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    Repeal of Outdated Finance Committee Ordinance; Council reviewed an ordinance that would remove an obsolete section of city code related to an old finance committee structure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

Improving Parking

July 20, 2026
As we work to make the most of public parking, the Homewood Police Department has hired a Parking Enforcement Officer. The goal is to help keep parking spaces available for everyone throughout the day. As a reminder, street parking in Homewood is limited to three hours. Specifically, please be mindful of the two designated ‘Law Enforcement’ parking spaces in front of SoHo Square, which must remain available for police use. There will be a short period where warnings will be issued to help everyone become familiar with the parking requirements before citations begin.

Active Shooter Training

July 15, 2026
You may see a large and very visible police presence around the campus and inside OLS over the next week or so. This is training.  The Homewood Police Department will be conducting active shooter response training on the campus of Our Lady of Sorrows School July 16 and 17 and July 20 through 24, from 9am to 3pm each day. This is part of HPD's annual training and will also include medical trauma treatment and first aid. We wanted to make sure you knew what was happening if you see the activity in the area.

Planning Commission July 14, 2026

July 15, 2026
The Planning Commission reviewed a proposed zoning definition for minor vehicle repair after concerns about vehicle-focused businesses along the Green Springs corridor. Discussion focused on whether the proposed definition was too broad and could affect specialized businesses or existing businesses that may become nonconforming. The commission recommended using a shorter definition focused on routine, low-impact vehicle services and removing the long list of examples. The amended recommendation passed 5 to 1 and now moves to the City Council. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4vQEikP

Scam Alert! Cyber-Criminals Impersonating City Officials

July 15, 2026
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and may use the names of real City officials, employees or information from public meetings to make an email, text message or phone call appear legitimate. A familiar name or email does not mean the message is real. The City of Homewood will NEVER ask you to purchase gift cards, send cryptocurrency or make a personal payment to a City official or employee through an unsolicited email or text message. Cash and check are the only forms of payment currently accepted for Variance, Rezoning, Resurvey, and Development Plan applications. If you receive ANY request involving money, STOP and VERIFY it before responding. Call the City using THIS CONTACT INFO . DO NOT call a phone number included in the suspicious message. You could be calling the scammer back instead of a City official. And if you are still unsure, come see us! Visit City Hall, 4th Floor, and talk directly with our staff. We can help verify any request involving money. You can also verify using these emails: fred.goodwin@homewoodal.org emily.harrismiller@homewoodal.org If you are directed by City staff to send in your payemnt, use this information:  Attn: Department of Engineering and Zoning City of Homewood 2850 19th Street South, Fourth Floor Homewood, AL 35209

31 Tunnel - A Little History

July 14, 2026
The U.S. Highway 31 pedestrian tunnel is temporarily closed while it undergoes a major renovation. While crews are at work over the next few months, we thought it would be a good time to look back at the history of Homewood's longest-serving pedestrian connection. For more than 70 years, the tunnel has provided generations of Homewood families with a safe passage beneath a busy roadway. The tunnel was constructed in 1954 after widening of U.S. Highway 31, then known as Montgomery Highway. At the time, many students who attended Shades Cahaba Elementary lived on the west side of 31. Rather than requiring hundreds of children to cross a rapidly expanding highway at street level, community leaders pushed for a pedestrian underpass. To help make room for the tunnel's west entrance, Hill Food Store, the predecessor to today's Piggly Wiggly, provided a portion of its parking lot.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings July 13, 2026

July 14, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - July 13, 2026

BZA Meeting July 9, 2026

July 10, 2026
The Board of Zoning Adjustments approved a variance for a family to build a therapeutic pool on Gran Ave. The variance allows a 105-square-foot increase in impervious surfacing. The applicant demonstrated the project would remain within the city's maximum allowable impervious surface coverage, at approximately 44.6%, while providing enough space for aquatic therapy for their son with cerebral palsy. The board denied a requested variance for a proposed condominium development on Courtney Drive after nearby residents raised concerns about traffic, alley access, and neighborhood impacts, while approving two separate requests for second story home additions on Ardsley Place and Peerless Avenue. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3SCceD3

US 31 Tunnel Closing

July 6, 2026
Beginning Monday, July 6, the U.S. 31 pedestrian tunnel near Piggly Wiggly will be closed on both ends as construction begins on a major renovation project. Construction is expected to take a few months to work on new landscaping, lighting, and other upgrades designed to create a safer and more welcoming connection for everyone walking through the area.

On-Demand Rides Now Available in Homewood

July 2, 2026
Microtransit is now available for Homewood residents, adding an on-demand option to move around our city from the Birmingham Transit Authority (BJCTA). It works just like ride sharing whereby riders will be able to request a trip through an app and get picked up nearby, with routes designed in real time to keep trips efficient and wait times low. The service provides point-to-point transportation anywhere within the city limits for just $1.50 per trip. For more details, GO HERE. How this pilot program is being funded?  The initial phase, running from July 2026 through September 2027, is fully funded through the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham , at about $792,000. This allows the city to launch the service without immediate long-term cost commitments. After that, projected annual costs are expected to be around $610,000 to $630,000, depending on how the service is adjusted according to our needs. This pilot approach gives Homewood time to see how people actually use the system, where demand is strongest, and how the service can be refined. It also keeps flexibility built in, with the ability to adjust hours, coverage, and fleet size based on real data. You can VIEW THE PRESENTATION presented to the Council on April 13, 2026.

A Safe Place to Meet

July 1, 2026
It's not just the temperatures rising this summer, online buying and selling is hot too. Which means more people are meeting strangers to complete transactions. If that's you, consider meeting at a safe location. As a reminder, the Homewood Police Department offers an official 'Community Meetup Spot' in the parking lot in their parking lot. The designated exchange area is located just to the left as you enter the parking lot and is marked by two parking spaces with green lines. It is a well lit area with security cameras, and of course, police officers all around you. This is an easy way to protect yourself and the other person.
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