Public Meetings - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The Finance Committee meeting on February 10, 2026, opened with the adoption of the previous meeting's minutes. The agenda consisted of a single item: a resolution to authorize the city's application for a BUILD grant for a corridor improvement project that includes pedestrian, lighting, and camera enhancements and crosses a railroad. The city would provide a $4 million match (15% of the $26.6 million total) to strengthen the application. After staff presentations and committee discussion, the authorization was approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the prior meeting were adopted by voice vote with no opposition. Discussion Items - City staff (Mr. Gardner, Ms. Standridge, and Clint) reviewed the grant history: the city previously applied for a RAISE grant in 2022 (not awarded but received favorable comments) and planned to apply for a BIP grant last fall (canceled). The 2026 BUILD grant opportunity opened soon after, and the committee was asked to authorize the application. - The $4 million match was calculated as about 15% of the total project cost, based on a traditional 80% federal / 20% local split and adjusted to be competitive. Clint noted that the match is not required but would improve the application's chances. Committee member McCarthy clarified that the $1.5 million already budgeted and spent on preliminary design is separate from the match. - Clint presented the project scope and timeline. Preliminary design is underway; final design will follow. The grant announcement is expected around June–July 2026. Right-of-way acquisition (16 parcels) is estimated to take 1.5 years, and construction is planned from January 2028 to December 2029 (2 years). The timeline accounts for coordination with the railroad, which operates 24/7 near a rail yard. - Renderings showed a 10‑foot shared-use path on the north side and a sidewalk on the south side, with pedestrian lighting and cameras covering the entire project limits. The new bridge over the railroad will not require closing the existing bridge; construction will be coordinated with the railroad company. - A committee member asked about comments from a July 2025 public meeting (denoted as “HM”). Staff confirmed that they adjusted the design to avoid the HM property’s right-of-way, addressing that concern. - Mayor praised the staff for their thorough presentation and coordination. Key Outcomes - A motion was made and seconded to authorize the application for the BUILD grant, including a $4 million city match. The committee voted unanimously in favor (voice vote). The item was approved. - The committee will know the outcome of the grant application by late June or July 2026, barring any federal government shutdown.

The Tuscaloosa City Council convened on February 10, 2026, to consider eight agenda items, all of which were approved unanimously. The items included utility permits, professional service contracts, a right-of-use permit, a minor public works contract, and contract amendments. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - No items were designated as consent; each item was discussed and voted on individually. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items 1. Authorization for Mayor to Execute ALDOT Utility Permit for Mercedes Phase 3 Project – The permit allows sewer force main work in interstate right-of-way from Mercedes to approximately Buttermilk Road. Two replacement spots are at Exit 79 (US 11/University Boulevard/Cochise? No Exit) and at Dollar Benz Boulevard. The project is SRF-funded (ADEM administered). Expected bid in spring 2026, construction start in summer, completion by end of 2026. Motion passed. 2. Professional Service Contract with Thornton, Mousseau, and Bellman for Wastewater Treatment Program at Lift Stations 39 and 41 – These lift stations are on the same force main; station 39 is at Mercedes, station 41 at US 11 exit. The contract follows a pilot test with the vendor. Funded through the WORF outside service operational budget. Motion passed. 3. Professional Services Agreement with Garborough LLC for Engineering Services for WORF UV Improvements – UV (ultraviolet) treatment is the final wastewater treatment step. The current system is first-generation, causing reliability issues and wet-weather violations. The upgrade will use newer, more energy-efficient technology. Design completion expected November 2026, construction start early 2027 with 18-month timeline, finishing fall 2028. Funding: $785,700 from the 2025B bond line item. Total project cost estimate is $9.1 million. Motion passed. 4. Right-of-Use Permit for University of Alabama's Wayfinding Signs at Veterans Memorial Parkway – Five signs directing to the UA Arboretum will be reinstalled. Motion passed. 5. Minor Public Works Contract with ZL Builders for Wing Wall at Amphitheater Dining Hall – Construction of a 2.5-foot wing wall with shelves to screen a baker's rack from patrons. Cost: $3,500, funded by the River District repairs and maintenance budget. Motion passed. 6. Amendment to Professional Service Contract with Photo Shelter – Adds two additional user seats for photo/video storage software at $1,300 for the remainder of the fiscal year. Funded from outside services budget. Motion passed. 7. Professional Service Contract with Tri-Tech Software for Lucidus Maintenance and Support – Three-year renewal for enterprise asset management system. Year one: $48,807.54; year two: $51,247.92; year three: $53,810.31. Motion passed. 8. No-Cost Amendment to Correct Contract (September 2025) – Addresses unchecked boxes in a prior contract for services already received. No additional cost. Motion passed. Key Outcomes - All eight agenda items were approved by unanimous vote (motions made, seconded, and passed). - No votes were recorded against any item. - No further business was discussed.

The Tuscaloosa City Council met on February 10, 2026, beginning at 7:32 PM, to address zoning changes, liquor license applications, an ALM conference delegation, and a consent agenda containing contracts and budget amendments. The meeting involved staff presentations, council discussion, and votes on several items. Consent Calendar - Approval of previous meeting minutes. - Authorization for the mayor to execute a cooperative agreement with ADEM for the West Alabama Recycling Program (FY2027). - Authorization for a grant application for the 2027 West Alabama Recycling Program ADEM fund grant. - Contract with Evaqua Water Technologies (not to exceed $120,000). - Minor public works contract with Green Acre Landscape Services LLC ($10,700). - Railroad review services agreement with Kansas City Southern Railway Company/CPKC ($17,000). - Amendment No. 1 to the professional engineering services contract for Jack Warner Parkway/AL297 intersection improvements (amended amount $287,455). - Amendment No. 1 for Phase 8 of Cypress Creek Drainage Improvements (amended amount $273,555). - Professional services contract with 49 Degrees LLC for the Sabin Center project ($2,869,912). - Amendment No. 1 with 1220 Exhibits for the Sabin Center (deductive $2,867; net contract amount $2,869,912 reported). - Amendment No. 3 with Davis Architects for Sabin Center design services (not to exceed $419,888.50). - Minor public works contract with Amison Associates ($7,400). - Minor public works contract with Patrick Allen Companies ($2,827). - Professional services agreement with Herndon Hicks and Associates ($7,900). - Purchase of equipment from Energy Systems Southeast LLC for a water sewer generator ($66,970). - Amendment No. 6 to FY2026 general fund reserve for future improvement. - Introduction of Zoning Amendment No. 28 (amending various sections of Chapter 25). - Amendment to Section 19-52A of the Code of Tuscaloosa. - Amendment to Exhibits A and B of Section 19-42 regarding water, sewer, and municipal court. - Amendment to Section 10-13 of the Code of Tuscaloosa. - Amendment No. 7 to FY2026 general fund budget. - Setting March 10, 2026 as the public hearing date for Zoning Amendment No. 28. Discussion Items - Rezoning Requests for McGrife's Ferry Land LLC (New Watermelon Road): Two rezoning requests presented together to swap zoning boundaries between General Commercial (GC) and Multi-Family Residential (MFR) on the same development site. The original plan included two gas stations but was revised to a single gas station and a reconfigured site plan. The apartment complex (MFR) and office/retail (GC) areas required zoning alignment. Both requests were recommended by the Planning Commission in December 2025. Council members expressed support, noting the resolution of previous community concerns. The requests were approved unanimously. - Rezoning Request for Seth Richardson and Richard Henry (Alberta area): A petition to rezone property from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) to General Commercial (GC). The applicant cited the need for more diverse uses, including larger retail, outdoor storage, car wash, and bar/restaurant (subject to conditional use approval). The Planning Commission voted 5-4 not to recommend the request. Council members expressed strong concerns about potential uses incompatible with nearby public investments (Leland Park, tennis center, new townhomes, bridge lighting) and the city's over $60 million post-2011 tornado redevelopment. Councilman recommended tabling the item for one week to meet with the applicants. The motion to table was agreed to. - ABC License Application – Downtown Social LLC: Application for special events retail liquor licenses for two events: (1) Kappa Alpha's 2026 Spring Darty (7 events, February–April, at 416 University Boulevard); (2) Five Gamma Delta's Annual Pig Dinner (March, at 976 University Boulevard). No opposition was raised; the license was approved. - ALM Conference Delegation: Council approved sending Councilors Howard, Lanier, and Fail (alternate) to the Alabama League of Municipalities Conference in Montgomery, April 28–May 1, 2026. Key Outcomes - Votes: The two McGrife's Ferry rezoning requests were approved unanimously (voice vote). The Richardson/Henry rezoning request was tabled for one week. The ABC license application was approved. The ALM conference delegation was approved. The consent agenda items were presented for approval as a block. - Directives: Applicants for the tabled rezoning were directed to meet with council members before the next meeting. - Next Steps: The third rezoning will be reconsidered on February 17, 2026. Zoning Amendment No. 28 will have a public hearing on March 10, 2026.

The Tuscaloosa City Council convened on February 3, 2026, to conduct routine business including the approval of minutes, the issuance of a proclamation for National Parent Leadership Month, and the adoption of a comprehensive series of resolutions regarding public works, funding agreements, and special event licenses. The meeting also featured a public comment session where a resident expressed support for a previously tabled economic development request. Consent Calendar - Unanimously adopted the approval of meeting minutes. - Ordered the demolition of the building at 3153 Riggs Road due to 48 housing code violations, noting the owner was informed of the costs which would be charged back to them. - Approved the Consent Agenda items A through H, covering various resolutions. - Adopted resolutions authorizing less than seven days special events retail licenses for Downtown Entertainment LLC (fraternity houses and Bryant-Denny Stadium) and Party Down LLC (Pi Kappa Phi House) for February events. - Approved several professional services and minor public works contracts with entities including Shoal Engineering, McGiffert Associates, PCI Technologies, Appraisal and Consultant Group, Duncan Coker Associates, Hazen and Sawyer, Corterra Incorporated, Johns and Kirkseat, Nixon Power Services, Amison and Associates, and Markham Architects LLC. - Authorized disbursements from District 2, 5, 6, and 7 improvement funds for various organizations including the Bloody Tuesday organization, Silver Fox Valentine's Day Bowl, Backpack Connections, Carrying Days, Christian Amerson Youth Foundation, and Southview Elementary School. - Approved grants, sub-recipient agreements, and MOUs for the city's 2025 CDBG and HOME programs, and authorized condemnation proceedings for the Kicker Road Sidewalk Project. - Adopted amendments to the 2019 B warrant series budget and the fiscal year 2026 water and sewer reserve fund budget, as well as a $5.75 million tax incentive request (note: see Citizen Comments regarding final status). Public Comments & Testimony - Susie Smith (17 Springbrook) addressed the council to express gratitude for the previous indefinite tabling of a development agreement with Delaney Property Group regarding the Springbrook Circle Development and a requested tax incentive of $5.75 million. She explicitly stated she did not have to oppose the request because the council had already decided to table it, and she thanked the council and Mr. Lanier for the motion. Discussion Items - National Parent Leadership Month: Mayor Maddox proclaimed February 2026 as National Parent Leadership Month. Ms. Dora Drake and Mrs. Madonna Williams of the Parent Leadership Network接受了 the proclamation and expressed gratitude for the city's support in making families strong and resilient. The Mayor noted that parenting is the "hardest job in my life" and a key difference in young people's lives. - 3153 Riggs Road Demolition: Mr. Williams reported that the property owner was aware of the hearing and the 48 housing code violations. He noted that while a contract exists, the buyer is not attempting to save the house, and the owner was unable to attend. The Council moved to proceed with condemnation and demolition. - Zoning Amendment 29: The Clerk introduced Zoning Amendment Number 29. It was noted that a public hearing is scheduled for March 3, 2026, to consider its adoption. The agenda item lists this as an "Ordinance of the general nature of permanent operation for introduction." Key Outcomes - Demolition Ordered: The Council voted unanimously (5 Yes) to order the demolition of 3153 Riggs Road, with costs to be charged to the owner. - Unanimous Approvals: All consent agenda items, special event licenses, professional contracts, and budget amendments were passed unanimously (5 Yes). - Date Set: March 3, 2026, was officially set as the date for the public hearing on Zoning Amendment 29. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned unanimously (5 Yes). - Discrepancy Note: The Consent Calendar summary indicates the adoption of resolutions authorizing a tax incentive request (contextually linked to Delaney Property Group/Springbrook Circle in the budget section), whereas Citizen Comments confirm that the request was previously "table[d] indefinitely" and did not require opposition at this meeting. The transcript does not record a final re-approval vote or a specific discussion clarifying if the budget amendment passed refers to this specific incentivized amount or a separate line item, suggesting the agenda item may have been procedural regarding the process of funding rather than finalizing the incentive itself, or a potential agenda/transcript conflict exists regarding the status of that specific $5.75M request.

The City Council meeting convened on February 3, 2026, to address two primary agenda items: the approval of a commercial pier building permit for the Beacon Point Homeowners Association and the declaration of a surplus property at 2205 13th Street for a Request for Proposals (RFP). The meeting included a debate regarding the administrative recommendations to include specific stipulations in the RFP for the 13th Street property versus arguments from the public and a council advisor that such restrictions were unnecessary and potentially detrimental to market competitiveness. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the commercial building permit for a T-shaped dock (40 feet long, 20 feet wide) at the Beacon Point Homeowners Association community pier. The item was approved without opposition as it meets homeowner regulations despite being an HOA facility rather than a residential dock. Public Comments & Testimony - Cam Parsons (2909 7th Street, Counsel for the Mayor and taxpayer): Expressed strong opposition to the Administration's proposed stipulations for the 13th Street RFP. He argued that requiring a "public purpose" was a new and vague restriction not found on other surplus properties. He believed the property should be available for market-driven development provided it did not exacerbate drainage issues. He noted that the adjacent property owned by Dr. Sproul had been designed to improve drainage and that the city should focus on ensuring new construction elevations remain above the grade of the Rock Point office and neighbor homes to prevent basement flooding. He expressed concern that the "public purpose" requirement would create a "chilling effect" on potential buyers. - Mayor (Speaker): Indicated that the "public purpose" concept originated from initial discussions suggesting the property could serve as green space or auxiliary parking for developments on the corner, though plans may have since changed. The Mayor acknowledged that these specific project details should ideally be addressed in the RFP response process rather than hard constraints. Discussion Items - Beacon Point Dock: Staff reported the dock was a simple T-shaped structure meeting all regulations but required Council approval because it is an HOA facility, not a residential dock. No questions were raised, and the item moved to a vote immediately. - 2205 13th Street Surplus Property: - Councilor Busby: Proposed declaring the property surplus following the city's acquisition and demolition of the residence and filling of the basement to end flooding liabilities (estimated cost over $11 million for the neighborhood). He requested an RFP to let the market determine the property's future. - Administration (Mayor/Town Staff): Recommended three specific inclusion items in the RFP: (1) Maintain a public purpose (e.g., parking or green space), (2) Ensure improved drainage to mitigate flooding, and (3) Identify the city regarding any future flooding claims (potentially from cars flooding in the dip near the YMCA). - Debate: A significant discussion occurred regarding the necessity of these three stipulations. Mr. Parsons and Councilor Busby argued the property was purchased as a defensive measure against liability and that restricting it to a "public purpose" was inappropriate for a market sale. They noted that engineering solutions for the specific flood dip (near the YMCA) were already in place and that parking restrictions or elevation standards should be handled via final design approval rather than RFP mandates. The Council agreed that the RFP process is the appropriate venue to judge proposals rather than pre-determining specific project elements that might deter other competitors. Key Outcomes - Vote: Unanimous motion to declare the property at 2205 13th Street as surplus. - Directives: Council directed staff, specifically Mr. Bobbitt, to prepare a resolution for the next week's meeting to officially declare the property surplus. Staff will then draft and issue an RFP without the previously suggested rigid "public purpose" stipulation, allowing the market to respond. - Process: The RFP will include a judging body to determine the best proposal, which will subsequently be presented to the Council for ultimate approval. - Next Steps: The next Provo Committee meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2026. The meeting was adjourned following these actions.

The City Council convened on February 3, 2026, to review and approve the meeting minutes, adopt three new job classifications without increasing full-time equivalents (FTEs), update parking citation fines, revise police and fire pay plans to facilitate lateral transfers, and implement comprehensive zoning code clarifications. The meeting proceeded with unanimous motion approvals for all agenda items. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Council members approved the minutes from the previous meeting upon motion. - Job Classification: Water Wastewater Treatment Plant Electronics Technician Senior: A motion to adopt a new career progression step for this role passed unanimously. The City clarified that while the position is being added to allow for future career growth, no new FTEs are anticipated, and no current employees are being reclassified into this role at this time. - Job Classification: Court Referral Monitoring Specialist: A motion to adopt this classification passed unanimously to support a newly started municipal court program. The role involves monthly client check-ins and drug screens. No new FTEs will be created; the position is a modification of existing duties. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments or testimony were recorded during this session. Discussion was limited to Council members and staff. Discussion Items - Parking Citation Fines (Ordinance to Amend 10-13): - Proposal: The Council voted to increase fines for three specific violations: obstructing traffic, loading zone violations, and overtime parking. Previously set at $19, obstructing traffic and loading zone fines will increase to $104, while overtime parking will increase to $25. - Scope and Enforcement: Council member Eatman confirmed that the new fines apply to delivery trucks and double-parking situations causing traffic obstruction on University Avenue and 5th Street. The Director confirmed that parking enforcement officers can issue these citations when officers are present or when calls are made. - Classification: Clarified that these are municipal code parking citations, not traffic citations. - Positions: Council members expressed full support for the fee increases, citing the need to resolve traffic congestion issues caused by double-parking and loading issues. - Police and Fire Pay Plan (Section 19-52): - Proposal: The Council discussed updating the municipal code to allow the Mayor to authorize starting pay at Step 11 (currently authorized up to Step 9) for police and fire officers under the lateral pay plan. This change is intended to aid the recruitment of experienced officers from other departments prior to RSA conversion. - Financial Details: Step 9 is currently $70,280.50; Step 11 is $73,838.44. - Recruitment Strategy: Staff noted that while experienced officers often lose money transferring, the City of Tucson Police Department (TPD) offers unique opportunities that smaller departments do not. A recruitment video highlighting lateral transfers is being finalized. - Training Requirements: Council members and staff clarified that all lateral transfers, regardless of prior experience (including out-of-state certifications), must complete the City's training protocol. This includes 4 weeks of Phase One/Two/Three, a 2-week Phase Four (refresher), and the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, totaling 10 weeks for those with local background or abbreviated academies. Council members supported this stance, noting that meeting local standards is paramount. - Positions: Council members expressed support for the pay adjustment to attract experienced talent but maintained a strict position that all new hires must meet the City's specific training and policy standards, regardless of prior tenure. - Zoning Code Update (Section 19-52 Amendment): - Proposal: The Council reviewed a comprehensive update to the zoning ordinance (covering 53 sections), following a unanimous recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The update includes clarifications based on stakeholder feedback. - Key Revisions Discussed: - Zoning Board of Adjustment: Added back the missing membership requirements for the board, which were previously omitted. - Convenience Stores: Clarified that convenience store definitions include no age restrictions for entry, addressing a specific issue raised by Council member Eatman regarding downtown stores. - Lake Area Annexations: Clarified that properties annexed into the City near the lake default to "Lake Residential" zoning rather than being rezoned from SFR1, streamlining the process. - Historic Preservation: Explicitly stated that Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) design regulations and guidelines supersede zoning ordinance conflicts (e.g., setbacks in Guildswood), earning full support from Council members for preserving historic character. - Non-Conforming Uses: Clarified that "discontinued" refers to the actual non-use of a property for six months. Council members supported this clarification, noting that intent to return does not preserve the status; a residence in a historic district that is non-residential for six months would forfeit its grandfathered status. - Positions: Council members unanimously supported the updates, citing stakeholder positivity and the necessity of clarifying ambiguous sections of the 2024 Zoning Ordinance. Key Outcomes - Motion Passed: Approval of meeting minutes. - Ordinance 10-13: Passed unanimously to increase obstructing traffic/loading zone fines to $104 and overtime parking to $25. - Pay Plan Update: Passed unanimously to allow starting pay at Step 11 ($73,838.44) for lateral transfers in the public safety pay plan. - Zoning Code: Passed unanimously to amend 53 sections of the zoning ordinance, including clarifications on board membership, convenience store definitions, lake zoning, historic preservation hierarchy, and non-conforming use definitions. - Next Steps: The City will proceed with the implementation of the new pay rates for lateral transfers and issue the updated zoning code. Staff will finalize the lateral transfer recruitment video.

The finance committee meeting convened to approve routine budget disbursements and comprehensive budget revisions. The session included the approval of funds for Southview Elementary School's pre-K field day and extensive budgetary adjustments regarding the Stillman Boulevard Bridge project, the transfer of funds for the Tuscaloosa Police Department vehicle program, and internal reallocations for drainage projects. Consent Calendar - Councilman Lanier approved a $1,000 disbursement from District 7 improvement funds for Southview Elementary School to support expenses for their pre-K fund/field day. - Budget Revision Number Six was approved in its entirety, covering four distinct components. - A transfer between general fund and public safety restricted funds under Budget Revision Number Seven was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded during the meeting transcript. Discussion Items - Stillman Boulevard Bridge Project (Item 2, Part B of Budget Revision 6): - Project Status: Committee members discussed the history of the project, noting that $1.5 million from 2024 general fund surplus and capital proposals has already been spent. This funding has achieved approximately 85% of the design work. - Grant Strategy: The committee deliberated on applying for a federal "BUILD" grant (Bridge to Infrastructure) for approximately $23 million. To strengthen this application, the project needs to reach 100% design completion. Speaker Ms. Sanders noted that reaching 100% design positions the city well for future federal funding, contrasting this with a previous "RAISE" grant saga on University Boulevard where over-designing led to prohibitive right-of-way acquisition costs. - Funding Request: The committee requested a $317,000 transfer from contingency funds to complete the design and cover railroad review costs. Speaker confirmation indicated that With the $1.5 million existing, plus the $317,000 request, total investment approaches $1.817 million. - Match Requirements: Discussion clarified that while past BUILD grants required an 80/20 federal-to-local match, the city's designation as a rural/depressed area allows for 100% federal funding. However, the committee decided to aim for an approximately 17% local match (around $4 million) to maintain competitiveness within the grant pool. - Councilman Gardner's Position: Councilman Gardner questioned if the city was over-designing the project for grant appeal purposes, drawing parallels to the University Boulevard project. He expressed concern about repeating the mistake of designing projects that become unaffordable once right-of-way acquisition is required. - Speaker Response (Ms. Sanders): Ms. Sanders expressed that unlike the University Boulevard project, this bridge project does not require enhancing connectivity to the same degree, as shared use paths and sidewalks are already incorporated. She stated that right-of-way acquisition will be minimal (affecting four homes and a warehouse property), unlike the massive acquisition required previously. She confirmed the city has avoided the specific pitfalls of the previous grant application. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Unanimous approval (Aye) of $1,000 for Southview Elementary pre-K field day. - Item 2 (Budget Revision 6): Unanimous approval (Aye) of the budget revision bundle, which included: - Transfer of $59,000 from the closed-out Alberta Bridge lighting project to contingency. - Transfer of $317,000 from contingency to the Stillman Boulevard Bridge project. - Transfer of $228,000 from the TPD vehicle program to the General Fund for RSA (likely reserved for future safety/infrastructure). - Transfer of $21,000 between Cypress Creek drainage phase two and neighborhood storm drain (NOSARC 2.0) projects. - Item 3 (Budget Revision 7): Unanimous approval (Aye) of a reclassification moving funds from the general fund directly to the public safety RSA restricted amount. - The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The City Council convened on February 3, 2026, at 20:30 UTC to approve minutes and address a series of new business items primarily focused on contract amendments, change orders, and service agreements. Two members were present at the time of the call for new business. The council unanimously approved all 16 items presented, ranging from engineering service extensions for flood control projects to administrative grants and facility modifications. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the previous meeting were adopted unanimously with a motion and second. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded during this meeting transcript. Discussion Items - Engineering Services Contract Amendments - Brett presented a $120,410 amendment to McGiffert to extend services from the design phase to the bid and construction phase for the Cypress Creek project (NOAA 2.0 program, near Skyland and Scotland). - Brett presented a $15,112 amendment to Duncan Coker for engineering services regarding resurfacing of ramp access on the 297 bridge at the Jack Warner Parkway intersection. The scope change responded to a recent request to utilize existing traffic control mitigation efforts to resurface the ramps, in addition to the nearby Jack Warner Parkway resurfacing. - Clint presented a service agreement with Kansas City Southern Railroad Company for approximately $17,000. This covers the railroad's mandatory review of engineering plans (at 6% submission) for the Stillman Bull Bar Bridge Replacement Project. The review ensures compliance with railroad standards for height, width, and clearance. Staff noted the city has no leeway in selecting the reviewing firm. - Item 16: An amendment of $419,885 to Davis Architects for the Saving Center project. This funds a redesign to relocate the Saban exhibit from the lobby to a temporary space, moving the existing temporary exhibit to a shell space on the second level. Staff explained that donors were briefed in October regarding this potential change and agreed to cover the costs if it occurred. The relocation is intended to improve logistics and proximity to the loading dock and other main attractions. - Contractors and Change Orders - Josh presented a deductive change order of $51,966.36 from the Meet Wright Ferry Road project contract (GFC and Dominion Construction). Funds are returned to the 2022 C-bond issuance (funded by TCRIC); final accounting is pending project closeout. - Mr. Garney presented a $10,700 minor public works contract with Green Acres Landscaping LLC to restore ornamental driveways and landscaping on Lake Vista Drive following waterline repairs. - Mr. Garney presented a $120,000 professional services contract for intermediate wastewater treatment program lift stations (L2 and L33). A previous trial for stations 39 and 41 showed success in gas reduction, with a future contract for those stations anticipated. - Item 14: Discussion regarding the Savings Center exhibit fabrication. A deductive change order removed $286,991.12 from contractor 1220. A subsequent change order added the same amount to 49 Degrees. The scope remains unchanged in total cost; the shift is to ensure the schedule of January 2027 to late summer/early fall 2027 is met by utilizing two installers. - Item 16: A change order of $424,666 for the Garner Ridge sewer project (Hargro Road to Highway D2). This covers the full replacement of seven manholes deemed beyond rehabilitation. The contract total is raised to approximately $3.8 million, adding 150 days to the schedule (completion October 2nd). Funding is sourced from the 2025 B bond. - Other Contracts and Agreements - A professional services contract with Herndon Hicks for $7,900 to survey the Hopkins building (sold to Mr. Paton) for American Land Title Association purposes. - Item 12: A $2,827 contract to repair wind-damaged doors at the Fletcher wastewater plant, including hinge replacement and closer installation, funded by water and sewer repairs. - Item 13: A $7,400 contract to install a washer and dryer for custodial duties at the new warehouse on James I. Harrison, involving plumbing and anchor bolt removal. - Item 15: Authorization for the mayor to execute a cooperative recycling grant agreement with the county, Pearl, Shelton, and UA. The city contributes no match; recent allocations have been around $400,000-$423,000. - Item 16 (Second): A $1,260 change order for Blueprints software automation to weekly dump files into a local repository. - Procedural Remarks - Council member Mr. Bogby acknowledged that the Savings Center layout changes were discussed in executive session last fall and that negotiations were transparent. He noted the decision was a "probability" based on prior donor briefings. - Staff invited council members for a walkthrough of the Saving Center, noting the roof is complete and steel is being erected for the second and third levels. Key Outcomes - Minutes Adopted: The previous minutes were adopted unanimously. - 15 Contract and Change Orders Approved: All presented items regarding engineering, construction, landscaping, and professional services were approved via motion, second, and unanimous voice vote ("Aye"). - Timeline Updates: The Garner Ridge sewer project deadline extended to October 2nd. The Savings Center exhibit installation is scheduled to begin in January 2027. - Funding Confirmation: The Savings Center redesign costs ($419,885) are confirmed to be covered by donor funds based on prior agreements. Recycling grant funds require no city match. - No Objections: No members expressed opposition to any items during the discussion or voting process.

The City Council convened to address several routine matters, including special event permits, property condemnation, and extensive contractual authorizations across the Kicker Road Sidewalk and Patent Lake Park projects. The council also reviewed the introduction of a zoning amendment for 57 acres in Tuscaloosa, received departmental updates regarding construction speeds at a local intersection, and acknowledged personal updates regarding council members. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter an executive session to discuss preliminary negotiations. Consent Calendar - Approval of special event retail permits for events lasting less than seven days: - Downtown Entertainment LLC: Events scheduled in February and March at 312 University Boulevard, 920 Paul W. Bryant Drive, and 322 University Boulevard. - Party Down LLC: One event scheduled in February at 130 University Boulevard. - Authorization for various contracts and disbursements as proposed by Councilor Holmes, including fiscal and project-related agreements. Public Comments & Testimony - Mayor Maddox: Expressed concern regarding unsafe speeding behaviors by vehicles through a construction site on Alabama Street, noting the presence of a single open lane and the high risk of injury to workers and drivers. Mayor stated, "People... cutting there's one lane open... it's just unbelievable" and highlighted that "somebody's gonna get hurt" or workers could be injured. - Mayor Maddox: Provided positive commentary on work completed at the Leland Shopping Center by Mr. Pate, expressing deep appreciation for the speed of the concrete removal and grading, and noting the upcoming creation of green space. - Mayor Maddox: Shared personal updates regarding council members, noting Mr. Lanier's absence due to travel and expressing support for Councilor Miss Howard, whose father was recently readmitted to the emergency room. Mayor stated, "I hate to see that," regarding the stress placed on a caregiver. Discussion Items - 3153 Riggs Road Condemnation: - Councilors discussed a property previously tabled for three weeks, where the current occupant (supposedly looking to buy) indicated an intention to "tear it down" rather than retain the structure. - Counselor Position: A council member stated, "we're just gonna go ahead and condemn it" and argued against further tabling, noting that the current app permit is "not enough to save the house" even if appealed. Another member agreed, stating, "we've dealt with this one for quite some time... nothing's getting done." - Scope: The condemnation will cover the house and a storage shed on the property. - Budget and Contract Authorization Review: - Councilor Holmes presented a series of authorizations for professional services, public works contracts, and fund disbursements. - Key Financial Actions Discussed: - Patent Lake Park Project: Professional services agreement with Shoal Engineering Company ($511,627.50) and boundary survey with McGifford Associates ($8,400). - Kicker Road Sidewalk Project: Right-of-way acquisition drafts ($482) and appraisal services (not to exceed $20,000). - Water Department: Consulting services with Hazen and Sawyer PC (not to exceed $950,000). - District Improvement Funds: Various disbursements for organizations and events, including Bloody Tuesday ($2,000), Fox Valentine's Ball ($5,075.50), and Christmas decor ($13,000). - Zoning Amendment 29: Introduction of an amendment for approximately 57 acres at 580 Old Colony Road, transitioning from S FR1 (Single Family Residential) to GPD (General Planned Development). - Clarification: Councilor Farrell clarified that GPD is the "new terminology" for what was previously known as PUD (Planned Unit Development). - Next Steps: Council set March 3, 2026, as the date for a public hearing to consider the zoning amendment. Key Outcomes - 3153 Riggs Road: Motion passed (all in favor: "Aye") to condemn the property at 3153 Riggs Road, including the associated storage shed, due to the owner's intent to demolish and the ineffectiveness of the current appeal process. - Special Event Permits: Approvals granted to Downtown Entertainment LLC and Party Down LLC for their respective events. - Contractual Authorizations: The council authorized the execution of multiple agreements and disbursements, including: - Agency funding agreements with Tuscaloosa for the 2025 Emergency Solutions Grant Program. - Amendments to subrecipient funding agreements with Temporary Emergency Services, SAN Inc. (Turning Point), and the Salvation Army under the 2024 Emergency Solutions Grant Program. - Financial budgets amendments for the 2019 B warrant series and FY 2026 water/sewer reserve. - Executive Session: Motion passed unanimously to enter an executive session to discuss preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade or commerce where disclosure would detrimentally affect the competitive position of negotiating parties. - Schedule: Public hearing for Zoning Amendment 29 scheduled for March 3, 2026.