Committee Meetings June 30, 2025

Finance - June 30, 2025


The Finance Committee accepted the annual audit showing a $4.9 million fund balance increase, and they approved multiple stormwater infrastructure contracts totaling over $51,000. This includes updating a drainage ditch behind Shades Cahaba Elementary that has long been an issue. Committee agreed to sign agreements for IT security, device management, and copier services. They also discussed a large retroactive insurance premium adjustment of $71,000, and provided an update on the parking deck lease with Dawson Memorial Baptist that is in the final stages of being completed.

  • Details

    Item 020225: This was an update on the Kenilworth stormwater project. Carried over


    Item 260425: Auditors presented the annual financial audit. The audit had an unmodified opinion, which means no issues were found. The report showed the city’s fund balance improved by $4.9 million, with $33.4 million unassigned. After a thorough review, the committee accepted the audit report. Approved


    Item 140525: This was about Alder Lake. The committee noted there were still no updates and decided to wait until the property appraisal came in, expected July 2. Carried over


    Item 180525: This set the bid date for the U.S. 31 tunnel improvements for July 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Carried over


    Item 110625: The committee discussed a contract with Gossett Construction to fix stormwater issues at four locations. The problems have caused water pooling and erosion for years, and this project will address them all for about $51,000. Approved


    Item 120625: This was a change order with Hixson Consulting for extra services related to the city hall and parking garage restoration. The added work was expected and already budgeted. Approved


    Item 130625: The city declared several old vehicles and fire department equipment surplus due to age and costly repairs. Approved


    Item 140625: The committee approved a contract with OMA to restore emergency call services in city elevators and traffic areas for about $6,400. Approved


    Item 150625: The city renewed its contract with Huntress for cybersecurity monitoring of city computers and accounts. The cost stayed within the existing budget limit of $24,000. Approved


    Item 160625: The committee approved a one-year agreement with Data Price to help audit and better manage the city’s mobile device plans and usage for about $13,260. Approved


    Item 170625: The city also approved a separate one-year agreement with Data Price to set up better mobile device management so that all devices can be centrally tracked, updated, and secured. Approved


    Item 180625: The committee agreed to a contract with Eaton Corporation to maintain and service the city hall backup battery system, which protects servers during power outages. Approved


    Item 230625: The city renewed its copier lease with Dex Imaging (formerly Ameritech). The contract includes new software to help manage machines centrally, raising the monthly cost by about $210. Approved


    Item 220625: The committee approved paying a premium adjustment invoice from Cobbs Allen for about $71,000 after an insurance audit showed increased costs due to more employees and higher wages. Approved


    Item 2406 25: The committee voted to let the city manager finalize and sign a lease agreement with Dawson Memorial Baptist Church for parking deck use, once the final language is settled. Approved

Agenda: https://bit.ly/45PLoMm


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

Public Safety - June 30, 2025


The committee carried over discussion about safety at Oxmoor and Saint Charles and confirmed a public hearing on July 14 at 6pm about traffic calming measures near Northmoor Road. They approved installing a public fire hydrant at Oxmoor and Cook Street at a cost of \$6,500 split with the developer, with no new funding needed.

  • Details

    Item 34.04.25: This was a discussion about safety concerns at the intersection of Oxmoor and Saint Charles. The group decided to carry this item over until their next meeting so they could talk more about it later. Carried over


    Item 1906.25: This was a request to approve putting in a public fire hydrant at the corner of Oxmoor and Cook Street. Chief Broadhead shared that a private hydrant wouldn’t help much in emergencies, and having a public one would better serve many nearby homes and businesses. The estimated cost was \$6,500, which was already budgeted, and there would be a yearly maintenance fee. The city and the developer planned to split the cost. The committee voted to approve installing the hydrant. Approved


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


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

Public Works - June 30, 2025


One item for this meeting. The Public Works Committee approved amending a 2020 agreement with Jefferson County to remove Oxmoor Road between the tunnel and US 31 from county maintenance because it was mistakenly included and never actually maintained by the county. This correction clarifies responsibility for the area, following confusion over past paving projects.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/46mwCNb


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


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Council Meeting Sept. 29, 2025

September 30, 2025
Council Meeting Sept. 29, 2025 Council approved a retaining wall, nuisance cleanup, a fire station design contract, and a Greenway pavilion bid. A new fiber optic franchise with Lumos and a sweeping encampment ordinance were delayed due to each failing to garner unanimous consent. Other approvals included new streetlights, two-hour parking in Edgewood, and a corrected appropriation for the Exceptional Foundation, before passing the 2025–26 budget with raises, bonuses, and capital projects. The meeting closed with moving tributes to outgoing councilors Andrew Woolverton, Jody Brandt, Carlos Aleman, and Andy Gwaltney, recognizing their years of service, leadership, and contributions across West Homewood, finance, public safety, and city development. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4nt7n1m

First Responder 5K Oct. 18

September 26, 2025
Stand with those who serve! The Homewood First Responders 5K is Saturday, October 18 . Your participation directly supports the Homewood Police Foundation and the Homewood Fire Department, strengthening the resources that keep our community safe. The race begins and ends at the Trak Shak on 18th Street, moving through downtown Homewood and surrounding neighborhoods. Along the route and at the finish, you’ll see the men and women of the Homewood Police and Fire Departments, with patrol vehicles, fire trucks, and McGruff the Crime Dog on site. 🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/3lXf3f0

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
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