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fleet maintenance study, that will review current fleet operations, right size vehicles across departments, and update outdated policies and procedures.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

  • Full Meeting Details

    Item 010226: This item was a request to allow the Miss Alabama Organization to use the City Council chambers for its annual meeting. The group is based in Homewood. City Clerk Bo Seagrist described it as a goodwill gesture and a chance for future collaboration with the city. The group will sign a standard facility use agreement. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 020226: This request involved permission to work in the city right of way at properties on Frisco Street to connect new homes to an existing sanitary sewer manhole. The project combines multiple lots and requires running sewer laterals through a public alley due to topography and access limits. County officials have approved the design, and staff explained safety and access considerations, including fire protection and turnaround issues. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 030226: This item was a request from Track Shack to place a tent in the city right of way for a multi day sales event in February. Staff noted this has been approved the past two years and replaces activity that once came with the Mercedes Marathon weekend. The request includes updated dates and an indemnification agreement. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 040226: This item was a request to declare a 2020 Chevy Tahoe as surplus. Staff explained the vehicle was totaled and the city is trying to recover insurance funds. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 050226: This item was a request to amend the budget to hire Mercury Associates for a comprehensive fleet maintenance study. Staff explained the study will review current fleet operations, right size vehicles across departments, and update outdated policies and procedures. The goal is to improve efficiency, control costs, and better inform upcoming budget decisions. The study cost will be paid from carryover fund balance. This item was added to the council meeting.


    Item 060226: This item involved a proposed no parking ordinance related to curb markings on Linden Avenue. Staff clarified the item description was incorrect and that the issue requires ordinance action. Because a council member needed to be present for further discussion, the item was held. This item was carried over.

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Right of Way Reminder

November 5, 2026
Right of Way Reminder! Are you having work done on your property? Check with the City BEFORE you or your contractor get started! Did you know the City's right of way can extend beyond the street? Depending on where you live, it may include the grass between the road and sidewalk or even what looks like part of your front yard. Before you or your contractor begin any work in the right of way, please contact us. This includes landscaping, planting trees, installing irrigation or sprinkler heads, building retaining walls, or making driveway changes. Right of way widths vary across Homewood, and some projects require City approval before work begins. Checking first can help you avoid problems with utilities, drainage, and sidewalks, along with the expense of having to remove or redo work. CONTACT THE CITY HERE

Planning Commission Nov. 3, 2026

November 4, 2026
The Homewood Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of Samford University's proposed 280 space parking project along Shelburne Lane that lines Saulter Road. Neighbors raised concerns about stormwater runoff, tree removal, lighting, noise and construction, while Samford outlined plans to reduce those impacts. The commission also approved plans to divide an office building at Brookwood Place into two condominium units and a covered porch addition at 145 South Pointe Drive. Agenda: https://bit.ly/47SNbjw

Parking Changes on 18th Street

October 30, 2026
Parking changes on 18th Street! The Homewood City Council approved changes to parking restrictions for the three spaces right in front of the Trak Shak and Oak Hill Grill. These spaces have long had parking restrictions Monday through Friday from 8am to 5:30pm. Now, parking will be allowed during those hours.  The 15 foot 'no parking' area near the intersection will remain in place to help drivers safely pull out of the alley

Christina's Trail & New Pavilion Unveiled

October 29, 2026
The City of Homewood unveiled Christina’s Trail and a new pavilion along the Shades Creek Trail near the soccer fields. Christina Chambers was an avid runner and a big part of Homewood’s running community. In her memory, the City also decorated the parking spot she used each time she came to run. Her family shared words of remembrance about Christina and what this community meant to her. The new pavilion brings a much needed addition to this end of the trail, providing public restrooms near the soccer fields.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Oct. 26, 2026

October 26, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - OCTOBER 26, 2026

Bringing Fresh Ideas Back to Homewood

October 22, 2026
Homewood City Manager Cale Smith joined local government leaders from across the country at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference. The intent is to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore ways to better serve their communities. Throughout the conference, Smith attended sessions focused on high-performing local governments, budgeting, the challenges facing first-time city managers, and improving efficiencies in development services. General session speakers included historian Jon Meacham, leadership expert Kim Scott, and author Simon Sinek, who shared valuable perspectives on leadership, communication, and organizational culture. A highlight of the conference was reconnecting with fellow members of Smith’s Leadership ICMA cohort (pictured), a group of local government professionals committed to developing their leadership skills and strengthening their communities. It was a great opportunity to learn, build relationships, and bring fresh ideas back to Homewood as the City continues working to improve services and operations for its residents.

Discover Homewood Neighborhoods

October 13, 2026
How much do you know about the history of the neighborhood you drive through every day? There is a new way to find out. The Homewood Historic Preservation Commission has created a self guided driving tour that takes you through the people, places and neighborhoods that helped shape Homewood. The tour includes 16 audio and text stops covering Homewood’s five historic wards. You can start wherever you want and explore just one area, or take about an hour and experience the entire tour. Along the way, you will hear stories from Rosedale, West Homewood, Edgewood, Lakeshore, Mayfair and Windsor, and Hollywood. The tour includes the Rosedale Historic District, Edgewood Lake, the old Zelosophian Academy site, the Pink House, the McDaniel House, Samford University and the historic homes of Hollywood. You will also see historic photographs collected from the Homewood Public Library, Birmingham Public Library Archives and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. And you may recognize the voice telling the stories. The tour is narrated by Shelia Snoddy, known to many from her years in radio as Jill Friday. Development was funded by the City of Homewood and in part through a Historic Preservation Fund Grant in Aid from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The free tour is available through the TravelStorys app for iOS and Android and can also be explored online Learn More Here

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Oct. 12, 2026

October 12, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - OCTOBER 12, 2026

Rep. Sewell Secures $250K for Stormwater Improvements

October 7, 2026
More federal funding is coming to Homewood to address stormwater issues. U.S. Representative Terri Sewell presented a check for $250,000 to the City of Homewood. This funding was obtained through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process and is designated for stormwater improvements. It will be used to provide upgrades and expand culvert capacity in the residential neighborhoods surrounding Edgewood Elementary School to help reduce localized street flooding and better protect nearby homes and infrastructure. This follows an earlier $1 million federal allocation from Rep. Sewell in 2024 that will be used for a drainage culvert project along Griffin Creek in the Huntington Road area. That project continues to work its way through the required process, with construction currently hoped to begin in 2027.

Planning Commission Oct. 6, 2026

October 6, 2026
The Planning Commission approved a resurvey at 215 West Valley Avenue, where a small restaurant is proposed. The Commission also considered changes for a proposed Dutch Bros too be placed at 832 Green Springs Highway, recommending approval of a reduced landscape buffer, but voting 4 to 2 against allowing full access for traffic to flow to and from Raleigh Avenue. That request now moves to the City Council for the final decision. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4zeIxYR
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