Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting - July 29, 2025

The Tuscaloosa City Council convened on July 29, 2025, at approximately 9:58 PM (UTC) to address routine approvals, several public hearings, and administrative resolutions. All items on the agenda were approved unanimously, often with brief discussions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting (motioned, seconded, and passed unanimously).
• Consent agenda Items A through C were adopted. The motion did not require unanimous consent, and the vote was recorded with one "No" vote (councilor Lanier) but ultimately passed.

Public Hearings

• Retail Beer License (Off-Premises) – Shop and Go: Application 25-037A for Momentum Investments Inc. d/b/a Shop and Go (1800 Crescent Ridge Road NE, Suite A). Hours: Sunday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Saturday 5 a.m.–11 p.m. Police had no objections. Applicant Johnny Jones (Hoover, AL) confirmed a change of ownership. No public comments. Approved unanimously.
• Retail Table Wine License (Off-Premises) – Shop and Go: Application 25-037B for the same location (Suite A). Same applicant and reports. Approved unanimously.
• Class 2 Package Lounge Retail Liquor License – Shop and Go: Application 25-03A for Suite B (Holt Package Store). Applicant stated he operates 70+ package stores; this was a change of ownership. No public comments. Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Demolition Order for 2603 22nd Street: The property had 40 housing code violations and was condemned on May 19, 2025. Owner Felicia Garry expressed concern about losing the property and asked about time to retrieve personal belongings. City staff stated the process takes approximately 120 days, and the cost of demolition will be billed to the owner, with a lien possible if unpaid. The council recommended demolition, and the owner was assured of prior notice before demolition occurs. Approved unanimously.
• Zoning Amendment #15 – Rezone to Highway Commercial: Request by Huffman Real Estate Services to rezone 4.03 acres north of 9710 Highway 69 South (Council District 2) to Highway Commercial (HC). The site will be divided into four lots and later annexed. It conforms to the Future Land Use Character Map. Representative Jimmy Duncan (Duncan Coker Associates) indicated tentative plans for two lots to be quick-service restaurants. No public comments. Approved unanimously.
• Bridge Naming Ceremony: Councilor Crow announced that the newly constructed bridge on Bright’s Ferry Road spanning North River will be named in honor of LeWoy and Ruth McAvee, with an official ceremony expected in September 2025.

Key Outcomes

• All public hearing items (liquor licenses, demolition, zoning) were approved unanimously, with each vote recorded as 7-0.
• Several resolutions were adopted without debate:
  • As-needed services contracts with Awesome Towing LLC and Fred Robertson Record Service Inc.
  • Minor public works contract with Sports 12 LLC and an amendment with John Wayne Plumbing and Drain Service Co.
  • Funding agreement for the Tuscaloosa Municipal Court Referral Officer Program.
  • Job class specifications for the municipal court.
  • Permissive use agreement for Southern Alehouse.
  • Appointment of Fire Chief Mark Delk as city representative to the E911 Commission.
  • Right-of-way permit to Mary Harmon Round Tree Young.
• Appointment of Thomas Sepo to the Jamison Vanegraf Foundation Board of Directors was approved.
• Payment of bills was authorized.
• The meeting adjourned without any public comments or mayoral vetoes.