City Council Meeting Summary: December 9, 2025

The Tuscaloosa City Council convened on December 9, 2025, to address a series of public works contracts, capital improvement projects, and professional service authorizations. The meeting was characterized by unanimous approval of items related to infrastructure repairs, construction of multi-use courts, and the initiation of the "Project Warrior" monument.

The Council moved forward with awarding a construction contract for the University Boulevard East Roadway Improvements to Dominion Construction, noting a significant budget saving. Additionally, the Council authorized the sale of a former air patrol hangar and extended the Black Warrior Scenic Byway. A primary focus of the discussion was the city assuming lead responsibility for "Project Warrior," a collaborative monumental statue effort involving multiple government entities and tribal nations.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1: Approval of construction contract award to Dominion Construction for University Boulevard East Roadway Improvements ($13,309,415.20). The city approved this low bid, which is approximately $3.1 million below the estimated budget. Scope includes intersection realignment, utility conversion, and pathway installation from Arcadia Drive to Redmont Drive.
• Item 2: Approval of a deductive balancing change order ($22,307.20) with Price Civil Services for the Bellevue Drive Drainage Project to replace a collapsed pipe section in the Skyland Park subdivision.
• Item 3: Approval of a minor public works contract ($14,732) with Overhead Door to purchase an overhead door for the Ed Love South facility, with installation by CFG/CFD.
• Item 4: Approval of a deductive balancing change order ($10,043.98) with Amazon and Associates to close out the 25th Street multi-use courts project, reducing total construction costs to $492,850.
• Item 5: Approval of a minor public works contract ($96,400) with Amazon and Associates to enclose an existing courtyard at the Tuscaloosa Police Department gymnasium, funded by the police outside services account.
• Item 6: Approval of a minor public works contract ($10,163) with Patrick Allen Companies to replace windows at the Will Call guest service window at the Amp, funded by the River District Fund.
• Item 7: Approval of a minor public works contract ($7,123) with Straight Line Fence to install fencing and a double-swing gate at the Mercedes-Benz/Amp Theatre VIP lot to control parking access, funded by the River District Fund.
• Item 8: Approval of a minor public works contract ($14,000) with Dakon Applied Americas to tie in five existing units at the River Market to a new controller, funded by the CFG facility and security improvements fund.
• Item 9: Approval of a contract amendment ($8,250 increase) with Dakon Applied Americas for chiller maintenance and water testing at the newly completed Annex Two cooling tower, not to exceed $61,050 total.
• Item 10: Approval of a minor public works contract ($9,556.06) with JT Harrison Construction for sanitary force main repair at Fire Station 11, due to potential damage from the LDOT Highway 11 project.
• Item 11: Approval of a minor public works contract ($69,516.50) with Johnson Controls to replace the fire alarm system at the Belt Center in preparation for the facility's expansion at Bowers Park.
• Item 12: Approval of a minor public works contract ($3,000) with Browning Masonry for patching work around the new fire alarm cabinet at the Belt Center.
• Item 13: Approval of a minor public works contract ($15,620) with Parry Doors and Floors to sand, seal, and refinish the wooden floor at the Belt Center, rather than replacing it entirely.
• Item 14: Approval of a professional services contract ($26,198.67) with LexusNexus Risk Solutions Florida for one year for online reporting and investigation.
• Item 15: Authorization to sell the former TPD air patrol hangar to TCL FBO for $960,000 at appraised value, concurrent with amending their ground lease to include the land parcel beneath the hangar.
• Item 16: Resolution approving the extension of the Black Warrior Scenic Byway to include Nick Wright's Ferry Road up to New Watermelon Road, aimed at preventing billboard placement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or testimony were recorded in the transcript.

Discussion Items

• Project Warrior (Items 17 & 18): Councilman Busby led the discussion on the city assuming lead contracting authority for "Project Warrior," a collaborative effort with the county, state, university, and tourism boards to erect a 24-foot monumental statue of Chief Tuscaloosa at River Hill.
  • Public-Private Partnership: It was noted that a fundraising effort is already underway involving private individuals and the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribal nations.
  • Contractor Selection: The Council approved a contract with Caleb O'Connor ($46,264.10) for the design and production of the statue and TTL for site design and construction ($162,100).
  • Position: The Council expressed full support for the city taking the lead to streamline the collaboration among five different entities, describing the project as a "real public private partnership" that will not be a "half-stepping" effort.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approval: All 18 agenda items were approved by unanimous "Aye" votes.
• Budget Savings: The University Boulevard project savings were estimated at $3.1 million below budget.
• Asset Disposition: The TPD air patrol hangar is authorized for sale to TCL FBO for $960,000.
• Infrastructure Expansion: The Black Warrior Scenic Byway route has been officially extended.
• Project Initiation: The city formally initiated the design and construction phases for the Chief Tuscaloosa statue via the awarded professional services contracts.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 2025.