Committee Meetings June 16, 2025

Finance - June 16, 2025


Homewood Mayor Alex Wyatt announced a shift in Edgewood parking plans after securing a letter of intent from Dawson Baptist Church to lease their parking deck. Also approved was a demolition contract for the former Waffle House property, a new bid for interior library renovations, three Flock cameras with Alabama Power, and a grant management contract for Mayfair stormwater funds. And a $10,000 grant will boost library collections for teens and children.

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    Dawson Baptist Parking Deck Agreement: Mayor Alex Wyatt shared an update not listed as an official agenda item. The city is adjusting its Edgewood parking strategy as it works out an agreement with Dawson Baptist Church. Dawson has agreed to issue a letter of intent that would allow the City of Homewood to lease its parking deck for public use Monday through Saturday, from 7:00am to 9:00pm. This would provide 325 additional parking spaces on the second, third, and fourth floors of the deck, located just steps from the Edgewood business district. Sundays would remain reserved exclusively for church use. In exchange, the city will carry insurance on the deck during public access hours, be responsible for general upkeep and any damages during its use, and plans to work with Dawson on signage to clearly mark public hours and access information. Because of this new opportunity, the city will no longer pursue construction of the 29 parking spaces along Oxmoor, as previously planned.


    Item 02.02.25: This was a stormwater project update related to October flooding. No action was taken, but they confirmed plans would go out Wednesday or Thursday. Carried over


    Item 26.04.25: A request related to the BMS system was delayed to allow more time for financial staff to prepare. The presentation was pushed to June 30, when the rescheduled July committee meetings will now be held. Carried over


    Item 44.04.25: This was a request tied to infrastructure for Samford’s Creekside project. Since Samford officially withdrew that proposal, the committee voted to drop the item. Dropped


    Item 14.05.25: A widening project on Lakeshore near I-65 continues to stall while the city works to get pricing. Carried over


    Item 01.05.25: This was for interior finishes in phase three of the Homewood Library renovation. After receiving four bids, the lowest bidder was $313,927. The city will fund the project using existing bond funds rather than the library’s capital account to help spend down the remaining bond balance. Approved


    Item 18.05.25: The committee confirmed the bid date for U.S. 31 tunnel improvements is set for July 8 at 3:00pm. Carried over


    Item 01.06.25: This was to approve a demolition contract for the old Waffle House site at 185 Oxmoor Road. Grey’s Demolition will handle the work for $28,750, with funding split between the demolition budget and the mayor’s fund. The slab will remain temporarily. Approved


    Item 02.06.25: The city manager was given permission to sign a five-year, $812.52/month contract with Alabama Power to install three Flock license plate reader cameras. This marks the first time the city is partnering directly with Alabama Power for camera service. Approved


    Item 03.06.25: This item allowed the city manager to contract with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham for $60,000 in federal grant management services related to the Mayfair stormwater project. The cost will be paid from a $1 million federal appropriation at no cost to the city. Approved


    Item 04.06.25: The committee discussed a $10,000 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant to buy books for teen and children’s collections. The city will pay $2,500 upfront as the required 25% match and be reimbursed for the rest. Approved

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


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

Public Works - June 16, 2025


The Public Works Committee approved three right-of-way projects: a stormwater berm at East Linwood Grove, alley paving at 3067 Drive, and a sump pump pipe on Roseland Drive.

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    Item 05.06.25: This request was to install a stormwater diversion device—a raised berm—at the East Linwood Grove roundabout to help redirect water away from a nearby home that often floods. Approved


    Item 06.06.25: This item gave permission for the homeowners at 3067 Drive to pave a short section of alley within the city’s right-of-way for access to a rear garage. Approved


    Item 07.06.25: This request allowed a resident on Roseland Drive to run a small 2-inch pipe through a paper alley to connect their sump pump to the city's waterway. Approved

Agenda: https://bit.ly/3Zy9dnQ


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

Special Issues - June 16, 2025


10.06.25: This request was from Lewis Communications was to set up a temporary lemonade stand in front of Track Shack on June 28 from 1:00–4:00pm. The purpose was brand awareness, not to sell anything, but to use the lemonade stand as a playful symbol of small business entrepreneurship. There was concern about using public sidewalk space for a commercial promotion and whether other areas like Soho Square or the farmers market would be more appropriate. However, the committee ultimately approved the request in a 3–2 vote. Approved


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


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


Planning & Development - June 16, 2025


A rezoning and development plan for nine residential lots on Historical Drive was deferred. Samford University’s amended plan for Stadium Village, featuring 220 student beds and new concourse-level facilities at 800 Lakeshore Drive, will go to a public hearing June 23 after the second proposed village failed to receive a variance.

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    Item 12.02.25 and Item 13.02.25: These two items were tied together and involved a request to rezone and approve a final development plan for property on Historical Drive, covering nine residential lots over seven acres. The committee voted to defer both items. Carried over


    Item 10.05.25: This was to set a public hearing for June 23, 2025, to consider an amended development plan for Samford University’s Bulldog District at 800 Lakeshore Drive. The proposal includes construction of two residential villages, but only one—Stadium Village—is moving forward after the other was denied a variance. Stadium Village will have 220 student beds, parking, and active student space at the football stadium’s concourse level. The committee discussed whether changes to the advertised map required delaying the hearing but agreed it was not a legal issue and could be explained at the hearing. The item was sent out without recommendation pending public hearing. Carried over

Agenda: https://bit.ly/3G0KBgS


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

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Ordinance Moves Forward to Protect Families and Neighborhoods

September 23, 2025
The Public Safety Committee addressed concerns about encampments, homelessness, and public safety in a packed meeting with residents and business owners. The committee unanimously approved drafting an ordinance to ban encampments and prohibit overnight sleeping in parks and vehicles on public property. Once approved by the council next Monday, the committee will continue reviewing additional measures to keep neighborhoods safe and explore what other ordinances can be enacted under federal and state law to combat these issues. Residents shared stories of unsafe encounters near schools, parks, and businesses, including harassment, drug use, and indecent exposure. Many parents said they no longer allow their children to walk or play outside. Police Chief Tim Ross acknowledged the increase in encounters but reassured citizens that Homewood remains safe. Robberies, for example, are down 82% over the last two years, with only five this year compared to more than 100 in past years. Chief Ross explained the challenge officers face under state law that most misdemeanor crimes must be witnessed in person to make an immediate arrest, requiring residents to report incidents and sometimes work with a magistrate to pursue charges. He also noted that a federal court has ruled panhandling is protected free speech, limiting enforcement options. However, disorderly conduct, trespassing, indecent exposure, and other crimes remain enforceable, and police continue to act within those boundaries. But they cannot pick someone up and move them out of Homewood without their consent. Council members stressed the importance of reporting every incident so police can act or direct victims to the magistrate for warrants. They emphasized that the city must work within constitutional limits but is committed to giving officers every tool possible, like stronger ordinances, increased patrols, and adding three new officers to the upcoming City budget.

Committee Meetings Sept. 22, 2025

September 23, 2025
Finance - Sept. 22, 2025 The Finance Committee approved several items including money for a fire station design contract. They also discussed a $1 million county reimbursement for Lakeshore DDI, October 2 bid date for the Shades Creek Greenway pavilion, money for new South Lakeshore streetlights. Agenda: https://bit.ly/48r9Y7l

Council Meeting Sept. 15, 2025

September 16, 2025
Council Meeting Sept. 15, 2025 The council approved bids for Green Springs Phase 2, compact-only parking at Patriot Park, new no-parking zones in Edgewood next to Otey's, and crosswalk realignments at Oxmoor and Saint Charles. Council also approved a Seven Brew Coffee development at Wildwood, nuisance cleanups across several properties, a ThinkGard disaster-recovery contract, and honored Councilor Melanie Geer for five years of service. Agenda: https://bit.ly/46mfmWR

Paving Begins on Short Oxmoor

September 14, 2025
Beginning Monday, September 15 , crews will start work on the Oxmoor Road section running from West Oxmoor to West Oxmoor, starting across from Barber Court. The road will first be milled down on September 15–16, followed by the installation of new speed tables September 17–19. Central Paving will return the week of September 22 to resurface the roadway. These upgrades are designed to prepare the surface and add traffic-calming measures, ensuring safer travel through the neighborhood.

Budget Hearings

September 11, 2025
Departmental budgets for Admin/City Manager and Finance Sept. 24, 2025

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.
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