Balancing Residency And Leadership

Balancing Residency And Leadership

Pre-Council Meeting January 26, 2026


Council had an item to consider whether Homewood should ask the Alabama Attorney General for guidance on the state law that requires a city manager to live inside the city limits they serve. Considering the current search underway for this position, council discussed the residency requirement from multiple perspectives, weighing the goal of attracting the strongest possible candidates who may not be able or willing to move to Homewood, against community expectations councilors have heard from residents, that the city manager live in Homewood and be fully invested in the city. It was clarified that this request only seeks legal clarification, not a policy decision. 


Other items discussed included letters of support for Brookwood Baptist’s ambulatory surgery centers as part of the certificate of need process, reviewed insurance renewals, approved applying for a Rebuild Alabama Act grant to repave part of Salter Road with a small city match, use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood on March 19, discussed adding streetlights at two busy crosswalks for safety, formalized board liaison assignments under the new council manager system, and pulled back the Linden Avenue parking restriction item to preserve on street parking in leu of making light changes to existing curb markings.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/45zami2

  • Full Meeting Details

    Item 070126: This item was a request for the mayor to sign two letters of support for ambulatory surgery centers connected to Brookwood Baptist, one for Princeton and one for Brookwood, as part of their certificate of need application. Council discussed that other nearby cities had signed similar letters and clarified the letters only support the application process, not approval of the facilities themselves. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 080126: This item involved a request to seek an Attorney General opinion on the state law requiring the city manager to live in Homewood. Council discussed concerns about how the requirement may limit the applicant pool, the cost and availability of housing, and the risk of getting a restrictive opinion that could reduce flexibility in the future. It was clarified that this request only seeks legal clarification, not a policy decision. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 090126: This item was a request to apply for a fiscal year 2026 Rebuild Alabama Act grant to repave Salter Road from Broadway to Windsor. The city would request about $234,797 with a $10,000 local match already identified, bringing the total project cost to roughly $244,000. Council discussed whether to extend the paving further depending on grant results. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 100126: This item was a request from the Homewood Chamber of Commerce to use the plaza in front of City Hall for the Taste of Homewood event on Thursday, March 19, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. The chamber shared details about attendance, local vendors, music, and city ticket allocations. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 110126: This item was a request to add a streetlight on an existing pole near 823 Cobb Street to improve visibility at a mid block crosswalk used by pedestrians and children. The annual cost was discussed, along with a related budget amendment to fund street and traffic lighting from carryover gas tax funds. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 120126: This item was a request to add a streetlight at the Greenway trail crossing at Oxmoor Road to improve safety for pedestrians using the trail after dark. Council discussed the heavy nighttime use of the crossing and the lack of existing lighting. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 130126: This item involved a resolution to formally appoint council liaisons under the new council manager form of government. Council discussed how appointments were made, balanced with the need to follow correct policies for these assignments. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 140126: This item proposed restricting on street parking along the east side of Linden Avenue between Bri Street and Oxmoor Road. After discussion and feedback from nearby businesses, staff recommended handling safety concerns through existing traffic measures instead. This item was dropped.

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Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood

January 27, 2026
Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood Council Meeting January 26, 2026 The council approved two resolutions authorizing the mayor to sign letters of support for Brookwood Baptist Medical Center and Princeton related to ambulatory surgery centers and the certificate of need process, a move that signals long term investment in local health care access and capacity. Mayor Jennifer Andress presented a proclamation in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, that honored the lives lost, and reinforced Homewood’s commitment to standing against antisemitism, hate, and dehumanization in all forms. She also said City Hall will be lit yellow, a visible and intentional act that reminded the community why memory, education, and moral clarity still matter. Council formally dropped the Linden Avenue on street parking proposal, voted to condemn an unsafe structure on 26th Avenue South, heard and carried over two development items for a February 9 vote, one for Homewood Community Church and one for a Brookdale University Park pickleball court. They approved letters of support for Brookwood Baptist and Princeton ambulatory surgery centers, approved vouchers, approved use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood, and finalized council liaison appointments for boards and commissions. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3LPZxl2

Report Power Issues or Dangerous Conditions

January 24, 2026
As we watch winter weather conditions, here is how to report issues and get help if needed. Our teams are prepared, coordinated, and ready to respond to help keep the community safe. If you see unsafe sidewalks, streets, or other hazards, please report them right away. You can contact Homewood Police Department or Homewood Public Works using the info below: Report Dangerous Road Conditions Homewood Police 205-322-6200 Report Road/Sidewalk/Surface/Other Dangerous Conditions Homewood Public Works 205-332-6816 Report Power Outage to Alabama Power 1-800-888-2726 Residential General Calls to Alabama Power 1-800-245-2244 ⦿ Alabama Power Outage Maps: Customers may utilize our Outage Map and Outage Alert system to receive real-time information about outages in their area. More information can be found here: APC Outage Map ⦿ Follow Along: Customers can follow @AlabamaPower on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information and updates and visit alabamapower.com/winterweather for tips on storm safety, winter prep and managing usage.

Winter Weather Preps

January 24, 2026
This crew is ready! Jason Priester, Brandon Priester, and Michael Thompson will be out in front of any winter weather helping make roads safer before any impacts begin. Their work helps ensure emergency crews can move quickly when conditions change, while monitoring surface areas to keep you from harm. Along-side this crew, Homewood Fire has 4-wheel drive vehicles at every station to support medics, and city staff will also monitor for any flooding concerns. This level of preparation reflects the strength of our city leadership and staff. They plan ahead, coordinate across departments, and stay ready to serve so our community can stay safe no matter what the weather brings. Here are some helpful resources: Report Dangerous Road Conditions Homewood Police 205-322-6200 Report Road/Sidewalk/Surface/Other Dangerous Conditions HWD Public Works 205-332-6816 Report Power Outage to Alabama Power 1-800-888-2726 Residential General Calls to Alabama Power 1-800-245-2244 ⦿ Alabama Power Outage Maps: Customers may utilize our Outage Map and Outage Alert system to receive real-time information about outages in their area. More information can be found here: APC Outage Map ⦿ Follow Along: Customers can follow @AlabamaPower on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information and updates and visit alabamapower.com/winterweather for tips on storm safety, winter prep and managing usage.

State of the City

January 20, 2026
At the State of the City Address, January 20, 2026, Mayor Jennifer Andress shared a clear and detailed look at where Homewood stands and where it is going. The city closed 2025 with a $2.1 million surplus after employee bonuses and a 4.5 percent cost of living adjustment. Sales tax, property tax, lodging tax, business licenses, and Parks and Rec revenue all increased, with a 2026 budget of $75.6 million. Major projects are underway, including the Shades Creek Pavilion and trailhead opening this spring, the Central Avenue TAP project, completion of the Green Springs sidewalk, the Highway 31 corridor project moving toward bid in 2026, and construction beginning next month on the long awaited I-65 diverging diamond interchange near Walmart. The city is also launching its Comprehensive Plan, inviting residents to help shape the next 100 years, while continuing strong support for schools with $12 million dedicated to education in 2025.

Employees of The Year

January 20, 2026
Fire Engineer Karry Jones, Firefighter of the Year Engineer Karry Jones is the Homewood Fire Department Firefighter of the Year! He is the person people count on for the behind the scenes work that keeps a modern fire department running, from equipment readiness to technical details that the public never sees but benefits from every day. Even while recovering from an injury, Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead said he kept finding ways to help. He also served on the team that helped design Homewood’s newest fire trucks around how firefighters actually work in the field.  Karry’s mindset is simple and rare. Make Homewood better tomorrow than it is today.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Jan. 12, 2026

January 13, 2026
Council Sets The Interview Process For Hiring City Manager Pre-Council Meeting January 12, 2026 The January 12, 2026 pre-council meeting discussed the city manager search, with council reviewing interview procedures. HR Director Kim Kinder shared the job was posted December 19 with applications due January 16, listed the minimum qualifications, and said about 40 applications had been received so far. A resident asked why an ICMA credential was not required for candidates. Staff said keeping minimum requirements preserves flexibility given legal timelines and the residency requirement, while still aiming for a highly qualified hire. Council also teed up three January 26, 6:00pm public hearings, the condemnation and planned demolition of an unsafe house at 1625 26th Avenue South, an amended plan for Homewood Community Church to build a new two story 30,797 square foot facility behind The Edge with added buffers plus stormwater and traffic controls, and Brookdale University Park’s plan to replace unused parking with a fenced pickleball court with no lights. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3NgmgqM

Reese Street Courtyard Project Variance Request Denied

January 9, 2026
At the January 8, 2026 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a request to reduce the required landscape buffer from 15 feet to 5 feet for the planned mixed use retail, office, and medical project on the vacant lot at 1707 Reese Street, called 'Reese Street Courtyard.' Located right behind Nall Daniels Animal Hospital, the concept has been in the works for several years and is meant to add new businesses and much needed parking. The board focused on the fact that the plan chose to build more parking than required. That decision created the conflict with the landscaping rules, rather than a hardship tied to the property itself. The BZA also approved a front setback variance to allow a master bedroom to be added to the front of the house at 3410 Avalon Road, and approved a fence repair variance at 300 Woodland Drive. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4qcchBd

State of the City - Tuesday, Jan. 20

January 7, 2026
Join the City of Homewood and the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, January 20, at 11:30am at the Valley Hotel . As part of the monthly luncheon, Mayor Jennifer Andress will share updates, city highlights, and the vision for 2026. Registration is required and closes Jan. 14: https://bit.ly/49m1VHP

Planning Commission Moves to Reshape the Green Springs Corridor

January 7, 2026
The only item for the Planning Commission meeting, January 6, 2026, was a request to amend the zoning ordinance for the Green Springs Urban Development District (GURD) by removing “minor vehicle repair” as a permitted use. The discussion stemmed from concerns raised after approval of the Valvoline oil change project, (see link to video here: https://bit.ly/4qaJZqY ) with both the Planning Commission and City Council expressing that similar vehicle-focused uses do not match the long-term vision for the Green Springs corridor as a more pedestrian-friendly, connected boulevard. Staff explained that removing this use would prevent future oil change or similar facilities from locating in the district, while existing businesses could continue operating as nonconforming uses without expanding. Commissioners also discussed the lack of a clear definition for “minor vehicle repair” in the zoning code and agreed it would be helpful for the city to formally define the term. Several residents spoke in support, citing past zoning decisions on Green Springs and urging a more holistic approach tied to the upcoming comprehensive plan. After public input and discussion around the upcoming citywide comprehensive plan, the Planning Commission voted to recommend deleting minor vehicle repair from the GURD, 6-0 with one abstention, and asked City Council to consider adding a clear definition for the minor vehicle repair. This item will no go before the full Council for a vote. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4jtpgfu

Piggly Wiggly Closes Dec. 31 For Renovations

December 31, 2025
The Homewood Piggly Wiggly closes today, Dec. 31, at 6:00pm, prices are being reduced today as shelves are cleared. This is a temporary pause as the store begins a major redevelopment. Plans include a larger and updated store, more parking, improved traffic flow, safer access for children using the nearby tunnel, and new green space. The store is expected to reopen by the end of 2026.
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