Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homewood City Council approves microtransit pilot, tunnel contract and a package of routine resolutions
Summary
In a June 8 meeting, the Homewood City Council unanimously approved a BJCTA microtransit pilot funded largely by a local foundation, a construction contract and budget amendment for the US 31 pedestrian tunnel, an abatement-board appointment change, an early retirement incentive and several other resolutions and ordinances.
The Homewood City Council on June 8 approved a package of resolutions and ordinances addressing transportation, public works, personnel and administrative procedures.
Key approvals included permission to sign an agreement with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) to launch a microtransit pilot. Councilors noted the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham provided about 15 months of funding for a pilot program to test the service; staff will report back after BJCTA feedback expected around July 4. The motion passed 4–0 as resolution 2663.
The council also approved a contract allowing the city manager to execute an agreement with CBNA Construction LLC for the US 31 pedestrian tunnel improvement project and a related budget amendment. Councilors asked whether interior art in the tunnel was included; staff and the city engineer (Amy Zary) confirmed the interior artwork is not part of the contract scope. The action passed 4–0 as resolution 2664.
Other votes and items adopted on unanimous votes included: delegated limited authority to the city manager for certain budget transfers (resolution 2657); a $20 levy on specified new residential permits to support the Alabama Construction Trade Academy (ordinance 2976); an architectural and engineering services contract with Pool and Company Architects not to exceed $211,000 for the public works building renovation (resolution 2658); approval of a retaining wall encroachment into the right-of-way at 303 Ridge Road (resolution 2659); approval of an ABC20 restaurant retail liquor license for HGI Wildwood LLC (Hilton Garden) after police and fire clearance; approval of vouchers for May 19–June 8 (resolution 2660); and an early retirement incentive program with eligibility and insurance provisions (resolution 2661). The council also amended the appointment process for the Housing Code Abatement Board, adding ward-based appointments, two supernumerary members, four-year terms and a nonvoting city liaison appointed by the city manager; the ordinance passed 4–0 and is listed as ordinance 2977.
Most items generated limited debate and passed unanimously. Council asked staff to monitor the microtransit pilot closely, to report back after the BJCTA conversation, and to confirm that the interior tunnel art is handled separately from the construction contract. The council adjourned after ward reports and community announcements.
