Pre-Council Meeting - April 13, 2026
Key items the Council discussed was a proposed microtransit pilot program that could help people move around the city a little better, and a rezoning request on Montgomery Street tied to new investment and redevelopment. There was also discussion around funding shifts for paving and stormwater, along with new tools like an AI tool to improve how residents get information on the city's website.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/3Ov9pSw
Details
Item100426: This was a request from the Hollywood Garden Club to hold a block party event tied to their Tour of Homes and neighborhood centennial celebration, including street closures, live music, and a garden walk. The event was described as a free community gathering to showcase the historic Hollywood neighborhood and its homes. The request included needed approvals like a special retail liquor license. This item was sent to the council meeting for approval.
Item010426: This item was a grant application request to support a public lecture series through the Homewood Public Library tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. The funding would support educational programs on American history and culture, planned for summer months. Council discussed timing. This item was carried over.
Item020426: This request involved allowing a homeowner to install steps within the city right of way due to a steep property layout. The discussion focused on safety and placement, with no major concerns raised. The item was set to move forward for further consideration. This item was sent to the council meeting for approval.
Item040426: This was a detailed discussion about launching a microtransit pilot program in Homewood, similar to a rideshare system, to improve transportation access, reduce parking demand, and connect residents more efficiently. The program would be funded initially by an outside foundation, with long-term costs and service levels discussed by council. This item was sent to the council meeting for approval.
Item050426: This item involved a budget amendment to fund legal services for handling appeals in circuit court, ensuring consistent prosecution coverage beyond municipal court. The change fills a gap in current legal support. This item was sent to the council meeting for approval.
Item060426: This was a large budget adjustment to move funds related to gas tax revenues and stormwater and capital projects, correcting how resurfacing funds had been handled in previous years. Council emphasized keeping future gas tax funds dedicated strictly to road work. This item was sent to the council meeting for approval.
Item070426: This item introduced a new driver selection policy required for insurance and risk management purposes, setting standards for who can operate city vehicles. Departments worked together to finalize the policy. This item was approved.
Item080426: This request was to fund an AI-powered chatbot for the city website to improve how residents find information, support multiple languages, and enhance accessibility. Council discussed its future value and functionality. This item was sent to the council meeting for approval.
Item110426: This item involved rezoning properties on Montgomery Street to allow redevelopment into a fitness center, with discussion around zoning differences, parking, and maintaining design standards. A public hearing will be scheduled before final action. This item was carried over.
Council Meeting - April 13, 2026
Council moved through a fa short agenda including surplus equipment, emergency payment approvals, and a landscaping request along Whitehall Road. They also cleared the way for the Hollywood Garden Club block party this weekend and carried over a nuisance property item to the next meeting.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/3PTpCkW
Details
Item 080326: A public hearing for declaring property at 201 Dale Avenue a nuisance due to a dead tree was discussed briefly and moved to the next meeting for further consideration, carried over
Item 120326: Council approved a request to allow landscaping work to extend into the city right of way at 3200 Whitehall Road, with no major concerns raised during discussion, approved
Item 140326: Council approved declaring miscellaneous vehicles and equipment as surplus so they can be disposed of properly, after clarifying the process and moving forward with unanimous support, approved
Item 120426: Council approved emergency payment of select city expenses due to timing issues, with the understanding that all items will be reviewed and any concerns could trigger a special meeting, approved
Item 100426A: Council approved the Hollywood Garden Club block party event scheduled for April 18 so the event can move forward as planned, approved
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