Pre-Council & Council Meetings July 27, 2026
July 28, 2026

Pre-Council Meeting - July 27, 2026

City leaders reviewed a proposed ordinance that would define minor vehicle repair businesses, talked about restricting EV charging stations under occupied buildings because of fire safety concerns, and received an update on Homewood's new on demand microtransit service, which has already provided nearly 300 rides since launching July 1. They also discussed an $83,500 budget transfer for HVAC replacements and plumbing repairs at the Community Center,


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

  • Details

    Waterworks Account Payment; Council received an update that the long-outstanding Birmingham Water Works bill connected to construction of the Homewood Police Department has been verified and will be paid using existing budget funds, eliminating the need for a budget transfer. Officials said the issue resulted from the account remaining in a contractor's name and was the water works responsibility to change, but never did. Discussion Only.


    Homewood Center Property Rezoning Cleanup; Council reviewed a zoning cleanup for a small portion of property near the Homewood Center that was intended to be rezoned years ago but was never officially changed. The correction simply aligns the remaining strip with the surrounding zoning and does not change the property's current use. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Public Nuisance Properties; Council scheduled public hearings for three properties with excessive overgrowth so they can be considered public nuisances. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Surplus Information Technology Equipment; Council reviewed a request to declare outdated computers, monitors, laptops, and other technology equipment as surplus. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Minor Vehicle Repair Zoning Definition; Council reviewed the Planning Commission's positive recommendation for a shorter, more general definition of "minor vehicle repair" after discussion that a detailed list of services could unintentionally exclude similar businesses. Officials explained the revised wording is intended to provide flexibility while still meeting the council's original goal. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Grant Support Letters for Nonprofits; Council discussed allowing the city manager to sign letters supporting grant applications for nonprofit organizations that currently receive city funding. Carried Over.


    Parks Budget Transfer; Council reviewed an $83,500 budget transfer to replace two failing air conditioning units at the Community Center and repair plumbing in the women's locker room. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Electric Vehicle Charging Stations; Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead asked the council to begin considering limits on installing EV charging stations beneath occupied buildings because current firefighting methods are not effective for battery fires in enclosed parking structures. He emphasized the proposal is aimed at charger locations and has nothing to do with electric vehicles or other charging stations that would not be in these locations. This would go through the Planning Commission and include public hearings. Discussion Only.


    Microtransit Program Update; Representatives from the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority reported that Homewood's on-demand microtransit service has completed nearly 300 rides since launching on July 1 and continues to gain users through community outreach. Discussion Only.


    Budget Ordinance Update; Council received advance notice from City Attorney Keith Jackson that the city's budget ordinance will be updated to reflect Homewood's new council-manager form of government. Discussion Only.

Council Meeting - July 27, 2026

The council approved updates to the city's traffic calming policy, and adopted new public records request procedures aimed at limiting large-scale data mining while keeping records accessible. The council also approved traffic improvements at the Rumson Road and Yorkshire Drive intersection, carried forward proposed changes for compact car parking and a one way conversion on 29th Court South, and approved budget transfers for HVAC and plumbing repairs.


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

  • Details

    Property Rezoning on 25th Court South; Council scheduled a public hearing to consider rezoning part of 1830 25th Court South from institutional zoning to a Neighborhood Preservation District so the property zoning matches the surrounding neighborhood. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Woodvale Lane Public Nuisance; Council heard from the property owner regarding excessive overgrowth. After discussion, council agreed to give the owner two more weeks to clean the property before considering a public nuisance declaration if the work is not completed. Carried Over.


    Forest Brook Drive Public Nuisance; Council scheduled a public hearing to consider declaring the property at 1045 Forest Brook Drive a public nuisance because of excessive overgrowth. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Shades Creek Parkway Public Nuisance; Council scheduled a public hearing to consider declaring the property at 608 Shades Creek Parkway a public nuisance because of excessive overgrowth. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Barry Road Public Nuisance; Council scheduled a public hearing to consider declaring the property at 1580 Barry Road a public nuisance because of excessive overgrowth. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Rumson Road and Yorkshire Drive Traffic Control; Council approved installing yield signs and pavement markings at the intersection to improve safety and better define right-of-way for drivers. Approved.


    Compact Parking Definition; Council reviewed an ordinance updating the definition of a compact vehicle so compact parking spaces can be enforced more consistently based on vehicle size instead of how a vehicle is parked. The ordinance will return for a final vote at the next meeting. Carried Over.


    29th Court South One-Way Conversion; Council introduced an ordinance to convert 29th Court South to one-way traffic to improve traffic flow and safety. The proposal will return for a vote at the next meeting. Carried Over.


    Overton Drive Alley Tree Removal; Council postponed a request to allow private removal of a large pine tree in the public right-of-way behind 3107 Overton Drive so staff can further evaluate the property. Carried Over.


    Safe and Healthy Homewood Funding; Council approved using Alabama opioid settlement funds to continue funding Safe and Healthy Homewood through September 2026. Officials emphasized the funding comes from the opioid settlement and supports substance misuse prevention and education programs rather than the city's general budget. Approved.


    Poinciana Drive Retaining Wall; Council approved allowing a retaining wall at 419 Pionciana Drive to remain within the public right-of-way, provided the property owner signs an indemnification agreement. Approved.


    Traffic Calming Policy Update; Council approved revisions to the city's traffic calming policy to create a clearer review process, improve transparency, and establish updated procedures for evaluating neighborhood requests. Discussion also included the use of removable rubber speed cushions and the overall timeline for future projects. Approved.


    Public Records Request Policy; Council approved revisions to the city's public records request procedures to improve efficiency, clarify the process, and address large commercial data requests while maintaining access for residents.  Approved.


    City Vouchers; Council approved payment of vouchers covering expenditures from July 14 through July 27, 2026. Approved.


    Budget Transfer; Council approved transferring budget funds to replace air conditioning units and repair plumbing issues. Approved.

More

BZA Meeting September 8, 2026

September 9, 2026
The Board of Zoning Adjustments approved variance requests for 1409 Ardsley Place and a new covered front porch at 109 Edge View Avenue. The board denied a request at 104 Edgewood Boulevard to allow 57.92 percent impervious lot coverage, but staff agreed to work with the homeowners on possible repairs and screening that could meet the code. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4gnRpor

Budget Hearing - September 8, 2026

September 8, 2026
BUDGET HEARING - SEPTEMBER 8, 2026

Hwy 31 Construction Begins

September 4, 2026
Work begins Tuesday, September 8 on ALDOT's US 31 Access Management Project between Old Montgomery Highway and Ventura Avenue. While this work is taking place in Homewood, this is a State of Alabama project being coordinated by ALDOT. Most of the work will be done during overnight hours, so this should not disrupt normal daily traffic. But drivers should expect some changing traffic patterns. The project includes upgraded traffic signals, changes to reduce conflict points and crashes, new sidewalks, ADA compliant curb ramps, pedestrian signals, and safer crossings. The total construction cost is approximately $3.3 million, funded primarily through a $1.96 million ATRIP II grant awarded by the State of Alabama, with the City of Homewood contributing approximately $1.36 million as required through the grant agreement. View entire project and images: https://bit.ly/4w9VvVu

Special Called Council Meeting Sept. 3, 2026

September 4, 2026
The City Council reviewed a proposed process and evaluation form for the city manager’s six month and annual performance reviews. The Council will take up the procedures during Pre-Council on September 14, then entered executive session to discuss the potential redevelopment of an existing commercial property. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4ynxYlK

Planning Commission Sept. 1, 2026

September 2, 2026
The Planning Commission approved two property resurvey requests along Oxmoor Road, including one that could support parking for a future redevelopment at 184 Oxmoor Road. A request for 215 West Valley Avenue and the case involving 832 Green Springs Highway were carried over to the October 7 meeting. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3SsbhNX

2027 Budget - Where Does the Money Come From?

September 1, 2026
2027 Budget - Where Does the Money Come From? The City Council will begin reviewing the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget on Tuesday, September 8 at 4:00pm. The hearings will give the Council an opportunity to examine the proposal fund by fund, make adjustments and determine the City’s priorities before considering the final budget, Monday, September 28. During this first budget hearing, the City Manager will present updates to the overall budget and discuss revenue available to support it. One important source is sales tax. Broken down, that sales tax looks like this: Four cents go to the State of Alabama. Two cents go to Jefferson County. Four cents go to the City of Homewood, and then within that: One penny is dedicated to the Homewood Board of Education. One-quarter penny supports capital projects. The remaining City sales-tax revenue supports other City needs. In the proposed budget, each penny is expected to generate approximately $11.57 million. That estimate matters. If sales tax collections are higher or lower than expected, it can affect how much the City can spend. The Council will consider City’s estimated revenues, how much money should be kept in reserve and what level of spending can be sustained long term. The presented General Fund is approximately $77.9 million, but that number will change based on information gathered since the presentation on August 10th. The Council will also make changes throughout the hearing process. The proposed budget was prepared under Homewood’s new council-manager form of government. Under the new process, the City Manager develops and presents a proposed budget, and the City Council reviews, revises and ultimately adopts the final spending plan. All budget hearings are open to the public and will be live streamed and recorded. Additional hearings are scheduled to begin at 4:00pm on September 15, 17 and 21, with September 24 reserved for a final hearing if needed. The Council plans to consider adoption of the FY27 budget on Monday, September 28. Fiscal Year 2027 begins October 1. All figures remain proposed and are subject to change until the City Council adopts the final budget. Complete Budget Hearing Schedule

New Finance Director

August 25, 2026
Please join us in welcoming Aspen Collins as Homewood’s new Finance Director. Aspen brings more than 20 years of local government experience to the City. She most recently served Mobile County as Deputy Finance Director and Deputy County Administrator. She has also served as Finance Director for the Tuscaloosa and Bessemer housing authorities, along with roles as Finance Director and City Manager in two Nashville suburbs. We are glad to have Aspen bring that experience to Homewood and look forward to the work ahead.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings August 24, 2026

August 25, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - AUGUST 24, 2026

A Better Fit for Patriot Park

August 20, 2026
Have you ever parked in one of the two compact parking spaces beside Patriot Park near the playground? The City Council recently approved a new city-wide definition of what size vehicle can park in those and other compact designated spaces. What are the requirements? A "compact vehicle" must be small enough to fit completely inside the marked parking space when properly positioned. No part of the vehicle can extend beyond the outside edges of the lines. When larger SUVs or trucks park in those end spaces, they can block the view of children crossing the street to and from Patriot Park and nearby businesses. Keeping those available for smaller vehicles will help keeps our kids safe! Read the Ordinance HERE

Bugsy is Back!

August 12, 2026
You can't climb on him anymore... but beginning Monday, August 17 , you can lean on him to help you navigate information from across the City. Who are we talking about? Our new website chatbot, Bugsy! This little guy will help you find information, get answers to your questions, and connect with the services you need quickly and easily. Bugsy will be available 24/7, and can speak more than 70 languages. We're one of the first cities in Alabama to launch this specific type of tool, and we hope Bugsy, in his new role, continues to be a helpful part of our community for many years to come. About Citibot The City of Homewood is partnering with Citibot , a leader in AI-powered communication solutions for local governments, to provide this great resource. Based in Charleston, SC, Citibot LLC was founded in 2016 with the mission of making government services accessible to all. Citibot CEO Bratton Riley was inspired by the power of conversational chatbots to help governments become more accessible and accountable. “Expectations for quality customer service are always rising,” said Riley. “Cities and counties like Homewood are leading the way, implementing technology that enhances efficiency and improves access to essential information and services.” Citibot provides AI-powered chatbot solutions that enhance communication between residents and local governments. Using smart text messaging and web chat, Citibot enables residents to quickly get answers, report issues, contact staff, and receive real-time alerts. Learn more at http://citibot.io .
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