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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2025-26 Budget Info & Hearings

August 27, 2025
Budget Hearing Schedule City Hall, 2nd Floor, South Conference Room

Council Meeting August 25, 2025

August 26, 2025
Council Meeting August 25, 2025 The council meeting major actions included adopting a $128.5 million budget proposal with funding for a new fire station, fire trucks, stormwater projects, and the Lakeshore/I-65 diverging diamond interchange. Budget hearings will go over this proposal in detail over the next few weeks. Council approving $3 million in incentives for a redesigned Piggly Wiggly expansion, hiring a new audit firm, addressing Edgewood traffic safety, multiple nuisance property hearings, and improvements tied to the Dawson parking deck lease. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3JvRmZE

New Piggly Wiggly Plan Moves Forward

August 19, 2025
UPDATE: Council approved the $3M incentive plan, August 25  The Finance Committee reviewed a new tax incentive agreement tied to the long-awaited Piggly Wiggly redevelopment. The revised plan calls for rebuilding on the current site, which means the store will temporarily close during construction. The updated design adds more green space, provides a safer route for children using the nearby tunnel to school, improves traffic flow, and resolves earlier concerns about truck deliveries. Parking will also increase compared to today’s layout. Earlier this year, the store’s owners proposed building a brand-new location behind the current store. That plan raised concerns about traffic, loading docks, and pedestrian safety. After months of discussion, the developers scrapped that version and returned with a new design that many now see as a much stronger fit for the community. Because this plan is less expensive and slightly smaller than the original, the incentive request dropped from $3.5 million to $3 million. The committee voted to advance the incentive agreement to the full Council for a public hearing scheduled for August 25. After that, the next step is to go through the development plan process, starting in October, with the Planning Commission.

Committee Meetings August 18, 2025

August 19, 2025
Finance - August 18, 2025 The Finance Committee advanced a $3 million tax incentive agreement for rebuilding Piggly Wiggly on its current site with added green space and safer pedestrian access, sending it to public hearing on August 25. The committee also approved funding and agreements for the Lakeshore/I-65 diverging diamond interchange. Committee reviewed a $127.5 million FY25–26 budget plan with $21 million in capital projects, authorized budget transfers for storm debris cleanup and paving, selected a new audit firm, and carried over a $310,940 business license penalty request. Agenda: https://bit.ly/47BSvbY

Council Meeting August 11, 2025

August 12, 2025
Council Meeting August 11, 2025 The council approved multiple contracts, leases, and licenses, including a parking deck agreement with Dawson Memorial Baptist, a library renovation design contract, and an ABC license for Seeds Coffee. Several public hearings were set for August 25 for nuisance properties, and a Piggly Wiggly plan, while the rezoning plan for the former police station site was dropped. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3V0BcK0

Mayor Wyatt Statement on DA's Decision

August 6, 2025
Mayor’s Statement on Jefferson County District Attorney Decision on June 23, 2025, Officer Involved Shooting August 6, 2025 "We have received the results of the District Attorney’s investigations into the shooting of Jabari Peoples. We note that the District Attorney found the “shooting is deemed justified” and that no criminal charges will be filed against the Homewood Police Officer involved in this matter. We can’t imagine the anguish of the Peoples’ family in the aftermath of this tragic event and hope the community will respect the District Attorney’s decision, which he says is based on the facts and the law." Alex Wyatt Mayor of Homewood 

Long-Vacant Police HQ Still Waiting for a New Chapter

August 5, 2025
What started as an idea to turn Homewood’s long vacant, old police property, into a steakhouse and park, has now been pulled off the table. Developer Mike Mouron, who brought the concept forward, decided to withdraw his plan and financial support after facing public criticism and legal filings. The plan aimed to rezone the property at 1833 29th Avenue South from industrial to commercial, allowing for a restaurant and community green space. Mouron offered to fund the park portion of the property through the sale and personally cover any extra costs. Also targeted in the backlash, the City of Homewood had to respond to a lawsuit and dissolve a temporary restraining order. The City stood by how it handled the process. The judge agreed and ruled in favor of the city, dismissing the case with prejudice and ordering the plaintiff’s (Kevin Misso) bond to be forfeited. Despite the legal victory, after facing ongoing personal attacks, Mouron chose to withdraw his proposal and not pursue the project further. Even though it has now been withdrawn, by law, a public hearing will still be held, as advertised, August 11. The council will then officially close this item. Mayor Wyatt expressed hope that future city leadership will “figure out the best path forward” for a property that continues to sit idle. For more background: Committee Meeting February 17, 2025 From Jailhouse to Steakhouse Legal Filings Mayor Wyatt Announces Withdrawal

Committee Meetings August 4, 2025

August 5, 2025
Finance - August 4, 2025 The committee approved dropping the Kenilworth Stormwater project and referred a large-scale lighting project to budget hearings. A representative from Recovery Resource Center presented a detailed proposal on using opioid settlement funds for assessments, training, and community outreach, which will be discussed further during budget hearings. The committee also approved a lease agreement with Navigate Wealth Management, authorized funding for UPS battery replacements, and approved design services for the library renovation Phase IV. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3U99gU6

Planning Commission August 5, 2025

August 3, 2025
Planning Commission August 5, 2025 The Planning Commission approved a request to replace the former Caster’s BBQ at 215 Lakeshore Parkway with a drive-thru-only Seven Brew Coffee stand, despite discussion over the building orientation facing away from the shopping center. The commission also voted to rescind its previous approval to subdivide the old police headquarters property since the rezoning plan was withdrawn , and announced there will be no September meeting due to lack of cases. Agenda: https://bit.ly/46MvnHy

Council Meeting July 28, 2025

July 29, 2025
Council Meeting July 28, 2025 Council covered routine business including approval of several resolutions and ordinances related to budget amendments, surplus property, stormwater diversion, municipal court staffing, and equipment purchases. Council unanimously approved Sanford University’s stadium housing project which is housing right next to their football stadium.  Agenda: https://bit.ly/4f9rDBQ Meeting schedules & archives: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT
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