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
Details
Item 150825: This was a request for a \$3 million tax incentive agreement tied to the new Piggly Wiggly construction plan. Instead of building a new store behind the current site, the project will rebuild on the existing location, which will temporarily close the store. The new design adds green space, improves pedestrian safety near the tunnel, provides more parking than before, and solves loading dock concerns. The project will also use the basement for storage, freeing more retail space. The original \$3.5 million request was reduced to \$3 million since construction costs are lower. The committee approved sending the agreement forward without recommendation, pending a public hearing.
Item 030725: This set the bid date for Green Springs Phase 2. No vote was needed other than acknowledging the scheduled bid opening. Carried over.
Item 010825: This was funding approval for the Lakeshore and I-65 diverging diamond project. The total cost came in higher than expected at \$29 million, with Homewood’s share at \$5.8 million. Despite concerns, the project was seen as critical for traffic flow, safety, and supporting businesses like Walmart and Sam’s. The committee approved funding from debt reserve accounts. Approved.
Item 180725: This authorized the city manager to execute a traffic signal and lighting maintenance agreement connected to the diverging diamond project. Approved.
Item 020825: This was the presentation of the city’s proposed 2025–2026 budget. It outlined \$127 million total, with \$74.8 million for operations and \$21 million for capital projects. It included cost-of-living raises, merit increases, new hires in some departments, and clarified debt service and capital improvement planning. The report was accepted and forwarded for full council presentation. Approved.
Item 030825: This allowed budget line item transfers to cover tornado debris disposal, vehicle maintenance, water and sewer work, and paving striping. A \$90,000 grant will help offset one project cost. Approved.
Item 160825: This approved hiring a new audit agency after proposals and interviews. The chosen firm offered strong qualifications and reasonable cost. Approved.
Item 170825: This was about business license penalties for Southern Veterinary Partners. An audit showed they were undercharged for four years and owed \$310,940. They paid the amount but will request abatement of penalties. Since no representative was present, the item was carried over. Carried over.
Public Works - August 18, 2025
The Public Works Committee approved a request to reconstruct a storm-damaged deck and fence in the city’s right of way at 2824 16th Place South, contingent on an indemnification agreement.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/4fIowkP
Details
Item 040825: This was a request to rebuild a deck and fence at 2824 16th Place South after storm damage revealed the structures were in the city’s right of way. The homeowner explained the fence had been in place since before they bought the house, and the issue only came up during replacement. Photos and surveys confirmed the placement, and the committee agreed the work could move forward with an indemnification agreement. Approved.
Planning & Development - August 18, 2025
The Planning and Development Committee set a September 15 public hearing for an amended development plan at 215 Lakeshore Parkway, allowing Southern Brew Coffee to replace a former barbecue restaurant with a 12,720 sq. ft. dual drive-thru retail building. The committee discussed site orientation, traffic flow, and visibility, ultimately sending it forward with a favorable recommendation.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/3HGwQop
Details
Item 052525: This was a request to amend the development plan for 215 Lakeshore Parkway, allowing Southern Brew Coffee to replace a former barbecue restaurant with a 12,720-square-foot, single-story retail space featuring a dual drive-thru. The applicant explained the setup would operate similar to Sonic or Chick-fil-A, with employees serving customers in their cars. Discussion centered on the building’s orientation, ensuring the front faced Lakeshore Parkway for visibility, and traffic flow was also addressed. The committee voted to send the request forward with a favorable recommendation, with a public hearing set for September 15. Approved.
More
