Homewood council adopts stricter camping rules, OKs two fiber franchises and $507,000 pavilion contract

The Homewood City Council voted 8-0 on Oct. 13 to adopt an ordinance tightening restrictions on camping and sleeping on public property, approve two fiber-optic franchise agreements and award a $507,000 construction contract for a new Shades Creek Greenway trailhead pavilion.

The actions, taken during the council’s Oct. 13 meeting at Homewood City Hall, include an ordinance that makes unauthorized camping and sleeping on public property unlawful without a permit, franchise ordinances authorizing Lumos and Unity Fiber to use city rights of way under contract terms, and the acceptance of a construction bid from Costin Construction for the trailhead pavilion near the soccer park.

Councilors said the encampment ordinance is intended to clarify enforcement tools for public safety and property while preserving the ability to amend the law later if problems arise. Councilor Waltney told the council the public safety committee voted to recommend the ordinance and the item moved forward on second reading. Mayor Alex Wyatt said the ordinance's intent is clear and that administration and enforcement can follow that intent; Wyatt added that any enforcement or administrative problems can be addressed by future amendments.

The new camping ordinance restricts camping and sleeping on public property without a permit, requires a pre-removal notice and a 24-hour posting before crews may remove belongings, and makes violation a…