City Organizational Study; Council reviewed an outside assessment of city staffing, department structure and work processes. The report recommends better coordination among departments, fewer direct reports to the city manager and a long-term review of staffing. City Manage Cale Smith stressed that the report is a guide for the next three to five years and is separate from the current budget process. Discussion Only.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations; Council continued reviewing possible limits on where electric vehicle charging stations may be installed. Carried Over.

Mount Gap Drive Annexation; Council delayed a request to annex property at 1587 Mount Gap Drive while staff completes additional research. Carried Over.

City Manager Evaluation Process; Council previously reviewed proposed procedures and a form for evaluating the City Manager. The proposal will return for consideration at the September 28 council meeting. Added to the Council Meeting.

Early Retirement Incentive; Council considered extending the eligible retirement period through November 1 because the state retirement system requires employees to retire on the first day of a month. The change would allow a current firefighter who is interested in retiring on October 1 and receive the incentive. Added to the Council Meeting.

Centennial Mural; Council reviewed a proposed Centennial mural for a building on Oak Grove Road. The mural would cost $12,000 from the Centennial budget, take about three to four weeks to complete and is expected to begin in November. Added to the Council Meeting.

Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Contract; Council reviewed an updated agreement with the city’s auditing firm to reflect its new name and remove federal audit work that was not required. Added to the Council Meeting.

Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Services; Council reviewed a $113,000 agreement for the city’s fiscal year 2026 audit, which would be performed and paid for during fiscal year 2027. Added to the Council Meeting.

Additional Accounting Services; Council considered a separate agreement for services such as depreciation schedules, lease accounting and general financial advice. Added to the Council Meeting.

City Hall HVAC Controls; Council reviewed a three-year agreement allowing Trane to remotely manage City Hall’s heating and cooling system. The service is intended to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs. Added to the Council Meeting.

School Resource Officers; Council reviewed an agreement, whereby the Board of Education will reimburse the city $526,903.27, representing 80 percent of the salaries and benefits for school resource officers during the school year. Added to the Council Meeting.

Police Tasers; Council reviewed a three-year Axon subscription for police Tasers. Added to the Council Meeting.

Hall Avenue Drainage Easement; Council considered expanding the city’s drainage easement at several Hall Avenue properties. The existing easement no longer covers the full drainage ditch because erosion has widened it, and the additional space would allow the city to maintain and stabilize the area. Added to the Council Meeting.

Hamm Avenue and Dixon Avenue Speed Cushions; Council reviewed plans to install speed cushions at two locations on Hamm Avenue and two locations on Dixon Avenue. Traffic studies showed both streets qualified, and the proposed design would allow fire trucks to pass through without delaying emergency response. Added to the Council Meeting.

Restricted Parking on 18th Street; Councilor Chris Lane discussed removing an older ordinance that restricts parking near Oak Hill because tickets are affecting customers and nearby businesses. A replacement ordinance will be prepared for consideration on September 28. Added to the Council Meeting.

Chamber of Commerce Agreement; Council reviewed a $74,000 agreement with the Homewood Chamber of Commerce for the new fiscal year. Added to the Council Meeting.

Food Security Grant; Council considered accepting a $30,000 grant from Jefferson County for sidewalk repairs near Edgewood Elementary School. Added to the Council Meeting.

Retiree Benefits Trust; Council reviewed an agreement creating a separate trust with Synovus and Pinnacle for future retiree benefits. The city would place $1 million in the account and pay $5,000 for its management, helping follow financial best practices and potentially strengthen the city’s bond rating. Added to the Council Meeting.

City Spending Platform; Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead presented to council two electronic spending platforms that could replace much of the city’s paper-based purchasing card and employee reimbursement process. The system would provide real-time controls, require itemized receipts, block prohibited purchases, speed reimbursements and reduce staff time spent reviewing transactions. Council will review demonstrations before continuing the discussion on September 28. Discussion Only.