Item 050526: ECT Institute presented the results of Homewood’s first citywide resident survey. The survey received 460 responses and showed extremely high satisfaction levels across the city. Residents rated Homewood very highly as a place to live, raise children, and work. The presentation showed Homewood scored above national averages in nearly every category measured, especially in overall city services and customer service from city employees. Residents identified the top priorities moving forward as maintaining streets and facilities, improving traffic flow, and addressing stormwater and drainage issues. Residents also strongly supported preserving Homewood’s character, history, trees, green space, and downtown atmosphere. Council members discussed parking concerns downtown, with survey results showing more dissatisfaction than satisfaction related to parking availability. 

Item 220426: Council continued discussing the Birmingham Water Works sewer bill tied to the police station water meter issue. The police station building had been turned over to the city in 2020, but the water account remained under the contractor’s name for several months because of issues with Birmingham Water Works records. During that time, the building was occupied and operating, leading to sewer charges now being transferred to the city. Carried over.

Item 010526: This request involved allowing a residential fence at 10 Pamona Avenue to partially extend onto city owned property. Staff explained the fence would slightly encroach onto a triangular city owned parcel and that the issue was tied to earlier zoning discussions and denied variance requests. Council members discussed concerns about whether allowing the fence on city property could bypass normal zoning setback rules and whether it created precedent for future right of way requests. Staff clarified that because the fence would sit on city property, the request would come through council rather than the Board of Zoning Adjustments. A public hearing was scheduled for the next meeting. Added to the council meeting.

Item 020526: Council reviewed a resolution supporting Jefferson County’s application for federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funding. The project would focus on widening and improving sidewalks along portions of Oxmoor Road to help meet ADA standards and improve pedestrian safety. Staff explained the project was part of a larger countywide effort targeting roads with high injury rates. Homewood’s expected share would be about 10% of construction costs, estimated around $240,000 if funding is awarded. Council members discussed the project scope and matching funds. Added to the council meeting.

Item 060526: The city manager requested limited authority to approve smaller budget transfers between departments and budget categories without needing full council approval each time. Staff explained this would apply only to transfers within the same fund and would not allow moving money between major city funds or using fund balance reserves. Examples included small operational adjustments like moving money for employee physicals or maintenance projects. Council members discussed concerns about transfers involving wages and requested regular reporting so council could still monitor changes. Added to the council meeting.

Item 070526: Council discussed a proposed ordinance that would add a $20 fee to permits for new detached single family homes. The money would go toward the Alabama Construction Trade Academy fund to support workforce training in residential construction trades. Staff explained the city narrowed the fee so it would only apply to new home construction instead of every residential permit. The ordinance also includes accountability measures and allows the city to opt out later if desired. Added to the council meeting.

Item 080526: This request involved vacating part of an unnamed alley near Virginia Drive and Oxmoor Road. Staff explained the request covered only a portion of the alley and that the area is not currently used for travel. Concerns were raised about existing city drainage infrastructure and utility easements located within the alley. Alabama Power submitted a letter stating it had no objection and would maintain utility access rights. Staff also reviewed the valuation process required under state law for alley vacations. A public hearing was scheduled for a future council meeting. Added to the council meeting.