Pre-Council & Council Meetings July 13, 2026
July 14, 2026

Pre-Council Meeting - July 13, 2026

What could change with traffic calming in Homewood? The Council discussed updated rules for speed cushions and other safety measures, including new traffic and speed thresholds, plus a possible one way conversion on 29th Court South. They also discussed using opioid settlement funds to support Safe and Healthy Homewood's prevention work and property being donated by Samford University that could create new opportunities near Griffin Brook Creek.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4falZQr

  • Details

    Budget Transfer Approach; Council received an update that the invoice has been corrected and is now in the city's name, meaning payment would go directly to Central Alabama Water rather than the contractor. Staff is checking the updated amount before moving forward. Carried Over.


    Overton Drive Pine Tree Removal; Council discussed a request to privately remove a large pine tree in an unmaintained alley behind 3107 Overton Drive. The property owner would pay for the removal, but council wants more time to review the tree's location, nearby power lines, and whether another tree could be planted in the area. Carried Over.


    Good Neighbor Pledge for Taxco; Council discussed releasing Taxco from Homewood's good neighbor pledge after the business was unable to find a larger space in the city that met its needs. The company has found space in Birmingham and needs the release before signing its new lease. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Samford University Property Donation; Council discussed a proposed donation of property at Broadway and Green Springs Highway near Griffin Brook Creek. City ownership could help with flood insurance program credits and create future beautification improvements. No action needed, dropped.


    Safe and Healthy Homewood Opioid Prevention Funding; Council discussed using about $20,000 in opioid settlement funds to support Safe and Healthy Homewood through September. The funding would help maintain prevention work after a long-term grant ended and prepare the program for expanded opioid prevention efforts in the fall. Carried Over.


    Canyon Drive Retaining Wall; Council reviewed a retaining wall that slightly extends into the public right of way at 419 Poinciana Drive. Council asked for confirmation of the wall's final location and raised concerns about placing irrigation in the right of way because of possible future sidewalk work. Carried Over.


    Compact Parking Regulations at Patriot Park; Council discussed updating the city's ordinance to better define a compact vehicle so two compact parking spaces near Patriot Park can be enforced. The spaces are intended to improve visibility for drivers and children crossing the street. Carried Over.


    29th Court South One-Way Conversion; City Engineer Amy Zari discussed making 29th Court South one way from Central Avenue to Crescent Avenue because vehicles parking on both sides leave little room for two-way traffic. Nearby property owners and businesses were contacted, and no opposition was reported. Carried Over.


    Traffic Calming Policy; City Engineer Amy Zari  provided updates to the city's traffic calming policy, including online-only requests, clearer data standards, new traffic volume and speed thresholds, and a higher petition approval requirement. The changes also clarify when signage, police enforcement, or physical measures such as speed cushions may be considered, with police and fire input required for vertical devices. Carried Over.


    Public Records Request Policy; City Clerk Bo Seagrist provided an update to modernize how public records requests are handled and how fees are charged. The current policy is based largely on page-by-page record. Carried Over.


    Friends of Shades Creek Grant Support; Council discussed supporting a Friends of Shades Creek grant application to improve about 4,000 feet of Shades Creek. The city's resolution would show support for the grant application. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Homewood Fire Department Grant; Council discussed accepting a $5,000 grant for Homewood Fire Department equipment. The department has plans for the funding, and the grant must be used for its intended public safety purpose. Added to the Council Meeting.

Council Meeting - July 13, 2026

The Council approved a repaving parking lot project on Oxmoor Road, the old Waffle House, with work expected to begin before the end of July, and also supported work aimed at creating safer salamander pools in the Homewood Forest Preserve. New budget rules were also approved to require material budget changes to come before the Council by ordinance, adding another layer of transparency. 


Agenda: https://bit.ly/3SLPQHx

  • Details

    Virginia Drive Alley Vacation; Council approved vacating a portion of an unnamed alley next to 200 Virginia Drive. Previous discussion with neighbors helped answer concerns about drainage access and confirmed there were no utility issues. Approved.


    Morse Boulevard Alley Vacation; Council approved vacating a 20-foot public alley between 115 and 117 Morse Boulevard. Approved.


    Money Measure Ordinance; Council repealed an outdated rule tied to the city's former council committee structure. Officials said the rule is no longer needed under the current form of government. Approved.


    Municipal Budget Changes; Council approved a new requirement that material changes to the city's annual budget must be approved by ordinance. The change is intended to increase accountability and transparency. Approved.


    Historic Preservation Commission Ordinance; Council updated the Historic Preservation Commission ordinance to align with the city's current form of government. Approved.


    Homewood Forest Preserve Vernal Pools; Council approved right-of-way access for possible work to create or improve vernal pools in the Forest Preserve. The project is intended to provide better habitat for salamanders and reduce the need for them to cross the road to reach pools on Samford property if grant funding is received. Approved.


    25th Court South Rezoning; Council continued consideration of rezoning the western portion of 1830 25th Court South to make the property consistent with the zoning of most of the lot. Carried Over.


    Rumson Road and Yorkshire Drive Traffic Improvements; Council reviewed proposed yield signs and pavement markings at the Rumson Road and Yorkshire Drive intersection. The ordinance would also prohibit parking around the traffic island. Carried Over.


    405 Woodville Lane Public Nuisance; Council will consider declaring the property at 405 Woodville Lane a public nuisance at its July 27 meeting. Carried Over.


    Surplus City Property; Council declared miscellaneous city vehicles and furniture as surplus property, allowing the city to dispose of items no longer needed for public use. Approved.


    185 Oxmoor Road Parking Lot Project; Council approved an agreement for repaving the parking lot at the old Waffle House in West Homewood. Construction is expected to begin before the end of July and could take four to six months, although the work might be completed in about 90 days. Nearby businesses will be notified about the construction and parking impacts. Approved.


    City Vouchers; Council reviewed and approved city vouchers covering June 23 through July 13. Council noted improvements in the review process and documentation of transfers. Approved.


    Good Neighbor Pledge; Council approved a Good Neighbor Pledge for DAC.SCO, which has outgrown its current needs and was unable to find a suitable walkable location in Homewood. The pledge supports the company's move to Birmingham after officials said it made a good-faith effort to remain in Homewood. Approved.


    Friends of Shades Creek Grant Application; Council approved a resolution supporting a grant application from the Friends of Shades Creek. Approved.


    Homewood Fire Department Grant; Council authorized the city manager to accept a $5,000 grant award for the Homewood Fire Department. Officials said the funding will be used for a camera. Approved.

More

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

Animal Control Partnering w/ GBHS

October 5, 2026
Have a lost pet, need to report a stray or have a wildlife issue? There are several important changes to Homewood Animal Control services beginning Monday, October 5. REPORT A STRAY To report a stray , call Homewood Police non-emergency dispatch at 205-332-6200 . The City of Homewood, Homewood Police Department and Homewood Animal Control are partnering with Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) for these services. FIND YOUR PET If you think your animal may have been picked up by Animal Control, call the Greater Birmingham Humane Society at 205-591-6522 . Stray animals picked up in Homewood are taken to 6227 5th Ave. North in Birmingham until GBHS opens its new facility opens on Sydney Drive, and then they will be taken there. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 11:30am. GBHS is closed Sunday. Fees for picking up an animal may include $50 if the animal is unaltered, a $30 impound fee, a $20 rabies fee if proof of vaccination is not available and a $50 City fee. wildlife issues Call Complete Animal Removal at 205-208-7777 . Homewood Animal Control will not respond to wildlife calls involving animals such as raccoons, possums, snakes, coyotes or foxes. after hours Stray animals will not be picked up after hours. If you report a stray after hours, Animal Control will handle the call the next business day.

Traffic Calming Coming to Hambaugh/Dixon Avenues

September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process to look at what is happening and determine whether traffic calming measures are needed and what those measures could be. One example is now moving toward a vote. The City received traffic concerns involving Hambaugh Avenue between Columbiana Road and Dixon Avenue, and Dixon Avenue between Broadway Street and Hambaugh Avenue. Traffic data was collected and studied, and both streets qualified for traffic calming measures. The current proposal calls for speed cushions at two locations on Hambaugh Avenue and two locations on Dixon Avenue. The design also takes emergency response into consideration, allowing fire trucks to travel through the middle of the cushions. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal October 12, 6pm at City Hall, 2nd floor Council Chambers . View Drawings of Cushion Locations Visit Traffic Calming Page

Traffic Issues on Your Street?

September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process for looking at those concerns and determining whether something should be done and what measures may be appropriate. Traffic calming is not simply putting in a speed hump or adding a sign. It is a process that uses traffic data, engineering standards and input from several City departments to look at what is happening on a street before deciding what, if anything, should change. It starts with a resident submitting a traffic calming request identifying the location and concern. City Engineering reviews the request and collects traffic data so the street can be evaluated using the City’s standards. If the request continues through the process, it receives additional review from the Complete Streets Advisory Committee. Planning, Traffic, Police and Fire also have an opportunity to look at the request. That is important because a possible solution has to consider more than vehicle speed. Things such as the street itself, pedestrian safety, traffic patterns and emergency response can all be part of determining whether a particular measure makes sense. The mayor and the councilor representing the area also review the request before it can advance to the resident petition stage. If the location qualifies and the request continues, affected residents take part in the petition process required by the City’s traffic calming policy. Only after those steps and required approvals are completed can a location move toward an appropriate traffic calming improvement. The goal is not to assume every traffic concern has the same answer. One street may have different conditions and needs than another. The process gives the City a way to collect information, hear from the people who live in the area and determine whether a traffic calming measure is appropriate and safe. Submit a Traffic Calming Request Visit Traffic Calming Page

2027 Budget Approved

September 29, 2026
A city budget is more than a list of numbers. It’s a vital infrastructure that reflects the City’s priorities and determines how resources are used to provide services, support employees and invest in the community. On September 28, the Homewood City Council approved the City’s FY2027 budget. The General Fund is approximately $77 million and supports the day-to-day services residents rely on. Sales and property taxes provide much of the revenue, while personnel costs account for approximately $42 million. The approved budget adds three police officer positions and includes investments in street paving, stormwater projects, sidewalk repairs, replacement vehicles and equipment, and other infrastructure needs throughout the City. In addition to the revenue that supports City operations, one cent of Homewood’s sales tax is dedicated to the Homewood Board of Education. That penny is expected to generate approximately $11.5 million for Homewood City Schools this year. This was the first budget developed under Homewood’s new council-manager form of government. City Manager Cale Smith worked with department heads to identify operational needs and priorities and presented a proposed budget to the City Council. Council members then reviewed the budget through a series of public budget hearings, asked questions and made revisions before approving the final budget. The work does not end with this vote. The City plans to provide monthly reports on revenues and expenditures throughout the year, providing a clearer picture of the City’s financial position on a regular basis. City leadership will also continue evaluating ongoing expenses and revenues to work toward a sustainable budget that provides the services residents expect while responsibly managing the City’s resources. View the September 28 meeting below. View Approved Budget View All Details Inlcuding Budget Hearings

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