Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting - July 28, 2026
Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting - July 28, 2026
The Tuscaloosa City Council met on July 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time) for a regular meeting. The meeting opened with prayer and the pledge of allegiance, followed by approval of the minutes. The council recognized two proclamations, addressed consent agenda items, held public hearings on two demolition orders, considered zoning amendments, and adopted numerous resolutions. One citizen spoke during public comments.
Proclamations
- Sister Cities Program with Narashino, Japan: The council welcomed students and chaperones from Narashino as part of the 40-year student exchange program. Chairman Yoshimura of the Narashino International Association thanked the council for the lasting partnership. Two students shared their experiences visiting Tuscaloosa. The council acknowledged the Tuscaloosa students, host families, and the program's impact.
- Lasagna Love Day: The council proclaimed July 29, 2026, as Lasagna Love Day in Tuscaloosa. Community ambassadors Tamika and Laura Otaviani Chekhone highlighted that the nationwide movement has over 80,000 volunteers and has delivered more than half a million lasagnas. They noted that eight Alabama cities, including Tuscaloosa, adopted proclamations.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved items A and B on the consent agenda unanimously.
Public Hearings
- Demolition of 5244 Overbrook Road: The property had 47 housing code violations. Amanda Beckett, representing Nation Star Mortgage, requested 90 days to allow foreclosure and renovation. The council tabled the demolition for 90 days (unanimous vote).
- Demolition of 17 Reese Court: The property also had 47 violations. Owner Stephen Gray requested 90 days but had not started work since pulling a permit in April 2026. The council tabled the demolition for 60 days (unanimous vote).
Discussion Items
- Zoning Amendment 43: Rezoned 11.8 acres at 7150 Commerce Drive from IP to IH for industrial use. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval. The council adopted the amendment unanimously.
- Zoning Amendment 44: Rezoned 5.8 acres at 704 Patriot Parkway from SFR1 to HC for commercial development. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval. Applicant Corey Shoop stated plans are in development. The council adopted the amendment unanimously.
- Other Resolutions: The council adopted a series of resolutions unanimously, including: a funding reduction for the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority's 2024 HOME contract; submission of an application to HUD; adoption of the program year 2026 action plan; an agreement with the Collins Water Authority; minor public works contracts with hearing construction, Crimson Insulation, Ryan Metalworks, Johnson Kirksy, civil works construction, Chip Griffith Construction; professional services contracts with Civic Plus, Druid City Engineering, Markham Architects, and Industrial Organizational Solutions; as-needed services contract with TS Services and Maintenance; amendment to the fueling solutions contract; additional funding for Habitat for Humanity's HOME contract; purchase of equipment for the airport and tenant center; and amendment 13 to the fiscal year 2026 budget.
- Introduction of Zoning Amendment 45: The council introduced a zoning amendment (number 45) and set a public hearing for August 25, 2026.
Citizens' Comments
- Susie Smith (17 Springbrook) spoke about the June 16, 2026 vote approving a $5.75 million tax incentive for Delaney Property Group. She argued that new businesses (Culver's, Valvoline, Dutch Bros) would cannibalize existing local businesses and questioned why those businesses did not receive similar incentives. She asked council members who voted in favor (Eatman, Howard, Tyner, Lanier) to move to reconsider the vote and to state their reasons. No council member responded during the meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes approved.
- Two proclamations adopted.
- Consent agenda adopted.
- Demolition of 5244 Overbrook Road tabled for 90 days.
- Demolition of 17 Reese Court tabled for 60 days.
- Zoning amendments 43 and 44 adopted.
- All listed resolutions and contracts adopted unanimously.
- Zoning amendment 45 introduced; public hearing set for August 25, 2026.
- Budget amendments introduced and adopted.
- Meeting adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Brandy, Brandy, you mean to start. There he is. Okay, good. My day job is keeping me busy. I apologize that I'm running late. Good evening, everyone. If everyone would please stand, our Tuscaloosa City Council will now come to order. We'll begin tonight with our prayer, and we ask everyone to 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. Approval of the minutes. I make a motion. Make a motion to approve the minutes. Second. It's been moved and seconded that we approve the minutes. Voting, Mr. Eman. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, I guess. Yes. Thank you. Minutes stand approved. We have one proclamation tonight, but as we can see, we have many visitors here tonight who have traveled a long way to come to Tuscaloosa as part of our Tuscaloosa sister cities program and our student exchange with Narashino, Japan. And so at this time, I'm going to ask Ms. Shelley Dorrell to come forward and talk to the City Council about our visitors who have come a long way. So at this time, Ms. Doral, if you would come forward and then introduce our guest. Thank you. Thank you so much for having me. So for over 40 years, every other summer, we have taken students from Tuscaloosa to Narashino, and then turn um hosted students from Narashino and Tuscaloosa. And to give you an idea exactly how long that is, um Eric Wilson, the super the not superintendent, the the school board chair, he was in the very first group of students from Tuscaloosa to go to Narashino. So that that longevity of impact on our city of widening the minds and global understandings of not just our students now but our future leaders um leaders like Mr. Wilson gives you just an idea of the impact of this program and um so as you can I'm first I'm gonna ask if we could have the Tuscaloosa students if you could stand if you are Tuscaloosa delegate. Thank you. And if you could sit down, please. I you know I love y'all. So and also this could not happen, not only with the amazing funding that we receive from the city, but the generous host families of Tuscaloosa. If you are a host family, host mom, host dad, host grandma, whoever, if you will please stand. Uh they have truly lived out the phrase southern hospitality for our students. And uh we were there as you know in June, and it they the experience was absolutely amazing for our students and for the experiences they had. They had an opportunity to speak before their city council and also to participate in the 40th anniversary there. Chances of experiences that very few 16-year-olds receive uh to be in rooms that very few 16-year-olds are invited into, and I know that that is going to have a benefit in their lives as they go on, bringing those experiences.
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