Ward 4 representative resigns at city council meeting

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Jenifer Champ Wallis, the Ward 4 Place 1 council member, resigned from her position at the July 14 City Council meeting.

Wallis will be moving to Los Angeles to continue practicing law at a new firm. The mayor and city council members shared their appreciation of Wallis’ service on the council, support of the Homewood Arts Council and friendship. The council also presented her with Resolution 14-68, declaring its gratitude and best wishes for her future.

“I’m going to miss everything about the council,” Wallis said. “They are the hardest-working group of people and the kindest and generous and most loyal. I’ve really been honored to serve on the council.”

Wallis also said she would miss Homewood’s close community and public involvement in local government.

The Ward 4 Place 1 seat has now been declared vacant and the application period is open until Friday, July 25.

The council also approved the closure of Village Lane at Brookwood Village to vehicle traffic on two different dates. On Thursday, July 31, the road will be closed from noon to 10 p.m. as the mall hosts a concert with 103.7 The Q. The concert will last from 6 to 8 p.m. and feature MKTO, the band made famous by the popular song “Classic.” The event is free and open to the public. The second closure date is Monday, Aug. 4, from 1 to 10 p.m. Author Paul Finebaum will be at Books-a-Million for a book signing from 6 to 8 p.m. The street will be closed because large crowds are expected for the signing and a tailgate-style party in the street.

During the meeting, the council also:

  • Authorized the mayor to enter a contract with GOVT PORTAL, a company that will enable residents to make credit card payments to the municipal court online, by phone or in person.
  • Granted an off-premises beer and wine retail license for Mi Pueblo Supermarket.
  • Approved a restaurant retail liquor license  for PT’s Grill and Pub, a new restaurant to open at 1830 29th Ave. South.
  • Considered authorizing the mayor to work with Walter Schoel Engineering Company for consultation and design services for storm sewer culvert repair on 27th Court South. The request was referred to the Finance Committee.
  • Considered setting a request for proposal (RFP) opening date for insurance coverage and a risk management program. This item was also referred to the Finance Committee.
  • Set a public hearing  for July 28 to consider a variation to the sign ordinance at 1830 29th Ave. South and declaration of five properties as public nuisances due to excessive growth. The properties are located at 1106 Irving Road, 2831 16th Place South, 1425 Ardsley Place, 2827 16th Place South and 3406 Avalon Road.
  • Considered granting a retail beer and table wine license for Seeds Coffee Company, located at 174 Oxmoor Road. The proposal was referred to the Public Safety Committee.
  • Requested that the Public Safety Committee look into speeding issues on Valley Avenue near Vulcan and consider parking alternatives for congested streets. Ward 2 Council Member Britt Thames said residents have complained about excessive speed on Valley Avenue causing difficulty for people parking along the street.

The next city council meeting will be Monday, July 28.