Committee Meetings August 4, 2025

Finance - August 4, 2025


The committee approved dropping the Kenilworth Stormwater project and referred a large-scale lighting project to budget hearings. A representative from Recovery Resource Center presented a detailed proposal on using opioid settlement funds for assessments, training, and community outreach, which will be discussed further during budget hearings. The committee also approved a lease agreement with Navigate Wealth Management, authorized funding for UPS battery replacements, and approved design services for the library renovation Phase IV.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/3U99gU6

  • Details

    Item 020225: This was a request to provide an update on the Kenilworth Stormwater project. Since the project is now complete and no further items remain, the committee voted to drop it. Dropped.


    Item 140525: This item was about considering funding for new lighting on Lakeshore Drive and I-65. Due to the large cost involved, the council decided to refer it to the upcoming budget hearings for further review. Carried over.


    Item 143525: This item was also a lighting request on Lakeshore and I-65. It was grouped with 140525 and referred to budget hearings without formal motion, just by agreement. Carried over.


    Item 030725: This was to set the bid date for Green Springs Phase II for August 19, 2025. The committee agreed to carry it over until the bid opening date. Carried over.


    Item 210725: This was a presentation and discussion about how to allocate opioid settlement funds. John Bailes from the Recovery Resource Center provided an overview of services and best practices for using these funds to support assessments, recovery services, and staff training. The council agreed to carry this over and include it in budget hearings for further discussion. Carried over.


    Item 200725: This was a request for the city manager to sign a lease with Navigate Wealth Management for office space on the third floor of City Hall. The lease is for 3,720 square feet at $6,200 per month, with a three-year term and renewal increases. The committee approved authorizing the city manager to sign the lease. Approved.


    Item 180725: This was a request to execute a traffic signal lighting maintenance agreement related to the upcoming Diverging Diamond Interchange project. Since the bid discussion is scheduled for the next Finance Committee meeting, the item was carried over. Carried over.


    Item 190725: This was a budget transfer request to move \$1,000 from supplies to travel and conference to allow early bird registration for an October conference. The committee approved the transfer. Approved.


    Item 220725: This was a request to approve a proposal from Eaton Corporation for \$4,050 to replace batteries in the city's core server room UPS unit. The committee approved the proposal. Approved.


    Item 230725: This was a request for the city manager to sign a $36,250 contract for design services for Phase Four of the library renovation, which focuses on the children’s area and ADA-compliant restrooms. The committee approved the contract. Approved.

Public Safety - August 4, 2025


The Public Safety Committee discussed pedestrian safety improvements at Oxmoor and St. Charles, recommending immediate restriping to eliminate a left-turn lane while referring more extensive infrastructure upgrades to budget hearings. Plans for residential parking permits and increased parking enforcement were discussed but sent back to committee for further clarification before drafting an ordinance.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/3UfXJSZ

  • Details

    Item 240425: This was a discussion about safety measures at the intersection of Oxmoor Road and Saint Charles. The committee reviewed a three-phase plan focused on improving pedestrian safety by straightening crosswalks, adding bulb-outs, and addressing loading zones that interfere with traffic flow. Concerns about delivery truck access, pedestrian safety, and business parking were discussed in depth. The committee approved moving forward with re-striping to eliminate the left turn lane and adjust crosswalk markings as an immediate action. Phase One infrastructure improvements were referred to budget hearings for funding. The proposed residential parking permit program was debated but sent back to committee for further work on ordinance language and enforcement details before proceeding. Approved (striping), Referred to budget (infrastructure improvements), Carried over (residential permit ordinance).


Public Works - August 4, 2025


The committee approved a request for work in the right of way at 841 Sylvia Drive, where a homeowner is replacing an old retaining wall that slightly encroaches into the right of way. An indemnification agreement will be required, and the neighboring property owners expressed support for the project.


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

  • Details

    Item 240725: This was a request to allow work in the right of way at 841 Sylvia Drive. The homeowner was replacing an old retaining wall, which was discovered to extend slightly into the city’s right of way. The homeowner stopped work and came before the committee to request permission to continue, along with an indemnification agreement to protect the city. The wall is necessary for property support due to elevation changes. No opposition was noted, and the request was approved. Approved.

Planning & Development - August 4, 2025


The committee acknowledged the withdrawal of a rezoning request for 1833 29th Avenue South, the old police department building, after the developer faced ongoing legal challenges and personal attacks. Although disappointed, the mayor expressed hope that a future council will find a viable solution for the site; the item was sent to the full council without recommendation for the public hearing to be opened and closed as scheduled.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4lXv8hl

  • Details

    Item 100725: This was a public hearing notice for consideration of an amended development plan at 124 South Pointe Drive. The committee had already sent this out with a favorable recommendation, pending the public hearing. Carried over.


    Item 110725: This was a request to rezone 1833 29th Avenue South, the site of the former police station, from I-2 to C-4. The applicant, Mr. Moran, has withdrawn his proposal due to personal attacks and lawsuits, deciding not to pursue the project. Despite the withdrawal, the public hearing is already set and must proceed as advertised. The committee voted to send the item out without recommendation so it can be formally closed after the public hearing. 

More

Pre-Council & Council Meetings March 23, 2026

March 24, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - March 23, 2026 Council worked through a short agenda, focusing on a few key items including a request to use a parking space for a crawfish boil in April and a proposal tied to landscaping extending into the right of way near Whitehall. They also reviewed surplus equipment headed to auction, an HVAC repair needed to keep part of a HPD functional, and a shift in authority for signing opioid settlement agreements to the city manager. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4bKstE3

Pre-Council & Council Meetings March 9, 2026

March 10, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - March 9, 2026 Amy Weis, caretaker for Sims Garden, shared an update on plans to become a stronger community resource and teaching space. The garden is a city owned park with deep local history. Councilors also reviewed a budget amendment for Trane services that helps manage City Hall systems and saves money, discussed a retaining wall at 521 Edgehill Drive that extends into the right of way, and considered an annual spring cornhole series in front of City Hall. Agenda: https://bit.ly/40n8iXl

Garbage & Debris Reminders

March 9, 2026
Homewood uses two services to collect garbage and debris . Each one handles different materials: Amwaste – Garbage and Recycling The Amwaste truck collects household garbage and recycling on your regular pickup days. Household garbage should be bagged and placed in your garbage cart, and boxes should be broken down before putting them in the cart. Carts should be placed out by 6:00am on your pickup days. Reminders: Residents can place up to three carts at the curb. You can use other types of cans/carts as long as they are 45 gal and larger. They don’t have to be an Amwaste or Republic cart. As long as you have one black Amwaste cart, or blue Republic cart, Amwaste will not provide any more. But if you have not received a black Amwaste cart, request one here. If you have (3) bags or less of small debris, leaves, pine straw, grass clippings, or small limbs, place them in your garbage cart to be picked up by Amwaste, not at the curb. City of Homewood Claw Truck – Debris and Bulk Piles The City of Homewood operates a “claw truck” that collects large debris piles such as tree limbs, brush, and other bulk yard debris placed at the curb. The truck runs weekly Monday through Thursday based on your neighborhood schedule, and residents do not need to request pickup. Please do not place debris near mailboxes, utility poles, signs, walls, or storm drains. The truck has to position itself to reach your debris pile. Reminders: Small debris, leaves, pine straw, grass clippings, and small limbs should be bagged, and you must have a minimum of (4) bags to place at the curb to be picked up by the claw truck. If you have (3) bags or less, they must go in your garbage cart for pick up by Amwaste, and will not be picked up by the claw truck. Single branches will not be picked up. It must be a pile. All construction or landscaping debris must be removed by the contractor.

BZA Meeting March 5, 2026

March 8, 2026
At the March 5, 2026 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments reviewed several variance requests, approving a signage request for Pickleball Kingdom on Lakeshore Parkway and a second story setback at 422 Woodland Drive, while denying requests at 504 Hampton Drive, 301 Ascot Road, 837 Forest Drive, and the carried over case at 320 Le Prado Circle. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4b98PBj

Dawson Parking Deck Now Open to the Public

February 26, 2026
The deck is open! The 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors of the Dawson Baptist Church parking deck are now open for public use during these hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00am - 12:00am This provides over 300 additional parking spaces for the Edgewood business district. We are grateful to Dawson for making this space available for the city to lease and for partnering with us on a solution that serves the whole community.

A Safe Way to Cross Highway 280 is Coming!

February 24, 2026
For years, residents have asked for a safer way to cross Highway 280 at the Hollywood Boulevard overpass. What once felt like a long standing concern is now moving forward in a real and visible way. Nearly 20,000 cars cross the bridge every day. Yet it was built in 1960 as a two lane bridge with no protected pedestrian access. At the same time, walkers, runners, and cyclists regularly move between Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and Homewood along this corridor. The need has been clear for a long time. This effort has been discussed for more than fourteen years, bringing together Homewood, Mountain Brook, Birmingham, and Jefferson County. It is a great example of regional cooperation, recognizing that road users do not see city limits when they drive or walk. An avid runner, Mayor Jennifer Andress facilitated those early conversations, asking how they could correct a serious pedestrian safety issue and strengthen regional connectivity. And now, they are! Phase one focuses on new sidewalks in Mountain Brook and along Hollywood Boulevard from Malaga Avenue up to the bridge. Construction is expected to begin this summer and will take approximately eight months. There will be some temporary lane shifts and possible lane closures during construction, with coordination among the cities to limit disruption. Phase two will widen the bridge, add a third vehicle lane, install a new traffic light at the exit ramp off Highway 280, add a new turn lane onto the existing on ramp to Highway 280 East, and create a protected pedestrian facility behind a concrete barrier wall. That portion is expected to go out for bid in 2027, with roughly 12 months of construction once underway. Funding for the sidewalk phase reflects a broad partnership that includes federal and state support, county participation, municipal cooperation, and private contributions from community groups and local organizations. The bridge widening phase will combine federal transportation dollars with a county match. Homewood has no financial obligation for this project. After years of steady conversations, planning, and partnership, safer passage across Highway 280 is no longer just an idea. It is moving toward construction and becoming part of the way our communities connect.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Feb. 23, 2026

February 24, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - February 23, 2026 Council moved forward with a proposed $36k contract with MGT Impact Solutions to conduct a citywide organizational study, aimed at evaluating structure, staffing, and long term efficiency, with findings expected before summer budget talks. The firm will spend time onsite meeting with department heads and staff, reviewing job descriptions, benchmarking against peer cities in the Southeast, and offering recommendations on structure, staffing levels, reporting alignment, and workflow improvements. A public presentation of findings is expected before summer budget discussions. Council also reviewed an intergovernmental agreement related to pedestrian sidewalks near the Highway 280 bridge, introduced updates to the Homewood Board of Zoning Adjustments ordinance to align with the council manager structure, and continued discussion on the city manager employment agreement and other carryover items. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3ZWcLQD

Traffic Advisory for Saturday Feb. 28

February 24, 2026
The Shamrock 5K is set for Saturday, February 28, from 10:30am to 12:30pm . If you are traveling through Edgewood or along Broadway, plan for temporary road closures and traffic delays during that window. This will impact traffic for a few hours so please take a look at the map and plan your route accordingly.

Citizen Survey: Help Guide Homewood’s Future

February 19, 2026
THIS SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED Homewood residents saw a community survey in the mail. It was your chance to share honest feedback about city services, including public safety, parks, streets, stormwater, trash, the library, and communication. All responses were confidential and reviewed by an independent third party. Your input will help guide decisions and shape the future of Homewood for years to come. We thank you fr participating.

Cale Smith Named Permanent City Manager

February 17, 2026
The City of Homewood has selected Cale Smith as the first permanent City Manager in the city’s 100-year history. The Homewood City Council voted Monday evening to authorize Mayor Jennifer Andress to offer him the position. You can watch that meeting above. This milestone follows years of discussion about creating a full-time City Manager role. In 2024, voters approved a referendum to move Homewood to a council-manager form of government. City leaders then transitioned from interim leadership to establishing a permanent position to oversee daily operations and long-term planning. Cale shared this, “I’m thankful for the trust the City Council has placed in me. I care deeply about Homewood and am proud to both serve and live here. This is a community that values its future and expects strong, steady leadership. This permanent appointment brings stability for our staff and our residents as we approach our 100th year. My focus remains on professionalism, transparency, and consistent progress for our city.” Special Assistant to the City Manager Sam Gaston added that he has been impressed with Cale’s leadership and commitment to doing the right things for long term success, including joining ICMA and being selected for Leadership ICMA. Background and Transition Cale has lived in Homewood for over 20 years, and has been employed since 2021, first as Director of Engineering and Zoning, and then most recently as Interim City Manager. He was appointed interim following the departure of former City Manager Glen Adams. The City launched a national and state search process. Applications were posted through local, state, and national municipal associations, including ICMA and the state City Manager Association. The search drew 61 applicants . After review by HR Director Kim Kinder and Special Assistant Sam Gaston, 14 qualified candidates were identified for interviews. Eleven candidates completed initial interviews, and five finalists advanced to extended interviews before the Council’s final deliberation. Why Cale Smith Council members pointed to Cale Smith’s deep knowledge of Homewood, strong infrastructure background, and steady leadership as Interim City Manager. They noted there would be no learning curve, as he is already managing major projects and working closely with staff, Council, and residents. Mayor Jennifer Andress highlighted his leadership on the new comprehensive plan, stormwater improvements, fleet inventory, city communications, citizen survey, and regional partnerships, saying he is already doing the work needed to move Homewood forward. What Happens Next The Council’s vote authorizes the Mayor to extend a formal offer. A negotiated written employment agreement will be presented for approval at an upcoming Council meeting. With this decision, Homewood formally establishes its first permanent City Manager, a historic step in the City’s Centennial year and a significant evolution in its governance structure.
More Posts