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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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.

BZA December 4, 2025

December 5, 2025
Board of Zoning Adjustments December 4, 2025 The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved three variance requests including a detailed appeal from the owners of 800 College Avenue to rebuild on their existing footprint with strong neighbor support, and granted requests to add a second story at 564 Forest Drive South and extend a front porch at 600 Handball Avenue. A fourth case for 1707 Reese Street was continued to the January 8 meeting. Case Packet: https://bit.ly/48M4fc3

Planning Commission December 2, 2025

December 3, 2025
Planning Commission December 2, 2025 The Planning Commission addressed items that included a pickleball court addition at Brookdale, a large two-part request from Homewood Community Church, and a Frisco Street re-survey. Most of the night centered on the church’s proposal, with neighbors raising concerns about traffic, construction access, buffers, lighting, and flooding; the applicant responded in detail, committed to no construction access on Columbiana, and the Commission sent both items to Council with favorable recommendations. Agenda: https://bit.ly/48M4fc3

Pre-Council & Council Meeting Nov. 24, 2025

November 25, 2025
Pre-Council Meeting November 24, 2025 The council moved through a handful of items including the TAP multimodal facility contract coming in under budget, a budget amendment to complete the project this year, and the continued 80% reimbursement through the TARP grant. They also discussed new fleet-maintenance tools that will help recruit and retain technicians, an ordinance to clear out old committee language that does away with the old style of committees and now has become one "Pre-Council" meeting, tiered year-end employee bonuses supported by a strong surplus, and a new agreement with Carr Riggs & Ingram to continue supporting the finance department. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4rhpXMe
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