Public Meetings - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The Tuscaloosa City Council met on November 3, 2026, beginning with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of prior minutes. No agenda or minutes packet was available, so this summary is based on the meeting transcript. The council considered a failed demolition order, public-hearing items on demolition costs and alcohol/hemp licenses, a special-events license, and numerous routine contracts, fund disbursements, agreements, and budget amendments. No citizens spoke during public hearings or citizens' comments. Consent Calendar - Approved the prior meeting minutes. - Adopted the consent agenda covering items A through J. - Approved routine resolutions authorizing a contract with Jim House and Associates Incorporated and declaring a bid-law exemption; tentatively awarding a public works contract to Cornerstone Civil Contractors; authorizing as-needed minor public works with JNL Tree Service; professional services with SPX Aids to Navigation; minor public works with Night Sign Industries; Amendment No. 2 to the Flock Group Incorporated contract; consulting agreements with Millman and Kavanaugh McDonald Consulting; an engagement letter with The Arbitrage Group; purchases from Stivers Ford; intent to extend the North Star franchise agreement; an MOU with LSU; a lease with ALDOT; and the Children's Toys for Parking Tickets program. - Approved District 4 improvement funds for the DCH Foundation; District 6 improvement funds for Bryant High School and Jeremiah's Community Garden; and District 7 improvement funds for Central Elementary and Central High School. - Approved payment of bills. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens addressed the council during agenda-item comments or citizens' comments. - No speakers appeared for or against any of the public-hearing items, including the demolition matters, street vacation, hemp-product approval, alcohol licenses, or special-event licenses. Discussion Items - For 906 and a half 18th Street, staff representative Mr. Williams reported the property was posted for condemnation on April 1, 2026, with 48 housing code violations documented. The owner had been notified and understood the condemnation and demolition process, and demolition costs would be assessed back to the owner. Williams said the owners had made all necessary exterior repairs and were not present, so he recommended voting no on demolition. The council followed that recommendation and the demolition order failed. - For Calentano Mexican Grill, a council member said they had eaten there several times and praised the food, service, cleanliness, and reasonable prices. Public Hearings & License Approvals - 2714 31st Avenue: Council set the cost of demolition and authorized filing a lien. The transcript did not state the amount. - 31st Street East: Approved vacation of a portion of 31st Street East. - Riverside Package Store: Approved an approval letter for specialty retail sale of consumable hemp products for Riverside Market Incorporated d/b/a Riverside Package Store, 401 Alman Avenue Suite B, District 1. Hours: Sunday 12-9:30 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday 8 a.m.-12 a.m.; Thursday 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; Friday-Saturday 8 a.m.-2 a.m. TPD had no objections. - 15th Street Chevron: Approved an off-premises retail beer and table wine license for Jenny Crimson Corner LLC d/b/a 15th Street Chevron, 1819 Veterans Memorial Parkway, District 5. Hours: Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Monday-Saturday 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Applicant Anquita Patel appeared; TPD had no objections. - Calentano Mexican Grill: Approved a restaurant retail liquor license for Dariala LLC d/b/a L Calentano Mexican Grill, 6343 Interstate Drive, Cottondale, District 6. Hours: Sunday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; occupancy 95. TPD had no objections. - Downtown Entertainment LLC: Approved less-than-seven-days special event retail licenses for seven November events/groups listed as Dazed and Confused, ATO, CAPA SIG, Phi Capasai, SAE, SIGEP, and Sigma Nu. Applicant Brandon Hanks, 504 Almond Avenue, Tuscaloosa, 35401, appeared; TPD had no objections. Key Outcomes - The demolition order for 906 and a half 18th Street failed after staff recommended no demolition due to completed exterior repairs. - Council set demolition costs and authorized a lien for 2714 31st Avenue, approved the 31st Street East vacation, and approved the hemp, beer/wine, liquor, and special-event licenses described above. - Council approved Amendment No. 2 to the fiscal year 2027 general fund budget and the routine contracts, disbursements, agreements, purchases, and bills listed above. - The meeting adjourned after no citizens' comments.

The City of Tuscaloosa Properties Committee met on 2026-11-03 at 22:00:17 UTC and considered two property-related items: marketing 3200 Greensboro Avenue through a commercial realtor and granting the University of Alabama a right-of-way easement for a pedestrian bridge over University Boulevard. Both items advanced by voice vote. 3200 Greensboro Avenue Marketing - Staff recommended issuing a request for qualifications/RFP to hire a commercial realtor to market 3200 Greensboro Avenue, saying a realtor would provide greater outreach than the city's internal efforts. The speaker noted the city has used this approach before but not often and described it as an opportunity to test it again. - A committee member expressed optimism that the city would get interest, though it may take time, and said he favored returning the property to the tax roll and attracting reinvestment. - The committee recommended a 45-day RFP process. The city attorney would draft the solicitation and circulate it to committee members; after committee approval, the city could issue it without council approval. Once responses arrive, Tom would share them with the committee for a selection. - Note: the agenda language referred to a 'request for qualifications,' while discussion repeatedly referred to an 'RFP.' University Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge Easement - University representatives requested an aerial right-of-way easement from the city for a new pedestrian bridge over University Boulevard, connecting the Capstone College of Nursing to the DCH side. They cited student and faculty traffic and prior close calls crossing the road as reasons to provide safe passage. - The bridge was described as open-air but secured with card access at both ends for students and faculty, with stairs/elevators and connections to building floors. It would maintain 16 feet of clearance over the roadway. - The university will construct and maintain the bridge in perpetuity. The presentation stated that enough right-of-way would remain for a possible future road expansion. Key Outcomes - The committee approved by voice vote authorization to issue a 45-day RFQ/RFP for a commercial realtor to market 3200 Greensboro Avenue. The city attorney is to draft the solicitation for committee review, after which staff will issue it and return with responses for selection. No vote tally was recorded. - The committee approved by voice vote authorization of an aerial right-of-way easement to the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for the pedestrian bridge over University Boulevard. No vote tally was recorded. - No public comment or consent-calendar actions were identified in the transcript.

The Tuscaloosa City Council committee met on November 3, 2026, to discuss and approve several personnel matters and a contractual renewal. The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes, created a new Exhibits Technology Manager position, reclassified an IT role to maintain pay equity, and renewed the city's lobbying contract. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of the preceding meeting were unanimously approved. Discussion Items - Creation of Exhibits Technology Manager: Mr. Foster presented the creation of a new Exhibits Technology Manager position for the Savings Center. The position will oversee all exhibits and technology, supervise the technical event staff, and support the STEM hub, events, and administrative offices. A council member voiced enthusiastic support for the role, calling it "what it's all about." The position was included in the current fiscal year's budget. - IT Service Desk Manager Reclassification: Mr. Foster discussed a proposal to reclassify the IT Service Desk Manager job description and grade. The change aligns the role with the Exhibits Technology Manager to prevent a pay inequity, as the positions share a similar scope of responsibilities. This adjustment was budgeted for in the current year. - Lobbying Contract Renewal: Mr. Holmes presented a renewal of the city's contract with Huntsville Direct Communications (Steve Raby). Mr. Raby has provided lobbying services to the city for approximately seven to eight years at a monthly rate of $4,000. Mr. Holmes noted Mr. Raby's strong performance and successful advocacy in Montgomery, as well as the fact that he had not requested a rate increase. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The previous meeting's minutes were approved unanimously. - Exhibits Technology Manager Position Created: The position was established to manage the Savings Center's technology and exhibits. - IT Service Desk Manager Reclassified: The role's job classification and grade were adjusted to match the new Exhibits Technology Manager position. - Lobbying Contract Renewed: The committee authorized the mayor to execute the renewed agreement with Huntsville Direct Communications. All votes during the meeting were unanimous voice votes.

The Finance Committee met on November 3, 2026 at 21:01 UTC to consider several disbursement requests and a proposed sales tax holiday. The meeting was conducted by the presiding council member and included discussion on each item before unanimous approval. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were adopted by a voice vote (all ayes). - Disbursement from District 6 Improvement Funds – Jeremiah's Garden: Councilmember Fail (District 6) requested $500 for Jeremiah's Garden, a volunteer-run community garden located across from Holy Spirit Church. The funds will be used to water the garden, which provides food to distribution sites. Approved unanimously. - Disbursement from District 7 Improvement Funds – Central Elementary School West Side Classic: Councilmember Lanier (District 7) requested $500 to sponsor a flag football game for elementary schools in the western cluster. The amount was confirmed as $500. Approved unanimously. - Disbursement from District 7 Improvement Funds – Central High School Flag Football Team: Councilmember Lanier requested a donation for the Central High School girls' flag football team. Discussion noted that flag football is a growing sport, with NFL support and a state championship. Approved unanimously. - 2027 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday: The city proposed opting in to the state's sales tax holiday scheduled for February 26–28, 2027. The holiday covers items such as generators, batteries, flashlights, and tarps. During discussion, a council member asked about a prior proposal that included firearms; staff clarified that a related recreational sales tax holiday was passed but a separate research bill (SSUT) was not enacted, so the firearm provision did not take effect. A council member also inquired about the financial impact; staff indicated they had not analyzed the magnitude. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All four items (minutes, three disbursements, and the tax holiday) were approved by voice vote with no opposition. - The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, seconded, and approved.

The Tuscaloosa City Public Projects Committee met on November 3, 2026, to consider and unanimously approve seven agenda items, including a right-of-way use permit for decorative street signs, several minor public works contracts, a donation from Tusco for baseball field fencing at the McDonald Hughes Center, and a bid award for lobby renovations. All motions passed without dissent. Tusco Donation for McDonald Hughes Center Fencing Tusco representatives presented a donation of fencing materials and labor to install fencing around Field B at the McDonald Hughes Center, in honor of long-time employee Mark Burton (nicknamed "Field B"). The city will pay $9,000 for the backstop installation using remaining funds from previous lighting upgrades. Tusco representatives expressed pride in supporting the community, and city officials expressed gratitude for the donation and tribute. Consent Calendar (Routine Approvals) - Right-of-Way Use Permit (Brixton Subdivision): Approved to install decorative street signs at intersections on Old Colony Road. The applicant is responsible for maintenance. - Minor Public Works Contract with Chip Griffin Construction: Approved for patching, painting, and lighting upgrades in the council offices. - Minor Public Works Contract with Night Sign Industries: Approved to upgrade the monument sign at the Ed Love Water Treatment Plant, funded by Water and Sewer. - City Snacks Contract Extension with Department of Rehabilitation Services: Approved to extend the city vending contract for three years. - Bid Award for Annex 3 First Floor Lobby Renovation (Snow Blake Reconstruction): Approved for security upgrades, including a new security desk and closing the 6th Street entrance. The capital budget was $200,000 from water capital, and the bid came in at $221,332. - Minor Public Works Contract with Building Specialties Company: Approved for rekeying the maintenance building at a cost of $5,912, funded by facility renewal. Key Outcomes All seven agenda items were approved by voice vote with no opposition. Next steps include implementation of the contracts and the donation project.

The Tuscaloosa City Council met on November 3, 2026, for a regular business meeting. The council approved the previous meeting's minutes, voted against condemning a previously tabled property, heard a street vacation request and four alcohol license applications, discussed adding extra meeting dates to the calendar, reviewed board appointments and upcoming agenda items, and certified an executive session. Property Condemnation — 905 1/2 18th Street - Mr. Williams reported that the property at 905 1/2 18th Street, owned by Lonnie Golightly, had been tabled for 90 days at the August 3rd hearing and that the owner had completed the exterior repairs, including a new roof, fixed siding, and new windows. - Williams recommended the council vote no to condemn, stating the property is back in good shape on the outside and no longer in a condemnation state. - He said he instructed the owner to pull a permit for the interior repairs and complete them before anyone moves in. In response to a council member's question, he confirmed the owner cannot rent the property until the city signs off through the permitting process, and that the majority of the original condemnation issues were exterior. - The council agreed with the recommendation and voted no to condemn. Street Vacation — Eastern End of 31st Street (Cedar Forest) - Mr. Gardner presented a request to vacate a portion of the eastern end of 31st Street in connection with the Cedar Forest neighborhood development. - When the subdivision was developed, the roadway was altered, moved slightly south, and curved to the north; the relocated right-of-way has been recorded and dedicated, and the request is to vacate the existing superseded portion. - Asked about houses on the south side, Gardner confirmed the few houses there were removed and none of that area will be affected by the vacation. Alcohol License Applications Mary Beth Franks presented four applications for council consideration: - Jenny Crimson Corner LLC, DBA 15th Street Chevron (District 5): retail beer and retail table wine, off-premises only, new owner, at 1819 Veterans Memorial Parkway. Hours: Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Franks confirmed to a council member that this is a change of ownership. - Dariella LLC, DBA L. Calentano Mexican Grill (District 6): restaurant retail liquor license, at 6343 Interstate Drive in Cottondale. Hours: Sunday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Maximum occupancy is 95. Franks added that the food is good and 'they're nice folks.' - Riverside Market Inc., DBA Riverside Package Store (District 1): approval letter as a specialty retailer of consumable hemp products, at 401 Alman Avenue Suite B. Hours: Sunday 12 to 9:30 p.m.; Monday through Wednesday 8 a.m. to midnight; Thursday 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. - Downtown Entertainment LLC (District 4): special events retail license (less than seven days) for seven alumni game-day events, including a 'Dazed and Confused' field party, during the two November home football game weekends. Meeting Calendar Discussion - The mayor said only four council meetings are currently scheduled over the next two months — November 17, December 15, January 12, and January 26 — and expressed concern about the volume of pending issues and about applicants, such as those with alcohol licenses, who need council approval to begin operations. - A November 10 meeting was ruled out because public notice requirements could not be met (notice for the following week's meetings must be provided the next day). - Staff noted that a December 1 meeting would be tight: City Hall is closed the Thursday and Friday after Thanksgiving, so the agenda would need to be finalized the day after the preceding council meeting. - Council members discussed November 24 and December 8 as possible additions; December 8 is a special election day (not citywide), but the mayor noted the council has held meetings on election days before and that he cannot vote that day anyway. January 19, the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, was also raised as a possibility. - The mayor stated: 'We don't work for our convenience. We work with the convenience of the 115,000 people to pay our salary.' He also said he has received at least one concern about the upcoming calendar. - The council agreed to stay flexible on dates and to add at least two additional meetings, with communication to follow. Board Appointments — Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports (TTS) - Ms. Johnson presented two resumes for the TTS board: Dr. Lewan Hutchinson, a current board member seeking reappointment (this would be his second and final term, after which he would have to sit out before returning), and William Houston, a new applicant for a first term. - Doug Hiller did not submit a resume and did not want to be reappointed. - Council members expressed support for both appointments. Department Announcements — Municipal Court - Municipal court staff announced a Community Connections Resource Fair and Fresh Start Docket on the upcoming Friday at the courthouse and Government Plaza. - More than 40 vendors will be set up along Gary Fitz Avenue and into the plaza, with driver's license and voter ID offices on site. From 1 to 3 p.m., a docket will be held in the courtroom for anyone with outstanding matters to walk in and talk to the judge and prosecutor. - The mayor praised Judge McKinney and her team for their work on the program. Agenda Briefing — Upcoming Items Mr. Holmes briefed the council on items scheduled for upcoming meetings, including: - Considering the demolition cost for the structure at 2714 31st Avenue and authorizing the filing of a lien. - Authorizing a contract with Jim House and Associates Inc., declaring a bid law exemption pursuant to Alabama Code 41-16-51, totaling $90,811, for the Water and Sewer Department. - Tentatively awarding a public works contract to Quarterstone Civil Contractors for utility relocation for the ALDOC project involving State Route 69 intersection improvements from Mimosa Park Road to north of the I-59 overpass, totaling $219,867.50. - Authorizing an as-needed minor public works contract with JL Tree Service, not to exceed $50,000. - Authorizing a professional services contract with SPX Aids to Navigation, not to exceed $3,686.85. - Authorizing a minor public works contract with Night Sign Industries, totaling $34,700. - Authorizing Amendment No. 2 to the contract with Flock Group Inc., not to exceed $182,100, for the Tuscaloosa Police Department. - Authorizing disbursements from district improvement funds: $5,000 from District 4 for the DCH Foundation; $1,500 from District 6 for Bryant High School; $1,500 from District 6 for Jeremiah's Community Gardens; and $1,000 from District 7 for Central Elementary and Central High Schools. - Authorizing a consulting agreement with Milleman for benefit calculations, eligibility reviews, actuarial reports, and the FY 2026 GASB 67 and 68 reports for the City of Tuscaloosa hourly pension plan, not to exceed $33,125. - Authorizing a consulting agreement with Kavanaugh McDonald for actuarial valuations for GASB 67/68/75, not to exceed $25,700. - Authorizing a merit executive engagement letter with The Arbitrage Group, not to exceed $14,000. - Authorizing the purchase of equipment, supplies, or services from Stivers Ford for Municipal Court, totaling $66,141, as a previously budgeted purchase. - Expressing the city's intent to offer an extension renewing and extending the North Star EMS franchise agreement for an additional two years. - Authorizing the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding with LSU for a practicum for social work students. - Authorizing the creation and implementation of a children's toys for parking tickets program (Toys for Tots). - Authorizing the mayor to execute a lease agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for recreation use and construction of the Northern Riverwalk Phase 2 across state lands. - Authorizing Amendment No. 2 to the fiscal year 2027 general fund budget. Executive Session - The mayor announced there were four items for executive session. - Following a motion and a second, the city attorney certified the executive session to discuss legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation or controversy imminently likely to be litigated; security plans, procedures, assessments, measures, or systems for persons, structures, facilities, or infrastructure, including critical infrastructure; and the consideration the city is willing to offer or accept when considering the purchase, sale, exchange, lease, or market value of real property. - The council voted aye to enter executive session. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes. - The council voted no to condemn 905 1/2 18th Street; the owner must complete permitted interior repairs before anyone can move in. - The street vacation request and four alcohol license applications were presented; the transcript shows no votes on these items. - The council agreed to add at least two additional meeting dates to the calendar, with final dates to be determined and communicated. - Council members expressed support for reappointing Dr. Lewan Hutchinson and appointing William Houston to the TTS board. - The council voted to enter executive session.

The Tuscaloosa City Council met on October 27, 2026. The council approved routine items, acted on demolition orders and resolutions, and heard a citizen's pedestrian-safety request. All recorded votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Proclamation and Council Announcements - Mayor and council proclaimed the week of November 1-8, 2026 as 'Beat LSU and Beat Alzheimer's Week' in Tuscaloosa, encouraging support for the West Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer's on November 8, 2026, at Parker Hawn Park. Zachary Dutton, co-chair of the walk, accepted the proclamation and thanked the city for its continued support. - A councilmember announced that the Saturday morning district meeting would be at Jack's at 8:15 a.m. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the prior meeting were approved. - The consent agenda, items A through J, was adopted. Public Comments & Testimony - Riley Baird, a Springbrook-area resident, requested safer pedestrian access at the intersection of Hargrove Road, Forest Lake Drive, and 2nd East Avenue. She cited the lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, and crossing buttons; sensor-based signals; a 40 mph speed limit; and crossing distances up to 60 feet. She asked for pedestrian crossings and eventually sidewalks on that stretch of Hargrove. Councilmembers said they would discuss the issue with city engineer Mike, work with Councilwoman Howard, and potentially inspect the area with the mayor and engineer on Friday. Discussion Items Unfinished Business: Demolition Orders - 5244 Overbrook Road: The council tabled a demolition order for 60 days. Johnny Nelms, an attorney representing Rocket Mortgage and Fannie Mae, said the property had been foreclosed on October 15, 2026, after processing a loss-mitigation request, and asked for time to complete demolition bidding. The property had 47 documented housing code violations. - 1225 19th Alley: The council ordered demolition after noting 48 documented violations, a September 28, 2026 denial of a variance request by the zoning board, and the owner's absence. - 2820 Fifth Avenue: Demolition was ordered; 48 violations were documented and no owner representative appeared. - 2830 Fifth Avenue: Demolition was ordered; 48 violations were documented and no owner representative appeared. - 2715 Oak Street: The council set the demolition cost and authorized the filing of a lien. Public Hearings - The council held the second of three public hearings on renaming 26th Avenue East in Alberta Park and amending Section 18-227 of the Code of Tuscaloosa. No public speakers testified. Resolutions and Introductions - Adopted resolutions authorizing improvement-fund disbursements for Stillman College from District 7 and District 1 funds, and for West Lawn Middle School from District 1 funds. - Tentatively awarded a public works contract to Sun Coast Infrastructure. - Authorized minor public works contracts with Miscellaneous Metals and Fabrication and IPS Power Systems. - Authorized professional services contracts or agreements with Everbridge, Matthew Murrow, and TTL, Inc.; selected TTL for environmental assessments. - Authorized the CFO to draw a draft for the Oakdale drainage improvements project easement acquisition. - Authorized Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue to accept donations; issuance of an RFP for interest in the Garner Road water tank tract; city council representation on the PARA executive director search committee; amendments to the 2010 and 2026 action plans of the city's five-year consolidated plan; and amendment one to the FY2027 Water and Sewer Reserve for Future Improvements Fund budget. - Introduced zoning amendments 49 and 50 and set December 15, 2026 as the public hearing date for both. - Amended exhibits A and B of the cited Code of Tuscaloosa section and reappointed Craig Fairburn to the PARA Board of Directors. - Authorized the payment of KIPS bills. Key Outcomes - Approved prior minutes and consent agenda items A-J. - Tabled the 5244 Overbrook Road demolition for 60 days; ordered demolition at 1225 19th Alley, 2820 Fifth Avenue, and 2830 Fifth Avenue; set demolition cost and lien for 2715 Oak Street. - Held the second public hearing on renaming 26th Avenue East; no vote on the renaming was recorded at this meeting. - Introduced zoning amendments 49 and 50 and scheduled public hearings for December 15, 2026. - Adopted all presented resolutions unanimously. - Reappointed Craig Fairburn to the PARA Board of Directors and authorized payment of bills.

The Tuscaloosa City Council Public Safety Committee met on October 27, 2026. The agenda included a monthly report from Chief Delk of the Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Department, an affiliation agreement with Louisiana State University, a resolution for an ambulance franchise extension, several business license recommendations, the annual Toys for Tickets program, and a presentation on the West Alabama Regional Safety Action Plan. All items on the agenda were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Louisiana State University (LSU) MOU: The committee approved an affiliation agreement with LSU to create a social work internship pipeline. Currently, the department hosts interns from the University of Alabama, Troy University, and Grand Canyon University. One LSU master's student is confirmed to start in January 2027, with capacity for four interns per semester. - NorthStar Franchise Agreement Extension: A resolution of intent to offer NorthStar Emergency Medical Services a two-year extension was approved. The extension incorporates three amendments related to response time call processing, monthly franchise fee calculation (1% built vs 1% collected), and an expanded clinical scorecard tracking patient outcomes. - Riverside Package Store License: A favorable recommendation was issued for a specialty retailer of consumable hemp products license for Riverside Market (401 Almond Avenue, Suite B). - L Calentano Mexican Grill License: A favorable recommendation was issued for a restaurant retail liquor license for L Calentano Mexican Grill (C343 Interstate Drive), which has an occupancy of 95. - Toys for Tickets Program: The committee approved the annual program, allowing a $15 toy donation to satisfy a $25 overtime parking ticket from November 2nd to November 30th. Discussion Items - Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Department Monthly Report: Chief Delk provided an update on department activities. Twenty-two employees were recognized with Excellence Awards, including a large cohort for 25 years of service. Twenty-five personnel were promoted, including two new battalion chiefs, Hollis Bond and Will McCafferty. The department currently has 7 vacancies out of 259 funded positions. Six new hires will begin on November 2nd, with a recruitment test scheduled for October 29th. Chief Delk also highlighted the department's strong performance at the state Alabama Mutual Aid Systems (AMAS) training, where the structural collapse and confined space team completed their scenario 1 hour and 4 minutes faster than any other team. A department-wide rebranding initiative was unveiled, and a new recruitment video was shown to the committee. - West Alabama Regional Safety Action Plan Kick-Off: Mr. Beal, Dr. Rod Tarotchi (Auburn University Transportation Research Institute), and Kathy Gregory (50 Fund) presented the plan. Funded by a federal Safe Streets for All grant, the plan requires no local financial match from the city. Key preliminary data included approximately 22,000 reported crashes over five years leading to 55 fatalities (18 pedestrians). The city's overall crash rate is 36% higher than the state average, and the pedestrian crash rate is roughly 80% higher. Failure to yield (27%) and following too closely (20%) were identified as the most common primary contributing factors. Council members raised concerns about the safety of emerging mobility devices (e-scooters and e-bikes); the planning team agreed to consult peer cities on their regulatory approaches. Key Outcomes - Approvals: The committee unanimously approved the LSU MOU, the NorthStar franchise extension resolution, the Riverside Market and L Calentano Mexican Grill licenses, and the Toys for Tickets program. - Next Steps: The Safety Action Plan will proceed to the community engagement phase, requiring 45 community members across three focus groups. The Fire Department will continue recruitment to fill remaining vacancies, with a test on October 29th. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.

The finance committee convened on October 27, 2026, to consider three agenda items regarding actuarial and arbitrage valuation service agreements. Committee members discussed the status of the city’s pension plans and approved all items unanimously. Discussion Items - Item 8 – Authorization to execute an agreement with Milliman for actuarial valuations: A motion was made to approve an agreement with Milliman, an actuarial firm, to prepare valuations for the city’s hourly pension plan (plans GASB 67 and 68). Discussion clarified that the city now has three pension plans (the police and fire pension having moved to RSA, leaving the hourly plan, the police and fire supplemental plan, and the OPEB health insurance fund for retirees). The hourly plan is a closed plan from the late 1990s/early 2000s; it will continue until all participants are no longer on it. The presenter noted that the cost for each valuation would be paid by the respective plan itself. - Item 9 – Authorization to execute an agreement with Kavanaugh McDonald for actuarial valuations: A motion was made to engage Kavanaugh McDonald, another actuarial firm, to perform valuations for GASB 67, 68, and 75 for the police and fire pension fund (which ended October 1, 2026), the police and fire supplemental pension plan, and the other post‑employment benefit (OPEB) health insurance plan for retirees. The supplemental plan currently has five people being paid out and a few more eligible but no longer accruing benefits. - Item 10 – Authorization to execute an agreement with Arbitrage Group: A motion was made to enter into an agreement with the Arbitrage Group to perform arbitrage valuations for all outstanding debt issuances. Costs are estimated between $1,000 and $1,500 per debt issuance and cover series 2016 A/B, 2019 A, 2020 A, 22 A/B/C, 25 B/C, and 26 A/B. The valuations are required by law every three years, but the city performs them annually for conservative planning. Payment will come from outside services budget. Key Outcomes - Item 8: Approved unanimously by voice vote (all aye). - Item 9: Approved unanimously by voice vote (all aye). - Item 10: Approved unanimously by voice vote (all aye). - The meeting was adjourned following the conclusion of business.