Committee Meetings 12/09/24

Finance Highlights 12/09/24


The committee began with an update from Mayor Alex Wyatt about an agreement being considered between Mountain Brook and Homewood regarding the redevelopment of Brookwood Mall. The cities plan to collaborate and prioritize what is in the best interest of both communities once they receive the developer’s future plans. Homewood owns just over 50% of the property, Mountain Brook owns around 40%, and Jefferson County owns close to 10%. However, the county is not part of this agreement, as their part in this property pertains specifically to taxes. The agreement excludes Target and office buildings and focuses solely on redevelopment efforts, not on any existing structures.


Item 01.12.24: This was a proposal presented to modify the salaries of the council and mayor for the upcoming term, as current rates have remained unchanged since 1988. Currently, council members receive $400 per month, the council president earns $500 per month, and the mayor’s salary is $32,000 annually, with a total annual cost of $86,400. The proposed adjustment would double council salaries to $12,000 per year and increase the mayor’s salary to $16,000 per year, based on normal rate comparisons. This change would result in a total annual cost of $67,000. This is a reduction of $20,000 from the current cost. The mayor would no longer receive a car allowance under the new structure. This change applies only to future council and mayor terms and not to current members. With the transition to a city manager system, much of the administrative work currently handled by the council will shift to the city manager, allowing council members to focus primarily on legislative responsibilities. To take effect, the adjustment must be finalized by February 26, 2025, to comply with state requirements. This was a first discussion and no action was taken.


Item 02.12.24: Committee approved a request for permission to provide an update on the Griffin Brook Creek Wall inventory, repair, and assessment. This is work required to repair the wall behind Hero Donuts, necessary to accommodate the new trail planned for the area, and was estimated to cost $92,000. This item will now go before the full council for a vote December 16, 2024 at 6:00pm.


Item 09.12.24 Request for consideration of tax incentives at the Edge. This request proposes a total incentive of $375,000 over five years, with an annual cap of $75,000. The Edge anticipates generating $3.6 million in revenue for the city over a 10-year period and is requesting 10% of that amount, subject to the $75,000 annual cap. The agreement is performance-based, meaning the incentive will be calculated as a percentage of actual revenue brought in by The Edge. This item was sent out of committee without recommendation pending a public hearing January 13, 2025


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4iEA1Lc

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 



Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.


Public Works 12/09/24


Item 10.12.24: Committee approved a request permission to remove two trees in the Right-of-Way at 305 Mecca Avenue. This item will now go before the full council for a vote December 16, 2024 at 6:00pm.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4faHoGY

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 


Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.

Special Issues 12/09/24


Committee considered two sign variances. They were sent out of committee without recommendation pending a public hearing December 16, 2024 at 6:00pm.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4f5FSpT

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 



Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.


Planning & Development 12/09/24


17.11.24: Committee heard from applicant about the consideration of an Amended Development Plan for 169 West Oxmoor. This was sent out of committee without recommendation pending a public hearing December 16, 2024 at 6:00pm.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4ielKof

Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT 

Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA 


Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.

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Council Meeting April 28, 2025

April 29, 2025
Council Meeting Highlights, April 28, 2025 18.03.25: Council approved a development plan for a proposed project to convert the former Belk space, at the old Brookwood Mall location, into an Andrew's Sports Medicine medical facility, complete with surgery rooms and all levels of care. A spokesman for the ownership group stressed that the renovation is the first step in revitalizing the property. Council members agreed it was important to move forward now, hoping the project will spark future development on the property. Council also set a date of June 9 for public hearings related to the proposed Creekside development by Samford University. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4lYBnCb Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Committee Meetings April 21, 2025

April 22, 2025
Finance Highlights April 21, 2025 The following items will be considered by the full Council on April 28, 2025, at 6:00pm: 01.04.25 – Request to accept the quote to add Tyler Payments to the existing agreement with Tyler Enterprise Permitting and Licensing – Wyatt Pugh, Building Official 02.04.25 – Request for consideration of mid-year budget review – Councilor Barry Smith 03.04.25 – Request for consideration to pay two past due invoices (2023 & 2024) for Big Sky Environmental – Berkley Squires, Public Services 04.04.25 – Request for permission for the City Manager to execute contracts for Oxmoor Road Diet construction – Cale Smith, PE 05.04.25 – Request for consideration for Council to appoint a temporary judge – J.J. Bischoff, Chief of Staff / Laura Roberts, Court Administrator 06.04.25 – Request for consideration of budget amendment for line item transfer – Chief Broadhead, Fire Chief 07.04.25 – Request for consideration to add a streetlight at 1455 Overlook Road – Randy Hambley, Traffic Department / Councilor Smith 21.04.25 – Request to upgrade the position of Revenue Examiner (18) to Senior Revenue Examiner (21) – Bo Seagrist, City Clerk Agenda: https://bit.ly/42muJOg Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.

Parts of City Hall Parking Closed for Three Months - Plan Ahead

April 18, 2025
Heads up, Homewood! Starting Monday, April 21 , parts of surface parking above the city hall parking deck will close for about three months due to scheduled maintenance. The northern section highlighted will be closed for the first six weeks, followed by the southern section for the next six. However, be prepared for possible closures throughout the entire area at any time during the project. The city is working on the weather seal membrane beneath the lot behind SoHo and City Hall—a necessary part of routine upkeep. Unfortunately, this means much of the parking near Ashley Mac’s and City Hall will be unavailable during the project. The pedestrian walkway from the deck to the plaza will stay accessible. Be sure to plan ahead and allow extra time when visiting the area!

Traffic relief at I-65/Lakeshore may finally be coming

April 16, 2025
The diverging diamond would have drivers temporarily cross to opposite lanes in order to keep traffic at the interchange flowing more smoothly. Design courtesy of Volkert Engineers

Council Meeting April 14, 2025

April 15, 2025
Council Meeting Highlights, April 14, 2025 17.03.25 Council approved a request to de-annex 310 Happy Lane from the City of Homewood. A property owner who bought land 23 years ago to develop it into townhomes needs fire access. After failing to get necessary easements and facing road access issues, he asked to de-annex the land from Homewood and return it to Jefferson County to build a single-family home with county fire protection. With no current development plans, he hopes the land may be redeveloped in the future. 16.03.25 Council approved a request for consideration for an ordinance to prohibit parking on the west side of Mamie Foster 18th Place between 28th Ave and 27th Ave. This is to be sure there is space for emergency vehicles to travel that road without being blocked by parked cars. 20.04.25 Council approved a new agreement with ALDOT to move forward with long-discussed improvements to the I-65/Lakeshore Parkway interchange. The project, featuring a Diverging Diamond design, aims to ease traffic congestion that has plagued the area for decades. While council members expressed strong support, some raised concerns about cost overruns beyond the $23 million cap, especially since the city would bear all extra expenses. They agreed to monitor the bid, expected in July, and possibly set a ceiling for acceptable overages. This resolution marks a major step toward modernizing the interchange. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4lrK2Nb Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Walking the Walk: The City’s Ground Game for Better Sidewalks

April 11, 2025
Walking the Walk: The City’s Ground Game for Better Sidewalks The City of Homewood is committed to maintaining safe, walkable neighborhoods—and our sidewalks play a vital role in that effort. With an annual investment of $75k-$100k, the Public Works Department is working diligently to ensure sidewalks across the city are in great condition and accessible for all residents. And we’re not only fixing what’s already there—we’re also looking ahead. The city has a “Complete Streets” committee working on filling in the gaps where sidewalks are missing.

Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
There are a lot of events happening around our city over the next week, ways to get involved, and ways to give back to our community:

Committee Meetings April 7, 2025

April 8, 2025
Finance Highlights April 7, 2025 14.03.25 Committee approved a request to fund change order for the City Hall and parking garage restoration project. This item will now go before the full council for a vote at the next council meeting April 14, 2025 at 6:00pm. 24.03.25 Committee carried over a property issue at 1832 25th Court South, where a house was found to be built, in the 1920's, 11 feet into city-owned land. This discovery came during a survey done as part of a sale process. Officials debated possible solutions, including an easement or selling part of the land, but there was concern about setting a precedent with any snap decision. Some emphasized the city’s limited land and the risk of similar issues emerging elsewhere. The mayor and others agreed no decision should be made until a proper survey defines property lines clearly, making that the next necessary step. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4j2rMIA Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.

Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) April 3, 2025

April 4, 2025
Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) Highlights April 3, 2025 SV-25-04-01: 857 Sylvia Drive, a request for a variance to reduce the required side setback along the left-side property line from 10-feet to 8.1-feet for a total reduction of 1.9-feet to construct a second story addition to an existing, nonconforming primary structure. This item was approved. SV-25-04-02: 2919 Parkridge Drive, (a) was a request for a variance to reduce the required side setback from 10-feet to 7.9-feet for a total reduction of 2.1-feet to construct an addition to the rear of the existing primary structure. This part of this item was approved. (b) A request for a variance in order to reduce the setback along the left-side property line from 5-feet to 2-feet, for a total reduction of 3-feet in order to construct an open deck. This part of this item was denied. SV-25-04-03: 105 Knoll Crest Drive, a request for a variance to reduce the required setback along the right-side property line from 10-feet to 9.6-feet for a total reduction of 0.4- feet in order to construct a rear addition to the existing, nonconforming primary structure. This item was approved. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4iVHogL Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Samford's Creekside Development Moves Forward with Positive Votes from Planning Commission

April 2, 2025
The proposed Creekside development, located south of Lakeshore Drive near Samford University’s campus, took a step forward at the April 1 Planning Commission meeting. The project, designed to create a walkable, town square-style community, received positive recommendations for rezoning. The next step will be a review by the full council. Earlier discussions about Creekside drew significant public interest, with many residents voicing concerns about the impact of the development. At a previous Planning Commission meeting, Colin Coyne, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Samford University, addressed these concerns directly. He acknowledged past tensions between the university and the surrounding community but assured attendees that Samford has made meaningful changes in recent years. Coyne emphasized the university’s commitment to open dialogue, stating he would meet with residents as long as needed to address their concerns. With a background in environmental management, he also underscored Samford’s responsibility to address traffic and sustainability issues, particularly related to watershed management along Shades Creek. Commission members previously advised the applicant, Landmark Development, to engage more deeply with the public before moving forward. Landmark responded by postponing the rezoning request and hosting three public meetings to gather input from residents. Among the most pressing concerns are the potential impact on salamander habitats in the area and the height of a proposed hotel, which could be as tall as 10 stories. These issues remain a focal point for local residents as the project progresses. See more information HERE
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