Correspondence from Lani Guinier to Donna Gloeckner
Correspondence
November 5, 1986

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Brief Collection, LDF Court Filings. Wright v. The City of Brighton Alabama Appendix, 1969. b19f0b97-c99a-ee11-be36-6045bdeb8873. LDF Archives, Thurgood Marshall Institute. https://ldfrecollection.org/archives/archives-search/archives-item/9acdebe2-5560-4680-9fb3-9c2f90cca62a/wright-v-the-city-of-brighton-alabama-appendix. Accessed August 19, 2025.
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APPENDIX IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT No. 29262 REBECCA WRIGHT, ET AL., Plaintiffs-Appellants versus THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, ET AL., Defendants-Appellees Appeal from the United States District for the Northern District of Alabama Court PAGE NO. Complaint---------------------- -------------- ------ 1 Motion for Preliminary Injunction---------------- 5 Motion for Continuance--------------------------- 9 Motion to Dismiss----------------- 10 Motion for Summary Judgment---------------------- 13 Exhibit One-------------- ---------------- -— ------ 15 Affidavit of E. B, Parsons---------------------- 17 Affidavit ofMrs. Annie L. Bitton-------------- -— 19 Affidavit of Leo Douison------------------- ------ 21 Affidavit of Mate Belton, Jr.------------------- 23 Affidavit of Mrs. Zettie Lewis------------------ 25 Affidavit of Mrs. Mary E. Finley-- -— ---- --- ----- 27 Affidavit of Maudie M. Perkins------- -----— -— - 29 Affidavit of Jehoshophat Greene-— ---- ----- 31 Affidavit of Garrett Gibson--------------------- 33 Affidavit of Cora L. Smith--------- 35 Affidavit of Ethel Nails------------------------- 37 Affidavit of Willie Nell Wilson-------------- --- 39 Affidavit of Evelyn R. Montieth--- --- ---- --- 41 Supplemental Affidavit of E.B. Parsons-'--------- 44 Affidavit of J. K. Edwards----------------------- 46 Amendment to Motion to Dismiss----- 48 Amendment to Motion for Summary Judgment--------- 51 Affidavit of Norman K. Brown--------------- ------ 54 I N D E X INDEX (Continued) PAGE NO. Motion to Dismiss--------— -— ---------- ------------ 58 Amendment to Complaint------ ----- ---------------- 62 Opinion in Lieu of Formal Findings----------- -— 63 Order Denying Motion for Preliminary Injunction— 66 Order of Court-----------— ----------------- 67 Amendment to Complaint--- ----------- ----------- --- 68 Motion to Convene a Three Judge court------------ 69 Order of Continuance------------------------------ 70 Order Overruling Motion to Convene a Three Judge Court------------------------------------------- 72 Motion to Dismiss---------------------------------- 75 Answer--------------------------------------------- 80 Opinion in Lieu of Formal Findings--------------- 83 Decree-- ------------------------------------------- 90 Notice of Appeal----- -— ---------------------------- 91 Proceedings-- ------- 92 Mrs. Ellen S. Hindman-- ------------- ----------- 96 Mayor E. B. Parsons-- --------------------- 137 Mrs. Janie Stanton-— -— ---------- -------------- 186 Miss Patricia Richter------------------ ---------- 2 04 Walter E. Jenkins------- 223 Richard Lewis-— --- ------ ----- ------ ----- 246 Certificate of Reporter— ----------- ------ -— 258 SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N D o c k e t H A 6 9 - 5 C l TITLE Or CASE REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALKER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, vs. THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, s Municipal Corporation; W.M. PERRY; FRED WEST, WALTER E. JENKINS: LEONARD LEWIS, and RICHARD LEWIS, as Menders of the City Council of Brighton, Alabama, and E.B. PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of tha City of Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, a Corporation, Basis of action: Action seeking to radreaa deprivation of rights secures by the Fourteenth Amendment k pursuant to T.28,USC., Secs. 1343(3 and 1343(4)-to enjoin dafta from granting any leasoj, sale.contract, or in any way giving Hoover Academy the right to Twry hied cmrmaoy ue& tha old Brighton High School for any ^ purposeinhere race is & factor, etc*- A T T O R N E Y S For Plaintiff: David H. Hood,Jr.; 2111 ■ 5th Avenue,North, Bessemer,Ala.-35020-; , Demetrius C. Newton 408 N. 17th Street, B'-ha*. 35203; Norman C.Amaker and Jack Greenberg 10 Columbus Circle,New York,M.Y. For Defendant: 10019- Nonnan K.Brown, 1813 -3rd Ave. North, Bessemer, Ale.35020. Hugh A.Locke - Locke & Locke, Frank Nelson Bldg,, B'hem for Hoover Academy. J g .27 i g .28 1970 i. 8 n JL$ Cash-David H.Hood,Jr Cr 100869 Ck-Demetrius Newton (Notice of Appeal) Cr 100869 PLAINTIFF'S ACCOUNT 15 RECEIVED TO 00 DISBURSED 15 oo oo D EPE N D AN T'S ACCOU NT RECEIVED DISBURSED ABSTRACT OF COSTS TO WHOM BUS RECEIPTS* R E M A R K S , ETC. a d r/j> W P * Costs taxed to plaintiff MOTIONS /IzfLAp-J-IfthdZ- PFRTRIAL----- - TRIAL --- — J3 G MAILED __ DEC m CA-69-561-S DAT* I 9 ,4-1 PR O C BB D IN G B ■i tm>« er continuing case piling consideration of motion to convene three judge court filed - copies sailed to counsel 78-79 der denying motion to convene three-judge court and setting case for trialnn ^ its merits on December 16, 1969, at 9*30 6,m, copies mailed t© cotmsel^*^ ®rwy'*' ‘ * " ‘ Hoover Academy, Inc. to dismiss filed - copy served by counsel lotion of defendant Hoover Academy for jury trial and for summary judgment . /> _ ^ nswer of Hoover Academy, Inc., filed J0 ~*TiSL On hearing before Hon. H. H. Groans;; plaintiff'® testimony* matter taken under advisement and allowing filing of briefs within 5 days. Slerfc's court minutes, filed.nn^s-^u. u Brief m behalf of defendants, filed. Memorandum brief of plaintiffs filed copy served by couneel j. »; ilnion of the Court, filed Grooms, er, in pursuance of the opinion, dismissing acti£>n at the cost of plaintiff, filed and entered, copies mailed to counsel /*/ etice of Appeal filed fey plaintiff-certified copies mailed Clerk, U. S. Court ! of Appeal*, Mew Orleans, Louisiana and te attorneys for defendants 6J& ̂ Appeal lend ($250,00) filed ~/&2A>S* 3 ^ 1 " C T r s n s e r i p t of proceedings before the Hon. H, H, Grooma on December 16, 1969, filed DAT*, mulN**-#*OCE*DINO» *«W“ uaetiemj f* jwwette*^ r a_L , m ^ y f '- k w . u M i i*lnt£il«4* ' /-~ V ' ' tlon of plaintiffs for preliminary injunction, with Affidavit of Rebecca Wright, attached, filed - $ &mmnu and complaint issued • dal. toli.S. Marshal with copies for service with copies of {tattoof feryPtellmlnary Injunetion attaehad lotioa of defendant, City of Brighton, its Council and Mayor for continue filed and overruled (Grooms)- at haarlng on application for tcnporary in. tion of da fondant. City of Brighton, to transfer case to Jury docket filed and overruled (Grooms) - at hearing on application for temporary ii tion of defendant, City of Brighton e« el., to dismiss filed - taken under advisement (Grooms)- Amendment to notion for euomary judgment filed 9-10 tion of defendant, City of Brighten et el. for euamecy judgewnt filed - taken coder advisement (Grooms)- //"<• / J? leering before the Hon. M.H. Groom* ©a application for temporary injunction ■ introduction of plaintiff*' evidence - order allowing pert las to file additional affidavits by Sept.8, 1969, at 4:30 F.M.* and taking under advisement-further allowing parties to file memorandums on law by Sept, f, 1969, at 4:30 F.M. - f . _ ffldavit# of E.B,Parsons, lad.and ae Mayor of Brighton. ffidavlts of Mra.Annie I,.Belton, Lao Davison, Met* Belton, Jr., Mrs.Betti* Lewis, Mrs.Mary S.Finley, Mrs.Mandis M.Perkins, Jehoephophst Greens, Gsrrett Gibson, Cora L.Smith, Btfaml Hails, Willie Hell Wilton, on behsM of plaintiffs filed - A i - fidavit of Evelyn R.Monteith filed In open court by Judge Groosm - M. lalntlff's Memorandum in support of plaintiffs motion for preliminary * , injunction filed - copy aei-vedfey smnm 1 JL/lg V4 'iuppleswntel affidavit of B .B .mfSffifctmmc* Affidavit of J.K.Eduard* JFm L J/gf&wmrdw&nt to motion to d i d £ m T ^ n 4 ^ ^ n d m e n t to motion tor summary Judgment filed -copies served by counsel * ffidavit of Herman S.Brown on behalf of defendant filed - /L # * * on of defendant, Hoover Academy, Xnc., to dimples motion for preliminary injunction filed - copy served by counsel r h e C * tf/’*’ S t ndment to complelat amending the name Old Brighton Hleh School as it appears in the original complaint to read Old Brighten: School, also known aa Old Brighton Elementary School, also k n o w as Old Brighton Junior High School etc. filed - copies served by counsel / W 7 o ^ ini on of the Hon.H.H.Groome in lieu o f forma rflndlngs, on plaintiffs' mot lam for preliminary injunction filed end entered (Grooms) - copies mailed 4 ttoraty* r pursuant to the opinion filed contemporaneously herewith, denying plaintiffs*, motion for preliminary Injunetion, filed and entered (Grooms copies ms:lad ate* Summons and complaint, with motion for preliminary Injunction attached, returned, executed on City of Brighton, Ale., E.l.Parsons, ind.,and as Mayor of Biightsa end W.M.Perry,Fred West and Walter K.Jenkins as members of City Council, of Brighton, Ala., and on Leonard Lewis end Richard Lewis, all on Sept.4, 1969 Hoover Academy appeared without being served and returned,unexecuted as to it - and filed - rder, dated November 18, 1969, this matter being set on the regular motion docket ©n November 18, 1969 for hearing upon all pending motions, continuing the said motions to b® considered along with the hearing on th® merits, which is set on Monday, December 1, 1969, at 9:00 a. ®., and any briefs to ' Jt fee filed before that date, filed and entered (Grooms) - copies mailed attorneys Summons returned executed 11/21/69 on Mrs. Janie Stanton,Director, Hoover AJcadmny endment, to complaint filed in open court ©tion of plaintiffs to convene three jud*;ecourt filed in open court ft \ 1 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALTER, 0 GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS. 0 PLAINTIFFS, 0 VS: 0 THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, 0 a Municipal Corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West', Walter 0 E. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis-, as members 0 of the City Council of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, 0 individually and as MAYOR of the City of Brighton, Alabama, 0 and HOOVER ACADEMY, a Corpo ration. 0 DEFENDANTS. 0 0 0 COMPLAINT I Jurisdiction of this court is invoked pursuant to Title 28, U. S. G. Sections 13L3(3) and 13L3(d). This is a suit in equity authorized by and pursuant to Title hZ, U. S. G. Section 1983. This action seeks to redress the deprivation of rights, privileged, and immunities secured by the Fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States and k2 U. S. C. Section 1981. II This is a suit for injunctive relief against discrimination and injunctive relief against the Mayor, City Council, and the City of Brighton, Alabama, pursuant to the Due Process and Equal Pro tection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. C I V I L A C T I O N NO.- F I L E D IN CLERK’S OFFICE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA AUG 27 1969 WILLIAM E. DAVIS m i t o s s s m t Deputy Clerk 2S 7 Plaintiffs are Negro citizens of the United States re siding in the city of Brighton, Alabama, in Jefferson County. They bring this action on their own behalf and on the behalf of others similarly situated pursuant to Rule 23(a) (3) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Members of the class in behalf of whom plaintiffs sue are so numerous as to make it impracticable to bring them all individually before this court, but there are comtnon questions of law and fact affecting their rights and the rights of other Negroes similarly situated. Plaintiffs are citizens tax payers, and property owners of the city of Brighton, Alabama. Plaintiffs and the members of the class on whose behalf they sue, have common grievances arising out of common wrongs and common re lief is sought by plaintiffs for themselves and for each member of the class. Plaintiffs fairly and adequately represent the interest of the class. IV The defendants are the city of Brighton, a Municipal Corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter E. Jenkins, Lenoard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council of the city of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parson, individually and as Mayor of the city of Brighton, Alabama, and Hoover Academy, a Corporation. V On or about August 12, 1969, the defendants by majority vote, voted to lease the old Brighton High School to a private corporation called the Hoover Academy, a corporation designed to perpetuate segregation and to flaunt the court's desegregation decrees. That facilities known as the old Brighton High School is owned by the city of Brighton, Alabama. That Hoover Academy is a private school for White persons only. That no Negroes now or ever can attend Hoover Academy. That the leasing of their facilities to a segregated private school violates the Fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, the equal protection 3 and due process clauses thereof. VI Neither the State of Alabama nor the city of Brighton has any local law prohibiting the racially discriminatory practices described. Plaintiffs therefore, have no plain, adequate, or complete remedy at law to redress these wrongs other than this suit for injunctive relief, authorized by Title 42 U. S. C. 1983, and the Fourteenth amendment to the U. S. Constitution. they sue, are now suffering and will continue to suffer irreparable injury because of the policy, practice, custom, and usage of defendants with reference to its leasing of municipal facilities to a segregated school group. will advance this cause on the docket; order a speedy hearing at the earliest practicable date and cause this case to be in every way expedited and after such hearing: 1. Forever enjoin the defendants, their agents, successors, employees, attorneys, and those acting in concert with them and at their direction from granting any ' ' act, or in any way giving Hoover Academy the right or permission to use the old Brighton High School for any purpose where race is a factor and declare all contracts between the city of Brighton and Hoover Academy to be Null and void. able attorney fee and grant such other, additional, or further relief as may appear to the court to be equitable and just. VII Plaintiffs and the members of the class on whose behalf WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully pray that this court 2. Allow plaintiffs their costs herein, including a reason- 2111-5th AVENUE, NORTH BESSEMER, ALABAMA 35020 3 4 DEMETRIUS G. NEWTON 408 N. 17th STREET BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35203 NORMAN G. AMAKER JACK GREENBERG 10 COLUMBUS CIRCLE NEW YORK, N. Y. 10019 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS 4 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION FILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, 0 GUS DICKERSON, and PEARLIE DAVIS 0 PLAINTIFFS, 0 VS: ' 0 AUG 2 7 1969 WILLIAM E. DAVIS mmssvass.Deputy Clerk THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, a Municipal Corporation, W . M. Perry, Fred West, Walter E. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as Councilmen Of the city of Brighton, Ala bama, and E. B. Parsons, as MAYOR, of the city of Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, a Corporation. DEFENDANTS. 0 0 C I V I L A C T I O N 0 NO 0 5 0 0 0 0 MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION Plaintiffs move this court for a preliminary injunction, pending the final disposition of this cause, and as grounds therefor, rely upon the allegations of their Bill of Complaint and the af fidavit of Rebecca Wright, and in addition would show the following, to-wit: 1. For that the acts of the defendants herein are illegal, arbitrary, and contrary to law. 2. Unless restrained by this court, defendants will con tinue the acts complained of. 3. Such actions by the defendant will result in irrepar able injury, loss, and damage to the plaintiffs as property owners, taxpayers and as members of the Negro Race. k. The issuance of a preliminary injunction herein will not cause undue inconvenience or loss to the defendants, but will 6 prevent irreparable injury to the plaintiffs herein and the class that they represent. 5. The use of taxpayers money to purchase a school building for the benefits of all pupils and to permit the same to be leased or sold for the benefit of one race would cause undue hardship, fin ancial loss, an irreparable injury to the plaintiffs and the class they represent. WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs pray that this court issue a temporary preliminary injunction, pending the final disposition of this cause, enjoining the defendants, their agents, servants, employees, at torneys, successors, and all other persons in active concert and participation with them from: 1. leasing, selling, contracting, or in any way giving Hoover Academy the right or permission to use the old Brighton High School as a private school, or for any other purpose herein. 2. Using or permitting the old Brighton High School to be used by Hoover Academy or any other persons or corporations ex cept for the benefit of all persons where race will not be a factor. 3. From leasing, contracting to sell said Brighton High School property to Hoover Academy or any other persons or corporations where race is the basis, as being void and contrary to public policy and but another effort to circumvent the decrees of the Fifth Circuit Corut of Appeals, and this Honorable Court in JEFFERSON vs. BOARD OF EDUCATION and DORIS ELAINE BROWN vs. BESSEMER BOARD OF EDUCATION and declare all contracts between defendants and Hoover Academy to be NULL AND VOID and held in OBEYANCE pending a final hearing before this court. Plaintiffs pray that after a final hearing in this cause, this court will enter a permanent injunction similarly enjoining the defendants, its agents, employees, successors, and all persons in active concert and participation with it. Plaintiffs also pray that this court will grant them costs herein and grant such other, further additional or alternative re lief as the court in equity would appear to be necessary and just. 7 DAVID H. HOOD, JR. ^ 2111-5th AVENUE, NORTH BESSEMER, ALABAMA 35020 ^ DEMETRIUS tdSWTON ;+08 N. 16th STREET BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35203 NORMAN AMAKER JACK GREENBERG 10 COLUMBUS CIRCLE NEW YORK, N. Y. 10019 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS 8 STATE OF ALABAMA JEFFERSON COUNTY Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said State and County, personally appeared one, Rebecca Wright, who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-wit: My name is Rebecca Wright. I am a resident citizen of Brighton, Alabama, and I have been for more than two years. I do certify under oath that I am a property owner, taxpayer, and a citizen of said city; that 1 do certify under oath that if the City Council of Brighton, Alabama, is permitted to lease or sell the old Brighton High School property to Hoover Academy, that it would cause many and the class I represent irreparable injury, in that, the school would only be used for the benefit of one race, and the race of which I am a member would be totally excluded from the use of said private school, though our tax money was used to purchase the same. I further certify that I know that the school can be used as a community service building for the benefit of all races and that the city has refused to do this. I believe that to use this school for the purpose above set out would be in violation of public policy. I further certify that the above given statement is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given by me voluntarily. Certified and sworn to before me, this the A. C* day of August, 1969. NOTARY PUBLIC 9 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, X X X 1 1 Plaintiffs j vs. * X X 1 CIVIL ACTION THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA BAMA, A Municipal Corpor X NUMBER: CA 69-561 ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard X ; FILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, X NORTHERN D ISTR ICT OF A L A B A M A and E. B, PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of the City of X S E P 5 1969 Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, A corporation, X W ILLIAM L DAVIS CLERK, U. S . B i s m c f £ M [ Defendants X J MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama, A municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council ! of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B, Parsons, individually and as Mayor of the City of Brighton, Alabama, appearing specially, and for no j other purpose, moves the Court for a continuance of the motion for a temporary injunction, and as grounds for said motion, sets down and assigns the following, separately and severally: 1• For that all of the Defendatns have not been served With process in this cause. 2. For that those Defendants who have been served, were served less than twenty four hours prior to this hearing. 3. For that Defendants have had insufficient notice as to this hearing. jRNEY FOR DEFENDANTS SPECIFIED HEREIN For the trial of this caused Defendants demand a jury. Z27 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE X DAVIS, Y Plaintiffs A X vs . X . X CIVIL ACTION THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA X BAMA, A Municipal Corpor ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X NUMBER: CA 69-561 West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the X F IL E D IN C L E R K ’S O FF IC E City Council of Brighton, X N O R T H E R N DISTRICT O F A L A B A M A and E. B. PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of the City of Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER X S E ? 5 I SCO ACADEMY, A corporation, X W IL L I A?,; E. D A V IS Defendants X CLERK, U. C. D IS T R IC T COURT, MOTION TO DISMISS Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama, A municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, individually and as Mayor of the City of Brighton, Alabama, appearing specially and for no other purpose, moves the Court to dismiss this cause, and as ''grounds for said motion, sets down and assigns the following, | separately and severally: 1. For that this Court is without jurisdiction in this . cause. 2. For that the State of Alabama nor its Attorney Gen eral is made a party to this cause, as is required by law, since | the City of Brighton, a municipal corporation is the State of ! j j| Alabama in that said municipality is a political subdivision of the jj State of Alabama, a creature of the State of Alabama, and an arm I; of the State of Alabama, and the Defendants say that the State of i Alabama, and the Attorney General thereof are necessary parties to & ! this action. 3. For that the original jurisdiction in this cause wherein the State of Alabama and its Attorney General are necess ary parties, is in the Supreme Court of the United States, as provided by the Constitution of the United States. 4. For that this suit is a suit against the State of Alabama, and Defendants say that the judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the united States, to-wit: the STate of Alabama, by citizens thereof, without the consent of the State of Alabama, and Defendants say that such consent of the State of Alabama has not been obtained. 5. For that it affirmatively appears from the Bill of Complaint,in this cause, that said action is brought under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and unless the State of Alabama is a party to said suit, this cause cannot be so maintained under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. 6. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments of the Bill of Complaint that the Plaintiffs have an adequate rem edy at law. 7. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments of the Bill of Complaint that said Bill of Complaint does not contain equity. 8. For that the Bill of Complaint in this cause is with out equity. 9. For that the jurisdiction in this cause is in the State courts, to-wit: The Tenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, holden at Bessemer, Alabama. 10. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments of the Bill of Complaint that Plaintiffs are not entitled to a preliminary injunction. 11. For that the averments of the Bill of Complaint and the motion for temporary injunction are insufficient to authorize this Court to issue such temporary injunction. 12. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to declare null and void the duly adopted and constitutional ordinances of the City of Brighton, Alabama. 11 12 13. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to im pair the right of the City of Brighton, a municipal corporation, to contract. 14. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to im pair the contractual obligation of the City of Brighton, a munici pal corporation. Wherefore, Defendants pray that this cause be dismissed. DEFENDANTS SPECIFIED HEREIf NORMAN K. BROWN Attorney at Law 1818 3rd Ave. North Bessemer, Alabama CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that I have mailed, via U. S. mail, first- class postage prepaid, a copy of the above and foregoing to CO /4 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 13 FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, Plaintiffs X X X V S . X X THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X BAMA, A Municipal Corpor ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard X Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, X and E. B. PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of the City of X Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, A corporation, X Defendants X CIVIL ACTION NUMBER: CA 69-561 FILED IN CLERK'S OFFICI NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SEP 5 W WILLIAM £. "AVIS (CLERK,, il.i.DlSTRt&T.CPORT MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT i Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama, A municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, 'individually and as Mayor' of the City of Brighton, Alabama, and moves the Court for a summary judgment and in support thereof defendants say; that Section 477 (2) Title 37 Code of Alabama 1940 (Recompiled 1958) i provides as follows: [ i "The governing body of any city of town in this state may, by ordinance to be entered ; on its minutes, lease any of its real property not needed for public or municipal purposes, and a lease made by the mayor in accordance with such ordinance shall be binding for the term specified in the lease/ not to exceed a period of ninety-nine years; provided that in counties having a population of not less than 225,000 and not more than 400,000 inhabitants, according to the last or any subsequent federal decennial census, such limitation j of the term to a period of ninety-nine years shall not apply to any oil, gas, or mineral lease made in accordance with such ordinance." z2 7 14 and defendants say that pursuant to such authority the City of Brighton by and through its duly constituted governing body, to-wit; the City Council of the City of Brighton, Alabama, did on to-wit, August 12, 1969, duly adopt Ordinance number 2-69, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto and made a part of this motion and marked Exhibit One, which said Ordinance did legally authorize the Mayor of the City of Brighton to lease the property therein described which property is the basis of this suit. WHEREFORE PREMISES CONSIDERED defendants pray for summary judgment. STATE OF ALABAMA ) JEFFERSON COUNTY ) Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said State and County personally appeared Norman K. Brown who Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of September, 1969. being by me duly sworn says: that the averments contained in the foregoing motion are true. craTlPUCATE OF SERVICE _i .,u ii mail, first' £ x h ) b i i O a/£ 15 ORDINANCE NUMBER 6 f AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO LEASE REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY AND NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC OR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS: I 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a lease be tween the City of Brighton and Hoover Academy, leasing the Brighton Junior High School building and premises to said Hoover Academy for a period of two years at the annual rental of $1200.00, with an option to renew for an additional two years, also containing A M fid $ p g f an option to purchase -3wfes4BS*»ee at the end of the first two-year period at a negotiated sales price, said real property not being 1 needed for public or municipal purposes. |! 2. On the passage of this Ordinance, the Mayor shall be authorized to execute said lease, copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Adopted, this the 12 day of August______, 1969 . Clerk Treasurer Approved, this the 12 day of August , 1969. MAYOR i I, Ellen S. Hindman, Clerk-Treasurer of the City of Brighton, Alabama, hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance adopted by the City Council of the City of Brighton, at its regular meeting, August 12, 1969, and also a true and correct copy of all exhibits thereto. (SEAL) Clerk Treasurer “16 n f Mn l \k l f' 1 i 1 D ForiQ 48-2—LEASE—Printed and for eale by Roberta & Son. Printers. Birmingham. THE STATE OF A LA B A M A , ) COUNTY j This lease, made__ -Li____day of_____ ft.u£L:__ -19 .69. by and between- Citv of Brighton, Alabama __________, party of the first part, hereinafter called the Lessor, by____ H:______ P a r s ° n s . ,__i t s J fe y ^ o r__________________JESS, and Hoover Academy, Inc., A Corporation __________________ ___________ party of the second part, hereinafter called the Lessee: Witnesseth, That the Lessor does hereby rent and lease unto the Lessee the following premises in the City of Brighton, Alabama______ yiz_. The Brighton Junior High School Building and premises ____________ U fi for occupation by__ i £ _ _Z. s c h o o l _and not otherwise, for and during the term ot to wit: from the__12_____day of___AU9_i -19.-1 it o the 12 day of Aug.USl ana covenant to keep the Lessee in possession of the premises during said term. j agrees tomontn - f o r the same.in Consideration W hereof, The Lessee agrees to pay the Lessor, at the office o f said Agent--------- ------ tor — -i - - ^ advance, being at the rate o f $— 4 - 2 Q . . Q Q — per annum.-d a y of_ eacn tuc Lessee fail to pay the ren ti as they becom e due, as aforesaid, or violate any other condition o f this lease, the Lessor snail then have the right at_____ _option, to ro-enter the premises and annul this lease. And in order to entitle the Lessor to re-enter, it shall not be necessary to give notice o f the rents, becom ing due or unpaid, or to make any demand for the same, the execution o f this lease, signed by the Lessee, which execution is hereby acknowledged, being sufficient notice o f the rents being due and o f the demand for tho same, and shall bo so construed, any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwith standing; and the Lessee agrees to com ply with all tho city laws in regard to nuisance, in so far as the building and prem ises hereby leased are concerned, and by no act render the Lessor liable therefor; to replace all glass broken; to replace all keys lost or broken; to pay all bills for water used on tho premises during this lease; to keep all electric apparatus in order, to permit no waste o f die property, or allow same to be done, but to take good care o f same; not to underlease said prop erty, nor transfer or assign diis lease without die written consent o f tho Lessor hereon endorsed; and diis lease being ter minated, to surrender quiet and peaceable possession o f said premises in like good order as at commencement o f said term, natural wear and tear excepted. it is furdier understood and agreed that tho Lessor shall not be required to do any repairs upon the building herein leased, unless so stipulated and agreed upon in writing at the commencement o f diis lease, nor is the Lessor liablo for any break age, or getting out o f order o f any o f tho water pipes, or water closets or other plumbing, but .on the contrary the Lessee shall keep same in such repair as is required by the sanitary or other laws o f die City of— 4-. G .t P H t .— natural wear and tear excepted. It is further understood and agreed that tho Lessor shall not be liable for any damage which may accrue on account o* any defect in said buildings or premises, or from rain, wind or other causes. And Lessor reserves the right to show and advertise the premises herein leased for sale during the term o f this lease, and to place “ For Rent” or “For Sale” cards on said building or premises and to show same sixty days prior to tho expiration o f diis lease. It is furdier understood and agreed that die Lessor reserves die right to make any repairs that may be deem ed neces sary during the term o f diis lease. And die Lessee furdier covenants widi the Lessor that dio furniture, goods and effects w idi winch said building ana premises m e to be furnished and provided shall be owned by-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------— in_______4- t S nwn right, and die same shall not be encumbered except as subject, first, to lien and right o f die Lessor. In die event o f the employment o f an attorney by .tho Lessor, on account o f violation o f any o f tho conditions ot this lease by die Lessee, die Lessee hereby agrees that--------- U s _________shall be taxed widi said attorney's fee. And as a part m die consideration o f this lease, and for die purpose o f securing to tho Lessor prompt payments o f said rents as herein stipu lated, or any damage that the Lessor may suffer, either by failure to surrender quiet and peaceable possession o f said prem ises as aforesaid, or for any damage whatever which may bo awarded said Lessor under this contract, the said Lessee hereby waives all right whiclx—— _______ may have under die Constitution and Laws o f the State o f Alabama, to have any o f die personal property o f die Lessee exempt from levy or sale, or other legal process. It is hereby furdier agreed that if the Lessee shall continue on said premises, or any part thereof, after the termination o f dns contract, then this contract shall continue in full force under all the terms, conditions and covenants hereinafter set out. Lessor shall keep premises insured for the minimum of $15/000.00. Lessee shall have the option to renew for an additional two years or to purchase the premises at a sales price to be negotiated by the parties. __________________________________________ 1__________ - In Testimony Whereof, We have hereunto set our hands and seals this- 11th _aay oi 17 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, Plaintiffs v s . THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA BAMA, A Municipal Corpor ation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, and E. B. PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of the City of Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, A corporation, Defendants X X X CIVIL ACTION NUMBER: CA 69-561 FILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA 3t? 3 - 1969 e‘Puty Clark AFFIDAVIT OF DEFENDANT E. B. PARSONS, Individually and as Mayor of Brighton STATE OF ALABAMA ) JEFFERSON COUNTY ) Before me, the undersigned authority, in and for said County and said State personally appeared E. B. Parsons , who being by me first duly sworn, deposes and on oath says: "My name is E. B. Parsons and I am over the age of twenty-one years and a resident citizen of the City of Brighton and am the duly elected Mayor of said City. I have been Mayor of the City of Brighton since 1956 and prior to phat time I was a member of the City Council since 1937. During the time I have been an elected official of the City of Brighton the City of Brighton has never operated a separate school system. During all this time the City of Brighton has come under the Jefferson County School System. Severl years ago the Jefferson County Board of Education decided to close the only school operated in the City of Brighton known as the Brighton Elementary School. As one time this school was operated as a junior high school but at - 2 - 18 the time it was closed it was only operated as an elementary school. The Mayor and Council of Brighton successfully resisted the closing of this school for some time but iji_Jl9&d_-fclie County Board of Education made its final decision to close the school. This school building and facility is located in the heart of Brighton and near the City Hall. When the County Board of Education decided to close the school the Board sold the City property and the City purchased it for the sum of $10,106.00. This property consists of eight contiguous lots and has a three story brick veneer building situated on it. The building was real old and in a very run down condition having been built somewhere around 1927. All of the equipment in the building was taken out by the County Board of Education and utilized at other County Schools through-out the County. Since the City has owned this property ̂ it has been unable to realize any income therefrom and the building has remained vacant all this time since the City purchased it until it was leased to the Hoover Academy « last month. Because this building has been \ vacant the City has been unable £o obtain insurance on the buiiarr Hoover Academy offered to lease this property from the City in August of this year and the Council agreed to lease the property to the Hoover Academy for a monthly rental of $100.00 giving the Academy an option to purchase the property as specified in the lease. As a result of this transaction the building is now insured. In leasing this property to the Hoover Academy the City Council maintains no further control over the property and has no voice in the management or administration of the Academy. In leasing this property to the Hoover Academy the Council only considered the income the lease would produce for the City and did not lease the property to the Hoover Academy for any other purpose. This lease was not made for the purpose of discrimination in any form nor does the City of Brighton join the Hoover Academy in its enterprise and the City has no res ervation or control over the facilities or activities of the leasee or the property. As required by State Law and prior to the execution of this lease the City Council determined that this property was not needed for municipal or public purposes." Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th day of September, 1969. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ^ XT/•'»+-a y \ r D iiK 1 -iNotary Public I certify that I have mailed, via U. S. mail, first class postage prepaid, a copy of the above and foregoi to counsel of record for all opposing parties. This. day of„. 19a. r Attorney for STATE OF ALABAMA C f\ c* 5 ~~ C Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said State and County, personally appeared one, who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-wit: My name i s I am a resident citizen of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one years. I know that the citycf Brighton has leased or is attempt ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating one race (White) of persons. 1 know that the old Brighton High School was purchased from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the city of Brighton, and white children bused to another all-white school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton. Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-White private schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies" that to permit the city of Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing 20 of public property for private use would be in violation of the Constitution and Statutes of the United States of America and laws pertaining thereto. I further know that two weeks or more prior to leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a community service, community center building for the benefit of the entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the class that represents. to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given by me voluntarily. I certify that the above statements are true and correct AFFIANT Certified and sworn to before me this the 'C day of September, 1969. J A , STAT £ OP ALABAMA. 21 riUu ii'i CLERK’S Oi'HC ’iOiiTHti î ulSTR!.’ ' 0.’ ..i, A c % - ° U JKFFEkSOK COUNTY Before me, the undersigned authority in and for Said State and County, personally appeared one, who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-wit: My name is .̂*2̂ ^ Z5^<^0û s, 1 *■ * resident cltixen of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one years. 1 know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a privata School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating one race (White) of persona. Z know that the old Brighton High School was purchased from Jefferson County and/or Jaffarson County Board at Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at ■aid time and to avoid intargration, the school was closed by tha city of Brighton, and White children bused to another all-white school in Jefferson County, rather than ta intergrata or have White pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) Elementary and High School within tha city af Brighton. Affiant further certifies under oath that it la public knowledge that Hoover Academy was oaa of the first all-white private schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 1954, end the Jefferson School decision to avoid intargration; «iw throughout tha history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White pupils have bean enrolled therein, nor invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a privata School for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing 3J? of public property for private use would be in violation of the Constitution and statutes of the United States of America and laws pertaining thereto. 1 further know that two weeks or mere prior to leasing said, old Brighton High School property for a segregated private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city council seating that said old Brighton High School be used as a community service, community center building for the benefit of the entire Brighton Community, and all ©f its people which resolution was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilman and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two councilman voted for the lease and threa votad against it; that nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the class that represents. 22 to the beat of ay knowledge, information, and belief and was given by me voluntarily. Z certify that the above statements are true and correct Certified and sworn to before me this the & ! L __d*y of September, 1969. «24/ STATE OF AIAJAMA JEFFERSON COUNTY Before me, the undersigned, authority in and for said State and County, personally appeared one^ who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-wit: My name is !̂ Z I am a resident citizen of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one years. 1 know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating one race (White) of persons. I know that the old Brighton High School was purchased from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the city of Brighton, and white children bused to another all-White school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton. Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-White private schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies-- that to permit the city of Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing j?r of public property for private uae would be in violation of the Constitution and Statutes of the United States of America and laws pertaining thereto. X further know that two weeks or more prior to leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a community service, community center building for the benefit of the entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the class that represents. I certify that the above statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given by me voluntarily. 24 Certified and September, 1969. sworn to before me this the (p ''A day of A r4x NOTARY PUBLIC/ / sLtj.* tfi i-LiRK'-S N.Urt.iMtRii C* ■si KI; 25 C A L STAYS O f ALABAMA JEF ffM SQ K QOUNTY Before ««* the undersigned authority in and for Said State and County, personally appeared one, who being by so first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-witi / s, My m u m is i an a resident cltisen of the City of Brighton, Alabama. a property owner, taxpayer, and a somber el the Negro race; that X aa over the age of twenty-ono years. X knew that the city of Brighten has leased or is attempt ing to lease the eld Brighten High School to Hoover Aeadsay, a private School Corporation, and for the sola purpose of educating one raoe (White) of persons. X less* that the old Brighton High School was purchased fro* Jefferson County and/or Jefferses County Board of Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until the courts deciaisn in the Jefferson County School Case and at said tine and to avoid intargration, tha school was closed by the city ef Brighten, and White children bused to another aLi-White school in Jefferson County, rnthar then to intergrate or have White pupils attend tha then existing and naw existing Brighton (Negro) Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton. Affiant further eartifioo under oath that it is public knowledge that Koevar Aeadany was one of tho first all-white privata schools that sprung ap immediately after the Brswn decision ef 195%, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergratlan; and throughout tha history of Hoovor Academy, no pupil ethar than White pupils have been enrolled therein, ner invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of Brighten to lease the eld Brighten High School to a private School for private (education) use would destroy public uae of said pro perty t that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing *2? •* prep*irty for private as® would be is violation ©f the Constitution and status* of the United State* a£ Assartas. M d law* pertaining thereto. X further ta*a» that two weak* or aor© prior to leasing said eld Brighton High School property tor a aegregs&tad private school, that e join* resolution was offered in regular city council seating that said old Britton H i # School he used as a eeaauaity aarvlca, eeaauuity center Building for the Benefit of the ontlro Brighton Ooaaumlty, and all of its pooplo which resolution wns voted in the nffirnative by three of the five city soumnllaes and two weeks lator tho eity of Brighton, in an illegal special ■eating, voted te lease sold old Brighten High School te Hoover Academy for a private segregated school end at said -nesting, two ceunoilnen voted for the leese end three voted against itj that nevertheless, sold lease was aada te Hoover Acadany any way and contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the class that represents. I sortify that the above steteaente ere true and correct to the heat of ay knowledge, infatuation, and belief end was given by ue voluntarily. 26 Septeaber, 1969. 2 9 k % - 5 F- j s v m s o w cowry Sftfo-re a**, tha under* itftod authority io and t o #*14 St»«® *04 County, personally appeared an*, vto t o i a g W *• first duly sworn topaao# a® oath a n d say* tto fellaniRK, t o - w i t s ny tia.m la } // '/ î 7 7 ](2 A t^ %>, 7^ <-^0^ 1 m * raaidant citissn mi '®te* City of Brighton, Alstons, a propsrty owner, taapayar, and a cantor o f t h * K a ® r * r a s a ; that 1 a s a v a r t t o a j p o f * w « n * y - ® « e y**ra. X fce***» that tto alty «C »ri#toa to* la*#«d at i* atta*pt> 1a$ to 1«m * tto old U a b Satool t* Hoovar Asatoay, * private School Corporation, « M Ear the «ele purpoa* of educating ana raee (White) of parvons. £ k « w that tto old Brighton Kir# School was purcluwad fro® J t d e r i M County and/or Jofforson County board of education with public fund* and w«* operated *• • sogragatad High School until tto courts decision in tto Jaffarson County & stool Oaa* and at s a i d tins and to a w » M inter gratloa, tto sstool was closed by tto sity of brlgfetott, and white ohildra* hand to anottor «U»whit« •stool in Joffaraon County, rattor than to intorgrata ar tows white pupils attend tto Ktoa satiating and now aKiatlnf Brighten (He^re) llvwoatory and H i # School within tto sity mi Brighton. Affiant further aartifiaa umlar oath Chat it la public kmmladga that hoovar Aeatoaqr was ana af tto firat ell-Whits private •stool* that sprang sap lanadlataly altar tto Brown decision of l»Sb, and tto Jaffarsan School dealsion to avoid isterfrstlsai and throughout tto history of hoovor Acad*«y, no pupil ottor than whit* pupils tor* toes enrolled therein nor invited ta enroll. Affiant further certifies that to perait tto city of frighten to laaaa tto aid Brighton h i # satool to a prlvata School £«# prlvata (education! uaa would oaatray public uaa of aaid pro- partyt that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and tto leasing Fil;:D iii CLcRK'S OFhs STATE or AlASAto 4 28 «£ public property far privntm mm m m M be in visUttMi of the Constitution and Statutes «C fib# tutted §*«toi« «f America and uwe pertaining thereto. 1 furtstew ttw that twe wa®&« w «ere prim* *» l* ;L x m mmU m id Brighton Big* School preparty for a aegKjpMd private eefceel, thtl * jeist reselution we* ott«f«4 is regular city cause 11 meeting that «ai4 eld Brighton High &cheoi b« used a» * community service, m m m m i t f e«tt«r feuiWUi far the benefit «f the Brighten Ocwwsity, and ell mi it* people cfciefc resolution **** *" Affirmative by three of the Ciwt city cause! lues •ac two mmkm later tm> c it y of Brighten, is as illegal special mtecisg, voted t« lease said eld Brighten »£^g School «e Soever Academy Car a private segregated sofceol and at said meeting, two eeunetlaea mated for the lease ana throe voted agpinst ttj th a t neverthelose, said lease was made te hoover Academy any tmy and contrary te lew and in violation of tte rights «f affiant and the class that represents. I certify that tfea above statement* are true and correct t® tbs Peat of my ̂ aeolodga, iaferaatioB, and be Oaf and twe given by m voluntarily. Certified and eerern to ba September, If69. JEFFERSON COUNTY STATE Or ALABAMA H U O ii-s DIUK'S o-.hi:. tcOHIHtSlI l? IS lRU 'j' 29 iV/idLci-̂ * . n OaMv Clark iDd; , C f ! C. ? Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said State and County, personally appeared one, Maudie M> Perkins who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-wits My name is Maudie M. Perkins , 1 am a resident citlsen of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and a member of the Negro races that I am over the age of twenty-one years. 1 know that the city d£ Brighton has leased or is attempt ing to lease the old Brighten High School to Hoover Academy, a private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating one race (White) of persons. I know that the old Brighton High School was purchased from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at said time and to avoid inter(ration, the school was closed by the city of Brighton, and white children buaad to another all-whit# school in Jefferson County, rather than to intargrate or have White pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton. Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-White private sohools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intargrationj and throughout the history of Hoovov Academy, no pupil other than White pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing 3/ 30 of public property for p r i v a t e mu® w o u ld bat in v i o l a t i o n of th e Constitution and Statutes of tha U n ite d S t a t e s ©£ A m e r ic a and. law s pertaining thereto. X further know t h a t two weeks or more prior to leasing said old Brighton High S c h o o l property f o r a segregated private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a community service, community canter building for the benefit of the entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilman and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoovor Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two councilman voted for the lease and three voted against it; that nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and tha class that represents. X certify that tha above statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given by me voluntarily. Certified and sworn to before me this the September, 1969. C> 7L day of fr if O— . - - 3* *1 H its ) IN C liR K ’S OH iC :- uORTHtixii i)!Ss;\lCi O.- AiAt>;V*'.«* 3i c ft C c d f A f d (# ALABAMA J t f f & S W C SO W ff Before m , tb* undersigned authority in and for Said Stata and County, personally appeared m n , Jehosphophat Greene who being by mo first duly sworn depose* on oath and says tho following, to-wits Wy mmm la Jahoshophat Greene , i a s a resident c it ls a n of the C ity of Brighton, Alabasa, a proparty owner, taapayer, and a aeeber of the Negro race; that I a* over lb« ago of twenty-one years. 1 know that the city of Brighton hat leased or la attenpt- i«« to laaaa tha old Brighten High boheol to Meevar Aeadeay, a private School Corporation, and for tho tola purpeaa of aduoatiag oaa raoo (white) of parsons. t knew that tha old Brighton High Sohool teas purchased fren Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until the courts decision in tha Jefferson County School Case and at said tisa and to avoid intargration, tha sehaal wts olosad by tha city of Brighton, and White children bused to another all-white school in Joffcreon County, rother than to intergrate or have White pupil* attend tho than existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) hlanantary and High School within the city of Britton. Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public knowledge that Hoavar Academy was one of the first all-white private school* that sprung up iawodiatoly af tar tha Brawn decision of I95h, and tho Jefferson School decision to avoid intersection; and throughout tha history a* Hoover Aeadoay* «n pupil ether than white popils have been caroiled therein, nor invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies that to perait the city of Brighton to lease the eld Britton High School to a private School for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pre- P«tty| that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and tee leaeing 3 -5 of public property for private two would te to v U U t M n of the Constitution and statutes of the United State# of America and *»— ■ pertaining thereto. l gurthar know that to® woafas er acre prior to loosing said old Brighton High Se&eel property for a segregated private seheel, that a Joint resolution was offered in regular city eooneli meeting that said old Britton High Sehool be need u . aMHnuiity service, ooaaanity oontar building for the bonefit of the oatiro Brighten Cewawalty, and all of its people which roeelution wao voted in the offtractive by three of the five city eemtoilaea and two wwoha lotor the elty of Brighton, in on illegal epooial eooting, voted to loose said old Brighton Hi# School to Hoover Aoadoay for a private segregated school and at said Meeting, two oeuneilaoa voted for the leaee and throe voted against it) that nevertheless, said lease was wade to Hoover Aeedeny any way and contrary te lew and in violation of the rights of affiant and the class that represents. I certify that the above statement* ere true end eerreet to the boot of ay tenewiadge, lofernatlen, end belief and vas given by no voluntarily. Oort if led and sworn to before no this the fc? ̂ day of September, 1969. riltU H'i CLtr;K';> Oi'HCi: NORTHERN DISTRICT OF rttAUrtM*'- 3 3 STATE OF ALA SA M JEFFERSON COUNT* Bator* me, the undersigned authority in and tor said Stata and County, personally appeared on*, Garrett Gibson who being by as first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-witi My nano ia Garrett Gibson , I aa a raaidant citisen of the Oity of Brighton, Alabaaa, a proparty owner, tax payor, and a asabar of tha Negro race; that I aa ovar the ago of twenty-one years. Z know that tha oity of Brighten has lemaad er ia attempt ing to lease tha old Brighten Nigh School to Hoover Academy, a private School Corporation, and far tha aola purpoaa of educating ona raea (White) at persona, X knew that tha aid Brighten Nigh Sehoel wea purchased fron Jeffarson County and/or Joftareon County Board of Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated Nigh School until the court# decieion In the Jefferson County School Case end at said tiaa and to avoid intargration, the school was closed by the city of Brighton, ami white children bused to another ell-White school in Jefferson County, rethor than to intargrata or have White pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) Elementary ami High School within tha city of Brighton. Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public knowledge that Hoover Acadeny was ona of the first all-white private schools that sprung up immediately after tha Brown decision of I93h, end tha Jeffarson School decision to avoid intargration; and throughout tha history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a privata School for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing C ?■ 34 of public property for privet® use would be in vislation of the Constitution end statutes of the United States of America and law® pertaining thereto. X further know that two weeks or more prior to leeaing said old Brighton High School property for e segregated privets school, that e joint resolution wet offered in regular city council meeting thet said old Brighton High School be used as a community service, community center building for the benefit of the entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city couneilmen end two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special meeting, voted to leaae said old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two couneilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the class that rapresants. to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was givan by me voluntarily. X certify that the above statements are true and correct September, 1969 ? STATE OF ALABAMA hiLtl) IN CLtilK'S OFtlC- NO.-iTHERii OiSl'RIC: Or ALAil'-M- Before me, the undersigned authority in and for Said State and County, personally appeared one, Mrs. Cora L. Smith, who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-wit: My name is Cora L . Smith , I am a resident citizen of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one years. I know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating one race (White) of persons. I know that the old Brighton High School was purchased from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the city of Brighton, and White children bused to another all-white school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton. Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-white private schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White pupils have been enrolled therein,, nor invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing 36 of public property for private use would be in violation of the Constitution and statutes of the United States of America and laws pertaining thereto. I further know that two weeks or more prior to leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a community service, community center building for the benefit of the entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the class that S W represents. to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given by me voluntarily. I certify that the above statements are true and correct Certified and sworn to before me this the & day of September, 1969. C / K f - JEFFERSON COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said State and County, personally appeared one, Mrs. Ethel Nails, who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-wit: of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, tax payer, and a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one I know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating one race (White) of persons. I know that the old Brighton High School was purchased from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the city of Brighton, and white children bused to another all-white school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton. Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-white private schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 195/+, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White pupils have been enrolled therein por invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing My name is Ethel Nails I am a resident citizen years. 38 of public property for private use would be in violation of the Constitution and statutes of the United States of America and laws pertaining thereto- 1 further know that two weeks or more prior uO leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a community service, community center building for the benefit of the entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the class that SMe, represents. I certify that the above statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given by me voluntarily. Certified and sworn to before me this the b day of September, 1969. STATE OF ALABAMA JEFFERSON COUNTY C H L I - V L ! Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said State and County, personally appeared one, Mrs. Willie Nell Wilson, who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, to-wit: My name is Willie Nell Wilson , I am a resident citizen of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one years. I know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt ing, to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating one race (White) of persons. 1 know that the old Brighton High School was purchased from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the city of Brighton, and white children bused to another all-White school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton. Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-White Private schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll. Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing 40 of public property for private use would be in violation of the Constitution and Statutes of the United States of America and laws pertaining thereto. I further know that two weeks or more prior to leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a community service, community center building for the benefit of the entire Brighton community, and all of its people which resolution was' voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen and ttwo weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, tw-o councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the class that S hc represents. to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given by me voluntarily. I certify that the above statements are true and correct Certified and sworn September, 1969. 41 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, ) GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE ) DAVIS, ) ) Plaintiffs,) ) vs; ) ) THE CITY OF'BRIGHTON, ALA- ) KAMA, A Municipal Corporation, ) CIVIL ACTION NO. CA 69-561 W . M. Perry, Fred West, Walter ) Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and ) Richard Lewis, as members of ) the City Council of Brighton, ) and E. B. PARSONS, individually ) and as MAYOR of the City of ) Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ) ACADEMY, a corporation, ) ) Defendants.) A F F I D A V I T Comes Evelyn R. Montieth and being first duly sworn deposes and says as follows: I am a resident of Jefferson County, Alabama, and I am familiar with the operation of Hoover Academy, Inc. in Jefferson County, Alabama. I know that Hoover Academy, Inc. is an Alabama corporation formed and incorporated under the laws of Alabama; that Hoover Academy, Inc. was incorporated on the 10th day of October , 1963. I know that Hoover Academy, Inc. has operated a private school as a private corporation. I know that none of the officers, directors, of the corpora tion have been or are officers, councilmen, employees, or in any \ ""S. ‘ ------• way associated with the City of Brighton-* -Alabama. I know that Hoover Academy, Inc., as a private corporation, has operated a private school at the following addresses: 2. 42 Patton's Chapel Birmingham, Alabama 900 Block 5th Place West Birmingham, Alabama 600 Block 8 th Avenue West Birmingham, Alabama 6701 Forest Drive Fairfield, Alabama I know’ that Hoover Academy, Inc. has desired for several years to acquire a permanent structure for the location of the school. I know that they have attempted to purchase several build ings and that they have attempted to purchase a vacant structure in the City of Brighton, Alabama, but that the City was reluctant to sell the property, but did enter into a lease with Hoover Academy, Inc. Iknow that Hoover Academy, Inc. insisted in the lease, and insisted at all times in the past and do now insist that they are totally in charge of the operation of the school. Hoover Academy, Inc. assumes the obligation and the total obligation for any and all expenses of the school. Especially including all utility costs, all assessments, taxes, and operate the property exclusive of any control, direction, authority, from any and all sources other than Hoover Academy, Inc. Hoover Academy, Inc. insists that the Academy be exclusively and solely in control of all activities in conjunction with the school and on the leased premises and shall operate it as a private corpora tion citizen. Hoover Academy, Inc. has never operated the school as a joint enterprise with any governmental organization, and will not at this time, and refuses to operate a joint enterprise with any governmental or public entity. 4̂ 3 . 43 I know that Hoover Academy, Inc. executed what we consider a bona fide lease arrived at after negotiation, and it was the understanding of the school that there were no reservations of any control by the City under the occupancy, the use or the property, except to repossess in the event of default. 1 know that the corporate charter of Hoover Academy, Inc. and the by-laws do not have any mention of race, color or creed. I know that the founders were interested and concerned with the Christian education of the children and an education to revere the American patriots, the founders of this nation, and were concerned that the students receive quality education. They have operated for six years on that basis. I know that Hoover Academy, Inc. has received no funds from the City of Brighton, and do not expect to receive any. I know that the building had been vacant and not used for approximately two years, and was in a state of disrepair; that some windows j were boarded up; that windows were broken; that there were de-f ficiencies in the heating system and in the toilet facilities, t All of the foregoing factors were considered when Hoover Academy, Inc. considered purchase or lease of the premises. I know that Hoover Academy, Inc. has gone to trouble and expense to replace, to repair, the premises and is in the process of re pairing the premises. I know that the newspaper articles in regard to the action against the City of Brighton and this lease has hurt the enrollment of Hoover Academy, Inc., and that they have been damaged in their operation of a school. 0t.7r.nv1 1(j subscribed before me this the S' tn. Hay of - }/' IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 44 FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, Plaintiffs X X X vs. X X THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X BAMA, A Municipal Corpor ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard X Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, X and E. B. PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of the City of X Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, A corporation, X Defendants X CIVIL ACTION NUMBER: CA 69-561 SUPPLIMENTAL AFFIDAVIT OF DEFENDANT E. B. PARSONS, Individually and as Mayor pf Brighton STATE OF ALABAMA ) JEFFERSON COUNTY ) Before me, the undersigned authority, in and for said County and said State personally appeared e . B. Parsons , who being by me first duly sworn, deposes and on oath says: "At the time the Jefferson County Board of - Education closed the school occupying the premises made the subject of this litigation said Jefferson County Board of Education sold the premises at public auction and the City of Brighton in response to advertised bids became the highest bidder by bidding the sum of $10,106.00 and as a result the said Jefferson County Board of Education sold the City of Brighton said premises for said amount. The governing body of the 45-2- City of Brighton had nothing to do with the decision of the Jefferson County Board of Education to close said school or to sell said premises but in truth and in fact at all times objected to and resisted the closing of said school. The Brighton High School now operated by the Jefferson County Board of Education is not now nor has it ever been situated in the corporate limits of Brighton. E. B. PARSONS Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of September, 1969. i £ O ^ > IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE X DAVIS, i 46 Plaintiffs X X llvs • X •!iTHE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X 11BAMA, A Municipal Corpor ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X IjWest, Walter Z. Jenkins, |Leonard Lewis, and Richard X Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, X and E. B. PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of the City of X Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, A corporation, X Defendants X CIVIL ACTION NUMBER: CA 69-561 i AFFIDAVIT OF J. K. EDWARDS STATE OF ALABAMA ) JEFFERSON COUNTY ) Before me, the undersigned authority, in and for said County and said State personally appeared j. k . Edwards , who being by me first duly sworn, deposes and on oath says: "My name is J . K. Edwards and I am over the age of 21 years and a resident citizen of the City of Brighton and have been such for more than 70 years. I was the duly elected Mayor of the City of Brighton from 1926 until 1951. I resigned as Mayor in 1951. At the time I resigned as Mayor and for more than 15 years prior thereto the City of Brighton did not have a school board, nor operate any school or school system; that during such period only one school was operated in the corporate limits of the City and that was operated by the Jefferson 3 -2- 47 County Board of Education. During such period the City of Brighton did not have any voice or control of or contribute any funds to the operation of said school. Since my resignation as Mayor of the City of Brighton I have continued to reside in said city and I have no knowledge of the City of Brighton operating any school or school system; I do have knowledge that the County Board of Education operated a school in the city until it was closed by the County Board of Education. Since the County closed the school the school building has remained vacant until leased to the Hoover Academy; the present Brighton High School operated by the Jefferson County 'Board of Education is not now nor has it ever been located within the city limits of Brighton. 1 9 6 9 '—7 48 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA j SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, Plaintiffs X X vs. X X THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X BAMA, A Municipal Corpor ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard "Lewis, and Richard X Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, X and E. B .yPARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of the City of X Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, A corporation, X Defendants X CIVIL ACTION NUMBER: CA 69-561 AMENDMENT TO MOTION TO DISMISS Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama, A municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, individually and as Mayor of the City of Brighton, Alabama, and amend their motion to dis miss by adding thereto the following: 15. For that on to-wit, the 8th day of September, 1969 at a special meeting of the Council of the City of Brighton the Council did adopt an Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to sell, transfer and convey all the cities right, title and interest in and to the premises made the basis of this suit to the Hoover Academy. A true and correct copy of said Ordinance is hereto attached and made a part hereof as if set out in full herein. Pursuant to the authority contained in said Ordinance the Mayor of the City of Brighton did on to-wit, the 9th day of September, 1969 c Z7S1 -2- 49 execute and deliver a deed from the City of Brighton to the Hoover Academy conveying said property to the said Hoover Academy. Defendants say that said sale was made in good faith by the City (Council and was for the sole purpose of disposing of the cities property not needed for public or municipal purposes and in support hereof defenianSs afetlc^°SerlSo/the Hoover Academy's written proposal to buy said property with note and mortgage as pages 18 thru 29 of this document executed in payment thereof and also attach hereto /three real estate appraisals establishing the fair and reasonable market value of'said property. WHEREFORE PREMISES CONSIDERED, defendants say that this cause should be dismissed. tjr. / pi TORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS HEREIN PECIFIED 50 ORDINANCE NUMBER 3-69 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SELL REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY AND NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC OR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES. > ii i ! BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF | BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS: , I 1.' The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a deed for and on behalf of the City of Brighton to the Hoover Academy conveying the Brighton Junior High School Building and premises for the sum of $12,500.00 payable $500.00 on delivery of deed and $500.00 thirty days thereafter and the balance at the rate of $100.00 per month. The unpaid balance to bear interest at 6% per annum until paid, said property not needed for public or municipal purposes. Said property is legally described as follows: All of Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, Block I 1; and all of that certain alley lying between Lot 10 and Lots 4 through 8, inclusive, Block 1, according to the G. B. Edwards Survey of Brighton, as recorded in the office of the ! Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama, Birmingham Division, in Map Book 3, Page 70. . All of Lot 12, Block 7 of the G. B. Edwards Subdivision of Lot 4, Block 2 of W. D. Smith's \ Estate; as recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate, Jefferson County, Alabama, Birming ham Division, in Map Book 4 at Page 107. Surface right only. All being located in Section 34, Township 18, South, Range 4 West, Jefferson County, Alabama. 2. On the passage of the Ordinance, the Mayor shall be authorized to execute said deed. Adopted, this the 8th day of September________ , 1969 . Approved, this the Clerk Treasurer 8th day of September______ , 1969. "y" f> ~ IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE X DAVIS, X Plaintiffs X vs. X 51 X THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X BAMA, A Municipal Corpor ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard X Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, x and E. B. PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of the City of X Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, A corporation, X Defendants x CIVIL ACTION NUMBER: CA 69-561 AMENDMENT TO MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT i Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama,/A municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter E. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council ! of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, individually and as Mayorj of the City of Brighton, Alabama, and amend their motion for summary judgment heretofore filed in this cause by adding thereto !I the following: That Section 477 (1) Title 37 Code of Alabama, 1940 (Recompiled 1958) provides as follows: "The governing body of any city or town in this state may, by ordinance to be entered on its minutes, direct the disposal of any real property, not needed for public or municipal purposes, and direct the mayor to make title thereto; and a conveyance made by the mayor in accordance with such ordinance invests the grantee with the title of the municipality." | 52- 2 - and defendants say that pursuant to such authority the City of Brighton by and through its duly constituted governing body, to-wit, the City Council of the City of Brighton, Alabama, did on to-wit, September 8th, 1969 duly adopt Ordinance number 3-69, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto and made a part of this motion and marked Exhibit One, which said Ordinance did legally authorize the Mayor of the City of Brighton to sell the property therein described which property is the basis of this suit. In further support of this motion defendants attach hereto and make a part hereof a true anc/ correct copy of the following documents: 1. Proposal of Hoover Academy to purchase said property 2. Copy of deed executed by the Mayor of the City of Brighton to the Hoover Academy pursuant to said Ordinance 3. Copy of mortgage and note executed by the Hoover Academy 4. Real estate appraisal by Evans J. Smithson 5. Real estate appraisal by T. E. Norton 6. Real estate appraisal by Jess Edwards WHEREFORE PREMISES CONSIDERED defendants pray for summary judgment. RNEY FOR DEFENDANTS SPECIFIED HEREIN STATE OF ALABAMA } JEFFERSON COUNTY ) Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said State and County personally appeared Norman K. Brown who being by me duly sworn says: that the averments contained in the foregoing motion are true. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of September, 1969. k k L r J / d / Notary Publi^/ / o 53 ORDINANCE NUMBER 3-69_____ AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SELL REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY AND NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC OR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS: I. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a deed for and on behalf of the City of Brighton to the Hoover Academy conveying the Brighton Junior High School Building and premises for the sum of $12,500.00 payable $500.00 on delivery of deed and $500.00 thirty days thereafter and the balance at the rate of $100.00 per month. The unpaid balance to bear interest at 6% per annum until paid, said property not needed for public or municipal purposes. Said property is legally described as follows: All of Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, Block 1; and all of that certain alley lying between Lot 10 and Lots 4 through 8, inclusive, Block 1, according to the G. B. Edwards Survey of Brighton, as recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama, Birmingham Division, in Map Book 3, Page 70. All of Lot 12, Block 7 of the G. B. Edwards Subdivision of Lot 4, Block 2 of W. D. Smith's Estate; as recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate, Jefferson County, Alabama, Birming ham Division, in Map Book 4 at Page 107. Surface right only. All being located in Section 34, Township 18, South, Range 4 West, Jefferson County, Alabama. 2. On the passage of the Ordinance, the Mayor shall be authorized to execute said deed. Adopted, this the 8th day of September 1969. ̂Sri, --S'l T.- Clerk Treasurer 54 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA . , REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, Plaintiffs SOUTHERN DIVISION ^ f ' nft •; Ji -I ■KOidr-LKn' !'fr'i - V — - -< ur .-.U.ii,.. V S . X X X X X THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X BAMA, A Municipal Corpor ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X West, Walter Z. Jenkins, I Leonard Lewis, and Richard X Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, X and E. B, PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of the City of X Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, A corporation, X Defendants * X CIVIL ACTION NUMBER.- CA 6S-S61 AFFIDAVIT OF NORMAN K. BROWN.' STATE OF ALABAMA ) JEFFERSON COUNTY ) Before me, the undersigned authority, in and for said County and said State personally appeared Norman K. Brown , who being by me first duly sworn, deposes and on oath says: * "My name is Norman K. Brown and I am a practicing attorney with offices at 1818 Third Avenue North, Bessemer, Alabama. I am now and have been, for more than fifteen years, the City Attorney of Brighton, Alabama. I was present at the special meeting of the City Council held on the 8th day September, 1969 at which meeting the Council passed an Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to sign a deed^-conveying certain real property to the Hoover Academy. The attached draft of the 6' CERTIFICATE OF SERViCE I certify that I have mailed, via U. S. mail, first- class postage prepaid, a copy of the above and foregoing to counsel of record for all ond&sing parties. / This / / day o f. J t y j L ' f Attorney f o r C ^ W y 4 w i minutes of said meeting while said minutes have not been read back to or approved by the Council, such minutes, in my opinion, which is based on my attendance of said meeting are true and correct and truly set forth the acts of the Council at said meeting. According to the 1960 Federal Census the City of Brighton has a population of 2,884 inhabitants and, therefore, is a municipality within the classification of such municipalities of 12,000 inhabitants or less. The governing body of the City of Brighton according to its classification consists of a Mayor and five Aldermen which six officials collectively constitute the Ci'ty Council of the City of Brighton. The Mayor sits with the Council and as required by law presides over all deliberations of the Council. As specified by Section 404 Title 37 Code of Alabama 1940 (Recompiled 1958) the Mayor, at his discretion may vote as a member of the council on any question coming to a vote, except in case of a tie, in which event he must vote. This rule prevails on any question coming to a vote, except Ordinances and Resolutions intended to be of permanent operation. An Ordinance or Resolution intended to be of permanent operation are those Ordinances and Resolutions which continue in force until repealed. The Ordinance passed by the City Council of the City of Brighton at its Special Meeting held on the 8th day of September, 1969 is not an Ordinance of permanent operation since it does not continue in force until repealed. The Mayor having carried out the mandate of said Ordinance, said Ordinance has no further effective force nor will it be replealed nor will it have any continuing force and effect. According to law and the rules and practices of the Council heretofore established such an Ordinance may be acted upon at the same meeting at which it is introduced without first obtaining the unanimous consent of all members of the Council who are present. All matters transacted by the Council at its meeting held on September 8th, 1969 were transacted and the meeting conducted in all respects according 1969, Brighton, Alabama September 8, 1969 The City Council of the City of Brighton, Alabama, met in special session, on Monday night, September 8, 1969 at 6:00 P.M., Mayor E. B. Parsons presiding. On roll call the following members were present: Alderman Leonard Lewis, Alderman Walter Jenkins, Alderman Fred West, Alderman W. M. Perry and Alderman Richard Lewis. The Mayor stated that the purpose of the meeting was to consider a proposal submitted by the Hoover Academy to accelerate its option to purchase the Brighton Junior High School building and premises which proposal was read to the Council and being in words, phrases and figures as follows: "We propose to buy Brighton Junior High premises for $12,500.00 and propose $500.00 cash payment on delivery of deed, $500.00 thirty date thereafter, and the balance at $100.00 per month until/S31rull, unpaid principal to bare interest 6%. We will execute mortgage for balance payable to City of Brighton." A general discussion of the proposal followed at the end of Which Alderman Perry introduce the following Ordinance and moved for its immediate passage which motion was seconded by Alderman West. Said Ordinance being in words, phrases and figures as follows: 56 "ORDINANCE NUMBER AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SELL REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY AND NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC OR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a deed for and on behalf of the City of Brighton to the Hoover Academy conveying the Brighton Junior High School Building and premises for the sum of $12,500.00 payable $500.00 on delivery of deed and $500.00 thirty days thereafter and the balance at the rate of $100.00 per month. The unpaid balance to bear interest at 6% per annum until paid, said property not needed for public or municipal purposes. Said property is legally described as follows: All of Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 Block 1; and all of that certain alley lying between Lot 10 and Lots 4 through 8, inclusive. Block 1, according to the G. B. Edwards Survey of Brighton, as recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama, Birmingham Division, in Map Book 3, Page 70. All of Lot 12, Block 7 of the G. B. Edwards Subdivision of Lot 4, Block 2 of W. D. Smith's Estate; as recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate, Jefferson County, Alabama, Birmingham Division, in Map Book 4 at Page 107. Surface right only. All being located in Section 34, Township 18, South, Range 4 West, Jefferson County, Alabama. 2. On the passage of the Ordinance, the Mayor shall be authorized to execute said deed." The Council discussed the Ordinance and then proceed to vote on the passage of said Ordinance which vote was taken down and recorded as follows: Alderman Leonard Lewis "nay" Alderman Perry "aye Alderman Jenkins "nay" Alderman Richard Lewis "nay Alderman West "aye" Mayor Parsons "aye 57 1 je -2- Brighton, Alabama September 8, 1969 Whereupon, the Clerk announced the vote was tied. The Mayor then stated that he would exercise his perogative and duty to cast a second vote to break the tie, and pass the Ordinance since the Ordinance was not of a permanent nature. Whereupon, the Mayor voted the second time in favor of the passage of the Ordinance, and thereupon, declared the Ordinance to have been duly adopted. The Council then proceeded to discuss the installation of a fire plug and^after a brief discussion Alderman Richard Lewis moved to table said matter unti1 a later date. Alderman Jenkins seconded the motion and on said motion to table all members of the Council voted "aye" thereby unanimously passing the motion to table. There being no further business to come before the Council Alderman Richard Lewis moved that the meeting be adjourned, Alderman Leonard Lewis seconded the motion and on said motion to adjourn with all members voting "aye", the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. Clerk-Treasurer Approved: Mayor I' Ellen s< Hindman, Clerk-Treasurer of the City of Brighton, Alabama, hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the meeting of the city Council of the City of Brighton, held September 8, 1969. l - ' s ' , Clerk Treasurer ( NOTE: These minutes have not been read back to the Council since they have not met since September 8th, 1969, therefore, they are not approved. However, the minutes correctly reflect the actions taken by the city Council at the meeting.) 58 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICE OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, PLAINTIFFS, VS. THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, a Municipal Corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR Of the City of Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, a Corpora tion, DEFENDANTS. MOTION TO DISMISS Comes Hoover Academy, Inc. and appears specially to move to dismiss the motion for preliminary injunction, and no other, and alleges in support thereof as follows: 1. Hoover Academy, Inc. is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Alabama, and has been incorporated since October 10, 1963, and has operated as such since that time. 2. Hoover Academy, Inc. has not been served a complaint, or a copy of a complaint filed in Civil Action No. k*? 5 6 / in the Federal District Court, Northern District of Alabama. 3. It is inconceivable as to the reason for failure of plaintiffs to serve Hoover Academy, Inc. unless it was to de liberately deprive the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. of its right to appear in Federal District Court at the preliminary 2. 59 hearing because Hoover Academy, Inc. was from September 2, 1969, on, ac tive ly conducting c la sse s in the same b u ild ing, the subject matter of the motion, and the com plaint, and p la in t i f f ' s obviously knew how to find the defendant Hoover Academy, In c . 4. Hoover Academy, Inc. a lle ges that prelim inary hearing seeking to in jo in a lease entered into by Hoover Academy, Inc. and the C ity of Birghton on Friday, September 5, 1969, at 2:00, and that Hoover Academy, Inc. was denied the opportunity to be there since they were not served. 5. Hoover Academy, Inc. learned in an a r t ic le written in the Saturday n igh t paper that a delay had been granted "since everyone involved in the case had not been o f f i c ia l l y no tif ie d and some were not in court, Judge A llgood" (error should have been Judge Grooms) "gave the attorneys u n t il Tuesday to get a l l charges and issues of law f ile d with the c le rk ." Hoover Academy, Inc. could not receive a copy. Hoover Academy, Inc. did not receive a copy of the complaint or the motion for a prelim inary irjunction from the court, since the court was, of course, not open during the week end. The attorney for Hoover Academy, Inc. did make a specia l t r ip across town to Bessemer Sunday n ight to obtain a copy from the attorney for the C ity of Brighton. 6. Hoover Academy, Inc. has not received any a f f id a v it s f ile d by the p la in t i f f s in support of the ir motion. The attorney for Hoover Academy, Inc., i s informed that the p la in t i f f s have f ile d supplemental a f f id a v it s and sent a supplemental a f f id a v it to the attorney fo r the C ity of Brighton, but Hoover Academy, Inc. has not received said supplemental a f f id a v it nor has the 3. 60 attorney fo r Hoover Academy, Inc. 7. The subject matter of the motion for prelim inary in junction involves a lease contract entered in to by Hoover Academy, Inc. a corporation, and the C ity of Brighton for a b u ild ing. Hoover Academy, In c ., therefore, i s a d irect party to the contract, and can not be made a party to a prelim inary in junction without service and without service p rio r to any prelim inary hearings in order that due process may be afforded fo r the protection of i t s contractual and property r igh ts . Hoover Academy, Inc. has been denied these r igh ts by the proceed ing to have a prelim inary hearing without service upon Hoover Academy, Inc. and without i t s opportunity to be present in Court. 8. Hoover Academy, Inc. further a lle ge s that the fa ilu re of the p la in t i f f s to supply the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. with a f f id a v it s and supplemental a f f id a v it s has likew ise operated to deny the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. adequate notice and adequate opportunity to present i t s defenses to the pending action and to i t s contractual and property r igh ts . PREMISES CONSIDERED defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. appears sp e c ia lly to ra ise the ju r isd ic t io n a l question that Hoover Academy, Inc. i s not a party to the pending motion for a prelim inary injunction and prays that the motion for a pre lim inary injunction should, therefore, be dism issed fo r that Hoover Academy, Inc. i s a necessary party. In the a lte rnative defendant prays that in the event the Court denies the defen dant’s motion for a d ism issa l on spec ia l appearance, that the Court w i l l allow the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. reasonable i " 61 4 . time to answer the motion for prelim inary hearing and the complaint and a ff id a v it s of the p la in t i f f 's a fte r attorney for Hoover Academy, Inc. receives the same. LOCKE & LOCKE ATTORNEYS A tto rn e y fo r Hoover Academy, Inc. STATE OF ALABAMA) ) JEFFERSON COUNTY) PERSONALLY appeared before me, the undersigned authority, in and for said State and County, Hugh A. Locke, J r., attorney for Hoover Academy, In c ., who being by me f i r s t duly sworn deposes and says that the foregoing a lle ga tio n s are true and correct. ft 'faA.. HUGH M LOCKE, JR. Attorney for Hoover Academy, In c . SWORN September, to and subscribed before me th is the 9th day of 1969. / € ■■■(■»' L.. NOTARY PUBtlC is / CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE This i s to c e rt ify that a copy of the foregoing motion has been dettvikfed to David H. Hood, J r ., Demetris C. Newton, and Norman C. Amaker, Attorneys for P la in t i f f s , and Norman K. Brown, attorney for the C ity of Brighton, th is the|©th day of September, 1969 . zzJL 62 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, ET AL PLAINTIFFS 0 5 VS: 0 THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, A MUNI- 0 CIPAL CORPORATION, ET AL C I V I L A C T I O N 0 NO. CA 69-561 DEFENDANTS 0 0 AMENDMENT TO COMPLAINT Come the defendants herein and amend the original Complaint heretofore filed as follows, to-wit: 1. That wherever the name Old Brighton High School appears in the original complaint, that the same be amended to read Old Brighton High School, also known as Old Brighton Elemen tary School, also known as Old Brighton Junior High School. at all times the Old Brighton High School, also known as the Old Brighton Junior High School, also known as the Old Brighton Ele mentary School when in operation, was segregated and for the use of White pupils only and was always known to plaintiffs as the Old Brighton High School, but that the complaint herein be amended to show that the Old Brighton High School is also known as Old Brighton Junior High School, also the Old Brighton Elementary School, the subject of the suit herein. 2. That the original complaint be amended to show that Bessemer, Alabama 35020 2 2 7 DEMETRIUS C. NEWTON k08 North I7th Street Birmingham, Alabama 35203 IN THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T COURT FOR THE NORTHERN D IS T R IC T OF ALABAM A, SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, ) GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, ) ) P la in t i f f s ) ) vs. ) ) THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, ) a Municipal Corporation; et a l . ,) ) Defendants ) OPINION IN LIEU OF FORMAL FINDINGS This action is f i le d by Negro c it izen s of the C ity of Brighton, Alabama, aga inst the C ity , members of the Council, Mayor, and the Hoover Academy, a corporation, to enjoin the C ity , i t s counci linen and Mayor from leasing or s e l l in g the Old Brighton Junior High School bu ild in g to Hoover Academy on the ground that the bu ild ing is public property of the C ity and w i l l be used by Hoover for a private white segregated school. The C ity of Brighton is a m unicipality of the State of Alabama located in Jefferson County. I t has a population of less than 6 , 0 0 0 . I t does not operate a school system and has never operated a public school. In 1966 the Jefferson County Board of Education owned the premises in question and operated a high school there. The Board decided to close the school and th is was done apparently at the end of the 1965-1966 school year. The Board decided to s e l l the premises to the highest bidder. The C ity was the highest bidder at the sa le , paying the sum of $10,106.00 for the property. The property is located near the C ity H a ll. The bu ild ing is in a bad state of repair. Some of the windows are broken and the openings boarded up. There are d e fic iencies in the heating system C IV IL ACTION NO. 69-561 FILED !r; C,; ' ' LFFfCE N O R i’-ICF.iM - ij ; A.-- . .. SfcP - 5 Wbd and the to i le t f a c i l i t ie s . The C ity has received no income from the premises. And due to the fact that the b u ild in gs are vacant the insurance on the premises has long since been cancelled. On August 12, 1969, a proposed lease of the premises to Hoover was presented to the Council and approved. The le g a lit y of the approval was questioned. When the motion fo r prelim inary in junction came on fo r hearing on Friday, September 5, 1969, the Court indicated that the lease might f a l l w ith in the p roscrip tion of Burton v. Wilmington Parking A uthority . 365 U.S. 715; Hampton v. C ity of Jacksonv ille , F lo r id a , 5 C i r . , 304 F. 2d 320, and lik e au thoritie s. Follow ing the hearing the contracting partie s abandoned the lease. The C ity had the property appraised by three appraisers. Two appraisers fixed the value at $12,000.00, one at $12,500.00. Hoover then submitted a b id to purchase the property for $12,500.00. The Council authorized the sa le of the property, as property not needed for public or m unicipal purposes, pursuant to Section 477(1) of T it le 37 of the Code of Alabama. Follow ing the action of the Council the Mayor executed a deed to the property to Hoover and took back under the terms of sale a purchase money mortgage for $11,500.00 of the purchase price payable at the rate of $100.00 per month at s ix per cent in te rest. None of the C ity o f f ic ia l s are in any way connected with Hoover. Hoover is a private corporation and operates four white segregated private schools in Jefferson County. Neither the C ity nor any of i t s o ff ice rs w i l l exercise any contro l over the operation of the premises, other than the normal contro l common to a mortgagee in case o f d e fa u lt , for the protection of the property by insurance and from the lie n of taxes. 64 - 2 « 65 The sa le has been consummated on the basis of the statement in Derrington v. Plummer, 240 F. 2d 922 (cert, denied 353 U.S. 924), decided by the F ifth C ircu it on December 19, 1956, wherein i t was "No doubt a county may in good faith lawfully sell and dispose of its surplus property, and its subsequent use by the grantee would not be state action. Like wise , we think that, when there is no purpose of discrimination, no joinder in the enterprise, or reservation of control by the county, it may lease for private purposes property not used nor needed for county purposes, and the lessee's conduct in operating the leasehold would be merely that of a private person." (Emphasis supplied) Pretermitting, as of course, any decision as to the merits of the cause, the Court is of the opinion that the motion for preliminary injunction should be denied. It is difficult to see how the plain tiffs and those in their class similarly situated can be irreparably injured pending that event. The City Council will be irreparably injured if it is deprived by an injunction of an opportunity to sell this uninsured, non-revenue producing, surplus property. Done and Ordered, th is the day of September, 1969. said: United States District Judge 3 - 66 IN THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T COURT FOR THE NORTHERN D IS T R IC T OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, ) GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, ) ) P la in t i f f s ) ) vs. ) ) THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, ) a Municipal Corporation; et a l . ,) ) Defendants ) C IV IL ACTION NO. 69-561 HLt;.: il, I..:.-, i -- ‘-■riiwii IsOi'Trtt'i. ; O f ALABAMA ShtJ •• iHb'i o r d e r '■...... Pursuant to the opinion f ile d contemporaneously herewith; I t is ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that the p la i n t i f f s ’ motion fo r prelim inary in junction be and the same is hereby denied. Done and Ordered, th is the /J> day of September, 1969. United States D is t r ic t Judge 67 IN THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T COURT FOR THE NORTHERN D IS T R IC T OF ALABAM A, SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N REBECCA WRIGHT, et al., ) ) CIVIL ACTION Plaintiffs ) ) ) ) ) VS. NO. 69-561 THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, a Municipal ) FILED it* Cirovi- r, Corporation; et al., ) ) )Defendants fJL-V 1 '! W 9 W IL L I9 ' 'l ■. , • C LER K , I f ■O R D E R This matter was set on the regular motion docket on November 18, 1969, for hearing upon all pending motions. In view of the issues involved in this case, the said motions are continued and will be considered along with the hearing on the merits, which is set on Monday, December 1, 1969, at 9:00 a.m.. Any briefs will be filed before that date. So ORDERED, this the /S day of November, 1969. United States District Judge 68 NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, at ala PLAINTIFFS, VS. CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, et ala, DEFENDANTS AMENDMENT TO COMPLAINT IN THE UNITED STATE S D IS T R IC T COURT FOR THE TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURTS Cone the Plaintiffs herein and anend their complaint as follows, to-wit: 5~fl. That the aotion of the Mayor in calling the Special <u£C <L £ A tg*n j&ttSkq* Meeting toJ Mortgage«m»feawhaagwentl^the school property involved herein, the voting at said Special Meeting and all actions pertaining and relative thereto was void on its face in Its application and all State Statutes and Ordinances giving the Mayor the right to cast two votes is a dilution of the vote of the other Council«en and a violation oJLthe one Ban one vote concept^ Jir ATTORNEYS FOR PLaIMI'IM I certify that I have personally served a copy of the notion herein on Hon. forman Brown, this the / day of December, 1969. T') £*-<.<~eo 0 <^j^v-T~ ‘"'^ ^ C - * Z U » y \ ~ i< , i/̂ e. ■y~tL+->~̂ -A~J & X U > * ̂ Art±^ 4, C ^ i l C M <.<?' 5 <■) C < _ > ^ ^ ^ " * ^ . — r-~ Oor-l~t >a , (Kj X ^ U ’l - t u + J M C * ~ ^ l ^ 0 ^ < ^ X ~ d ~ J L ^ j, -p\ x : ftLcz-fo A - c ~ t _ ^ w A - ^ A ^■ySk^UL^r- “ A l'A i 1 ~ \ 7 y z z t x 7 ^ ^ 7 ? ^ / *f 9 0 G^JLs Cj~9) '/ <̂L-<-*^~fltL^X-d^ I O X r c X djeLsĈ G-^U^ ~CZu^£~ <=*£• A^-— u —<_ ^^-^-jlo<jl_X ^ 6^u_> ijiw £^v-c /A*->v . ^ ̂ ->»w-_v_vj — K> x-^i b-y*JL^i "AA<LJ 7-^- ^ jj^a~~<S7 ^ /fA— «»— ^ ̂ ~ <2 * ~/V $ / - .<; ^ C ^ ; ; £ 5 5 70 IN THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T COURT FOR THE NORTHERN D IS T R IC T OF ALABAM A. SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N REBECCA WRIGHT, et al. , ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) CIVIL ACTION Plaintiffs vs. NO. 69-561 THE CITY OF BRIGHTON ALABAMA, a Municipal Corporation; et al. , FILED IN CLERK'S OFFICE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA DEC 1 1969Defendants O R D E R This matter was set for hearing upon the trial on the merits at this time and come the plaintiffs herein and amend their complaint by which amendment they challenge the constitutionality of Section 404 of Title 37 of the Code of Alabama of 1940. At this time they move for the impanelling of a three-judge court. Under the original complaint in this cause plaintiffs pray for an injunction to prohibit the lease or sale to Hoover Academy of real property known as the Brighton Junior High School. Under Section 404 the Mayor of the City of Brighton, and of other cities in the same population class, is entitled to a vote as a member of the Council. If there is a tie the law provides that the Mayor must vote. The Attorney General has construed the statute as giving the Mayor a permissive vote which he may exercise as a member of the Council and a compulsory vote in case of a tie. See Attorney General's Report of June 26, 1951, Quarterly Reports of Attorney General, Vol. 63, p. 72, and the Attorney General’s opinion of October 28, 1964, and his opinion of October 28, 1968. Plaintiffs contend that since this gives the Mayor two votes the act is unconstitutional, and that the action in selling the property was therefore a void act. The facts appear to be 7 / 7 1 undisputed in this case that the Mayor as a member of the Council cast an affirmative vote for the sale of the property which result ed in a tie and that he then cast an affirmative vote as Mayor which broke the tie. The Court is of the opinion that this action should be con tinued pending consideration of the motion to impanel a three- judge court and the possible impanelling of such court. It is, therefore, ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that this action be and the same is hereby continued. Done and Ordered, this the 1st day of December, 1969. United States District Judge 2 7i 72 IN THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T COURT FOR THE NORTHERN D IS T R IC T OF ALABAM A, SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N REBECCA WRIGHT, et al. , ) ) CIVIL ACTION Plaintiffs ) ) ) ) ) VS . NO. 69-561 THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, a Municipal Corporation; et al., riLF-0 n o w IN CLERK'S OFFICE ■rt .jisvs.c r or aiabama ) ) ) )Defendants m O R D E R CLC. E Y: The plaintiffs' motion to convene a three-judge court has had the careful consideration of this Court. A single judge must make the initial determination of the applicability of Section 2281. Liveright v. Joint Committee of Gen. Assem. of State of Tenn., 279 F. Supp. 205 (M.D. Tenn.). The complaint in this case allegedly seeks redress for the deprivation of rights, privileges and immunities secured by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and Section 1981 of Title 42 U.S.C. Plaintiffs pray for an injunction against the City of Brighton, the members of the City Council and the Mayor of that City, and against Hoover Academy, a corporation, enjoining the lease or sale of the Brighton Junior High School by the City and its said officials to the defendant Hoover Academy. Subsequent to the filing of the bill the Council enacted an ordinance authorizing the sale of the said high school property to Hoover Academy. The City of Brighton had never operated a school or used the premises for school purposes. The sale was made pursuant to Section 477(1) of Title 37 of the Code of Alabama of 1940. This section authorizes the sale by a s?O 73 municipality of property not needed for public or municipal purposes. Thereafter and on September 15, 1969, the Court overruled the motion for temporary injunction and set the case for a hearing on the merits on December 1, 1969. Before the trial was entered upon the plaintiffs amended their complaint asserting the unconstitutionality of Section 404 of Title 37 of the Code of Alabama of 1940 and have moved for the convening of a three-judge court under Title 28, Section 2281. The Court has given careful consideration to this motion and is of the opinion that the case is controlled by Ex parte Collins, 277 U.S. 565, and the cases following in the wake of that case. The Collins case Involved a resolution adopted by the City of Phoenix, Arizona, directing the paving of a street. The improve ment was to be made pursuant to a general statute of Arizona. Under the general statute the cost of the improvement was to be assessed against the abutting property according to the benefit received. The petitioner claimed that the statute made no pro vision for giving the property owner a hearing and therefore contravened the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution. There was a motion to impanel a three- judge court as provided in Section 266 of the Judicial Code as amended, now Section 2281 of Title 28. The court, referring to the substantial unanimity of lower court decisions, stated: "Thus, the section has long been held in applicable to suits seeking to enjoin the execution of municipal ordinances, or the orders of a city board. And likewise it has been held that the section does not apply where, as here, although the constitutionali ty of a statute is challenged, the defendants are local officers and the suit involves matters of interest only to the particular municipality or district involved. Despite the generality of the language, we think the section must be so construed." $> - 2 - In conclusion the court said: 74 "Though here the alleged unconstitutionali ty rests in the enabling statute, the case does not differ substantially from one where the sole claim is that a city ordi nance is invalid. Moreover, the enabling act is not itself being enforced within the meaning of § 266. That act merely authorizes further legislative action to be taken by the city, as by the resolution here in question. It is that municipal action, not the statute of a State, whose 'enforcement, operation, or execution' the petitioner seeks to enjoin." The court in Hinton v. Threat, 280 F. Supp. 831 (M.D. Tenn.), has analyzed the cases beginning with Collins, and this Court will not belabor the matter by further analysis. See also, the same court's decision in the case of Liveright, supra, where there is a lengthy discussion of the three-judge court question. Since the sale has already been made it would seem that the Court could grant whatever relief the plaintiffs may be entitled to by way of a declaration without any need for an injunction. In view of the decision in Collins and like cases the Court is of the opinion that this is not a three-judge case and that the motion should be overruled. It is, therefore, ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that the plaintiffs' motion to convene a three-judge court be and the same is hereby overruled. This case is reset for trial on its merits on Tuesday, December 16, 1969, at 9:30 a.m. Done and Ordered, this the 4th day of December, 1969. United States District Judge 3 - 75 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION I REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, ) GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, ) ) ' PLAINTIFFS, ) ) VS. ) ) THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, ) a Municipal Corporation, W.M. ) Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. ) Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and ) Richard Lewis, as members of ) the City Council of Brighton, ) Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, ) individually and as MAYOR of ) the City of Brighton, Alabama, ) and HOOVER ACADEMY, a ) Corporation, ) ) DEFENDANTS. ) CIVIL ACTION NO. £ i_ 5 L( MOTION TO DISMISS Comes the Defendant, HOOVER ACADEMY, INC., appearing specially and for no other purpose, moves the Court to dismiss this cause, and as grounds for said motion, sets down and assigns the following, separately and severally: 1. For that this Court is without jurisdiction in this cause. 2. For that the State of Alabama nor its Attorney General is made a party to this cause, as is required by law, since the CITY OF BRIGHTON,a municipal corporation is the State of Alabama in that said municipality is a political subdivision of the State of Alabama, a creature of the State of Alabama, and an arm of the State of Alabama, and the Defendants say that the State of Alabama, and the Attorney General thereof are necessary parties to this action. - 2 - 7 6 3. For that the original jurisdiction in. this cause wherein the State of Alabama and its Attorney General are necessary parties, is in the Supreme Court of the United States, as provided by the Constitution of the United States. 4. For that this suit is a suit against the State of Alabama, and Defendant says that the judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States, to-wit: the State of Alabama, by citizens thereof, without the consent of the State of Alabama, and Defendant'says that such consent of the State of Alabama has not been obtained. 5. For that it affirmatively appears from the Bill of Complaint in this cause, that said action is brought under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and unless the State of Alabama is a party to said suit, this cause cannot be so maintained under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. 6. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments of the Bill of Complaint that the Plaintiffs have an adequate remedy at law. 7. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments of the Bill of Complaint that said Bill of Complaint does not contain equity. 8. For that the Bill of Complaint in this cause is without equity. 9. For that the jurisdiction in this cause is in the State courts, to-wit: The Tenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, holden at Bessemer, Alabama. 10. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments of the Bill of Complaint that Plaintiffs are not entitled to a preliminary injunction. 11. For that the averments of the Bill of Complaint and the motion for temporary injunction are insufficient to authorize this Court to issue such temporary injunction. 12. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to declare null and void the duly adopted and constitutional ordinances of the City of Brighton, Alabama. 3 77 13. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to impair the right of the HOOVER ACADEMY, INC., to contract. 14. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to impair the contractual obligation of HOOVER ACADEMY, INC., a private corporation. 15. For that the so called "Civil Rights"Act as shown in the U.S.C.A. at Title 3.5̂ Section O 3 and Title ~*Sf Section is unconstitutional and contrary to the Art Section of the constitution of the U .S .; hence cannot be the basis of relief in this court and this suit. 16. For that the so called "Civil Rights" Act, as shown in the U.S.C.A. at Title Z.y' Section and Title S e c t i o n u n c o n s t i t u t i o n a l and contrary to the Article Section of the constitution of the U.S.; hence is void as to relief requested in this cause and will not support this action. 78 I *7 . Xl^T^X” * *" ca-/̂«3— * 1 • Z * s\ j-0 is& * 4 -J i */ L A -fj»s»~ ^ . € -S ^ < -'. -J.._£ (SlxtZ 'vA ̂ X - X ^ !f x^szy. -^rty^C-^tcj '̂ ■ary" <X. C*4**s~$Zy 5^6 £A-*a_̂ ŝ *u-<—-«—t j XSŜ -c-**. ~%fc-K £sG-b~^A <&*VVu»ujf- -CW a y ^ J f ^ U ~ = « A W ^£a ,-? y*»4sO JKs#̂ 2̂̂ 0$, b**M~*K X*^U-i Jr>t^ C)L ^ . ^o-^ pStbJy^i ^=u^_*^t-^ra_*. t X ^ M M Z« X«-tdn- Sĵ & ^ M xZ X o JiZ jZ b j ̂ ■ tir'A^cLiM ^, l ?■. ( V » v i | ) ^ * t « u (̂ ' gt^£AjLj^i££A~^-v*~0 **-*jTt-*JZs(̂ •*-*t-*̂-î-*--t-<. SCtui^ dsCn-*-*5~‘ ~3[a> X A jL. /J t̂ uL •£&■ ̂-y--**̂ $<̂ £-<~>.>-e. *6-rd*j3-3 . ~7~1*UL &X-t*«Ao/ «^A4 ^ t̂«̂ *-C-̂ _̂ v». «ŝ cxaC^JXy^ Z5t« Zls^ TC-O ^^*^»*-<^-#^<_‘(̂ XP̂ *--«̂ - ^ x <2d îffi.-.̂ wi. •r-'-'* * OL^e ,j i ^ y% %/T*&je, *2.tf , * &4J~8\a-£&( S&&A* db^esvudh£&* ^ s . ' I i t . c i w ^ /? '^e. Jhk^Z» ^AA^rt^_ ,fl 1^ e~a~^ ,f , J ? ^ 5 u js6 u * ^ « *-yiL*Ẑ /t-*£' ' i& & L ^-+^t»IZZZZm{ *&***- — *~*-tfk, ̂ o y -f-<s^LXZ £j i?o««s«̂ ŷ f c 2j6-««-'*~*-<̂ SL'.ĵ ^ . JL Ĵr "ZayL*. ~-j d̂ c * r ^ —j •^-4^ftr^<rr-e 79 t ^ r z r v ^ l ^ €Z^ti*sn«x) ©*/• 7 ^ ZZ+U* / ? J X , 4 y 2 3 t ^ e ^ ^ Z ^ V . j£kdL~ ^ rtlNO WlijK Comes now the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. in the above styled cause separately and severally and for answer to the complaint as last amended states as follows: 1. Plaintiffs fail to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. 2. For answer to paragraph I defendant denies the jurisdic tion of the Court, denies the applicability of the statute, denies the constitutionality of the , .y r the statute and insists upon proof. 3. This defendant is unaware of any discriminatory acts of the Mayor, City Council, or the City of Brighton, and requests proof. 4. Defendant for answer to paragraph III, defendant is not informed as to the allegations of paragraph III and demands proof thereof. 81 2 . 5. Defendant acknowledges that Hoover Academy is a corpora tion and has been made a party defendant after all hearings for preliminary injunction and all hearings on motions and defendant does not waive the right to complain of this act. Defendant is not specifically informed of the remainder of the allegations. 6. For answer to paragraph V defendant Hoover Academy ack nowledges that they are a private corporation that has operated a private school in several locations in Jefferson County, Alabama, for six yeais, none of which have been in the City of Brighton, nor have any of the City officials, councilman, nor anyone associated with the City of Brighton ever been association with Hoover Academy in any capacity during the entire six years. Hoover Academy since its second year when it occupied a school building in the City of Hoover, known as the Old Patton's Chapel School, has desired to purchase a building, and during the month of August, 1969, noticed the vacant building in the City of Brighton, and learned that it belonged to the City of Brighton. Hoover Academy approached the City of Brighton with respect to the purchase of the building and were subsequently informed that it might be leased. They leased the building, always with the hope that they could purchase the building. Hoover Academy did subsequently purchase the building from the City of Brighton, and paid $500.00 upon closing, subsequently paid $500.00 within 30 days as contracted, has executed a purchase money mortgage and a note for $11,000.00 with six per cent (6%) interest as con tracted. Hoover Academy, in addition thereto, has paid $100.00 and $167.00 in accord with the contract as monthly installments. For answer to the allegations that no negro now or ever can attend Hoover Academy, defendant nor any one else can answer with certainty, but defendant axp^c^s proof of the allegation. Hoover Academy alleges that they have never been involved in any litigation in Federal Court prior to this suit and expect plaintiffs to prove that Hoover Academy is attempting to flaunt a segregation decree. The constitution and by-laws of Hoover Academy do not limit its membership to white membership no negro has ever made application, including these plaintiffs, to the knowledge of the school. Hoover Academy is interested in quality education and strives for that end. Hoover Academy is not informed as to the balance of the allegation, but demands proof thereof. 7. Hoover Academy for answer to paragraph VI states that they are not informed as to any law of the State, of the City of Brighton, but demand proof thereof from plaintiffs. Defendant would answer further that the allegations are insufficient as to adequacy of remedy when viewed by the plaintiffs' own affidavits as to plain tiffs' complaint. 8. Defendant Hoover Academy is not informed as to the allega tions of paragraph VII, but demands proof thereof. Defendant having answered the paragraphs of the bill of complaint as served upon the defendant does allege that to allow this complaint would cause injuries to the defendant Hoover hcademy, Inc., and that there has been no requests for nor provision for bond to assure this defendant against injuries nor do the plaintiffs ascert will ingness to do equity in the matter no provision is made for the return of the monies paid out by this defendant nor to dompensate this defendant for injuries, including attorneys' fees and costs. Defendant respectfully prays for the protection of this court in bond provisions and for damages in the allowing of complainant relief. Defendant without limiting does specifically request return of monies paid out. 83 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN DIVISION CIVIL ACTION NO, 69-561 FILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA DEC 29 1969 OPINION IN LIEU OF FORMAL FINDINGS This action is filed by Negro citizens of the City of Brighton, Alabama, against the City and members of the Council, Mayor, and the Hoover Academy, a corporation, to enjoin the City, its Councilman and Mayor from leasing or selling the Brighton Junior High School building and property to Hoover Academy on the ground that the building is public property of the City and would be used by Hoover for a private white segregated school. The City of Brighton is a municipality of the State of Alabama located in Jefferson County, with a population of less than 6,000. It does not operate a school system and has never operated a school system and, consequently, is without a school board. In 1966 the Jefferson County Board of Education owned the premises in question and operated a high school there. The Board decided to close the school and this was done apparently at the end of the 1965-1966 school year. It then decided to sell the premises to the highest bidder. The City was the highest bidder, paying $10,106.00 for the property which is located near the City Hall. The building was constructed in 1925, and at the time of the purported sale to Hoover the building was in a bad state of repair. Many of the windows were broken and the openings boarded REBECCA WRIGHT, et al., ) ) Plaintiffs ) ) v s . ) ) THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ) ALABAMA, a Municipal ) Corporation; et al., ) ) Defendants ) 84 up. There were deficiencies in the heating system and toilet facilities. The City had received no income from the premises and due to the fact that the building was vacant the insurance on the building had been cancelled. On August 6, 1969, a resolution was submitted to the Council to consider the leasing of the premises to Hoover. The Mayor and four of the Councilmen voted affirmatively, and one of the black Councilmen abstained. The Council is composed of three Negroes and two whites. The Mayor is white. At a special meeting on August 12, 1969, an ordinance was offered to lease the premises to Hoover with an option to purchase at a price to be agreed upon. The initial vote on the ordinance was a tie, the three Negro Councilmen voting nay, and the two white Councilmen and the Mayor voting aye. The Mayor then cast a vote breaking the tie. The ordinance authorized the Mayor to execute the lease. The complaint herein was filed on August 27, 1969. When the motion for preliminary injunction came on for hearing on Friday, September 5, 1969, the Court indicated that the lease might fall within the proscription of Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority, 365 U .S. 715; Hampton v. City of Jacksonville. Florida, 5 Cir., 304 F. 2d 320, and like authorities. The Court did not rule upon the motion at that time. Following the hearing the contracting parties abandoned the lease and began negotiations for a sale by the City to Hoover. The property was appraised. Two appraisers fixed the value at $12,000.00 and one at $12,500.00. Hoover then submitted a bid to purchase the property for $12,500.00, payable $500.00 cash upon delivery of deed and $500.00 within thirty days thereafter, with the balance payable at the rate of $100.00 per month with six per cent interest on the unpaid principal, the unpaid 2 85 balance to be secured by a mortgage. At a special meeting on September 8, 1969, the Council voted to approve the proposed sale. There was a tie vote, the three Negro Councilmen voting against the sale and the two white Councilmen and the Mayor voting for the sale. The Mayor then voted to break the tie. The Mayor was authorized to execute a warranty deed and accept the purchase money mortgage. The passage of the ordinance was published by posting as provided by Title 37 § 462 of the Code of Alabama of 1940, there being no newspaper published within the city limits of the City of Brighton. On September 9, 1969, the Mayor executed the deed on behalf of the City and received from Hoover a purchase money mortgage. The terms of the mortgage have been fully complied with as of the date of this order. None of the City officials are in any way connected with Hoover, which is a private corporation and which has been organized to operate private schools. There is no provision in its charter limiting the attendance upon said schools to white only. However, in the seven years of its existence it has never received an application from a black student and, consequently, has no black students enrolled in its school. The Court finds from the evidence that it is the policy of the school to accept only white students. Neither the City nor any of its officers have exercised any control over the operation of the premises. Hoover has since the purchase renovated the building, repaired the windows, plumbing and heating facilities and has expended considerable funds in such effort. The City has made no repairs. The property is now insured by Hoover with the City as loss payee. The property was sold to Hoover as surplus property pursuant V to Section 477(1) of Title 37 of the Code of Alabama. 1/ "The governing body of any city or town in this state may, by ordinance to be entered on its minutes, direct the disposal of any - 3 - 86 Notice of the meeting o f September 8 was given by the Mayor to all of the Councilmen through the agency of the P o l i c e Depart ment. There is a dispute as to whether the notices were given and received on the day of th e meeting. Nevertheless, a l l of the Councilmen were present and raised no objection to the holding of ia/ the special meeting. There is no public school operated within the corporate limits of the City of Brighton. The public school students attend schools operated by the County and located beyond the city limits. Plaintiffs contend that the ordinance for the sale of the property was an ordinance of "permanent operation" and that the action taken by the Council was proscribed by Section 456 of Title 37 of the Code of Alabama of 1940, which provides that: "[n 3o ordinance or resolution intended to be of permanent operation shall be adopted by the council at the same meeting at which it is introduced, unless unanimous consent of those present is given . . . and no ordinance or resolution intended to be of permanent operation shall become a law unless . . . the mayor and three aldermen, or four aider- men in cities of less than twelve thousand inhabi tants and in towns shall vote in its favor." A "permanent" ordinance is construed to mean an ordinance which continues in force until repealed. Pierce v. City of Hunts ville , 185 Ala. 490, 64 South. 301; Town of Linden v. American-La France & Foamite Industries, 232 Ala. 167,.167 So. 548. In the Pierce case there was a series of ordinances calling for bids for paving streets, adopting or accepting the bids, and fixing assessments against the property owners for the benefits accruing. It was contended that these were permanent ordinances. The court rejected this contention, saying: 1/ - (Cont’d) real property, not needed for public or municipal purposes, and direct the mayor to make title thereto; and a conveyance made by the mayor in accordance with such ordinance invests the grantee with the t i t l e of the municipality." la/ The attendance of all members at the special meeting cured any defect in the call or notice. 62 C.J.S. $ 397, at 756. - 4 - 87 "The proceeding for the assessment of the cost of a street improvement against the abutting property is administrative and judicial in its character. It is also local and special, and when its end is once_accomplished, it is no longer a rule of conduct, but its interest is historical and evidential only. It is then consigned to the limbo of things which have served theirpugpose7" (Emphasis supplied) In the Town of Linden case the ordinance Involved the purchase of fire truck and equipment by a municipality. Under the authority Pierce it was held that the ordinance was not one of permanent operation. The ordinance involving the sale of the property in this case spent its force with the execution of the deed. Once this act was completed there was nothing to be repealed. The Court is there fore of the opinion that the ordinance was not one of "permanent operation." The publication of the ordinance was adequate. Plaintiffs also contend that the ordinance is invalid because it is grounded upon Section 404 of Title 37, Code of Alabama of 1940, which they assert is unconstitutional. This section provides, inter alia, that in cities of over 12,000 population the mayor does not have a vote and shall not sit with the council, but that in cities of less than 12,000 "the legislative functions shall be exercised by the mayor and five aldermen. The mayor shall preside over all deliberations of the council. At his discretion he may vote as a member of the council on any question coming to a vote, except in case of a tie, in which event he must vote." (Emphasis supplied) The general law sustains the right of a mayor under statutes the same or analogous to the one here involved to vote as a member , ,, additionalor tne council and then to cast an / vote in the event of a tie. In 62 C.J.S. Municipal Corporations § 405, at 769, it is stated: 'where he [the mayor] is a member of the council with the right to vote in every case and a casting vote in case of a tie, he may vote 5 88 on a question and give an additional vote if there is a tie." This statutory right appears to have its origin in the common law as noted from the case of The People ex rel. Remington v. The Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of the Church of the Atonement. 48 Barb. 603 (N.Y.), where it was said: "By the common law, a casting vote some times signifies the single vote of a person who never votes; but in the case of an equality, sometimes the double vote of a person who first votes with the rest, and then, upon an equality, creates a majority by giving a second vote. (1 Bl. Com. 181, n. Jac. Law. Die. Parliament, 7.)" Almost the Identical provision was involved in People ex rel. 2/ Walsh v. Teller. 7 N.Y.S. 2d 168, 169 Misc. 342 , and was upheld. In Whitney v. Village of Hudson. 69 Mich. 189, 37 N.W. 184, it was stated: "The charter [of the mimicipalityl, however, expressly says that, ' in proceedings of the council, each member present shall have one vote, and, when there shall be a tie, the president shall give a casting vote.' This makes the president a voter upon every question, and, in case of tie, he has an additional vote." The Supreme Court of North Carolina in Markham v. Simpson, 175 N.C. 135, 95 S.E. 106, declared the rule to be as follows: "In reference to the first position, while it may not be in accord with strict parliamen tary law, it is the prevailing rule in this country that, in the case of these municipal boards, a presiding officer, who is also a member, has the legal right, as such member, to vote on questions coming properly before the body for decision and to vote a second time as presiding officer when the law or valid rule of the body itself governing its proceedings confers upon such officer the right to give the casting vote. People ex rel. Remington v. Rector, etc., 48 Barb. (N.Y.) 603; Whitney v. Common Council of Village of Hudson, 69 Mich. 189, 37 N.W. 184; 2/ The New York statute has since been changed to read: "[H]e Tthe mayor] shall vote only in his capacity as mayor of the village and his vote shall be considered as one vote." Anson v. Starr, 101 N.Y.S. 2d 948. 6 89 2 McQuillin, Mun. Corp, § 590." Tennessee, Reeder v. Trotter, 142 Tenn. 37, 215 S.W. 400, and Maryland, Mayor and City Council of Havre de Grace v. State Board of Health, 234 Md. 222, 198 A. 2d 732, adhere to the rule. The Attorney General of Alabama has so construed Section 404 in at least three opinions. Quarterly Reports of Attorney General (Report of June 26, 1951), Vol. 63, p. 72, and Attorney General's opinions of October 28, 1964, and of October 28, 1968. The Court is of the further opinion that the so called one- man, one-vote rule is without application and does not render un constitutional Section 404 which was obviously adopted to prevent stalemates in small towns and municipalities and to promote the orderly administration of their routine business transactions. In Derrington v. Plummer, 240 F. 2d 922, Judge Rives, speaking for the court, stated that "no doubt the county may in good faith lawfully sell and dispose of its surplus property, and its subse quent use by the grantee would not be state action." There are constitutional rights as well as constitutional restrictions. The City certainly has a right to sell its surplus property, and the Court fails to find that there was any discrimi nation in so doing. In this Court's opinion it would be a strange perversion of a constitutional right to sell and dispose of property if there was a legal interdiction running with the land that the property would not be used for the purpose of establishing a private school, even though the school admitted only white students. The Court is of the opinion that the plaintiffs are not en titled to the relief prayed for, and a decree will be entered dismissing the case on the merits. Done and Ordered, this the 29th day of December, 1969. United S ta te s D i s t r i c t Judge 7 90 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, et al., ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) C IV IL ACTION P la in t i f f s vs. NO. 69-561 THE CITY OF BRIGHTON ALABAMA, a Municipal Corporation; et al., UEC 29 1969 Defendants D E G R E E Pursuant to the opinion in lieu of formal findings of fact filed contemporaneously herewith; It is ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that this action be and the same is hereby dismissed, with costs taxed against the plaintiffs. Done and Ordered, this the 29th day of December, 1969. United States District Judge A ‘ V I ' ' •* IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN DIVISION REBECCA WRIGHT, et als., 0 PLAINTIFFS 0 C I V I L A C T I O N VS: 0 THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, et als. 0 0 A NO. 69-561 DEFENDANTS FILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE NORTHfcRN DISTRICT OK ALABAMA 0 JAN B i970 NOTICE OF APPEAL S l u U . L n. O A V IS CUE2JSPV.U. ' * . O Y; ~ IRK Notice is hereby given that the Plaintiffs above named, Rebecca Wright, et als., hereby appeal to the United States Court of Appeal for the Fifth Circuit from the order and judgement entered by this court on the 29th day of December, 1969, dismissing Plaintiffs request for an injunction and other relief herein. Done this the ^ day of January, 1970. Attorney for Plaintiffs 2111 5th Avenue, North Bessemer, Alabama I Certify that I have served a copy of this Notice of Appeal upon Honorable Norman K. Brown, attorney for the Defendants herein y United States Mail, postage prepaid, at his office 1818-3rd avenue, North, Bessemer, A 1ahama. Done this the day of January, 1970. And the Honorable Hugh A. Lieke Boom 923} Frank Nelson Bldg. Birmingham, Alabama 35203 cr... ~ Attorneys for Plaintiffs 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 92 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a I N T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S D I S T R I C T C O U R T F O R T H E N O R T H E R N D I S T R I C T OF A L A B A M A , S O U T H E R N D I V I S I O N PILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE fUWTHERI'i DISTRICT OF ALABAMA R E B E C C A W R I G H T , BE N W A L L E R , ) G U S D I C K E R S O N , P E A R L IE D A - ) Ft 3 1 6 1970 VIS, ) ) P L A I N T I F F S , ) ) V. ) ) THE C I T Y OF B R I G H T O N , A L A - ) BAMA, a m u n i c i p a l c o r p o r a - ) tion; W. M. PER R Y , F R E D ) W E S T , W A L T E R J E N K I N S , LE O N - ) A R D L E W I S and R I C H A R D LEWIS^) as m e m b e r s o f the C i t y Court-) c i l of Bri g h t o n ; and E. B. ) P A R S O N S , i n d i v i d u a l l y and ) as M a y o r of the C i t y of ) B r i g h t o n , A l a b a m a , an d HOO-) V E R A C A D E M Y , a c o r p o r a t i o n , ) ) D E F E N D A N T S . ) WILLIAM E. B AVI S' CLER823J/ S. DIST'RICICOURl By.. C I V I L A C T I O N NO. C A 6 9 - 5 6 1 C A P T I O N T H E A B O V E E N T I T L E D C A U S E c a m e o n to be heard before the H o n o r a b l e H. H. G r o o m s , F e d e r a l D i s t r i c t Judge, on the 1 6 t h d a y of D e c e m b e r , 1969, at 9:30 A. M . , B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a , w h e n the f o l l o w i n g p r o c e e d i n g s w e r e had a n d done: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 93 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A P P E A R A N C E S Mr. D a v i d H. Hood, Jr., 2 1 1 1 F i f t h A v e n u e , North, B e s s e m e r , A l a b a m a , and Mr. D e m e t r i u s C. Nevton, 4 0 8 N o r t h 1 7 t h Street, B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a , a p p e a r i n g for the P l a i n t i f f s . Mr. N o r m a n K. Brown, A t t o r n e y at Law, R e a l t y Bui l d i n g , B e s s e e m e r , A l a b a m a , a p p e a r i n g for the C i t y of B r i ghton. Mr. H u g h Locke, of the f i r m of L o c k e & L o cke 923 F r a n k N e l s o n Bui l d i n g , B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a , a p p e a r i n g for H o o v e r A c a d e m y , Inc. 2 I 9 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 94 P R O C E E D I N G S D E C E M B E R 16, 1969 9 : 3 0 A. M. ' T H E C O U R T : W e l l , are the p a r t i e s r e a d y ? MR. HOOD: We are re a d y , Y o u r Honor. THE C O U R T : D e f e n d a n t s r e a d y ? MR. BROWN: D e f e n d a n t , City of B r i g h t o n , is re a d y , Y o u r Honor. MR. L O C K E : Judge, the D e f e n d a n t , H o o v e r A c a d e m y , and as you r e c a l l we had not b e e n m a d e a p a r t y u n t i l j u s t at the last m i n u t e before the last hear i n g , and w e w o u l d like to file some m o t i o n s . I t h i n k Mr. B r o w n e s s e n t i a l l y has filed these moti o n s , but w e w o u l d like for the r e c o r d to show our p o s i t i o n o n the v a r i o u s a s p e c t s o f it. THE C O U R T : On the m o t i o n to d i s m i s s ? MR. L O C K E : Yes, sir. O n the m o t i o n to t r a n s f e r to a j u r y d o c k e t , he r a i s e d that point, and we w o u l d like to a l s o r a i s e i t . We w o u l d like to file our m o t i o n for a s u m m a r y j u d g m e n t . I t h i n k e s s e n t i a l l y he r a i s e d the p o i n t s too. TH E C O U R T : W e l l , I d o n ’t b e l i e v e this is Federal C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 23 9 5 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a h a j u r y case, but I w i l l take the m o t i o n for s u m m a r y judgment, to dism i s s . MR. L O C K E : Yes, sir. THE C O U R T : A n d I w i l l take all m o t i o n s under a d v i s e m e n t . A n d you ma y p r o c e e d w i t h the h e a r i n g in the case, and I w i l l r u l e along. | MR. BROWN: M a y w e r e n e w our p r e v i o u s raotionaj fil e d if that is n e c e s s a r y . THE COURT: A l l right. T h a t w i l l be r e c o n s i d e r e d as filed. You ma y p r o c e e d w i t h your e v i d e n c e . MR. HOOD: A l l right, Judge. For the record, w e w o u l d first like to have al l the e v i d e n c e -- first w e w o u l d like all the a f f i d a v i t s h e r e b e f o r e s u b m i t t e d , r e s u b m i t t e d at this time. THE COURT: E v e r y t h i n g h e r e t o f o r e taken, and a n y o b j e c t i o n s , that it w i l l be r e c o n s i d e r e d at this j u n c t u r e . A l l rig h t . MR. HOOD: I w o u l d like to c a l l the s e c r e t a r y o f the C i t y of B r i g h t o n -- the c l e r k of the c o u r t of the C i t y o f B r i ghton. MR. BROWN: W h e n you r e f e r to the c l e r k of the c o u r t , you r e f e r to the c i t y c l e r k ? 1 2 • 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 96 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a HR. HOOD: C i t y clerk. MR. BROWN: W e l l , w e w i l l have a c o u r t c l e r k THE C O U R T : E v e r y b o d y that is g o i n g to testif be s w o r n in. ( W H E R E U P O N , all w i t n e s s e s w e r e s w o r n in.) T H E C O U R T : Is the r u l e r e q u e s t e d ? D o e s any body w a n t the r u l e ? A l l r i g h t , the r u l e is not r e q u e s t e d . MRS. E L L E N S. H I N D M A N . being p r e v i o u s l y d u l y sworn, t e s t i f i e d as follows: Q A A Q A Q A l a b a m a ? D I R E C T E X A M I N A T I O N (BY MR. HOO D : ) S t a t e your name, please. E l l e n S . H i n d m a n . THE C O U R T : W h a t is the last name? H i n d m a n , H - i - n - d - m - a - n . A n d your a d d r e s s ? 3802 B a n k S t reet, B r i g h t o n . A r e y o u an e m p l o y e e of the C i t y of Brighton, A Y e s . Q W h a t p o s i t i o n do y o u hold, i f any, please, ma 'am? 1 2 ' 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 18 1 9 20 21 22 23 9 7 A C l e r k - t r e a s u r e r . Q How long have you been c l e r k - t r e a s u r e r of the C i t y of B r i g h t o n ? A Since the last of June. Q I see. So yo u w e r e a c l e r k o f the c o u r t as o f J u l y 1 6 t h of t h i s year, is that r i g h t ? A T h a t ' s right. MR. BROWN: If the C o u r t please, now she is not a c o u r t clerk. THE COURT: C l e r k o f the city, c i t y c l e r k . MR. HOOD: T h a t ' s ri g h t , c i t y clerk. I * m g o i n g to a s k you to l o o k at page 325 of your m i n u t e s , please. A n d l ' m g o i n g to ask you w h e t h e r or not there is a r e s o l u t i o n o f f e r e d there at that time by two m e m b e r s of the c i t y c o u n c i l ? : A Yes . | Q A n d does this r e s o l u t i o n r e f e r to the s c h o o l b u i l d i n g now i n issue before this c o u r t ? A Y e s . Q I ' m g o i n g to a s k you to r e a d that for me, p l e a s e . THE C O U R T : W h a t date is it? MR. HOOD: J u l y 16th. F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 98 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 4 . THE C O U R T : A l l r i g h t . A "To the M a y o r and C o u n c i linen of B r i g h t o n , A l a b a m a : "We, C o u n c i linen W a l t e r E. J e n k i n s and Leonard Lewis, h e r e b y r e s p e c t f u l l y o f f e r the f o l l o w i n g r e s o lution: " R e s o l v e d : " W h e r e a s , there is a g r e a t need for a c o m m u n i t y s e r v i c e b u i l d i n g for the C i t y of Br i g h t o n , A l a b a m a , and for the g r e a t e r p u r p o s e of h o u s i n g all a n t i - p o v e r t y c o m m u n i t y a c t i o n an d food s t a m p programs that c a n be of a g r e a t b e n e f i t to a l l our pe o p l e and p r e v e n t t h e i r h a v i n g to go to o t her c i t i e s or a r eas to e n j o y the a f o r e m e n t i o n e d p r o g r a m s . "We m o v e that the C i t y of B r i g h t o n rent, lease or p u r c h a s e the old B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h S c h o o l now v a c a n t , to be u s e d for the p u r p o s e s set out above. Time b e ing of the i m p o r t a n c e . " R e s p e c t f u l l y s u b m i t t e d , L. L e wis W. E. J e n k i n s " T H E C O U R T : W a s that in J u l y o f *69? A Yes, sir. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 9 9 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 fe d e ra l Building Birm ingham . Alabam a ------— ------------------------ ------------------------------------- — 4--- R | T H E C O U R T : July 16, *69? A Yes, sir. MR. BROWN: Have you got that o r i g i n a l ? A' I t ’s b a c k there. MR. HOOD: I w o u l d like to see the o r i g i n a l r e s o l u t i o n . A It Is in that folder there. Q L o o k at this, please, ma'am. Is this the i | r e s o l u t i o n that you have just read; w a s it e n t e r e d into the r e c o r d s of the c i t y c o u n c i l as o f J u l y 16 of this year? A Y e s . MR. HOOD: I w o u l d like to m a r k that for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n p u r p o s e s and offer it in e v i d e n c e | as P l a i n t i f f s ' E x h i b i t No. 1. i MR. BROWN: No o b j e c t i o n s . ( P l a i n t i f f s ' E x h i b i t 1 w a s m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) Q I ' m g o i n g to ask you to state to the C o u r t w h e t h e r an y a c t i o n at al l w a s tak e n on this r e s o l u tion by the c i t y c o u n c i l , please, m a ' a m ? A W e l l , I d o n ' t r e m e m b e r e x a c t l y w h a t they did. MR. BROWN: C o u l d w e let her r e c i t e the 100 Federal C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a m i n u t e b o o k ? T H E C O U R T : D o the m i n u t e s s h o w a n y a c t i o n t a k e n o n the r e s o l u t i o n ? A Yeah, I g u e s s it does. Do yo u w a n t me to r e a d that? T H E C O U R T : Yes, j u s t r e a d the a c t i o n taken. A " A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s m o v e d the i m m e d i a t e a d o p t i o n of the r e s o l u t i o n . The m o t i o n w a s s e c o n d e d by L e o n a r d Lewis. A d i s c u s s i o n f o l l o w e d . It w a s s u g g e s t e d to c o n t i n u e the d i s c u s s i o n at the next m e e t ing. A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s t h e n m o v e d to s u s p e n d al l r u l e s and get to the m a t t e r i m m e d i a t e l y . A l d e r m a n L e o n a r d L e w i s s e c o n d e d the m o t i o n . A d i s c u s s i o n f o l lowed, and it w a s d i s c l o s e d that the r e s o l u t i o n as it w a s w o r d e d w a s o f a p e r m a n e n t n a ture, and c o u l d not be a d o p t e d at the same m e e t i n g at w h i c h it w a s i n t r o d u c e d u n l e s s u n a n i m o u s c o n s e n t of al l m e m b e r s p r e s e n t w a s f i rst o b t a i n e d . " HR . HOOD: Judge, I w o u l d like for the record at t h i s time to m a r k that for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n purposes THE C O U R T : It is P l a i n t i f f s 9 E x h i b i t 1. MR. BROWN: If the C o u r t p l ease, I b e lieve t h a t t h e s e m i n u t e s are a l r e a d y a part of the record. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 23 101 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 0 MR. HOOD: Not those. If it please the C o u r t , for the p u r p o s e s of the r e c o r d , I w o u l d like to have this i d e n t i f i e d as the m i n u t e book used by the c i t y c l e r k in the r e g u l a r o r d e r of b u s i n e s s of the c i t y c o u n c i l , and off e r the same into e v i d e n c e , as P l a i n tiffs' E x h i b i t No. 2. MR. BROWN: M a y we s t i p u l a t e that that part i i o f the m i n u t e b o o k that you d e e m r e l e v a n t c a n be re- j j p r o d u c e d so that w e c a n c a r r y the m i n u t e b o o k b a c k to the c i t y hall? | MR. HOOD: We w i l l have no o b j e c t i o n s to that. THE C O U R T : Page 325 and 326 are the r e l e v a n t p o r t i o n s . MR. HOOD: Judge, w e w o u l d a l s o like to a s k the c l e r k to turn to page 328 of the m i n u t e book, please. T h i s is as of A u g u s t 6 t h o f this year, 1969. Is there a r e s o l u t i o n in this r e c o r d r e l a t i v e to the lease of this p r o p e r t y in issue here to H o o v e r A c a - j d e m y ? A Is there w h a t ? Q D o y o u have a n y r e c o r d of a lease b e i n g p r o posed for Hoover A c a d e m y to use this old s c h o o l b u i l d i n g that is before this C o u r t to d a y ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 1 0 2 A Y e s . Q D o y o u have the o r i g i n a l l e ase w i t h y o u here today, p l e a s e , m a ’am? MR. B R O W N : W h a t w a s the d a te? A He w a n t s the o r i g i n a l lease. I t ’s in that f o l d e r . Q I ' m g o i n g to a s k you to r e a d the r e s o l u t i o n i n t r o d u c e d o n A u g u s t 6 t h r e l a t i v e to l e a s i n g the p r o p e r t y to H o o v e r A c a d e m y , please, ma'am. A " D u ring the d i s c u s s i o n , a M r . C. L. S m i t h s o u g h t r e c o g n i t i o n f r o m the a u d i e n c e , and the M a y o r ! i n q u i r e d o f the c o u n c i l if t h ere w e r e a n y o b j e c t i o n s ' to r e c o g n i z i n g M r . Smith, and there b e i n g no o b j e c tions, Mr. S m i t h w a s r e c o g n i z e d and made k n o w n the ! fact to the c o u n c i l that the H o o v e r A c a d e m y w o u l d like to s u b m i t a p r o p o s a l to lease the B r i g h t o n Junic H i g h S c h o o l b u i l d i n g , an d r e q u e s t e d an o p p o r t u n i t y to s u b m i t a c o n c r e t e p r o p o s a l to lease the p r o p e r t y . " Q A l l r i g h t . On or before J u l y 16 o f this year had y o u had a n y c o r r e s p o n d e n c e w i t h H o o v e r A c a d e m y r e l a t i v e to l e a s i n g this p r o p e r t y , please, m a ’am? A I d i d n ' t , no. Q Is there an y r e c o r d of a n y c o r r e s p o n d e n c e Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 23 103 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 Federal Building Birm ingham , Alabam a 12 w i t h H o o v e r A c a d e m y prior to J u l y 1 6 t h r e l a t i v e to l e a s i n g this p r o p e r t y for s c h o o l p u r p o s e s ? A I d o n ' t g u e s s so. Q Y o u d o n ' t have any, d o y o u ? A No. Q A l l rig h t . Now let me ask you to l o o k at this. Is this lease b e t w e e n y o u r s e l f and H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? T H E C O U R T : Wel l , that r e s o l u t i o n , w a s it e n a c t e d ; you d i d n ' t go i n t o the a c t i o n t a k e n on the r e s o l u t i o n . Y o u r e a d the r e s o l u t i o n of A u g u s t 6th. Q W h a t a c t i o n w a s tak e n on that r e s o l u t i o n , please, o f A u g u s t 6th? MR. BROWN: Mrs. Hindman, he is r e f e r r i n g b a c k to the f i rst r e s o l u t i o n . THE C O U R T : A l l the r e s o l u t i o n s in r e g a r d to this lease. A '’A l d e r m a n W e s t t h e n m o v e d that the M a y o r be a u t h o r i z e d to n e g o t i a t e w i t h r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of the H o o v e r A c a d e m y c o n c e r n i n g their p r o p o s a l a n d to r e p o r t a n y p r o p o s a l the a c a d e m y m i g h t have b a c k to the c o u n c i l . The m o t i o n wa s s e c o n d e d by A l d e r m a n Perry, and v o t e of the c o u n c i l w a s as f o l l o w s : " 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 1 0 4 Y o u w a n t me to r e a d how they v o t e d ? THE C O U R T : How did t h e y v o t e ? A " A l d e r m a n L e o n a r d Lewis, ' A y e 1, A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s , 'Aye', A l d e r m a n W e s t , ' A y e 1, A l d e r m a n Ri c h a r Le w i s , 'Pass', A l d e r m a n W. H. Perry, 'Aye*, M a y o r P a r s o n s , ' A ye'." TH E C O U R T : I b e l i e v e A l d e r m a n W e s t v o t e d nay. A No, that is on -- j TH E C O U R T : T h a t is s o m e t h i n g e l s e you are r e a d i n g here? A T h a t w a s on a n o t h e r r e s o l u t i o n . He w a n t e d to k n o w w h a t w a s done a b o u t that. This is on this o t t e r r e s o l u t i o n . T H E C O U R T : Now the one that you r e a d r e l a ted to w h i c h r e s o l u t i o n ? The r e s o l u t i o n o f J u l y 16 or -- A No. T h i s r e l a t e d to this r i g h t here. TI E C O U R T : The r e s o l u t i o n of A u g u s t 6th? A Yes, sir. THE C O U R T : W i t h r e s p e c t to l e a s i n g the a c a d e m y A Yes, sir. F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 105 f e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 14 THE C O U R T : I m e a n w i t h r e s p e c t to l e a s i n g to the a c a d e m y ? A Yes, sir. THE C O U R T : T h a t w a s to c o n s i d e r the m a t t e r . Q It w a s not to lease it? A No. THE CO U R T : E v e r y b o d y v o t e d ? i A To c o n s i d e r it. Q E x c e p t one person, he a b s t a i n e d f r o m v o t i n g . | A He passed. Q Now l ' m g o i n g to a s k you ~~ before we go f ur t h e r , I w o u l d like to i n t r o d u c e that lease into e v i d e n c e as E x h i bit 3, and I w o u l d like a l s o to have page 328 o f the mi n u t e b o o k a l o n g w i t h the oth e r p e r t i n e n t s e c t i o n s i n t r o d u c e d . I * m g o i n g to ask y o u to tell me w h a t w a s the next a c t i o n t a k e n r e l a t i v e to the c i t y c o u n c i l on this lease to H o o v e r A c a d e m y , p l e a s e ? A W e ll, I g u e s s it w a s on A u g u s t 12th. Q W h a t a c tion, if any, w a s t a k e n at that time, pl e a s e ? A Wel l , they i n t r o d u c e d an o r d i n a n c e a n d passed on it to r e n t the a c a d e m y -- r e n t it to H o o v e r Acadeni y. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 19 20 21 22 23 1 0 6 Q A l l r i g h t . I w o u l d like for y o u to r e a d that p l e a s e . A A l l this? Q Yes. A "The M a y o r a n n o u n c e d that the p u r p o s e o f the ; m e e t i n g w a s to c o n s i d e r an o r d i n a n c e a u t h o r i z i n g the M a y o r to lease B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h S c h o o l to H o o v e r A c a d e m y . The lease w a s r e a d to the c o u n c i l and the p r o v i s i o n s t h e r e o f w e r e d i s c u s s e d at length. " W h e r e u p o n , A l d e r m a n P e r r y i n t r o d u c e d the ! f o l l o w i n g o r d i n a n c e and m o v e d for i m m e d i a t e p a s s a g e , ■ w h i c h m o t i o n w a s s e c o n d e d by A l d e r m a n W e s t . i " O R D I N A N C E NO. 2 - 6 9 "An o r d i n a n c e to a u t h o r i z e the M a y o r to lease r e a l p r o p e r t y o w n e d by the c i t y and not n e e d e d for p u b l i c or m u n i c i p a l p u r p o s e s . "Be it o r d a i n e d by the c i t y c o u n c i l o f the C i t y o f B r i g h t o n , A l a b a m a , as follows: "1. The M a y o r is h e r e b y a u t h o r i z e d to e x e c u t e a lease b e t w e e n the C i t y of B r i g h t o n and H o o v e r A c a d e m y , l e a s i n g the B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h S c h o o l b u i l d i n g and p r e m i s e s to said H o o v e r A c a d e m y for a p e r i o d of two y e a r s at the a n n u a l r e n t a l of twelve F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 18 1 9 20 21 22 23 107 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 16 h u n d r e d d o l l a r s , w i t h an o p t i o n to r e n e w for an a d d i t i o n a l two years, a l s o c o n t a i n i n g an o p t i o n to p u r c h a s e by lessee at the e n d of the f i r s t t w o - y e a r pe r i o d at a n e g o t i a t e d s a l e s price, s a i d r e a l p r o p e r ty not b e i n g n e e d e d for pu b l i c or m u n i c i p a l p u r p o s e s , "2. O n the p a s s a g e of this o r d i n a n c e , the M a y o r s h a l l be a u t h o r i z e d to e x e c u t e said lease, c o p y of w h i c h is a t t a c h e d h e r e t o and m a d e a part hereof. " W h e r e u p o n , the c o u n c i l p r o c e e d e d to vote on said o r d i n a n c e , w h i c h vote is r e c o r d e d as follows: " A l d e r m a n L e o n a r d Lewis, 'Nay*. " A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s , 'Nay*. " A l d e r m a n Perry, 'Aye*. " A l d e r m a n R i c h a r d Lewis, 'Nay'. " A l d e r m a n W e s t , 'Aye'. j "Mayor Parsons, 'Aye'. " W h e r e u p o n , the c l e r k a n n o u n c e d the vote w a s t i e d . "The M a y o r then s t a t e d that he w o u l d e x e r cise his p r e r o g a t i v e to c a s t a s e c o n d v o t e to bre a k the tie, and pass the o r d i n a n c e , s i n c e the o r d i n a n c e w a s n o t of a p e r m a n e n t nature. W h e r e u p o n , the M a yor 1 2 ■ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 108 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 4}. v o t e d the s e c o n d time in favor o f the p a ssage of the o r d i n a n c e , and t h e r e u p o n , d e c l a r e d the o r d i n a n c e to have b e e n d u l y a d o p t e d . " Q W a s this a r e g u l a r m e e t i n g or a s p e c i a l m e e t ing, p l ease, m a ' a m ? A A s p e c i a l m e e t i n g . D i d you n o t i f y al l c o u n c i l m e n of this mee t -Q ing? A Q Yes . W h a t m e t h o d did y o u use to n o t i f y them, if any, p l e a s e ? A C a l l e d t h e m o n the t e l e p h o n e . Q W h a t time did yo u c a l l t h em? A E a r l y that m o r n i n g . 1 d o n ' t r e m e m b e r the e x a c t t i m e . Q E a r l y that m o r n i n g . Is it n o t a fact that C o u n c i l m a n L e o n a r d L e w i s , C o u n c i l m a n W a l t e r E. J e n k i n s and R i c h a r d L e w i s w e r e al l w o r k i n g that m o r n i n g ? MR. BROWN: W e o b j e c t to that. A I t a l k e d to them. Q A l l r i g h t . TH E C O U R T : T h e y got to the m e e t i n g a n y h o w . 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 109 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a IS MR. B R O W N : T h e y w e r e al l p r e s e n t and p a r t i c i p a t e d . THE COU R T : W h i c h are the N e g r o e s , L e w i s and J e n k i n s ? A Y e s . Q I ' m g o i n g to ask you to s t a t e w h e t h e r or not y o u n o t i f i e d the council o f the p u r p o s e of this m e e t i n g , please, prior to the m e e t i n g ? A No. I w a s told to c a l l t h e m and to tell them we w e r e g o i n g to have a s p e c i a l m e e t i n g . Q T h a t w a s all? A T h a t w a s all. Q Now I ' m g o i n g to as k yo u -- J u d g e time I w o u l d like to i n t r o d u c e that r e s o l u t i o n , the a c t i o n o f the c i t y c o u n c i l as of A u g u s t 6th, into e v i d e n c e as P l a i n t i f f s ' E x h i b i t 4. (Pl a i n t i f f s ' E x h i b i t 4 w a s m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) T H E C O U R T : I p r e s u m e this lease, it is d a ted A u g u s t 11th, that this lease w a s t e n d e r e d to the c o u n c i l and they a c t e d on it that ni g h t ? MR. BROWN: The r e s o l u t i o n r e c i t e s that it w a s r e a d to the c o u n c i l and d i s c u s s e d at length. 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 110 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabam a Q No w was there an y a c t i o n t a k e n by the C i t y c o u n c i l on the n i g h t o f A u g u s t 6 t h to c o n s i d e r this q u e s t i o n of l e a s i n g this p r o p e r t y to H o o v e r Acad e m y , p l ease, m a ' a m ? A On A u g u s t 6 t h ? Q Yes, ma'am. THE C O U R T : She r e a d that vote there, d i d n ' t she ? MR. HOOD: Yes, Jud g e . T h e r e w a s a t w o - s t e p p r o p o s i t i o n , a m o t i o n to c o n s i d e r and t h e n a m o t i o n to adopt. T H E C O U R T : W e l l , the m o t i o n to c o n s i d e r w a s the one she r e a d ? A T h a t is A u g u s t 6th. THE C O U R T : The m o t i o n to a d o p t d i d n ' t come on u n t i l the 12th, as I u n d e r s t a n d , a n d she r e a d that. A T h a t ' s ri g h t . Q So I ' m g o i n g to i n t r o d u c e b o t h of t h ose sec- t i ons i n t o e v i d e n c e . Now I ' m g o i n g to a s k you w h e t h e r or no t you p u b l i s h e d this o r d i n a n c e l e a s i n g the p r o p e r t y to H o o v e r A c a d e m y , p l ease, m a ' a m ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 23 111 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 2 Q A Yes, I did. ' I Q W h e n d i d y o u p u b l i s h it? | A The n e x t day. Q How di d y o u p u b l i s h it, please, m a ’am? A W e l l , w e had a c o p y in the o f f i c e t h ere out on the b u l l e t i n board, an d one at the post o f f i c e , and one at M r . P e r r y ’s s e r v i c e s t a t i o n . I Q Do y o u s h o w on y o u r m i n u t e s that t h ose -- this o r d i n a n c e w a s p u b l i s h e d a n y w h e r e , p l e a s e ? A No. But it is on the o r d i n a n c e . Q Do you see it there in your m i n u t e s that you did p u b l i s h it? MR. BROWN: If the C o u r t please, it c o u l d n ' t be in the m i n u t e s . The p u b l i c a t i o n f o l l o w s the a c tion of the c o u n c i l . j TH E C O U R T : D o e s the law r e q u i r e p u b l i c a t i o n ? MR. BROWN: Th e r e a s o n the r e c o r d c o u l d n ’t show it, it c o u l d n ' t be p u b l i s h e d the n i g h t it w a s a d o p t e d . T h e p u b l i c a t i o n is s u b s e q u e n t . Q D o you have a n y e v i d e n c e of h a v i n g p u b l i s h e d the o r d i n a n c e to lease this p r o p e r t y at all, please, m a ’am? A L e t ' s see. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 112 TH E C O U R T : The o n l y p u b l i c a t i o n w o u l d be the p r o p o s e d o r d i n a n c e a n d t h e y c o u l d n ’t p u b l i s h an o r d i n a n c e that w a s n ' t a c t u a l l y a d o p t e d , I d o n ’t s u p p o s e . MR. BROWN: Some o r d i n a n c e s have to be p u b l i s h e d a h e a d of time and s o m e a f t e r w a r d s , T H E C O U R T : I i m a g i n e al l p e r m a n e n t o r d i n a n c e s w o u l d have to be p u b l i s h e d . A T h a t is a c o p y that w a s p o sted. | Q T h i s o r d i n a n c e does not r e f e r to p u b l i c a t i o n ; o f a n y kind, does it, p l e ase, m a ' a m ? A I d o n ' t know. Q You d o n ' t see it on here a n y w h e r e , w h e r e it s h o w s p u b l i s h e d , p u b l i c a t i o n , do you? T H E C O U R T : N o t h i n g to i n d i c a t e o n there that it w a s p u b l i s h e d . A No. Q A l l r i g h t . MR. BROWN: It is not the o r i g i n a l o r d i n a n c e . I d o n ' t k n o w m y s e l f w h e t h e r it w a s p u b l i s h e d or not. But that is no t the o r i g i n a l o r d i n a n c e . MR. HOOD: W e a s k e d t h e m t h r o u g h a s u b p o e n a d u c e s t e c u m to b r i n g it. F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 113 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 22 MR. BROWN: Is that the o r i g i n a l o r d i n a n c e ? I A No, it is a copy. J MR. HOOD: W h e r e is the o r i g i n a l o r d i n a n c e , \ {lease, m a ' a m ? A In the book. THE C O U R T : It a p p e a r s on the book. It w a s n 1 s u b m i t t e d in w r i t i n g , w a s it? W a s it s u b m i t t e d in w r i t i n g or w a s it j u s t m a d e o r a l ? MR. HOOD: L e t me a s k yo u this: Is this a true and e x a c t c o p y o f the o r d i n a n c e that w a s p a s s e d to lease this p r o p e r t y to Hoover A c a d e m y , p l e ase, m a ' a m ? t A Yes. Q And does this r e f l e c t the fact that no p u b l i c a t i o n w a s had on this o r d i n a n c e at all, c e r t i f i e d by you as clerk, please, m a ' a m ? Ma'am, it is not o n here, is it? A No. Q A l l ri g h t . Has this b e e n i n t r o d u c e d into e v i d e n c e ? MR. NEWTON: No. I w o u l d like to m a r k it. MR. HOOD: I w o u l d like to have this m a r k e d and o f f e r e d i n t o e v i d e n c e , m a y it please the Co u r t . 1 2 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 114 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a bit 4. MR. BROWN: It has a l r e a d y b e e n m a r k e d E x h i - MR. HOOD: I'ra g o i n g to as k you to t u r n to y o u r n e x t M e t i n g s u b s e q u e n t to A u g u s t 6th, please, ma * am, of the c i t y c o u n c i l . A A u g u s t 6 t h • MR. N E W T O N : S u b s e q u e n t to A u g u s t 12th. MR. HOOD; S u b s e q u e n t to A u g u s t 12th, please ma ' a m , do y o u have that? A Y e s . Q A l l r i g h t . | I ' m g o i n g to a s k y o u to look at that m i n u t e and t e l l this c o u r t w h e t h e r or not there is a n y e v i d e n c e o f p u b l i c a t i o n of the o r d i n a n c e to lease the p r o p e r t y to H o o v e r A c a d e m y in a n y f o r m or fash i o n . THE C O U R T : Let me a s k yo u this, w e m a y be -- is t h e r e a n y law that r e q u i r e s the p u b l i c a t i o n of a n o r d i n a n c e s u c h as this? MR. BRO W N : No, sir. MR. HOOD: Yes, sir. MR. BROWN: O n l y o f a p e r m a n e n t nature. MR. N E W T O N : I d o n ’t k n o w a n y t h i n g more p e r m a n e n t than a lease that g i v e s y o u a r i g h t to 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 23 115 say, and as far as w e are c o n c e r n e d , that is a per- * j raanent o r d i n a n c e . THE C O U R T : That w o u l d be the same t h i n g as s e l l i n g a n a u t o m o b i l e p e r h a p s or some o t h e r g o v e r n - j ment. W o u l d t h e y have to p u b l i s h it? HR. N E W T O N : If it is of a p e r m a n e n t n a t u r e . TH E C O U R T : I t h i n k a d o p t i n g a p e r m a n e n t r e s o l u t i o n to pave the s t r e e t , t h a t w o u l d be perraa- | nent, that m i g h t be s o m e t h i n g else. HR. N E W T O N : As I u n d e r s t a n d this lease, Your Honor, it w a s for a t w o - y e a r t e r m w i t h the o p t i o n to r e n e w and to n e g o t i a t e a sale that w a s q u i t e p e r m a n e n t , and as c o n t r a c t i n g parti e s , I t h i n k Ho o v e r A c a d e m y under the terms of that lease w o u l d have a r i g h t to e n f o r c e the p e r m a n e n c y of it, to s e l l it. It is our c o n t e n t i o n , and at this time, Y o u r Honor, j w e w o u l d like to r e n e w our c o n s t i t u t i o n a l o b j e c t i o n s to one m a n one v o t e rule of the c o n s t i t u t i o n a l i t y v o t e in this. HR. HOOD: I ' m g o i n g to r e s p e c t f u l l y a s k the C o u r t to take j u d i c i a l k n o w l e d g e of T i t l e 37, S e c t i o n 462, Code of A l a b a m a , 1940, as R e c o m p i l e d . A n d in this s e c t i o n it s u g g e s t s that o r d i n a n c e s o f F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 116 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a ft g e n e r a l or p e r m a n e n t n a t u r e m u s t be p u b l i s h e d . An d un l e s s the c l e r k c e r t i f i e s that it has b e e n done, it is i l l e g a l . A n d that w a s b r o u g h t out, Y o u r Honor, \ in the c a s e o f B u s h v. G r e y h o u n d C o r p o r a t i o n , 208 F e d . 2d 540, H a w k i n s v. B i r m i n g h a m , 248 Ala. 692, 29 S o . 2d 281, and R o a c h v. T u s c u m b i a , 255 Ala. 478, 52 S o . 2d 141. Now I ' m g o i n g to a s k you -- MR. BROWN: M a y I be h e ard on this p o i n t since w e have g o n e i n t o q u e s t i o n s o f law? TIE C O U R T : W e ll, w e h a v e n ' t time to stop and a r g u e the c a s e at this time. I w i l l hear y o u on a i l the q u e s t i o n s later on. There w a s no p u b l i c a t i o n so far as y o u knew. MR. BROWN: T h a t is w h a t I w a n t to A Yes, sir, I p u b l i s h e d it. I mean, it w a s put up o n the b u l l e t i n board, and w a s put in two pu b l i c places d o w n in the city. T H E C O U R T : That w a s a f t e r it w a s p a s s e d or be f o r e it w a s p a s s e d ? A r e y o u c o m p l a i n i n g it w a s n ' t p u b l i s h e d a f t e r it w a s p a s s e d ? MR. HOOD: Yes, sir. I c o m p l a i n e d it w a s not p u b l i s h e d , and I f u r t h e r c o m p l a i n there is no 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 117 Federal C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 26 c e r t i f i c a t i o n by the c l e r k that it had b e e n p u b l i s h e d . And of c o u r s e in the c a s e just ci t e d , u n less that is done, Y o u r Honor, the t h i n g is u n c o n - \ gfcitutional. A I d i d p u b l i s h it. MR. HOOD: A n d you d o n ' t have a c e r t i f i c a t e s h o w i n g y o u did p u b l i s h it, please, m a ' a m ? A W h a t do y o u m e a n c e r t i f i c a t e ? TH E CO U R T : I t h i n k it w o u l d d e p e n d on w h a t | k i n d of o r d i n a n c e it is. ' I MR. BROWN: C a n I be h e a r d on this? ! T H E CO U R T : L e t ' s go ahead. Q A l l r i g h t , sir. I ' m g o i n g to ask you to t u r n to y o u r next m e e t i n g of S e p t e m b e r 8, 1969, as s h o w n on page 332 of your m i n u t e s . THE CO U R T : W h a t d a y is this, now? MR. HOOD: S e p t e m b e r 8th. Now I ' m g o i n g to ask yo u to state w h a t n o t i c e did y o u give o f this m e e t i n g , please, m a ' a m ? A I c a l l e d t h e m on the t e l e p h o n e . Q W h e n did y o u c a l l ; do yo u know w h a t time, w h e t h e r it w a s i n the m o r n i n g or a f t e r n o o n or w h e n ? A It w a s in the m o r n i n g . 1 2 ■ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Q W e r e a l l c o u n c i l m e n at home at the time you c a l l e d the m ? A Y e s . 0 T h e y w e r e ? A I t a l k e d to them. Q A n d di d yo u te 11 t h e m the p u r p o s e o f this s p e c i a l m e e t i n g ? A No. Q A l l r i g h t . At this m e e t i n g , I a m g o i n g to a s k you to sta t e w h a t c o u n c i l m e n , if any, w e r e p r e sent . A A l l the c o u n c i l m e n w e r e present. Q A l l r i g h t . I ' m g o i n g to a s k y o u to r e a d for the r e c o r d the a c t i o n t a k e n that n i g h t by the c i t y c o u n c i l . T H E C O U R T : S t a r t s r i g h t a l o n g here, I b e lieve, d o e s n ' t it? A "The M a y o r s t a t e d that the p u r p o s e of the m e e t i n g w a s to c o n s i d e r a p r o p o s a l s u b m i t t e d by the H o o v e r A c a d e m y to a c c e l e r a t e its o p t i o n to p u r c h a s e the B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h S c h o o l b u i l d i n g and p r e m i ses w h i c h p r o p o s a l w a s r e a d to the c o u n c i l and being in w o r d s , p h r a s e s and f i g u r e s as f o l l o w s : 118 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 119 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 28 "'We p r o p o s e to buy B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h p r e m i s e s for $ 1 2 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 a n d p r o p o s e $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 c a s h p a y m e n t on d e l i v e r y of deed, $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 T h i r t y date \ t h e r e a f t e r , an d the b a l a n c e at $ 1 0 0 . 0 0 per m o n t h u n t i l paid in full, u n p a i d p r i n c i p a l to bear i n t e r e s t six per cent. We w i l l e x e c u t e m o r t g a g e for b a l a n c e p a y a b l e to C i t y of B r i g h t o n . 1 "A g e n e r a l d i s c u s s i o n of the p r o p o s a l f o l lowed, at the en d of w h i c h A l d e r m a n P e r r y i n t r o d u c e d ! the f o l l o w i n g o r d i n a n c e and m o v e d for its i m m e d i a t e pass a g e , w h i c h m o t i o n w a s s e c o n d e d by A l d e r m a n W e st. S a i d o r d i n a n c e b e i n g in w o r d s , p h r a s e s and f i gures as foll o w s : " O R D I N A N C E NO. 3-69 "An o r d i n a n c e to a u t h o r i z e the M a y o r to sell r e a l p r o p e r t y o w n e d by the c i t y and not n e e d e d for pu b l i c or m u n i c i p a l p u r p o s e s . "Be it o r d a i n e d by the c i t y c o u n c i l of the C i t y of B r i g h t o n , A l a b a m a , as follows: "1. The M a y o r is h e r e b y a u t h o r i z e d to e x e c u t e a d e e d for and on b e h a l f of the City of B r i g h t o n to the H o o v e r A c a d e m y c o n v e y i n g the B r i g h t o n Jun i o r H i g h S c h o o l b u i l d i n g a n d p r e m i s e s for the s u m of 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 12 0 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a $ 1 2 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 p a y a b l e $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 o n d e l i v e r y o f deed, and $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 T h i r t y d a y s t h e r e a f t e r , a n d the b a l a n c e at the rate o f $ 1 0 0 . 0 0 per m o n t h . The u n p a i d b a l a n c e tb bear i n t e r e s t at six per c e n t per a n n u m u n t i l paid, s a i d p r o p e r t y not n e e d e d for public or m u n i c i pal p u r p o s e s . S a i d p r o p e r t y is l e g a l l y d e s c r i b e d as f o l l o w s :" T I E C O U R T : T h e r e is no n e e d to r e a d the d e s c r i p t i o n . A "2. On the p a s s a g e o f the o r d i n a n c e , the M a y o r s h a l l be a u t h o r i z e d to e x e c u t e s a i d deed. "The c o u n c i l d i s c u s s e d the o r d i n a n c e and t h e n p r o c e e d e d to vote on the p a s s a g e of s a i d o r d i nance, w h i c h v o t e w a s t a k e n d o w n and r e c o r d e d as f o l l o w s : " A l d e r m a n L e o n a r d Lew i s , ’Nay'. " A l d e r m a n Perry, ’A y e ’ . " A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s , ’Nay*. " A l d e r m a n R i c h a r d Lewis, ’Nay'. " A l d e r m a n Wes t , 'Aye'. " M a y o r P a r s o n s , 'Aye'. " W h e r e u p o n , the c l e r k a n n o u n c e d the vote w a s tied 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 121 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 30 "The M a y o r t h e n s t a t e d that he w o u l d e x e r - j I else his p r e r o g a t i v e and d u t y to c a s t a s e c o n d v o t e | to b r e a k the tie, and pass the o r d i n a n c e , since the o r d i n a n c e w a s not of a p e r m a n e n t n a ture. W h e r e u p o n the M a y o r v o t e d the s e c o n d time in f a v o r of the p a s sage of the o r d i n a n c e , and t h e r e u p o n , d e c l a r e d the o r d i n a n c e to have b e e n d u l y a d o p t e d . " Q I ' m g o i n g to a s k yo u w h e t h e r or n o t there w a s a n y a c t i o n t a k e n by the c o u n c i l to c o n s i d e r this i r e s o l u t i o n to s e l l before it w a s p a s s e d ? A Y o u m e a n be f o r e it was b r o u g h t up that n i g h t ? Q Wa s there a n y m o t i o n to c o n s i d e r this a c t i o n bef o r e it w a s b r o u g h t up to s e l l it, just as you r e a d it t h e r e ? THE C O U R T : That w o u l d have b e e n -- if there had b e e n s u c h action, there w o u l d have been -- w a s i there any a c t i o n t a k e n b e t w e e n t h o s e dates, b e t w e e n the date of the lease on A u g u s t 1 2 t h a n d the sale, w a s the r e a n y a c t i o n t a k e n o n that? MR. BROWN: Judge, w e w i l l have to c h e c k the b o o k s . A I d o n ' t t h i n k so. MR. HOOD: T h e r e is n o t h i n g in y o u r m i n u t e s 122 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama 1 r e f l e c t i n g a c t i o n t a k e n i n t h e i n t e r v e n i n g pe r i o d — 31 2 b e t w e e n t h e l e a s e a n d t h e s a l e o f t h i s p r o p e r t y , is , 3 t h a t r i g h t , m a'am? 4 A No. 5 Q T h e r e w a s no m o t i o n t o c o n s i d e r , no r e s o l u - 6 t i o n to c o n s i d e r on t h e s a l e o f t h i s p r o p e r t y p r i o r 7 t o t h e a c t i o n o f S e p t e m b e r 8 t h , i s t h a t r i g h t ? 8 A No, I d o n ' t t h i n k s o . 9 Q A l l r i g h t . Now w a s t h i s p r o p o s e d s a l e pu b - 10 l i s hed b e f o r e t h e m e e t i n g o f t h e c o u n c i l t o a c t on 11 i t , m a 9am, e i t h e r by n u m b e r s o r e i t h e r by p o s t i n g ? 12 A B e f o r e t h a t n i g h t ? 13 Q T h a t ' s r i g h t . 14 A No. 15 MR. LOCKE : D o e s c o u n c i l c o n t e n d t h a t a l l 16 members w e r e n ' t p r e s e n t ? 17 MR. HOOD: I ' m g o i n g t o a s k y o u t o s t a t e - - 18 A T h e y w e r e a l l p r e s e n t a t t h a t m e e t i n g . 19 Q I ' m g o i n g t o a s k y o u t o s t a t e w h e t h e r t h e r e 20 w a s a n y p u b l i c a t i o n o f a n y k i n d o r c h a r a c t e r p r i o r 21 t o t h e l e a s i n g o f t h i s p r o p e r t y o f H o o v e r A c a d e m y 22 by y o u r _ _ 23 A B e f o r e i t w a s l e a s e d ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 B 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 12 3 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a Q T h a t ' s right. A No. Q I ’m g o i n g to a s k y o u to t e l l this C o u r t w h e n w a s the f i rst time y o u r o f f i c e had an y c o n t a c t w i t h H o o v e r A c a d e m y r e l a t i v e to e i t h e r l e a s i n g or b u y i n g or s e l l i n g this p r o p e r t y to t h e m ? Did you have any c o r r e s p o n d e n c e w h a t s o e v e r ? A I d i d n ' t . Q W a s there any c o r r e s p o n d e n c e that c a m e i n t o y o u r o f f i c e , to your k n o w l e d g e , r e l a t i v e to the sale or lease o f this p r o p e r t y to H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? j A Not to me. Q W e l l , do you know o f a n y c o r r e s p o n d e n c e that c a m e in at all, please, m a ' a m , r e g a r d i n g this p r o p e r ty b e t w e e n the C i t y o f B r i g h t o n and H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? T H E CO U R T : You k n o w o f no s u c h c o r r e s p o n de n c e ? A No, sir. THE C O U R T : W a s this last o r d i n a n c e p u b l i s h e d a f t e r its a d o p t i o n by p o s t i n g , as y o u s a y ? A Yes, sir. Q Do y o u have a c o p y o f that o r d i n a n c e w h e r e w e c a n c h e c k it to s e e w h e t h e r or not it w a s p o s t e d ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 124 It m a y have s l i p p e d your m e m o r y . A It w a s posted. Q Do y o u have a n y e v i d e n c e o n this o r d i n a n c e s h o w i n g that it had been p o s t e d at all, a n y c e r t i f i c a t i o n by y o u as c l e r k ? A No. But it w a s posted. MR. BROWN: Now at this point, I ' m g o i n g to -- it is p r o b a b l y m y f a u l t that t h e s e c o p i e s are here i n s t e a d o f the o r i g i n a l s . I ' m g o i n g to c a l l c i t y hall, w i t h the c o u r t ' s i n d u l g e n c e , and a s k the o r i g i n a l o r d i n a n c e that a p p e a r s in the o r d i n a n c e b o o k w h i c h w o u l d be the o n l y o r d i n a n c e , w o u l d r e f l e c t w h e t h e r or n o t it w a s p o s t e d , w e w i l l have t h ose b r o u g h t up here. MR. HOOD: Of c o u r s e I s u b p o e n a e d those r e c o r d s at 8:40. THE C O U R T : I d o n ' t know w h e t h e r they k n e w a n y t h i n g a b o u t the p u b l i c a t i o n . MR. BROWN: I d i d n ' t k n o w the point. MR. HOOD: A n d a l s o the fact t h e y w e r e not c e r t i f i e d , Y o u r Honor, and at this time I w o u l d like to m a r k this i n s t r u m e n t for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n pur p o s e s . ( P l a i n t i f f s ' E x h i b i t 5 w a s m a r k e d for F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 12 5 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 3*r i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) MR. HOOD: A n d I w o u l d like to o f f e r it into e v i d e n c e . Le t me a s k the c l e r k one o t h e r q u e s t i o n . L o o k at this again, p l e a s e , m a 'a m . Is t h i s an e x a c t d u p l i c a t e o f the o r d i n a n c e as p a s s e d r e l a t i v e to the sale of that p r o p e r t y to H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A It is j ust like the one that i s i n t h e b o o k , Q It is the same thing? A Yes, tha t ' s ri g h t . Q W h a t page does the one in the b o o k a p pear, pl e a s e ? A 332. Q Page 332. A l l ri g h t . Now as c l e r k of the C i t y of B r i ghton, w a s it your r e s p o n s i b i l i t y to n o t i f y the c o u n c i l m a n o f the s p e c i a l and r e g u l a r m e e t i n g s , m a ' a m ? A W e l l , the M a y o r a s k e d me t o do i t . Q T h a t ' s ri g h t . Y o u a l w a y s n o t i f i e d them? A Yes. MR. HOOD: T h a t is all. I t h i n k that is all, Y o u r H o n o r . THE C O U R T : A l l ri g h t . 1 2 .3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 12 6 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a C R O S S E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. B R O W N : ) Mrs. H i n d m a n , w e r e y o u the c ier k - t r e a s u r e r o f the c i t y i n J a n u a r y w h e n this p r e s e n t c o u n c i l t o o k o f f i c e ? A No, sir. Q Mrs. Reid w a s the c l e r k , is that c o r r e c t ? A Yes, sir. Q W o u l d yo u turn b a c k to the o r g a n i z a t i o n a l m e e t i n g , p l e a s e , of the c i t y c o u n c i l o f Brighton, w h i c h w o u l d be in O c t o b e r o f last year. A W o u l d it be O c t o b e r 2nd? Q I w i l l a s k yo u w h e t h e r or no t the m i n u t e b o o k r e f l e c t s that o n O c t o b e r 16, 1968, the c i t y c o u n c i l , the p r e s e n t c i t y c o u n c i l m e t in an organi z a t i o n a l s e s s i o n ? A A r e g u l a r s e s s i o n . Q R e a d the first p a r a g r a p h . A "The C i t y C o u n c i l of the C i t y of B r i g h t o n , A l a b a m a , m e t in r e g u l a r s e s s i o n at C i t y Hall, 7:30 O ' c l o c k P. M. M a y o r P a r s o n s p r e s i d e d for the c o n t i n u a t i o n a n d c o m p l e t i o n o f the r e c e s s e d o r g a n i z a t i o n a l m e e t i n g w h i c h w a s b e g u n on the 7 t h d a y of O c t o b e r , 1968. 1 2 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 7 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama 36 "The f o l l o w i n g m e m b e r s o f the c o u n c i l w e r e p r e s e n t : " M a y o r E . B. Pars o n s , A l d e r m a n L e o n a r d L e w i s , \ A l d e r m a n W a l t e r J e n k i n s , W. M. Perry, R i c h a r d L e w i s . " Q A t that o r g a n i z a t i o n a l s e s s i o n , d o e s the m i n u t e s r e f l e c t o r d i n a n c e No. 6 - 6 8 wa s a d o p t e d ? A Yes, sir. Q And is that e n t i t l e d -- the o r d i n a n c e to be e n t i t l e d , "An o r d i n a n c e to e s t a b l i s h r u l e s and p r o c e d u r e " ? ! A Yes, sir. Q And I w i l l hand you w h a t p u r p o r t s to be a c o p y of that o r d i n a n c e . Is that a c o r r e c t c o p y of the o r d i n a n c e ? A Yes, sir. MR. HOOD: Let me see that, Mr. Brown. MR. BROWN: L e t me f i n i s h i d e n t i f y i n g it. | Is it s i g n e d by e a c h m e m b e r o f the c o u n c i l , to-wit, E. B. P a r s o n s , R i c h a r d Lewis, W. M. Perry, Fred W e s t , W. E. J e n k i n s and L e o n a r d L e w i s ? A Yes, sir. Q Is it s t i l l in e f f e c t to y o u r k n o w l e d g e ? A Yes, sir. 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 12 8 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a MR. N E W T O N : I w o u l d like to a s k her a q u e s t i o n or tw o on v o i r dire. T H E C O U R T : A l l r i g h t . \ V O I R D I R E E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : ) Ma'am, is this a t t e s t e d to by a n y o n e ? A Is it w h a t ? Q A t t e s t e d to by a n y o n e , the c l e r k ? A I d o n ' t u n d e r s t a n d w h a t you mean. T H E C O U R T : W i t n e s s e d by the c l e r k ? Q Is it w i t n e s s e d to or a t t e s t e d to by an y p e r s o n o t h e r t h a n by these s i g n a t u r e s ? A I d o n ' t know. T H E C O U R T : It d o e s n ' t show it. Q W e r e you then the c l e r k at this time? A No. Q T h e n you have no k n o w l e d g e of this o t h e r t h a n h a v i n g s e e n t h is? A It is in the book. THE C O U R T : Th e c o r r e s p o n d e n c e t o the o r i g i n a l r e c o r d s o f the m i n u t e s . A Yes, sir 1 2 f 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 12 9 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 3 8 THE C O U R T : W h a t is the s i g n i f i c a n c e of that? MR. BROWN: The o n l y p o i n t I ' m m a k i n g is S e c t i o n 3 of the o r d i n a n c e , w h i c h p r o v i d e s for s p e c i a l m e e t i n g s . I t h i n k it is p e r t i n e n t to the i n q u i r y here. A n d I w o u l d like to r e a d it for the r e c o r d . TH E COU R T : A l l right. MR. BROWN: " S p e c i a l m e e t i n g s ma y be h e l d at the c a l l of the m a y o r by s e r v i n g n o t i c e to e a c h m e m b e r of the c o u n c i l not less than t w e n t y - f o u r hours before the time set for s u c h s p e c i a l m e e t i n g s ; or s p e c i a l m e e t i n g s m a y be held as p r o v i d e d by S e c tion 430, T i tle 37, of the A l a b a m a C o d e of 1940, w h e n e v e r two a l d e r m e n r e q u e s t in w r i t i n g that the p r e s i d i n g o f f i c e r c a l l s u c h m e e t i n g ; u p o n the f a i l u r e or r e f u s a l o f the p r e s i d i n g o f f i c e r to c a l l s u c h m e e t i n g w h e n r e q u e s t e d , the two a l d e r m e n m a k i n g the r e q u e s t s h a l l have the r i g h t to c a l l s u c h m e e t i n g . " T h e r e is no w r i t t e n n o t i c e u n d e r t h e i r rules. THE C O U R T : U n d e r t h e i r s p e c i a l r u l e s , ca n t h e y c a l l t h e m u n d e r less than t w e n t y - f o u r hours* n o t i c e ? T h a t s a i d not less t h a n t w e n t y - f o u r hours. 1 2 ■ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1 30 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a MR. BROWN: T h i s under the s t a t u t e has no time s p e c i f i e d . T H E C O U R T : I see. A r e t h e r e a n y o t h e r p r o v i s i o n s in t h e r e w i t h r e s p e c t to p u b l i c a t i o n of o r d i n a n c e s ? MR. BROWN: No, sir. T h a t is c o v e r e d by the g e n e r a l law w h i c h w e w i l l f u r n i s h Your H o nor w i t h the c i t a t i o n s o n it. T H E C O U R T : A l l r i g h t . MR. BROWN: B e f o r e I a n s w e r you, I w a n t to be sure I h a v e n ' t o v e r l o o k e d it. But we w o u l d c a l l the C o u r t ' s a t t e n t i o n , h o w e v e r , in e a c h o f these m i n u t e s that w e have i n q u i r e d i n t o that all m e m b e r s o f the c o u n c i l w e r e p r e s e n t . An d I believe the law is, if t h e y are p r e s e n t and p a r t i c i p a t e in the c o u n c i l m e e t i n g s , that no t i c e is not m a t e r i a l an y further. T H E C O U R T : I i m a g i n e u n l e s s y o u s h o w it is p r e j u d i c i a l some w a y . MR. N E W T O N : But if Y o u r H o n o r p l e a s e , w h i l e n o t i c e m a y be w a i v e d , the s u b j e c t m a t t e r o f the nee ting for w h i c h it is c a l l e d s h o u l d be k n o w n prior to a n y s u c h s p e c i a l m e e t i n g . A n d that is a l s o in 1 2 ' 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 131 ------------------------------------------------------- 4 a F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a the g e n e r a l law. MR. HOOD: A n d p u b l i c a t i o n , Y o u r Honor, is set out in T i t l e 37, S e c t i o n 462. A n d this p u r p o r t e d i n s t r u m e n t that is s o u g h t to be i n t r o d u c e d into e v i - j d e n c e is far from bei n g s h o w n to be a u t h e n t i c a t e d , and v i o l a t e s the best e v i d e n c e rule. TH E COURT: It is just a d u p l i c a t e o f w h a t you have got in the r e cord. So I d o n ' t see a n y e r r o r in o f f e r i n g a d u p l i c a t e c o p y of the r e cord. MR. BROWN: I o f f e r e d the o r i g i n a l ordinance., THE C O U R T : For the c o n v e n i e n c e of the Court, I w o n ' t have the o r i g i n a l o r d i n a n c e there w i t h me. I d o n ' t s u p p o s e unless there is some d i s c r e p a n c y b e t w e e n the two, I w i l l take the copy, b e c a u s e of the s u b s t i t u t e for the o t h e r s . MR. HOOD: We r e n e w our o b j e c t i o n , Y o u r H o n o r . MR. BROWN: W e o f f e r the co py of the o r d i nance . THE C O U R T : If y o u w a n t to c h e c k it a n d find an y d i f f e r e n c e , I w i l l be h a p p y to c o n s i d e r the d i f - fere n e e . MR. BROWN: W i t h leave to p h o t o s t a t the 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 132 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a o r i g i n a l o r d i n a n c e , for this o r d i n a n c e w i l l show k 1 th e o r i g i n a l p u b l i c a t i o n . ( D e f e n d a n t s * E x h i b i t 1 w a s m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) MR. HOOD: Judge, I m i g h t r e s p e c t f u l l y s u b m i t to the C o u r t , as to the p u b l i c a t i o n , the c l e r k has a l r e a d y t e s t i f i e d to, and of c o u r s e those r e c o r d s ; w e r e s u b p o e n a e d to be before the C o u r t today. A n d n o t h a v i n g b r o u g h t t h o s e r e c o r d s , I d o n ' t t h i n k we I o u g h t to be b o und by these p u r p o r t e d r e c o r d s of t h e j C i t y of B r i g h t o n . Th e r e c o r d s s h o u l d be before t h e C o u r t this m o r n i n g . THE COURT: I u n d e r s t a n d he is g o i n g to bring t h e m in. MR. B R O W N : If the C o u r t please, this lady I has b e e n the c i t y c l e r k since the time she has t e s t i f i e d to, a n d she is i n e x p e r i e n c e d in t h ese matters. I c a l l e d Mrs. H i n d m a n , a n d the mayor, and told them to o b e y the s u b p o e n a , and have the r e c o r d s here. T h e y c o n s i d e r e d that c o p i e s o f the r e c o r d s , n o t k n o w in g that the p u b l i c a t i o n an d the c e r t i f i c a t e w o u l d be i n issue, an d t h e y have b r o u g h t c o p i e s o f the ordi n a n c e s r a t h e r t h a n the o r d i n a n c e book. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 133 TIE COURT: B r i n g t h e o r d i n a n c e b o o k o r t h e I o r i g i n a l , w h a t e v e r y o u h a v e . MR. BROWN: We w i l l h a v e th e m a t t h e e n d o f t h e c o u r s e o f t h e t r i a l . MR. HOOD: L e t me a s k t h e c l e r k j u s t on e q u e s t i o n . Now do y o u h a v e a n y o t h e r c o p i e s o f o r d i n a n c e s t h a t h a v e b e e n i n t r o d u c e d h e r e a t y o u r o f f i c e t h a t y o u know o f t h a t h a v e b e e n c e r t i f i e d by y o u ? A You mean t h a t i s on t h e f i l e s ? Q T h a t ' s r i g h t . A T h a t i s a c o p y ? Q T h a t ' s r i g h t . T h i s i s e x a c t l y w h a t is on t h e o t h e r r e c o r d , i s t h a t r i g h t ? A Y e s . I MR. HOOD: T h a t i s a l l . A I t i s j u s t l i k e i t i s i n t h e b o o k h e r e , t h e m i n u t e b o o k . MR. HOOD: T h a t i s a l l , p l e a s e , m a 'a m . CONTINUED CROSS EXAMINATION Q (BY MR. BROWN:) M r s . Hin dman, t h e o r d i n a n c e s ! t h a t y o u h a v e t e s t i f i e d t o , w e r e t h e y p r e p a r e d by y o u o r p r e p a r e d by me? F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 ,3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 134 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama A Prepared by you. Q All right. Now when we prepare ordinances 5 in my office, do we put a certificate of publication i on the bottom of the original, is that correct? ME. NEWTON: Now, Your Honor, if she knows I what goes on in his office -- THE COURT: Gentlemen, we are going to bring these in here, aren't we? MR. BROWN: But he is trying to get the lady j to say that here the copy is the exact duplicate, and she doesn't know what he is getting at about the pub lication. MR. NEWTON: At the same time he is trying to get her £0 testify what is going on in his office.j MR. BROWN: We are not trying to change any records. She can stay in the presence of the Court and call the chief of police £0 bring the records up here. THE COURT: Well, tell the chief of police to bring them up here. It is not to impeach it on an immaterial issue. We want to get back to the gist of the matter, and the crux of it rather than on the p e r i p h e r y on it. 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 135 f e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 44 Q Now w h e n yo u w r i t e the m i n u t e s , you d o n ' t set f o r t h all the p u b l i c a t i o n c e r t i f i c a t e s that are s h o w n on the o r i g i n a l o r d i n a n c e , b e c a u s e p u b l i c a t i o n takes place a f ter the c o u n c i l a d j o u r n s , d o e s n ' t it? MR. N E WTON: Ag a i n , Your Honor, if I m a y o b j e c t to c o u n s e l t e s t i f y i n g . I w o u l d like to e n t e r that i n t o the record. THE C O U R T : I t h i n k it w o u l d d e p e n d on the nat u r e of the o r d i n a n c e i n v o l v e d . Some p e r m a n e n t o r d i n a n c e of the c i t y s t a t u t e w o u l d r e q u i r e some p u b l i c a t i o n . MR. BROWN: A f t e r it is a d o p t e d , o n l y a z o n i n g o r d i n a n c e has to be p u b l i s h e d in advan c e . THE C O U R T : A l l right. Q Now do y o u have an o r d i n a n c e b o o k for the c i t y ? A Yes, sir. Q Are the o r i g i n a l o r d i n a n c e s a c t e d on by the c o u n c i l k e p t in that book? A Yes, sir. Q A r e they n u m b e r e d s e r i a l l y ? A Yes, sir. Q Are t h e y in y o u r p o s s e s s i o n h e r e in C o u r t ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1 3 6 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A No, sir. Q They are at city hall? A Yes, sir. M- THE COURTS I thinkyou better bring them. Q Is somebody there that knows where the books or the folders that you keep them in are? A Mrs. Reid, I guess. MR. BROWN: May we have a five minute recess and let the mayor call? THE COURT: Well, we will take a recess. Does anyone els® want to ask this witness anything? MR. BROWN: I think not at this time. THE COURT: All right. We will take the regular recess of twenty minutes, and you get the people in here. (WHEREUPON, proceedings were in recess from 10:20 A. M. unti1 10:45 A. M. , following which the following occurred:) THE COURT: Do you have any further from this witness? MR. BROWN: Not at this time. MR. NEWTON: No, sir. We would like to re serve the right to recall the witness. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 137 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 46 MR. N E W TON: I w o u l d like to use the b o o k for my next w i t n e s s . THE C O U R T : Okay. L e a v e it r i g h t there. V C a l l your n e x t w i t n e s s . MR. N E W T O N : I call M a y o r Pars o n s . M A Y O R E. B. P A R S O N S . b e i n g p r e v i o u s l y d u l y sworn, t e s t i f i e d as f o l l o w s : D I R E C T E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : ) Sta t e your name, please, s i r . A E. B. Parsons. Q Mr. Parsons, are you the m a y o r of the C i t y of B r i g h t o n ? A Yes . Q An d how long have you b e e n m a y o r o f the C i t y of B r i g h t o n ? A T h i r t e e n y e a r s - - a b o u t t h i r t e e n and a half. Q T h e n you w e r e m a y o r of the C i t y of B r i g h t o n d u r i n g the m o n t h o f July, A u g u s t , an d S e p t e m b e r of this yea r ? A Y e s . Q Ma y o r , on the o c c a s i o n o f -- I w o u l d like to 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 138 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama 41 a s k you, sir, and w h i l e I ' m d o i n g that, as mayor, y o u ' r e the p r e s i d i n g o f f i c e r o f the c i t y c o u n c i l , is that c o r r e c t ? A Yes, I am. Q I w o u l d like to a s k you to look at page 325 o f that r e c o r d b o o k that w a s p r e v i o u s l y o f f e r e d i n t o e v i d e n c e , and I w o u l d like for yo u to r e a d b e g i n n i n g w i t h a d i s c u s s i o n of the m i n u t e s there, s i r . THE C O U R T : W h a t date is t h is? A J u l y 16th. MR. NEWTON: J u l y 16th. Now first of all, m a y I see P l a i n t i f f s ' E x h i b i t 1. I b e l i e v e it is r i g h t t h ere by you, Y o u r Honor. In those m i n u t e s , it r e f e r s to a r e s o l u t i o n by t w o m e m b e r s o f the c i t y c o u n c i l . Is that that r e s o l u t i o n ? A It is. Q L e t the r e c o r d show the m a y o r i d e n t i f i e d P l a i n t i f f s ' E x h i b i t 1 as b e ing the r e s o l u t i o n r e f e r r e d to. Now, M a y o r Parsons, w o u l d y o u rea d , please, sir, t h a t p a r t of those m i n u t e s b e g i n n i n g w i t h a d i s c u s sion. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 139 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 4-8- A "A d i s c u s s i o n f o l l o w e d , and it w a s d i s c l o s e d that the r e s o l u t i o n as it wa s w o r d e d w a s of a p e r m a - j n e n t nature, and c o u l d not be a d o p t e d at the same m e e t i n g at w h i c h it w a s i n t r o d u c e d u n l e s s u n a n i m o u s c o n s e n t of all m e m b e r s p r e s e n t w a s first o b t a i n e d . " Q A l l ri g h t , sir. Now, Mayor, I w o u l d like to a s k you to look at P l a i n t i f f s ' E x h i b i t 1, and r e a d it, sir, b e g i n n i n g w i t h , "W h e r e a s " . MR. BROWN: Let ' s read it all if w e are g o i n g to r e a d it. MR. NEWTON: That w a s just s a v i n g some time. It w a s the guts of it, but he m a y r e a d it all, sir. A "State of A l a b a m a , J e f f e r s o n C o u n t y , C i t y of B r i g h t o n " R E S O L U T I O N : | "To the M a y o r and C o u n c i l m e n of B r ighton, A l a b a m a : "We, C o u n c i l m a n W a l t e r E. J e n k i n s an d L e o n a r d Lewis, h e r e b y r e s p e c t f u l l y o f f e r the f o l l o w i n g r e s o lution: "R E S O L V E D : "Wh e r e a s , there is a g r e a t need for a c o m m u n i t y s e r v i c e b u i l d i n g for the C i t y of B r ighton, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 140 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 45- A l a b a m a , and for the g r e a t e r p u r p o s e of h o u s i n g all a n t i - p o v e r t y c o m m u n i t y a c t i o n and food s t a m p program!! that c a n be of a g r e a t b e n e f i t to all our p e o p l e and p t e v e n t t h e i r h a v i n g to g o to o t h e r c i t i e s or a r eas to e n j o y the a f o r e m e n t i o n e d p r o g r a m s . "We move that the C i t y of B r i g h t o n r e nt, lease, or p u r c h a s e the old B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h S c h o o l now v a c a n t , to be u s e d for the p u r p o s e s set out above. T i m e b e i n g of the i m p o r t a n c e . " R e s p e c t f u l l y s u b m i t t e d , I "L. L e w i s "W. E. J e n k i n s " Q A l l r i g h t , sir. And w a s this the r e s o l u t i o n of w h i c h y o u r u l e d that it w a s of a p e r m a n e n t nature j and c o u l d not be a c t e d o n at t h a t m e e t i n g w i t h o u t a u n a n i m o u s a p p r o v a l ? A It w a s d u r i n g the d i s c u s s i o n w e a s k e d our l e gal d e p a r t m e n t on that for that. Q A n d y o u a l s o m a d e that r u l i n g at that time as r e f l e c t e d in those m i n u t e s ? A Ri g h t . Q Now w i l l you t u r n to the m i n u t e s of, I believe, A u g u s t 12th. No w c a n y o u t e l l us at that m e e t i n g , 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1 41 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a w h e t h e r the c i t y c o u n c i l a g r e e d to lease that p r o p e r ty to H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? j A Yes, this is the m e e t i n g . Q Now w a s that the first time that this w a s | b r o u g h t before y o u r c i t y c o u n c i l , the q u e s t i o n of e i t h e r l e a s i n g or s e l l i n g to H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A T h i s is the m e e t i n g w h e r e Mr. S m i t h -- T H E COU R T : T h a t is the m e e t i n g of A u g u s t 12th, i s n ' t it? A The m e e t i n g of A u g u s t 12th. No, it w a s the m e e t i n g before this m e e t i n g here. Q T h a t m e e t i n g of — w e l l , w h i l e w e are on that m e e t i n g of A u g u s t 12th, d i d y o u a u t h o r i z e the c i t y c l e r k to n o t i f y the c o u n c i l m a n to c o m e to that m e e t i n g on A u g u s t 12th? A Yes, I did. Q Di d you a u t h o r i z e the c i t y c l e r k to tell e a c h and e v e r y m e m b e r o f the c i t y c o u n c i l the purpose’ for w h i c h that m e e t i n g was bei n g c a l l e d ? A No. Q T h e n is it a fact, sir, that the p u r p o s e of the m e e t i n g w a s o n l y a n n o u n c e d a f t e r the c o u n c i I m e n w e r e there o n A u g u s t 12th? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1 4 2 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A Right. Q A l l r i g h t , sir. C a n y o u tell us w h e n you told the c i t y c l e r k w h e n to c a l l the m e e t i n g ? A' W h a t date does A u g u s t 1 2 t h -- w h a t d a y w a s that on? q A u g u s t 1 2 t h w a s on M o n d a y -- no, sir, that is w r o n g . A W e ll, w e give t h e m t w e n t y - f o u r hours. Q W a i t just a m i n u t e . A I w a s g o i n g to a n s w e r your q u e s t i o n . Q I d o n ' t w a n t to know w h a t you n o r m a l l y did. I w a n t to know w h a t y o u did on this o c c a s i o n . W h e n did the c l e r k c a l l these people, if you know? A it w o u l d be M o n d a y if T u e s d a y w a s the 12th. j i1 Q D o y o u know of your o w n k n o w l e d g e that she c a l l e d t h e m the d a y p r e v i o u s to the mee ting? A No, I d o n ' t know that she did call. She wa s told to call. q A l l ri g h t , sir. Now let's go b a c k to the m e e t i n g of A u g u s t 6th, M a y o r P a r s o n s . L o o k at -- A L e t me ge t b a c k to this last a n s w e r though. I said I did not k n o w she c a l l e d . I do c h e c k her 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 143 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a and a s k her if she calls, an d she told me she did. Q No w w h e n di d y o u c h e c k her? A W o u l d have been o n M o n d a y . \ Q On M o n d a y ? A Right. TI E COURT: I d o n t see a n y c a l e n d a r a r o u n d here a n y w h e r e . A S o m e b o d y said it w a s T u e s d a y . THE COURT: A u g u s t 12th w a s on T u e s d a y . Q A l l right, sir. Now is it -- T H E COURT: And she c a l l e d on M o n d a y ? A On Monday. Q It is your t e s t i m o n y that e a c h and e v e r y m e m b e r o f this c i t y c o u n c i l got no t i c e of this m e e t ing t w e n t y - f o u r hours before the m e e t i n g w a s held, this is your t e s t i m o n y ? A Right, to the best of my k n o w l e d g e . Q W e l l no w I w o u l d like to know if they did or if they did not, if y o u know. HR. BROWN: W e l l now, if the C o u r t p l e a s e , -- T H E C O U R T : I t h i n k the C o u r t u n d e r s t a n d s that he told the c l e r k to call, a n d he c h e c k e d back, a n d she had c a l l e d , a n d that is the s u b s t a n c e o f his 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 144 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a il te s t i m o n y . Q W o u l d y o u l o o k at your m i n u t e s of A u g u s t 6th. Was there any m e n t i o n of the sale or lease to H d o v e r A c a d e m y the p r o p e r t y in that m e e t i n g of A u g u s t 6th? A Yes, it was. Q W o u l d you tell us w h a t h a p p e n e d at that m e e t i n g t h a t the r e c o r d r e f l e c t s ? A Says, " D u r i n g the d i s c u s s i o n , a Mr. C. L. S m i t h s o u g h t r e c o g n i t i o n from the a u d i e n c e , and the M a y o r i n q u i r e d o f the c o u n c i l o f there w e r e any o b j e c t i o n s to r e c o g n i z i n g Mr. Smith, and there being no o b j e c t i o n s , Mr. S m i t h w a s r e c o g n i z e d and made k n o w n the fact to the c o u n c i l that the Ho o v e r A c a d e m y w o u l d like to s u b m i t a p r o p o s a l to lease the B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h S c h o o l b u i l d i n g , a n d r e q u e s t e d an o p p o r t u n i t y to s u b m i t a c o n c r e t e p r o p o s a l to lease the p r o p e r t y . " Q A l l right, sir. MR. L O C K E : E x c u s e me. W h a t w a s the date o f that, please, sir? A Q A u g u s t 6th. A l l ri g h t . Now w a s a n y s u c h p r o p o s a l made 145 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 5 4 at that m e e t i n g of A u g u s t 6th? A No. Q T h e n I g a t h e r that the n e x t p r o p o s a l w a s \ made at the m e e t i n g of A u g u s t 12th, 1969, the p r o posal, the o n l y p r o p o s a l ? A No. B e t w e e n A u g u s t 6 t h and A u g u s t 12th, I m e t w i t h Mrs. Stanton, a f t e r the c o u n c i l gave me the a u t h o r i t y at this A u g u s t 6 t h m e e t i n g to m e e t w i t h them. Q W i l l yo u r e a d that p o r t i o n of that a u t h o r i t y f r o m the m i n u t e s of A u g u s t 6th? A " A l d e r m a n W e s t then m o v e d that the m a y o r be a u t h o r i z e d to n e g o t i a t e w i t h r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of the H o o v e r A c a d e m y c o n c e r n i n g t h eir p r o p o s a l an d to r e p o r t a n y p r o p o s a l s the a c a d e m y m i g h t have b a c k to the c o u n c i l . The m o t i o n wa s s e c o n d e d by A l d e r m a n Perry, a n d v o t e of the c o u n c i l wa s as f o l l o w s : " Q R e a d that, sir. A " A l d e r m a n L e o n a r d Lewis, 'Aye'. " A l d e r m a n R i c h a r d Lewis, 'Aye*. " A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s , 'Aye'. " A l d e r m a n W. M. Perry, 'Nay'. " A l d e r m a n West, 'Nay'. 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 146 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama "Mayor Parsons, 'Nay'." Q A l l r i g h t , sir. Now did yo u have a n y -- w h o was Mr. Smith, w h o a s k e d for r e c o g n i t i o n ? A He w a s tlie r e p r e s e n t a t i v e or he i d e n t i f i e d h i m s e l f as b e ing the r e p r e s e n t a t i v e of H o o v e r A c a d e m y . Q A l l r i g h t . A n d as you say, you subsequently met w i t h s o m e o n e e l s e ? A llight. Q A n d w h o w a s that perso n? A Mrs. Stan t o n . Q A n d how did you h a p p e n to meet w i t h Mrs. S t a n t o n ; did Mr. S m i t h a r r a n g e the m e e t i n g between yo u and Mrs. S t a n t o n ? j A I have f o r g o t t e n w h e t h e r Mrs. S t a n t o n c a l l e d j me or Mr. -- e i t h e r Mr. L o c k e — I ' m a little c o n fused on this. But w e me t in Mr. B r o w n ' s office, an d the m e e t i n g w a s set up. I b e l i e v e I a s ked Mr. B r o w n to set the m e e t i n g up. Q So t h e n you, as m a y o r o f the city, initiated the m e e t i n g and n e g o t i a t i o n s b e t w e e n the C i t y of B r i g h t o n an d H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A W e l l , yes, sir. A f t e r the c o u n c i l gave me 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 147 Federal C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 54- this a u t h o r i t y , or had in our m e e t i n g here, that I w a s to n e g o t i a t e a c o n t r a c t w i t h them, and that is w he n we Q 1 Did those m i n u t e s s a y y o u w e r e to n e g o t i a t e a c o n t r a c t w i t h them? A To n e g o t i a t e -- no. That is -- let me r e a d this again. " A l d e r m a n W e s t t h e n m o v e d that the m a y o r be a u t h o r i z e d to n e g o t i a t e w i t h r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of the H o o v e r A c a d e m y c o n c e r n i n g their p r o p o s a l a n d to r e p o r t an y p r o p o s a l s the a c a d e m y m i g h t have back to | i the c o u n c i l . " Q A l l ri g h t , sir. A n d b e t w e e n that A u g u s t 6 t h m e e t i n g , y o u r next m e e t i n g w a s A u g u s t 12th? A Right. Q A n d you m a d e a r e p o r t , and had an e l e c t i o n | that same ni g h t , is that c o r r e c t , had a vote on it that same ni g h t ? A Right. Q A n d o n A u g u s t 12th, you v o t e d to lease to H o o v e r A c a d e m y , is that c o r r e c t ? A That is c o r r e c t . Q Y o u did not have a u n a n i m o u s vote, did you? As a m a t t e r of fact, you had a tie, an d yo u bro k e th$ i 1 2 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1 48 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g Birm ingham , Alabam a Si- tie by v o t i n g twice, is that c o r r e c t ? A Right. M y u n d e r s t a n d i n g on that, if I might add this, that in c a s e of a tie, t h e n I w a s r e q u i r e d by law to untie it. Q Is it a l s o your u n d e r s t a n d i n g that y o u r vote w h i c h m a y c r e a t e a tie is p e r m i s s i v e and not m a n d a tory? A It is p e r m i s s i v e . I Q Now is it a fact that you e f f e c t i v e l y created] the tie and broke the tie in this i n s t a n c e , is that c o r r e c t ? A A c c o r d i n g to the r e c o r d s here, I did vote I w a s the s i x t h p e r s o n that voted, w h i c h w o u l d have c r e a t e d a tie. Q By b e i n g the s i x t h p e r s o n to v o te, you then c r e a t e d a tie, is that c o r r e c t ? A Right. Q An d t h e n by bei n g the s e v e n t h p e r s o n to vote, y o u broke the tie? A Ri g h t . Q A n d you are one an d the s a m e p e r s o n w h o c r e a t e d an d broke the tie? A Yes I v o t e d to tie it, a n d t h e n I v o t e d 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2 2 23 149, to u n t i e it. F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g Birmingham, Alabama 58 Q Your Honor, m a y I see E x h i b i t 1 again. THE COURT: Was there any a c t i o n t a k e n on this J u l y 1 6 t h r e s o l u t i o n of a n y k i nd? It a p p e a r s that the c i t y o w n e d the p r o p e r t y at that time. The c o u n c i l m e n d i d n ' t know that fact, is that -- in o t her w o r d s , that r e s o l u t i o n says that t h e y lease or sell. MR. BROWN: I w i l l e x p e c t to d e v e l o p that fur t h e r . MR. NEWTON: I had p l a n n e d to a s k the M a y o r . If at y o u r m e e t i n g of J u l y 16th, did the C i t y of B r i g h t o n own the B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h S c h o o l b u i l d ing at that time? A Yes, w e did o w n it. Q A l l ri g h t . So then it w a s public p r o p e r t y o w n e d by the C i t y of B r i g h t o n at that time? A Right. Q An d -- MR. L O C K E : M a y I a s k c o u n s e l at this point, he used the ph r a s e a w h i l e back, one m a n one vote. Is that -- for my e n l i g h t e n m e n t , is that w h a t yoi/re q u e s t i o n i n g the w i t n e s s about? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 150 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama TH E C O U R T : I d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t -- MR. N E W T O N : No. I ' m q u e s t i o n i n g the w i t ness a b o u t on the q u e s t i o n I have a s k e d him, however w e have -- y o u m a y not have b e e n p r e s e n t . But it is part of the r e cord, w e have c h a l l e n g e d the c o n s t i t u t i o n a l i t y that g i v e s the m a n the r i g h t to vote t w i c e . MR. L O C K E : Y o u have the a u t h o r i t y on a one m a n one v o t e ? T H E C O U R T : T h i s r e s o l u t i o n o f A u g u s t 12th w a s inapt, b e c a u s e you a l r e a d y o w n e d the property, the c i t y did, and there is no q u e s t i o n of r e n t i n g and l e a s i n g or p u r c h a s i n g it. MR. N E W T O N : Your Honor, I t h i n k the Court m i g h t not be u n d e r s t a n d i n g , as I u n d e r s t a n d it rathe^, w h a t the r e s o l u t i o n is about. T h e y a s k e d t h e m to let t h e m use this p r o p e r t y for per s o n a l . T H E C O U R T : T h a t is in the w h e r e a s provision MR. N E W TON: Right. T h e n he says w e move that it rent, lease or p u r c h a s e the o l d B r i g h t o n H i g h S c h o o l b u i l d i n g now b e i n g used for the purpose as set out above. A n d o b v i o u s l y t h e y t h e n owned it. A n d of c o u r s e the o n l y r e a s o n in the m i n u t e s for not 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 151 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g Birm ingham , Alabam a 60 h e a r i n g itwas the fact that it w a s o f a p e r m a n e n t nature. That w a s the a n s w e r g i v e n to the m o v a n t s in this i n s t a n c e , the r e a s o n we w o n ' t c o n s i d e r it, tills is o f a p e r m a n e n t nature, yet on A u g u s t 12th, they do the same thing. T H E C O U R T : Of c o u r s e I d o n ' t t h i n k t h e i r c o n s t r u c t i o n of an o r d i n a n c e w o u l d make it p e r m a nent or m a k e it t e m p o r a r y . It is w h a t the law w o u l d sa y w a s p e r m a n e n t and w h a t is t e m p o r a r y , and that is one of the t h i n g s I w a n t you to c o v e r in the a r g u m e n t and the brief in this c a u s e . A l l ri g h t , p r o c e e d . Q A l l right, sir. Now s u b s e q u e n t to a c o u r t h e a r i n g in w h i c h your c i t y a t t o r n e y w a s p r e s e n t , yo u j c a l l e d the s e c o n d c a l l e d m e e t i n g , is that r i g h t ? A Right. Q A n d how w a s that m e e t i n g c a l l e d ? A Let me see w h a t date TH E C O U R T : W h a t m e e t i n g are y o u r e f e r r i n g to there? T h e r e are a series of m e e t i n g s . MR. N E W T O N : Yes, sir. TH E C O U R T : The A u g u s t 6 t h m e e t i n g w a s to / c o n s i d e r , and A u g u s t 1 2 t h w a s to lease, and now 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 152 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1L S e p t e m b e r 8th. MR. N E W T O N : A n d had a h e a r i n g in this C o u r t and then t h ere w a s a n o t h e r m e e t i n g c a l l e d . THE CO U R T : That w a s the m e e t i n g at w h i c h it w a s r e s o l v e d to s e l l it, I pres u m e . MR. N E W TON: Yes, sir. A n d I t h i n k it is i m p o r t a n t to note that that f o l l o w e d this m e e t i n g , b e c a u s e the C o u r t m a d e some s t a t e m e n t s , I think, that p r o m p t e d it. W h a t w a s the date o f the s e c o n d c a l l e d m e e t ing? A S e p t e m b e r 8th. THE CO U R T : S e p t e m b e r 8th. A Now that is the s e c o n d c a l l e d m e e t i n g . Q A l l r i g h t , sir. Now w h a t m e t h o d did you use, M a y o r Parso n s , to c a l l that m e e t i n g of S e p t e m ber 8th? A This m e e t i n g , w e a s k e d our police d e p a r t m e n t to c o n t a c t Mr. Sims and Mr. Bates. T h e y w e n t to e a c h c o u n c i l m a n ’s home. Q A l l r i g h t , sir. So t h e n the c i t y c o u n c i l got n o t i c e o f the s e c o n d m e e t i n g t h r o u g h the po l i c e d e p a r t m e n t ? Now w h e n you say w e did, y o u as m a y o r 1 2 ,3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 153 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 62 a s k e d the po l i c e d e p a r t m e n t to c o n t a c t e a c h c o u n c i l m e m b e r ? A I did. Q W h e n did y o u give t h e m that n o t i f i c a t i o n ? A A g a i n I w a n t to know w h a t da y S e p t e m b e r 8 t h i s . THE C O U R T : S e p t e m b e r 8 t h is on -- MR. LOCKE: S e p t e m b e r 8 t h w o u l d be M o n d a y . A M o n d a y . Q Now did y o u tell the police c h i e f on S u n d a y to do this then? A T h e y e i t h e r n o t i f i e d t h e m on S a t u r d a y or Sunday. I told them to be sure to give t h e m t w e n t y - four hours' notice. And it w a s o n -- w e l l , it w a s the lat t e r part of the w e e k , F r i d a y or S a t u r d a y , is w h e n I a s k e d t h e m to n o t i f y e a c h c o u n c i l m a n . Q A l l right. Did y o u c h e c k to see if that had b e e n d o n e ? A I did. Q A l l r i g h t . W h o did you c h e c k w i t h ? A The c h i e f o f police, Mr. Sims. Q Did he t e l l you he had p e r s o n a l l y n o t i f i e d e v e r y o n e ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 154 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A He told me that they h a d b e e n n o t i f i e d . Now w h e t h e r he s a i d p e r s o n a l l y or had told their family, some of the i r family, I have f o r g o t t e n . O' Let me as k y o u this: U n d e r your r u l e s and r e g u l a t i o n s that you a d o p t e d at the o r g a n i z a t i o n a l m e e t i n g p r e v i o u s l y r e f e r r e d to here, is one of the m e t h o d s of n o t i f y i n g m e m b e r s o f the c o u n c i l is by t e l l i n g t h e i r w i v e s or their c h i l d r e n ? A W e l l , we get t h e m -- try to get t h e m by w o r d . A n d n i n e t y - n i n e out of a h u n d r e d t i mes they are all p r e s e n t . So w e feel like that t h e y do get w o r d of the m e e t i n g s . Q A l l r i g h t , s i r . THE C O U R T : T h e y s h o w e d up a n y h o w ? A T h e y s h o w e d up. Q But by v i r t u e of the fact they shew up, does that prove that that s q u a r e s w i t h your t w e n t y - four hour n o t i c e p r o v i s i o n in y o u r M R . BROWN: We o b j e c t to that. TH E C O U R T : S u s t a i n the o b j e c t i o n . That is a r g u m e n t a t i v e . MR. N E W T O N : We e x c e p t . Now w e have b e e n talking, M a y o r Parsons, about 1 2 '3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 155 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 4 4 a b o o k w h e r e the o r i g i n a l s o f the s e d o c u m e n t s w e r e kept, and I w o u l d like to as k y o u if this is that book? A Yes, sir. Q Now I w o u l d like to a s k y o u to look at this o r d i n a n c e to sell, o r d i n a n c e No. 3~69, d a t e d the 8 t h d a y of S e p t e m b e r , 1969, and a s k you if this is ! your s i g n a t u r e ? A It is. Q A n d I w o u l d like to a s k y o u if there is any c e r t i f i c a t i o n by the c l e r k o n this o r d e r ? A No, it is not on this. THE COU R T : W h a t is that? Is that a n o t h e r o r d i n a n c e or is that the same o r d i n a n c e ? MR. NEWTON: No, sir. This is the o r d i n a n c e to sell. I I w o u l d like to show you, s i r , a l s o in this book o r d i n a n c e No. 2-69, and it is d a t e d the 1 2 t h o f A u g u s t , 1969, and I w o u l d like to ask yo u if this is your s i g n a t u r e here, sir? A It is. Q A n d I w o u l d like to a s k yo u a g a i n if there is a n y c e r t i f i c a t i o n by the c i t y c l e r k ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 15 6 A It is not. Q And, sir, is this the o r d i n a n c e to lease the p r o p e r t y to H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A It is. Q A n d o r d i n a n c e 3-69, w a s that the o r d i n a n c e to s e l l to H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A It is. Q An d it is your t e s t i m o n y that there is no s u c h c e r t i f i c a t i o n by the c l e r k in e i t h e r o r d i n a n c e 2 - 6 9 or o r d i n a n c e 3~69? A T h a t ' s rig h t . MR. NEWTON: I b e l i e v e that is al l I have, s i r . T H E C O U R T : A l l right. C R O S S E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. B R OWN:) M a y o r , the c o u n c i l w a s c o m p o s e d o f the same i n d i v i d u a l s d u r i n g a l l of these m e e t i n g s that you w e r e d i s c u s s i n g on your d i r e c t e x a m i n a t i o n , the same i n d i v i d u a l s w h o w e r e at the o r g a n i z a t i o n a l m e e t i n g , t h ere has been no c h a n g e in the p r e s e n t c o u n c i l s i n c e it t o o k o f f i c e in October o f last y e a r ? Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 157 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 66 A T h a t is c o r r e c t , the same c o u n c i l . Q Now have y o u had o c c a s i o n s o v e r the y e a r s to have m a n y or few s p e c i a l m e e t i n g s of the council?! A W e l l , I w o u l d say s e v e r a l . Q This p r e s e n t c o u n c i l , have they had s e v e r a l s p e c i a l m e e t i n g s r e l a t e d to o t h e r m a t t e r s o t h e r t h a n the H o o v e r A c a d e m y p r o p e r t y ? A I c a n ’t r e c a l l unl e s s I go b a c k to the m i n - ! I utes. But it seems it m i g h t have been one. But I w o u l d have to c h e c k the m i n u t e s here to be sure on t h a t . Q Well, have y o u had s p e c i a l m e e t i n g s at the r e q u e s t of the b l a c k m e m b e r s of the c o u n c i l r e l a t i v e to fire plugs and the p a r k and things of that nature)? MR. HOOD: We o b j e c t to that, i r r e l e v a n t , i n c o m p e t e n t , i m m a t e r i a l , v i o l a t e s the e v i d e n c e w r i t ten bef o r e the C o u r t , and i r r e l e v a n t , i m m a t e r i a l , incorape t e n t . T H E C O U R T : O v e r r u l e d . MR. BROWN: I * m t r y i n g to show - - g o ahead. MR. NEWTON: The m i n u t e b o o k is r i g h t there, Y o u r Honor, if he c a n point out a n y s u c h s p e c i a l m e e t i n g s . 1 2 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 158 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a hi Q The method by which these special meetings i were called, by the notice, were they any different t han what has been the practice over the thirteen \years that you have been the mayor? A No. Q Have you ever gone through any formality about giving members written notice or registered mail notice for any meetings? MR. HOOD: We again object to this line of questioning. He has introduced what he called or ganizational procedural minutes into the evidence here , and to explain the way by evidence, is irrele vant, incompetent, immaterial. MR. BROWN: It must be something unusual about the manner about which they were notified. THE COURT: I will overrule the objection. The Court will consider the whole picture involved. MR. NEWTON: We except. A The same method was used. Q Throughout the thirteen years that you have been mayor? A Right. Q Were you on the council prior to that time? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 159 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama 68 A F r o m 1937 to 1956. Q A l l ri g h t . Y o u have been a m e m b e r of the g o v e r n i n g b o d y of the C i t y of B r i g h t o n since 1937, is that c o r r e c t ? A T h a t ' s corre c t . Q Now the s p e c i a l m e e t i n g s that the c i t y c o u n c i l had of the c i t y o f B r i g h t o n r e l a t i v e to this H o o v e r Acade m y , w a s it the s p e c i a l m e e t i n g s c a l l e d in a l l r e s p e c t s as had been the case s i nce 1937? A T o the best of my k n o w l e d g e it has. Q Now do yo u r e c a l l this p l a i n t i f f s ' E x h i b i t 1, this y e l l o w r e s o l u t i o n w h i c h w a s p r o d u c e d at the c o u n c i l m e e t i n g ? TIE CO U R T : Of July 16th. Q Yes, o f J u l y 16th? A Y e s . Q M a y o r , I w i l l ask you w h e t h e r or not at that time that the r e s o l u t i o n w a s r e a d at l e n g t h to the c o u n c i l an d d i s c u s s e d ? A It w a s . Q I w i l l a s k yo u w h e t h e r or not as c i t y a t t o r ney, w h e t h e r or not the c i t y a t t o r n e y at that time w e n t to T i t l e 37 to i n q u i r e as to the n a t u r e of that 1 2 ,3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 160 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a o r d i n a n c e ? MR. HOOD: Ju d g e , I ' m g o i n g to o b j e c t . I d o n ' t t h i n k the m a y o r is c a p a b l e o f c i t i n g w h a t T i t l e 37 is c o m p o s e d of. I t h i n k it is i r r e l e v a n t , | i m m a t e r i a l . T H E C O U R T : I t h i n k he c a n t e l l w h a t t o o k place t h e r e . He c a l l e d on c o u n s e l for i n s t r u c t i o n s , is that r i g h t ? A T h a t ' s right. MR. HOOD: Note an e x c e p t i o n , Your Honor. Q I w i l l ask y o u w h e t h e r or not the o f f e r of the r e s o l u t i o n , that is, A l d e r m e n L e w i s and J e n kins w a s q u e s t i o n e d as to the i n t e n t of the o r d i n a n c e at l e n g t h at the time it w a s o f f e r e d ? A I d o n ' t q u ite u n d e r s t a n d . j Q The p u r p o s e of the o r d i n a n c e -- the c i t y o w n e d the p r o p e r t y at the time this r e s o l u t i o n was i n t r o d u c e d ? A Right. Q T h e r e s o l u t i o n as it s p e a k s for i t self, it says it is a r e s o l u t i o n r e q u e s t i n g the c i t y to buy, rent, lease or p u r c h a s e the o l d B r i g h t o n school, i s n ’t it? 1 2 ' 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 161 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 70 A Right. Q I w i l l ask y o u w h e t h e r or n o t d i s c u s s i o n s w e r e had w i t h you and the c i t y a t t o r n e y and the o f f e r e r s o f the r e s o l u t i o n as to the i n t e n t or m e a n i n g of the o r d i n a n c e ? MR. NEWTON: Your Honor, b e f o r e he a n s w e r s that q u e s t i o n , a g a i n I w o u l d like to -- I ' m a s s u m i n g ! i this w a s in the c o u r s e o f a r e g u l a r m e e t i n g , and if s u c h a d i s c u s s i o n w a s made, it s e e m s it s h o u l d be j r e p o r t e d in those m i n u t e s . THE COU R T : T h e y d o n ’t p r o p o s e to r e c o r d v e r b a t i m . O n l y the a c t i o n taken. O v e r r u l e . Di d yo u u n d e r s t a n d the q u e s t i o n ? A l ’m just a little c o n f u s e d on -- c o u n s e l , I ’tji sorry. [ Q D i d the C i t y of B r i g h t o n o w n this b u i l d i n g at the time this r e s o l u t i o n w a s o f f e r e d ? A W e did . Q W e l l , w a s not it d i s c u s s e d that the r e s o l u t i o n r e q u e s t e d the c i t y to buy s o m e t h i n g that it a l r e a d y o w n e d ? A Right. Q A n d in that light, w a s it not d i s c u s s e d as 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 162 to w h a t w a s -- MR. N E W T O N : I ' m g o i n g to i n t e r p o s e -- Q -- the i n t e n t o f the r e s o l u t i o n w a s gone ihto, w a s n ’t it? A T h a t ' s r i g h t . MR. N E WTON: That w a s a l e a d i n g q u e s t i o n . THE C O U R T : It wa s a l e a d i n g q u e s t i o n , but I w i l l o v e r r u l e the o b j e c t i o n . MR. N E WTON: We e x c e p t . Q W a s it e v e r r e s o l v e d at the m e e t i n g at w h i c h that r e s o l u t i o n w a s i n t r o d u c e d , the in t e n t of the i r e s o l u t i o n as s t a t e d by the o f f e r e r s of it, did they e v e r tell us w h a t t h e y i n t e n d e d by the r e s o l u - ti on? T H E C O U R T : In o t h e r w o r d s , w a s there any d i s c u s s i o n s as to the p u r p o r t or p u r p o s e o f the r e s o lution, that is w h a t y o u ' r e a s k i n g , i s n ' t it? MR. BROWN: Yes, sir. A W e l l , I ' m sorry, I j u s t d o n ' t s e e m -- Q Did the c i t y o w n the p r o p e r t y -- r e a d the r e s o l u t i o n , w h a t it says. A "We m o v e t h a t the C i t y of B r i g h t o n rent, F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a lea s e or p u r c h a s e the old . . It 1 2 • 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 18 19 20 21 163 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a Q S t o p there, rent, lease or p u r c h a s e . Did the c i t y o w n it at that time? A T h a t ' s ri g h t . Q D i d you i n t e r p r e t t h a t to be a r e q u e s t to le as e ? MR. N E W T O N : I o b j e c t , c a l l s for a m e n t a l o p e r a t i o n . jL2. i TH E C O U R T : Well, as to the w a y he i n t e r p r e - ted it, as I u n d e r s t a n d the q u e s t i o n , w a s the purpos|e o f this r e s o l u t i o n , w h e t h e r it w a s p r o p o s e d , w h y w e r e t h e y p r o p o s i n g a r e s o l u t i o n like this w h e n t h e y a l r e a d y o w n e d the p r o p e r t y . W a s there an y d i s c u s s i o n o f that type? A Yes, sir. | MR. HOOD: M a y it p l e a s e the Court, w e are g o i n g to o b j e c t , c a lls for a c o n c l u s i o n . THE C O U R T : W a s there a n y a c t i o n t a k e n on that ? MR. BROWN: We n e v e r r e s o l v e d w h a t the p u r pose w a s . The r e s o l u t i o n s p e a k s for i t s e l f . MR. N E W TON: He is t a l k i n g a b o u t he n e v e r r e s o l v e d , ye t the m i n u t e s r e f l e c t e d that the p r e s i d ing o f f i c e r r u l e d w h y this c o u l d not be held, this 1 2 ,3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 164 w a s In the m i n u t e s . MR. BROWN: He r u l e d it a f t e r a l e n g t h y d i s c u s s i o n , and r e a d i n g of the c o de, as to w h a t a p e r m a n e n t o r d i n a n c e w a s , and I w a n t to go i n t o that at this time. We r e a d an d w e n t i n t o a l e n g t h y d i s c u s s i o n a b o u t the S u p r e m e C o u r t of A l a b a m a h a v i n g r u l e d that a n y o r d i n a n c e or r e s o l u t i o n w a s of a p e r m a n e n t operaf I tion. MR. HOOD: Judge, I ' m g o i n g to o b j e c t to that. The w i t n e s s is on the stand. ! MR. BROWN: This a l l h a p p e n e d at the m e e t i n g l T H E C O U R T : O v e r r u l e the o b j e c t i o n , I w i l l hear itall. MR. BROWN: The o r d i n a n c e w h i c h c o n t i n u e s in force u n t i l r e p e a l e d , a n d we i n q u i r e d o f the a u thors as to the i n t e n t to a s c e r t a i n w h e t h e r or not it w a s s u c h a r e s o l u t i o n that w o u l d c o n t i n u e in force u n t i l r e p e a l e d . THE C O U R T : A l l r i g h t . MR. BROWN: It w a s o n l y a f t e r that, that a r u l i n g w a s m a d e that -- it m u s t be of a p e r m a n e n t n a t u r e s i n c e the c i t y a l r e a d y o w n e d the p r o p e r t y . F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 165 T h e y c o u l d n ' t lease It. T h e y c o u l d n ' t buy it. And f r a n k l y it w a s c o n t i n u e d over for t h e m to r e d r a f t it a n d be more s p e c i f i c . MR. N E WTON: J u s t a m i n u t e , Y o u r Honor. TIE CO U R T : I t h i n k w e have gone i n t o this r e s o l u t i o n e n o u g h . I t was o f f e r e d here to show it w a s a r e s o l u t i o n , and t o o k other a c t i o n w h e n it c a m e to the sale of the property. MR. BROWN: Yes, sir. We h a v e n ' t t o l d the e n t i r e story. It w a s d i s c u s s e d at length, and I d o n ' t u n d e r s t a n d the r e s o l u t i o n , but be that as it may, that is for the C o u r t to c o n s t r u e . T H E CO U R T : I w i l l c o n s t r u e that. Q M a y o r , at the n e x t m e e t i n g are the p r e v i o u s m i n u t e s r e a d back to the c o u n c i l ? A T h e y are. Q Has that been the p r a c t i c e and does the m i n u t e b o o k so r e f l e c t ? A It does. Q Does the min u t e b o o k r e f l e c t a n y o b j e c t i o n s by an y c o u n c i l m a n as to w h a t t r a n s p i r e d at the p r e v i o u s m e e t i n g w h e n the m i n u t e s w e r e r e a d back? A No, it d o e s not. F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 74 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 166 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama Q Now w h e n the c o u n c i l -- w h e n the H o o v e r A c a demy, p u r s u a n t to the a u t h o r i t y g i v e n you by the c o u n c i l to n e g o t i a t e w i t h them, w a s a w r i t t e n o f f e r m a d e to p u r c h a s e the p r o p e r t y ? A It w a s . Q I w i l l hand you w h a t p u r p o r t s to be a letter o n the l e t t e r h e a d o f L o c k e & Locke, a d d r e s s e d to the city, an d I w i l l a s k you is that the c o m m u n i c a t i o n that y o u r e c e i v e d ? A It is. Q A l l r i g h t , sir. W h a t is the date o n it? A S e p t e m b e r 3, 1969. Q W i l l y o u r e a d it for the r e c o r d , p l ease, sir? A "M a y o r of B r i g h t o n 'City C o u n c i l of B r i g h t o n j " B r i g h t o n C i t y Hall ! | " B r i g h t o n , A l a b a m a j "Dear Sir: "We p r o p o s e to buy B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h p r e m i s e s for $ 1 2 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 , and p r o p o s e $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 c a s h j p a y m e n t on d e l i v e r y o f deed, $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 t h i r t y days t h e r e a f t e r , a n d the b a l a n c e at $ 1 0 0 . 0 0 per m o n t h u n t i l paid in full, u n p a i d p r i n c i p a l to bear interest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 167 six per cent. F i r s t p a y m e n t due s i x t y days from d a t e o f d e l i v e r y of deed. We w i l l e x e c u t e m o r t g a g e for b a lance p a y a b l e to C i t y of Bri g h t o n . ' "Yours v e r y truly, " H o o v e r A c a d e m y , Inc. I "Mrs. J. K. S t a n t o n . " MR. BROWN: We i n t r o d u c e that. THE CO U R T : Was it f o l l o w i n g that, that you i m a d e some a p p r a i s a l ? A Right. THE COU R T : All right, this w i l l be marked. ( D e f e n d a n t s ' E x h i b i t 2 w a s m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) MR. N E W TON: M a y I a s k him one q u e s t i o n on v o i r dire a b o u t the m a t t e r ? j T H E C O U R T : A l l ri g h t . V O I R D I R E E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : ) Di d you r e c e i v e that l e t ter? A This letter w a s -- it d i d n ' t c o m e to my o f fice. I had t h e m s e n d it to Mr. B r o w n ' s office. Q Do y o u know how Mr. B r o w n go t it? F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m ., A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 168 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A No, I don't. MR. N E W T O N : A p p a r e n t l y that l e t t e r has nevef b e e n f o l d e d or p l a c e d in a n e n v e l o p at a n y time. T^iat is the r e a s o n I w a s a s k i n g yo u that q u e s t i o n . TIE C O U R T : P r o b a b l y it w a s d e l i v e r e d to Mr. — 11- Brown. MRS. J. K. S T A N T O N : I t o o k it d o w n there. THE C O U R T : Al l r i g h t , go ahead. j C O N T I N U E D C R O S S E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. B R O W N : ) N o w p u r s u a n t to that offer,! di d you -- MR. N E W T O N : I o b j e c t to the a d m i s s i o n of that s i n c e it w a s not d e l i v e r e d to him, and he had no k n o w l e d g e of it. O b v i o u s l y e x c e p t that w a s d e l i v e r e d to s o m e o n e e l s e . T H E C O U R T : Have you s e e n it b e f o r e ? A Yes, sir. Mr. B r o w n c a l l e d me and told me he had it, a n d I a s k e d h i m then -- I a s k e d him to g e t us s o m e a p p r a i s a l s on the b u i l d i n g to see w h e ther or not this m i g h t be a fair price. THE C O U R T : I w i l l o v e r r u l e the o b j e c t i o n in c o n n e c t i o n w i t h t h a t letter, s u b j e c t to its being 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 169 Federal C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 7 * c o n n e c t e d up. 1 w i l l o v e r r u l e the o b j e c t i o n . MR. NEWTON: W e e x c e p t . Q W e r e red. e s t a t e a p p r a i s e r s o b t a i n e d a f t e r that? A T h e y w e r e . Q I w i l l hand y o u w h a t p u r p o r t s to be the o r i g i n a l of a r e a l e s t a t e a p p r a i s a l o n the l e t t e r h e a d of P a d e n R e a l t y C o m p a n y , s i g n e d at the e n d by E v a n s J. S m i t h s o n , a n d I w i l l a s k you if you c a n r e c o g n i z e tha t ? Do you recognize it, M a y o r ? A Yes, I do. Q Now w h o is Mr. E v a n s J. S m i t h s o n ? A He wa s the r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f P a d e n R e a l t y C o m p a n y at the time. Q A l l r i g h t . Do yo u know -- is he l i v i n g or d e a d now? A He is dead now. Q W h e n did he pass a w ay? A W e l l , in the last few w e e k s . I c a n ' t r e m e m ber the date. Q Now I w i l l a s k yo u if this a p p r a i s a l w a s p r e s e n t e d to the c o u n c i l at the time that they v o t e d to s e l l the p r o p e r t y ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 170 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A It w a s . Q W e r e o t t e r be a 1 e s t a t e a p p r a i s a l s o b t a i n e d ? A Y e s , sir. W e have one f r o m N o r t o n R e a l t y C o m p a n y , s i g n e d by Mr. T. E. N o r t o n ; and one from E d w a r d s R e a l t y C o m p a n y , s i g n e d by Mr. Jess E d w a r d s . Q Ar e tho s e the o r i g i n a l s you have there? A T h e y are. Q A l l right. W h a t is the a p p r a i s a l o f the N o r t o n a p p r a i s a l ? MR. N E W TON: I o b j e c t to that. I d o n ' t t h i n k it is the best e v i d e n c e . And w e have no o p p o r t u n i t y to c r o s s e x a m i n e a n y o n e w h o m a y have made that a p p r a i s a l , by s i m p l y r e a d i n g it into the r e c o r d . T H E C O U R T : It w a s s u b m i t t e d to the c o u n c i l ? A Right. T H E C O U R T : O v e r r u l e the o b j e c t i o n . MR. N E W T O N : We e x c e p t . A N o r t o n R e a l t y C o m p a n y w a s $ 1 2 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 . MR. BR O W N : A l l r i g h t , w e o f f e r t h a t in e v i d e n c e . ( D e f e n d a n t s ' E x h i b i t 3A w a s m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 171 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g Birmingham, Alabama SO MR. N E WTON: Same o b j e c t i o n . Q W h a t d i d -- THE C O U R T : O v e r r u l e . Q W h a t did Mr. -- MR. NEWTON: We e x c e p t . Q W h a t w a s Mr. E d w a r d s ' a p p r a i s a l ? A Edwards R e a l t y C o m p a n y w a s $ 1 2 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 . MR. BROWN: We o f f e r that in e v i d e n c e . MR. N E W T O N : Same o b j e c t i o n . T H E CO U R T : O v e r r u l e . MR. N E W TON: We e x c e p t , ( D e f e n d a n t s ' E x h i b i t 3B w a s m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) Q An d w h a t w a s Mr. S m i t h s o n ' s a p p r a i s a l ? A P a d e n R e a l t y C o m p a n y w a s $ 1 2 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 . j MR. BROWN: W e o f f e r that as our n e x t e x h i - | bit. MR. NEWTON: Same o b j e c t i o n . TH E C O U R T : O v e r r u l e . MR. N E W T O N : We e x c e p t . ( D e f e n d a n t s ' E x h i b i t 3C w a s m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) T H E C O U R T : W e r e these a p p r a i s a l s m a d e all 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 172 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a a v a i l a b l e to the m e m b e r s of the c o u n c i l that n i g h t ? A Yes, sir, they w e r e . THE C O U R T : A n d they h a d b e e n in the p o s s e s s i o n of the c l e r k s i n c e then? A Yes, sir. THE C O U R T : I r e a l l y d o n ' t t h i n k you need to o f f e r t h e m o t h e r t h a n the a m o u n t s of the a p p r a i s a w o u l d be a l l the C o u r t is c o n c e r n e d w i t h . MR. BROWN: I w i t h d r a w them, s u b j e c t to the a m o u n t s b e i n g in e v i d e n c e on e a c h a p p r a i s a l . T H E C O U R T : A l l r i g h t . He w i t h d r a w s the a p p r a i s a l s then, a n d it is in the r e c o r d , and he has t e s t i f i e d as to the a m o u n t s . I w i l l let t h a t stand. Q A l l r i g h t , sir. Now w h e n did the c i t y buy this p r o p e r t y , M a y o r , if y o u r e c a l l ? A The year w a s 19- -- TH E C O U R T : Have you g o t a d e e d or a n y t h i n g Ls there for it? A I t h i n k w e have go t a c o p y o f the deed. T H E C O U R T : I c o u l d have b e e n w r o n g , but I t h i n k it w a s 1966 w a s the o r i g i n a l deed. Q D i d yo u buy it f r o m the c o u n t y b o a r d o f e d u c a t i o n ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 173 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A Yes, w e did. Q At the time y o u b o u g h t it, had the c o u n t y c l o s e d the s c h o o l ? A' T h e y had c l o s e d . Q Wa s it being o p e r a t e d ? A No. Q Did the C i t y of B r i g h t o n e v e r o p e r a t e the s c h o o l ? A No. Q Has the C i t y of B r i g h t o n e v e r had a s c h o o l s y s t e m or o p e r a t e d a s c h o o l s y s t e m ? A Not d u r i n g m y time. Q Not s i n c e 1937, at least? A Right. Q W e l l , you d o n ’t know of an y prior to that, do you? A No. I have n e v e r h e a r d o f it. Q No w how d i d the c i t y come to buy this p r o per t y ; w a s it by a bid or a d v e r t i s e m e n t or w h a t ? A By bid. The c o u n t y -- the board o f e d u c a t i o n p u b l i s h e d t h a t t h e y w e r e g o i n g to s e l l the b u i l d i n g by bid. Q A l l r i g h t . Now w^here is it s i t u a t e d ; is it 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 174 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g Birmingham, Alabama - a j . near the c i t y hall? A It is a b o u t two b l o c k s from the c i t y hall. Q Now did the c i t y put it to an y use w h i l e it o w n e d it at all? A No. Q A l l r i g h t . Wa s it i n s u r e d d u r i n g t h a t time? A No, it c o u l d n ' t -- w e c o u l d n ' t ge t i n s u r a n c e on it w h i l e it w a s v a cant. Q Now d e s c r i b e this b u i l d i n g ; is it a t h r e e - s t o r y or t w o - s t o r y b r i c k b u i l d i n g ? A It is a t h r e e - s t o r y b r i c k b u i l d i n g . TH E C O U R T : Is it one b u i l d i n g or are there an y o u t s i d e b u i l d i n g s ? A O n e b u i l d i n g . Q Is it an old b u i l d i n g ? ! A I * m not p o s i t i v e , but I t h i n k the b u i l d i n g w a s built m a y b e in 1925. Q Now d e s c r i b e the i n t e r i o r ; is it s u i t a b l e for -- w e l l , is it c u t up i n t o c l a s s r o o m s ? A W e l l , it w a s c u t up in c l a s s r o o m s w h i l e the s c h o o l w a s i n o p e r a t i o n . Q I see. No w di d the c i t y e v e r have a n y m u n i c i p a l n e e d o r use o f the b u i l d i n g w h i l e it o w n e d it? 1 2 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 175 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g Birmingham, Alabama 8 4 A No, it did not. Q Was it s u i t a b l e for a fire hall? A No. Q C i t y Hall? A No. Not w i t h o u t a lot o f r e n o v a t i o n , w h a t yo u m i g h t build a new b u i l d i n g for. T H E C O U R T : Is it c l o s e to the c i t y hall? A It is w i t h i n a b out two blocks, two blocks and a half. Q Just one m o ment, i f the C o u r t p l ease. (Short pause.) Q Now w e r e the w i n d o w s b o a r d e d up at the time you sold it, p l y w o o d a c r o s s the w i n d o w s ? A T h e y w e r e . Q W e r e the gla s s w i n d o w s i n t a c t or n o t ? A I w o u l d s a y no. Q Had they been b r o k e n out? A B r o k e n out. Now that is to the best of ray k n o w l e d g e o f w h a t I could see. Q Now w h a t h e a t i n g s y s t e m w a s in it? A It w a s a furn a c e , c o a l furnace. Q W h a t w a s the sta t e o r r e p a i r o f the h e a t i n g s y s t e m at the time it w a s sold, if y o u k n o w ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 176 f e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 81. A I u n d e r s t a n d — to m y k n o w l e d g e , t h e y just d i d n ' t have a n y h e a t i n g s y s t e m , that the f u r n a c e w a s bad. Q T h e plu m b i n g , do y o u know a n y t h i n g a b o u t the p l u m b i n g ; w a s it in g o o d s t a t e o f r e p a i r , or bad s t a t e ? j A Bad state. Q Now a f t e r the c o u n c i l v o t e d to s e l l it as s u r p l u s property, the d e eds w e r e s i g n e d b y you as m a y o r in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the o r d i n a n c e ? A T h a t ’s right, they w e r e . MR. N E W T O N : Your Honor, I w o u l d like to move that the a n s w e r a f t e r the c o u n t y a g r e e d to s e l l it as s u r p l u s p r o p e r t y be s t r i c k e n . T h e r e is no s u c h e v i d e n c e here. THE C O U R T : W e l l , the r e s o l u t i o n r e c i t e s it as s u r p l u s p r o p e r t y . Q I w i l l r e p h r a s e it. A f t e r the c o u n c i l passed its r e s o l u t i o n a u t h o r i z i n g y o u to s e l l it, did you s e l l it and s i g n a d e e d ? A W e did. Q Is this a c o p y o f the d e e d ? A It is. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 177 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a --- 86 Q R e c o r d e d in Real Book 119, page 118. A n d did you take the m o r t g a g e b a c k in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the ter m s of the a g r e e m e n t ? A We did. Q Is that a true a n d c o r r e c t c o p y o f the m o r t gage, to the best of your k n o w l e d g e ? A It is. MR. BROWN: We o f f e r these. (De f e n d a n t s ' E x h i b i t 4 w a s m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) MR. BROWN: And w e o f f e r the m o r t g a g e as the next e x h i b i t . ( D e f e n d a n t s ' E x h i b i t 5 w a s m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) Q A c c o r d i n g to the c o n s i d e r a t i o n r e c i t e d in the d e e d and the m o r t g a g e and the t e r m s of the a g r e e m e n t , has the H o o v e r A c a d e m y paid the C i t y o f B r i g h t o n the $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 d o w n p a y m e n t ? A T h e y have. Q Did t h e y pay the b a l a n c e of the d o w n pay ment, a n o t h e r $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 ? A T h e y have. Q An d have t h e y m a d e t h e i r m o n t h l y p a y m e n t s 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 178 up to d a t e ? A It has. We r e c e i v e d last m o n t h ' s . I d o n't k n o w w h e t h e r this m o n t h ' s has c o m e in or not. It w i l l , though, I ' m sure. MR. N E W T O N : I o b j e c t and m o v e that be s t r i c k e n . A I ' m s o r r y I s a i d that. Q Y o u d o n ' t k n o w of an y a r r e a r a g e ; it is up to date as far as in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the m o r t g a g e ? A It is up to date w i t h the c a l e n d a r m o n t h s . | i Q D i d the c i t y r e q u i r e H o o v e r A c a d e m y to r e i n s u r e the b u i l d i n g ? A Yes, w e did. Q Did you, as the mayor, and the c i t y hold the c e r t i f i c a t e s h o w i n g the p r o p e r t y to be i n s u r e d at this time? A W e did. Q D o yo u k n o w the a m o u n t o f the i n s u r a n c e b e i n g c a r r i e d on it? A $ 1 1 , 5 0 0 , I think. I ' m n o t p o s i t i v e o f that figure. I k n o w it is a b o u t $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 . T I E C O U R T : I n o t h e r w o r d s , y o u ’re the F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a n a m e d loss p a y e e in the m o r t g a g e ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 179 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama g a g e e in the p o licy? 88 m o r t- A Right. Q A n d do you know w h o - - d o y o u k n o w the t r u s tees for the s c h o o l of H o o v e r A c a d e m y , do y o u know w h o r u n s the s c h o o l ? A No, I don't. Q Do you k n o w Mrs. S t a n t o n here? A T h i s is the third time I have e v e r s e e n Mrs. S t a n t o n . Twice i n this c o u r t r o o m , and w h e n w e w e r e n e g o t i a t i n g the lease. Q A l l r i g h t . Now does the C i t y of B r i g h t o n have a s c h o o l board? A No. ! Q Does the C i t y of B r i g h t o n have an y c o n n e c tion a t a l l w i t h the H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? j| A W e do not. Q Have yo u e v er? A N e v e r have. Q Have you e v e r been, or has a n y m e m b e r of the c o u n c i l , to y o u r k n o w l e d g e , or a n y c i t y o f f i c i a l e v e r b e e n to a m e e t i n g of the boa r d o f t r u s t e e s or the o t h e r g o v e r n i n g b o d y of the H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 180 A I h a v e n ' t , a n d to m y k n o w l e d g e , none of the c o u n c i l have. Q Has a n y m e m b e r o f the H o o v e r A c a d e m y e v e r | a p p e a r e d be f o r e the c o u n c i l r e q u e s t i n g funds or has a n y p u b l i c m o n e y to y o u r k n o w l e d g e b e e n e x p e n d e d by the c i t y on the H o o v e r A c a d e m y or for its b e n e f i t ? A It has not. Q Do y o u have a n y v o i c e or does an y m e m b e r of the c o u n c i l , to your k n o w l e d g e , have an y v o i c e in th4 m a n a g e m e n t or c o n t r o l o f the H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? I A To my k n o w l e d g e it don't. Q Has a n y o r d i n a n c e , r e s o l u t i o n , r u l e or r e g u l a t i o n e v e r b e e n a d o p t e d since y o u have b e e n mayor o f the c i t y and a m e m b e r of the c o u n c i l r e l a t i v e to the g o v e r n i n g or r e g u l a t i n g the H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A It has not. Q W a s the H o o v e r A c a d e m y s i t u a t e d in the City o f B r i g h t o n p r i o r to the time it p u r c h a s e d t h i s p r o p e r t y ? A It w a s not. Q Is there a n y p r o p o s a l by r e s o l u t i o n , o r d i nance, r u l e or r e g u l a t i o n n o w p e n d i n g be f o r e the c i t y c o u n c i l o f the C i t y of B r i g h t o n r e l a t i v e to the F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 181 Federal C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 90 H o o v e r A c a d e m y or a n y rule, regulation or control over that o r g a n i z a t i o n or s c h o o l ? A It is not. Q Has a n y o n e ever a p p e a r e d before the council o f tbs city, s i n c e you have b e e n mayor or a member o f the c o u n c i l , r e q u e s t i n g that the City of Brighton p a r t i c i p a t e in a n y w a y in the m a n a g e m e n t or govern- | ing of the H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A T h e y have not. Q In short, Mayor, does the city have anything i to do w i t h H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A It does not. Q D o e s H o o v e r Academy have anything to do with the c i t y ? A No, it does not. Q Other t h a n abide by the laws? A Right. Q And o c c u p y the b u i l d i n g which they purchased? A Right. T H E C O U R T : C o u n t y board o f e d u c a t i o n o p e r a t e s the s c h o o l that the pupils a t t e n d there other t h a n a t t e n d i n g this a c a d e m y ? A T h e y c l o s e d this s c hool. To my k n o w l e d g e , 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 182 that is the o n l y s c h o o l b u i l d i n g that the c o u n t y o p e r a t e d w i t h i n the c i t y li m i t s of B r i g h t o n . T H E C O U R T : W h e r e do t h e y take the pupils, s t u d e n t s that w e r e th e r e ; w h a t s c h o o l do t h e y go to? A T h e y go to d i f f e r e n t s c h o o l s . Some go to the F a i r f i e l d H i g h l a n d s S c hool, L i p s c o m b an d o f c o u r s e t h e y have t h e i r B r i g h t o n E l e m e n t a r y , B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h a n d H i g h S c h o o l -- al l t h e s e s c h o o l s are no w o u t s i d e the c i t y li m i t s of B r i g h t o n , but they are w i t h i n the s c h o o l j u r i s d i c t i o n . THE C O U R T : Are t h e y c a l l e d B r i g h t o n , are the s c h o o l s c a l l e d B r i g h t o n now? A W e l l -- T H E C O U R T : B r i g h t o n E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l ? A It is B r i g h t o n E l e m e n t a r y . T H E C O U R T : But not in the c i t y limits of B r i g h t o n ? A No, sir. TH E C O U R T : A n d the h i g h s c h o o l , do y o u have a j u n i o r h i g h s c h o o l ? A J u n i o r -- T H E C O U R T : Y o u h a v e B r i g h t o n J u n i o r High? A It is B r i g h t o n H i g h S c h o o l . It is B r i g h t o n F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 183 J u n i o r High. It is B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h up there near the B r i g h t o n H i g h School, a n d that is o u t s i d e the c i t y limits. T H E CO U R T : Y o u have no s c h o o l w i t h i n the c i t y limits o f the C i t y of B r i g h t o n ? A T h a t is c o r r e c t . That is o p e r a t e d by the c o u n t y . THE C O U R T : A n y t h i n g e l s e f r o m this w i t n e s s ? MR. BROWN: I ' m g o i n g to as k h i m one m o r e q u e s t i o n . Now, M a y o r , r e l a t i v e to the p u b l i c a t i o n o f o r d i n a n c e s , the s t a t e s t a t u t e gives the c i t y o f your c l a s s to p u b l i s h in n e w s p a p e r s or post. Now w h a t p r o c e d u r e has b e e n a d o p t e d in B r i g h t o n for p u b l i c a tion o f its o r d i n a n c e s ? A Wte post t h e m a t t h r e e p u b l i c places. Q Is one of those p u b l i c pla c e s the m a y o r ' s o f f i c e ? A W e l l , it is in the l o bby of the c i t y hall o n the b u l l e t i n board that w e have there. Q A n d w h e r e e l s e ? A At the U. S. Post Office, and at the p r e s e n t E a s t B r i g h t o n S e r v i c e Station. F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 184 Q Do y o u post al l o r d i n a n c e s a n d r e s o l u t i o n s , or o n l y those o f p e r m a n e n t n a t u r e ? MR. HOOD: W e o b j e c t to that. T h e r e c o r d s p e a k s for itself. T H E C O U R T : O v e r r u l e d . MR. HOOD: W e e x c e p t . A T h o s e o f o n l y p e r m a n e n t n a t u r e , I understand, is the ones that w e are s u p p o s e d to post. Q A l l r i g h t . Do you k n o w of your o w n knowledge w h e t h e r the o r d i n a n c e a u t h o r i z i n g the lease o f this p r o p e r t y o r the o r d i n a n c e a u t h o r i z i n g the s a l e of this p r o p e r t y , do you know of y o u r o w n p e r s o n a l k n o w ledge w h e t h e r e i t h e r one of t h ose w e r e p u b l i s h e d ? MR. HOOD: Same o b j e c t i o n , Your Honor. THE C O U R T : O v e r r u l e d . A No, I don't. MR. HOOD: We e x c e p t . MR. BROWN: A l l r i g h t . T h a t is all. R E D I R E C T E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : ) M a y o r , w h e n y o u b o u g h t this p r o p e r t y , is it a f a c t t h a t the C i t y of B r i g h t o n paid $ 1 0 , 1 0 6 . 0 0 for it? F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 185 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama A T h a t Is c o r r e c t . Q A n d as of this time, yo u paid that in c a s h at o n e t i me? \ A W e did. Q As of this time, you have r e c e i v e d $ 1 , 0 0 0 plus some two or t h ree m o n t h l y pa y m e n t s , is that c o r r e c t ? A Yes, sir. Q You have r e c e i v e d a p p r o x i m a t e l y $ 1 , 3 0 0 . 0 0 , is that c o r r e c t ? A T h a t is corr e c t . Q A l l right. Now, Mr. B r o w n here is not a m e m b e r of the c o u n c i l here o f the C i t y of B r i g h t o n ? A No. He is the c i t y a t t o r n e y . Q A n y s u c h r u l i n g on w h a t is l e g a l l y before the c o u n c i l , you m a n y times get an o p i n i o n f r o m him, but the r u l i n g is yours, is that r i g h t ? An d I refej: b a c k to the r u l i n g to the m i n u t e s o f J u l y 16th, is j that y o u r r u l i n g , sir, w h i c h r e f e r s to P l a i n t i f f s * E x h i b i t 1? A T h i s one h e re? Q Yes, sir. This p a r t here r e c e n t l y read, is that y o u r r u l i n g ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 186 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A T h a t ' s r i g h t , yes, sir. MR. N E W T O N : A l l r i g h t , sir. I b e l i e v e that is all. THE C O U R T : A l l r i g h t , yo u m a y c o m e down, M a y o r P a r s o n s . MR. N E W T O N : Th e p l a i n t i f f w o u l d like to call Mrs. S t a n t o n . MRS. J A N I E S T A N T O N . b e i n g p r e v i o u s l y d u l y sworn, t e s t i f i e d as follows: D I R E C T E X A M I N A T I O N I Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : ) S t a t e y o u r name, please, ma'am. A Mrs. J a n i e S t a n t o n . Q Are yo u a n o f f i c e r and d i r e c t o r o f Ho o v e r A c a d e m y , I n c o r p o r a t e d ? A I * m the p r e s i d e n t . Q Is H o o v e r A c a d e m y a s c h o o l for w h i t e persons o n l y ? A It's a p r i v a t e s c h o o l . Q Is it a s c h o o l -- A W e h a v e n e v e r s a i d a n y t h i n g a b o u t r a ce, color o r c r e e d 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 23 187 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a Q W o u l d you at this time be w i l l i n g to a c c e p t the a p p l i c a t i o n of a b l a c k p e r s o n ? MR. L O C K E : Judge, I o b j 6 c t to this, in the f i r s t place 1 d o n ' t t h i n k it is m a t e r i a l . MR. N E W T O N : I t h i n k it is. THE C O U R T : W h e t h e r or not t h e y w o u l d be w i l l i n g to a c c e p t -- the q u e s t i o n , I think, w o u l d be p r o p e r to ask w h e t h e r or not t h e y have a c c e p t e d . MR. L O C K E : Yes, sir. But e v e n th e r e , I t h i n k w e are more i n t e r e s t e d in the i n t e n t of the iI a c t i o n of the c i t y more than w e are in the n a t u r e | or the a c t i o n of the a c a d e m y . THE CO U R T : I t h i n k he c a n s h o w the n a t u r e o f the a c a d e m y . As part o f this case, if t h e y a c c e p t b l a c k s t u d e n t s at the H o o v e r A c a d e m y , I d o n ' t t h i n k w o u l d have an y b e a r i n g on the case, that is the t h e o r y of the case as I u n d e r s t a n d . O v e r r u l e the o b j e c t i o n . Q Have you, Mrs. S t a n t o n ? A I have n e v e r had an a p p l i c a t i o n from a b l a c k p e r s o n , an d I ' m no t the one that m a k e s the d e c i s i o n s . T h e b o a r d - - Q W h o m a k e s the d e c i s i o n s ? 1 2 - 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 188 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a n- A The e n t i r e board. Q A t the time o f that H o o v e r A c a d e m y w a s o r g a n i z e d , w e r e you q u o t e d as saying, w h e n H o o v e r A c a d e m y w a s o r g a n i z e d that it s t a r t e d to do business, w e r e y o u q u o t e d as s a y i n g this w a s a p r i v a t e s c h o o l for w h i t e p e r s o n s o n l y ? MR. L O C K E : W e o b j e c t . | A No, sir. T H E C O U R T : W e l l , she has a n s w e r e d . MR. L O C K E : Okay. Q A r e a n y p e r s o n s -- an y e m p l o y e e s o f Hoover A c a d e m y b l a c k ? A No. Q Are an y m e m b e r s of the board of H o o v e r A c a d e m y b l a c k ? A No. MR. L O C K E : Jud g e , I t h i n k all o f that is i m m a t e r i a l . MR. N E W T O N : I d o n ' t t h i n k so. Have y o u s o l i c i t e d m e m b e r s h i p s or s t u d e n t s , w h i t e and black, to a t t e n d the s c h o o l ? A I d o n ' t s o l i c i t s t u d e n t s ./ Q D o e s a n y o n e that y o u k n o w o f ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 189 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama 9 8 A I don't know w h a t a n y o n e does. Q How do you get your s t u d e n t s , please, m a ' a m ? A T h e y have to m a k e a n a p p l i c a t i o n . Q All right. And how does that a p p l i c a t i o n -- how is that a p p l i c a t i o n made, please, m a ' a m ? A I take the a p p l i c a t i o n s , it is p a s s e d on by the board. Q D o you have a f o r m of a p p l i c a t i o n that a s t u dent m i g h t -- forms that a s t u d e n t m i g h t f i l l out to a p p l y to a t t e n d Hoover A c a d e m y ? A We have an e n r o l l m e n t card, and w e have s p e c i f i c a t i o n s , yes. Q Now m u s t that p r o p o s e d s t u d e n t a p p e a r p e r s o n a l l y at H o o v e r A c a d e m y in o r der to m a k e a p p l i e s - j t i on? A T h e y must. Q And m u s t they be a c c o m p a n i e d by an ad u l t ? A T h e y must. Q A l l ri g h t . A n d then do you take that applica t i o n from the s t u d e n t ? A I h a v e . Q A n d you s a y y o u t u r n it o v e r to a b o a r d ? A T h a t ' s right. 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 190 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a Q A n d how m a n y p e r s o n s are o n that b o a r d ? A N i n e . Q A n d that n i n e - m a n b o a r d t h e n d e c i d e s w h e ther to a c c e p t or r e j e c t a s t u d e n t ? A T h a t ' s r i g h t . Q N o w have you b e e n the p r e s i d e n t o f H o o v e r A c a d e m y s i n c e i t s i n c e p t i o n ? A No. Q A r e you a m e m b e r of that board w h i c h d e c i d e s w h a t s t u d e n t s to take? A S u r e l y . I ’m the p r e s i d e n t o f the s c h o o l . Q A l l ri g h t . Have y o u e v er, d u r i n g the s i nce H o o v e r A c a d e m y w a s f i rst i n c o r p o r a t e d , had a n y b l a c k p e r s o n e n r o l l at the s c h o o l ? A T h e y have n e v e r a p p l i e d . Q M a ' a m , have y o u e v e r had a n y e n r o l l ? A No. Q A r e a p p l i c a t i o n s n o w open, Mrs. Stan t o n , to all p e o p l e ? A As far as I ' m c o n c e r n e d t h e y are. MR. L O C K E : W e l l , I w a n t -- for w h a t y e a r ? THE C O U R T : I w o u l d p r e s u m e it w o u l d be the n e x t y e a r 1 2 ■ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 191 MR. N E W T O N : They m a y take t h e m e v e r y day. I d o n * t know. W h e n is the n e x t e n r o l l m e n t period, Mrs. S t a n t o n , at Ho o v e r A c a d e m y ? A I t h i n k I told you that I w a s not the one that a c c e p t e d the s t u d e n t s . Q No, ma'am, I d i d n ' t as k you that. W h e n is the n e x t t i m e ? A W h e n is the next e n r o l l m e n t time ? Q Yes, that is my q u e s t i o n . A P r e s u m a b l y n e x t year. Yo u r u n your s c h o o l y e a r by the w h o l e year. Q M a ' a m , I ' m o n l y a s k i n g a b o u t H o o v e r A c a d e m y , w h e n w i l l yo u take your next new s t u d e n t s ? A I h a v e n ' t t a k e n a n y new s t u d e n t s . I d o n ' t know w h e t h e r I ' m g o i n g to take any more u n t i l next y e a r . TH E C O U R T : You t o o k your s t u d e n t s in S e p t e m ber, I p r e s u m e , a n d t h e n it w i l l be o p e n a g a i n n e x t S e p t e m b e r ? Q Now it is your t e s t i m o n y that y o u w i l l not take a n o t h e r new s t u d e n t b e t w e e n now and S e p t e m b e r ? A No, it is not. Federal C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 192 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a Q Oh, t h e n y o u m i g h t take s o m e d u r i n g the year ? A I m i g h t take an a p p l i c a t i o n , but as I told \ you before, I am n o t the one that -- the e n t i r e one that p a s s e s o n the s t u d e n t s . Q I u n d e r s t a n d that, ma' a m . A I am not the one to say w h o is to be enrolLed MR. L O C K E : Judge, I t h i n k w e are pretty far a f i e l d . This is i m m a t e r i a l as to -- I THE C O U R T : She is a n s w e r i n g , s a i d she is not the one. MR. N E W T O N : I d o n ' t t h i n k so, w e m i g h t have s o m e o n e to ap p l y . MR. L O C K E : I c a n ' t see that that e f fects the p r e s e n t a t i o n of the case. T h a t is e x a c t l y my point. His r i g h t s a c c r u e at the time he files this p e t i t i o n . We c a n ' t be s i t t i n g here d e b a t i n g a b o u t ten yea r s hence. MR. N E W TON: I ' m t a l k i n g a b o u t this year. Mrs. S t a n t o n , y o u ' r e a m e m b e r of that nine- p e r s o n board? A I told you I ^ a s . Q A l l r i g h t . A n d you w i l l take applications, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 w h e t h e r y o u a c c e p t t h e m now or not, y o u w o u l d take a p p l i c a t i o n s now? A I w i l l take a n a p p l i c a t i o n , but X a m not the one -- the d e c i d i n g f a c t o r on t h e s t u d e n t s . Q Is it a fact that it is a s e g r e g a t e d p r i v a t e s c h o o l , and has b e e n s i n c e its i n c e p t i o n ? MR. L O C K E : X o b j e c t . She has t e s t i f i e d to the fact. A n d I t h i n k it c a l l s for a c o n c l u s i o n . T H E CO U R T : I d i d n ' t ge t the q u e s t i o n . MR. N E W T O N : My q u e s t i o n w a s , is it a fact it is a s e g r e g a t e d p r i v a t e s c h o o l , a n d has b e e n s i n c e its i n c e p t i o n . THE C O U R T : W e l l , if they have a l l w h i t e s t u d e n t s a n d n e v e r had a n a p p l i c a t i o n , I t h i n k the q u e s t i o n i t s e l f is s e l f - a n s w e r i n g . Q Now d o you k n o w of y o u r o w n k n o w l e d g e that t h ere has n e v e r b e e n an a p p l i c a t i o n f r o m a b l a c k p e r s o n ? A I c e r t a i n l y do. Q Y o u k n o w o f e a c h and e v e r y a p p l i c a t i o n ? A I do. Q T h a t has b e e n m a d e to the s c h o o l s i nce its 193 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a I n c e p t i o n ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 194 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A Yes. Q How long w a s It c a l l e d to y o u r a t t e n t i o n , If it w a s , that the B r i g h t o n H i g h S c h o o l p r o p e r t y wa s for s a l e ? A It w a s n ' t c a l l e d to m y a t t e n t i o n . I w a s l o o k i n g for a s c h o o l b u i l d i n g , an d I f o u n d it. Q A l l right. A n d w h o is Mr. S m i t h ? A He is on our board. Q A l l rig h t . Di d y o u send Mr. S m i t h to the m e e t i n g of the c i t y c o u n c i l in B r i g h t o n ? A He w e n t d o w n the r e to look at the building. I d i d n ' t send him. v T H E C O U R T : As I u n d e r s t a n d , y ' a l l d i d n ' t -- the c i t y d i d n ' t i n i t i a t e the sale? A Oh, no. Mr. S m i t h has n o t h i n g to do w i t h the city. Q W h e n d i d y o u f i r s t have k n o w l e d g e that this b u i l d i n g w a s a v a i l a b l e , v a c a n t ? A Oh, I t h i n k a b o u t in July. I l o o k e d all s u m m e r , a n d f r a n k l y I d i d n ' t -- I had f o r g o t t e n that B r i g h t o n w a s on t h e map. But I f o u n d the school. Q W h e n d i d y o u f i r s t m a k e a n y o v e r t u r e s or some m e m b e r o f y o u r b o a r d to the C i t y of B r i g h t o n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 195 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 104 about the b u i l d i n g ? A W h e n did -- r e p e a t that, please. Q W h e n did you or an y m e m b e r of y o u r board ra&ke a n y o v e r t u r e s to the C i t y of B r i g h t o n a b o u t e i t h e r b u y i n g or l e a s i n g the b u i l d i n g ? A I w r o t e the m a y o r and t o o k it d o w n to Mr. B r o w n ' s o f f i c e . I f o und out he w a s the m a y o r -- the City of B r i g h t o n ' s a t t o r n e y . I b e l i e v e it w a s S e p t e m b e r 3rd. Q A l l right. So you w r o t e the let t e r and c a r r i e d it to Mr. B r o w n ' s o f f i c e ? A T h a t ' s right. Q O n S e p t e m b e r 3rd, this w a s the first time y o u made any a t t e m p t of l e a s i n g or p u r c h a s i n g ? A I had talked to Mr. Brown, I believe, and a s k e d h i m if it w a s p o s s i b l e that it m i g h t be for sa le . T H E CO U R T : Now the n e g o t i a t i o n s of the lease w a s prior to that time. A Yes, sir. Q M y q u e s t i o n w a s , and I w i l l r e p e a t it, w a s w h e n w a s the fir s t time y o u made a n y o v e r t u r e s to the C i t y of B r i g h t o n a b o u t the lease or sale of this 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 196 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a m p r o p e r t y ? THE CO U R T : I t h i n k she said July, d i d n ' t she ? A It w a s some time in July. Q I b e lieve yo u said y o u s a w the b u i l d i n g at that time, but at that time did yo u t a l k to a n y o f f i c i a l of the C i t y of B r i g h t o n a b o u t it? A No, I d i d n ' t k n o w any of the o f f i c i a l s . But , I found out that Mr. B r o w n w a s the a t t o r n e y , so I j w e n t to him. Q And that w a s on the o c c a s i o n w h e n you c a rried him this l e t ter? A No, I talked w i t h him first, a s k e d him if t h e y m a y b e w e r e i n t e r e s t e d , and he said they might. | THE C O U R T : Have y ' all r e n o v a t e d the b u i l d ing? A Oh, yes. It looks so m u c h better. Still a lot o f r e n o v a t i n g to do though. Q W h a t r e p a i r s have you d o n e to the b u i l d i n g ? A Oh, my. I d o n ' t think there w a s but a b o u t f o rty little w i n d o w s in the w h o l e bui l d i n g . A n d we have put a n a w f u l lot of w i n d o w s in. W e have got a s t o k e r for the f u r n a c e . W e have p a i n t e d . We have 1 2 ■ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 197 j u s t done a lot of repa i r s . Q Have you r e p a i r e d the furn a c e , y o u s a id? A We had to if w e w a n t e d a n y heat. Q A n d you put in w i n d o w s ? A And that is a lot of w i n d o w s in that th r e e - s t o r y building. MR. N E WTON: 1 b e l i e v e that is all. F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 0 4 C R O S S E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. BROWN:) Mrs. Stanton, does the C i t y o f B r i g h t o n or any o f f i c i a l of the C i t y of B r i g h t o n have a n y t h i n g to do w i t h the m a n a g e m e n t or c o n t r o l of the Ho o v e r A c a d e m y ? A No, sir. Q Has any o f f i c i a l of the c i t y e v e r a t t e n d e d a board m e e t i n g that yo u k n o w of? A No, sir. Q Do y o u get an y pu b l i c funds at a l l from the C i t y of B r i g h t o n ? A No , s i r . Q A r e y o u a n s w e r a b l e to a n y b o d y in the c i t y or c o n n e c t e d w i t h the c i t y ? A No, sir. 1 2 ' 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 198 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a ya rn. BROWN: I b e l i e v e that is all. TIE CO U R T : Yo u c a n c o m e down. Do y o u have a n y f u r t h e r w i t n e s s e s ? MR. TIE to r e c e s s . MR. N E W T O N : W i t n e s s e s ? C O U R T : Yes, sir. I ' m g o i n g to have D i d yo u w a n t to as k a q u e s t i o n ? L O C K E : Yes, sir, I w a s g o i n g to ask a f e w . THE C O U R T : I ' m s u p p o s e d to r e c e s s at twelvej I t h o u g h t you w e r e thro u g h . G o ahead. C R O S S E X A M I N A T I O N ! Q (BY MR. L O C K E : ) Mrs. S t a n t o n , this -- I p r o b a b l y , Y o u r Honor, w o u l d like to put in some e x hibits. This Ho o v e r A c a d e m y w a s i n c o r p o r a t e d , was it not -- they have a s k e d us to bring a c e r t i f i e d c o p y in r e s p o n s e thereto, and that is the C e r t i f i c a t e o f I n c o r p o r a t i o n of Ho o v e r A c a d e m y , is it not? T H E C O U R T : W h e n w a s it i n c o r p o r a t e d ? A O c t o b e r 13, 19- -- O c t o b e r 10, 1963. Q A n d t h e n this is -- this a l s o c o n t a i n s the b y - l a w s that w e r e a d o p t e d by H o o v e r A c a d e m y at that time, is that c o r r e c t ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 199 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a im A Right. Q A n d we have here e v e n an a m e n d m e n t to the c e r t i f i c a t e of i n c o r p o r a t i o n of H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A Y e s . MR. L O C K E : We w o u l d like to o f f e r all o f those as e x h i b i t s . ( D e f e n d a n t s * E x h i b i t s 6 A and 6 B w e r e m a r k e d for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . ) Q F r o m the date of the o r g a n i z a t i o n d o w n to the p r e s e n t time, has Hoo v e r A c a d e m y m a i n t a i n e d a s e p a r a t e b a n k acco u n t , has it not? A Yes, sir. Q A n d m a i n t a i n e d a s e p a r a t e a c c o u n t for s e p a rate funds, an d o p e r a t e d as a c o r p o r a t i o n ? A T h a t ' s right. Q An d you say that you w e r e o r g a n i z e d in 1963, O c t o b e r 1 0 t h was the date o f i n c o r p o r a t i o n . W h e r e w a s the s c h o o l l o c a t e d at that time? A We s t a r t e d at P a t t o n ' s C h a p e l o v e r in Hoover. Q W h e r e w a s the first b u i l d i n g , though, that w a s a c t u a l l y -- your f i r s t l o c a t i o n w h e r e w e d r e w these p a p e r s up? A oh, a c r o s s the s t r e e t f r o m G r a y m o n t S c h o o l 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 20 0 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a o n E i g h t h T e r r a c e W e s t . I d o n ' t k n o w e x a c t l y the a d d r e s s . Q Now s h o r t l y a f t e r that time, w e r e you l o o k ing for a s c h o o l b u i l d i n g to house the H o o v e r A c a demy? A Q A Q ac a d e m y T h a t ' s right. And w h a t l o c a t i o n s did y o u find? P a t t o n ' s C h a p e l w a s the c l o s e s t one. E v e n at that time it w a s the d e s i r e of the to have a p e r m a n e n t s c h o o l b u i l d i n g , w a s n ' t it? A Yes, sir. Q A n d di d the s c h o o l move to P a t t o n ' s C h a p e l at that Q A Q A Q A Q time ? Yes, sir. Now w h e r e is P a t t o n ' s C h a p e l ? In H o over, over the m o u n t a i n . T h a t is o v e r R e d M o u n t a i n , i s n ' t it? T h a t ' s r i g h t . A n d did the s c h o o l o p e r a t e there for Y e s , s i r . T h e y bused the s t u d e n t s over, is that a w h i l e ! cor r e c t ? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 201 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A T h a t ' s ri g h t . Q At that time w a s any o f the c i t y o f f i c i a l s o f B r i g h t o n , or did B r i g h t o n have a n y t h i n g to do w i t h the a c a d e m y at that time? A No, sir. Q F o l l o w i n g the time that you spent -- w e l l , w h y di d you move from P a t t o n ' s C h a p e l ? A B e c a u s e we got t i r e d o f goi n g over the m o u n t a i n in snow. We had to find a bui l d i n g . Q The s n o w sort o f froze you out o v e r the m o u n t a i n ? A Ye s , s i r . Q W h e r e did y o u move then? A B a c k up on F i f t h Place W e st. Q And you o p e r a t e d the s c h o o l on F i f t h Place W e s t , that is up in C o l l e g e Hills, isn ' t it? A Uh-huh. Q W a s a n y b o d y a s s o c i a t e d w i t h the C i t y of B r i g h t o n a s s o c i a t e d w i t h the s c h o o l at that time? A No, sir. Q A l l r i g h t . An d a f t e r you o p e r a t e d there, were y o u l o o k i n g a l l this time for a schod b u i l d i n g ? A W e s u r e l y w e r e . 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 02 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a Q W h a t o t h e r sit e s did you look for, or did y o u a t t e m p t to get for H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A Oh g o o d n e s s yes. We lo o k e d at a place in \ W e s t E n d that had b e e n f o r m e r l y a g r o c e r y store. We w e r e t h i n k i n g a b o u t g o i n g w a y out here to Sayre I last year. | Q D i d you l o o k for one d o w n in M i d f i e l d ? A We looked at M i d f i e l d for one. Q So all of this time the a c a d e m y w a s looking for a p e r m a n e n t sit e ? A T h a t ' s right. Q A t a n y of that time, did an y c i t y o f f i c i a l of B r i g h t o n have a n y t h i n g to do w i t h the a c a d e m y ? A I d i d n ' t know B r i g h t o n e x i s t e d . THE CO U R T : Y o u had more t h a n one place at ji this time; d o n ' t y o u have one s c h o o l place? A No, sir. W e d o n ' t have m o r e t h a n one, but I think we w i l l . T H E C O U R T : I t h o u g h t it w a s b r o u g h t out here in the r a c i a l h e a r i n g that there w e r e t h ree places. A m I w r o n g ? MR. BROWN: T h ^ y have had three d i f f e r e n t l o c a t i o n s . 1 2 '3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 A W e have j u s t m o v e d a r o u n d , Judge. THE C O U R T : We are going to recess until 1:30, Hr. Locke. Yo u can come down. MR. BROWN: Hay it please the Co u r t , could I w e let the c i t y c l e r k go, or do you anticipate using! her f u r t h e r ? MR. HOOD: We ma y w a n t to ask her some other ques tions . j MR. BROWN: I gue s s w e can't do it. ( W HEREUPON, p r o c e e d i n g s were in r e c e s s from 12:00 N o o n u n t i l 1:35 P. M . , December 16, 1969, fol l o w i n g w h i c h the f o l l o w i n g o c c u r r e d : ) A F T E R N O O N SESSION D E C E M B E R 16, 1969 1:35 P. M. THE CO U R T : A l l right, we will proceed. MR. L O C K E : Judge, I believe we are going to r e s e r v e the r i g h t w i t h Mrs. Stanton to call her b a c k at a later time. A n d I would like to -- I n o t i c e d in the i n t e r i m that I h a d n ' t filed my answer, T H E C O U R T : A H ri g h t . It will be m a r k e d fi le d . 2 03 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 112 ] 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 04 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a MR. L O C K E : We do at the end, in the event the C o u r t sees fit to g r ant the c o m p l a i n t , that we be r e i m b u r s e d and so forth, or a d e q u a t e bond be p r e sente d . THE C O U R T : Are you c a l l i n g this w i t n e s s , Mr. Hood? MR. HOOD: Yes, sir. THE C O U R T : Proceed. MISS P A T R I C I A R I C H T E R . b e ing p r e v i o u s l y d u l y sworn, t e s t i f i e d as follows: D I R E C T E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. HOOD:) Sta t e your name, please, m a ' a m . A P a t r i c i a R i c h t e r . Q An d w h a t is your a d d r e s s ? A 845 A r k a d e l p h i a Road, B i r m i n g h a m . Q W h a t is your o c c u p a t i o n ? A Te ac he r . Q Al l ri g h t . I ' m g o i n g to ask you w h e t h e r or n o t you w e r e an i n s t r u c t o r on the 8 t h d a y of S e p t e m b e r , 1969? A Yes, I was. 1 2 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2 05 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 114 Q A n d w a s this in J e f f e r s o n C o u n t y ? A Yes , i t was . Q I ' m g o i n g to ask you to l o o k at this i n s t r u m e n t there. Do y o u r e c o g n i z e it? A Yes, I do, sir. Q L o o k i n g at the s i g n a t u r e on there, do y o u i d e n t i f y the s i g n a t u r e ? A Yes, sir. T h a t is my s i g n a t u r e . Q A n d it is d a ted w h a t date, p l e a s e ? A D a t e d the 3 t h da y of S e p t e m b e r , 1969. Q A l l right. 1 1m g o i n g to as k you to r e a d that, please. A F r o m the v e r y b e g i n n i n g ? Q Y e s . A Before me, the u n d e r s i g n e d a u t h o r i t y , in and for said state and c o u n t y , p e r s o n a l l y a p p e a r e d one M i s s P a t r i c i a Rich t e r , w h o being by me first d u l y sworn, d e p o s e s u n d e r o a t h and says the f o l l o w ing, to-wit: My name is P a t r i c i a Rich t e r . I am a r e s i dent c i t i z e n of J e f f e r s o n C o u n t y , A l a b a m a , and I have b e e n since June, 1968. I d u l y c e r t i f y under o a t h that on the 8 t h d a y o f S e p t e m b e r , 1969, I did 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 20 6 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a - m i n q u i r e of the Ho o v e r A c a d e m y at Bri g h t o n , Alabama, r e g a r d i n g e n r o l l m e n t p r a c t i c e s and said p o l i c i e s as to r a c e and color. I f u r t h e r i n q u i r e d as to the pre-* sent e n r o l l m e n t of the s c hool, as to r a c e or color, ! and as to its future p o l i c i e s r e g a r d i n g the same. 1 w a s told the f o l l o w i n g , to-wit: I w a s t h i n k i n g of e n r o l l i n g ray d a u g h t e r at your s c hool, but I heard from one of the n e i g h b o r s that you w e r e e n r o l l i n g the c o l o r e d . Is this true? A n s w e r : No, ma'am. We d o n ' t have any colored out here now. Q u e s t i o n : Is this your p o l i c y ? A n s w e r : W e l l , this is a p r i v a t e school. We r e s e r v e the r i g h t to deny a d m i s s i o n to any student, w h i t e or c o l o r e d . Q u e s t i o n : Well, I g u ess I need some a s s u r ance a b o u t your p o l i c y before I e n r o l l my daughter, | since I need to know p r e c i s e l y w h a t l ' m g o i n g away f r o m the o t her s c h o o l for that w o n ' t be at Hoover. A n s w e r : I d o n ' t t h i n k you have to w o r r y a b o u t that. This is our s e v e n t h year, and w e haven't i had a c o l o r e d yet. I f u r t h e r c e r t i f y under o a t h that the a b o v e 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 207 j Is an excerpt of the statements as to the conversa- j tion transpiring between an official of Hoover Aca- j demy and myself. And I certify under oath that the abbve given statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, and was given by me voluntarily. MR. LOCKE: Judge, I would like to object to that on the basis -- F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a THE COURT: Of course an affidavit is not admissible in evidence. Now you can ask her about those things. MR. HOOD: l'm going to, yes, sir. THE COURT: You can ask her who she applied to, and what she was told. But the affidavit as such is not admissible. Q All right. State your name. A Patricia Richter. Q I'm going to ask you whether or not on or about the 8th day of September, 1969, did you make an application at Hoover Academy to enroll your c h i l d ? A Q I made a phone call. Did you talk to an official at Hoover Academy? 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 08 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama w A Yes, I did. MR. LOCKE: I object. THE COURT: Well, did somebody identify | themselves there; can you tell who identified -- | A No, sir. Someone picked up the phone, and j I! answered, Hoover Academy. And I raised a question i of enrollment, and the person went ahead and answered with full information. MR. LOCKE: I renew my objection. Q Did she identify herself a s being an offi cial of Hoover? A No. But they answered the phone, Hoover Academy, and I assumed they were connected with Hoover Academy. MR. LOCKE: I object to that. THE COURT: Were they listed in the phone directory? A Yes. I THE COURT: How were they listed? A Hoover Academy. THE COURT: Did you ring that phone? A Yes, sir. THE COURT: Then somebody answered and said, 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 09 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 118 H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A Yes, sir. THE C O U R T : W e l l , I t h i n k p r o b a b l y that \ m a k e s p r i m a facie. MR. L O C K E : May I a s k a q u e s t i o n on v o i r dire ? TH E C O U R T : Yes, sir. V O I R DIRE E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. L O C K E : ) Did you j u s t get the n u m b e r o u t of the phone d i r e c t o r y and c a l l that n u m b e r ? A As I r e c a l l , yes. An d it c o i n c i d e d w i t h a n o t h e r n u m b e r that I had. But it w a s in the phone book, li s t e d H o o v e r A c a d e m y . Q And the n u m b e r that you c a l l e d w a s li s t e d in the phone d i r e c t o r y as Hoover A c a d e m y ? A Yes. Q T h a t is the o n l y nu m b e r y o u c a l l e d ? A To the bed: of my k n o w l e d g e , yes. Q An d then you sa y that this p e r s o n that a n s w e r e d , a n s w e r e d f r o m that n u m b e r ? A And a n s w e r e d , jloover A c a d e m y . Q But they a n s w e r e d f r o m the num b e r you c a l l e d 1 2 , 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 1 0 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a f r o m the book? A W e l l no w I gue s s . I w o u l d have to see the phone b o o k an d see w h e t h e r that n u m b e r w a s the same n u m b e r that I also had o n a p i ece of paper. I c a n ’t Q T h e n y o u d i d n ' t get it f r o m the phone book, you got it f r o m a piece of paper? MR. NEWTON: T h a t is not proper v o i r dire. A No, sir. M a y I an s w e r the q u e s t i o n ? TH E C O U R T : Y o u ' r e c r o s s e x a m i n i n g . D i d you c h e c k the phone d i r e c t o r y f i r s t ? A Yeah. Ho o v e r A c a d e m y a p p e a r e d in the phone book. And t h ere w a s a n u m b e r . A n d I a l s o had a n u m b e r o n a piece of paper. Now 1 c a n ' t r e c a l l w h e ther t h e y w e r e one and the same n u m b e r or not, but I mean, I v e r i f i e d that there w a s s u c h an a c a d e m y by l o o k i n g it up in the phone book. q You t e s t i f i e d -- did you c a l l the n u m b e r in the p h one book? A I be lieve I did . TH E C O U R T : W e ll, I w i l l s u s t a i n the o b j e c tion, of c o u r s e , to the a f f i d a v i t . MR. HOOD: Y e a , sir. MR. LOCKE: J u d g e , I w i l l state r i g h t now, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 4 15 1 6 1 7 18 1 9 20 21 22 23 211 Birmingham, Alabama 120 w e move to e x c l u d e It, b e c a u s e a c t u a l l y w e have c h a n g e d the phone n u m b e r , an d the phone n u m b e r in the b o o k is not the same. MR. HOOD: Judge, he is t e s t i f y i n g . And of c o u r s e the w i t n e s s is on the s t a n d s u b j e c t to c r o s s e x a m i n a t i o n . THE CO U R T : A l l rig h t . O v e r r u l e at this j u n c t u r e . C O N T I N U E D D I R E C T E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. HOOD:) Now I ' m g o i n g to a s k yo u w h a t w a s the c o n v e r s a t i o n you had w i t h the o f f i c i a l at H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A The c o n v e r s a t i o n that I had w i t h the official; at H o o v e r A c a d e m y w a s the fo l l o w i n g . MR. LO C K E : W e o b j e c t to o f f i c i a l of Hoover | A c a d e m y . T H E COURT: The pe r s o n that a n s w e r e d . A The p e r s o n at the phone said, G o o d m o r n i n g , H o o v e r A c a d e m y . I r a i s e d the f o l l o w i n g q u e s t i o n . Q Was this a m a n or w o m a n ? A W o m a n . I s a i d to this w o m a n , I w a s t h i n k i n g of e n r o l l i n g ray d a u g h t e r at H o o v e r A c a d e m y , but I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 212 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a h e ard f r o m one o f the n e i g h b o r s t h e y had c o l o r e d out there. Is this true? A n d she r e p l i e d , q u i t e e m p h a t i c a l l y no, we do not have a n y c o l o r e d o u t here now. A n d she said, is this your policy. An d she said, w e l l , we r e s e r v e the r i g h t to d e n y a d m i s s i o n to any s t u d e n t b e c a u s e this is a p r i v a t e s c h o o l . And I q u e s t i o n e d her f u r t h e r a b o u t her p o licy, the policy of the s c h o o l . She w a s v e r y h e s i t a n t , an d a s k e d for my name. A n d w h e n I gave my name, she w e n t ahead and said that this is t h eir s e v e n t h year o f o p e r a t i o n and that they h a d n ' t had one yet, and I d i d n ' t have | to w o r r y a b o u t it. j Q A n d this p e r s o n w h o i d e n t i f i e d t h e m s e l v e s as ; j H o o v e r A c a d e m y a l s o told you w h a t the p o l i c y w a s of the s c h ool, is that ri g h t , m a ' a m ? A Y e s . Q Now w h e n you q u e s t i o n e d this cfficial r e l a t i v e to the p o l i c i e s of the s c h o o l as to race, w h a t , if a n y t h i n g , did she say? A T h e p e r s o n a n s w e r e d that w h e n I a s k e d w e r e there -- f i rst q u e s t i o n the p e r s o n a n s w e r e d , the w o m a n a n s w e r e d , no, there are not a n y c o l o r e d out here now. And t h e n I q u e s t i o n e d as to w h e t h e r this w a s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 213 her policy, the s c h o o l ' s policy. And then she r e p l i e that they -- that this wa s t h e i r s e v e n t h year of o p e r a t i o n , that they hadn't had any c o l o r e d out there yet, and that I d i d n ' t have to w o r r y a b o u t that. MR. HOOD: T h a t is all. THE CO U R T : A n y q u e s t i o n s ? C R O S S E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. L O C K E : ) P a t r i c i a R i c h t e r , w h a t did you say your a d d r e s s w a s ? A 8A5 A r k a d e l p h i a Road. Q How long have you l i v e d th e r e ? A Since S e p t e m b e r . Q Of w h a t year ? A Of 1969. Q W h e r e did you live prior to that? A 5 5 0 0 A v e n u e G. Q Whe r e is that, please, m a ' a m ? A F a i r f i e l d , A l a b a m a . Q How long did yo u live t h e r e ? A S i n c e June of 1968. Q Are you m a r r i e d ? A No. F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 4 i Q W h e r e did yo u live prior to June of 1968? A C a m b r i d g e , M a s s a c h u s e t t s . Q C a m b r i d g e , M a s s a c h u s e t t s . W h e r e did you live up there ? A I ' m t r y i n g to think. l ' m blank. Q Are you h a v i n g d i f f i c u l t y in t h i n k i n g of the a d d r e s s up there? A Yes. I am, b e c a u s e I w a s o n l y there for a y e a r . Q O n l y there for a year. W h a t w a s the addr e s s ? A I r v i n g S t r e e t . 4 9 I r v i n g S t reet, C a m b r i d g e , M a s s a c h u s e t t s . MR. NEWTON: Your H o n o r , I w o u l d like to i n t e r p o s e an o b j e c t i o n here. W e are t a l k i n g of in this w h o l e c a s e a b o u t e v e n t s b e t w e e n J u l y an d n o w . And this y o u n g lady has testified that d u r i n g the p e r i o d of time w e are t a l k i n g ab o u t , she lived here in A l a b a m a . Now w h a t she did -- MR. L O C K E : T h i s is c r o s s e x a m i n a t i o n , Your H o n o r . MR. N E W T O N : W h e t h e r she lived in C a m b r i d g e , M a s s a c h u s e t t s -~ f e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a T H E C O U R T : I d o n ' t know w h e t h e r it is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 215 federal Court Reporting Company 409 federal Building Birmingham, Alabama 124 r e l e v a n t or not. But I w i l l let him e x p l o r e it to a r e a s o n a b l e e x t e n t . MR. NEWTON: We e x c e p t . T H E C O U R T : We c a n ' t try this g i r l ' s h i s tory, I d o n ' t believe. MR. L O C K E : I u n d e r s t a n d that, Y o u r Honor, but I t h i n k I w o u l d like the o p p o r t u n i t y for just - - I I t h i n k it is m a t e r i a l . This g i r l now has had five a d d r e s s e s a l r e a d y in a b o u t a year and a half. MR. N E W T O N : That is e x a c t l y w h a t I* m o b j e c ting to. T h e r e is no c r i m e a b o u t h a v i n g nine a d d r e s s e s . A Sir, I have had three a d d r e s s e s . Q A l l right. You had one at F a i r f i e l d for a ! year, A r k a d e l p h i a an d I r v i n g S t r e e t in C a m b r i d g e . W h e r e did you have before that, w h e r e did you live? A I lived in W a s h i n g t o n , D. C. Q W h a t w a s the a d d r e s s there, please, m a ' a m ? A G e o r g e t o w n U n i v e r s i t y . I w a s there for four years, sir. Q You w e r e in s c h o o l ? A Y e s . Q W h e r e w e r e you before that? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 1 6 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama T H E C O U R T : W e l l , I d o n ' t t h i n k w e n e e d to go back. That is as far as w e need. Q W e r e you m a r r i e d w h e n y o u w e r e l i v i n g in C a m b r i d g e ? A No, sir. Q And you w e r e not m a r r i e d in F a i r f i e l d ? A No, sir. Q Not m a r r i e d w h e n y o u lived at A r k a d e l p h l a ? A No , s i r . Q Are you d i v o r c e d ? A N o , s i r . Q Y o u have not b e e n m a r r i e d a n d n o t b e e n di- v o r c e d ? A No. Q This c h i l d that you have, how old is the c h i l d ? A I don ' t have a child. Q D i d n ' t you t e s t i f y that yo u c a l l e d the a c a d e m y and told t h e m you had a c h i l d ? A That is w h a t I t o l d the a c a d e m y o f f i c i a l , y e s . Q A But y o u do in fact d o n ' t have a c h i l d ? N o , sir. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 217 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 126 Q Now then y o u r e a l l y t h e n d i d n ' t have a c hi Id | to put in school, did you? A No , s i r . Q So yo u rea!Lly had no r e a l r e a s o n to call Ho o v e r A c a d e m y , or w o uld you just te 11 us the rea so n you had ? A I did have a r e a s o n , sir . And I w i l l be g l a d to tell yo u w h a t the r e a s o n js. Q A l l right. W h a t is i t? A The r e a s o n is that as a c i. t izen of J e f f e r son C o u n t y , and as a r e s i d e n t of the S t a t e of A l a bama, 1 w a s c o n c e r n e d w i t h the s c h o o l p o l i c y in the state. A n d more p a r t i c u l a r l y I w a s c o n c e r n e d w i t h the use of w h a t w a s at one time a f a c i l i t y of the C i t y of B r i g h t o n to be used by all the t a x p a y e r s of the C i t y of Bri g h t o n . I w a s c o n c e r n e d w i t h w h a t w a s h a p p e n i n g to the d i s p o s a l -- Q Did you t a l k to y o u r l a wyers before you came to this c a s e ? A I have no l a w y e r s for this case, sir. Q Did you t a l k to D e m e t r i u s N e w t o n here and D a v i d H o od? A I s p o k e to Mr. D e m e t r i u s N e w t o n in a c o n v e r 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 218 s a t i o n , y e s . Q A n d y o u s a y you w e r e a c i t i z e n o f J e f f e r s o n C o u n t y ? A Right. Q D i d you get this r e a l c o n c e r n for the e d u c a tion of the State of A l a b a m a w h e n y o u w e r e i n W a s h i n g ton, or C a m b r i d g e ? A T h a t is w h y I came here, sir. Q T h a t is w h y you c a m e here. A n d y o u r c i t i z e n ship in the state, in J e f f e r s o n C o u nty, and in A l a - i bama, is of a ye a r ' s d u r a t i o n and -- A A y e a r and a h a l f d u r a t i o n . Q I see. But y o u got this c o n c e r n for the e d u c a t i o n e v e n p r i o r to c o m i n g here? A I ' m c o n c e r n e d a b o u t public e d u c a t i o n in the U n i t e d S t a t e s as a w h o l e . Q T h i s is n o t pu b l i c e d u c a t i o n here -- A Let me r e p h r a s e it, e d u c a t i o n o f people. I * w o u l d n ' t be a t e a c h e r if I w e r e n ' t i n t e r e s t e d . f e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a Q W h e r e do you teac h? A M i l e s C o l l e g e • Q How long have y o u been t e a c h i n g t h e r e ? A S i n c e June of 1968. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 219 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a i*8 Q So really then the purpose of your call was | to attempt to establish that there was a policy of discrimination, wasn't it? A Primarily, sir, it was a call to obtain in formation about that. Q Yes, but you had no daughter? A No. Q To educate? A But only by presenting an official with a concrete situation can you determine unless you are going to rely on a rumor and hearsay what the school's policy is. Q In other words, if you're going to entrap an official, you have got to falsify the facts? MR. NEWTON: Your Honor, we object to that. This is argumentative. THE COURT: Sustain the objection. The Court realizes what was done here. I don't know that a person has to give motive when they are trying to establish a constitutional position. Q Did you ever appear at the school to make application? A No, I did not. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 2 2 0 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama 429 Q Now when you say in this affidavit you tes tified that -- MR. HOOD: We object. The affidavit is not in evidence. It is not before the Court. MR. LOCKE: It is a sworn statement, and I believe I have a right to cross examine from it. THE COURT: I think what she said was sub stantially in that paper that you are looking at. MR. LOCKE: I would feel I have a right to cross examine her from any sworn affidavit. THE COURT: Cross examine her about any statement? MR. LOCKE: Yes, sir. It is made under o a t h . Where is this address at Fairfield H i g h l a n d s j is that t h e Miles College address? A Yes. It is faculty apartments that are on the campus there. Q That is a faculty apartment at Miles C o l l e g e , So now would y o u mind t e l l i n g me, please, ma’am, who your neighbors are that y o u refer to in this affidavit ? A Q There were no neighbors, specific names. Well now maybe I don’t understand. Did you 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 1 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 3 0 not s i g n u n d e r o a t h a s t a t e m e n t s a y i n g that you had t a l k e d to n e i g h b o r s , and now y o u s a y there w e r e no n e i g h b o r s ? A No. W h a t I s i g n e d u n d e r o a t h w a s w h a t I had said to the p e r s o n . T h a t is w h a t I have an o a t h c o n n e c t e d w i t h . Q But t h e n you s a i d you had ta l k e d or heard from one o f the n e i g h b o r s , and in fact now you tell j us there w e r e no n e i g h b o r s . A This is w h a t I said to the Hoover o f f i c i a l in the same w a y that I s a i d -- MR. HOOD: C a n w e i n t e r p o s e the same o b j e c tion. He is a r g u i n g as to m o t i v e . It is i r r e l e v a n t , i n c o m p e t e n t , i m m a t e r i a l . THE C O U R T : L e t ' s not go i n t o the m o t i v e on the matter. MR. LO C K E : Judge, I t h i n k -- THE C O U R T : It is a p p a r e n t to the c o u r t w h a t e v i d e n c e has a l r e a d y been d e v e l o p e d , w h a t her o b j e c tive is here. And I d o n ' t t h i n k w e have to s e a r c h it o u t . MR. L O C K E : I t h i n k it w a s v e r y m a t e r i a l to find ou t w h a t n e i g h b o r s here she has t a l k e d ta. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 222 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a I c o n s i d e r the s t a t e m e n t hearsay, and o b v i o u s l y is now b e c a u s e it w a s e n t i r e l y f i c t i t i o u s . But at the time she a n s w e r e d the q u e s t i o n , I w a n t e d to e s t a b lish w h a t n e i g h b o r s she t a l k e d to. MR. H O O D : It s t i l l has no b e a r i n g on the mot ive . M R . L O C K E : I t h i n k it has b e a r i n g on i n ter e s t in the case, not m o t ive, w h i c h is p r o p e r s u b ject of c r o s s e x a m i n a t i o n . A A m I to make a r e p l y to that? T H E COURT: How is that? A A m I to make a r e p l y to that? THE CO U R T : No. You j u s t make r e p l i e s to the q u e s t i o n s . The lawyer w i l l m a k e o b j e c t i o n s over there if he has any o b j e c t i o n s . Q Di d you m a k e any f u r t h e r i n q u i r y other than this phone c a l l ? A No, I did not. T H E C O U R T : Al l r i g h t . A n y t h i n g e l s e ? Do yo u have an y q u e s t i o n s , Mr. B r o w n ? MR. BROWN: No, sir. TH E C O U R T : How is that? MR. BROWN: I d o n ’t b e l i e v e w e have any 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 223 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 132 q u e s t i o n s . THE C O U R T : If n o t h i n g f u r t h e r from the w i t ness, you c a n come down. MR. HOOD: T h a t is all, Judge. THE COURT: A n y t h i n g e l se, Mr. Hood? MR. HOOD: Mr. W a l t e r E. J e n k i n s , ma y it ple a s e the Court. THE C O U R T : C o m e a r o und, Mr. J e n k i n s . MR. LOCKE: Judge, m a y I just, have the r e c o r d to s h o w that the last w i t n e s s wa s w h i t e ? THE COURT: Your s t a t e m e n t w i l l i n d i c a t e t h a t . MR. L O C K E : Yes, sir. W e l l , I t h o u g h t the r e c o r d o u g h t to r e v e a l w h a t the a p p e l l a t e c a n ' t o b s e rve . THE C O U R T : A l l ri g h t , Mr. Hood. MR. W A L T E R E. J E N K I N S . b e i n g p r e v i o u s l y d u l y sworn, t e s t i f i e d as follows: D I R E C T E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. HOOD:) S t a t e y o u r name, please. A W a l t e r E . J e n k i n s . THE COU R T : W a l t e r E. J e n k i n s ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 224 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A Yes . Q State your a d d r e s s . A 806 T r e m o n t S t reet, B r i g h t o n . Q l ' m g o i n g to a s k you w h e t h e r or not you hold a n y p o s i t i o n w i t h the c i t y c o u n c i l of Brighton, A l a b a m a ? A I serve as a m e m b e r of the c i t y c o u n c i l . Q How long have you b e e n a m e m b e r of the city c o u n c i l of B r ighton, A l a b a m a , p l e a s e ? A I take the o a t h of o f f i c e on the 7 t h of O c t o b e r in '68. Q I ' m g o i n g to ask you w h e t h e r or not you w e r e a m e m b e r o f the c i t y c o u n c i l on J u l y 16, 1969? A I w a s . Q I a s k you to look at this. Is your name a f f i x e d to this r e s o l u t i o n ? A Yeah. Q Did you o f f e r this r e s o l u t i o n before the c i t y c o u n c i l on the 1 6 t h of J u l y ? A W e did. Q Now I ' m g o i n g to a s k you w h e t h e r or not at t h a t t i m e yo u had c o m m u n i t y s e r v i c e b u i l d i n g s in B r i g h t o n , to y o u r k n o w l e d g e ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 225 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 13 4 A No. Q D i d y o u have any c o m m u n i t y p r o g r a m s in B r i g h t o n ? A Not to m y k n o w l e d g e . MR. LOCKE: W h a t w a s the a n s w e r to that? MR. HOOD: Not to his k n o w l e d g e . Now pe o p l e on food s t a m p p r o g r a m s and o t h e r s * w e l f a r e p r ograms, have to go to o t h e r areas, did they i not, to be s e r v i c e d ? A T h a t 1 s r i ght . Q And in i n t r o d u c i n g this r e s o l u t i o n , I ' m g o i n g to a s k you to r e a d here. W h e r e a s , there is a g r e a t need for a c o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e . -- s e r v i c e b u i l d i n g for the C i t y of B r ighton^ j A l a b a m a , and for the g r e a t e s t -- Q For the g r e a t e r . j A -- for the g r e a t e r p u r p o s e of h o u s i n g all a n t i - p o v e r t y c o m m u n i t y a c t i v i t i e s -- Q That is a c t i o n . A -- a c t i o n and food s t a m p p r o g r a m that c a n A c e n t e r Q A be of a g r e a t e r -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 2 6 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a « 5 Q Be of a great. A -- be of a g r e a t b e n e f i t to a l l our p e o p l e an d p r e v e n t the i r h a v i n g to go to o t h e r c i t i e s or a r e a s to e n j o y the a f o r e m e n t i o n e d p r o g r a m s . Q Wa s this for the p u r p o s e of all people, both b l a c k and w h i t e , that yo u o f f e r e d this r e s o l u t i o n ? A T h a t ’s r i g h t . MR. L O C K E : M a y I a s k the R e p o r t e r , I w o u l d like for the r e c o r d to show that M r . Hood r e a d four or five w o r d s for the w i t n e s s . THE CO U R T : I have the r e s o l u t i o n r i g h t here b e f o r e me. Q Mr. J e n k i n s , I ' m g o i n g to a s k you to state w h e t h e r or not a n y a c t i o n of a p p r o v a l w a s t a k e n on this r e s o l u t i o n as of J u l y 16th; did the c i t y c o u n - j I cil a g r e e to a p p r o v e your r e s o l u t i o n or did they t u r n it d o w n ? A T h e y t u r n e d it down. Q Al l r i g h t . Now at that time h a d that c o m e bef o r e the c o u n c i l , a n y w r i t t e n n o t i c e of a n y kind or c h a r a c t e r that H o o v e r A c a d e m y w a n t e d to lease or rent t h a t b u i l d i n g ? A N o t to my k n o w l e d g e . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 227 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 136 Q Y o u had been at the c i t y c o u n c i 1 meeting since your e l e c t i o n , had yo u not? A T h a t 1s ri g h t . Q Now I * m g o i n g to a s k y o u to s t a t e to the C o u r t w h e t h e r or not you w e r e a m e m b e r o f the c o u n - j c i l on A u g u s t 6 t h of this year? A I was. Q W e r e you p r e s e n t w h e n a r e s o l u t i o n w a s of" fered to lease the s c h o o l b u i l d i n g to H o o v e r A c a demy? A I w a s present. Q Now this w a s -- w a s this a r e g u l a r or s p e c i a l m e e t i n g , to your k n o w l e d g e ? A A s p e c i a l m e e t i n g . THE CO U R T : That is A u g u s t -- Q Now to r e f r e s h your m e m o r y -- T H E C O U R T : T h a t is A u g u s t 6th? MR. HOOD: The m e e t i n g w a s of A u g u s t 12th. TH E CO U R T : The m e e t i n g you r e f e r r e d to is A u g u s t 12th? MR. HOOD: Yes, sir. Now as to n o t i c e , Mr. J e n k i n s , of this s p e c i a l m e e t i n g , w e r e y o u n o t i f i e d p e r s o n a l l y of this 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 228 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a meeting? A The message was left with my wife. Were you at home at the time the m e s s a g e wasQ left? A Q A Q No, I wasn ' t. Where were you? I was working. Now did you know the purpose of this meeting be fore you got to the city hall? A I did not. j Q Was notice given to you on the same date that the meeting was held? A That ’s right. Q And what time did you get off from work? A I got home at 5:15. Q And this meeting at city hall was what time, please? A I can’t reca11. But I think it was around 7:00. Q And the only notice you had was when you got o f f a t work at 5:15, is that right? A That’s right. 0 And when you g o t t o th® c i t y c o u n c i l , you 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 229 did not k n o w the p u r p o s e of the m e e t i n g ? F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A No, sir. Q Now l ’m g o i n g to a s k you w h e t h e r or not you a g r e e d to c o n s i d e r the p r o p o s a l to lease this p r o p e r t y to Ho o v e r A c a d e m y ? A I v o t e d a g a i n s t it. Q Did you vote that on the o r d i n a n c e i t s e l f to lease the p r o p e r t y to H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A I v o t e d a g a i n s t it. Q Was there an y oth e r m e m b e r s w h o v o t e d a g a i n s t i t , to your k n o w l e d g e ? A The r e w e r e some that v o t e d a g a i n s t it. Q W h o w e r e they, if you know? A A l d e r m a n R i c h a r d Lewis, A l d e r m a n L e o n a r d L e wis . Q All ri g h t . Now on S e p t e m b e r 8 t h of this year, w e r e you s t i l l a m e m b e r of the c i t y c o u n c i l of B r i g h t o n ? A I w a s . Q I * m g o i n g to ask you to s t a t e to the C o u r t w h e t h e r or not you w e r e n o t i f i e d on the 8 t h of S e p t e m b e r o f a m e e t i n g of the c i t y c o u n c i l , a s p e c i a l m e e t i n g ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 3 0 A I w a s n o t i f i e d by m y w i f e w h e n I got home. Q And w h a t time did y o u ge t home, p l e a s e ? A I u s u a l l y get home at 5:15. Q W e l l now did y o u know the p u r p o s e o f this m e e t i n g before you w e n t d o w n to c i t y hall? A I did not. Q I ' m g o i n g to a s k you to s t ate w h e t h e r w h e n yo u got to c i t y hall, w e r e there any o t h e r c o u n c i l - m e n p r e s e n t at that time? A I t h i n k that the r e s t of the c o u n c i l w a s pret sent w h e n I got there. Q Now at that p o i n t had you b e e n t o l d the pur-1 pose for being th e r e ? A No. F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a Q Now at that m e e t i n g I b e l i e v e that r e s o l u tion w a s o f f e r e d to s e l l this p r o p e r t y , is that c o r r e ct? A T h a t ' s right. Q Did you vote to s e l l this p r o p e r t y to Hoover A c a d e m y ? A I v o t e d a g a i n s t it. Q D i d y o u vote to c o n s i d e r s e l l i n g the p r o p e r t y to H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 31 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama 14 0 A I voted against it. Q Were you given any notice prior to your get ting home from work of any kind or character as to what the meeting was going to be about? A No. Q Now between the meeting of August 6 th where you voted to lease this property, and the meeting of September 8 th when it was voted to sell, had the mayor or any member of the city council discussed selling this proper ty with you? A Not until the night of this special meeting. Q I mean, before this night? A No. Q Now this meeting to sell this property did not transpire until after we had a hearing in this court for preliminary injunction, is that right? A That's right. MR. HOOD: That is all. THE COURT: You were joined by two others in that adverse vote? A That's right. THE COURT: Two black members of the council' A Yes. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 232 TH E COURT: A l l r i g h t , a n y q u e s t i o n s ? MR. BROWN: Yes, I have a few. C R O S S E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. B R O W N : ) A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s , l ' m the c i t y a t t o r n e y that m e t y ' a l l at the time, I guess, I have b e e n at e v e r y m e e t i n g that yo u have b e e n at sin c e y o u have b e e n in o f f i c e ? A No, you h a v e n *t . Q I have m i s s e d a m e e t i n g ? A Yo u have m i s s e d some. THE C O U R T : M a y b e you o u g h t to take that i n t o a c c o u n t for d e t e r m i n i n g his s a lary. A That is w h a t I ' m g o i n g to do. Q l ' m so o v e r p a i d , Judge, it c o u l d s t a n d a little c u t t i n g , I tell you. Now A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s , you r e c a l l w h e n M r . S m i t h s o u g h t r e c o g n i t i o n f r o m the floor, that wa s the n e x t m e e t i n g a f t e r the -- a f ter your r e s o l u t i o n had b e e n o f f e r e d , is that c o r r e c t ? A Y e s . F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a THE COURT: That w a s A u g u s t 6 t h m e e t i n g . Then on August 12th there w a s a s p e c i a l 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 233 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a m e e t i n g , t h a t is w h e r e Mr. S m i t h s o u g h t r e c o g n i t i o n . MR. N E W T O N : No, sir. T h a t is A u g u s t 6th. Q A u g u s t 6 t h is w h e n Mr. S m i t h s o u g h t r e c o g n i tion, i f y o u r e c a l l , a n d the m a y o r a s k e d if there w a s a n y object i o n s to h e a r i n g the g e n t l e m a n f r o m the floor, an d t h e y w e n t to the floor to have h i m state his b u s i n e s s , and that is w h e n he i n q u i r e d a b o u t the H o o v e r A c a d e m y . Now y o u r r e s o l u t i o n had b e e n i n t r o d u c e d by y o u or m a d e k n o w n to the c o u n c i l o n J u l y 16th, i s n ' t that c o r r e c t ? A T h a t ' s r i g h t . Q T h a t ' s r i g h t . Now t h e n o n A u g u s t 6 t h w a s the next m e e t i n g o f the c o u n c i l , i s n ' t that c o r r e c t , sir? A Of c o u r s e I ' m not l o o k i n g at the c a l e n d a r . Q W e l l , here is the m i n u t e book, y o u r e c a l l here is your r e s o l u t i o n set f o r t h in the m i n u t e s of the 16th. A n d the n e x t time the c o u n c i l m e t w a s in r e g u l a r s e s s i o n at 7 : 3 0 P. M. o n A u g u s t 6 t h ? A A u g u s t 6th. Q T h e m i n u t e s o f the p r e v i o u s r e a d i n g of the s p e c i a l s e s s i o n w e r e r e a d a n d a p p r o v e d . An d you v o t e d to a p p r o v e the m i n u t e s ? / 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 3 4 MR. N E W T O N : I would like to interpose an o b j e c t i o n at this time, c o u l d n ’t p o s s i b l y be the n e x t r e g u l a r m e e t i n g , b e c a u s e r i g h t here b e f o r e hi m is b e t w e e n J u l y 16th, there w a s a n o t h e r m e e t i n g o n J u l y 28th, a n d that is m i s l e a d i n g . T h a t is not true. It w a s not. MR. BROWN: W e l l , I beg y o u r p a rdon. T h e r e w a s a m e e t i n g here on J u l y 28th. THE C O U R T : Di d they a p p r o v e a n y m i n u t e s ? MR . BR O W N : The m e e t i n g of the 2 8 t h w a s a s p e c i a l s e s s i o n a b o u t a c o n t r a c t to fix the s e w e r line, w a s n ' t it, i s n't that c o r r e c t ? D o y o u r e m e m ber it? A I r e m e m b e r the c o n t r a c t o n the sewer. Q T h a t w a s the o n l y b u s i n e s s t r a n s a c t e d , w a s n ' t it, a c c o r d i n g to the m i n u t e s ? MR. HOOD: W e o b j e c t to that, c a l l s for a m e n t a l o p e r a t i o n . He has the m i n u t e s b e f o r e him. THE C O U R T : If there i® anything else you c a n p o i n t it o u t . MR. BROWN: I will r e a d it into the record if — Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a L e t 8® d o n ' t take a n y m o r e timeTHE C O U R T : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 3 5 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a reading in the record. MR. BROWN: I’m trying to refresh his recol lection. They had a meeting on July 28th, nothing else mentioned except a contract about a sewer line wise re they opened bids as set out in the minutes. MR. NEWTON: I object to this. The person who is the keeper of those records is here, and has testified. This man perhaps has never seen the minute b o o k before. And he is not responsible -- MR. BROWN: He sees it every time. THE COURT: The question was, was there any approval of the reading of the minutes? MR. BROWN: Yea, sir, the meeting back to August 6th, which was the next regular meeting after your resolution had been introduced, and I want to read the excerpt from the minutes for the record. This was on the 16th in the regular meeting - 1 mean August 6 th in the regular meeting, the mayor then declared the next order of business was the resc lution previously offered by Alderman Jenkins at the last meeting which was continued for further consider tion at this time. Said resolution is set forth ver batim in the minutes of July 16th, 1969. The council 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 3 6 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a p r o c e e d e d to d i s c u s s the r e s o l u t i o n . Now d u r i n g the d i s c u s s i o n s o f the resolution, that is w h e n Hr. S m i t h s o u g h t r e c o g n i t i o n f r o ® the a u d i e n c e , and the m a y o r i n q u i r e d o f the c o u n c i l if t h ere w a s o b j e c t i o n s to r e c o g n i z i n g Mr. S m i t h . T h e n b e i n g no o b j e c t i o n s , Hr. S m i t h w a s r e c o g n i z e d and m a d e k n o w n the fact to the c o u n c i l that the H o o v e r A c a d e m y w o u l d like to s u b m i t a p r o p o s a l to lease the B r i g h t o n J u n i o r H i g h S c h o o l b u i l d i n g , and r e q u e s t e d a n o p p o r t u n i t y to s u b m i t a c o n c r e t e p r o p o s a l to lease the p r o p e r t y . MR. HOOD: W e o b j e c t . He is t e s t i f y i n g . Be is l e a d i n g the w i t n e s s . MR. BROWN: He has a l r e a d y g o n e o v e r this once, but he has got it out of c o n t e x t . T H E C O U R T : I w a n t to get -- k e e p it in c h r o n o l o g i c a l order. MR. BROWN: A l l r i g h t , sir. W h e r e u p o n , A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s , now t h a t i s you, i s n ' t it? A T h a t ' s r i g h t . Q I n s i s t e d u p o n a v o t e b e i n g t a k e n on the reso l u t i o n he h a d p r e v i o u s l y o f f e r e d , a n d the c h a i r r u l e d 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 237 that his m o t i o n for p a s s a g e w a s in or d e r . W h e r e upon, C o u n c i l p r o c e e d e d to vote u p o n the p a s s a g e o f the r e s o l u t i o n o f f e r e d by A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s and A l d e r m a n L e o n a r d Lewis. Th e v o t e w a s t a k e n d o w n a n d r e c o r d e d as follo w s : A l d e r m a n L e o n a r d Lewis, ay®. A l d e r m a n R i c h a r d L e w i s , ay*. A l d e r m a n J e n k i n s , aye. A l d e r m a n W. M. Perry, nay. A l d e r m a n W e s t , nay. M a y o r P a r s o n s , nay. W h e r e u p o n , M a y o r P a r s o n s d e c l a r e d said r e s o l u t i o n h a v i n g r e c e i v e d thr e e v o t e s in favor o f p a s s a g e o f the r e s o l u t i o n and t h r e e v o t e s a g a i n s t its p a s s a g e , had f a i l e d to pass. A A l l right. Q N o w t h e y v o t e d o n your r e s o l u t i o n , a n d it died o n a t h r e e - t h r e e vote, d i d n ’t it, a n d the m a y o r d i d n ’t v o t e a s e c o n d time o n y o u r r e s o l u t i o n ? A A l l r i g h t . C o m e on w i t h it. Q A l l right. A l d e r m a n W e s t t h e n m o v e d that the m a y o r be a u t h o r i s e d to n e g o t i a t e w i t h r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f the Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 238 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a Hoover Academy concerning their proposal and to re port any proposals the academy might have back to the council. The motion was seconded by Alderman Perry, and vote of the council was as follows: Alderman Leonard Lewis, aye. Alderman Richard Lewis, pass. Alderman Jenkins, aye. Alderman W. M. Perry, aye. Alderman West, aye. Mayor Parsons, aye. So five of the six of you voted to authorize the mayor to enter into the negotiations with Hoover Academy, and you remember that distinctly? A That is after they voted down the resolution. Q Yes, immediately after they voted down your resolution. A After they voted the resolution down to occu py the building for a community service. Q Well, after your resolution which has been introduced at the meeting previous to that had been voted -- had failed to pass, isn’t that correct? M d you not authorize the mayor to negotiate with these people? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 239 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 ' F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A Yeah, we voted to give him that power. ME. HOOD: Of course, Judge, this is mis lead i n g . The m o t i o n was to authorize the mayor to n e g o t i a t e the lease. A T h a t ’s ri g h t . MR. BROWN: That’s right. I reed it exactly w h a t w a s before. THE C O U R T : A l l right. I think the Court has it in c h r o n o l o g i c a l order. There was a vote on the r e s o l u t i o n , the e v i d e n c e hadn’t shown that. MR. BROWN: I didn’t think you had, and it was c a r r i e d o v e r f r o m the p r e v i o u s meeting and was v o t e d t h ree and t h r e e at this meeting, and immedi a t e l y a f t e r that w a s when -- on a motion duly made and s e c o n d e d w h e r e five of the six voting in favor o f it, and on e p a s s i n g , nobody voted against it, the m a y o r w a s a u t h o r i z e d to enter into the negotia tions. THE C O U R T : T h e n following the meeting of the 12th, they had a tie vote, and the mayor broke the tie. MR. BROWN; Yes, sir. THE COURT: There was no further action 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 17 18 19 20 21 22 2 3 2 4 0 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a until it came up to the question of the sal®, MR. BROWN: That is correct. THE COURT: Which was September 8 th, wasn't it? MR. BROWN: September 3rd was the written o f f e r w a s made. TH E COURT: An d v o t e d on, on September 8 th? MR. BROWN: This is not testimony. THE COURT: I'm trying to get it in chrono l o g i c a l order. M R . B R O W N : M r . Loc ke and I had -- T I E C O U R T : On September 8 th there w a s a vote, and it was tied by the mayor voting, and then he broke the tie, a n d that is subsequently what w® ar e -- MR. HOOD: At this point I ' m going to ask the Court to take judicial knowledge of the fact that this T i t l e 37, Section 404 of the Alabama Code is unconstitutional on its face, and also in its application -- Ml. NEWTON: We would further like to point out while the record shows that this member of the council voted to a s k the mayor to enter into negoti®" 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 4 1 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a t i o n s w i t h H o o v e r A c a d e m y to l e a s e , t h ere is no s u c h s t a t e m e n t in the m i n u t e s that the m a y o r w a s s o a u t h o r i z e d to sell. And that is w h a t w e are h e r e under. MR. BROWN: T h a t c o m e s in at a later m e e t ing . THE C O U R T : I p r e s u m e a s u b s e q u e n t m e e t i n g had the e f f e c t o f a b a n d o n i n g the o r i g i n a l p r o p o s i tion of the lease a n d the r e s o l u t i o n w a s t h e n on the q u e s t i o n of sale. O f c o u r s e the C o u r t knows w h a t happens. We had a h e a r i n g here in the m e a n time, and the C o u r t i n d i c a t e d there m i g h t be some q u e s t i o n o f the l e g a l i t y o f this lease in v i e w of this Harris C o u n t y , T e x a s c a s e in the F i f t h C i r c u i t . T h e n it w a s , I pres u m e , that it b e g a n this n e g o t i a tion to p u r c h a s e or s e l l t h i s p r o p e r t y . MR. BROWN: Ju d g e , that is c o r r e c t . But It is i n a c c u r a t e to this e x t e n t . Mr. L o c k e and I and Mrs. J a n i e S t a n t o n a n d the m a y o r had b e e n d i s c u s s i n g a s a l e as o p p o s e d to a l e ase a l l al o n g . THE C O U R T : I k n o w you had an o p t i o n to in this lease, there was a n o p t i o n to p u r c h a s e . MR. HOOD; T h a t is not p a r t of the r e c o r d , 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 4 2 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a the conversation between the mayor and Mr. Locke and Mr. Brown. THE COURT: Go stead. Let’s not c o n s u m e too m u c h time. That is already established. MR. BROUN: Well, as the offer of this reso lution, was that in your writing, Mr. Jenkins? Are you the author of the resolution; was it drawn by you or your counsel? A Yeah, w e dr&wed it up. Q D i d y o u have aid of counsel in drawing the resolution? MR. HOOD: Judge, that is privileged. He doesn’t have to answer that. MR. BROWN: I still want to know what it means. MR. NEWTON: Your Honor, he has testified that is his resolution. THE COURT: I sustain the objection. Q Ail right. Were you aware, Mr. Jenkins, at the meeting at which you introduced this resolu tion, that the city already owned the building that you sought to have the city buy? A At this particular time 1 wasn’t of any 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 243 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a k n o w l e d g e that the c i t y o w n e d the b u i l d i n g . T h a t is w h y it is w o r d e d like it is. Q W e l l — T I E C O U R T : But y o u l a t e r fou n d -- d i d y o u find o u t in that m e e t i n g t h e y o w n e d it? A L a t e r on I f o u n d o u t t h a t the c i t y d i d o w n the b u i l d i n g . Q Y o u f o u n d o u t t h a t night, and that is w h y w e -- MR . N E W T O N : Y o u r Honor, I o b j e c t . I w o u l d like for h i ® to a s k the w i t n e s s i f he f o und o u t that night, not to t e l l h i m that he f o und o u t that night. T H E C O U R T : W h e n did y o u f i n d o u t t h a t the c i t y o w n e d it? A It w a s later on. T H E C O U R T : A f t e r the m e e t i n g or d u r i n g — A A f t e r that m e e t i n g . THE C O U R T : A l l r i g h t , a n y t h i n g e l s e f r o m this w i t n e s s ? MR. HOOD: No, sir. Judge, that Is all. THE C O U R T : A n y f u r t h e r q u e s t i o n s , Mr. L o c k e ? MR, L O C K E : L e t me j u s t a s k h i m one. 244 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama 153 1 CROSS EXAMINATION 2 Q (BY MR, LOCK:) Was there no discussion at 3 that meeting about the ownership of that building. 4 when your resolution was presented, didn't soasebody 5 say who owned it? 6 A No, 7 TIE COURT: Were all members of this council 8 new except the mayor? 9 MR, BROWN: I believe that's right. 10 TIE COURT: Nobody wouId have known about 11 it except the mayor, I don't suppose, at that time 12 unless they just knew from public knowledge. 13 MR. LOCK: You mean they were going to vote 14 on whether to lease the building or not, and nobody 15 spoke up and said why we own it? 16 A I say no. 17 MR. LOCK: That is all. 18 MR. HOOD: That is all. 19 MR. BROWN: Just a minute. 20 21 RECROSS EXAMINATION 22 Q (BY MR. B R O W N : ) A l d e r m a n Jenkins, if it 23 will refresh your recollection, donst y o u remember •j 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 245 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a m e a s k i n g y o u a b o u t the r e s o l u t i o n b e c a u s e it said that the c i t y r e nt, lea s e or p u r c h a s e , and I i n f o r m e y o u a t that time the c i t y earned It, an d 1 a s k e d y o u did y o u « e « n that the c i t y w a s to b® the -- to r e n t it to s o m e o n e e l s e ? T H E C O U R T S T h e l e s s o r ? MS. BROWN: Be the l e s s o r , or did y o u w a n t the c i t y to a c q u i r e it? T I E C O U R T : It c o u l d be u s e d in e i t h e r c o n text. MS. BROWN: It c o u l d he u s e d e i t h e r w a y . A 1 d i d n ' t u n d e r s t a n d you that w a y . Q Y o u d i d n ' t u n d e r s t a n d me? A I d i d n ' t u n d e r s t a n d you that w a y . T H E C O U R T : A l l r i g h t , have a seat, Mr. J e n k i n s . MS. N E W T O N : W e c a l l Mr. R i c h a r d Lewis. TH E C O U R T : L e t ' s n o t c o v e r the s a m e t e r r i tory. Now the f a c t s s e e ® to be p r e t t y w e l l in line. MR. HOOD: J u d g e , c o u l d w e s t i p u l a t e that Mr. R i c h a r d L e w i s a n d Mr, L e o n a r d L e w i s w o u l d b o t h s a y t h e s a m e t h i n g as Mr. W a l t e r J e n k i n s ? TH E C O U R T : Y o u m e a n t h e i r t e s t i m o n y w o u l d 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 4 6 Federal C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a be s u b s t a n t i a l l y the s a m e as the o t t e r two? MR . HOOD: Yes, sir. MR. N E W T O N : I have at l e a s t on e q u e s t i o n X w a n t to a s k h i m a b o u t . MR. BROWN: I t h i n k in a l l p r o b a b i l i t y I w i l l a s k A l d e r m a n , w a s n ' t your t e s t i m o n y -- MR. N E W T O N : He is say w i t n e s s . T I E C O U R T : He w a n t s to a s k one q u e s t i o n . I w i l l p e r m i t that to be done. MR. R I C H A R D L E W I S „ b e i n g p r e v i o u s l y d u l y sw o r n , t e s t i f i e d as f o l l o w s : D I R E C T E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : ) S t a t e y o u r n a m e , pleas®, sir. A R i c h a r d L e w i s . Q Are y o u a m e m b e r o f the c i t y c o u n c i l o f the C i t y o f B r i g h t o n ? A I am. Q N o w I r e f e r s p e c i f i c a l l y to the m e e t i n g of S e p t e a b e r 8 # 1969, at w h i c h this p r o p e r t y w a s p u r p o r t e d l y sold. W'itezt d i d y o u f i r s t g e t no t i c e of that meeting? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 247 A O n this date. Q O n S e p t e m b e r 8th? A T h a t ' s ri g h t . Q How did y o u g e t that n o t i c e ? A Th e c h i e f b r o u g h t it to m y house, Q T h e c h i e f o f p o l i c e c a m e to y o u r h o u s e ? A U h - h u h . Q W e r e y o u at h o me? A I d o n ' t r e c a l l if I w a s at h o m e or not. I k n o w I w a s n o t i f i e d o n t h i s date. Q Y o u w e r e n o t i f i e d o n the 8th. W e r e y o u n o t ! fled as to w h a t the p u r p o s e o f the m e e t i n g w a s ? A No. Q Had you, as a sseatber of the c o u n c i l , p r i o r to this time v o t e d to a u t h o r i s e the m a y o r to e n t e r i n t o a n y a g r e e m e n t to s e l l this p r o p e r t y ? A No. HR. rffiWTON: I b e l i e v e t h a t is all. MR. HOOD: J u d g e , I w o u l d like to s t i p u l a t e a t this t i m e that Mr, L e w i s , R i c h a r d L e w i s , and Mr. L e o n a r d L e w i ® w o u l d b o t h t e s t i f y the s a m e as Mr. Walter, J e n k i n s . T H E C O U R T : T h e t e s t i m o n y of this w i t n e s s F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 248 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 15 ? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 a n d the o t h e r w i t n e s s w o u l d s i m p l y j u s t p a r a l l e l t h a t o f or s u b s t a n t i a l l y p a r a l l e l that o f Mr. J e n k i n s ? MR. BROWN: I f e e l it w i l l be s u b s t a n t i a l l y the same. 1 w o u l d like to as k this w i t n e s s , bet d i d n ' t v o t e a g a i n s t the m a y o r a u t h o r i s i n g the m a y o r to n e g o t i a t e , yo u p a s s e d ? A Sta t e y o u r q u e s t i o n , p l e ase. MR. BR O W N : On the m o t i o n that w a s p u t to the c o u n c i l to a u t h o r i z e the m a y o r to e n t e r i n t o n e g o t i a t i o n s for the sale. A We d i d n ' t have s u c h m o t i o n . W e had o n e to l e a s e . MR. BROWN: W e l l , to lease -- to a u t h o r i z e the m a y o r to e n t e r i n t o n e g o t i a t i o n s w i t h H o o v e r A c a d e m y , you d i d n ' t v o t e fo r or a g a i n s t , d i d y o u ? T H E C O U R T : C o n d u c t the n e g o t i a t i o n s , c o n d u c t i n g the n e g o t i a t i o n s for the l e a s e . A I p a s s e d . I d i d n ' t a u t h o r i z e h i * to do so. T H E C O U R T : T h a t i d e n t i f i e s it s u f f i c i e n t l y . MR. N E W T O N : And on thatt.notion that y o u pas®«d on, had t h e r e b e e n s a y m e n tion o f s e l l i n g H o o v e r Academ y? I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 249 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a A No. MR. N E W T O N : I m e a n s e l l i n g B r i g h t o n H i g h S c h o o l to H o o v e r A c a d e m y ? A No. MR. N E W T O N : T h a t is all. C R O S S E X A M I N A T I O N Q (BY MR. L O C I ® : ) L e t m e a s k you, you t e s t i fied that y o u r e m e m b e r d e f i n i t e l y that y o u g o t this n o t i c e o n the date o f the m e e t i n g , a n d t h a t the p o lice o f f i c e r b r o u g h t it, is that r i g h t ? A It w a s d e l i v e r e d o n M o n d a y , the 8 t h o f A u g ust, the same d a y of th e m e e t i n g . Q B u t t h e n y o u t e s t i f i e d , d o n ' t yo u rem e m b e r , yo u d i d n ' t r e c a l l w h e r e y o u go t it? A R e c a l l w h e r e I g o t it? Q Yeah. A No, I g o t it at m y house. Q Y o u w e r e a s k e d the q u e s t i o n i f y o u d i d n ' t g e t it at y o u r house, a n d yo u s a i d 1 d o n ' t r e c a l l . MR. N E W T O N : T h a t is no t — A S a i d h o u s e ? MR. N E W T O N : I a s k e d how it w a s d e l i v e r e d , 2 5 0 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama and he s a i d t h r o u g h the p o l i c e d e p a r t s * a t . He d i d n ’t r e m e a b e r w h e t h e r he got it t h r o u g h -- A It c o u l d have b e e n d e l i v e r e d t h r o u g h -- to say w i fe. T I E C O U R T : It w a s d e l i v e r e d t© y o u r house? A Yes. Q L e t me a s k y o u a n o t h e r q u e s t i o n . A r e there a n y v a c a n t b u i l d i n g s i n the c i t y of B r i g h t o n ? A T h a t is a v a g u e q u e s t i o n . MR. HOOD: We o b j e c t to that, that is a m e n t a l o p e r a t i o n w h i c h this w i t n e s s -- A T h e r e is a v a c a n t b u i l d i n g n e x t to me. Q How m a n y v a c a n t b u i l d i n g s are t h ere in the C i t y of B r i g h t o n ? A I d o n ’ t know. Q T h e r e is m o r e t h a n t h a t one, i s n ’t th e r e ? I s n ’t t h e r e ? T H E C O U R T : A l l r i g h t , s o m e b o d y e l s e c a n give b e t t e r e v i d e n c e to that. P r o b a b l y the mayor. Have y o u m a d e a c h e c k to see? A I d o n ’t t h i n k the m a y o r c o u l d d © it. T H E C O U R T : C&me down. M R . H E W T Q N : T h a t is a l l w e h a v e o f this 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 2 5 1 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a w i t n e s s . MR. HOOD: J u d g e , a t t h i s t im e we w a n t t o a s k t h e C o a r t t o a g a i n t a k e j u d i c i a l knowledge o f - - T ff i COURT: You q u e s t i o n the constitution a l i t y o f t h e s e c t i o n , a n d t h e Court takes judicial k n o w le d g e ©£ a l l the s t a t u t e s o f ail t h e states. MR. HOOD: And a l s o t h e fact the mayor exer c i s e s tw o v o t e s . THE COURT: I u n d e r s t a n d t h a t , and I under s t a n d y o u r c o n t e n t i o n . MR. HOOD: And i n v i o l a t i o n o f one man o n e v o t e c o n c e p t . THS COURT: We u n d e r s t a n d you raised that q u e s t i o n . MR. * W T 0 N : We f u r t h e r raise the point, n o t o n l y t h a t o f t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n , but such consti t u t i o n a s we h a v e p r o v e d , i t g i v e s the mayor the o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x e r c i s e h i s v o t e in an unconsti t u t i o n a l m a n n e r . THE COURT: W i t h t h a t y o u r e s t ? MR. NEWTON: Y e s , sir. THE COURT: Do y ' a l l h a v e any evidence? MR, BROWN; I want to resubmit at this time 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 21 22 2 3 252 Federal Court Reporting Company 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a a l l a f f i d a v i t s , m o t i o n s . THE COURT: E v e r y t h i n g t h a t h a s b e e n o f f e r e d h e r e t o f o r e . MR. BROUN: And e v e r y t h i n g t h a t h a s b e e n o f f e r e d h e r e t o f o r e o n t h e m o t i o n f o r su m m a ry j u d g m e n t , a n d a s k t o d i s m i s s , and w e r e - o f f e r i t o n t h i s c a s e . THE COURT: A l l r i g h t . MR. LOCKE: J u d g e , a s I u n d e r s t a n d t h e e v i d e n c e , i t h a s b e e n a d m i t t e d a n d s t a t e d w i t h o u t c o n t e s t t h a t H o o v e r A c a d e m y h a s p a i d b o t h t h e $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 c h e c k s a n d a l l s u b s e q u e n t c h e c k s . THE COURT: The e v i d e n c e h e r e i s t h a t t h e c o n t r a c t i s c u r r e n t , a n d t h e m o r t g a g e p a y m e n ts a r e c u r r e n t . MR. LOCKE: A nd t h a t t h e c o m p l a i n a n t m akes n o p o i n t a b o u t t h e m oney t h a t w e p a i d i n , b e c a u s e I do p u t i n t h e r e , o f c o u r s e , t h a t i s a n e l e m e n t o f d a m a g e . TIE COURT: W e l l , d o y o u h a v e a n y o t h e r e v i de n e e ? •MR. BROWN: Ho, s i r , w e have n o t h i n g further. THE COURT: Now i f t h a t i s t h e c a s e , I w o u l d 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 253 like to have t h i s — y o u have a l r e a d y s u b m i t t e d b r i e f s on c e r t a i n a s p e c t s o f this thing. I ’w o u l d like to have t h e s e s u p p l e m e n t e d , and I w o u l d like p a r t i c u l a r l y to k n o w w h a t is a p e r m a n e n t o r d i n a n c e ; w h a t it u l t i m a t e l y a m o u n t s to, does that r e q u i r e a p e r m a n e n t o r d i n a n c e , the s a l e of the p r o p e r t y ? ME. B R O W N : Ju d g e , m a y I c i t e you s o m e l a w at this t i m e , or do y o u w a n t this -- T H E C O U R T : J u s t g i v e it to me in a m e m o r a n dum. MR . BROWN: A l l r i g h t . But it has b e e n before the S u p r e m e C o u r t twice. T H E C O U R T : Of c o u r s e w h a t the S u p r e m e C o u r t o f A l a b a m a , that w o u l d be c o n c l u s i v e o n the m a t t e r - - MR. BROWN: Sir? T H E C O U R T : It is a l o c a l law, w h a t the l o c a l law is. MR. BROWN: B r i e f l y the o r d i n a n c e o f a per m a n e n t n a t u r e or r e s o l u t i o n , t h e y have -- o n e has n o m o r e d i g n i t y t h a n the ot h e r , that is, the r e s o l u t i o n as o p p o s e d to the o r d i n a n c e u n d e r the A l a b a m a law. But one o f a p e r m a n e n t n a t u r e , of a p e r m a n e n t o p e r a t i o n , S u p r e m e C o u r t s a y s s i m p l y on e t h a t r e m a i n F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 2 5 4 F e d e ra l C o u rt R e p o r t in g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 Federal Building Birm ingham , Alabam a 141 1 e f f e c t i v e u n t i l r e p e a l e d , t h e y have h e l d that -- 2 T H E C O U R T : Y o u c o u l d n ' t v e r y w e l l r e p e a l 3 a s a l e . 4 MR. BROWN: No, n e i t h e r -- they have held 5 that a s t r e e t i m p r o v e m e n t o r d i n a n c e w h e r e y o u assess 6 p r o p e r t y ia n o t o n e o f a p e r m a n e n t n a t u r e r e q u i r i n g 7 p u b l i c a t i o n . T h e y have held that o n c e the i m p r o v e - 8 a e n t o f c o u r s e is i n s t a l l e d that it has no further 9 o p e r a t i v e e f f e c t , a n d of c o u r s e the s a l e or lease, 10 o n c e the m a y o r -- 11 T H E C O U R T : L e t me a s k y o u this, Mr. Brown, 12 d o e s the s t a t u t e s a y it is o n l y n e c e s s a r y to p u b l i s h 13 p e r m a n e n t o r d i n a n c e s ? 14 MR. BR O W N : Yes, sir. 15 MR. H O O D : Ju d g e , it d o e s n ' t sa y that. 16 MR. BROWN: L e t me r e a d w h a t it says. I*® 17 s u r e y o u w i l l have an o p p o r t u n i t y , C o u n s e l . 18 MR. H O OD: W e l l , 1 d o n ' t w a n t y o u r e a d i n g 19 a n y t h i n g i n t o it. I w i l l w a i t , J u d g e . 2 0 MR. BR O W N : A l l o r d i n a n c e s or r e s o l u t i o n s j 21 e x c e p t as h e r e a f t e r p r o v i d e d , of a g e n e r a l or perms- 22 n e a t n a t u r e s h a l l be p u b l i s h e d in s o m e n e w s p a p e r of 23 g e n e r a l c i r c u l a t i o n i n the c i t y or town, an d i f that 2 • V | federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama are not, to p l a c e it in t h r e e p u b l i c pieces. TH E CO U R T : N o w it w o u l d be a g r e e d there is no n e w s p a p e r p u b l i s h e d . MR. BROWN: W e l l , it g o e s on an d g i v e s an o p t i o n , for the c l a s s o f the C i t y o f B r i g h t o n , has the o p t i o n , e v e n if the n e w s p a p e r is p u b l i s h e d in the city, they have a n o p t i o n to f o r e g o the n e w s paper. A n d it is w i t h o u t d i s p u t e that B r i g h t o n has a l w a y s p u b l i s h e d t h e m in t h r e e p u b l i c p l a ces. Now there is o n e o t h e r t h i n g I t h i n k is m a terial. I f this is a n o r d i n a n c e o f a p e r m a n e n t o p e r a t i o n , e i t h e r the lease or s a l e o r d i n a n c e , t h e n y o u n e e d not g o a n y f u r t h e r , y o u n e e d not w o r r y a b o u t p u b l i c a t i o n , b e c a u s e i f it is a n o r d i n a n c e o f p e r m a n e n t o p e r a t i o n , t h e n it c a n n o t be c o m e the law, u n l e s s it has at l e a s t four a l d e r m e n or the m a y o r a n d t h r e e a l d e r m e n , w e m a k e no c o n t e n t i o n that s u c h a v o t e r e q u i s i t e has b e e n m e t . So i f it is an o r d i n a n c e o f a p e r m a n e n t n a t u r e , c o n c e d e d l y t h ere is not e n o u g h v o t e s i n f a v o r o f its p a s s i n g . T H E C O U R T : In o t h e r w o r d s , it g o e s to the s u b s t a n t i a l i t y o f the ac t i t s e l f , I n o t h e r w o r d s , i t is p e r m a n e n t , you h a v e g o t to have -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 5 6 M R . B R O U N : Y o u n e e d the » a y © r to c a s t — THE C O U R T : Can’t he d e c i d e the c a s t i n g vote on a permanent ordinance? MR. BRCMEt No, sir, he cannot. Because it couldn’t meet the requirements of four aldermen or the mayor and three aldermen, and the statute names them. THE COURT: Without going into any argument, I can tear argument on this. Bid you all fully brief this about the constitutionality of the statute? MR. NEWTON: We think so, but we plan — THE COURT: Also this question of permanent notice, and if it is a permanent notice, you haven’t complied with it. I think if it isn’t a permanent ordinance -~ MR. BROWN: Sir? THE COURT: If it is a permanent ordinance, it has not been complied with. MR. BROWN: If this Court holds this ordi nance is of a permanent nature within the meaning of this statute, then it is not valid. MR. H O O D : J u d g e , m a y b e I w i l l submit this in a brief, no point in a r g u i n g this. I h a w got a F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 F e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 257 Federal Court Reporting Company 409 Federal Building Birmingham, Alabama point: o f law as to c e r t i f i c a t i o n by the c i t y c l e r k . T H E C O U R T ? W e l l , you w i l l w a n t to c o v e r that in y o u r brief, the c e r t i f i c a t i o n a n d n o t i c e a n d the na t u r e o f the o r d i n a n c e . M R . N E W T O N s Yes, sir. T H E C O U R T : A l l r i g h t , if that be the case, I w i l l g i v e y o u -- w h e n c a n y o u g e t t h a t in, in five A y s t M S , BROWN; Yes, sir, I c a n have m i n e in five MR, HOOD: Yes, sir. G i v e me a w e e k . T H E C O U R T ; I w i l l give you a w e e k , t h e n you file y o u r bri e f s s i m u l t a n e o u s l y . Y o u have a l r e a d y go t s o m e b r i e f s o n file. MR. N E W T O N : T h e r e w a s s o m e t h i n g s f i l e d here today, w h i c h 1 h a v e no c o p i e s of, o n b e h a l f o f H o o v e r A c a d e m y . T H E C O U R T : T h e c l e r k w i l l have a l l this s t u f f in the file w h i c h 1 w i l l a s k y o u to put on ay d e sk. C o u r t s t a n d s a d j o u r n e d , ( W H E R E U P O N , p r o c e e d i n g s w e r e a d j o u r n e d at 2 : 3 0 p. M.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 2 8 F e d e r a l C o u r t R e p o r t i n g C o m p a n y 4 0 9 f e d e r a l B u i l d i n g B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a C E R T I F I C A T E STATE OF ALABAMA) JEFFERSON COUNTY) I hereby c e r t i f y t h a t the above aad f o r e g o in g Proceedings were ta ke n down by me i n s t e n o t y p y , and the questions and an sw e rs th e re to were reduced to typ< writing under my s u p e r v i s i o n , and th a t the f o r e g o in g represents a true and c o r r e c t t r a n s c r i p t o f the P r o ceedings had on s a id t e a r in g , I farther c e r t i f y th a t I ass n e i t h e r o f conn- se l nor of k in to the p a r t ie s to the a c t io n nor am I in a n yw ise In t e r e s t e d i n the r e s u l t o f s a id caus® . COURT REPORTER A. B. L E T T E R S E R V I C E INC. 327 C h a r t r e s S t r e e t N e w O r l e a n s , La. 7 0 1 3 0