Committee of the Whole Nov. 10, 2025

Committee of the Whole November 10, 2025


This marked the first meeting of this new meeting structure. Instead of five separate committees, agenda items are now reviewed during the “Committee of the Whole," where the full council and mayor discuss all policy matters. Approved items then move to the council meeting that follows for final consideration and approval. This is required under the new council/manager format the city is now under.


The council and mayor discussed a holiday live music request for downtown, reviewed finances showing about 2.9 million dollars in net income, and approved shifting 127,000 dollars to finish the library renovation. They set November 24 hearings for projects including the Piggly Wiggly expansion, Our Lady of Sorrows rezoning, Andrews Sports Medicine offices, and a new Valvoline. Other items included a Brookwood road closure for construction, a neighborhood Hot Wheels toy box, new stop signs, a Lakeshore water line, and city manager contract authority.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/47PsswC

  • Details

    Item 101125: This item was a request from Homewood Life magazine to host live holiday music in the city right of way in front of Track Shack on December 6, 13, and 20 from 1 to 3pm, with small groups of musicians, no tent, and coordination with nearby businesses and the menorah setup, the council plans to bring this back for a vote on November 24, this was added to the council meeting.


    Item 011125: This item was a presentation from Carr, Riggs & Ingram on the city’s year to date general fund income statement and a summary of all city bank account balances through the end of August, the projected net income is about 2.9 million dollars and the report will move forward for formal acceptance on the consent agenda, this was added to the council meeting.


    Item 180925: This item was an update on Phase 4 of the Homewood Public Library renovation project, bids came in about 127,000 dollars over budget and Acting City Manager Cale Smith proposed moving that amount from the US 31 tunnel bond funds so the final phase for the children’s area, auditorium upgrades, and administration space can proceed while the tunnel project is delayed until 2026. They will revisit funding the tunnel project spring of 2026, the contract and budget adjustment resolution are prepared for council action, this was added to the council meeting.


    Item 190925: This item was an update on the Central Avenue TAP multimodal project, bids were opened and the low bid came in well under budget, but staff is still working with the contractor to confirm the lighting package meets the city’s specifications, the council agreed they are not ready to move forward yet, so this was carried over.


    Item 011025: This item was a preview of an amended development plan for the renovation and expansion of the Piggly Wiggly on Oxmoor and US 31, the plan shifts the main entrance to the south side near CVS, upgrades parking and landscaping, coordinates with the future tunnel and underpass project, and keeps deliveries on the back side, the Planning Commission sent a favorable recommendation and the council will hold a public hearing on November 24.


    Item 021025: This item was a request to rezone a lot at 1690 29th Court South from C1 Office Building District to I2 Institutional to match the rest of the Our Lady of Sorrows campus, the change will let the church consolidate several parcels, including a lot under the existing parking deck, into a single institutional lot without affecting public alleys or known easements, the Planning Commission recommended approval, the council will hold a public hearing on November 24.


    Item 031025: This item was a request to amend the development plan for the Wildwood medical campus to create new lots and add access and parking to support Andrews Sports Medicine, the plan adds two new vehicle entrances, parking that also serves a previously approved building, and some changes to mall space to create more leasable area, the Planning Commission sent a favorable recommendation, the council will hold a public hearing on November 24.


    Item 041025: This item was a request for a final detailed plan for a Valvoline Instant Oil Change facility in the Green Springs Shopping Center, the proposal replaces an old bank with a mostly brick two bay oil change building, reduces pavement, and adds landscaping, council members asked for stronger screening and landscaping to better match the Green Springs design goals and raised concerns about bay doors facing Green Springs and the growing number of service centers there, updated renderings and zoning checks will be brought to the public hearing, the council will hold a public hearing on November 24.


    Item 021125: This item was a request to allow the city manager to sign a contract with Royal Jackson DC for logistics work, council members had already received and reviewed the contract, there were no further questions, this was added to the council meeting


    Item 031125: This item was a request for the mayor to sign the employment agreement for the city manager, the contract for Cale Smith was drafted effective November 3 to match his appointment date, legal counsel advised that the council’s motion should make the approval retroactive to that date, this was added to the council meeting


    Item 041125: This item was a request to authorize the city manager to sign contracts up to 100,000 dollars, which is actually a reduction from prior authority, the city attorney reminded the council that they still hold ultimate responsibility for all contracts even when signing is delegated, there were no objections to the framework, this was added to the council meeting


    Item 051125: This item was a request to temporarily close the road section along the north side of Brookwood Village next to the former Belk building during the Andrews Sports Medicine construction, the contractor explained that heavy equipment, demolition, and truck traffic in that area make it unsafe for the current mix of walkers, runners, and parked cars, pedestrian access will remain via the wide sidewalk and bridge connections while the road itself is closed for the project duration, this was added to the council meeting


    Item 061125: This item was a request to place a shared “toy box” for Hot Wheels cars at 507 Morris Boulevard, the resident proposed a small, mailbox style structure with parking slots for toy cars, and after talking with neighbors and staff, adjusted the location to a strip near his driveway on his side of the right of way, an indemnification agreement will be used, this was added to the council meeting


    Item 071125: This item was a request to install a three way stop at Waverly Drive and Windsor Drive (Avalon area), the city engineer found that sight distance there does not meet engineering standards and recommended an all way stop to improve safety, the council plans to do a first reading of the stop sign ordinance so neighbors can comment before final action, this was added to the council meeting


    Item 081125: This item was a request to allow Birmingham Water Works to install a 12 inch water line along Lakeshore Boulevard in the city right of way, this work is part of a larger water line extension that turns in front of Target and runs down to a future entrance, staff confirmed it fits within franchise and right of way use, this was added to the council meeting


    Item 091125: This item was a request to install a stop sign on the Westover Drive approach to Shades Road behind Edgewood Elementary, the intersection is currently uncontrolled even though it carries a lot of school traffic and has a marked pedestrian crossing, the engineer recommended a stop sign and ADA ramps to better protect walkers and clarify right of way for drivers, this was added to the council meeting


More

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

BZA November 6, 2025

November 9, 2025
Board of Zoning Adjustments November 6, 2025 The Board of Zoning Adjustment denied a variance request to convert a nonconforming carport at 13 Oak Moor Drive into a master bedroom. Members also voted to raise application fees, approved the 2026 application calendar, and welcomed acting City Engineer Amy after Cale Smith moved into the acting city manager role. Case Packet: https://bit.ly/3XhBtJN Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Decorate Central Park - Support Local Students

November 6, 2025
Something new is lighting up the holidays in Homewood. Homewood Holly Days will turn Central Park into a festive forest of more than 50 decorated trees, each sponsored by local businesses. The celebration begins November 28 at 6pm with a Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring Mayor Jennifer Andress, the Rotary Club of Homewood, live music, and hot cocoa. Beyond the lights, the event supports local students. Since 2016, the Homewood Rotary Club has awarded $223,000 in scholarships to Homewood High School seniors through the Bill Crawford Educational Foundation. Each tree sponsorship helps fund these scholarships and gives students the chance to reach their goals. Tree sponsors will receive a 6 to 6.5-foot tree from the Boy Scouts of America and can decorate it between November 23 and 27. The trees will stay on display through December 31, creating a bright and welcoming centerpiece for the holiday season.

Cale Smith Appointed Interim City Manager

November 4, 2025
Homewood has appointed Cale Smith as Acting City Manager. Cale has played a key role in shaping the city’s infrastructure and growth since joining the City of Homewood in 2021 as Director of Engineering and Zoning. His experience, leadership, and collaborative approach have earned the respect of colleagues and residents alike. Mayor Jennifer Andress shared, “Cale Smith has been an invaluable Department Head for almost five years as Homewood’s City Engineer, and I am excited to see him take on the role of Interim City Manager. Cale knows how to lead, how to put processes in place to make our city better, and has a servant heart for the people of Homewood. I look forward to working with him in this capacity.” Here is more about Cale: Cale Smith, a native of Greenville, Alabama, moved to Homewood in 2004 after earning his Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Auburn University. Since 2021, Cale has served as the Director of Engineering & Zoning at the City of Homewood, partnering with department heads and working directly with residents to implement thoughtful solutions to community needs. In this role, he has managed more than $15 million in capital projects across the city. Prior to coming to the City of Homewood, Cale spent 17 years in the private sector as a Professional Engineer, serving as both Principal and Project Manager for several consulting firms based in the Birmingham area. During that time, Cale managed projects and budgets for many public sector clients, including UAB, the Montgomery Housing Authority, the Housing Authority of Birmingham, BJCC, and BJCTA. Some of his favorite projects involved developing affordable housing options in Montgomery. These projects strengthened his ability to translate complex design and financial considerations into clear, actionable discussions with stakeholders and community members, building trust and consensus among diverse groups. Through this experience, Cale discovered a passion for public service. So, when he had the opportunity to serve as City Engineer, his answer was an enthusiastic “absolutely.” As Interim City Manager, Cale looks forward to building on the strong culture of collaboration and trust among the City’s department directors to advance the Council’s vision, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer service that our community deserves and expects. Cale is married to Dr. Keya Kraft, who serves on the Homewood Public Library Board of Trustees and works as the Director of Economic Development for the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. Their daughter, Dot, is an eighth grader at Homewood Middle School, where she enjoys playing on the school’s basketball and volleyball teams. He can be reach here: cale.smith@homewoodal.org

Homewood Welcomes New Leadership

November 4, 2025
It is an exciting new chapter for the City of Homewood. On Monday, November 3, 2025, Mayor Jennifer Andress and the members of the new City Council were officially sworn in during a ceremony at City Hall. You can watch those above. Each elected official took the oath of office surrounded by family, friends, and community members who came to celebrate the start of a new term in Homewood’s history. Newly seated members: Jennifer Andress, Mayor & Council President Paul S. Simmons II, Ward 1 Nick Sims, Ward 2, Mayor Pro-Tem Chris Lane, Ward 3 Winslow Armstead, Ward 4 The new Mayor and Council begin work immediately, with meetings starting next Monday as they focus on continuing the progress and planning for Homewood’s future.

Homewood Thanks Glen Adams For His Service

November 1, 2025
On behalf of Mayor Alex Wyatt and the outgoing City Council, I would like to thank Glen Adams for his dedicated service to the City of Homewood at a truly historic time. In September 2024, Homewood held a referendum in which our citizens elected to change our government from a Mayor-Council form of government to a Council-Manager form of government. Glen was hired as our first ever City Manager in March and went straight to work, making immediate improvements in the city and our day-to-day operations. Our city employees truly enjoyed working for Glen and responded well to his leadership and direction. As his contract expires, and we head in to the next Council term, we wish Glen the very best as he takes on his future endeavors. We are well-positioned to move into our next term and new form of government thanks to Glen’s hard work these past 8 months. Mayor-Elect Jennifer Andress

Council Meeting October 27, 2025

October 28, 2025
Council Meeting October 27, 2025 This council meeting was a historic farewell, filled with proclamations, gratitude, and reflection as the city’s mayor, council, and longtime leaders concluded their final meeting under the mayor-council form of government. Emotional tributes honored departing Mayor Alex Wyatt, Council President Walter Jones, Councilor John Hardin, and City Attorney Mike Kendrick for decades of service that shaped Homewood’s growth, stability, and spirit, culminating in the creation of the new “Mike Kendrick Award for Service" for the City of Homewood that will be handed out annually. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3X4CkNL

Homewood Bans Encampments on Public Property

October 16, 2025
Homewood’s City Council adopted a new ordinance regulating encampments on public property, following weeks of committee discussion and public input. The ordinance prohibits camping or sleeping overnight in public areas, parks, or vehicles on city property without a permit, giving police authority to issue warnings and remove unauthorized camps after notice.  City leaders emphasized it as a public safety measure that can be amended as needed to ensure fair enforcement and community protection.

Council Meeting October 13, 2025

October 14, 2025
Council Meeting October 13, 2025 The council unanimously approved the new encampment ordinance, multiple bid dates, franchise agreements, and plans for a police substation at City Hall, then honored outgoing Councilors Barry Smith and Julie Nelms for their service. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4h4uzk8

Homewood Begins Search for Next Finance Director

October 9, 2025
The City of Homewood and its Finance Director, Lester Smith, as part of their annual review, have mutually agreed that the goals outlined for the Finance Department upon Mr. Smith's retention have now been completed, and therefore, have further agreed to both transition to new opportunities. During the past year, Mr. Smith, with the assistance of City Administration, made significant improvements to financial oversight, internal controls and strengthening accountability within the Finance Department. Homewood looks forward to building on these improvements and the next phase of strong, transparent financial leadership. Nick Hayes will serve as Acting Finance Director as the City begins a search for the next Director.
More Posts