NAACP President Ben Jealous Abruptly Announces His Resignation

September 12, 2013

Benjamin Todd Jealous, president-elect of the NAACP; his wife, Lia Epperson Jealous, a professor of constitutional law at Santa Clara University; their daughter, Morgan

In what appears to be a surprise to even the insiders of his organization, Ben Jealous has announced that he is going to resign as the president of the NAACP, effective at the end of this year. The announcement came as Jealous was able to claim that the group has become financially sound under his leadership.
“The NAACP has always been the largest civil rights organization in the streets, and today it is also the largest civil rights organization online, on mobile and at the ballot box too,” Jealous said in a statement issued by the organization. “I am proud to leave the Association financially sound, sustainable, focused, and more powerful than ever.”
Jealous took over the organization in 2008, the same year that President Barack Obama was elected. Since then, Jealous has worked closely with the Obama Administration, expanding the organization’s focus to include immigration and gay rights, two leading priorities of President Obama. The result was that Jealous and his colleagues had ready access to the president, which opened the door for the group to raise money to dig out of a gaping financial hole.
No successor to Jealous has been announced. But it is agreed that the group’s appointment of Jealous at the age of 35 gave a significant burst of energy to a group that had been criticized for growing old and out of touch.
In addition to gay rights and immigration, the NAACP also fought on voting rights, another priority of the Obama Administration. Jealous helped to lead protests against the execution of Troy Davis, and the not guilty verdict of George Zimmerman. Jealous was also instrumental in helping ex-felons obtain voting rights and was a member of the National Newspaper Publisher’s Association.
The group was criticized under Jealous’ tenure for working so closely with the Obama Administration that it was unable to effectively criticize it. Also, Jealous was asked to explain why the organization took money from Wells Fargo, a bank that has been sued for causing hundreds of thousands of African Americans to lose their homes via predatory lending.
Jealous hasn’t given much of an explanation for his resignation, other than saying that he wants to spend more time with his family.

Tonya Perry from Birmingham, Alabama Honored with  2013 Richard W. Halle Teaching Award

Birmingham Times

September 12, 2013

Urbana, IL – – Tonya Perry from Birmingham, Alabama has been named the winner of the 2013 Richard W. Halle Award for an Outstanding Middle Level Educator, given by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Established in 1996, this award honors a junior high school/middle level educator who has worked to promote understanding of the developmental needs and characteristics of young adolescents, especially in the English language arts. The award recognizes the contributions of middle level educator Richard Halle of Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Middle level education has been Perry’s focus throughout her career as a classroom teacher and university professor. As assistant professor at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, she teaches and researches the topics of adolescent reading and writing and curriculum design in an effort to find the best ways to help teachers and students develop their talents and maximize their potential. She works with various schools and districts to develop her inquiry into methods of critical and creative approaches of instruction. In one district, she facilitates monthly professional development on curriculum writing with middle and high school teachers.

Perry has been an active member and office holder in many professional organizations throughout her career and continues to present at national, state, and local conferences and workshops. She has also been recognized with many awards, including being named the Alabama Teacher of the Year and being a finalist for National Teacher of the Year.

A “middle level educator” is defined as anyone who has worked to improve schools and schooling for the junior high school/middle level — teacher, principal, college person, curriculum specialist, or supervisor. Nominees encourage a spirit of inquiry and development of critical and creative thinking within the profession; show evidence of exemplary professional involvement, participation in activities such as workshops, curriculum development, and association programs and projects; connect classroom with community; foster the development of literacy education at the middle level; and promote research on the middle level student.

Perry will be announced as the recipient of the Richard W. Halle Award for an Outstanding Middle Level Educator at the Middle Level Get-Together on Thursday, November 21 during the 2013 NCTE Annual Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.

For more information about the NCTE Richard W. Halle Award for an Outstanding Middle Level Educator, including previous winners, see http://www.ncte.org/awards/halle.

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The National Council of Teachers of English, with 35,000 individual and institutional members worldwide, is dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education. For more information, please visit http://www.ncte.org.

Rep. Demetrius Newton, 1st Black Speaker Pro Tem of Alabama House, dies

Birmingham Times

September 12, 2013

Rep. Demetrius Newton, D-Birmingham, a former judge who became the first Black Speaker Pro Tem in the House of Representatives, has died. He was 85 years old.
Newton’s death was announced by House Public Information Officer Clay Redden. No cause of death was immediately available.
First elected in 1986, Newton was elected Speaker Pro Tem of the House of Representatives, the No. 2 leadership position in the House, in 1998. He was the first Black representative to hold the position, and held it until Republicans took over the Legislature in 2010.
“Demetrius was a true statesman and a good friend,” House Minority leader Craig Ford, D-Gadsden, said in a statement. ”He made history as the first African American to serve as Speaker Pro Tem of the House, and his experience and advice were invaluable to me. I am deeply saddened by his loss. The state has lost a great representative and a good man.”
House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, called Newton “a true gentleman” in a statement.
“Mr. Newton was an intelligent, fair, and kind man as well as a respected and knowledgeable legislator who fought for his district,” the statement said. “His 27 years of service to the Alabama Legislature and his incredible impact on the Civil Rights movement will forever be a powerful part of Alabama history.”
Newton led efforts to reform the Alabama Constitution through a Constitutional Convention, submitting several bills and resolutions that called for a statewide referendum on whether to call a constitutional convention. The bills were repeatedly defeated, but Newton never stopped putting the issue before the Legislature.
“Our constitution is sick and it is on life support and the time is near and we ought to give it a dignified death,” Newton told a House committee hearing in 2006.
Newton also sponsored a 2007 resolution that increased legislators’ compensation 62 percent. The resolution was passed through both chambers on a rushed voice vote, and became a point of criticism from Republicans. Newton defended the measure, which at the time raised pay from $30,710 to $49,500 a year, saying that lawmakers make sacrifices to serve and needed adequate compensation to continue to do so.
The pay raise was reversed by a constitutional amendment approved by voters last year. Lawmakers’ compensation is now tied to the median household income in the state.
Newton graduated from Wilberforce Univerity in Ohio, and later earned a J.D. from Boston University, and said in a 2006 interview with the Gadsden Times that he attended the BU while Martin Luther King Jr. was in the school’s divinity program. Newton later represented protestors during the Selma-to-Montgomery march, which paved the way for the Voting Rights Act, in 1965.
Newton also worked as an attorney for the City of Birmingham, and was a judge in Brownville from 1972 to 1978.
Details on survivors were not immediately available, but Newton’s legislative biography lists a daughter and a son.

Studio 5D Dancers Pay Tribute to Birmingham Bombing 50th Anniversary

Birmingham Times

September 12, 2013

Brandi Boetto (12), Avery Richey (11), Rachel Vogin (12), and Emily Wightman (12) cried after their last performance of “Birmingham Sunday” at their national dance competition in Savannah, Georgia. Their performance was technically solid but more importantly, it touched the judges so emotionally that they were awarded not only Diamond First Overall Junior Small Group, but additionally they were given the highest Junior score of the Encore DCS weeklong national dance competition.
Gaymarie Tomlinson, Owner and Artistic Director of Studio 5D Dynasty Dance Centre in Winter Springs, was inspired when she listened to Joan Baez’s, Birmingham Sunday. “The music gave me goose bumps. I knew immediately we wanted to honor those four little girls that died at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.” Once Tomlinson had the vision she ran with it. In partnership with choreographer Rebecca Tarner, they choreographed a dance number that had an intricate set by D.A.C Productions, stunning white angelic costumes, and physically challenging choreography. “We know this is heavy material for these young kids, but we think it’s important for our dancers to know about these things that actually happened, ” said Gaymarie Tomlinson. Through the dance the girls have a way to honor this emotional tragedy.
Ironically, all four dancers are Caucasian, but each of them agree they have never felt more connected to a performance. The 16th Street Baptist church was a meeting place for civil rights leaders in 1963 including Martin Luther King. After ending racial segregation earlier that year, racially motivated terrorism was widespread. On Sunday morning, September 15, 1963, as 26 children entered the basement of the Baptist church the bomb exploded. Four children died, including Denise McNair, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Carole Robertson. Each of the dancers studied pages of background material of what happened to the four girls and became emotionally drawn into the terrifying experience. Additionally, each girl was given one of the four girls to honor and remember while they performed the routine. The purpose was not to reenact the bombing, but to remember an important event in American history and pay tribute to the four innocent children through the song and dance.
Gaymarie Tomlinson is celebrating 30 years of dance instruction and is still making waves in the dance world, winning many choreography awards and First Overall awards throughout Florida and the United States. The four girls featured in this routine are a great example of the quality of instruction at Studio 5D Dynasty Dance Center. Brandi Boetto was the First Overall Junior Solo Champion at nationals. Avery Richey was chosen as the Encore Cover Model and will be featured in every national dance magazine this upcoming season. All four girls, Boetto, Richey, Vogin and Wightman are top junior soloists, along with holding several regional and national titles. Boetto, Richey and Vogin share a special bond as the 2011 Starpower World Champion Trio. Avery Richey reminisces about the trio win, “Winning the trio was so much fun. It was a huge competition and they were filming Dance Moms at that competition. We didn’t realize we would all be on national TV and beat Abby Lee Miller’s trio at the same time!”
While dance is becoming more and more in the headlines with SYTYCD, America ‘s Got Talent, Breaking Pointe, Dancing with the Stars and even Dance Moms, these girls wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to these four young girls who lost their lives in a way that could be remembered through the art of dance.

Legendary journalist Ted Koppel to take stage with Birmingham Times founder Dr. Jesse J. Lewis Sr.

Birmingham Times

September 12, 2013

Acclaimed broadcast journalist Ted Koppel will be in Birmingham on Sept. 12 during the City’s “Empowerment Week” commemoration of the civil rights events of 1963. Koppel is coming to town to conduct an on-stage interview with Birmingham community journalist and entrepreneur Dr. Jesse J. Lewis Sr.
The interview is part of an event honoring the life and times of Lewis and celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Birmingham Times, which he founded.
Koppel, who started his career at ABC News in 1963, will talk with Lewis about journalism, then and now; the founding of The Birmingham Times as a newspaper covering the African-American community far beyond news of the civil rights movement; and much more. Koppel’s visit is part of Alabama Power’s year-long “Power of Leadership” initiative, recognizing business pioneers in the Black community as the City marks 50 years since the events of 1963.
The event is invitation-only but will be recorded to capture Dr. Lewis’ personal story as a leader in community journalism and business in Birmingham.
Dr. Lewis started his career in journalism as a reporter for two African-American community newspapers, the Birmingham World and the Birmingham Mirror. In addition to launching The Birmingham Times, Lewis started his own communications consulting firm, The Lewis Group, which he still operates. The Birmingham Times continues to circulate, having never missed an issue in 50 years.
“Any celebration of Birmingham’s business leaders would be incomplete without Dr. Lewis,” said John Hudson, vice president of Public Relations and Charitable Giving for Alabama Power. “He has been a powerhouse in Birmingham’s business community for decades, and I can’t imagine a better way to capture his story than with an interview conducted by one of the most accomplished journalists of our time.”
Koppel is best known as anchor of ABC’s “Nightline” news magazine, from 1980 to 2005. He has won every major broadcasting award, including 37 Emmy Awards, six George Foster Peabody Awards, 10 duPont-Columbia Awards, nine Overseas Press Club Awards and two George Polk Awards. In addition to four decades working for ABC, Koppel has also served as a special correspondent for NBC’s “Rock Center” and currently serves as a senior news analyst for National Public Radio.
Alabama Power, the Alabama Power Foundation and volunteers from the Alabama Power Service Organization are proud to support this year’s 50th anniversary of the pivotal events that took place in Birmingham in 1963, which helped lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the end of legalized segregation in the United States.
During Empowerment Week, a special exhibit is open to the public in the Power Gallery at Alabama Power headquarters, 600 North 18th Street in downtown Birmingham. The exhibit – “63, The Year Everything Changed” – is on loan from the nonprofit Birmingham History Center. Showing with the exhibit is an Alabama Power-produced video that recounts key moments in the city’s civil rights struggle. The exhibit runs through Sept. 16.
Combined, Alabama Power, the Alabama Power Foundation and the Alabama Power Service Organization have provided support for more than 15 events throughout the year connected to the 1963 commemoration.

For more information about the 50th anniversary of Birmingham’s civil rights movement and the most up-to-date listing of events, please visit www.50yearsforward.com<http://www.50yearsforward.com>.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. Learn more about the company and its community service efforts at www.alabamapower.com<http://www.alabamapower.com>.

Free home buyer seminar

Birmingham Times

September 12, 2013

Classifieds

Birmingham Times

September 12, 2013

EMPLOYMENT

Maintenance Technician

Royal Cup Coffee, the leading coffee roaster and nationwide provider of gourmet coffees, teas and allied products offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals. We are currently accepting applications for an immediate opening for a full time, Maintenance Technician.

Technician will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of Royal Cup Coffee production equipment, building and plant equipment.
Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career. Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply please visit online at www.royalcupcoffee.com/.
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University of Montevallo
is accepting applications for a
Senior HR Generalist
Apply online at
jobs.montevallo.edu
UM is an AA/EO Employer
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Business Opportunity

Want to get in at the ground floor?
This Entertainment District promises to be a world class development…
“Building wealth, while rebuilding our communities”.
For your invitation to the premier private investment seminar,
call (205) 999-6219!
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“Granite Countertops Installers”
6 Mo. Exp. Required.
Install, Polish, Fab
(205) 218-9579
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DRIVERS
Drivers: Great Pay/ Benefits!
Paid Vacation! Rider Program. DryBulk,
Longhaul. CDL-A w/Haz; 6mos exp, 21yoa.
855-777-WSTL
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SPECIALTY

SANDRA DESIGNER’S CLOSET
DRESS FOR LESS!
Call (205) 788-7862
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AUTOS SALE

2000 Toyota 4 runner
S.U.V. Priced right
Habla Español
Call Jay 205/863/7556

2004 Toyota 4runner
S.U.V. Loaded
Call Sammy 205/814/6454

2007 Toyota Camary
4 door automatic
Power windows and locks
Call Ivory 205/821/0491

2011 Toyota Camary
4 door nice
Call Sammy 205/814/0491

2003 Toyota Camary sle
Loaded automatic
Call Ivory 205/821/0491
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REAL ESTATE

Calling all singles ….

I have the best 2 BR with DEN home in Ensley Highlands for you. Beautiful yard, separate garage, C/A, porch and patio. Call me to take a look see; Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or Barnes and Associates (205)328-3330
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Veterans looking for a home? I will work with you in any area of town to find you the best on the market. Call Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
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OFFICE BUILDING FOR SALE

Ideal for medical office or hospital equipment sales directly across from Baptist Princeton Hospital. Off street parking, private shower, beautiful reception room. Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
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PUBLIC NOTICE

Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development will hold a Technical Advisory Committee Meeting on September 27, 2013 at 10 AM. The purpose of the meeting is to offer updates on programs offered through the Community & Economic Development department. The meeting will be held at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-440.

For questions concerning this meeting, please call Felicia Smith or Yolanda Caver at 325-5761.

Special accommodations are available, upon request, for those with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. Those requiring special accommodations should call 325-5761 in advance for assistance.
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PUBLIC NOTICE

New FM Translator

On August 30, 2013, Educational media Foundation filed an application BNPFT-20130830AQA
with the Federal Communications Commission requesting the Commission’s consent for a NEW
FM translator station to serve Graysville, Alabama. The NEW FM translator will operate on
channel 293 and will rebroadcast station WZNN (FIN #71417) in Gardendale, Alabama.

A copy of this application is on file for public inspection during regular business hours at 2288
Airport Boulevard, Santa Rosa, California 95403
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LEGALS

REQUEST FOR BIDS

REQUEST FOR BIDS HOUSING REHABILITATION BID ANNOUNCEMENT BID # 9-13-1

Bids will be accepted by the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development for proposed owner-occupied housing rehabilitation work at multiple addresses in the Jefferson County Community Development Consortium. Bids will be accepted no later than 4:00 PM on September 26, 2013. Bids will be opened at 2:00 PM on September 27, 2013 in Room A-430 of the Jefferson County Courthouse. Interested parties should contact the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development at knightj@jccal.org to request a bid package. Bid packages may be picked up in person at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Room A-430, Birmingham, AL 35203. Questions should be directed to Cheryl Collier at (205) 325-5761.
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Jefferson County through its Office of Community & Economic Development is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide architectural services associated with the North Smithfield Manor Storm Shelter Project, Warrior Storm Shelter- Trafford Road Project, and Concord Storm Shelter Project. Proposals must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., on Thursday, October 3, 2013.

RFQ packets can be obtained at the address below:
Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development
716 Richard Arrington JR BLVD, N.
Room A-430
Birmingham, AL 35203

For more information call Yolanda Caver at (205) 325-5761.
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NOTICE OF COMPLETION

In accordance with Chapter 1 Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Bennett Building, Inc., Contractor, has completed the contract for the Addition and Renovation for Coldwater Elementary School at 530 Taylor Chapel Road Oxford, AL 36201, for the State of Alabama and the Oxford City Board of Education, owners, and have made request for final settlement of said contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project would immediately notify Lathan Associates Architects, PC located at 1550 Woods of Riverchase Dr #200 Hoover, AL 35244.
Bennett Building, Inc.
120 Shady Acres Road
Alabaster, AL 35007
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INVITATION TO BID

Sealed Bid Proposals will be received by the Birmingham Parking Authority at 1732 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 until 2:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, September 24, 2013, for the Re-Paving of Parking Lot A-1 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. The work generally consists of preparing existing paving for overlay of new paving located in the Parking Lot fronting 20th Street North and behind buildings that are fronting on Morris Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama. Additional miscellaneous renovations are also included in the scope of work.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the City of Birmingham in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Specifications may be examined at the office of the Williams Blackstock Architects, 2204 First Avenue South, Birmingham, AL and Birmingham offices of F. W. Dodge, Builders Exchange, and Construction Market Data.

Bid Documents may be obtained on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 through the Alabama Graphics digital plan room at dpr.algraphics.com (telephone 205-252-8505) upon deposit of $50 per set, which will be refunded in full on the two sets issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in complete and good condition within ten days of bid date. Additional sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be ordered at cost.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the project site. The purpose of the conference is to provide a public forum for the clarification of the bid documents and the needs of the Birmingham Parking Authority and to provide a mechanism for bidder input into the procurement process.

The Birmingham Parking Authority is supportive of the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority’s (BCIA) initiative to encourage the participation of MBE/DBE firms in the construction process. Potential bidders should contact the BCIA (205-324-6202) for assistance in obtaining MBE/DBE participation in the bid process and contract award. The BCIA has compiled a list of certified MBE/DBEs by trade categories to assist General Contractors in identifying potential subcontractors of bidding opportunities.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.
Birmingham Parking Authority
Williams Blackstock
Architects
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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 at the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233 until 2:00pm local time on Monday, September 23, 2013 by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Juan de Onis, on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital Health Care Authority. 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.
CALLAHAN EYE HOSPITAL LIONS CLINIC FIRST FLOOR   RENOVATION UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT   BIRMINGHAM UAB PROJECT # H135010A
A.   SCOPE OF WORK:  The project, constructed under a single prime contract, will be performed in two phases in an occupied emergency department, so care will need to be taken to limit disturbances, coordinate shutdowns and follow strict ICRA requirements to protect patients, family and staff. The scope of the work includes renovations and improvements   to exam rooms, offices, work areas and waiting areas, including mechanical and electrical systems and replacement of lighting and ceilings, roofing, finishes, and required ICRA provisions. All work will be carefully coordinated with Hospital staff to ensure the operations of the facility are not interrupted. Lions Clinic Location is 1720 University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama, 35233.
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 2:00pm local time on Monday, September 23, 2013 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   2:00pm   local time on Monday, September 30, 2013.
A   mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Callahan Eye Hospital at the First Floor Lobby, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233 on   Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 10:00   AM CST.
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:  POOLE & COMPANY ARCHITECTS, LLC 2 NORTH   20TH STREET, SUITE 1610 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203  (205) 326-2206  (205) 326-2201 jpoole@pooleandcompany.com
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 for purchase through a DPR site at Alabama Graphics, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.
Bid documents will be available on September 30 at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3000 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912.
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).   Bids will be received until   Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 2:00pm local time at the 2020   Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.
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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, 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, October 1, 2013. 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.

RENOVATIONS OF UAB HIGHLANDS
TRIAGE AND SECURITY CHECK POINT
For The
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Project No.: UH130475

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

Work consists of renovating portions of the existing UAB Highlands Emergency Department Waiting Room for a triage room and security checkpoint including demolition, metal studs and drywall, doors, frames and hardware, architectural finishes, fire protection, plumbing, HVAC, 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, October 1, 2013 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 October 4, 2013 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. Jared Bussey
205-870-1876
205-870-3058
jaredb@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 Reed Construction Data Office, 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 October 29, 2013 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 October 29, 2013 will be returned unopened.

Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:
Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, nonresident prime contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts. Resident prime contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident prime contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on October 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the UAB Highlands Hospital first floor main lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
BT09/12/13
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Homicide Investigation

Birmingham Times

September 12, 2013

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at approximately 12 p.m., in the 2700 block of 29th Avenue North.

The victim has been identified as:
Timothy Bryant, B/M, 16, of Birmingham, Alabama.

The suspect has been identified as:
David Turner, B/M, 51, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Capital Murder warrant with no bond has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.

Officers from the North Precinct responded to the injured victim after he made his way to the North Precinct, located at 2600 31st Avenue North. The officers observed that the victim had suffered a stab wound and notified Birmingham Fire and Rescue. Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victim to U.A.B Hospital for treatment. Hospital staff later pronounced the victim deceased.
Officers learned that the stabbing incident took place in the 2700 block of 29th Avenue North. Officers also learned that the suspect took a bicycle from the victim after the stabbing. Officers later located the suspect in the Collegeville Community and took him into custody.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the BPD at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

Everything Seems Upside Down

Birmingham Times

September 12, 2013

As Cornwallis’ troops surrendered at Yorktown, the British band played a 17th century English ballad, “The World Turned Upside Down.” That tune could easily apply to financial conditions in this country today.
Fifty months after the Great Recession officially ended, the economy is still struggling to gain traction. GDP grew at anemic rates of 1.1 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively, for the first and second quarters of 2013.
The official unemployment rate currently is 7.4 percent. When the large numbers of people who have given up on seeking jobs are considered, the true unemployment rate is about 14 percent. And, significantly, over 75 percent of the new jobs created since the recession ended are part-time positions.
As the economy sputters, the nation’s central bank, the Federal Reserve, continues to spend money. “Quantitative easing” by the Fed has injected more than $572 billion into the economy, primarily through purchases of mortgage-backed securities. In effect, the Fed is monetizing the nation’s $16.9 trillion debt. And this no doubt will lead to inflation at some point in the future.
Amid the economic woes, contrary to what would be expected, the financial markets continue to prosper. The Dow-Jones Industrial Average has reached new highs in 2013, as have other indexes used to measure the performance of the financial markets.
Much of the gains can be attributed to the Fed, which has kept interest rates at historically low levels. This has encouraged investment in stocks, many of which have dividends that exceed short-term investment rates.
In the face of a struggling recovery, uncertainty about taxation and regulatory issues afflicts businesses as well as individuals. Neither can plan effectively because of questions about future taxes and onerous regulations. Government is harming the recovery at a time when it should be encouraging consumer spending and business investment.
And as gasoline prices remain high, politicians stymie efforts to move toward energy self-sufficiency. Some continue to protest and resist efforts to complete the Keystone Pipeline – extending from Canada to refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast –and oppose drilling for oil in parts of Alaska as well as offshore.
All of this makes no sense to most Americans. Indeed, everything seems upside down.

Wayne Curtis, Ph.D., a former superintendent of Alabama banks and university business school dean, is retired from the board of directors of First United Security Bank. He may be contacted at wccurtis39@gmail.com.

One Man’s Opinion

Birmingham Times

September 12, 2013

As a congressman, what decision would you make?
by Jesse J. Lewis, Sr.

There’s a resolution before the Senate to give the President of the United States the authority to bomb Syria in a limited and pinpointed way. We all know the story of Syria. According to almost everyone Syria has used chemical weapons to kill their own people consisting of women and children of all ages. The number is in the neighborhood of 2000, if not more.
Some several months ago the President said if chemical weapons were ever used, the red line would be crossed. Once the red line is crossed, we will take whatever action is necessary.
President Obama said that military action is warranted following a chemical attack that he asserts was ordered by Syrian President Bashar Assad. The president says he has the authority to act on his own, but believes it is important to have a debate. He will seek the sanction of the House and Senate as a part of the decision-making process. He said he contacted congressional leadership and that they plan to hold a vote as soon as Congress comes back in September.
“In a world of many dangers this menace must be confronted,” Obama said, adding that the attack on civilians “risks making a mockery of the global prohibition on chemical weapons.”
Fifty percent of American citizens say, according to the Constitution, the president does not have to notify Congress to strike Syria. The other 50 percent say, according to the Constitution, the president must notify Congress. More than seven in 10 say such a strike would not achieve significant goals for the U.S. and a similar amount say it’s not in the national interest for the U.S. to get involved in Syria’s bloody two-year-long civil war.
In many instances the House and Senate will make a political decision. In other words, they will vote on whatever it takes for them to get reelected. Some Republicans will vote against a war with Syria because President Obama recommends it. If President Obama was against going to war, those same people will vote for it. The debate over Syria has caused intra-party divides among both parties. Hawkish Republicans and moderate Democrats say the U.S. should strike, while the libertarian wing of the GOP says involvement is not in the U.S.’s interest. Liberal Democrats say there are alternatives to military action that haven’t been exhausted. If Congress does authorize military action, the gap between Democrats and Republicans shrinks to just four points, with 51 percent of Democrats and 47 percent of Republicans favoring military action. And if Congress rejects the resolution authorizing military action, large numbers in both parties oppose airstrikes.
President Obama declined to speculate whether he would go ahead with a military strike in Syria if Congress votes against authorizing it, saying he would try to convince Americans and lawmakers of the need to act against the government of President Bashar Assad.
“I put it before Congress because I could not honestly claim that the threat posed by Assad’s use of chemical weapons on innocent civilians and women and children posed an imminent, direct threat to the United States,” Obama said in a news conference in St. Petersburg.
Facing weak support for U.S. military action, President Obama said that a plan suggested by Russia to have Syria hand over its chemical arsenal to international control could avert American strikes “if it’s real? Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States and its allies should “pledge to renounce the use of force” as world powers work to deal with the Syrian chemical weapons issue. “It is difficult to make any country – Syria or any other county in the world – to unilaterally disarm if there is military action against it under consideration.”
Now what decision would you make?
email: jjlewis@birminghamtimes.com

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