OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting Summary - December 9, 2025

City Council Meetings — Tuesday, December 9, 2025
BodyTuscaloosa, Alabama
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, December 9, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 37:13

Transcript — Verbatim
0:06

I'll do that.

0:08

All right.

0:08

Good evening, everyone.

0:10

The Tuscaloose City Council will now come to order.

0:12

If everyone would please stand for our council prayer and then remain standing for our pledge of allegiance.

0:18

Let's bow our heads, please.

0:19

Dear God, bless our proceedings tonight.

0:22

Give us the wisdom to know what is just and the strength to do what is right.

0:26

Amen.

0:27

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:34

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

0:39

Please be seated.

0:41

Approval of the minutes.

0:42

Make a motion to approve the minutes.

0:44

Second.

0:44

It's been moved and second that we approve the minutes.

0:47

Voting, Mr.

0:48

Eatman.

0:49

Yes.

0:50

Yes.

0:50

Yes.

0:51

Yes.

0:52

Yes.

0:52

Yes.

0:53

Minutes stand approved.

0:54

I apologize.

0:55

I'm a little off rhythm.

0:56

We've been out for a couple of weeks, so I'll try to find my C legs.

1:00

Yeah.

1:00

Um I don't know if it's not my.

1:03

I hope that's not my phone.

1:04

No, sir.

1:04

Okay.

1:05

Um we now have proclamation and statements by Mayor and Council.

1:10

Uh tonight we are recognizing World's AIDS Day, and I know we have members here from Five Horizons Health Services.

1:17

And I would ask uh Landon Nichols to join me.

1:19

Certainly, Dr.

1:20

Kilpatrick, we'd love to have you as well as I read this proclamation into the record.

1:26

Whereas World AIDS Day is observed globally on December 1st to raise awareness regarding HIV AIDS, honor those who are living with the virus, and remember those who have lost their lives.

1:37

Whereas the City of Tuscaloosa recognizes the importance of providing education, resources, health care, and supportive services to individuals affected by HIV AIDS and encourages community initiatives, outreach programs, and partnerships that foster understanding, reduce stigma, and strengthen the well-being of those that are impacted.

1:58

Whereas though through continued awareness campaigns, outreach program, testing, initiatives, research, and access to health care services, our community can work together to reduce the stigma associated with HIV AIDS, provide early detection, and advance towards a future that is free from this disease.

2:17

And whereas the global fight against HIV AIDS strengthened by research, medical advancements, and the dedication of organizations, health care professionals, and volunteers who work tirelessly to prevent the who to work tirelessly to improve prevention and prevention, treatment, and care, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing this public health challenge.

2:42

Now therefore it be it resolved that I want Maddox on behalf of the City Council to hereby recognize December 1st, 2025 as World AIDS Day in Tuscaloosa.

2:52

And I know that date is since passed since we didn't meet last week, and encourage all citizens to support this day with meaningful programs, educational activities, and hopefully we did, and acts as services initiatives that raises awareness, provides care, and demonstrates support.

3:09

On a personal level, I think you know, uh maybe I speak for others.

3:13

I think I would to see the evolution of this in my lifetime, to see the health care improve dramatically, to see the stigmatism be reduced dramatically is a result of so many people on so many levels in so many ways.

3:29

And here locally, I can't say enough about Five Horizons Health Service and what it's done.

3:34

Um we certainly are proud of you and honored to have this proclamation.

3:38

So if you were just on behalf of Five Horizons and all of our clients and all people living with HIV, we just want to thank the city of Tuscaloosa for this proclamation.

3:53

You know, science really has given us the tools to completely end new transmissions between treatment for people living with HIV, which can reduce the viral load so low that that person becomes untransmittable, and through prep.

4:04

So one pill once a day or an injection every couple of months that can keep people who are at risk from contracting HIV.

4:10

If we can just get that knowledge and those tools in the hands of everyone that needs it, we will stop new transmissions.

4:16

And a big part of that is breaking down the stigma and getting people tested.

4:20

And so uh we've taken a step on that journey today by passing this proclamation and helping to educate the community.

4:25

So we're very grateful to you guys.

4:27

Thank you.

4:28

Thank you.

4:28

Thank you.

4:32

Do we have any council announcements?

4:35

Any agenda item comments.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Facility Management█████████████████████████████████████████████50%
Procedural████████████████████████████████36%
Zoning And Land Use███████8%
Public Engagement█████5%
Budget Equity Analysis█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting Summary - December 9, 2025

The Tuscaloosa City Council convened on December 9, 2025, to approve minutes, recognize World AIDS Day, and deliberate on seven public hearing items regarding property condemnation and demolition. The meeting featured significant deliberation on demolition orders for properties with significant housing code violations, with several owners appearing to request time extensions for repairs. A zoning amendment for increased residential density was adopted unanimously after discussion with the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding concerns.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of meeting minutes from the previous session (unanimous).
  • Adoption of items A through O on the consent agenda (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • World AIDS Day Proclamation: Landon Nichols of Five Horizons Health Services expressed gratitude for the proclamation, stating that the organization has successfully utilized science to reduce new transmissions and that breaking down stigma is essential. Council members expressed full support for the initiative to reduce stigma and improve healthcare outcomes.
  • 3153 Riggs Road (Owner): The owner, a resident of Birmingham, expressed a strong desire to keep her family home. She requested a 30-day extension to complete repairs and make the property presentable, citing holiday constraints, weather, lack of a contractor, and working late hours as reasons for the delay. She assured the council she would make "a little bit" of progress but admitted significant work remained.
  • 2317 Jack Warner Parkway (Owner - Marcus Minges): The owner requested more time to complete roof and window repairs and to address slab removal requirements. He explained that a potential buyer for the contiguous property has delayed his plans and that removing the slab via city crews would take 3-4 months. He argued that if given time, he could demolish the slab himself more cheaply.
  • 2317 Jack Warner Parkway (Council Member Position): A council member expressed concern about setting a precedent for exceptions, noting that other property owners had complied previously. The member advocated for removing the slab to return the land to original ground.
  • 2327 Jack Warner Parkway (Owner - Marcus Minges): The owner stated his plan to repair the building to prevent condemnation and keep it from the market, citing extensive cleanup and utility restoration efforts. He requested a 30-day extension to complete visible repairs.
  • 3620 23rd Street (Owner - Theseus O'Neill): The owner expressed anxiety to resolve the issue, noting recent personal hardship due to his mother's passing. He requested 60 days (extending to February) to frame and inspect the property while materials are being prepared.
  • 4700 McFarland Boulevard East (Attorney/Representative): The representative requested a 30-day extension to January 6, 2026, to allow for legal representation to be present for future city council proceedings.

Discussion Items

  • Demolition Orders: Council deliberated on seven properties (2711 24th St, 3113 Riggs Rd, 3153 Riggs Rd, 2317 Jack Warner Pkwy, 2327 Jack Warner Pkwy, 3620 23rd St, and 4700 McFarland Blvd E). Council reviewed code violation counts (ranging from 46-48) and repair efforts. Owners appealed for extensions based on personal hardship, lack of contractors, or pending sales.
  • Zoning Amendment No. 23 (2100/2102 Fifth Ave E): Mr. Ponds presented the request by JLP Construction to rezone 0.84 acres from SFR1 to MR1 to allow for denser housing. The applicant stated they had addressed Planning and Zoning Commission concerns by agreeing to a stronger Homeowners Association (HOA). The Council member noted the 5-3 prior recommendation against the request but expressed confidence after negotiations.
  • Resolution on Generator Inspections: The Council rejected all bids for generator inspections and maintenance.
  • Financial & Contract Items: The Council deliberated on multiple resolutions authorizing liens for demolition costs, contracts with various vendors (including Hawthorne, McGifford, Bullock Environmental, Jacobs, etc.), warrants, and disbursements from District One Improvements Funds.

Key Outcomes

  • World AIDS Day: December 1, 2025, was officially recognized via proclamation.
  • Demolition Orders (Approved):
    • 2711 24th Street (Unanimous; owner waived appeal).
    • 3113 Riggs Road (Unanimous; minimal repairs noted, no action required).
    • 2317 Jack Warner Parkway (Vote tally: 4 Yes, 2 No; Slab removal ordered; owner retains opportunity to sell/repair if they demolish slab themselves).
  • Demolition Tabled (Extended):
    • 3153 Riggs Road: Tabled for 30 days (Owner requested extension for holiday/family reasons).
    • 2327 Jack Warner Parkway: Tabled for 30 days (Owner requested extension for repairs).
    • 3620 23rd Street: Tabled for 60 days (Owner requested extension for framing/inspection).
    • 4700 McFarland Boulevard East: Tabled for 30 days (Pending legal representation).
  • Zoning Amendment No. 23: Adopted unanimously (7-0) to rezone 0.84 acres to MR1.
  • Financial Actions:
    • Costs for demolition set and liens authorized for 512 Harbro Road E and 434 8th Ave NE.
    • All resolutions regarding vendor contracts, bond issuance, and fund disbursements were adopted unanimously.
    • Zoning Amendment No. 24 and an annexation of 40.8 acres were passed.
  • Date Set: January 6, 2026, scheduled as the public hearing date for the adoption of Zoning Amendment No. 24.

Meeting Transcript

I'll do that. All right. Good evening, everyone. The Tuscaloose City Council will now come to order. If everyone would please stand for our council prayer and then remain standing for our pledge of allegiance. Let's bow our heads, please. Dear God, bless our proceedings tonight. Give us the wisdom to know what is just and the strength to do what is right. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please be seated. Approval of the minutes. Make a motion to approve the minutes. Second. It's been moved and second that we approve the minutes. Voting, Mr. Eatman. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Minutes stand approved. I apologize. I'm a little off rhythm. We've been out for a couple of weeks, so I'll try to find my C legs. Yeah. Um I don't know if it's not my. I hope that's not my phone. No, sir. Okay. Um we now have proclamation and statements by Mayor and Council. Uh tonight we are recognizing World's AIDS Day, and I know we have members here from Five Horizons Health Services. And I would ask uh Landon Nichols to join me. Certainly, Dr. Kilpatrick, we'd love to have you as well as I read this proclamation into the record. Whereas World AIDS Day is observed globally on December 1st to raise awareness regarding HIV AIDS, honor those who are living with the virus, and remember those who have lost their lives. Whereas the City of Tuscaloosa recognizes the importance of providing education, resources, health care, and supportive services to individuals affected by HIV AIDS and encourages community initiatives, outreach programs, and partnerships that foster understanding, reduce stigma, and strengthen the well-being of those that are impacted. Whereas though through continued awareness campaigns, outreach program, testing, initiatives, research, and access to health care services, our community can work together to reduce the stigma associated with HIV AIDS, provide early detection, and advance towards a future that is free from this disease. And whereas the global fight against HIV AIDS strengthened by research, medical advancements, and the dedication of organizations, health care professionals, and volunteers who work tirelessly to prevent the who to work tirelessly to improve prevention and prevention, treatment, and care, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing this public health challenge. Now therefore it be it resolved that I want Maddox on behalf of the City Council to hereby recognize December 1st, 2025 as World AIDS Day in Tuscaloosa. And I know that date is since passed since we didn't meet last week, and encourage all citizens to support this day with meaningful programs, educational activities, and hopefully we did, and acts as services initiatives that raises awareness, provides care, and demonstrates support. On a personal level, I think you know, uh maybe I speak for others. I think I would to see the evolution of this in my lifetime, to see the health care improve dramatically, to see the stigmatism be reduced dramatically is a result of so many people on so many levels in so many ways. And here locally, I can't say enough about Five Horizons Health Service and what it's done. Um we certainly are proud of you and honored to have this proclamation. So if you were just on behalf of Five Horizons and all of our clients and all people living with HIV, we just want to thank the city of Tuscaloosa for this proclamation. You know, science really has given us the tools to completely end new transmissions between treatment for people living with HIV, which can reduce the viral load so low that that person becomes untransmittable, and through prep.

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