Tuscaloosa City Council Regular Meeting - March 10, 2026

The Tuscaloosa City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m. The meeting began with the council prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. The council presented two proclamations, heard several public hearings, approved a zoning amendment, and addressed multiple consent agenda items and resolutions. A citizen expressed disappointment regarding the city’s selection of investment bankers for upcoming bond issuances.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• National Social Work Month (March 2026): Councilor Tyner presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Walt Maddox and the council. Representatives from the University of Alabama School of Social Work accepted the proclamation. Shenavia Hatcher (Dean) highlighted the school’s four programs (BSW, MSW, PhD, DSW) and noted partnerships with 160 agencies across 17 Alabama counties, including the Black Belt Internship Initiative. Courtney Chapman Thomas stated that students contribute the equivalent of $2,679,200 in service through more than 80,000 hours of practical placements. The profession is expected to employ more than 800,000 social workers by 2033. Faculty and staff introduced themselves, and Councilor Raven Howard noted that the school’s D.C. program is the only one outside the district offering both bachelor’s and master’s options.
• Recognition of Parker J. Evans – Central High School Student: Councilor Joe Eatman read the proclamation recognizing Parker J. Evans for his academic and competitive excellence, including being a state champion in FBLA supply chain management and acceptance into the aviation science program at Tuskegee University. Parker received a $50,000 achievement scholarship and the opportunity for advanced flight training through Lyft Academy. The program has been revitalized after 80 years with $12 million in funding from Senator Katie Britt. Parker’s aunt, Jennifer Giles, and the principal of Central High School, Dr. Jones, also spoke, praising his achievements and noting that the program pays for $120,000 in flight licensure. Only 3% of pilots nationwide are African American. The council wished Parker well.
• Sakura Festival Announcement: Shelly Dorrell, Executive Director of Tuscaloosa Sister Cities, announced the 40th annual Sakura Festival on March 28, 2026, at Snow Hinton Park from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The festival celebrates the 40-year sister city relationship with Narashino, Japan. A joint delegation (student and adult) will travel to Japan this year. Dorrell noted that the city provides free use of Snow Hinton for the event and emphasized the importance of citizen diplomacy. Councilor Fail will join the delegation. The festival includes an art contest with student artwork displayed at the Tuscaloosa Public Library; winners will be recognized at a future school board meeting.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda (Items A and B) by unanimous vote (roll call: Councilor Fail – yes; all others yes).
• Items under the consent agenda included:
  • Approval of minutes from the previous meeting.
  • Demolition of a structure at 2603 22nd Street (public hearing held; no speakers). Set demolition and authorized filing of a lien.
  • Special retail liquor license (more than 30 days) for Party Down LLC d/b/a Kentuck Art Center (1901 Jack Warner Parkway). Police department had no objections; applicant described it as a year‐long license for special events like First Fridays. Approved unanimously after a public hearing with no opposition.
  • Adoption of Zoning Amendment No. 28 (see Discussion Items).
  • Execution of a riparian easement, a legal services agreement, a right‐of‐way permit to Lexington Downs Homeowners Association, a commercial right‐of‐entry agreement with Charter Communications, a permit with Tuscaloosa Paddle Board, a tentative public works contract award to Mark Johnson Construction, CFO drafts for the Kicker Road sidewalk project right‐of‐way acquisitions (two properties: Jennifer Smith and Robert Elliott), a minor public works contract with Civil Works Construction, a professional services agreement with Plan Source Benefit Administration, a minor public works contract with Premier Service Company, Inc., Amendment No. 3 to the 2025 B warrant series budget, and Amendment No. 7 to the General Fund Reserve for Future Improvements Fund budget.
• All items passed unanimously by roll call votes (Councilors Eatman and Fail alternating as movers).

Discussion Items

• Zoning Amendment No. 28 (Text Amendment to the Unified Development Code): Zach Pond, Planning and Development Services, presented the amendment, which is the third comprehensive update since the new code was implemented on January 1, 2025 (a 300‐page document). Previous updates addressed drive‐throughs and townhomes. This update involves revisions to several sections and was developed with input from engineers, landscape architects, and architects. It was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission in November 2025 and to the Administration Committee on February 3, 2026; the commission unanimously recommended approval. Councilor Busby asked about the fee structure, which was discussed in committee but is separate from this amendment. The council unanimously approved the amendment after a public hearing with no speakers.
• Resolutions of a General Nature or Permanent Operation (Introduction): The council introduced an amendment to Exhibits A and B of Section 19-42 of the Code of Tuscaloosa and a resolution to annex approximately 58.8 acres into the city corporate limits. Both were passed by unanimous consent to be adopted on a later reading.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (unanimous).
• Proclamations presented and accepted.
• Zoning Amendment No. 28 adopted (unanimous).
• Consent agenda items including demolition, retail license, contracts, easements, and budget amendments all passed unanimously.
• Annexation of 58.8 acres approved on first reading by unanimous consent.
• Payment of bills authorized (unanimous).
• Citizen comment: Former council member and investment banker Lee Garrison addressed the council. He expressed disappointment that he was not selected to participate in the upcoming 2026 A and 2026 B bond issuances, despite his 7½ years of service and institutional knowledge. Garrison noted that his new firm, Mesero (a super‐regional investment bank), is establishing its Southeast headquarters in downtown Tuscaloosa. He urged the council to reconsider the decision, stating that it was not too late to reverse it. The council acknowledged his comments but did not respond or take action. The meeting then adjourned by motion.