0:07Good evening, everyone.
0:09The Tuscaloosa City Council will now come to order.
0:11We're going to begin tonight's meeting with a prayer.
0:14Then please we ask everyone, please stand.
0:16And following the prayer, we will uh remain standing for our pledge of allegiance.
0:21Let's bow our heads, please.
0:22Dear God, bless our proceedings tonight.
0:25Give us the wisdom to know what is just and the strength to do what is right.
0:30I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.
0:37One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
0:43Approval of the minutes.
0:44Make a motion through the minutes.
0:46It's been moved and seconded that we approve the minutes voting, Mr.
0:54Minutes stand approved.
0:55Proclamations by Mayor and Council.
0:58Proclamation statements by Mayor and Council.
1:00I'm going to ask Counselor Lanier to come join me.
1:03And I'm also going to ask that members of the men of praise join me as well.
1:08I think we have a couple members here tonight.
1:15Heard you had a big weekend.
1:18Well, hey, let's let everybody else in Tuscaloosa hear about it as well.
1:22We are so honored to have you here tonight and so thankful Mr.
1:25Lanier uh brought this to our attention.
1:28So, whereas Men of Praise, a Tuscaloosa-based gospel group formed in 2007, has uplifted audiences for nearly two decades with their powerful ministry.
1:38Whereas this group's ministry and music have inspired countless listeners through the heartfelt performance, steadfast faith and commitment to spreading the message of hope and unity while also serving as a positive role models for Tuscaloosa with excellence, both locally and on national stages.
1:56And whereas on August 16, 2025, at the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel with Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, Men of Praise achieved a historic milestone by winning their first stellar award.
2:09Being named Quartet of the Year for their album Live in the Red.
2:18You know, that's kind of appropriate because we just had our budget discussions, but we were live in the black, hopefully, not in the red.
2:26The prestigious recognition reflects the group's extraordinary artistry, dedication, and impact of gospel music, while also bringing great honor and pride to Tuscaloosa.
2:37So let me just say that again.
2:39Great honor and pride.
2:41This is absolutely amazing.
2:44Whereas the City of Tuscaloosa proudly celebrates men of praise for this remarkable achievement, recognizing not only their musical excellence, but also the inspiration and pride they bring to our community as ambassadors of faith, preservation, and hometown talent.
3:00Now, therefore it be it resolved that I, Mayor Walt Maddox, on behalf of a very grateful city council, do hereby celebrate men of praise for the outstanding achievement.
3:09We encourage all citizens to join us in celebrating this historic achievement and positive impact this group continues to make in the gospel community.
3:18Again, on behalf of the city of Tuscaloosa, I want to say congratulations and job well done.
3:24You've made your city proud.
3:32Lanier to say a few words, and I'd like you to please introduce yourselves because the community needs to learn more about you.
3:38Lanier, thank you so much for bringing this to our attention.
3:48Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about the natural experience.
3:58And I'm just elated to be here representing the city, uh singing with men of praise.
4:04Um we've just been singing for a number of years, and it was just a blessed experience to actually be uh recognized on a national level uh for what we do.
4:12Uh we just been two guys uh here represented, but we just a group of guys from Tuscaloosa that's just really been trying to praise God, just make good music.
4:21So it's just so humbling to be recognized nationally on that level.
4:30Uh I'm Pastor Anthony Moore, and um, I just first of all, I just want to say thank you all for just giving us this awesome, awesome, awesome recognition.
4:39Um, I just believe, you know, without God, we're nothing.
4:42Um, and I just want to thank God for my city, Tuscaloosa.
4:45I love Tuscaloosa, and I'm so grateful that you know we were able to do something that has never been done in the state of Alabama.
4:53Uh we are the first Quartet group to receive this award for the whole state out of all these years of all these wonderful groups and quartets and choirs.
5:03We are the very first.
5:04So history has been made.
5:05Thank you all so much.
5:12I'm Brandon with this spoon.
5:14I'm gonna say trail lead with the group.
5:21One, if we somebody wanted to go purchase live in the red, where can they go do that?
5:26Uh it's available on all digital media uh platforms.
5:31Also, uh, if you want to contact any of us, uh we can get you physical copies as well.
5:36So, how if you will speak in the microphone because I want people at home to build so any you can go to iTunes or you can go to iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, all of your digital platforms that would you normally stream music, you can find our music there.
5:49And if somebody wanted to get in touch with you about trying to schedule, yeah.
5:55I'm trying to help you, my friend.
5:57You can call 205-503-2600.
6:01You can go to Facebook and type in men of praise, P-R-A-Y-Z-E, P-R-A-Y-Z-E.
6:08We would love to come to your church, uh, funerals, uh, anything, weddings, whatever you got going.
6:14We want to come say, please call us.
6:16We would love to come sing.
6:17You can come to my funeral, but I don't know how much.
6:20Um, last thing, favorite song that you do.
6:25It's a song called Um It's Me Again.
6:28And it's simply a prayer to God, and it says, Lord, it's me again.
6:32I'm glad you call it.
6:34We all know prayer is simply just a conversation with God.
6:37And so every day we have to tell him, vote is me again.
6:40It's not my mother, it's not my father, it's not my kids.
6:43This time it's just me.
6:45And the end of the song is he'll answer.
6:49I believe we all know that.
6:50Man, we're so honored you can't hear tonight.
6:59That's gonna be hard to call it.
7:04Any council announcements tonight?
7:07One, we'll be having uh community conversation at Stillman College for District One at 5:30 next Monday on Stillman College campus, um, as well as the new heights, uh basketball court dedication uh next Thursday at New Heights.
7:25Yeah, any other council announcements tonight?
7:29Lanier needs to get his picture made with now.
7:34Yeah, we need to get our picture made on Bray.
7:37All right, come on, we'll get a picture made.
7:39Everybody just take a quick stretch break real quick.
7:45He's got a four times.
8:37Do we have any other council announcements tonight?
8:42I'll be at Jacks, yes.
8:43Lanier asked me if I'd be at Jackson.
8:45Yes, I will be Saturday morning.
8:47Fail will be at Jack's on Saturday morning as usual.
8:51Any agenda item comments by citizens?
8:54Um we have an item for unfinished business clerk.
8:57This order is demolition of the structure at 3209 7th Street.
9:03Second, been moved and second, Mr.
9:08This is for the condemnation of 3209 7th Street, condemned December 8th, 2023.
9:14This property has 46 housing code violations.
9:17The owner andor the owner's representatives have been made aware of this hearing.
9:22They also also are aware that if it's condemned by the city, the cost of demolition will be charged back to the owner.
9:28The owner has continued to make progress.
9:30He has added some more roofing.
9:34Uh painting has begun on the exterior wood surfaces.
9:37The owner is here to represent his property.
9:41If the owner would come forward and please give your name and address.
9:47I'm the owner of 3209 7th Street.
9:50I would like 90 more days.
9:51I can have that finished painting and seeing them put on your house.
9:58I make a motion to give 90 days.
10:00I appreciate you the work you're doing.
10:02I see you out every morning when I'm walking the neighborhood out working.
10:06So I appreciate you.
10:07You keep keep up the good work and keep working.
10:10Um but I do recommend 90 more days.
10:13Okay, we got a motion and second for 90 days.
10:18This was a public hearing when it was introduced.
10:20Is there anyone here that wishes to speak for or against seeing none?
10:25Voting on 90 days, Mr.
10:29Demolitions tabled for 90 days.
10:32Thank you very much, sir.
10:34Consent agenda, clerk.
10:35This approves items A through I on the consent agenda.
10:44Consent agenda is adopted.
10:46Public hearings, clerk.
10:47This will order demolition of the structure at 2646 25th Street.
10:52Then move and second, Mr.
10:54This is for the condemnation of 2646 25th Street.
10:58Condemn June 13th, 2025.
11:01This property has 47 house housing code violations.
11:05The owner has been contacted, is aware of this hearing.
11:07The owner is aware that if it's condemned and demolished, the cost of demolition will be charged back to the owner.
11:12This condemnation is for the main structure and all accessory structures.
11:17This was a voluntary condemnation uh by the owner of record.
11:21There are siblings here to represent their property.
11:29So again, I make certain I heard this correctly.
11:32They have consented to the the city or they wish for the city to move forward with demolition.
11:36The uh the original condemnation was a voluntary condemnation, but there has been some siblings come forward wanting to save the property.
11:44Okay, and they want to speak on behalf of that.
11:47Virgil, who who legally represents the property?
11:52Johnny Lee Sanders will be speaking.
11:55Is that who will be speaking?
11:57I'm not sure who's speaking.
11:58I think I think some of the siblings are gonna be here.
12:03Sanders is here or not.
12:07Is there anyone here from the family who wishes to speak?
12:12If you would come forward, and please get both of you actually would come forward and please give your name and address.
12:19I'm Donna Thomas, 2646 25th Street.
12:23I live at the property.
12:26Carmen Thomas, 3325 23rd Street.
12:31Any questions from the City Council?
12:36Who legally owns the property?
12:38It was left to her heirs.
12:43So seven of you collectively own it.
12:46Collectively own it, yes, sir.
12:49Can I speak on that?
12:53Apparently, his wife went up to City Hall or somewhere, and she had the paperwork put in his name as he's the sole owner.
13:03Some kind of paperwork that she filled out.
13:07Nobody ever showed it to us.
13:09We don't know anything about it.
13:10This is all new to us, but we were told that he was the sole owner of the house.
13:19So I guess my question is what is y'all's plan, timeline, again starting.
13:26I currently live in the home.
13:28I can't afford the rent out here right now.
13:30I'm a single parent.
13:31And I most of the repairs that he said we needed to do have been done, as far as I know, except for one window that I know of.
13:42And 30 more days to get that window replaced.
13:51Any other questions by the city council?
13:54So what is it y'all want to do?
13:55We don't want to tell you I have my mama's house down.
13:59Yeah, she's kind of she has she has kids in that house.
14:06Again, we've been working on it.
14:08We've everything is so expensive out there.
14:11I've been trying to fix the stuff as I get paid.
14:14I mean, I can't afford to just just hire somebody just kind of just go ahead and do everything that needs to be done, but I have been working on the house.
14:22I think Versailles, you recommended 90 more days for them anyway, just to try to get some repairs.
14:28They have made some of the repairs.
14:30There's some things that I was gonna show them that needed to be changed a little bit, but they are making progress on the property.
14:36Are there any is there water or electricity at the house?
14:38Yeah, everything is on on the property.
14:41They're legally able to live there and everything.
14:43And I fixed, I've had the water leak fixed on it.
14:46I have the coordinates fixed on it.
14:49I'm trying to do what I can with the money that I have.
14:53I make a motion for 90 days.
15:00Best of luck to you.
15:02Motion and second to table for 90 days.
15:04Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against the demolition?
15:09Seeing none voting to table for 90 days.
15:16Demolitions table for 90 days.
15:18So this will order demolition of the structure at 2531 26th Street.
15:30This is for the condemnation of 2531 26th Street.
15:34Condemned June 13th, 2025.
15:36This property has 48 housing code violations.
15:39The owner has been contacted as aware of this hearing.
15:42The owner is aware that if this condemned and demolished the cost of demolition will be charged back to the owner.
15:47The owner is supposed to be here to represent the property.
15:56The owner would come forward.
15:58And please give your name and address.
16:00My name is Carolyn Craig.
16:04If you would, if you could speak into the microphone, thank you.
16:07My name is Carolyn Craig's Sterling Scott.
16:11And I am the tenant for this house 2531 26th Street.
16:18And it has gotten in bad shape, but I'm asking for 90 more days.
16:28And I paid him so much money.
16:32And he said he's gonna get to it.
16:35And I think he called me on my way over here.
16:39And I'm just asking for 90 more days to get it done.
16:46Have you already paid?
16:47Have you already paid him for the work?
16:50Yes, just a fourth of it.
16:54All right, I'll give I'll give 90.
16:55I'm motion for 90 days.
16:59It's been moved and second for 90 days.
17:02There's no one living in the house.
17:06It's been moved and second for 90 days.
17:14It's been tabled for 90 days.
17:16I think I forgot to call public hearing.
17:19Um is anyone here wishing to speak for or against you're good.
17:29This will authorize zoning amendment number 16.
17:34It's been moved and second.
17:42These are text amendments that we're proposing specifically related to townhomes.
17:47So there are a lot of sections, but just uh similar changes within multiple sections.
17:53So you can see here when we um updated our zoning ordinance initially.
17:59We had no townhouse unit.
18:01She'll be left less than one third as wide as it is deep.
18:04Um when we updated it, the word lot got in there, and it significantly changes the um ability to create townhomes.
18:14It's really um something that was not intended.
18:17Um we do regulate lots based off of what you see in that chart there with the setbacks with the widths, things of that nature.
18:25So this really was supposed to be pertaining to the unit as it had in the past, and so we're trying to correct that error.
18:31Um another another one is just uh changing up, you know, we use townhouse units, townhouses, just cleaning up that verbiage so it's consistent.
18:42Um then for this, we're moving cementitious siding, which is like hardy board siding.
18:48It's a good product that you've approved in the past as a primary material.
18:52Um we're moving that to a primary material instead of just an accent material.
18:59And then uh kind of the final one here is you can see in this chart over here.
19:04We have um footnotes, and the footnotes don't actually exist within the code, so we of course have to add those as you can see on the right.
19:13So that's what's proposed.
19:15Uh it was unanimously recommended for approval at planning commission.
19:19And I can answer any questions that y'all might have.
19:27This is a public hearing.
19:28Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against none?
19:35Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
19:39Amendments are adopted.
19:40Resolution and ordinances not of a general nature of permanent operation, clerk.
19:43This approves less than seven days special events retail licenses for levy premium food service limited partnership.
19:52All right, good evening, Mayor and Council.
20:00This is ABC I call application 25-043 for levy premium food services limited partnership to apply for special retail less than seven days for the premises at the advance at Bryan Denny Stadium Champions Lane located 920 Paul W.
20:08Bryant Drive Lawn A.
20:09Um, all my reports have been filed with the City Clerk Office, Officer Champion gives report, followed by the applicant to ask any questions you have.
20:19Good evening, Mayor Council.
20:21Police Department doesn't have any objections.
20:23Okay, is the applicant here?
20:27If you would please come forward and give your name and address Hello again.
20:39Her test uh 1556 Brookstone Drive, Brookwood, Alabama.
20:48Any questions of the applicant is this the same that you've been done doing in the past?
20:53This will be our third year with uh at the walk at Champions area there.
21:00Any other questions of the applicant?
21:12Applications approved, clerk.
21:13This approves less than seven days special events retail licenses for downtown entertainment.
21:19It's been moved and second.
21:22Okay, Mayor and Council.
21:23This is ABC I call application 25-044 for downtown entertainment LOC.
21:28Uh special retail less than seven days for the premises located at uh 40 432 University Boulevard 322 University Boulevard 304 University Boulevard uh 990 University Boulevard and 312 University Boulevard.
21:41All my reports have been filed by the city clerk office, officer champion gives report followed by the applicant to ask any questions you have.
21:48Officer champion council police board doesn't have any objections to any of the applicants.
21:55Okay, is the applicant here?
22:00Yep, Brandon is back.
22:04This is how bad it is.
22:05I thought you were still at six o'clock.
22:08Uh downtown entertainment, Brandon Hanks, 504.
22:13And while we have Mr.
22:14Hanks here, any questions on this or the subsequent resolution, if you wouldn't mind going ahead and asking any questions on either one of these.
22:22No, no, I think I think he's we can believe what he said.
22:27I think he's gonna make it.
22:30Any other questions of Mr.
22:33Or any snod comments we can make we got plenty of those.
22:43Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
22:46Applications approved, clerk.
22:48This also approves a less than seven days special events retail license for downtown entertainment.
22:54Second, move and second, Mr.
22:56Okay, Mayor Council.
22:57This is ABC I call application 25-044A.
23:00Same applicant, same report supply.
23:04Officer Chanting, anything changing your report?
23:07We've already asked Mr.
23:08Hanks some questions.
23:16Applications approved.
23:18This approves the less than seven days special events retail license for party down LLC.
23:24Move and second, Mr.
23:26All right, Mayor and Council.
23:27This is ABC I call application 25-045 for party down LLC.
23:32Uh applying for special retail less than seven days for the premises located at Cappa Signal Alumni Tailgate 282 University Boulevard.
23:39Uh all my reports have been filed to City Clerk Office.
23:42Officer Champion gives report followed by the applicant to ask any questions you have.
23:49No issues or with this applicator.
23:52Thank you, Officer Champion.
23:54If the applicant would come forward, please give your name and address.
23:59Yes, she is Lauren Shoemaker, 13800 Wire Road, Cottendale, Alabama.
24:06Have you done this before?
24:09These are just game day alumni events.
24:13Any other questions or comments?
24:24Resolution is adopted.
24:27This will authorize execution of a real estate sales contract with Graham and Emily Limbaugh.
24:40Resolutions adopted.
24:41This authorizes the selection of and a contract with Warren Averett.
24:52Resolutions adopted.
24:54This will obtain stop loss health insurance coverage from HighMark for fiscal year 26.
25:09Resolutions adopted.
25:10This authorizes amendment number two to the professional services agreement with Davis Architects.
25:25Resolutions adopted.
25:26This authorizes a contract with Duncan Coker Associates.
25:37Resolutions adopted.
25:38This authorizes a minor public works contract with Amison and Associates Incorporated.
25:44Move and second, voting Mr.
25:50Resolutions adopted.
25:52This authorizes a minor public works contract with PCI Technologies.
25:58Move and second, voting Mr.
26:03Resolutions adopted.
26:05This authorizes a minor public works contract with Browning Masonry Company Incorporated.
26:12Move and second by Mr.
26:16Resolutions adopted.
26:18This authorizes a minor public works contract with building specialties company incorporated.
26:24Move and second, but Mr.
26:29Resolutions adopted.
26:31This authorizes a minor public works contract with Druid Glass Construction Incorporated.
26:37Move and second, voting Mr.
26:42Resolutions adopted.
26:43This authorizes a contract for professional services with 1220 exhibits incorporated.
26:50Moved and second, voting Mr.
26:55Resolutions adopted.
26:57This authorizes a professional services contract with Turner Townsend Heary.
27:03Move and second, voting Mr.
27:09Resolutions adopted.
27:11This authorizes a memorandum of understanding with TCC acquisition partners LLC.
27:25Resolutions adopted.
27:27This authorizes an extension of the city's helicopter insurance coverage with Westchester Fire Insurance Company.
27:34It's been moved and second.
27:41Resolutions adopted.
27:42This will authorize a contract with electric motor sales and service incorporated and declares a bid law exemption.
27:50It's been moved and second.
27:56Resolutions adopted.
27:58This authorizes a renewal of the license agreement from the Department of the Army for Riverwalk River Market Site.
28:11Resolutions adopted.
28:13This authorizes acquisition by condemnation proceedings for the Patent Lake Park Project.
28:25Resolutions adopted.
28:27This authorizes amendment number seven to the water and serial reserve for feature improvements fund budget.
28:33Moved and second voting.
28:41Resolutions adopted.
28:42Ordinance and resolutions of a general nature of permit operation for induction for interduction.
28:47This authorizes amendment number 15 to the fiscal year 2025 general fund budget.
28:54Move and second, voting Mr.
28:58Off unanimous consent.
29:06Budget's amended, Clerk.
29:07This adds section 1013 to the code of Tesaloosa.
29:18Go here call for unanimous consent.
29:27Resolutions adopted.
29:29Um before we go to the next item.
29:31This next one will require three votes of the City Council.
29:36This authorizes the issuance and makes provision for the payment of 73 million 965,000 general obligation warrant.
29:47It's been moved and second voting, Mr.
29:53Off of the second vote.
30:04Go here, call for unanimous.
30:07Moved and second, but Mr.
30:16This authorizes the payment of bills.
30:22Over there in the radar, Alberta.
30:25Great Alberta's more clearance.
30:28I saw you opened up McRightsbury Road in Greater Alberto.
30:35I pull that one over him right now.
30:36Is that going to leave the shop center?
30:39I created this mess.
30:45Resolution is adopted.
30:47Citizens' comments and other communications.
30:48Any citizens wish to address their city council tonight?
30:55If you would please come forward and give your name and address.
31:02My name's Stanford Kelly.
31:13Right next to the railroad.
31:16And uh the railroad has taken my road away.
31:20I can't cross no more.
31:23The issue is they towed a road up, put down new cross ties, new rails, and left the atch file in the middle of the road where the public can't go back and forth across the railroad.
31:39There's a railroad is at 16th Street and T.Y.
31:43Avenue, right behind the county jail.
31:47And uh we already got one side blocked off what they building on the jail now on the railroad and tow up the other side and won't fix it back.
32:01They didn't did all they work they need to do.
32:04They didn't put in new ties, they didn't put down new rail, and they left a pile of ash fault in the middle of the road, city roadblock.
32:13And uh we and I want to see to do something about that if y'all will.
32:25Killer, I I'll I'll I'll respond.
32:27I appreciate you coming out today.
32:29Um, and I appreciate the concern.
32:31Um that that railroad, a lot of time in leadership, but what we've got first of all, like we talked earlier, you know, railroads are managed by the federal government, the the actual railroad.
32:42Now we do control the roads, and a lot of times when we're making decisions like this with with that railroad, we've got a balanced convenience and safety public safety.
32:52If they're gonna shut their road down, excuse me.
32:56Eatman finish and then allow some time for response.
33:00Um, and like I said, you know, the the biggest thing about leadership, we got a balance safety, and we've got a balanced convenience.
33:06And I I get it, I do understand it may be an inconvenience.
33:10Like I said, I grew up in that area.
33:12My aunt actually lost a leg right there on that same train track that we're talking about.
33:16But as we talk about you know, safety as well as convenience, that those are the decisions that we've got to make.
33:23Um, and I have talked to public safety, I have talked to the jail, I have talked to other constituents from a quality of life standpoint of that train not blowing the horn in there.
33:33So that's what's going on.
33:34I'm willing to you know talk to you again after this.
33:37I appreciate you coming out tonight.
33:39I look forward to talking to you farther about what's going on in that road.
33:46What can the city do?
33:49Yeah, that's the railroad, the fish the road back so we can go across just personal experience.
34:00I don't I've had terrible luck with getting the railroad companies to do anything that they don't want to do.
34:08Um that's why we don't have a new Amtrak station because they the railroad would not sign off on the move, so they're very, very, very difficult to deal with.
34:20Personally, I know in this situation.
34:24I'm not sure what else could be done except to work with Mr.
34:34So uh they can close the road down without consulting with the city.
34:40They got the power to do that without consulting with the city council, they don't have to ask y'all no questions to just do it, Mr.
34:50I'll let you answer that as our city attorney.
34:52I'll let him answer that.
34:55It would depend upon the specific area whether or not they had an easement over our property or whether or not we had over over railroad property.
35:03Um I don't know about that specific crossing, but lots of times we have an easement to have a road over their property is more at their discretion.
35:22Anyone else wish to address city council or not?
35:27Subject to exercise of mayoral veto and ordinances of a general nature of permanent operational applicable departments here by order to otherwise implement council policy this day enacted.
35:36It's been moved and second to adjourn voting, Mr.
35:47Dylan, can I see you?
