Homewood council unanimously adopts BZA composition changes, approves bridge agreement and routine items

The Homewood City Council on March 9 approved a package of governance and routine items, including a final action to amend the city’s Board of Adjustment ordinance, authorization for a multi‑jurisdiction bridge‑improvement agreement and several administrative approvals.

Ordinance and BZA changes: The council unanimously approved amendments to Ordinance 14‑05 (sections 2 and 3) that clarify BZA composition, staggered terms, the role of supernumerary members and the nomination and appointment process; the measure was recorded as Ordinance 29‑72. The city attorney read the amended language in full, which sets five regular members (four appointed from the wards and one at‑large), two city‑wide supernumerary members appointed for three‑year terms, and gives priority to nominees with planning, architecture, engineering, real‑estate or legal experience. The council granted unanimous consent and approved the ordinance by roll call.

Appointment: The council also appointed Dominic Sims to a supernumerary position on the Board of Zoning Adjustments after interviews. Mayor and councilors praised the competitiveness of applicants; the appointment passed by voice vote and was recorded in the minutes.

Bridge agreement: The council authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement with Mountain Brook, Birmingham and Jefferson County for phase‑1 pedestrian accessibility improvements to the Highway 280 bridge at Hollywood Boulevard. The mayor reiterated that Homewood has made no new payments beyond a 2018 contribution; the council approved the agreement unanimously (Resolution 26‑24).

Routine approvals and permits: The council approved vouchers covering Feb. 24–Mar. 9, 2026 (Resolution 26‑25), declared miscellaneous Homewood Public Library items surplus and authorized disposal by auction (Ordinance 29‑73), and granted facility use to Jack and Jill of America and local permission for an ABC special‑events retail license for a crawfish benefit event; each item passed with unanimous support.

Votes at a glance:
- Ordinance 14‑05 amendment (BZA composition) — Adopted as Ordinance 29‑72; vote: 5–0.
- Interlocal bridge agreement — Approved (Resolution 26‑24); vote: 5–0; Homewood reports no payment beyond 2018 contribution for phase 1.
- Appointment of Dominic Sims — Approved by council; vote recorded as 5–0 in open session.
- Vouchers (Feb. 24–Mar. 9, 2026) — Approved (Resolution 26‑25); vote: 5–0.
- Surplus library items — Adopted as Ordinance 29‑73; vote: 5–0.
- Jack and Jill chamber use — Approved; vote: 5–0 (resolution number not specified in transcript).
- ABC 140 special‑events license permission — Approved for Battery Sports Bar crawfish boil; vote: 5–0.

Next steps: Items requiring additional action (for example, the Linden Avenue curb‑marking ordinance) were carried to the March 23 meeting for further public notice or second reading.