Sydney Cromwell
Ride-sharing
Ward 2 Representative Britt Thames speaks to TV news outlets after a vote to allow ride-sharing companies in the city.
The city council voted unanimously at its Dec. 7 meeting to approve a new ordinance allowing transportation network companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, to operate within city limits.
The agenda item was proposed by Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames and was originally scheduled to be sent to the planning and development committee for consideration, but the council chose to vote tonight instead.
"It just felt like Birmingham was getting close [to allowing TNCs] and I wanted us to be ready," Thames said after the meeting. The Birmingham city council approved a similar ordinance 7-1 during its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
According to the new city ordinance, ride-sharing companies must pay a $500 flat fee per year to operate in city limits. Additionally, drivers must carry proof of insurance including at least $1 million in liability insurance, and must not have had a DUI in the past seven years or another moving vehicle violation in the past three years. Drivers must submit to a multi-jurisdictional criminal and sexual offense background search before operating in Homewood.
"It's a great system," Ward 3 Representative Walter Jones said, adding that approving TNCs will improve quality of life in Homewood.
Thames and Mayor Scott McBrayer noted the potential positive impact on businesses and professional events in the city. With parking limited in retail areas, Thames said shoppers using Uber or a similar company could free up a few spaces every day.
The new ordinance takes effect immediately, though Thames noted that TNCs likely will not be drawn to the area unless Birmingham approves its own ordinance.
Other council business included:
- Fire Chief John Bresnan showed the 2016 Pierce calendar to the council. Pierce makes the fire engines that Homewood Fire Department uses, and one of the HFD engines and three of its firefighters were featured in the calendar. Members of the council received a copy of the calendar.
Sydney Cromwell
Fire Engine Calendar
Fire Chief John Bresnan shows off the calendar that included a Homewood fire engine and three of its firefighters.
- Approved a new ordinance requiring tobacco and e-cigarette shops to comply with the same location restrictions as liquor and package stores, restricting them from opening near schools and churches.
- Approved a retail beer and table wine license for Your Pie, which opens in SoHo on Dec. 18.
- Rejected two proposals for the property at 165 Oxmoor Road.
- Approved four school zone signs along Montessori Way, limiting traffic speeds to 20 mph during morning and afternoon pickup and drop-off times at Creative Montessori School.
- Declared the property at 506 Shades Creek Parkway a public nuisance due to excessive growth.
- Approved use of a 4,000-square-foot tent by Trinity United Methodist Church for an upcoming event.
- Approved further improvements to Columbiana Road.
- Voted to allow improvements in the alley next to 414 Cliff Place with an indemnification agreement.
- Approved the release of several lots of land in Edgewood that were originally acquired by the city in 1936.
