Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Tuscaloosa City Council met in regular session on August 25, 2026, taking unanimous action on property demolitions, a rezoning, liquor licenses, contracts, grants, and ordinances. The meeting began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the prior meeting minutes.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the minutes of the previous meeting.
• The consent agenda, Items A through F, was adopted unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Demolition – northern structure at 3336 20th Street: Mr. Williams reported that the property was posted for condemnation on May 29, 2026, and had 48 housing code violations. The owner was contacted and aware that demolition costs would be charged back. It was a voluntary condemnation of the house and all accessory structures; the owner was not present. The council voted unanimously to order demolition.
• Demolition – southern structure (3336 20th Street / 3422 20th Street): Mr. Williams presented the same condemnation facts, including 48 housing code violations and the May 29, 2026 posting. The owner was not present. The council voted unanimously to order demolition.
• Zoning Amendment No. 45: Staff presented Mike Hicks' petition to rezone approximately 0.8 acres at and around 916 22nd Avenue East from GC to MR2 for a multifamily development in Council District 5, near Kicker Road off University Boulevard East. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at its July 2026 meeting. Applicant Brandon Clark appeared, and no one spoke for or against. The council voted unanimously to adopt the zoning amendment.
• Westerfield Club – Class 2 Club Liquor License: Ms. Key presented the ABC application for Westerfield Club LLC, doing business as Westerfield Club, at 3100 Yacht Club Way Northeast. Officer Branscombe said the police department had no objection. Applicant Mr. Turner answered questions, and no public comment was offered. The council unanimously approved the license.
• Beef O'Brady's – Restaurant Retail Liquor License: Ms. Key presented the ABC application for Promote 15 LLC, doing business as Beef O'Brady's of Tuscaloosa, at 3799 McFarland Boulevard East. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., with an occupancy of 245. Officer Branscombe reported no police objection. Applicant Mike Patel said he planned to open after licensing and two weeks of corporate training. The council unanimously approved the license.

Resolutions, Ordinances, and Introductions

The council took the following actions unanimously:

• Authorized the CFO to draw drafts for Eastover Drainage Improvements Project easement acquisitions.
• Authorized a minor public works contract with Civil Works Construction.
• Tentatively awarded a public works contract to Southern Marine Construction Company.
• Accepted installed public infrastructure improvements for Oakmont and for the Culver Road Sewer Extension.
• Authorized a grant application for the FY26 COPS Safer Outcomes Grant.
• Authorized execution of a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Authorized execution of Amendment No. 1 to the reimbursable agreement with the FAA.
• Authorized execution of a grant agreement with the FAA and Owlot.
• Authorized execution of a memorandum of understanding with Ascension FBO Network.
• Authorized termination of an agreement with Vector Airport Systems.
• Authorized an agreement with the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama.
• Introduced the ordinance adopting the water distribution system engineering standards and set September 22, 2026, as the hearing date for its adoption.
• Annexed approximately 0.2 acres at 13236 North River Farms Drive into the city corporate limits.
• Amended Section 541 of the Code of Tuscaloosa.
• Authorized the payment of bills.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tristan Sent of 4014 Windermere Drive addressed the council. He said the water department had notified him that starting October 1 he would be charged a sewage connection fee even though his home is not connected to sewer; only two of his neighbors are connected. He expressed opposition to paying for a service he does not receive. He explained that he discovered his home was on a septic tank after purchasing it six years ago, and that connecting to sewer would cost nearly $7,000 because the house is below the sewer hookup. He said he and several neighbors would be open to connecting if the city offered an incentive or cost-sharing. The Mayor acknowledged the charge originated from the city's 1950s sewer expansion, said the resident's situation was a rare exception, and stated staff would follow up with him.

Key Outcomes

• All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous.
• Demolition was ordered for both the northern and southern structures at 3336 20th Street.
• Zoning Amendment No. 45 was adopted.
• Both ABC liquor licenses were approved.
• All resolutions, public works contract awards, grant authorizations, the annexation, and the code amendment were adopted as listed above.
• The water distribution system engineering standards ordinance was introduced, with a public hearing set for September 22, 2026.
• The Mayor said staff would follow up with the Windermere Drive resident about the sewage connection fee.