Two popular topics were discussed during the June 8 Pre-Council meeting. These were Alabama's new consumable hemp product licensing law and the possibility of a temporary moratorium related to data centers.  It is important to note that these were discussion items only. No decisions were made, and no policies were adopted on either topic. To move these forward, they would return through the public Pre-Council and Council meeting process for additional discussion and consideration before any action is taken. Data Center Moratorium The data center discussion focused on whether Homewood should consider a moratorium on data center applications while zoning regulations are reviewed. A moratorium would pause the acceptance and review of any new data center applications. There have been questions about a proposed data center project near Lakeshore Parkway. As clarification, that project is located within the City of Birmingham and is subject to Birmingham's approval process, not Homewood's. Hemp Licenses Homewood's City attorneys provided information about Alabama's recently enacted licensing system for consumable hemp products. Under state law, cities play a role in the license application process, but the ABC Board makes the final decision on whether to approve a license and enforces the laws on what can be sold under the license. There are three license categories to be considered, shown below. Municipalities can allow any number of them, all of them, or none of them: 1. Licenses for grocery stores to sell certain beverages. 2. Licenses for pharmacies to sell certain pharmacy-related products. 3. Specialty retailer licenses, which are only for package stores and standalone hemp retailers.

Pre-Council Meeting - 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.

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

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

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 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 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

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.