Pre-Council Meeting Nov. 10, 2025

Pre-Council Meeting November 10, 2025


This marked the first time for this meeting. Instead of five separate committees, agenda items are now reviewed during a pre-council meeting, where the full council and mayor discuss all policy matters.


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

A Safe Way to Cross Highway 280 is Coming!

February 24, 2026
For years, residents have asked for a safer way to cross Highway 280 at the Hollywood Boulevard overpass. What once felt like a long standing concern is now moving forward in a real and visible way. Nearly 20,000 cars cross the bridge every day. Yet it was built in 1960 as a two lane bridge with no protected pedestrian access. At the same time, walkers, runners, and cyclists regularly move between Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and Homewood along this corridor. The need has been clear for a long time. This effort has been discussed for more than fourteen years, bringing together Homewood, Mountain Brook, Birmingham, and Jefferson County. It is a strong example of regional cooperation, recognizing that road users do not see city limits when they drive or walk. An avid runner, Mayor Jennifer Andress facilitated those early conversations, asking how they could correct a serious pedestrian safety issue and strengthen regional connectivity. And now, they are! Phase one focuses on new sidewalks in Mountain Brook and along Hollywood Boulevard from Malaga Avenue up to the bridge. Construction is expected to begin this summer and will take approximately eight months. There will be some temporary lane shifts and possible lane closures during construction, with coordination among the cities to limit disruption. Phase two will widen the bridge, add a third vehicle lane, install a new traffic light at the exit ramp off Highway 280, add a new turn lane onto the existing on ramp to Highway 280 East, and create a protected pedestrian facility behind a concrete barrier wall. That portion is expected to go out for bid in 2027, with roughly 12 months of construction once underway. Funding for the sidewalk phase reflects a broad partnership that includes federal and state support, county participation, municipal cooperation, and private contributions from community groups and local organizations. The bridge widening phase will combine federal transportation dollars with a county match. Homewood has no financial obligation for this project. After years of steady conversations, planning, and partnership, safer passage across Highway 280 is no longer just an idea. It is moving toward construction and becoming part of the way our communities connect.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Feb. 23, 2026

February 24, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - February 23, 2026 Council moved forward with a proposed $36k contract with MGT Impact Solutions to conduct a citywide organizational study, aimed at evaluating structure, staffing, and long term efficiency, with findings expected before summer budget talks. The firm will spend time onsite meeting with department heads and staff, reviewing job descriptions, benchmarking against peer cities in the Southeast, and offering recommendations on structure, staffing levels, reporting alignment, and workflow improvements. A public presentation of findings is expected before summer budget discussions. Council also reviewed an intergovernmental agreement related to pedestrian sidewalks near the Highway 280 bridge, introduced updates to the Homewood Board of Zoning Adjustments ordinance to align with the council manager structure, and continued discussion on the city manager employment agreement and other carryover items. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3ZWcLQD

Traffic Advisory for Saturday Feb. 28

February 24, 2026
The Shamrock 5K is set for Saturday, February 28, from 10:30am to 12:30pm . If you are traveling through Edgewood or along Broadway, plan for temporary road closures and traffic delays during that window. This will impact traffic for a few hours so please take a look at the map and plan your route accordingly.

Citizen Survey: Help Guide Homewood’s Future

February 19, 2026
Some Homewood residents will soon receive a community survey in your mailbox. It is a chance to share how you feel about city services like public safety, parks, streets, stormwater, trash, the library, and communication. Responses are confidential and reviewed independently. This feedback will directly shape our city’s direction and guide decisions that will impact Homewood for many years to come. We hope you will take a few minutes to be part of that future. The survey includes instructions on how to complete and return it. If you do not receive a survey in the mail, there will be an opportunity to participate online. We will share a link soon so that anyone who wants to participate can do so.

Cale Smith Named Permanent City Manager

February 17, 2026
The City of Homewood has selected Cale Smith as the first permanent City Manager in the city’s 100-year history. The Homewood City Council voted Monday evening to authorize Mayor Jennifer Andress to offer him the position. You can watch that meeting above. This milestone follows years of discussion about creating a full-time City Manager role. In 2024, voters approved a referendum to move Homewood to a council-manager form of government. City leaders then transitioned from interim leadership to establishing a permanent position to oversee daily operations and long-term planning. Cale shared this, “I’m thankful for the trust the City Council has placed in me. I care deeply about Homewood and am proud to both serve and live here. This is a community that values its future and expects strong, steady leadership. This permanent appointment brings stability for our staff and our residents as we approach our 100th year. My focus remains on professionalism, transparency, and consistent progress for our city.” Special Assistant to the City Manager Sam Gaston added that he has been impressed with Cale’s leadership and commitment to doing the right things for long term success, including joining ICMA and being selected for Leadership ICMA. Background and Transition Cale has lived in Homewood for over 20 years, and has been employed since 2021, first as Director of Engineering and Zoning, and then most recently as Interim City Manager. He was appointed interim following the departure of former City Manager Glen Adams. The City launched a national and state search process. Applications were posted through local, state, and national municipal associations, including ICMA and the state City Manager Association. The search drew 61 applicants . After review by HR Director Kim Kinder and Special Assistant Sam Gaston, 14 qualified candidates were identified for interviews. Eleven candidates completed initial interviews, and five finalists advanced to extended interviews before the Council’s final deliberation. Why Cale Smith Council members pointed to Cale Smith’s deep knowledge of Homewood, strong infrastructure background, and steady leadership as Interim City Manager. They noted there would be no learning curve, as he is already managing major projects and working closely with staff, Council, and residents. Mayor Jennifer Andress highlighted his leadership on the new comprehensive plan, stormwater improvements, fleet inventory, city communications, citizen survey, and regional partnerships, saying he is already doing the work needed to move Homewood forward. What Happens Next The Council’s vote authorizes the Mayor to extend a formal offer. A negotiated written employment agreement will be presented for approval at an upcoming Council meeting. With this decision, Homewood formally establishes its first permanent City Manager, a historic step in the City’s Centennial year and a significant evolution in its governance structure.

Bright Changes

February 10, 2026
City Council approved two new streetlights for some well used spots around Homewood. A new light on Cobb Street near Hall-Kent will improve visibility helping keep children and families safe.

Planning Ahead for a More Efficient Fleet

February 10, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting February 9, 2026 A key item from this meeting was the proposal to bring in Mercury Associates for a comprehensive fleet maintenance study, that will review current fleet operations, right size vehicles across departments, and update outdated policies and procedures. This will provide data driven decisions about how the city manages hundreds of vehicles across departments and how taxpayer dollars are spent long term. The goal is to improve efficiency, control costs, and better inform upcoming budget decisions. Council also agreed to move several items forward to the council meeting, including a request from the Miss Alabama Organization to use council chambers for its annual meeting, permission for sewer work in the Frisco Street right of way tied to residential development, and approval for Track Shack to place a temporary tent in the right of way for its annual sale. The item related to a proposed no parking ordinance on Linden Avenue was carried over for further discussion. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4tsmTOA

Growing the Greenway

February 10, 2026
Council Meeting February 9, 2026 The meeting opened with an update from the Jefferson County Greenways Commission, highlighting the city’s long standing role in supporting a regional greenway system that connects communities across borders. The update also touched on future trail connections, including plans to link Shades Creek Greenway through West Oxmoor into Red Mountain Park. Red Mountain Park sits right on Homewood’s edge and is one of the most used areas of the park outside Birmingham, a reminder that these green spaces belong to everyone. Homewood was one of the first cities to invest in the vision of a connected regional greenway network, helping protect and maintain public spaces that residents walk, run, bike, and enjoy every day. Council approved amended development plans for Homewood Community Church and Brookdale University Park, including a new building and a pickleball court, advanced a Rebuild Alabama grant application, added streetlights near a school and along the Greenway Trail, authorized use of council chambers by the Miss Alabama organization, and moved forward with a fleet maintenance study. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4tJxJjx

BZA Remains Consistent On Setback Relief

February 6, 2026
At the Feb. 5, 2026 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a variance request for 216 Acton Avenue, a decision that matters because it signals the board is remaining consistent on lot coverage and setback relief. The variance request for 320 La Prado Circle was carried over to the next BZA meeting after it became clear during discussion, that the impervious surface calculations may not reflect recent changes to the property, including removal and rebuilding of a deck. At the applicant’s request, the board agreed to continue the case to a future meeting so updated and accurate information could be reviewed. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4az4o3u

Finalists for the City Manager Position Announced

February 1, 2026
The Homewood City Council has selected five finalists to be considered for Homewood’s first permanent City Manager. Each candidate has been contacted and interviewed as part of the selection process. The resumes of the finalists are available below for public review. The City Council is expected to meet and vote to offer the position to one of the finalists no later than February 16, 2026 . The finalists are:
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