Councilwoman Kimberly B. Cook

COUNCILOR JOURNAL
March 30, 2026 Work Session

Vestavia Hills City Council to consider moratorium on consumable h**p products City officials say they want to study their options under a new state law that regulates the sale of consumable h**p products.

See agenda for tonight's work session.

Follow the link to download supporting files:
https://vestaviahillsal.portal.civicclerk.com/.../overview

https://vestaviavoice.com/peopleplaces/vestavia-hills-soprano-in-finals-at-metropolitan-opera-house/

Vestavia Hills soprano in finals at Metropolitan Opera House Elizabeth Hanje, a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, is one of 10 finalists in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AssBzBjbe/

ALDOT to Close All US-280 Lanes at Pump House Road for Bridge Demolition

ALDOT crews will close all US-280 lanes in both directions at Pump House Road beginning at 11pm Friday, March 20 until 6am Monday, March 23. Westbound lanes will close nightly at 11pm and open each morning at 5am; eastbound lanes will remain closed for the entire work period. Note that the eastbound off-ramp onto Pump House Road will also be closed for the duration of the work. ALDOT crews will allow local traffic only for the residents located within the closure area.

Major delays are expected and ALDOT encourages travelers take an alternate path to avoid this corridor. (See detour map.) Note that ALDOT is planning one final closure later this spring to complete this bridge construction project.

For more info, visit https://aldotnews.com/2026/03/10/bridge-demolition-to-close-all-us-280-lanes-at-pump-house-road-in-mountain-brook.

I was proud to support the Vestavia Hills Rotary last night at their fundraiser to support our Vestavia Hills High School Debate team and other fine non-profits, all of which support students.

Justice Greg Cook and I were sponsors and got to watch a mock debate on the question of whether generative AI is beneficial to classroom learning. The judges were split on who had the better argument, so the audience had to decide.

I am so proud of our VHHS Debate team and their amazing wins at the national debate tournament. Congratulations to Debate Team Coach Nate Conoly and his talented team!

At the event, State Rep. Danny Garrett, Chair of the Education Budget Committee, announced a $250K line budget item to establish a pilot program for debate at American Village. This program will promote speech and debate in under-served Alabama schools.

Vestavia Hills Speech and Debate wins fifth straight state championship Vestavia Hills High School’s Speech and Debate team captured its fifth consecutive state championship with multiple individual event winners.

Have you checked out what is going on in Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation?

Look at this fabulous Winter/Spring 2026 activity guide our staff put together:https://vhparksandrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Web26SpringlActivityGuide_converted.pdf

I am proud of my former colleague, George Pierce for his confirmed appointment to the State Ethics Commission. I know he will do a great job serving in this important role.

Senate confirms former Vestavia Hills City Councilman George Pierce… Members of the Alabama Senate confirmed former Vestavia Hills City Councilman George Pierce to the Alabama Ethics Commission on Wednesday. | Alabama News

Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights holds the distinction of being located next door to our city's senior center, the New Merkel House. Each week, students stop by to visit with senior adults and connect over fun activities. VHECH students spent this afternoon at New Merkel House putting together some beautiful floral arrangements — it was a meaningful experience for the kids as well as the adults. We are so thankful for this wonderful partnership!

Councilor Journal
February 13, 2026

Happy Fri-yay!

Economic Dashboard is "hopeful".

✅ Despite a flat growth curve for YTD sales taxes, the last 12-month trend indicates a 3.49% increase.
✅ This morning the Feds just reported the 𝟭𝟮-𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗣𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 to 𝟮.𝟰%. >>> This continues good news that our economy is outpacing inflation.

To see the economic dashboard for this month (or any other), go to our Transparency Portal for more! https://stories.opengov.com/vestaviahillsal/published/TUgCbUjRS (Go to TRANSPARENCY PORTAL >> Stories >> Economic Dashboard.)

COUNCILOR JOURNAL
February 2, 2026 Meeting

Mrs. Cook reported that the Library Board elected Susan Swagler Chair and April Jackson-MacLennan Vice Chair at their last meeting.

Mrs. Cook followed up on her report from the previous meeting regarding interstate lighting. Alabama Power Company will host a meeting on February 17 of all the entities who have responsibility for interstate lighting, including ALDOT and various cities.