Council Sets The Interview Process For Hiring City Manager
Pre-Council Meeting January 12, 2026
The January 12, 2026 pre-council meeting discussed the city manager search, with council reviewing interview procedures. HR Director Kim Kinder shared the job was posted December 19 with applications due January 16, listed the minimum qualifications, and said about 40 applications had been received so far. A resident asked why an ICMA credential was not required for candidates. Staff said keeping minimum requirements preserves flexibility given legal timelines and the residency requirement, while still aiming for a highly qualified hire.
Council also teed up three January 26, 6:00pm public hearings, the condemnation and planned demolition of an unsafe house at 1625 26th Avenue South, an amended plan for Homewood Community Church to build a new two story 30,797 square foot facility behind The Edge with added buffers plus stormwater and traffic controls, and Brookdale University Park’s plan to replace unused parking with a fenced pickleball court with no lights.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/3NgmgqM
Details
Item 031225: This was a request to consider action on a condemned house at 1625 26th Avenue South. Staff said the city has been trying nuisance abatement since 2023, could not reach the owner, and the structure is open to the elements and unsafe. They explained the city would not take ownership, it would tear the structure down and place a lien on the property for the cost, and any other liens would be dealt with later when the property is sold. Carried over
Item 041225: This was a request for an amended development plan for Homewood Community Church, a new two story 30,797 square foot building with parking, landscaping, and other site work behind The Edge near Columbiana. The engineer explained parking would largely be on a separate northern parcel and they plan to pipe and cover part of the ditch to connect parking areas, while handling stormwater with detention to meet city rules. Council asked about buffers, fencing, views from Columbiana, traffic, construction access, and the church said no access from Columbiana, no construction access off Columbiana, and a traffic study showed no major impacts, with added landscaping to help with neighbors concerns. Carried over
Item 051225: This was about a public hearing for Brookdale University Park to add a pickleball court on an unused section of existing paved parking. The presenter said it is for resident recreation and therapy, would have fencing but no lighting, and would be daytime use with no nearby homes directly adjacent on that side. Carried over
Item 010126: This was about declaring surplus vehicles, equipment, and some City Hall furniture. Council asked how many police vehicles were included, what resale returns are like, and whether a few older police vehicles should be kept parked in visible areas as a crime deterrent instead of selling them. Staff said the decision should involve the police chief and a larger fleet review, and noted many patrol vehicles have very high mileage and engine hours and are being rotated out because repairs can exceed value. Carried over
Item 020126: This was about approving the stormwater management program plan tied to the city’s MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act. Staff described it as the city’s yearly stormwater “playbook” covering enforcement, construction runoff, spill response, and public education, and said it needs a signature by the deadline. Carried over
Item 030126: This was about a resolution setting procedures for city manager candidate interviews, with the city attorney item leading the discussion. HR Director Kim Kinder shared the job was posted December 19 with applications due January 16, listed the minimum qualifications, and said about 40 applications had been received so far. Council and a resident asked why an I C M A credential was not required, why the posting window was short over the holidays, and why the job was not posted earlier, and staff said keeping minimum requirements preserves flexibility given legal timelines and the residency requirement, while still aiming for a highly qualified hire. Carried over
Linden Avenue Parking Change Put on Hold
Council Meeting January 12, 2026
At the January 12 City Council meeting, Council discussed a proposed change to on-street parking along Linden Avenue between Reese Street and Oxmoor Road, choosing to carry the item over for more study of the potential solution. Councilors agreed they want a fuller look at safety, existing yellow curbs, and traffic flow in both directions before making a decision that affects nearby residents and drivers. Council also approved budget amendments, stormwater planning, city manager interview procedures, surplus property, and highlighted the upcoming Comprehensive Plan kickoff meetings on January 28–29.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/3ZfK9RP
Details
Item 010126: Approval of the amended agenda to add surplus property and two special retail alcohol license requests discussed during pre-council. The amended agenda was approved.
Item 011225A: Request to restrict on street parking along the east side of Linden Avenue from Reese Street to Oxmoor Road. Council members wanted more time to review the area in both directions and consider curb markings before making a decision. The item was carried over.
Item 081225: Request to approve budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2026. Council had discussed the changes previously and confirmed the adjustments were needed to align spending. The amendments were approved.
Item 020126: Request to authorize the Mayor to sign the Stormwater Management Program Plan. This plan supports required environmental compliance and ongoing stormwater efforts. The request was approved.
Item 030126: Request to adopt a resolution establishing procedures for City Manager candidate interviews. Council agreed the process was clear and appropriate to guide the upcoming search. The resolution was approved.
Item 040126: Request to approve vouchers for the period of December 23, 2025 through January 12, 2026. Council reviewed expenses, noting several routine and previously approved costs. The vouchers were approved.
Item 010126A: Ordinance to declare various vehicles, equipment, and City Hall furniture as surplus property and authorize disposal by auction. Council agreed the items were no longer needed for city use. The ordinance was approved.
Item 050126: Request for an ABC 160 special retail license for Birmingham Hotels LLC, doing business as Aloft Birmingham Soho Square. Police and Fire reported no objections. The license was approved.
Item 060126: Request for an ABC 140 special retail license for Kathy G. and Company for the No Show Ball Gala at 400 Shades Creek Parkway. This was a one time event license with no objections noted. The license was approved.
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