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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Christmas Tree Disposal

December 29, 2025
What to do with those Christmas trees? Christmas may be over, but your tree can still do some good. Real trees can be reused in simple ways: Cut branches for yard mulch Add pieces to garden beds to protect plants Use smaller limbs for outdoor habitat or compost.  You can also dispose of your tree easily in Homewood. We have bins at the Homewood Library or the West Oxmoor pool parking lot. Drop off your trees and/or cardboard boxes at those locations. Or you can place your tree at the curb for pickup on your trash day, and the claw truck will get them.

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
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