The Birmingham City Council called a special meeting on Friday after unexpectedly naming councilman Darell O’Quinn council president Tuesday.
After O’Quinn’s supposed election, media reports claimed city officials questioned the results.
During its regular Tuesday council meeting, the nine-member body elected O’Quinn with only four votes. Before Councilwoman Carol Clarke nominated O’Quinn, incumbent Wardine Alexander and Clinton Woods were tied, each with four votes, Clarke abstaining.
Since O’Quinn was one of three candidates and received votes from Hunter Williams, Valerie Abbott, Clarke and himself, he was named the new president. The council then elected Alexander as Pro Tem to replace Councilwoman Crystal Smitherman.
According to further reports, officials are questioning whether the council appropriately elected O’Quinn according to the Mayor Council Act, which says that, in order to pass, any measure must receive a majority of those participating in the vote.
Friday’s special meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium. It is unclear if the council intends to cast a vote then or at its regular council meeting the following Tuesday.
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