Public Meetings - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The City of Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission met on March 16, 2026, at an unspecified time. Chairperson introduced staff and commission members, reviewed procedural rules for public comment, and noted that proper notice had been given. The commission faced a quorum issue for subdivision approvals (only five members present; six required), leading to multiple continuances. Several items were withdrawn prior to notice, and a few rezonings and an annexation were recommended to the City Council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the February 2026 meeting without reading. Public Comments & Testimony - Case Z06 2026 (2842 18th Street – Rezone from MR1 to SFR5): Two speakers opposed. Herbert Briffer (2826 18th Street) objected because no duplex exists on the street. Elena Wilson (landowner at 2842 18th Street) asked about property line impact and tax allocation. Staff clarified that the rezoning would allow a duplex but would not affect her property boundaries or taxes. The petitioner requested a continuance due to illness. - Case Z04 2026 (BH Robinson – 2803/2805 Herman Avenue Rezone from SFR3 to SFR4): Gloria Robinson (52 Bellevue Drive, daughter of property owner) initially was unsure but after seeing renderings expressed support for the proposed two homes. - Case S15 2026 (Arbor Lane – Lot Consolidation): Kathy Hammonds (3203 Arbor Lane, adjacent owner) questioned why a lot line removal was needed when her own house straddles two lots. The petitioner explained it would prevent setback violations for a new house. - Case S18 2026 (Skelton Corner): Karen Harris (17728 Old Fayette Road, adjacent property owner) expressed concern that a proposed driveway appeared to cross her backyard. Staff noted the 40-foot strip was an existing property line. The petitioner’s representative asked to continue the case to allow direct discussion with Ms. Harris. Discussion Items - Continuance Requests: Due to the absence of the petitioner, health issues, or lack of a six-member quorum for subdivisions, the commission granted continuances for the following cases: Z07 26 (18th Street), S17 26 (Martin Estates), S12 26 (BH Robinson subdivision), S13 26 (Harkey Lane subdivision), S15 26 (Arbor Lane consolidation), S16 26 (Linder property), and S18 26 (Skelton Corner). All were continued to the next month’s meeting. - Withdrawals: Staff noted several cases that were withdrawn prior to notice; no vote was needed. - Subdivision Quorum Issue: The chair explained that only five commissioners were present, and six votes are required for subdivision approval. To avoid a denial, petitioners were asked to request continuances. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved. - Z04 26 – BH Robinson Rezoning: Motion to recommend approval of rezoning from SFR3 to SFR4 passed unanimously (5-0). The companion subdivision (S12 26) was continued. - A04 26 – Harkey Lane Annexation: Motion to recommend approval of annexation of 0.4 acres south of 4730 Harkey Lane passed unanimously (5-0). - Z05 26 – Harkey Lane Rezoning: Motion to recommend rezoning the annexed parcel from SFR1 to General Commercial (GC) passed unanimously (5-0). The companion subdivision (S13 26) was continued. - All Continuance Motions: Approved by voice vote with no opposition.

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission held a public hearing on March 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM, chaired by Kathy Pagani. Commissioners present included Jordan Morris, Carl Elabash, David Nelson, David Dyab, and others, along with city staff. The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the November 2025 and February 2026 meetings. Consent Calendar - Approved the synopses of the November 2025 and February 2026 meetings unanimously (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No oral public comments were made during the hearing. Written comments were received: one in support of HPC0926 (27 University Circle) and one in support of HPC0726 (2007 Maxi Thomas Way). Discussion Items Case HPC0826 – 16 Buena Vista (Buena Vista Historic District) Applicant Jackie Woskoware petitioned for a certificate of appropriateness for a 16×10 ft shed with a wooden ramp in the rear yard. The shed would use LP SmartSide vertical siding, asphalt shingles matching the primary structure, and be painted similarly. Staff reported no public comments. The application was approved unanimously (6-0). Case HPC0926 – 27 University Circle (University Circle Historic District) Applicant Brian Yokley petitioned for a roof over an existing rear patio, four new stone columns, and ceiling fans. Discussion focused on whether the stone columns had been previously approved by the commission; staff later confirmed that a prior application in 2024 had approved the stone arch and columns. One written comment in support was received. Some concern was expressed that the columns were not in character with the predominantly white brick neighborhood. The application was approved unanimously (7-0). Case HPC1026 – 1400 Caplewood Drive (Caplewood Historic District) Applicant Price McGifford Jr. petitioned for a new interior staircase addition on the right side, replacement of windows, a rear wooden deck, and a fiberglass door. The addition would use brick, HardieBoard siding, and asphalt shingles to match existing. No public comments. A commissioner noted the work appeared deliberate and integrated. Approved unanimously (7-0). Case HPC0726 – 2007 Maxi Thomas Way (Druid City Historic District) Applicant Jim Waltman petitioned to remove two existing wrought iron porch supports and replace them with white wooden posts. One written comment in support was received. Commissioner Stone recused herself. After discussion, the commission voted: 4 in favor (Mr. Deeson, Chair, Mr. Morris, Mr. Albash), 1 opposed (Mr. Diab), and 1 abstention (Dr. Nelson). With only four affirmative votes (one short of the required five), the application was not approved. The opposing commissioner cited the removal of historic material as contrary to preservation guidelines. Key Outcomes - Approved: HPC0826 (shed at 16 Buena Vista), HPC0926 (roof and columns at 27 University Circle), HPC1026 (staircase and deck at 1400 Caplewood Drive). Each application received at least five affirmative votes. - Denied: HPC0726 (porch supports at 2007 Maxi Thomas Way) due to insufficient votes (4-1-1). - Staff will notify the applicant of the denial and explain options for resubmission. - All approved certificates are subject to final inspection by city staff to ensure compliance with approved plans.

The Tuscaloosa City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m. The meeting began with the council prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. The council presented two proclamations, heard several public hearings, approved a zoning amendment, and addressed multiple consent agenda items and resolutions. A citizen expressed disappointment regarding the city’s selection of investment bankers for upcoming bond issuances. Proclamations & Recognitions - National Social Work Month (March 2026): Councilor Tyner presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Walt Maddox and the council. Representatives from the University of Alabama School of Social Work accepted the proclamation. Shenavia Hatcher (Dean) highlighted the school’s four programs (BSW, MSW, PhD, DSW) and noted partnerships with 160 agencies across 17 Alabama counties, including the Black Belt Internship Initiative. Courtney Chapman Thomas stated that students contribute the equivalent of $2,679,200 in service through more than 80,000 hours of practical placements. The profession is expected to employ more than 800,000 social workers by 2033. Faculty and staff introduced themselves, and Councilor Raven Howard noted that the school’s D.C. program is the only one outside the district offering both bachelor’s and master’s options. - Recognition of Parker J. Evans – Central High School Student: Councilor Joe Eatman read the proclamation recognizing Parker J. Evans for his academic and competitive excellence, including being a state champion in FBLA supply chain management and acceptance into the aviation science program at Tuskegee University. Parker received a $50,000 achievement scholarship and the opportunity for advanced flight training through Lyft Academy. The program has been revitalized after 80 years with $12 million in funding from Senator Katie Britt. Parker’s aunt, Jennifer Giles, and the principal of Central High School, Dr. Jones, also spoke, praising his achievements and noting that the program pays for $120,000 in flight licensure. Only 3% of pilots nationwide are African American. The council wished Parker well. - Sakura Festival Announcement: Shelly Dorrell, Executive Director of Tuscaloosa Sister Cities, announced the 40th annual Sakura Festival on March 28, 2026, at Snow Hinton Park from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The festival celebrates the 40-year sister city relationship with Narashino, Japan. A joint delegation (student and adult) will travel to Japan this year. Dorrell noted that the city provides free use of Snow Hinton for the event and emphasized the importance of citizen diplomacy. Councilor Fail will join the delegation. The festival includes an art contest with student artwork displayed at the Tuscaloosa Public Library; winners will be recognized at a future school board meeting. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda (Items A and B) by unanimous vote (roll call: Councilor Fail – yes; all others yes). - Items under the consent agenda included: - Approval of minutes from the previous meeting. - Demolition of a structure at 2603 22nd Street (public hearing held; no speakers). Set demolition and authorized filing of a lien. - Special retail liquor license (more than 30 days) for Party Down LLC d/b/a Kentuck Art Center (1901 Jack Warner Parkway). Police department had no objections; applicant described it as a year‐long license for special events like First Fridays. Approved unanimously after a public hearing with no opposition. - Adoption of Zoning Amendment No. 28 (see Discussion Items). - Execution of a riparian easement, a legal services agreement, a right‐of‐way permit to Lexington Downs Homeowners Association, a commercial right‐of‐entry agreement with Charter Communications, a permit with Tuscaloosa Paddle Board, a tentative public works contract award to Mark Johnson Construction, CFO drafts for the Kicker Road sidewalk project right‐of‐way acquisitions (two properties: Jennifer Smith and Robert Elliott), a minor public works contract with Civil Works Construction, a professional services agreement with Plan Source Benefit Administration, a minor public works contract with Premier Service Company, Inc., Amendment No. 3 to the 2025 B warrant series budget, and Amendment No. 7 to the General Fund Reserve for Future Improvements Fund budget. - All items passed unanimously by roll call votes (Councilors Eatman and Fail alternating as movers). Discussion Items - Zoning Amendment No. 28 (Text Amendment to the Unified Development Code): Zach Pond, Planning and Development Services, presented the amendment, which is the third comprehensive update since the new code was implemented on January 1, 2025 (a 300‐page document). Previous updates addressed drive‐throughs and townhomes. This update involves revisions to several sections and was developed with input from engineers, landscape architects, and architects. It was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission in November 2025 and to the Administration Committee on February 3, 2026; the commission unanimously recommended approval. Councilor Busby asked about the fee structure, which was discussed in committee but is separate from this amendment. The council unanimously approved the amendment after a public hearing with no speakers. - Resolutions of a General Nature or Permanent Operation (Introduction): The council introduced an amendment to Exhibits A and B of Section 19-42 of the Code of Tuscaloosa and a resolution to annex approximately 58.8 acres into the city corporate limits. Both were passed by unanimous consent to be adopted on a later reading. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (unanimous). - Proclamations presented and accepted. - Zoning Amendment No. 28 adopted (unanimous). - Consent agenda items including demolition, retail license, contracts, easements, and budget amendments all passed unanimously. - Annexation of 58.8 acres approved on first reading by unanimous consent. - Payment of bills authorized (unanimous). - Citizen comment: Former council member and investment banker Lee Garrison addressed the council. He expressed disappointment that he was not selected to participate in the upcoming 2026 A and 2026 B bond issuances, despite his 7½ years of service and institutional knowledge. Garrison noted that his new firm, Mesero (a super‐regional investment bank), is establishing its Southeast headquarters in downtown Tuscaloosa. He urged the council to reconsider the decision, stating that it was not too late to reverse it. The council acknowledged his comments but did not respond or take action. The meeting then adjourned by motion.

The Public Safety Committee met on March 10, 2026, to discuss two primary items: a mutual aid agreement between Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue and Advanced Fire Protection District, and a monthly operational update from Fire Chief Dilk focusing on recruitment and retention strategies ahead of anticipated retirements. Discussion Items Mutual Aid Agreement with Advanced Fire Protection District - Chief Dilk presented a contract for mutual aid that compensates Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue for responses to Advanced Fire Protection District's jurisdiction. Compensation is based on FEMA rates: $245 per hour for a truck company and $390 per hour for an engine company. The agreement does not alter response policies. The volume of calls is not expected to be high, serving as an insurance policy for the district. Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Monthly Update - Chief Dilk reported statistics for the past month: 214 fire calls, 1,035 EMS calls, and 123 service calls. - Highlighted two incidents: a vehicle entrapment on Crescent Ridge Road requiring door removal to extricate the driver, and a structure fire at a lumber yard off Hargrove Road that was spotted early by crews in training. - The main focus was strategic planning for the Retirement System of Alabama (RSA). Out of 264 employees, 51 are eligible for retirement in October 2026. This represents a substantial loss of experience. - Retention strategies include developing special teams, compensating off-duty training with comp time, modernizing personal protective equipment (PPE) and air packs, and exploring other benefits. - Recruitment strategies include partnering with the Alabama Fire College to offer free Candidate Physical Agility Tests (CPAT), expanding the recruitment team, using Google ad campaigns, digital signage, billboards, press releases, and radio interviews. Currently, 42 candidates are on the list, with 30 certified. The current requirement is an EMT license; paramedic certification is strongly encouraged but not required. Budgeting for new gear for incoming hires is underway. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to approve the mutual aid agreement with Advanced Fire Protection District. - No other formal votes were taken; the update was presented for discussion and information.

The Tuscaloosa Public Projects Committee met on March 10, 2026, to consider 12 agenda items, including permits, contracts, change orders, and technology upgrades. All items were approved except one, which was tabled for further review. No public comments were made. Key decisions included adoption of prior minutes, approval of a virtual rain gauge contract, a change order for lighting at Soble Park, a major pump replacement contract, and several technology service agreements. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Minutes from the previous week's meeting were adopted unanimously. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Right-of-Way Use Permit (14th Street Townhomes): Mr. Gardner presented a request from TBG Homes (formerly Builders Group Rock Quarter) for a right-of-way use permit to allow partial encroachment of stairs into the public right-of-way at the 14th Street Townhomes project, located at the terminus of 14th Street adjoining 15th Street. The permit establishes ownership and maintenance of the stairs. Engineering recommended approval. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 2 – Virtual Precipitation Monitoring Services Contract: Colleen Cook introduced a contract for virtual precipitation monitoring at 15 locations using Doppler radar to replace five physical rain gauges. The service provides real-time data to improve stormwater management and drainage improvement prioritization. The contract is funded from the outside services budget. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 3 – Change Order No. 1, Silver Park North Lighting Project: Mr. O'Neal presented a change order with Premier Service Company to add lighting and IT infrastructure for cameras at Mason's Place parking lot in Soble Park. The work was originally designed but removed due to budget concerns; the original project came in under budget, allowing this addition. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 4 – Bid Award, RAS Pumping Improvements: Mr. Gurney requested award of a $1,782,906 construction contract to Mark Johnson Construction for replacing pumps at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). The pumps, installed in 1991, move sludge to the aeration basin. The project is part of the WRRF Phase 3 improvements, funded through the 2025 B bond and prior budget. Four bids were received. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 5 – Household Hazardous Waste Day Contract: Mr. Max presented a $26,500 contract with MXI to transport and dispose of chemicals collected during the Household Hazardous Waste Day on June 6, 2026 (8-11 AM). The event is reimbursed by Newcore. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 6 – Change Order, Northridge Pickleball Courts / Buddy Powell Parking Lot: Tim presented a balancing change order for the completed Northridge pickleball project, with a $30,000 deduct. The request includes $103,000 from the Tourism Capital Fund for parking lot improvements at Buddy Powell Pavilion (seal coating, new asphalt, striping, signage, bollards). Total change order amount: $150,000, with $45,000 already available. Council member requested tabling for one week to research the tourism fund. Motion to table passed unanimously. - Item 7 – Plaques for Benjamin Barnes YMCA: Tim presented a request to install a commemorative plaque on a pedestal near the Marshall 4 statues and individual player plaques at the new YMCA facility, funded from remaining project dollars. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 8 – Red Point Audio Video Maintenance Contract: Jason requested approval of a $50,000 maintenance contract for audio-visual equipment at seven city locations (Council Chambers, PD 3200, Incident Command, etc.). The contract is the third year at this price. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 9 – Amphitheater AV Infrastructure Upgrades: Dr. Dave and Kay presented the next phase of audiovisual upgrades at the 15-year-old Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. The project upgrades cabling and connectivity from the mix position, stage, and control room to meet current touring production technical demands. The LED video walls were upgraded last year. This work is funded from the River District Fund. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 10 – Consolidation of Cable Television Accounts: Jason presented a project to consolidate all city cable television accounts into a single contract, similar to hotel system, saving approximately $40,000 per year. Installation cost: $5,000 from outside services; monthly fee: $889.09. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 11 – Doc Access Software Contract: Jason presented a 24-month, $37,720 professional services contract with Civic Plus for Doc Access software. The software converts all PDFs on city websites to accessible versions for visually impaired users, meeting ADA requirements with a compliance deadline of April 26, 2026. Budgeted in Mr. Foster's budget. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 12 – Power DMS Renewal Contract: Chief Sanders presented a $16,732.04 renewal for Profile Power DMS, a document storage system for policies, public records, and signatures. Motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved Items: Items 1-5, 7-12 were approved unanimously. - Tabled Item: Item 6 (Northridge pickleball change order) was tabled unanimously until the next projects meeting for further review of the Tourism Capital Fund. - Next Steps: The committee adjourned after completing all business.

The Tuscaloosa City Council met on March 10, 2026, to consider a special retail liquor license, an annexation request for a residential development, and updates to the zoning code. The meeting also included a consent agenda with multiple contracts and agreements, as well as department announcements. Consent Calendar - Multiple items were presented for the consent agenda, including: a riparian easement with ADCNR for Grant Barge Moorings; a legal services agreement related to AFFF litigation; a right-of-way permit to Lacing and Downs HOA; a commercial right-of-entry agreement with Charter Communications for FAA equipment at the airport; a permit with Tuscaloosa Patible Inc. at Lake Nickel; a public works contract to Mark Johnson Construction for pumping improvements; right-of-way acquisitions for the Kicker Road sidewalk project ($1,500 and $239); a minor public works contract for demolishing the Bowers Tank Foundation ($28,750); a professional services agreement with Plan Source for HR software ($84,114); a minor public works contract for traffic signal services ($75,000); an amendment to the 2025B warrant series budget; and an amendment to the general fund budget for a fleet services job description upgrade. Discussion Items - Special Retail Liquor License (Party Down LLC d/b/a Kentuck Art Center): Mary Beth presented a request for a special retail liquor license allowing the applicant to serve alcohol at all Kentuck Art Center events at 1901 Jack Warner Parkway. The occupancy is capped at 120, and the license would be valid for one year, with a contract extending to 2028. Council members asked clarifying questions about the duration. - Annexation - Brixton Development: Zach presented an annexation request for a 144-lot residential development off Old Colony Road, adjacent to the Towns of North River. The property has been pre-zoned GPD and was unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. This is the final annexation step before development can proceed. - Chapter 25 Zoning Code Updates: Zach presented approximately 50 corrections (typos, grammatical errors, and missing language) to the 300-page zoning code adopted on January 1, 2025. The updates were unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission and received positive feedback from stakeholders. During discussion, a councilor raised concerns about expedited administrative reviews in historic districts; staff clarified that those provisions are in a different chapter (Chapter 20) and would be addressed separately. Key Outcomes - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by voice vote. - No votes were recorded on the other agenda items during the transcribed portion of the meeting. The council adjourned after department comments and announcements.

The City Council met on March 3, 2026, to consider several infrastructure updates, right-of-way permits, and public works contracts. All agenda items were approved, including a revised road closure plan for the University Boulevard East Project during spring break, a right-of-way use permit for a neighborhood entrance, traffic signal rehabilitation, a riparian easement for barge moorings, a demolition contract, and a right of entry for fiber upgrades. Discussion Items - University Boulevard East Project Update (Non-Agenda) – Public Works Director Bill reported an opportunity to conduct daytime road closures on University Boulevard during spring break week (March 14–22) to complete utility crossings, rather than the previously planned night-only closures. Access for residents and businesses within the project footprint will be maintained via localized detours. Notifications will be sent via the Tuscaloosa Roads website, text messages, and written notices to corridor residents and businesses. Councilmember acknowledged the project's scale and encouraged the public to use alternate routes. - Bluegrass Parkway Right-of-Way Use Permit (Agenda Item 1) – Request by the Lexington Downs neighborhood to install a new entrance with columns, landscaping, and signage in the public right-of-way. The homeowners' association will pay for and maintain the improvements; the city retains the right to remove them if necessary. Council approved the permit unanimously. - Traffic Signal Rehabilitation at DCH/Hillard Drive (Agenda Item 2) – Approval of a minor public works contract with Premier Service for $75,000 (not to exceed) to replace deteriorating wiring, signal heads, and pedestrian controllers at the intersection of DCH and Hillard Drive. Funding comes from the general fund reserve. Council approved unanimously. - Blackwater Barge Moorings Riparian Easement (Agenda Item 3) – Authorization for the mayor to sign a riparian easement with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) for construction of six mooring piles to accommodate ten barges on the Black Warrior River. The project is part of a 2020 BUILD grant and will be leased to a private operator after completion. Annual obligation is $10,000. Council approved unanimously. - Bower Tank Foundation Demolition Contract (Agenda Item 4) – Approval of a minor public works contract with Civil Works Construction for $28,750 to remove a 100-foot-diameter, four-foot-deep concrete foundation remaining after demolition of the Bower Tank. A councilmember questioned the cost but accepted the explanation that the foundation is larger than it appears. Contract was approved. - Spectrum Business Right of Entry (Agenda Item 5) – Request by Spectrum (Charter Communications) for a commercial right of entry to upgrade copper lines to fiber for an FAA-leased building at the airport. No new capabilities; only replacement of aging communications lines. Council approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All five agenda items were approved unanimously by the council. - The mayor was authorized to sign the riparian easement for the Blackwater Barge Moorings project. - The University Boulevard East Project will implement daytime road closures during spring break week (March 14–22) with access maintained for local residents and businesses. - Funding for the traffic signal project ($75,000) was allocated from the general fund reserve; demolition contract ($28,750) from the Bowers Tank demo capital account.

The Tuscaloosa City Council met on February 10, 2026, to consider a consent agenda, public hearings on zoning amendments, numerous resolutions and ordinances, and to hear citizen comments. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of previous meeting. - Adopted consent agenda items A through Y (no details provided). Public Hearings & Testimony - Zoning Amendment 25: Request to rezone a portion from GC (General Commercial) to MFR (Multi-Family Residential) and vice versa on two lots near McWright's Ferry Road, to reconfigure lot boundaries for a consolidated development. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Petitioner Jimmy Duncan stated the lot boundary shifted to accommodate a single convenience store instead of two. No public comment. Unanimously adopted. - Zoning Amendment 26: Similar rezoning request adjacent to the above property. Unanimously adopted. - Zoning Amendment 27: Petitioner Richard Henry requested a one-week continuance to continue discussions. Councilor Tyner moved to table for one week; seconded; no public comment. Unanimously tabled. Discussion Items - Special Events Retail Licenses: Clerk presented ABC application for Downtown Social LLC to hold seven events at Kappa Alpha House (416 University Boulevard) for Spring Darty in February, March, April 2026, and one event at Fi Gamma Delta House (976 University Boulevard) for Annual Pig Dinner in March. Police Department had no objections. Applicant Bill Wright answered questions. Licenses approved. - Councilor Inquiry: Councilor Bobbitt asked about a "rock of liens" on the consent agenda; Mr. Woodson clarified they were for grass cutting and property cleanup. - Code Amendments: Introduced and adopted amendments to Sections 1952 A, 1942 (Exhibits A and B), and 1013 of the Code of Tuscaloosa, all with unanimous consent or votes. - Budget Amendments: Approved Amendment 6 to FY2026 General Fund Reserve for Future Improvements Fund and Amendment 7 to FY2026 General Fund Budget. - Public Hearing Date Set: March 10, 2026 set for public hearing on Zoning Amendment 28 (introduced but not discussed). Citizen Comments & Communications - Dr. Page (Stillman College): Thanked the council for new street signs on 15th Street and Stillman Boulevard, and praised Tuscaloosa Police Department for support during Stillman College's 150th homecoming parade. Presented promotional items. Mayor responded positively. - Damon Sparks (Duncanville, AL): Expressed gratitude for the city's improvements and leadership, speaking as a first-time attendee. Key Outcomes - All zoning amendments (25, 26) adopted; (27) tabled for one week. - All resolutions and ordinances on the agenda adopted unanimously, including: contracts with Evoqua Water Technologies, Green Acres Landscape Services, CPKC, professional engineering and design contracts, budget amendments, code amendments, and payment of bills. - Meeting adjourned unanimously.

The Insurance/Litigation Committee of the Tuscaloosa City Council held a specially called meeting on February 10, 2026, to consider renewals of the city's general liability, property, and flood insurance policies. The meeting took place because the fifth Tuesday of the month fell in February, and the committee wanted to address the renewal of the city's largest insurance policy before it expires at the end of February. Discussion Items - General Liability, Property, and Fleet Insurance Renewal: Hudson Cheshire, representing the Office of City Auditor, presented the renewal for the city's comprehensive insurance policy covering fleet, property, buildings, general liability, and other assets. The premium increased from $1.95 million last year to $2.39 million this year, a net increase of $457,581. Key drivers of the increase included: - A 3% inflationary adjustment on existing property values. - Addition of $28.4 million in new property (e.g., tennis center improvements, new warehouse, Fire Station 6). - A rise in general liability premiums due to a $5.6 million increase in city expenditures. - A rate increase from 13 cents to 16 cents per $100 of insured value, which was noted as consistent with broader commercial property and casualty market trends. - Council members asked about the rate determination; Rick Manasco of the city's insurance brokerage explained that the increase is market-wide and that the city continues to work with departments to identify and adjust coverage (e.g., reducing contents coverage at the Gateway from $2 million to $250,000, and dropping collision coverage on older vehicles). The renewal amount remained within budget. - Flood Insurance for Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater: The committee also considered renewal of flood coverage for the amphitheater, which sits on the Black Warrior River. The policy, obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program, increased from $17,775 to $20,661 (an increase of approximately $2,886). No competitive alternatives exist. A council member asked whether the forthcoming savings center would require similar coverage; the response indicated it would be evaluated based on elevation. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the general liability, property, and fleet insurance renewal: Passed unanimously by voice vote. - Motion to approve the flood insurance renewal for the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater: Passed unanimously by voice vote. - The committee adjourned, noting it would not meet again for about five months.