Committee Meetings Jan. 27, 2025

Finance Highlights 01/27/25


Item 01.12.24: This was a proposal presented to modify the salaries of the council and mayor for the upcoming term, as current rates have remained unchanged since 1988. Currently, council members receive $400 per month, the council president earns $500 per month, and the mayor’s salary is $32,000 annually, with a total annual cost of $86,400. The proposed adjustment would double council salaries to $12,000 per year and increase the mayor’s salary to $16,000 per year, based on normal rate comparisons. This change would result in a total annual cost of $67,000. This is a reduction of $20,000 from the current cost. The mayor would no longer receive a car allowance under the new structure. This change applies only to future council and mayor terms and not to current members. With the transition to a city manager system, much of the administrative work currently handled by the council will shift to the city manager, allowing council members to focus primarily on legislative responsibilities. To take effect, the adjustment must be finalized by February 26, 2025, to comply with state requirements. This item was carried over until the next meeting schedule for February 3.


Item 14.11.24: Request for consideration to amend the tax incentive agreement with Piggly Wiggly construction project. This item was carried over until the next meeting schedule for February 3.


Item 04.01.25: Committee approved a request to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Gossett Construction to install a sidewalk along the west side of 700-800 block of Columbiana Road behind "The Edge" development.


Item 05.01.25: Committee approved a request to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Great Southern Recreation for playground surfacing and equipment at Saulter Road. 


Item 17.01.25: The committee approved a request to consider appointing a city manager under Ala. Code Section 11-43-20. This allows the city to hire for this new position. Interviews are underway, and the city expects to fill the role by March.



Agenda: https://bit.ly/4jBWKb1

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 



Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.


Public Works Highlights 01/27/25


Item 06.01.25: Committee approved a Request permission to install up to 14 parking spaces and up to 3 tree wells in the right-of-way at 2703 19th Place South.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4axqC4r

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 


Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.

Special Issues Highlights 01/27/25


Item 07.01.25: Committee approved a request for permission for facility use agreement for the plaza for Taste of Homewood.


Item 08.01.25: Committee approved a request to accept the 2023-2024 Annual Storm Water Report.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4jBWRmX

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 



Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.


Planning & Development Highlights 01/27/25


09.01.25: Committee carried over a request to consider annexation into the City of Homewood for 1749 Columbiana Road.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4gjoDSz

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 



Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.


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Budget Hearings

September 11, 2025
Here you will find all details related to the upcoming 2025-2026 budget.

Paddles Ready? Pickleball Courts Could Arrive Soon

September 10, 2025
Pickleball courts are officially in the works for Homewood! The City has included funding in the proposed 2025–26 budget to build four new outdoor pickleball courts at the Homewood Athletic Complex , located next to the Mega Field and behind the tennis courts. Plans for the courts were drawn up earlier this summer with input from engineering and electrical design teams. The project includes: Four regulation courts with permanent nets and fencing Court colors featuring a blue playing surface, red “kitchen” zones, and white lines Benches with shade canopies and bleachers for spectators Lighting as an " add-on option" in th e bid package so costs can be managed This project is only included in the proposed budget right now . The full city budget, including these courts, will be voted on at the September 29 City Council meeting . If approved, the City will then open the formal bidding process for construction. Once built, the new courts will expand recreation opportunities at the athletic complex and provide a dedicated space for one of our community's fastest-growing sports. Watch the budget proposal HERE , go to 02:03:10 to find it.

Committee Meetings Sept. 8, 2025

September 9, 2025
Finance - Sept. 8, 2025 Finance Committee previewed a centennial visitor guide logo, awarded Green Springs Phase 2 to Gillespie Construction, targeting an October start, dropped a Southeast Veterinary Partners penalty waiver after payment was made, and opted to mark two Patriot Park car spaces “compact cars only” to improve crosswalk visibility. The committee also renewed a Birmingham Bowl sponsorship, and previewed adding a ThinkGard backup and disaster-recovery contract, around $60,000 annually, to replace the underperforming data backup system currently in place. Agenda: https://bit.ly/46aeQuT

2025-26 Budget Info & Hearings

August 27, 2025
Budget Hearing Schedule City Hall, 2nd Floor, South Conference Room

Council Meeting August 25, 2025

August 26, 2025
Council Meeting August 25, 2025 The council meeting major actions included adopting a $128.5 million budget proposal with funding for a new fire station, fire trucks, stormwater projects, and the Lakeshore/I-65 diverging diamond interchange. Budget hearings will go over this proposal in detail over the next few weeks. Council approving $3 million in incentives for a redesigned Piggly Wiggly expansion, hiring a new audit firm, addressing Edgewood traffic safety, multiple nuisance property hearings, and improvements tied to the Dawson parking deck lease. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3JvRmZE

New Piggly Wiggly Plan Moves Forward

August 19, 2025
UPDATE: Council approved the $3M incentive plan, August 25  The Finance Committee reviewed a new tax incentive agreement tied to the long-awaited Piggly Wiggly redevelopment. The revised plan calls for rebuilding on the current site, which means the store will temporarily close during construction. The updated design adds more green space, provides a safer route for children using the nearby tunnel to school, improves traffic flow, and resolves earlier concerns about truck deliveries. Parking will also increase compared to today’s layout. Earlier this year, the store’s owners proposed building a brand-new location behind the current store. That plan raised concerns about traffic, loading docks, and pedestrian safety. After months of discussion, the developers scrapped that version and returned with a new design that many now see as a much stronger fit for the community. Because this plan is less expensive and slightly smaller than the original, the incentive request dropped from $3.5 million to $3 million. The committee voted to advance the incentive agreement to the full Council for a public hearing scheduled for August 25. After that, the next step is to go through the development plan process, starting in October, with the Planning Commission.

Committee Meetings August 18, 2025

August 19, 2025
Finance - August 18, 2025 The Finance Committee advanced a $3 million tax incentive agreement for rebuilding Piggly Wiggly on its current site with added green space and safer pedestrian access, sending it to public hearing on August 25. The committee also approved funding and agreements for the Lakeshore/I-65 diverging diamond interchange. Committee reviewed a $127.5 million FY25–26 budget plan with $21 million in capital projects, authorized budget transfers for storm debris cleanup and paving, selected a new audit firm, and carried over a $310,940 business license penalty request. Agenda: https://bit.ly/47BSvbY

Council Meeting August 11, 2025

August 12, 2025
Council Meeting August 11, 2025 The council approved multiple contracts, leases, and licenses, including a parking deck agreement with Dawson Memorial Baptist, a library renovation design contract, and an ABC license for Seeds Coffee. Several public hearings were set for August 25 for nuisance properties, and a Piggly Wiggly plan, while the rezoning plan for the former police station site was dropped. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3V0BcK0

Mayor Wyatt Statement on DA's Decision

August 6, 2025
Mayor’s Statement on Jefferson County District Attorney Decision on June 23, 2025, Officer Involved Shooting August 6, 2025 "We have received the results of the District Attorney’s investigations into the shooting of Jabari Peoples. We note that the District Attorney found the “shooting is deemed justified” and that no criminal charges will be filed against the Homewood Police Officer involved in this matter. We can’t imagine the anguish of the Peoples’ family in the aftermath of this tragic event and hope the community will respect the District Attorney’s decision, which he says is based on the facts and the law." Alex Wyatt Mayor of Homewood 

Long-Vacant Police HQ Still Waiting for a New Chapter

August 5, 2025
What started as an idea to turn Homewood’s long vacant, old police property, into a steakhouse and park, has now been pulled off the table. Developer Mike Mouron, who brought the concept forward, decided to withdraw his plan and financial support after facing public criticism and legal filings. The plan aimed to rezone the property at 1833 29th Avenue South from industrial to commercial, allowing for a restaurant and community green space. Mouron offered to fund the park portion of the property through the sale and personally cover any extra costs. Also targeted in the backlash, the City of Homewood had to respond to a lawsuit and dissolve a temporary restraining order. The City stood by how it handled the process. The judge agreed and ruled in favor of the city, dismissing the case with prejudice and ordering the plaintiff’s (Kevin Misso) bond to be forfeited. Despite the legal victory, after facing ongoing personal attacks, Mouron chose to withdraw his proposal and not pursue the project further. Even though it has now been withdrawn, by law, a public hearing will still be held, as advertised, August 11. The council will then officially close this item. Mayor Wyatt expressed hope that future city leadership will “figure out the best path forward” for a property that continues to sit idle. For more background: Committee Meeting February 17, 2025 From Jailhouse to Steakhouse Legal Filings Mayor Wyatt Announces Withdrawal
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