Pre-Council Meeting - NOVEMBER 9, 2026
Homewood's Pre-Council meeting focused on changes to city operations, including a proposal to add a personal day for employees, updating holiday leave policies for police and fire personnel, and declaring 28 city vehicles surplus. Council members also reviewed changes to meeting procedures under the new council manager form of government, including how ordinances are presented and discussed.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/4iFhdfx
Details
Debris Removal Agreement; A proposed agreement with Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency would give Homewood access to statewide debris removal and monitoring contracts following a disaster. The agreement would allow the city to use contractors already selected through a statewide process instead of having to find and approve contractors after an emergency. Carried Over.
Warrant Approval Ordinance; A proposed ordinance would update how the city approves financial vouchers to better align with Homewood's council-manager form of government. Added to the Council Meeting.
Competitive Bid Openings; A proposed change would allow the city manager to set the date, time and location for opening competitive bids. This would simplify the city's bidding process by allowing the city manager to handle these administrative details rather than requiring council approval each time. Added to the Council Meeting.
Surplus City Vehicles; A review of the city's vehicle fleet identified 28 vehicles that are no longer needed or suitable for continued use. The list includes a garbage truck, a clamshell truck, several police vehicles and extra vehicles previously kept as backups. One vehicle was also identified as unable to pass inspection. Added to the Council Meeting.
2027 Employee Holiday Schedule; The proposed schedule would keep the city's existing 12 holidays while adding one personal day for employees who do not currently receive one. The change is intended to bring Homewood's employee benefits more in line with other Jefferson County municipalities, where most provide personal days and the average number of holidays is about 13. Added to the Council Meeting.
Ordinance Reading Procedures; A proposed change would allow ordinances to be presented by title and summary rather than requiring the full text to be read aloud during council meetings. To protect public access, the complete ordinance would have to be available on the city's website at least 24 hours before the meeting. If the ordinance is not posted in time, it could not be voted on. Added to the Council Meeting.
Council Meeting Discussion Procedures; A proposed ordinance would allow city employees or other appropriate individuals to explain agenda items before formal council discussion begins. This would help provide background information and answer questions before council members decide whether to consider an item for action. Added to the Council Meeting.
Council Presiding Officer Authority; A proposed ordinance would allow the person presiding over council meetings to make and second motions. The change recognizes Homewood's smaller five-member council under the council-manager form of government and would give members more flexibility when conducting business. Added to the Council Meeting.
Council Meeting Rules; A proposed ordinance would update the city's meeting procedures to the 12th edition of Robert's Rules of Order, replacing rules that are approximately 75 years old. The update would also establish simplified procedures for Pre-Council meetings, which generally operate as work sessions but can take official action when necessary. Added to the Council Meeting.
Employee Holiday Leave Policy; An updated policy would change how holiday leave is earned. Added to the Council Meeting.
Council Meeting - NOVEMBER 9, 2026
The Homewood City Council approved a new holiday pay policy for city employees, including police and firefighters, and updated several procedures for how council meetings are conducted. The council also approved participation in Alabama's emergency mutual aid system and discussed proposed restrictions on EV charging stations in parking decks due to fire safety concerns, with a vote expected November 23.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/48DPl6R
Details
The Woods Outdoor Entertainment Venue; The final development plan for The Woods, a proposed golf-oriented outdoor entertainment venue in West Homewood, received approval. The project was described as a well-planned addition that will bring a new entertainment option to the area. Approved.
Samford University South Campus Student Housing; The final development plan for Samford University's proposed South Campus student housing development received approval, allowing the university to move forward with its plans for additional student housing. Approved.
1622 26th Avenue South Property Nuisance; Excessive vegetation and overgrowth at the property prompted a public nuisance declaration after earlier notices went unanswered. The property was reportedly going through foreclosure, and the mortgage holder requested additional time to address the problem. Approved.
1600 Berry Road Property Nuisance; Excessive vegetation remained in the backyard despite improvements made to the front yard. The property owner explained that a tree service was scheduled to complete the remaining work on November 5 and requested additional time. The city agreed to allow the cleanup to take place before reconsidering the nuisance declaration. Carried Over.
304 Mecca Avenue Property Nuisance; Excessive growth in the backyard remained unresolved despite notices sent beginning in August. The discussion also addressed concerns about nearby trees, but those issues were determined to be separate matters between property owners. The public nuisance declaration allows the city to arrange cleanup of the overgrown property. Approved.
139 State Farm Parkway Property Nuisance; Excessive vegetation, overgrown landscaping, and trees growing into the street remained concerns at the former Landry's restaurant property in Wildwood. A representative of the property owner explained that the site is planned for a large medical clinic and surgery center and that landscaping work had already begun. The city requested that the entire property, including the fenced area and public right-of-way, be addressed. The owner will work with city staff to clarify expectations and complete the cleanup before the next meeting. Carried Over.
832 Green Springs Property Hearing; A public hearing concerning the property was scheduled for November 23. No discussion of the property's specific issues took place. Carried Over.
1625 26th Avenue South Property Nuisance; A public hearing concerning excessive vegetation at the property is scheduled for November 23. Consideration of the nuisance declaration will take place at that meeting. Carried Over.
1316 Carr Avenue Property Nuisance; A public hearing concerning excessive vegetation at the property is scheduled for November 23. Consideration of the nuisance declaration will take place at that meeting. Carried Over.
1616 Barry Avenue Property Nuisance; A public hearing concerning excessive vegetation at the property is scheduled for November 23. Consideration of the nuisance declaration will take place at that meeting. Carried Over.
Property Lien Release; A resolution authorized the city to release a previously placed property lien after the applicable requirements were satisfied. Approved.
Interchange Mowing Bid; A bid opening for interchange mowing services was discussed, with November 30 identified as the bid date. No resolution was adopted at this meeting. Carried Over.
City Financial Vouchers; Payment vouchers covering city expenses from October 13 through October 26 were reviewed and authorized for payment. Approved.
Public Works Vehicle and Maintenance Storage Buildings; A bid opening was set for November 24 for proposed Public Works vehicle and maintenance storage buildings. The bid process will allow the city to receive proposals for the facilities. Approved.
300 Windsor Drive Fence Encroachment; A request to allow an existing fence to extend into the public right-of-way received approval. The fence is located along the side of the property, follows a previously approved variance, and is being replaced rather than newly installed. The existing sidewalk will not be affected, and the approval requires appropriate agreements protecting the city from liability. Approved.
18th Street Restricted Parking; An existing ordinance restricting parking along 18th Street was rescinded. City engineering staff reviewed the location and confirmed that the required 15-foot sight line was adequate, with no safety concerns identified. Approved.
Level 3 Communications Franchise Agreement; Amendments extending the existing telecommunications franchise agreement with Level 3 Communications, LLC, received approval. The amendments allow the company's franchise authorization with the city to continue under the updated terms. Approved.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations; A proposal to limit where electric vehicle charging stations may be located within the city remained under consideration. No final action was taken. Carried Over.
More
