OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting - July 28, 2026

City Council MeetingsTuesday, July 28, 2026
BodyTuscaloosa, Alabama
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, July 28, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 46:28
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Brandy, Brandy, you mean to start.

0:12

There he is.

0:13

Okay, good.

0:19

My day job is keeping me busy.

0:33

I apologize that I'm running late.

0:36

Good evening, everyone.

0:37

If everyone would please stand, our Tuscaloosa City Council will now come to order.

0:41

We'll begin tonight with our prayer, and we ask everyone to remain standing for our pledge of allegiance.

0:46

Let's bow our heads, please.

0:47

Dear God, bless our proceedings tonight.

0:50

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

0:54

Amen.

0:55

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:00

And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:09

Approval of the minutes.

1:10

I make a motion.

1:11

Make a motion to approve the minutes.

1:14

Second.

1:15

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

1:18

Voting, Mr.

1:18

Eman.

1:19

Yes.

1:20

Yes.

1:22

Yes.

1:22

Yes.

1:23

Yes.

1:23

Yes, I guess.

1:24

Yes.

1:24

Thank you.

1:25

Minutes stand approved.

1:26

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.

1:41

And so at this time, I'm going to ask Ms.

1:43

Shelley Dorrell to come forward and talk to the City Council about our visitors who have come a long way.

2:05

So at this time, Ms.

2:06

Doral, if you would come forward and then introduce our guest.

2:09

Thank you.

2:11

Thank you so much for having me.

2:25

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.

2:37

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.

2:51

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.

3:05

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.

3:26

Thank you.

3:28

And if you could sit down, please.

3:30

I you know I love y'all.

3:32

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.

3:43

If you are a host family, host mom, host dad, host grandma, whoever, if you will please stand.

3:56

Uh they have truly lived out the phrase southern hospitality for our students.

4:03

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.

4:16

They had an opportunity to speak before their city council and also to participate in the 40th anniversary there.

4:23

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.

4:39

But without further ado, I would like to introduce to you Chairman Yoshimura.

4:43

He is the Narashino International Association Chairman.

4:48

So Narashino International Association is sort of like our Tuscaloosa sister cities.

4:52

It is the organization that does all of the work to make this their relationship with us.

5:00

And if you will please come, Chairman Yoshimura, please.

5:16

So thank you very much and very warmful welcome for us.

5:21

And I'm Catanarioshimura and the chairman of the Narashino International Association.

5:27

It's a very profound honor to stand before you today.

5:32

And on behalf of the city and the people of the Narashino, I would like to express our heart of gratitude to the Tuscarusa City Council and for you are supporting our sister city partnership for a long, long history we have.

5:50

Just Pastor Jun, we were very delighted to welcome to Tuscarusa student and the community dedication to Narashino in order to celebrate our historic and the 40th anniversary.

6:04

It was a wonderful milestone that the Beautiful highlighted four decades of deep friendship in the collaborations and the people to people connections between our two communities.

6:48

So Taskarusa Group is still eating, but suddenly massive of our sky scruptures.

6:57

And the member of the Tuscarusa delegation, they have never experienced such kind of the earthquake.

7:07

So I might guess.

7:17

And the other one is uh how we can get in the evacuations.

7:22

But the surrounding Japanese people still come, still eating.

7:28

As if nothing happened.

7:31

So in Japan, so many kind of the natural disaster as a very common, uh, even if the earthquake.

7:41

That's why the Japanese people still eating very calm.

7:45

That's an interesting story in the past gym.

7:50

Yeah.

7:50

By the way, back to the we incredibly grateful of the dedication of the everyone here in the Tuscarusa who helped sustain our relationship since 1986.

8:08

Built not to still stone, but the friendship and the hospitalities to date our bridge between the Tuscarusa and the Narashino has never been stronger.

8:21

And look toward the future, we are fully committed to Nassering this special bond for many more generations to come.

8:29

So thank you again for your warm welcome and your continued partnership and you are enjoying good to you.

8:37

Finally, I want to say Lord Thide, Lord, Lord Tide.

8:44

Thank you very much.

8:55

Okay, this is a small shift in the for the media, but thank you very much.

9:00

Thank you.

9:00

Thank you again.

9:08

I was gonna um now introduce the two teacher chaperones.

9:12

I have a special place in my heart, having been the teacher chaperone before to Germany.

9:16

Um so uh first we have Akio Nagase, he is the English teacher, and has this is his fourth time as a teacher chaperone to uh he is at Toho High School in Narashino, and then we have Kane uh Nomora, and she is the teacher chaperone from Narashino High School, also an English teacher.

9:41

And did you want to say anything?

9:43

No, okay.

9:45

Do you want to introduce?

9:46

Okay.

9:47

No, you could you come introduce.

9:49

You introduce your students.

9:51

Okay.

9:52

Do you introduce yes?

9:56

You introduce your students.

9:57

Oh, yes.

9:58

Okay.

10:00

So uh I don't need to use a microphone.

10:10

Everything's recorded.

10:11

Thank you.

10:12

Okay.

10:13

Uh good evening.

10:14

Uh thank you for having us.

10:16

Uh my name is uh Nagase, uh chaperon of the national delegation.

10:22

And uh today, uh on behalf of National Deregates.

10:27

Uh two students are going to make a speech about what they have in mind during the stay in Tuscarusa.

10:36

The first one is uh A Akina Hashimoto.

10:42

Okay.

11:00

My it's not sorry, sorry.

11:04

My present experience in Tascarusa is the history of the city.

11:11

So my experiences at the Huntsville, Jameson Monsum, Tim Mankaret, and the University of Alabama.

11:21

I have run that not only Alabama as a whole, but also Tascarusa played a significant role in the CBU and the subsequent development of the United States.

11:51

Thank you for listening.

11:52

Thank you.

11:58

Okay, uh next uh my delegates uh Hitosato uh Yoshino.

12:12

I Larry appreciates I appreciate your kind hospitality towards Tuscaloosa and National Extensions.

12:20

So of my experience in Tuscosa, I learned that everyone is very kind because everyone I met including the leaders, hospitals, people in trustee, uh so clear was very friendly and very welcoming.

12:36

I've never explained such a wonderful things.

12:38

Thank you.

12:50

One more present.

12:51

Sorry, sorry.

12:53

Um from Narashino.

12:58

These are for our city council members from Narashino International.

13:02

Okay, yeah, okay.

13:08

Thank you.

13:10

Oh see, my friend.

13:11

Thank you.

13:13

Thank you.

13:15

Thank you, sir.

13:22

Thank you very much.

13:26

The city attorney needs one.

13:29

We'll make sure Mr.

13:30

Lanier gets it.

13:32

As we close, uh, I do again want to thank uh Ms.

13:36

Doral and the Tusloe Sister Cities Board for what they do every single day to make this program possible.

13:43

I want to echo Mr.

13:44

Oral in thanking our parents who are here because you've made sacrifices so that your children could be part of this program.

13:52

Thank you for doing that, so they have this world view to our students.

13:56

Thank you for engaging beyond the horizon and searching for something greater than yourself.

14:01

I promise this will reward you for the rest of your life, and these experiences will always be with you and always provide you happiness and comfort.

14:13

To our young to our young people from Naroshino that are here.

14:17

Ten years ago I visited you were babies and I visited your school.

14:22

And first of all, your band is magnificent.

14:25

But it it was such a great experience.

14:28

The educational structure and program is something I wish we could emulate here and replicate.

14:36

Um what you have is very special, and we are so proud to be your partner, and we're so glad you're here, and we hope you have a safe visit.

14:45

To all of our guests that are here, um what we will do is just take a quick break.

14:50

You're welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting, but I suspect you have better things to do than to be here.

14:57

But you're welcome to.

15:01

If you're with the Sister C's program and like to depart at this time, please feel free to do so.

15:06

Can we take a big picture?

15:09

Yes, we can take a source.

15:11

Okay.

15:11

If I could have the American Tuscles of students and an artino students in a photo with the city council, big picture.

15:28

Okay.

15:55

Okay, guys.

16:10

We need city council.

16:11

I thought my own.

16:25

Okay, everyone see the natural eye.

16:28

Yes.

16:29

Okay, I'll run it.

16:31

Three, two, one.

16:38

Thank you.

16:40

Thank you.

16:52

Thank you.

17:16

Yes.

17:27

Good luck, guys.

17:46

Good.

17:46

Richard Henry.

17:49

Yes, sir.

17:50

It's how I bought my car from.

17:54

I'm Laura.

17:56

District three, north of the river.

17:58

So this is thank you.

18:01

I'm the new kid on the block.

18:06

Yes, sir.

18:09

Nice to meet you.

18:12

Sure.

18:13

Alright, that's good.

18:16

I appreciate it.

18:17

I appreciate it.

18:21

Okay.

18:23

Let me know if you need anything.

18:30

Good luck, man.

18:39

I know.

18:44

You live in Lake Press.

18:48

Yes.

18:59

I thought he was going to ask you.

19:00

Yeah.

19:03

But I have an intervention.

19:04

I thought he was going to hit it.

19:08

He's a nice guy, though.

19:09

I said I bought my car for him.

19:19

I appreciate you the council's patience, and uh it's rare that we have that long of a program, but what a special program.

19:27

And as I said at the reception earlier, um, it would not be possible without you and your funding.

19:33

So thank you, City Council, for 40 years of supporting this program with Narashino.

19:38

So we're going to change gears.

19:40

We do have a proclamation tonight, but we're not going to lose the theme of bringing people together and uniting for a comp uh common purpose and belief.

19:49

Um we are going to recognize July 29th as lasagna love day.

19:54

How about that?

19:56

How about that for transition?

20:00

And so we will have uh two spokespeople here, and let me tell you, they're fired up about it.

20:03

Um, and you should be.

20:04

Who doesn't like lasagna?

20:06

So this is one of the best proclamations I've ever read into the record.

20:10

Whereas Lasagna Love is a nationwide movement founded on the belief that a simple home cooked meal prepared and delivered with care can strengthen communities and create meaningful connections with your neighbors since its founding in 2020, and I assume that was COVID related.

20:27

Um lasagna love volunteers across 50 states have prepared and delivered more than a half a million lasagnas to millions of individuals and families supported by a dedicated network.

20:39

Give this about 80,000 volunteers.

20:41

Whereas lasagna love operates throughout the state of Alabama, uniting volunteers who generally ski generously give of their time and resources and heart to cook and deliver meals to their neighbors.

20:53

And whereas July 29, 2026 has been nationally recognized as lasagna love day to honor the remarkable impact of this movement on families and communities across the country.

21:04

Now, therefore it be it resolved that I want Maddox on behalf of our city council to hereby proclaim July 29, 2026 to be lasagna love day in the city of Tuscaloosa and encourage all residents to celebrate and uplift the spirit of kindness and neighborly support that lasagna love represents.

21:24

So on behalf of the city, we want to say spreading the law.

21:28

Thank you very much.

21:32

And let's give them a round of applause.

21:39

I'm Tamika.

21:40

I'm the community ambassador for the state of Alabama for Lasagna Love.

21:46

And this is Laura Otaviani Chekhone.

21:49

I'm the program ambassador for Alabama.

21:53

And our purpose is simple.

21:55

We feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities.

21:59

I'm the shy ambassador, so bear with me.

22:02

First, I would like to thank my father, for without him, I wouldn't be here today.

22:07

Um, I would like to thank Mayor Matt Ax and all the city council members, friends, neighbors, spectators, everybody.

22:15

Um so today we celebrate um National Lasagna Love Day tomorrow.

22:25

Um in the beginning of this organization, um they set a national goal for the state, each state, to have a proclamation and declare uh lasagna love national lasagna love day.

22:53

So I had a goal as well for Alabama for to have each mayor um submit request.

23:05

Proclaim um proclaim um a proclamation for lasagna love for all of our volunteers who were in those cities, and it was amazing what happened next.

23:22

Um I had the opportunity to speak with mayors and city clerk members, and after speaking with them, one proclamation was approved, and then a next, and another, and another, and now we have eight proclamations in the state of Alabama from Tuscaloosa, Dothen, Montgomery, Alabama, our state capital, Mobile, Huntsville, Trustville, Talladega, and Auburn.

23:57

And we would like to thank everyone who made this possible.

24:02

This is for our volunteers, our sponsors, our partners, neighbors, and friends.

24:09

Thank you so much.

24:10

Thank you.

24:15

We would like to honor you with our lasagna love lapel pins.

24:19

Thank you.

24:19

Thank you.

24:20

And hopes that you will continue to spread kindness because we feel kindness travels far.

24:27

Thank you.

24:27

Thank you.

24:30

Thank you.

24:30

Thank you very much.

24:32

That's all I have.

24:34

Any council announcements tonight.

24:40

Do we have any agenda item comments myself?

24:44

I'll be at Jack Saturday morning if anybody wants to come drink coffee.

24:50

I don't think Jack serves lasagna.

24:53

Not yet.

24:54

Not yet, but we're gonna get there.

24:56

Thank you again.

25:02

We have no unfinished business tonight.

25:04

Consent agenda, clerk.

25:06

This approves items A and B on the consent agenda.

25:08

Move adoption.

25:09

Second.

25:10

It's been moved and second to approve the agenda consent agenda.

25:13

Voting.

25:14

Mr.

25:15

Fail.

25:16

Yes.

25:16

Yes.

25:17

Yes.

25:17

Yes.

25:18

Yes.

25:19

Yes.

25:20

Consent agenda is adopted.

25:21

Public hearings, clerk.

25:22

This orders demolition of the structure located at 5244 over Brook Road.

25:27

So move.

25:28

Second.

25:29

Move and second.

25:29

Mr.

25:30

Williams.

25:33

Mr.

25:33

Mayor, City Council.

25:35

This is for the condemnation of 5244 over Brook Road.

25:38

It was posted for condemnation on April 2nd, 2026.

25:42

This property has 47 housing code violations.

25:44

The owner has been contacted, is aware of this hearing.

25:47

The owner is aware that if it's condemned and demolished, the cost of demolition will be charged back to the owner.

25:53

The owner is not here to represent, but there is a representative from the bank.

26:02

Okay, at this time we'll hear from the representative.

26:04

If you would please come forward and give your name and address.

26:10

Good evening.

26:11

I'm Amanda Beckett.

26:12

I'm an attorney at Ruben Loveland.

26:14

We represent Nation Star Mortgage.

26:16

Um that has a first priority lien on five four 5244 Overbrook Road.

26:22

They asked me to come and ask y'all for some additional time before you order that the house be demolished.

26:29

They do have a first position mortgage on it.

26:32

The mortgage is about halfway paid off.

26:34

There's a good bit of equity in the house.

26:45

They can't do it right now, you know, since they're not the owner.

26:48

So they just asked me to ask the council for more time so that they can proceed with foreclosure and then they can apply for the permits to renovate the property.

26:58

All right.

26:58

This happens to be in my district.

27:00

Uh about how much time do you think you'll need to do this?

27:03

Um, well, I would say 90 days.

27:07

That sounds fair to me.

27:09

Do y'all have the ability to go and secure the property?

27:13

I asked Mr.

27:14

Williams what I didn't I didn't know when I spoke to him how it was open to the public, and he said that the back door is open.

27:21

Um he said there's also some siding issues where like it could, I mean, based on my understanding, even be like pushed in from the outside.

27:30

Um, I don't mean to speak for him, but uh if it if it the issue is simply the back door is open, I'm sure Nation Star can get somebody to go there and just you know get the oh I see.

27:41

Is that that's the back door that's open?

27:45

Uh I don't are y'all seeing those pictures on your screen.

27:48

So the picture on I guess your left.

27:50

Yeah.

27:51

Um I mean I can certainly ask Nation Star to as soon as possible get someone to close that back door so that the house is not being accessed.

28:01

Yeah, I mean I think that'd be a big step if they could at least secure it if we're gonna wait 90 days to make sure the property is secure.

28:08

Yes, it's been over the last few years.

28:12

I've gotten numerous complaints about this house.

28:14

So I I believe it's worth saving if that's what you plan to do.

28:19

Yes, sir.

28:20

But 90 days, let's if you come back 90 days, we'll we'll need to talk.

28:26

Yes, sir.

28:28

Anyway, I'm sorry.

28:29

I'm just asking is the is it gonna be reset for 90 days from now?

28:34

The demolition vote will be reset for 90 days from now.

28:38

If the council votes to approve for 90 days, then this will just come up under unfinished business, but still be a public hearing in 90 days.

28:45

Thank you.

28:46

Any other questions?

28:49

Okay, thank you very much.

28:50

Thank you.

28:51

This is a public hearing.

28:52

Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against the demolition seeing none?

28:59

Do I hear a motion to table for 90 days?

29:01

Motion.

29:02

Second been moved and second to table for 90 days.

29:05

Voting, Mr.

29:06

Evan.

29:06

Yes.

29:07

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

29:09

Demolition has been tabled for 90 days.

29:12

Thank you.

29:12

Clerk.

29:13

This orders demolition of the structure located at 17 Reese Court.

29:18

So move.

29:20

Second.

29:21

Move and second, Mr.

29:22

Williams.

29:23

This is for the condemnation of 17 Reese Court.

29:26

This house was posted for condemnation on April 2nd, 2026.

29:30

This property has 47 housing code violations.

29:33

The owner has been contacted, is aware of this hearing.

29:35

The owner is aware that if it's condemned and demolished, the cost of demolition will be charged back to the owner.

29:40

A permit has been pulled, no work has been done to date.

29:43

The owner is supposed to be here to represent.

29:47

Any questions for Mr.

29:48

Williams?

29:50

Okay.

29:51

Okay, thank you.

29:52

If the owner would come forward and please give your name and address.

29:55

Stephen Gray, 2901 24th Street.

29:58

Would you mind?

30:00

I didn't hear your first name again.

30:00

Stephen Gray.

30:01

Stephen Gray.

30:02

And Mr.

30:03

Gray.

30:03

Any questions for Mr.

30:04

Gray or the Cow from the City Council?

30:06

Mr.

30:07

Gray, what what's what's the plan?

30:09

I mean, it's it's been in property maintenance for five or six years and pulled a permit, no work's been done.

30:14

What's what's the plan?

30:15

Well, I got slowed up in um.

30:18

I'm um do the windows deciding and um what else?

30:29

The roof and the side and the windows, mainly outside structure.

30:35

It was a lot of rubbish around the back side and on the side.

30:38

I already cleared all that out, but the rain kind of slowed me down on a lot of other stuff I was trying to do.

30:43

What what's the timeline?

30:45

If I can get 90 more days or something, you know, to get going get started again.

30:53

You think you can get the bulk of it done in that time frame?

30:57

Is that realistic or yeah?

30:58

It looked crazy, but that's a lot of work in 90 days.

31:02

So that's I mean, it's a lot of work to be done.

31:05

Like I said, how long has the when did we pull the permit for how long ago has it been since again?

31:11

How long has it been since you pull the permit for the work?

31:14

What is it?

31:14

April.

31:16

What's it April?

31:17

April.

31:18

And you you haven't done anything on the house since April?

31:21

No, sir.

31:27

Any other questions for Mr.

31:29

Gray?

31:30

No.

31:31

I don't think I can do nine.

31:33

I I'm I think I'd be a little bit more comfortable with 60.

31:36

Um bring it back in 60.

31:39

And if I'm gonna be honest with you, if no work's been done in 60.

31:43

Well, there's a reason for that too, but yeah, no, I agree.

31:46

It's kind of personal.

31:47

Okay, no, no, I uh I understand.

31:49

I'm I'm willing to recommend 60 days on this one.

31:52

Second I okay?

31:53

It's been moved and second.

31:55

Any more questions from Mr.

31:56

Gray?

31:57

Thank you, Mr.

31:58

Gray.

31:58

All right, thank you.

31:59

Good COVID.

32:00

This is a public hearing.

32:01

Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against the demolition?

32:06

Seeing none voting to table for 60 days, Mr.

32:09

Fell.

32:10

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

32:13

Yes, yes, demolition is tabled for 60 days.

32:17

Thank you, Mr.

32:17

Williams.

32:18

Clerk.

32:19

This authorizes zoning amendment number 43.

32:21

So moved.

32:22

Second.

32:23

It's been moved and second.

32:25

Mr.

32:25

Ponds.

32:26

All right, good evening, Mayor and Council.

32:29

Good evening.

32:30

This is a rezoning petition by 7150 Commerce Drive LLC, Stan Pate petitioning to rezone approximately 11.8 acres located at 7150 Commerce Drive from IP to IH.

32:42

This is in Council District One.

32:45

See the property here.

32:46

This is the former um warehouse for the city of Tuscaloosa.

32:49

We sold that property, and so now they are coming forward to rezone to IH for an industrial use.

32:57

Uh it does conform to framework.

32:59

Framework identifies us as industrial, as you can see on that future land use character map and planning commission did unanimously recommend to approve this rezoning request.

33:10

Not considering any questions that y'all might have.

33:13

Any questions for Mr.

33:14

Ponds?

33:15

I did not see Mr.

33:16

Pate come in, so I'm not sure if a representative is here.

33:21

Um is there a representative here for this zoning amendment?

33:26

Okay, I know we're all familiar with it.

33:28

Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against?

33:32

Seeing none, does council gonna want to move forward with the vote?

33:36

Yeah, okay.

33:38

Um voting on zoning amendment 43, Mr.

33:42

Eatman.

33:42

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

33:46

Yes, yes, zoning amendment is adopted.

33:49

Clerk.

33:50

This authorizes zoning amendment number 44.

33:53

So move.

33:53

Second.

33:54

It's been moved and second, Mr.

33:56

Ponds.

33:57

This is a rezoning request by Corey Shoop petitioning to rezone approximately 5.8 acres located at 704 Patriot Parkway from SFR1 to HC, currently not in city limits.

34:09

Here's the location of the property on the corner of uh highway 69 south and Patriot Parkway.

34:16

Currently vacant today, they're going to HC or they're requesting to rezone to HC, which is uh what the adjacent property is as well for a commercial development.

34:25

Um this does conform to framework.

34:28

Framework identifies this as corridor commercial as you can see on that future lane use character map.

34:33

Planning commission did unanimously recommend the rezoning request um to be approved at the June meeting.

34:40

I can answer any questions that you might have.

34:42

Any questions to Mr.

34:43

Ponds?

34:45

Is the applicant here?

34:47

If the applicant would come forward and please give your name and address uh my name's Corey Shoop, uh 2400 Fifth Avenue South Birmingham.

35:01

Okay.

35:01

Any questions?

35:03

Do you all have a plan of what all is going here?

35:06

Yeah, we're actively uh developing the plans for the uh the the development.

35:12

We're just waiting to get through the rezoning annexation piece, and then we'll be ready to submit for um approval with the city looking forward to it.

35:24

Any other questions?

35:28

Thank you, sir.

35:28

Thank you.

35:29

This is a public hearing.

35:30

Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against seeing none, voting Mr.

35:36

Pell?

35:37

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

35:41

Zoning amendment 44 is adopted.

35:43

Good luck.

35:44

Resolution and ordinances not of a general nature or permanent operation, clerk.

35:48

This authorizes a funding reduction for the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority's 2024 home contract.

35:54

So second moved and second, voting mistreatment.

35:57

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, resolutions adopted, clerk.

36:02

This authorizes submission of an application to the U.S.

36:05

Department of Housing and Urban Development.

36:08

Summo.

36:09

Second.

36:09

Move and second, voting Mr.

36:11

Pell.

36:11

Yes.

36:12

Yes.

36:13

Yes.

36:13

Yes.

36:14

Yes.

36:15

Yes.

36:15

Resolutions adopted.

36:17

Clerk.

36:17

This adopts the city's program year 2026 action plan.

36:20

Sum move.

36:21

Second.

36:22

Move and second.

36:22

Voting Ms.

36:23

Treatment.

36:23

Yes.

36:24

Yes.

36:24

Yes.

36:25

Yes.

36:26

Yes.

36:26

Yes.

36:27

Resolutions adopted.

36:28

Clerk.

36:29

This authorizes an agreement with the Colling Water Authority.

36:32

So move.

36:33

Second.

36:33

Move and second.

36:34

Voting Mr.

36:35

Pell.

36:35

Yes.

36:36

Yes.

36:37

Yes.

36:37

Yes.

36:38

Yes.

36:38

Yes.

36:39

Resolutions adopted.

36:40

Clerk.

36:41

This authorizes a minor public works contract with hearing construction.

36:44

So move.

36:45

Second.

36:45

Move and second.

36:46

Voting Mr.

36:47

Eatman.

36:47

Yes.

36:48

Yes.

36:48

Yes.

36:49

Yes.

36:50

Yes.

36:51

Yes.

36:51

Resolutions adopted, clerk.

36:53

This authorizes professional services contract with civic plus.

36:56

So move.

36:57

Second.

36:57

Move and second by Mr.

36:59

Pell.

36:59

Yes.

37:00

Yes.

37:01

Yes.

37:02

Yes.

37:02

Yes.

37:03

Yes.

37:03

Resolutions adopted, clerk.

37:05

This authorizes an as needed services contract with TS services and maintenance.

37:09

So move.

37:10

Second.

37:10

Move and second, voting.

37:12

Yes.

37:13

Yes.

37:13

Yes.

37:14

Yes.

37:14

Yes.

37:15

Yes.

37:15

Resolutions adopted, clerk.

37:17

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Crimson Insulation Company.

37:21

So move.

37:22

Second.

37:22

Second.

37:22

Move and second by Mr.

37:24

Pell.

37:24

Yes.

37:25

Yes.

37:26

Yes.

37:26

Yes.

37:27

Yes.

37:27

Yes.

37:28

Resolutions adopted, clerk.

37:29

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Ryan Metalworks.

37:33

So move.

37:34

Second.

37:34

Move and second, vote Ms.

37:35

Treatman.

37:36

Yes.

37:36

Yes.

37:37

Yes.

37:37

Yes.

37:38

Yes.

37:39

Yes.

37:40

Resolutions adopted, Clerk.

37:41

This will authorize a minor public works contract with Johnson Kirksy.

37:45

So move.

37:45

Second.

37:46

Move and second, voting Mr.

37:47

Pell.

37:48

Yes.

37:49

Yes.

37:49

Yes.

37:50

Yes.

37:51

Yes.

37:51

Yes.

37:52

Resolutions adopted.

37:53

Clerk.

37:53

This authorizes a minor public works contract with civil works construction.

37:57

So move.

37:58

Second.

37:58

Move and second.

37:59

Voting Ms.

38:00

Treatment.

38:00

Yes.

38:01

Yes.

38:01

Yes.

38:02

Yes.

38:02

Yes.

38:03

Yes.

38:04

Resolutions adopted.

38:05

Clerk.

38:06

This will authorize amendment number one to the minor public works contract with fueling solutions.

38:10

So move.

38:11

Second.

38:11

Move and second, voting Mr.

38:12

Fell.

38:13

Yes.

38:14

Yes.

38:15

Yes.

38:16

Yes.

38:16

Yes.

38:17

Yes.

38:18

Resolution.

38:18

Resolutions adopted, Clerk.

38:20

This will authorize the professional engineering services agreement with Druid City Engineering.

38:24

So move.

38:24

Second.

38:25

Move and second.

38:26

Voting Ms.

38:26

Treatment.

38:27

Yes.

38:27

Yes.

38:28

Yes.

38:28

Yes.

38:29

Yes.

38:30

Yes.

38:30

Resolutions adopted, Clerk.

38:32

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Chip Griffith Construction.

38:36

So move.

38:37

Second.

38:37

Clerk.

38:37

Move and second, voting Mr.

38:39

Pell.

38:39

Yes.

38:39

Yes.

38:40

Yes.

38:41

Yes.

38:41

Yes.

38:42

Yes.

38:42

Resolutions adopted.

38:44

Clerk.

38:44

This authorizes amendment number one to the contract with Markham Architects.

38:48

So move.

38:49

Second.

38:50

Move and second.

38:50

Voting Mr.

38:51

Eatman.

38:52

Yes.

38:52

Yes.

38:53

Yes.

38:53

Yes.

38:55

Yes.

38:55

Yes.

38:56

Resolutions adopted, Clerk.

38:58

This will authorize additional funding for the 2024 home contract with Habitat for Humanity.

39:02

So move.

39:03

Second.

39:04

Move and second.

39:05

Voting Mr.

39:05

Pell.

39:06

Yes.

39:08

Yes.

39:09

Yes.

39:10

Yes.

39:11

Yes.

39:11

Yes.

39:12

Resolutions adopted, Clerk.

39:14

This will authorize a consulting agreement with industrial organizational solutions.

39:18

So move.

39:19

Second.

39:20

It's been moved and second.

39:21

Voting Ms.

39:22

Treatment.

39:22

Yes.

39:23

Yes.

39:23

Yes.

39:24

Yes.

39:25

Yes.

39:26

Yes.

39:28

Resolutions adopted, Clerk.

39:29

This will authorize the purchase of equipment supplies or services for the airport and Tuscaloosa tenant center.

39:34

So move.

39:35

Second.

39:36

It's been moved and second.

39:37

Voting Mr.

39:37

Pell.

39:38

Yes.

39:40

Yes.

39:40

Yes.

39:41

Yes.

39:42

Yes.

39:42

Yes.

39:43

Resolutions adopted, Clerk.

39:45

This authorizes amendment 13 to the fiscal year 2026 general fund reserved for future improvements fund budget.

39:50

Sum move.

39:51

Second.

39:52

Move and second.

39:52

Voting mistreatment.

39:53

Yes.

39:54

Yes.

39:54

Yes.

39:55

Yes.

39:56

Yes.

39:56

Yes.

39:57

Resolutions adopted.

40:00

Ordinance and resolutions of the general nature of permanent operation for introduction, Clerk.

40:03

This introduces zoning amendment number 45.

40:05

So move.

40:06

Second.

40:07

Move in second.

40:08

Voting, Mr.

40:09

Pell.

40:10

Yes.

40:10

Yes.

40:11

Yes.

40:11

Yes.

40:12

Yes.

40:13

Yes.

40:14

Clerk.

40:14

This authorizes amendment number 16 to the fiscal year 2026 general fund budget.

40:19

So move.

40:20

Second.

40:20

Move and second, voting Ms.

40:22

Friedman.

40:22

Yes.

40:23

Yes.

40:23

Yes.

40:24

Yes.

40:24

Yes.

40:25

Yes.

40:25

Off unanimous consent.

40:27

Move and second.

40:28

Voting Mr.

40:29

Bell.

40:29

Yes.

40:30

Yes.

40:31

Yes.

40:31

Yes.

40:32

Yes.

40:32

Yes.

40:33

Budget amendments adopted for adoption, Clerk.

40:35

This sets August 25th as a date for a public hearing to consider adoption of zoning amendment number 45.

40:40

So move.

40:41

Second.

40:42

Move and second.

40:43

Voting Mr.

40:44

Bell.

40:44

Yes.

40:45

Yes.

40:46

Yes.

40:47

Yes.

40:48

Yes.

40:48

Yes.

40:51

Resolutions adopted.

40:53

Citizens' comments and other communications.

40:55

Any citizens wish to address their city council tonight?

40:59

You would please come forward and give your name and address.

41:08

Susie Smith, 17 Springbrook.

41:11

On June 16, City Council voted to approve the tax incentive resolution committing $5.75 million of city sales tax revenue to Delaney Property Group, Mobile, Alabama for a private commercial development in Springbrook neighborhood because he will profit from the sale of the Springbrook property to Delaney.

41:31

Councilor Henry removed himself from the public hearing.

41:34

The vote was for approving Councillors Eatman, Howard, Tyner, and Lanier and two opposing counselors Busby and Phail.

41:42

During Mr.

41:43

Michael Delaney's presentation to the City Council Finance Committee on December 16, 2025, Mayor Maddox asked Mr.

41:52

Delaney, how much are you gauging for substitution effect?

41:57

Mr.

41:57

Delaney replied, as far as like cannibalization, we've got three tenants lined up that are all new, so I wouldn't see much cannibalization.

42:07

Whatever ends up being a substitution effect per se is going to be enhanced by the new development in that area.

42:14

I feel like we're going to see a lot of cannibal going to see a lot of cannibalization from this development on other parts of the fit city.

42:24

Mr.

42:24

Delaney's answer indicates the substitution effect or cannibalization is not his concern.

42:30

Common sense alone tells us that new businesses do cannibalize existing businesses.

42:36

And culverse, Valvelline, and Dutch Brothers Coffee certainly will, particularly that of similar businesses nearby.

42:43

Culver's has a robust menu.

42:46

Burgers, chicken, seafood, sandwiches, salads, desserts, frozen custard, shakes, malts, soda floats, and sides that include the regulars, fries, onion rings, coleslaw, two chilies, and seven soups.

42:59

Just from 15th Street to I-59 on the west side of McFarland in Council District 7.

43:06

Culver's will take a bite out of the business of Jason's Delhi, Slim Chicken, Jersey Mike's, Crystal Popeyes, and Burger King.

43:14

On the east side of McFarland in Council District 6, Covelers will chop chomp down on the business of Shrimp Basket and Captain D's.

43:24

Did the city support any of these existing businesses with tax incentives?

43:29

In addition to oil changes, Valvelline replaces batteries, headlights, and tail lights, air filters, and wiper blades.

43:36

It checks the air conditioning system, cleans the fuel system, and provides transmission and differential service.

43:43

Just from 6 15th Street to I-59 on the west side of McFarland in District 7.

43:49

Valvaleen will poach business from O'Reilly's auto parts and advantage auto parts.

43:54

On the east side of McFarland in Council District 6, Valvaleen will siphon business from Firestone, Henry's Auto Care, Amco, Pet Boys, Tuscaloosa Tire and Service, and Mavis Tires and Brakes.

44:08

Did the city support any of these existing businesses with tax incentives?

44:13

Dutch Dutch Bros Coffee offers hot and iced coffees, energy drinks, sparkling soda, lemonade, shakes, hot cocoa, and smoothies.

44:22

According to its website, Dutch Bros is known for its fast double lane drive-through.

44:28

Dutch brothers will likely siphon business from other coffee shops only for a short time.

44:33

Tiring of the difficulty getting in to that fast double lane drive-through and then getting back to a main thoroughfare.

44:40

Customers will soon return to their usual coffee places.

44:44

Did the city support any of the existing coffee businesses with tax incentives?

44:49

As Dr.

44:49

Linda Parsons pointed out on June 16, your vote compels Tuscaloosa businesses along with the citizen taxpayers of Tuscaloosa to subsidize the profits Mr.

45:00

Delaney receives from the tax incentives and takes back to Mobile.

45:05

Saying nothing before your vote on June 16 and in the interest of being accountable to and transparent with Tuscaloosa taxpayers, I ask that you state now the reason for voting to approve or disapprove the tax incentive resolution.

45:20

Also, I ask you to consider the resolution vote.

45:24

Either councillor Eatman, Howard, Tyner, or Lanier, please move to consider the vote on the tax incentive resolution this evening.

45:33

If there is a particular procedure you must follow, do so to allow that a vote to reconsider appear on the agenda of the next city council meeting.

45:51

Thank you, ma'am.

45:52

Do you have anything else?

45:54

Thank you.

45:56

My time's not up.

45:57

If you're done speaking, it is.

46:00

Thank you.

46:01

Anyone else wish to address the city council tonight?

46:08

Seeing none.

46:09

Subject to exercise of mayoral veto and ordinance of adjourned nature or permanent operation on applicable departments fear by orders or otherwise implement council policy this day in act.

46:18

Move adjourn.

46:19

Second.

46:20

Move and second to adjourn.

46:21

Voting, Mr.

46:22

Eamon.

46:22

Yes.

46:23

Yes.

46:23

Yes.

46:24

Yes.

46:25

Yes.

46:26

Yes.

46:27

Meetings adjourned.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement██████████████████████████████████████████42%
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Code Enforcement████████████████16%
Economic Development█████████9%
Zoning And Land Use████████8%
Summary of Proceedings

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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