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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Bright Changes

February 10, 2026
City Council approved two new streetlights for some well used spots around Homewood. A new light on Cobb Street near Hall-Kent will improve visibility helping keep children and families safe.

Planning Ahead for a More Efficient Fleet

February 10, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting February 9, 2026 A key item from this meeting was the proposal to bring in Mercury Associates for a comprehensive fleet maintenance study, that will review current fleet operations, right size vehicles across departments, and update outdated policies and procedures. This will provide data driven decisions about how the city manages hundreds of vehicles across departments and how taxpayer dollars are spent long term. The goal is to improve efficiency, control costs, and better inform upcoming budget decisions. Council also agreed to move several items forward to the council meeting, including a request from the Miss Alabama Organization to use council chambers for its annual meeting, permission for sewer work in the Frisco Street right of way tied to residential development, and approval for Track Shack to place a temporary tent in the right of way for its annual sale. The item related to a proposed no parking ordinance on Linden Avenue was carried over for further discussion. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4tsmTOA

Growing the Greenway

February 10, 2026
Council Meeting February 9, 2026 The meeting opened with an update from the Jefferson County Greenways Commission, highlighting the city’s long standing role in supporting a regional greenway system that connects communities across borders. The update also touched on future trail connections, including plans to link Shades Creek Greenway through West Oxmoor into Red Mountain Park. Red Mountain Park sits right on Homewood’s edge and is one of the most used areas of the park outside Birmingham, a reminder that these green spaces belong to everyone. Homewood was one of the first cities to invest in the vision of a connected regional greenway network, helping protect and maintain public spaces that residents walk, run, bike, and enjoy every day. Council approved amended development plans for Homewood Community Church and Brookdale University Park, including a new building and a pickleball court, advanced a Rebuild Alabama grant application, added streetlights near a school and along the Greenway Trail, authorized use of council chambers by the Miss Alabama organization, and moved forward with a fleet maintenance study. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4tJxJjx

BZA Remains Consistent On Setback Relief

February 6, 2026
At the Feb. 5, 2026 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a variance request for 216 Acton Avenue, a decision that matters because it signals the board is remaining consistent on lot coverage and setback relief. The variance request for 320 La Prado Circle was carried over to the next BZA meeting after it became clear during discussion, that the impervious surface calculations may not reflect recent changes to the property, including removal and rebuilding of a deck. At the applicant’s request, the board agreed to continue the case to a future meeting so updated and accurate information could be reviewed. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4az4o3u

Finalists for the City Manager Position Announced

February 1, 2026
The Homewood City Council has selected five finalists to be considered for Homewood’s first permanent City Manager. Each candidate has been contacted and interviewed as part of the selection process. The resumes of the finalists are available below for public review. The City Council is expected to meet and vote to offer the position to one of the finalists no later than February 16, 2026 . The finalists are:

Council Sets a Unified Course for City Manager Selection

January 30, 2026
The City Council set a unified course for the City Manager selection. In a special called Council meeting on January 29, city leaders focused on how Homewood moves forward in selecting its next city manager. Council members discussed transparency and timing considerations, and emphasized the importance of unity and shared support behind the final hire. They unanimously agreed to continue the current interview process, keeping it structured and professional while allowing council members to help shape follow up questions that will further evaluate the finalists. The meeting reviewed progress so far, including 61 applications received, first round interviews nearing completion, and a forthcoming shortlist of candidates. The approved resolution keeps interviews facilitated by staff experts while incorporating council input, and it passed 5 to 0.

Mapping What Matters in Homewood

January 29, 2026
Homewood residents took part in a hands on Comprehensive Plan workshop, Wednesday, January 28, sharing what they love about the city and where they see room to grow. People highlighted places like downtown, Edgewood, Central Park, Patriot Park, our schools, and neighborhood character as strengths worth protecting. They also pointed to areas like Brookwood Mall, Green Springs, Valley Avenue, and Rosedale as places that need attention. Common themes focused on safety, sidewalks, connectivity, stormwater, and making it easier to move around the city. This is part of Homewood’s Comprehensive Planning process. Another workshop is happening today, Thursday,January 29 from 9:00am to 7:00pm at the Senior Center, and you can drop by anytime. There will also be several more opportunities to take part throughout the year.

Comprehensive Plan

January 27, 2026
The City of Homewood is starting work on a new city-wide Comprehensive Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap for how Homewood grows, invests, and serves its residents over the next 25 years. Homewood’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2007. Since then, a lot has changed, and more change is coming. With the city moving to a Council-Manager form of government , this is a key time to clarify what matters most to residents. The plan will help inform capital improvements, public service priorities, housing trends, transportation needs, and future land use. It will also give newly elected officials clear direction on what the community values. Your Voice, Your City Every resident will have a chance to be involved. This isn’t just a document, it’s a shared vision for Homewood’s future, shaped by the people who live here. The plan will reflect the needs of each of the city’s four wards and identify short, medium, and long-term projects for both public and private investment. Whether it's about where new housing fits, what kinds of businesses we want, or how we move around, this process is about making those choices together. PUBLIC MEETING 1 Wednesday, January 28 WATCH WORKSHOP VIDEO PUBLIC MEETING 2 Thursday, January 29 *There are more meetings planned - we will inform you when we have those dates

Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood

January 27, 2026
Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood Council Meeting January 26, 2026 The council has approved two resolutions authorizing letters of support for the new Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center ambulatory surgery facility, a step that signals long term investment in local health care access and capacity for the community. The letters, signed by Mayor Andress, support Andrews Sports Medicine as it moves through the state’s required certificate of need process. Council also noted that surrounding municipalities are joining in this effort and signing similar letters of support, reflecting regional alignment around the project and its potential to expand outpatient care options across the area. The action is procedural and allows the project to continue through the state review process with local and regional backing in place. Mayor Jennifer Andress presented a proclamation in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, that honored the lives lost, and reinforced Homewood’s commitment to standing against antisemitism, hate, and dehumanization in all forms. She also said City Hall will be lit yellow, a visible and intentional act that reminded the community why memory, education, and moral clarity still matter. Council formally dropped the Linden Avenue on street parking proposal, voted to condemn an unsafe structure on 26th Avenue South, heard and carried over two development items for a February 9 vote, one for Homewood Community Church and one for a Brookdale University Park pickleball court. They approved letters of support for Brookwood Baptist and Princeton ambulatory surgery centers, approved vouchers, approved use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood, and finalized council liaison appointments for boards and commissions. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3LPZxl2

Balancing Residency And Leadership

January 27, 2026
Balancing Residency And Leadership Pre-Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Council had an item to consider whether Homewood should ask the Alabama Attorney General for guidance on the state law that requires a city manager to live inside the city limits they serve. Considering the current search underway for this position, council discussed the residency requirement from multiple perspectives, weighing the goal of attracting the strongest possible candidates who may not be able or willing to move to Homewood, against community expectations councilors have heard from residents, that the city manager live in Homewood and be fully invested in the city. It was clarified that this request only seeks legal clarification, not a policy decision. Other items discussed included letters of support for Brookwood Baptist’s ambulatory surgery centers as part of the certificate of need process, reviewed insurance renewals, approved applying for a Rebuild Alabama Act grant to repave part of Salter Road with a small city match, use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood on March 19, discussed adding streetlights at two busy crosswalks for safety, formalized board liaison assignments under the new council manager system, and pulled back the Linden Avenue parking restriction item to preserve on street parking in leu of making light changes to existing curb markings. Agenda: https://bit.ly/45zami2
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