Committee Meetings August 18, 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

  • 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.

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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.

Apply to Serve as City Manager

December 30, 2025
Applications are now open for Homewood's City Manager. This role will help guide the city through its new council manager form of government. It is a chance to work with a dedicated team, lead daily operations, and help shape what comes next for Homewood. Applications are open through January 16, 2026. View the job description HERE APPLY HERE

Christmas Tree Disposal

December 29, 2025
What to do with those Christmas trees? Christmas may be over, but your tree can still do some good. Real trees can be reused in simple ways: Cut branches for yard mulch Add pieces to garden beds to protect plants Use smaller limbs for outdoor habitat or compost.  You can also dispose of your tree easily in Homewood. We have bins at the Homewood Library or the West Oxmoor pool parking lot. Drop off your trees and/or cardboard boxes at those locations. Or you can place your tree at the curb for pickup on your trash day, and the claw truck will get them.

Pre-Council & Council Meeting Dec. 22, 2025

December 23, 2025
Pre-Council Meeting December 22, 2025 This pre-council meeting was brief, with three public hearings carried to January 12, including 1625 26th Ave S, Homewood Community Church’s amended plan for a new 30,797 square foot two story building, and Brookdale University Park. The main discussion was an FY 2026 budget amendment cleanup to fix fund deficits, using carryover fund balance and corrections without changing current operations, plus a quick look ahead at an on street parking ordinance on Linden Avenue. Agenda: https://bit.ly/44KjgsG

We Are Listening!

December 18, 2025
We are listening! We recently spent time hearing directly from residents about how the City communicates. The message was clear: people want information they can trust, delivered in ways that fit their daily lives. This conversation was an important first step in a larger effort to better understand what matters most to our community and how we can continue to improve. Based on this feedback, the City of Homewood is looking at steps to improve how we communicate using these as a beginning guide: Be a trusted source of information Using clear, short messages Pushing information through the channels residents use most, directly to them Promoting our website as a place to find important information Highlighting how residents can report issues and share feedback  This is a starting point. The City plans to continue gathering public input and refining how we communicate over time. We appreciate everyone who shared their perspective and look forward to additional opportunities to listen, learn, and improve how we serve our community.

Scam Alert! Cyber-Criminals Impersonating City Officials

December 15, 2025
If you pay invoices to the City of Homewood, you need to be aware of this scam and potential cyber fraud! The City has recently been made aware of cyber-criminals impersonating city officials and sending fraudulent invoices to residents who have applied for Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Adjustment cases. If you receive an invoice and have any questions about its authenticity, please contact the City’s Finance Department directly before making payment: ap@homewoodal.org

Hot Wheels Swap Spot

December 9, 2025
The City Council approved a request to place a shared toy box for Hot Wheels cars along the edge of Morris Boulevard. Andrew Elliot, the driver behind this project, worked closely with neighbors and hopes it will become a small gift to children who pass by. The idea grew out of the Elliott family’s own story. Their boys love Hot Wheels, and they first saw something like this while visiting grandparents. Their five year old helped build the box with his grandparents, and both boys plan to serve as ‘Hot Wheel-brarians.’ They already have an inventory ready so empty spaces can be filled again. They have spent many hours racing cars at home, naming each one, and turning simple toys into fun family championships. They hope this box invites other families to get outside and enjoy the surprise of finding a new car on a walk or a bike ride. Their hope is simple: “We hope the box serves as a blessing to others in the neighborhood! What's the most exciting toy / hot wheels car for a kid? A new one that you don't already have! Part of the ambition is that it gets kids around the neighborhood excited to go out on a family walk, bike ride, etc. - knowing it will result in bringing a new hot rod home!” Stop by and feed your inner vroooom!

Pre-Council & Council Meeting Dec. 8, 2025

December 9, 2025
Pre-Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Council members walked through the upcoming agenda, and heard updates on items like restricting a few on street parking spots on Linden Avenue, adding a crosswalk at Shades Road and Westover Drive, tightening oversight of vouchers and credit card use, and cleaning up shared dumpsters behind downtown businesses. The highlight was an item to appoint Sam Gaston to serve as Special Assistant to the City Manager, bringing his decades of experience to help guide Homewood through its transition to the new council manager form of government and support long term planning. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3YdB0J5

Homewood Strengthens Its Leadership Team

December 8, 2025
Homewood has voted to appoint Sam Gaston as the Special Assistant to the City Manager. This is a steady step as our city moves into a new form of government. Sam will work with city leadership and help guide the transition as we look to find a permanent City Manager. Sam brings 45 years in local government management and planning. He recently retired after more than 32 years as the City Manager of Mountain Brook. His roots run deep in public service. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in public administration from Auburn University. He has served as president of the International City County Management Association, the Alabama City County Management Association, the Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association, and the Homewood Mountain Brook Kiwanis Club. Mayor Graham Smith of Mountain Brook offered this statement, "Sam’s decision to serve in Homewood is a gift to our entire region. He is one of the most respected municipal leaders in Alabama," she said. "His experience and steady leadership will be exactly what Homewood needs as it moves into this new government structure. Mountain Brook has benefited from his wisdom for decades and now our neighbors in Homewood will share in that same strength." Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress shared this, "We are excited and grateful to welcome Sam Gaston to Homewood as Special Assistant to the City Manager," she said. "Sam is the gold standard for city managers in Alabama. He encouraged our move toward a Council Manager form of government and we are thankful to have him join Cale Smith in this important season." We are proud to welcome Sam and look forward to the experience he will bring to our city.

Sign Up For Text Alerts

December 8, 2025
Homewood is rolling out text alerts. You can sign up for as many as you like, or choose 'HWDALL' to receive all alerts. Even if you subscribed before, you will need to sign up again using the info below: Text HWDALL to 38276 to receive ALL alerts Text HWDINFO to 38276 to receive news alerts only Text HWDSTREETS to 38276 to receive street closure info only Text HWDEMERGENCY to 38276 to receive emergency alerts only Text HWDGARBAGE to 38276 to receive holiday garbage schedule alerts only.
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