Homewood council approves multiple contracts, grants and bid awards including library contractor and demolition

The Homewood City Council on June 23 approved several contracts and grants recommended by its finance committee, including a construction bid for library interior finishes, a demolition contract for a city-owned building and agreements for utility-installed security cameras and HUD grant management.

Councilor Smith reported the finance committee voted 5-0 to recommend accepting the CT General Contractors bid for the Homewood Library interior finishes (Phase 3). “The committee voted 5 to 0 to recommend accepting the bid from CT General Contractors,” Councilor Smith said; the council approved the recommendation 10-0.

On a separate item, councilors approved a demolition contract for the city-owned structure at 185 Oxmoor Road, described by staff as the former Waffle House in West Homewood. Councilor Smith reported the committee’s 5-0 recommendation and the council approved the contract 10-0.

The council also approved a contract with Alabama Power to install three cameras at park locations — two at soccer fields and one by a maintenance facility — following a 5-0 committee recommendation. Councilor Smith noted this is the first time Alabama Power will handle installation for the city.

The council accepted a contract for the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) to provide HUD grant management services tied to stormwater work in the Mayfair area. Councilor Smith said the federal grant flows through HUD and the RPCGB will manage the process; that recommendation also passed 5-0 in committee and the council voted 10-0 to approve.

Finally, the council voted to accept a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant. Councilor Smith said the grant is for $10,000 and that the city’s portion is $2,500, with the city paying $12,500 up front and receiving $10,000 upon submission of required paperwork. Council voted 10-0 to accept the grant.