Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting - August 5, 2025

The Tuscaloosa City Council met on August 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM (approximate start time) to address routine approvals, a demolition public hearing, proclamations, and several consent agenda items. Mayor Walt Maddox presided, and all council members were present.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• National Farmers Market Week: Mayor Maddox proclaimed the week of August 5 as National Farmers Market Week in Tuscaloosa. Alexis Clark introduced the river market team (Maggie Porter, Tanette Ayers, Jennifer Stokes, Andrea Mate, Grayson Graves, Colin Patrick, Jeremiah Johnson). Clark noted the market serves 68 vendors and attracts approximately 3,000 visitors each Saturday. The team also hosts over 235 events annually, including 52 Saturday markets. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and offers a Double Up Food Bucks program (matching up to $40 for fresh fruits and vegetables). Peaches, tomatoes, and watermelons were highlighted as in-season produce. The market is also open on Tuesdays until 2 PM in June and July.
• School Supplies from Parking Ticket Program: Jessica Stewart, Municipal Court Administrator, presented a school supply collection initiative that began in 2019. Since implementation, 4,500 supplies have been donated to city schools. This year, nearly 1,100 items were collected and 250 parking tickets were dismissed through the program (donating $10 in supplies per $19 ticket). The supplies were accepted by Khalisa Borman, Resource Manager at New Heights Community Resource Center, for distribution to students in need. Municipal court staff recognized: Haley Abbott (Assistant Court Administrator), Tracy Maddox (Principal Magistrate), Christy Porter (Principal Magistrate), Shay Byrd (Senior Magistrate), Katie Meggs (Senior Secretary), and Stephanie Lynn (Office Administrator).

Public Hearing: Demolition of 2214 26th Avenue

• Council member Williams presented the condemnation of the property at 2214 26th Avenue, which had 49 housing code violations. The owner, Catherine Taylor, appeared and stated her father was supposed to fix the property but could not. She asked about the process and costs. Council member Williams explained that if the city proceeds with demolition, the cost (labor, equipment, disposal) will be charged back to the owner as a lien, with a stated payment period. The owner was given the option to demolish the property herself within approximately 90 days before the city would begin work. Taylor expressed intent to hire her own contractor. No public comments for or against the demolition were made. The council voted unanimously (7-0) to order the demolition.

Consent Agenda

• The consent agenda, including items A, B, and the substitute for C, was adopted unanimously (7-0). These items were not individually discussed.

Resolutions and Ordinances

• Purchase from Southern Pipe and Supply: Authorized the purchase of equipment, supplies, or services from Southern Pipe and Supply. Adopted unanimously.
• Withdrawal of Purchase from Wichitan Supply Company: Authorized withdrawal of a previously authorized purchase from Wichitan Supply Company. Adopted unanimously.
• Appointment to Sister Cities Board: Appointed Gisela DeLoch to the Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International Board of Directors. Adopted unanimously.
• Annexation (4.03 acres, Highway 69 South): Annexed approximately 4.03 acres located north of 9710 Highway 69 South and south of 9200 Highway 69 South into city limits. Adopted unanimously.
• Annexation (1.8 acres, Burnt Pines Road): Annexed approximately 1.8 acres at 15104 Burnt Pines Road into city limits. Adopted unanimously.
• Payment of Bills: Authorized payment of city bills. Adopted unanimously.

Council Announcements

• Council reminded members to meet at 8:30 AM Saturday morning at Jackson Avenue for a community event.

Meeting Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned unanimously (7-0) without further citizen comments or unfinished business.