Pre-Council & Council Meetings Oct. 12, 2026
October 12, 2026

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.

More

October 7, 2026
More federal funding is coming to Homewood to address stormwater issues. U.S. Representative Terri Sewell presented a check for $250,000 to the City of Homewood. This funding was obtained through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process and is designated for stormwater improvements. It will be used to provide upgrades and expand culvert capacity in the residential neighborhoods surrounding Edgewood Elementary School to help reduce localized street flooding and better protect nearby homes and infrastructure. This follows an earlier $1 million federal allocation from Rep. Sewell in 2024 that will be used for a drainage culvert project along Griffin Creek in the Huntington Road area. That project continues to work its way through the required process, with construction currently hoped to begin in 2027.
October 6, 2026
The Planning Commission approved a resurvey at 215 West Valley Avenue, where a small restaurant is proposed. The Commission also considered changes for a proposed Dutch Bros too be placed at 832 Green Springs Highway, recommending approval of a reduced landscape buffer, but voting 4 to 2 against allowing full access for traffic to flow to and from Raleigh Avenue. That request now moves to the City Council for the final decision. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4zeIxYR
October 5, 2026
Have a lost pet, need to report a stray or have a wildlife issue? There are several important changes to Homewood Animal Control services beginning Monday, October 5. REPORT A STRAY To report a stray , call Homewood Police non-emergency dispatch at 205-332-6200 . The City of Homewood, Homewood Police Department and Homewood Animal Control are partnering with Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) for these services. FIND YOUR PET If you think your animal may have been picked up by Animal Control, call the Greater Birmingham Humane Society at 205-591-6522 . Stray animals picked up in Homewood are taken to 6227 5th Ave. North in Birmingham until GBHS opens its new facility opens on Sydney Drive, and then they will be taken there. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 11:30am. GBHS is closed Sunday. Fees for picking up an animal may include $50 if the animal is unaltered, a $30 impound fee, a $20 rabies fee if proof of vaccination is not available and a $50 City fee. wildlife issues Call Complete Animal Removal at 205-208-7777 . Homewood Animal Control will not respond to wildlife calls involving animals such as raccoons, possums, snakes, coyotes or foxes. after hours Stray animals will not be picked up after hours. If you report a stray after hours, Animal Control will handle the call the next business day.
September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process to look at what is happening and determine whether traffic calming measures are needed and what those measures could be. One example is now moving toward a vote. The City received traffic concerns involving Hambaugh Avenue between Columbiana Road and Dixon Avenue, and Dixon Avenue between Broadway Street and Hambaugh Avenue. Traffic data was collected and studied, and both streets qualified for traffic calming measures. The current proposal calls for speed cushions at two locations on Hambaugh Avenue and two locations on Dixon Avenue. The design also takes emergency response into consideration, allowing fire trucks to travel through the middle of the cushions. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal October 12, 6pm at City Hall, 2nd floor Council Chambers . View Drawings of Cushion Locations Visit Traffic Calming Page
September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process for looking at those concerns and determining whether something should be done and what measures may be appropriate. Traffic calming is not simply putting in a speed hump or adding a sign. It is a process that uses traffic data, engineering standards and input from several City departments to look at what is happening on a street before deciding what, if anything, should change. It starts with a resident submitting a traffic calming request identifying the location and concern. City Engineering reviews the request and collects traffic data so the street can be evaluated using the City’s standards. If the request continues through the process, it receives additional review from the Complete Streets Advisory Committee. Planning, Traffic, Police and Fire also have an opportunity to look at the request. That is important because a possible solution has to consider more than vehicle speed. Things such as the street itself, pedestrian safety, traffic patterns and emergency response can all be part of determining whether a particular measure makes sense. The mayor and the councilor representing the area also review the request before it can advance to the resident petition stage. If the location qualifies and the request continues, affected residents take part in the petition process required by the City’s traffic calming policy. Only after those steps and required approvals are completed can a location move toward an appropriate traffic calming improvement. The goal is not to assume every traffic concern has the same answer. One street may have different conditions and needs than another. The process gives the City a way to collect information, hear from the people who live in the area and determine whether a traffic calming measure is appropriate and safe. Submit a Traffic Calming Request Visit Traffic Calming Page
September 29, 2026
A city budget is more than a list of numbers. It’s a vital infrastructure that reflects the City’s priorities and determines how resources are used to provide services, support employees and invest in the community. On September 28, the Homewood City Council approved the City’s FY2027 budget. The General Fund is approximately $77 million and supports the day-to-day services residents rely on. Sales and property taxes provide much of the revenue, while personnel costs account for approximately $42 million. The approved budget adds three police officer positions and includes investments in street paving, stormwater projects, sidewalk repairs, replacement vehicles and equipment, and other infrastructure needs throughout the City. In addition to the revenue that supports City operations, one cent of Homewood’s sales tax is dedicated to the Homewood Board of Education. That penny is expected to generate approximately $11.5 million for Homewood City Schools this year. This was the first budget developed under Homewood’s new council-manager form of government. City Manager Cale Smith worked with department heads to identify operational needs and priorities and presented a proposed budget to the City Council. Council members then reviewed the budget through a series of public budget hearings, asked questions and made revisions before approving the final budget. The work does not end with this vote. The City plans to provide monthly reports on revenues and expenditures throughout the year, providing a clearer picture of the City’s financial position on a regular basis. City leadership will also continue evaluating ongoing expenses and revenues to work toward a sustainable budget that provides the services residents expect while responsibly managing the City’s resources. View the September 28 meeting below. View Approved Budget View All Details Inlcuding Budget Hearings
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