Pre-Council Meeting - OCTOBER 12 2026
This Pre-Council meeting included concerns about drainage and irrigation work in the public right of way on Edgewood Boulevard, and plans to make those approval processes more consistent. They also reviewed new financial management software and filled out City Manager Cale Smith's initial six month performance evaluation.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/4jOIwpK
Details
EV Charging Station Locations; A proposal to limit where electric vehicle charging stations can be located in Homewood remains under review. The item will return for consideration in two weeks. Carried Over.
1587 Mountain Gap Drive Annexation; A request to bring this property into Homewood raised concerns about access, steep terrain, and the city's ability to provide fire, police, emergency medical, and public works services. The property does not directly connect to a public street, and access roads may not meet city requirements. The discussion also highlighted the need for a formal annexation review process that would allow city departments to evaluate future requests using consistent standards. Dropped.
300 and 302 Edgewood Boulevard Drainage and Irrigation; Drainage pipes and irrigation equipment were installed within the city's public right-of-way without prior approval. They focused on following city requirements and protecting space for a future sidewalk along Edgewood Boulevard. A proposed ordinance is also being developed to allow routine right-of-way improvements to be handled through permitting and engineering on the front-end of construction, while larger projects would still require council approval. Added to the Council Meeting.
Chamber of Commerce Lease Agreement; A proposed lease agreement would allow the Homewood Chamber of Commerce to relocate to the third floor of City Hall. The move is still several months away, but the agreement would allow arrangements to move forward before the relocation takes place. Added to the Council Meeting.
New Financial Management Software; A proposed agreement with Open.Gov would mean a move toward a more centralized system for budgeting, purchasing, contracts, and financial accounting. The agreement covers implementation of three software modules, with an estimated cost of $221,000 for implementation and the first year. Funding was included in the city's budget, with an earlier portion approved last fiscal year. Added to the Council Meeting.
823 Green Springs Highway Public Hearing; A request involving a public hearing for this property was postponed for further consideration. Carried Over.
1625 26th Avenue South Public Nuisance; A public hearing was proposed for November 23 at 6pm to consider declaring this property a public nuisance because of excessive vegetation growth. Added to the Council Meeting.
316 Carr Avenue Public Nuisance; A public hearing was proposed for November 23 at 6pm to consider declaring this property a public nuisance because of excessive vegetation growth. Added to the Council Meeting.
1616 Berry Avenue Public Nuisance; A public hearing was proposed for November 23 at 6pm to consider declaring this property a public nuisance because of excessive vegetation growth. Added to the Council Meeting.
City Hall Plaza Use Agreement; An annual agreement would allow nearby restaurants, including SoHo Social and SoHo Standard, to use the plaza for limited activities serving their customers. Added to the Council Meeting.
City Manager Six-Month Performance Evaluation; City Manager Cale Smith received a performance evaluation for his first six months in the position. The evaluation followed the city's recently adopted review process and included five performance categories established under the city manager's contract. Council had (3) end results, satisfactory, not satisfactory or no rating. It was a majority finding of a satisfactory performance. Approved.
Council Meeting - OCTOBER 12, 2026
Council approved speed cushions on Hambaugh and Dixon Avenues, along with a zoning change allowing minor vehicle repair businesses. Public hearings were held for The Woods, a proposed golf and restaurant venue in West Homewood, and Samford University's South Campus student housing project, with votes expected October 26. Council also approved new financial management software and reviewed City Manager Cale Smith's performance.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/4hSuSPS
Details
Minor Vehicle Repair Zoning Amendment; A change to Homewood's zoning ordinance adds a definition for minor vehicle repair, helping clarify how these businesses are classified and regulated under city zoning rules. The amendment follows several months of consideration and discussion. Approved.
The Woods Development in West Homewood; A proposed restaurant and outdoor golf entertainment venue at 504 and 508 Scott Street would include an outdoor putting green and food service. The proposal meets city zoning and engineering requirements, with final approval requiring the properties to be combined into one lot and a portion designated for public right-of-way. A final vote is expected October 26. Carried Over.
Samford University South Campus Student Housing; A proposed student housing development on approximately 27 acres south of Lakeshore Drive would include two residential buildings and about 9,000 square feet of retail space that could also serve the public. The buildings would be independently owned on university-owned land but operated under Samford's student housing policies. Discussion included building height, long-term maintenance, drainage, possible tax implications, and ongoing talks with ALDOT about a safer pedestrian crossing over Lakeshore Drive. A final vote is expected October 26. Carried Over.
Public Nuisance Hearings; Public hearings were scheduled for November 23 at 6pm to consider excessive property growth at 1625 26th Avenue South, 316 Carr Avenue, and 1616 Berry Avenue. A hearing was also scheduled for 823 Green Springs Highway. Approved.
City Expenditures; Payment vouchers covering September 29 through October 12, 2026, were reviewed and authorized as part of the city's regular financial operations. Approved.
Edgewood Boulevard Drainage and Irrigation Improvements; Right-of-way requests for 300 and 302 Edgewood Boulevard were considered separately for irrigation systems and sump pump drainage pipes. Both properties received approval for the requested improvements, with required agreements protecting the city from liability. Discussion raised concerns about contractors installing systems in the City's rights-of-way without proper authorization, leading to plans for clearer administrative procedures and a review of similar work elsewhere in the city. Approved.
Homewood Chamber of Commerce Lease Agreement; A lease agreement authorizes the city manager to establish terms for the Chamber of Commerce's use of city-owned property and facilities. The agreement formalizes the arrangement between the city and the Chamber. Approved.
Open.Gov Financial Management Software; An agreement with OpenGov will provide software and technology services to support the city's financial management, budgeting, and administrative operations. The system is intended to help strengthen the city's financial processes and operations. Approved.
Shinsei Sushi Liquor License; A restaurant retail liquor license for Shinsei Sushi at 1830 29th Avenue South, Suite 125, was approved in connection with a change in the business's LLC. Approved.
Interchange Mowing Contract; A bid opening for interchange mowing services was scheduled for November 30 at 4:31pm. The bidding process will allow the city to receive proposals for mowing work. Approved.
HRA Eats Facilities Use Agreement; An agreement authorizes the city manager to establish terms and conditions for HRA Eats to use city facilities. Approved.
Hambaugh Avenue and Dixon Avenue Traffic Calming; Speed cushions were approved for Hambaugh Avenue between Columbiana Road and Dixon Avenue and for Dixon Avenue between Broadway Street and Hambaugh Avenue. The traffic calming measures are intended to slow vehicles and improve safety in the surrounding neighborhoods. Approved.
18th Street Parking Restrictions; A proposed ordinance would remove weekday parking restrictions from a portion of the 2800 block of 18th Street in front of Oak Hill Grill. The change would eliminate the existing 8am to 5:30pm restriction on a 55-foot section while keeping the 15-foot no-parking area near the alley intersection. The proposal will return for consideration October 26. Carried Over.
Level 3 Telecommunications Franchise; A proposed ordinance would extend the existing telecommunications franchise for Level 3 Telecom of Alabama for another 10 years. The agreement would continue the company's authority to operate its telecommunications facilities under the city's existing franchise terms. Final consideration is expected at the next meeting. Carried Over.
City Manager Performance Evaluation; City Manager Cale Smith received very positive feedback during a public performance review, particularly for communication, financial leadership, coordination with department heads, and guiding the city through its first budget under the council-manager form of government. Cale pointed to the organizational study, citizen survey, fleet study, and hiring of a finance director as important early steps. Discussion Only.
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