Pre-Council & Council Meetings June 8, 2026

Pre-Council Meeting - June 8, 2026

This pre-council meeting included a proposal allowing the City Manager limited authority for small budget transfers, an updated early retirement incentive program for long-term employees, and approval steps for Homewood's upcoming microtransit service. Council members also discussed improvements to the Highway 31 pedestrian tunnel, restoration projects to help protect Homewood's spotted salamander population, and a potential temporary moratorium on new data center applications while future zoning regulations are developed. The council also received an overview of Alabama's new consumable hemp product regulations and discussed whether Homewood should allow licensed sales of products such as hemp beverages, gummies, creams, and other approved hemp products.


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

  • Details


    Budget Transfer for Outstanding Water Bill; City officials said they are very close to resolving an issue involving an outstanding water bill. The item was carried over one more time while final details are completed. 


    Delegation of Budget Transfer Authority; Council discussed allowing the City Manager to approve budget transfers of up to $30,000 within the same fund and budget year. Transfers would require approval from the Finance Director and would be reported to the council through the regular voucher process. Council members said the revised proposal improves efficiency while maintaining oversight. Added to the council meeting. 


    Early Retirement Incentive Program; Council reviewed updates to the proposed retirement incentive program. The enrollment window would run from July through September. Added to the council meeting. 


    FEMA Hazard Mitigation Resolution; The city reviewed a required agreement that keeps Homewood eligible for FEMA disaster assistance and other emergency funding programs. Added to the council meeting. 


    Municipal Budget Change Ordinance; A proposed ordinance would require significant budget amendments to be approved by ordinance, creating additional transparency and accountability whenever major changes are made to the city budget. Carried over. 


    Repeal of Outdated Finance Committee Ordinance; Council reviewed an ordinance that would remove an obsolete section of city code related to an old finance committee structure that no longer exists. Carried over. 


    Historic Preservation Commission Ordinance Revisions; Proposed changes would update board appointments to reflect Homewood’s council-manager form of government and current ward structure. The item will return for a future reading. Carried over. 


    Ventura Avenue Street Trees; Residents requested permission to plant approved street trees within the public right-of-way along Ventura Avenue. The proposal includes safeguards to protect sidewalks and visibility. Carried over. 


    Microtransit Service Agreement; Council discussed finalizing an agreement with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority to launch Homewood’s microtransit program. Discussion focused on public education, marketing, and rollout plans to help residents understand and use the service. Added to the council meeting. 


    Abatement Board Ordinance Revisions; Proposed changes would restructure appointments to the Abatement Board to align with the city’s current government and ward representation system. Added to the council meeting. 


    U.S. 31 Pedestrian Tunnel Improvement Project Agreement; Council reviewed authorization for the City Manager to execute the construction contract for the planned tunnel improvement project. Officials said the project is ready to move forward and will include upgrades to the tunnel area and surrounding improvements. Added to the council meeting.  There was also a related budget amendment was discussed to fund the tunnel improvements, landscaping, and pedestrian enhancements associated with the project. Added to the council meeting. 


    Homewood Forest Preserve Vernal Pool Project; A proposal was presented to construct and restore seasonal wetlands within the Homewood Forest Preserve to support the city’s declining spotted salamander population. The work would be funded through grants and volunteers, with no city funding requested. Council plans to consider the request in July. Carried over. 


    Consumable Hemp Products Licensing; City attorney's provided an overview of Alabama’s new consumable hemp product regulations and discussed whether Homewood should allow licensed sales of products such as hemp beverages, gummies, creams, and other approved hemp products. No action was taken. 


    Data Center Moratorium Discussion; Council discussed creating a temporary moratorium on data center applications while zoning regulations are reviewed as part of the city’s comprehensive planning process. A formal moratorium proposal is expected to return for consideration. 


Council Meeting - June 8, 2026

The council approved the agreement to launch Microtransit service in Homewood, moving forward with a grant funded pilot that city leaders hope will provide a new transportation option while helping address parking and connectivity challenges across the community. The council also approved construction and funding for the Highway 31 pedestrian tunnel improvements and adopted an early retirement incentive program for eligible employees.


The meeting also included a public hearing on a proposed rezoning along Montgomery Street that would allow the expansion of a local fitness studio into renovated buildings.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/3PKQR1p

  • Details



    Fitness Studio Rezoning on Montgomery Street; Council held a public hearing on a request to rezone two properties on Montgomery Street to allow the renovation and reuse of existing buildings for a fitness studio expansion. The business owner and several members spoke in support, highlighting the studio’s community impact, inclusive programs, and need for additional space and parking. Carried over for final vote on June 22. 


    Budget Transfer Authority; Council approved a policy giving the City Manager limited authority to make certain budget transfers. The policy includes additional oversight measures, including dual approval requirements and regular reporting to the council. Approved. 


    Construction Trade Academy Fee; Council approved an additional $20 fee on certain new residential construction permits that will be directed to the Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund. The program is intended to help support workforce development in the construction trades. Approved. 


    Public Works Facility Design Services; Council approved an agreement for architectural and engineering services related to planned improvements at the Public Works site on Citation Court. The work will provide construction documents needed for future facility renovations and expansion. Approved. 


    Retaining Wall at Ridge Road; Council approved a request allowing a retaining wall associated with a residential driveway project to extend into the city right-of-way. Officials said the wall serves a structural purpose related to grading conditions on the property. Approved. 


    Hilton Garden Inn Liquor License; Council approved an ABC restaurant retail liquor license for the Hilton Garden Inn at Wildwood. Police and fire reviews were completed with no issues reported. Approved. 


    Voucher Approval; Council approved vouchers covering city expenditures from May 19 through June 8. Approved. 


    Early Retirement Incentive Program; Council approved an early retirement incentive program for eligible employees. Officials explained that employees must qualify for retirement through the Retirement Systems of Alabama and meet service requirements, with an application window running from July through September. Approved. 


    FEMA Emergency Management Resolution; Council approved a FEMA-related resolution required through Jefferson County. The item was described as an administrative requirement needed for emergency management compliance. Approved. 


    Microtransit Service Agreement; Council approved an agreement with BJCTA to launch a microtransit service in Homewood. Members discussed how the service could help address transportation and parking challenges, and noted that grant funding from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham will cover the initial pilot period. Approved. 


    Abatement Board Ordinance Revisions; Council approved amendments to the city’s abatement board ordinance to reflect Homewood’s new form of government. The changes update the appointment process for board members and establish a non-voting city liaison position to improve communication between the board and city administration. Approved. 


    U.S. 31 Pedestrian Tunnel Improvement Project; Council approved a construction agreement and related budget amendment for improvements to the U.S. 31 pedestrian tunnel area. Discussion included questions about artwork inside the tunnel, though officials clarified that interior artwork is not part of the current construction project. Approved. 


More

Riding Safely

June 8, 2026
Electric scooters, e-bikes, golf carts, and other small vehicles have become a common part of everyday life in Homewood. While many may look similar, Alabama law treats them very differently. Many residents are surprised to learn that these may be legally classified as motor vehicles and are subject to licensing, insurance, registration, and safety requirements. These are not City of Homewood regulations. They are requirements established by Alabama state law that the Homewood Police Department must follow. We are sharing this information to help residents understand the rules, avoid violations, and stay safe. A Note for Parents Parents are often surprised to learn that Alabama law may hold them responsible if a child operates certain vehicles without the required license, insurance, registration, helmet, shoes, or other required safety equipment. State law may also hold parents responsible if they knowingly allow a child to violate traffic laws while operating these vehicles. Because of that, it may be good to take the time to understand the rules that apply to what you may purchase and allow to operate.

BZA Meeting June 4, 2026

June 6, 2026
100 Acton Avenue; The homeowner requested a variance to extend the existing nonconforming rear wall of the house by six feet in order to move the laundry area from a detached garage into the home. The request was presented as an aging-in-place improvement for longtime residents, with discussion about the home's unusual layout, roof design, plumbing issues in the garage, and limited alternatives for relocating the laundry room. Board members questioned other possible locations for the addition and whether the expansion was necessary. After discussion, the request was denied. 609 Morris Boulevard; The applicant did not appear for the hearing and there had been no recent communication with the board. After a brief discussion, the board voted to postpone the case to the July 9 meeting to allow the applicant another opportunity to present the request. Carried over. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4fTi10m

Planning Commission June 2, 2026

June 3, 2026
The Planning Commission had a short agenda this month, focusing on two property related items. 617 Warwick Road: This request involved a resurvey and lot line adjustment between the two properties after a fence issue and a property transfer between neighboring owners. The updated survey reconfigured the lots to match the new property ownership and boundaries. No public comments were made, and the Planning Commission approved the resurvey request. Approved. 1832 25th Court South: The City of Homewood requested a rezoning to correct an inconsistency created when a portion of property near the Lee Community Center was sold and combined with an existing residential lot. The change would place the entire parcel under a single zoning classification and bring the zoning map in line with the current property boundaries and land use. Commissioners noted the change would not affect the active Lee Community Center property and would simply make the combined parcel consistent with surrounding residential uses. The Planning Commission approved the rezoning request and forwarded it to the City Council with a positive recommendation. Added to the council meeting. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4dVER59

Homewood Has Healthy Finances at Mid-Year

May 19, 2026
VIEW PRESENTATION On the heels of the positive feedback from residents through the citizen survey , there's more encouraging news, the City’s mid-year financial position is trending in the right direction! At last night's Pre-Council meeting, City Manager Cale Smith presented a strong mid-year budget review showing revenues continue trending ahead of last year while spending remains below 50% halfway through the fiscal year. The City has healthy reserve levels, a current surplus, and has been careful with spending across departments as planning continues for future capital projects and long term financial stability. The Council also discussed a proposed early retirement incentive program for employees already eligible for retirement. This proposal is designed as a benefit for longtime employees, not necessarily as a direct cost savings measure. Similar programs are commonly used in nearby municipalities. You can view the Powerpoint above, or watch the video from that meetings to learn more. Find those subjects at these times: 00:08:15 Early Retirement Incentive 00:32:18 Mid Year Budget Review 

Pre-Council & Council Meetings May 18, 2026

May 19, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - May 18, 2026 The May 18 Pre Council discussion focused on the city’s mid year budget review, with revenues trending ahead of last year and expenses staying just under the halfway mark for the year. Council also discussed a possible early retirement incentive, public works storage improvements, the US 31 pedestrian tunnel landscaping agreement, and future financial policy updates. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4dsE4bw

Pre-Council & Council Meetings May 11, 2026

May 12, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - May 11, 2026 At this Pre-council meeting, city leaders reviewed the results of a major resident survey that showed extremely high satisfaction with life in Homewood, city services, schools, parks, public safety, and overall quality of life. Residents identified key priorities for the future, including preserving Homewood’s character and green space, improving traffic flow, maintaining streets and sidewalks, addressing stormwater and drainage issues, and continuing to build a vibrant downtown. Council members also discussed sidewalk improvement plans along Oxmoor Road tied to a Jefferson County Safe Streets grant application, new flexibility for small department budget transfers, a proposed residential permit fee supporting construction workforce training programs, and several property and alley related requests that will move to future public hearings. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3Pfx9dD

Citizen Survey Results

May 11, 2026
SURVEY REPORT SURVEY MAP Thank you for your feedback! The citywide resident survey responses were overwhelmingly positive in nearly every category measured, including quality of life, public safety, schools, parks, and library services. Nearly 99% of residents surveyed rated Homewood as a good or excellent place to live, while 98% said it is a good or excellent place to raise children. One of the biggest takeaways from the report was how strongly Homewood compared to other communities. We scored higher than the national average in 47 out of 49 categories measured, including public safety, customer service, parks, schools, and overall satisfaction with the city. For future planning, residents placed a strong emphasis on preserving Homewood’s character and history, protecting trees and green space, improving drainage, and creating a vibrant downtown. This data gives City leaders a clearer picture of both the strengths residents value most and the areas where continued investment is expected. The results will help shape future planning discussions, budgeting priorities, infrastructure projects, and long term decisions connected to Homewood’s growth and future development.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Stormwater Pipe to Be Repaired

May 9, 2026
Beginning this Monday, May 11, repairs will begin on a large stormwater pipe near Rosedale Drive and 18th Street South. The work is expected to impact traffic in the area for about a week, so please plan ahead and use alternate routes if possible.  The turn lanes heading toward 18th Street and downtown will be heavily impacted and closed at times during the project. The right turn lane will remain open and should not be affected.

BZA Meeting May 7, 2026

May 8, 2026
The May 7 Board of Zoning Adjustments meeting focused on several residential addition requests and a major corporate relocation tied to new signage approvals. Arlington Properties received approval for new building signage at the 20th Place office tower near Highway 280 and Red Mountain Expressway as the company prepares to relocate its corporate headquarters to Homewood, bringing around 100 employees into the city and filling a large office vacancy. Two homeowners in Edgewood also received approval for second floor additions that stay within their existing home footprints while working around older lot layouts and floodplain limitations. Two previously scheduled cases at Morris Boulevard and Westover Drive were postponed until the June meeting. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4eA3Dts

Samford Architecture Students Focus on Rosedale Area

May 7, 2026
A group of Samford University architecture students spent this semester studying a very familiar part of our community, the edge of downtown near Rosedale. The project centered on the stretch along 18th Street at the northern edge of downtown Homewood. This is the point where downtown starts to transition and connect into surrounding neighborhoods, especially Rosedale. This is a regular part of the architecture program, using real places to help students work through real situations. This year, they were looking closely at how that part of Homewood functions today and how it could better connect, particularly between downtown and the historic Rosedale neighborhood just behind it. Students took a close look at walkability, public space, and how people move through the area. Some explored ways to add green space and create places people would want to gather. Others focused on how new development could either strengthen or take away from what is already there. Those ideas grew into detailed concepts shaped by both individual work and team effort. As the semester came to a close, all of the concepts and designs were shared with Homewood City leaders and local architects, offering a chance for them to listen and offer feedback. Mayor Jennifer Andress shared that the presentations provided real insight, even in an area she already knows well. She noted that students helped highlight a drop in walkability north of 28th Avenue, which aligns with ongoing conversations about where more work is still needed along that corridor. While these projects are not being selected as official plans, the value comes from what they reveal. What stood out most was the care the students showed toward Rosedale. There was a clear effort to respect its history while still thinking about how the area can grow in a thoughtful way. That balance is not easy, but it came through in many of the designs. City leaders walked away with real gratitude for Samford and the role it plays in offering this kind of learning, which not only shapes students but also brings meaningful insight back into the community.
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