Homewood lieutenant named new police chief
After 27 years with the Homewood Police Department, Lt. Tim Ross was approved as the new city police chief at the Dec. 21 council meeting.
"He has always been a person of integrity and character. I'm excited for the police department," said Mayor Scott McBrayer, who presented his recommendation to the city council. "It'll be a good day for the city of Homewood."
The mayor asked members of the police department, as well as Ross' wife and two daughters, to join him in front of the council. Ross received a standing ovation from council members after his appointment was approved. He will take office on Jan. 1, when outgoing Chief Jim Roberson retires.
Ross expressed his appreciation of the city's longstanding support of its police officers.
"I'm going to do everything I can to be the best police chief I can and lead these men and women," Ross said.
The mayor conducted interviews with 11 candidates selected by the Jefferson County Personnel Board. Some had previously interviewed when Roberson was appointed, but McBrayer said he knew he wanted Ross once he saw his name on the list. He said Ross has "all the qualities a leader needs, and the department respects him."
"I wanted to stay in house ... and promote from within," McBrayer said.
The council also:
- Set a Jan. 11 public hearing for sign ordinance variances at 800, 804 and 808 Green Springs Highway. The variances are requested to build a large monument sign advertising the property's tenants, including Pep Boys, Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Firehouse Subs and Hometown Market.
- Set a Jan. 11 public hearing for a sign ordinance variance at 801 Green Springs Highway. The Shrimp Basket wants to add an awning advertising their menu items around the restaurant. This technically qualifies as 16 attached signs, with the city ordinance allowing only one.
- Asked the finance committee to consider using funds from the West Homewood project to add fences along sidewalks on Oak Grove Road and Raleigh Avenue.
- Authorized the mayor to engage Carr Riggs Ingram for year-end reporting requirements of the Affordable Care Act.
- Approved a new payment plan and abatement of interest for business license fees for RiverTree Systems.
- Carried over discussion of a bid for landfill services.