemble.
The student musicians, under the direction of Horne, will travel and perform in Alabama for six consecutive days. Beginning its musical trek with a performance in Marion on Thursday, April 30, the group will then make stops in Spanish Fort, Mobile, Selma and Montgomery, before returning to Marion on Tuesday, May 5 for its final performance.
Following is the complete performance itinerary for Judson College’s 2015 music tour:

Thursday, April 30 – 7 p.m. – Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Marion, Ala.

Friday, May 1 – 11 – 11:45 a.m. – Robertsdale High School, Robertsdale, Ala.

Friday, May 1 – 7 – 8 p.m. – Faith Family Fellowship Church, Spanish Fort, Ala.
Saturday, May 2 – 9 – 10 a.m. – Somerby Assisted Living Facility, Mobile, Ala.

Sunday, May 3 – 10:45 a.m. – First Baptist Church, Selma, Ala.

Sunday, May 3 – 3 p.m. – Cedar Hills Assisted Living Home, Selma, Ala.
Sunday, May 3 – 5 p.m. – “Jesus Day” at First Baptist Church, Selma, Ala.

Monday, May 4 – 9 – 10 a.m. – Lighthouse Christian Academy, Montgomery, Ala.

Monday, May 4 – 2 – 2: 45 p.m. – Elmcroft of Halcyon Assisted Living Facility, Montgomery, Ala.

Tuesday, May 5 – 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. – Francis Marion High School – Marion, Ala.

Dr. Horne has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education (majoring in voice, piano, and flute) from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., a Masters of Musical Arts Degree in Conducting from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a Ph.D. in Music from the University of Minnesota.
Horne performs regularly as a conductor, vocal/instrumental/keyboard soloist, is a guest conductor for several state and regional choral festivals, and is frequently asked to present workshops on a multitude of relevant music education subjects at local, state, regional, and national conventions. She is completing her second academic year at Judson College.

Farmers Try to Catch Up on Planting During Dry Days

Birmingham Times

April 30, 2015

Farmers Try to Catch Up on Planting During Dry Days
Alabama farmers are taking advantage of dry weather to catch up on field work, but they are still behind the five-year average for planting corn.
As of Sunday, April 19, farmers across the state had only planted 31 percent of the planned corn crop, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report. Usually, 66 percent of the corn crop is planted by this time.
“We were about 85 percent finished planting corn, but then we put the brakes on what we had left,” said Andy Wendland, who farms in Autauga County. “The ground was just so wet. We were prepared to switch over to cotton immediately to replace those last few corn acres.”
Wendland is chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Wheat and Feed Grains Committee and Autauga County Farmers Federation president. Like many Alabama farmers, he planned to plant less corn this year. Total corn acreage is expected to be down 10 percent in Alabama.
“We started planting cotton yesterday, and we’re making some pretty good progress with the dry weather,” he said. “We are still way behind on nutrient application. We just haven’t had the opportunity to get in the field, and we have neighbors who are in the same position.”
Wet weather also delayed field preparations for soybean, cotton and peanut farmers.
“At this point, we’re probably two to three weeks behind on getting things ready for planting,” said Colt Clemmons, who farms corn, soybeans and wheat in Lauderdale County. “We can’t get anything to dry out. We’ve prepared land for corn and grain sorghum, but our soybean land still has cover crops growing.”
In winter, some row crop farmers plant cover crops to prevent soil erosion, add nutrients, maintain soil moisture and minimize weed growth. Other seeds are planted over the cover crops in spring.
“Usually we are finished planting corn by April 15, but this year we haven’t started,” said Clemmons, vice president of the Federation State Soybean Committee. “If we don’t have all the corn planted by May 7, we’ll switch that land to soybeans. Our wheat is starting to mature, but it needs more heat and less moisture.”
While sunshine was abundant this week, April rainfall has been above average at every Alabama station that reports to the National Weather Service. Rainfall ranges from three-quarter inches above average in Muscle Shoals to more than eight inches above average in Mobile.
“It’s been really wet, and we’ve gotten lots of rain,” said Andy Thornburg, a Mobile County farmer. “But if it will hold off for a while, we will be OK. A wet spring is definitely better than a dry spring.”
Thornburg raises peanuts and cotton. He said this week’s dry weather allowed him to spread fertilizer but required the use of flotation tires on the spreader truck to avoid getting stuck in the mud. He said he expects to start planting next week.
Ed White, who farms peanuts and cotton in Henry and Dale counties, said few farmers in his area were planting, but he expects that to change if dry weather continues.
“Our planters are sitting on ready, but we’re not really behind yet,” White said. “We normally get started about May 1 and try to get everything planted by the end of May.”
Some corn is up in the southeast area of the state, White said, and some young corn has turned yellow from excess rain. However, a few days of sunshine should have that turned around pretty quick, he said.
Soybean, peanut and cotton planting is on pace for the five-year average in Alabama, according to the USDA report. Winter wheat is slightly behind the five-year average for maturing, but the crop looks promising with 97 percent rated fair or better. Farmers also reported an optimistic outlook for the state’s oat crop.

Lady Hornets Hold Lead; Men 9th at the End of Second Day of Outdoor Championships

Birmingham Times

April 30, 2015

Lady Hornets Hold Lead; Men 9th at the End of Second Day of Outdoor Championships
HUNTSVILLE – The final day of competition of the 2015 SWAC Outdoor Championship is shaping up to be an amazing finish as the Lady Hornet team holds an 83-41 lead on second place Prairie View. The men currently sit in ninth place with eight points and will look to get back into the mix heading into the last day.
“We had some really positive things happen today,” Head Coach Ritchie Beene said.” We got off to a good start today to open up the meet. We left several points out there but overall it is going to be a long and tough weekend and tomorrow will tell a lot about how things will shape up for the championship.
The women’s heptathlon was the first event to complete action on the second day. Alicia Terrell finished the event in fourth place setting a personal collegiate record of 4,318 points adding five points to the Lady Hornets total.
In the javelin throw, Lori Davis’ toss of 38.64m gave her first place scoring 10 points. Mia Mike took third in the shot put event with a 13.24m toss earning her six points, Desiree Horn who finished seventh (5.62m) added two points in after the long jump event.
Maurice Buchanan placed second overall in the long jump (7.36m) for the men scoring eight points.
“Maurice is a positive spark for this team, he got out there today and did a great job in the long jump providing a great start for our men’s program with his second place finish,” said Beene.
In the final event of the day for the Lady Hornets, the 3,000m steeplechase saw Artrailia LeSane pull away and cruise to a first place finish in a time of 10:54.41 to give the Lady Hornets another 10 points as teammates Shakalia Williams (11:54.88) and Sade Lavallias (12:27.26) placed second and fourth adding 13 points to the Lady Hornet total.
The majority of the day was spent on the prelims for the other running events. The top eight from each event will move onto the finals in those events tomorrow. The Lady Hornets had 18 runners move to the finals and will have a slight edge against the rest of the field heading into the final day. On the men’s side five will represent ASU in the finals tomorrow.
Day One Recap
The Lady Hornets pack of Paige Rankine (36:28.92), Lesane (39:19.71), Williams (40:23.77) and Lavallias (41:46.29) finished 1-2-3-7 the 10,000m run scoring a collective 26 points. Imani White (48.91m) finished second in the hammer throw (48.91m) scoring eight points. Quinta Collier (2.71m) and Monica Howard (2.71m) finished seventh and eighth in the women’s pole vault scoring three points.
The final day of action for the SWAC Outdoor Championships will begin at 9 a.m. with the women’s discus throw and triple jump and the men’s high jump. The finals of the running events will begin at 1 p.m. with the women’s 400m relay.

Classified

Birmingham Times

April 30, 2015

**Employment

*UTILITY COORDINATOR

*BJCC has an immediate FT opening for an experienced
*Utility Coordinator in its Mechanical Plant. Must have
a min of 2yrs exp. operating mechanical equipment such
as chillers and boilers, electrical, HVAC, and computers.
Excellent benefits and pay. Apply online at *www.bjcc.org.
BT04/30/15
_______________
**CATERING SERVICE
*Rae Rae’s Catering
All Events – Weddings –
Family Reunions – Etc.
*205-266-0831or 205-587-7503
BT04/30/15
________________
*WANTED MEMORABILIA

*Negro Baseball Memorabilia

*NEED NEGRO BASEBALL ITEMS
*UNIFORMS, POSTERS, GLOVES, *ETC. CHARLES REED 205-527-2498
*FAIR PRICES PAID!
BT04/30/15
________________
**NOTICE

*PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICATIONS
*SUSPENDED
*JEFFERSON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
*601 Pecan Street
*Warrior, Alabama 35180
*(205) 647-4369

*Effective Thursday, April 30, 2015, the *Jefferson County Housing Authority *Warrior Office will no longer accept *Public Housing applications until further *notice.
BT04/30/15
________________
**Legals

*INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for *Pleasant Grove Debris Removal Project at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 19th day of May, 2015, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Any bid to be delivered by hand or mail prior to the above time or at a different place shall be at the full risk of the bidder. Such bids may be delivered or mailed to the Jefferson County Office of Community and Economic Development, at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If for any reason such bid does not reach Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse prior to the opening, it may be rejected. *No *bids shall be accepted after the time stated for receipt *of bids. This requirement shall not be waived.

All bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished, or copy thereof, and must be in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope should contain the following:

(1) “SEALED BID”; (2) “DO NOT OPEN”; (3) PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER;(4) PROJECT OFFICER: “Yolanda B. Caver”;
(5) CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS
(6) ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER (7)DUNS #

Bids are invited upon the work as follows:

Storm debris removal at 18 locations located in the City Limits of Pleasant Grove

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or bank draft payable to the order of *Jefferson County, Alabama negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value) or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the *Pleasant Grove Debris Removal Project. The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; and at the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 601 37th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222.

The bid package may be obtained by depositing *$50.00 with *Spencer Engineering 3237 Lorna Road Birmingham, AL 35216, *205-822-2437 for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents.

Bidders are advised that submitted bids bind the bidders to the “Bid Conditions Setting Forth Affirmative Action Requirements for all Non‑Exempt Federal and Federally‑assisted Construction Contracts to be awarded in Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties, Alabama, “also known as the Birmingham Hometown Plan.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as set forth in the contract documents must be paid on this project, and that the contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.

All bidders be advised that this contract is subject to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development act of 1968, as amended, (12 USC l701U) which if it is in excess of $100,000, requires that to the “greatest extent feasible”, opportunities for training and employment be given lower income residents of the project area and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are: (1) 51 percent or more owned by section 3 residents; or (2) Whose permanent, full-time employees include persons, at least 30 percent of whom are currently section 3 residents, or within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern were section 3 residents; or (3) That provides evidence of commitment to subcontract in excess of 25 percent of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications set forth in paragraphs (1) or (2) in this definition of “section 3 business concern.”

All bidders must be licensed by the State of Alabama Licensing Board of General Contractors, as required by Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975 as amended.

The Jefferson County Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

This project will be funded in its entirety (100%) with Federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds.

*No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of Sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.
BT04/30/15
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*ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
*And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
* from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Mike Burgess on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294 until 4:00 PM Central Time May 12, 2015. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

*UAB HIGHLANDS FIRST FLOOR PATIENT INTAKE AND HOLDING
*FOR THE UAB HEALTH SYSTEM
*AT The
*University of Alabama at Birmingham
*Birmingham, Alabama
*Project No.: H155010

*A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work generally includes miscellaneous interior renovation of an existing Patient Intake and Holding area and associated support spaces with a total of approximately 2,176 s.f. including demolition, new partitions, doors and frames, finishes, and miscellaneous plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, fire alarm, and electrical work. Work will be performed within the operating hospital facility using high levels of infection control measures and the contractor should have experience with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures and interim life safety measures in a hospital environment as well as experience in performing construction in an operating hospital.

*B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, May 12, 2015 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than May 15, 2015 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

*Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

*Architect:
Birchfield Penuel & Associates
2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Mr. Clay Birchfield
205-870-1876
205-870-3058
clayb@bpa.net

*C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR *BIDDERS

*Documents:
After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified prime contractor bidders may obtain bid documents from the Architect (see address above) upon deposit of $100.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two (2) sets issued to each prime general contractor bidder upon return of documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening. Additional sets for pre-qualified prime contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors, or dealers may be obtained upon payment of the same deposit. The deposit for additional sets shall be refunded less the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, upon return of the documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Construction Market Data, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912; and electronically through McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.

*Bonds:
A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

*Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). *The Bid Date is June 2, 2015 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the *University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 *University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35294.

*Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid *opening at the Office of Juan DeOnis, Director of Program Planning *Facilities and Capital Projects, 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue south, *Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the *date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at *the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be *properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on June 2, 2015 *will be returned unopened.

*Fire Alarm Work
In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A, of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid, evidence of licensure as required by the act, by including with the bid submittal, a valid State Fire Marshal’s permit.

*D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on May 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the UAB Highlands Hospital Main Lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.

*BT04/30/15
______________________________
*ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
*And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
*from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the *Owner’s Representative/Project *Manager, Stan Cordrey on behalf of Office of the *Associate Vice President, Facilities *& Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at *UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL *35294 until 4:00 PM Central Time May 4, 2015. *The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the *Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

*UAB HIGHLANDS PARTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENT
*FOR THE UAB HEALTH SYSTEM
*AT The
*University of Alabama at Birmingham
*Birmingham, Alabama
*Project No.: H155011

*A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work generally includes replacement of approximately 16,000 square feet of existing roofing, insulation, and associated flashing. Work will be performed above occupied areas of an operating Hospital facility. The Contractor should have experience with the implementation and maintenance of roofing installation and interim life safety measures in a Hospital environment as well as experience in performing roofing installation in an institutional setting.

*B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. *Prospective Bidder’s Pre-*qualification Package must be received by the *Owner’s *Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, May 4, 2015 *after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect *upon letterhead request.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

*Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

*Architect:
Birchfield Penuel & Associates
2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Mr. Clay Birchfield
205-870-1876
205-870-3058
clayb@bpa.net

*C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

*Documents:
After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified prime contractor bidders may obtain bid documents from the Architect (see address above) upon deposit of *$50.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two (2) sets issued to each prime general contractor bidder upon return of documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening. Additional sets for pre-qualified prime contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors, or dealers may be obtained upon payment of the same deposit. The deposit for additional sets shall be refunded less the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, upon return of the documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening.

*Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). *The Bid Date is May 14, *2015 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the *University of *Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 *University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35294.

*Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the *date of the bid opening at the Office of Stan Cordrey, *Facilities Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue south, *Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After *12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be *hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed *proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be *properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. *on May 14, 2015 will be returned unopened.

*D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
*A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on May 7, *2015 at 4:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the UAB *Highlands Hospital Main Lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.

BT04/30/15
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