Committee approves routine contracts, sets demolition hearing and advances design and parking studies
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Summary
The committee approved a set of routine contracts and motions including a survey contract, a public hearing to assess demolition costs, City Hall roof repairs, design and drone-based parking studies, and an amendment for the US-31 Atrip project; most items passed unanimously.
A Homewood City Council committee approved several routine contracts and set one public hearing during its meeting.
Key approvals and motions included: authorization for a $2,600 survey contract to combine two city lots, a resolution-setting public hearing to assess demolition costs for 1509 Beckham Drive after a $20,008.33 demolition, a contract for City Hall roof repairs, an $13,500 contract for concept design (with an additional $1,200 drone-based parking study) and an amendment to the Kimberly Horn scope for the US-31 Atrip project for $32,009.88. Most motions passed unanimously.
Survey contract: The committee authorized the mayor to sign a contract with Gonzales Strength and Associates for survey services to combine two city lots near the American Family Care site; staff said the work is estimated at $2,600. Mr. Brandt moved the motion and Mr. Waltney seconded; the motion passed 5-0.
Demolition costs/public hearing: City staff said the demolition of the structure at 1509 Beckham Drive has been completed and listed total demolition costs of $20,008.33. The committee voted to set a public hearing for March 31, 2025 so the city can notify the property owner and assess those costs; the motion passed 5-0.
City Hall roof repairs: Staff presented a recommended contract with a firm certified to work on the building's EPDM roof; presenters said the 20-year warranty is expired but repairs can extend the roof's life for a few years. The committee approved the contract and a budget transfer to building maintenance funds; the motion passed 5-0.
EDT design and parking study: The committee authorized a $13,500 contract with EDT Inc. to prepare construction documents for a concept to shorten crosswalks and reduce turn lanes downtown (a proposal drawn by a council member), and approved a $1,200 drone-based parking study to collect occupancy data at multiple times of day. The proposer said the drone would collect counts at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on a weekday to measure usage and duration. The motion passed 5-0.
US-31 (A-trip) amendment with Kimberly Horn: The committee approved an amendment to Kimberly Horn's agreement for design work related to the US-31 Atrip project in front of Shades Cahaba (the item referenced as the US Atrip 2 project). Staff said ALDOT awarded a $2,000,000 construction grant for corridor improvements and the city will pay the consultant to prepare associated paving plans and design work; the amendment approved at the meeting totaled $32,009.88 and the motion passed 4-0.
Votes at a glance: the committee approved the items above, with most votes unanimous. Several motions included explicit budget transfer instructions or noted that funds were already budgeted.
Ending: Staff will follow up with required public notices for the demolition cost hearing and will proceed with contracting and project design for the approved services. Further council action will be required where noted by staff.
