Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting – September 9, 2025

The Tuscaloosa City Council met on September 9, 2025, for a regular meeting that included a proclamation recognizing Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, presentations from University of Alabama Student Government Association (SGA) leaders, and several routine approvals. A notable item was the denial of a special events retail license for a Hispanic Heritage Month event, after the applicant expressed disappointment with the city's handling of the application.

Proclamation and Recognitions

• Mayor Walt Maddox read a proclamation declaring September 2025 as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in Tuscaloosa. Betsy Fettner accepted the proclamation in memory of longtime resident Mary Ellen Massey Black, who died of ovarian cancer on August 28. She distributed symptom cards and noted the annual race on September 20 in Hoover.

Student Government Association Presentation

• Henry Glover (Lobby Board Director) and Theo Villanueva (Secretary of the Senate) addressed the council. Glover highlighted SGA initiatives including placing Narcan in bars on the Strip, the Battle of the Bands to benefit the Joe Espy Special Needs Scholarship Fund, and higher education advocacy. Villanueva thanked the council for their support of the university's 40,000+ students. Mayor Maddox and Council Member Busby invited the SGA to discuss strip and riverwalk security, emphasizing that students are considered full residents of the city.

Council Announcements

• Council Member Cynthia Almond reminded the community of a District 2 town hall meeting on September 11 at Central High School. Council Member Kip Tyner announced Oktoberfest on September 20 at Government Plaza, including a 5K and 1K race. Council Member John Faile noted he would be at Jack's on Saturday mornings to hear from constituents.

Unfinished Business – Special Events Retail License Denied

• The council considered a less-than-seven-days special events retail license for Made in Mexico Tacos and Tequila LLC, operating as Hispanic Heritage Month, at 1241 McFarland Boulevard East. Police Chief Lankley reported the applicant did not submit required safety plans and recommended denial. Applicant Giovanni Sanchez spoke, stating he was disappointed in the process, denied that the event was a disguise for game-day tailgating, and criticized the city for being out of touch with the Latino community. He also objected to remarks made during the pre-council meeting that he felt were disrespectful. Council Member Eatman noted that the council had previously asked the applicant to work with the police chief, which did not happen. The council voted 7-0 to deny the application (all members voted no).

Consent Calendar

• Items A through I were approved unanimously. Items included routine approvals of minutes, contracts, and other administrative actions.

Public Hearings

• Three public hearings were held to set demolition costs and authorize liens for properties at 504 33rd Avenue, 2217 Foster's Ferry Road, and 2204 Dinah Washington Avenue. No one spoke for or against, and all were approved unanimously (7-0).

Resolutions and Ordinances

• The council adopted a series of resolutions and ordinances, all by unanimous votes unless noted:
  • Authorized a right-of-way permit to Andrea Glenn.
  • Approved an amendment to a lease agreement with Twin Hangar LLC.
  • Authorized a memorandum of agreement and a permissive use agreement with the Kentuck Museum Association.
  • Approved a grant agreement with the Southwest Alabama Highway Safety Office.
  • Authorized purchase of equipment/supplies from Morrow Water Technologies.
  • Approved a joint agreement between the city, Alabama Southern Railroad LLC, and Kansas City Southern Railway Company (Council Member Howard later expressed a desire to change her vote but was informed the vote had already been announced; she stated she wished to hear a citizen's comments).
  • Authorized contracts with Duncan Coker Associates, PC, and Porter Higginbotham Engineering, Inc.
  • Approved a minor public works contract with Tri-State, Inc.
  • Authorized disbursement from District 7 improvement funds for Southview Elementary and Central High School.
  • Approved a professional services agreement with Trusted Sec, LLC.
  • Authorized a contract with Logos Imaging, LLC, with a bid law exemption.
  • Introduced Zoning Amendment No. 18 and set October 7, 2025, as the date for its adoption.
  • Authorized Amendment No. 17 to the FY25 general fund budget (adopted by unanimous consent).

Key Outcomes

• The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
• Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month was proclaimed.
• The SGA representatives were welcomed and invited to future discussions on security.
• The special events retail license for Made in Mexico Tacos and Tequila LLC was denied (7-0).
• The consent agenda and all public hearing items were adopted unanimously.
• All resolutions and ordinances were adopted, with the joint railroad agreement passing despite one council member's later wish to change her vote.
• Bills were paid, and the meeting was adjourned.