Committee Meetings May 19, 2025

Finance Highlights May 19, 2025


44.04.25: Samford's development team provided an explanation of the proposed Community Investment Program (CIP) tied to the Creekside "West" project. Unlike traditional tax incentives that support single projects, this CIP is meant to fund major infrastructure needed for a large mixed-use development. They stressed that the private sector—not the city—would take on the financial risk, including $140 million in upfront infrastructure costs. In return, they’re seeking a capped rebate over 20 years totaling up to $26 million from lodging, sales, and property taxes (excluding school taxes). They emphasized community benefits like boosting school funding, walkability, environmental stewardship, and long-term quality of life. The agreement must still be finalized, and the item was carried over for further review in committee.


07.05.25: The committee heard requests from three businesses seeking forgiveness for late penalties on their business license renewals. The first business owner explained she missed several years of payments due to serious post-COVID health issues and staff issues. They agreed to pay all fees and interest, and the committee voted to waive penalties and interest if all payments are made within 30 days. The second business asked for forgiveness on a one-time penalty due to a change in ownership and a software transition. Since they had already paid the license fee, the committee voted to waive their penalty and interest. The third company had a large penalty and was noted to be a repeat offender. They did not waive this penalty.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/43hNLo5

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 



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


Public Safety Highlights May 19, 2025


35.04.25: The committee discussed traffic and speeding concerns on Oxmoor Road near Northmoor and Oak Ridge Drives. Traffic studies showed speeds exceeding the 25mph limit, and daily traffic volumes over 2,000 cars in each direction. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns, and upcoming developments could add more congestion. Committee members supported installing permanent speed calming measures—likely asphalt speed humps similar to those on Mecca Avenue. The mayor advised against using temporary rubber speed tables due to past damage and liability issues. While there’s strong support, the committee noted that the formal traffic calming policy requires public notice and a hearing. They voted to carry the item over and set a public hearing for July 14, 2025, while city staff begin planning the project details.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/3H4aI6Q

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 


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

Public Works Highlights May 19, 2025


37.04.25: The committee discussed whether to allow newly planted trees to remain in the city’s right of way at 214 Edgewood Boulevard (the old Pink House property). The homeowners planted the trees without city permission as part of their plan to restore privacy around a new pool. While they believed they were honoring earlier agreements and community expectations, council members emphasized that any planting or work in the city right of way requires prior approval—something that has always been policy.


Several councilors raised concerns that this created an unfair precedent, especially since other residents who followed the correct process had been denied similar requests. Others noted that the homeowners likely could have planted the trees on their own property instead. The committee also discussed requiring the homeowners to commit—in writing—to repair sidewalk damage caused by the tree roots, as a condition for any approval.


No vote was taken. The matter was carried over until the property owners could submit a formal proffer agreeing to maintain the hedge and cover any future sidewalk repairs.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4k3Qqco

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 



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


Planning & Development Committee Highlights May 19, 2025


09.04.15 - 12.04.25: These are all items related to Samford's proposed Creekside development. Discussion including review of the plan that includes a hotel, residential units, and retail spaces on the site of Samford’s current soccer and track fields. A 20-year tax-sharing incentive capped at $26 million is also under review in the finance committee. Two residents spoke in strong opposition, citing concerns over traffic, flooding, wildlife impact, sewer capacity, and changes to the city’s character. The item was sent to the full council without recommendation, pending a public hearing on June 9, where all residents are invited to speak.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4k3QoRO

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 



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


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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

Thanks & Thanksgiving for City Employees

November 19, 2025
City of Homewood staff and leadership enjoyed an early Thanksgiving meal thanks to the Homewood PTO. This annual tradition rotates around our elementary schools. Edgewood Elementary School hosted this year. It is their delicious way of thanking our city employees for all they do for us!

Want to Serve Our City? BZA Spot Open

November 13, 2025
The Board of Zoning Adjustments has an open supernumerary position and applications are welcome from anyone interested in serving the city. This is a meaningful way to assist the vision of Homewood and learn how zoning decisions can shape our community. The deadline to apply is November 24 . To apply, send your resume and cover letter to bo.seagrist@homewoodal.org If you have questions about the scope of the work itself, email emily.harrismiller@homewoodal.org

Council Meeting Nov. 10, 2025

November 11, 2025
Council Meeting November 10, 2025 The council opened with a proclamation honoring landscape architect Jane Reed Ross, announcing that the large Shades Creek Greenway bridge will be named for her, then moved through business, awarding the Homewood Public Library phase four renovation bid, approving contracts including one for acting city manager Cale Smith, and giving the city manager authority to sign contracts up to $100,000.  Agenda: https://bit.ly/3JV3BPS
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