Council - Regular Meeting

I am now calling this meeting to order. Please stand for our invocation and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we ask for wisdom and guidance as we conduct the business of our city. Help us make decisions that serve the citizens of Northport with fairness, integrity, and respect. Amen. Attention. Salute. Pledge. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Miss Tubs, as you roll in. Roll call. Roll call, please. Pro Tim Washington here. Councelor Smith here. Councelor Conger here. Councelor Hickden here. President Dikes

here. We have two proclamations tonight. The first one is a proclamation recognizing Hunter Whitley Butterfly Initiative. Mayor Phillips. And if you are with the Butterfly Initiative, come forward. Good evening. Proclamation office of the mayor Hunter Whitley Butterfly Initiative. Whereas the Hunter Whitley Butterfly Initiative is dedicated to raising awareness of veteran mental health challenges and providing support for veterans and their families. And whereas the organization works to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and connect individuals with vital resources. And the initiative honors the legacy of Marine veteran Hunter Whitley by encouraging compassion, resilience, and community involvement. Now therefore, let it be proclaimed that the city of Northport hereby recognizes and commends the Hunter Whitley Butterfly Initiative for its commitment to supporting veterans and raising awareness of mental health. Be it further proclaimed that all citizens are encouraged to support this mission and honor our veterans through awareness and compassion. In witness whereof, I here unto set my hand this the 20th day, April 2026. Dale Phillips, mayor of the city of Northport.

Hey, I'm Shannon McDaniel. Hunter Whitley was my son. And we have um Jason Sers. He's with Northwood Lake um HOA. We have my mom, Hunter's grandmother, and Debbie Walker. And then we have Trey Walker, my brother, and Hunter's uncle. And my husband Edward McDaniel, and Sadie Scott is Hunter's niece. And so um we just knew that we had to do something um after Hunter passed away just so that we could um help his friends and help families. We didn't realize how much um veterans really need, you know, need that. And we've just learned so much over the past few years. Hunter will be gone four years in November. And I think we've all grown from not just um curling up in the bed and um drowning in our sorrows. We kind of got up and started helping people. And that's how that's how we make it through. And also, we're not um you know, we don't want to just help veterans. We want to help everyone. So, anyone in the community that that would like to join us, we would love to have you. Um, we do meet twice a week on Zoom and we do a lot of events, outreach stuff together and we would love love to have anyone involved that would like to get involved and help us out, help out the community. Thank you. Thank you.

Now, the next proclamation is recognizing the Teslas County High boys basketball team, 7A state champions, and 7A coach of the year, Kurt Weekes. And I'm pretty certain they're out there because I saw them just a second ago. Y'all can come on in. Welcome and congratulations, guys. Uh, talk about a way to represent our city. That's the way to do it.

I was proud to be there. Proud to watch you put on a great show and a great effort. Coach, you done a great job. Thank you. Here we go. Proclamation of office of the mayor. Tuscaloosa County High School boys basketball 7A state champions. The Tuscaloosa County High School boys basketball team has demonstrated outstanding dedication, teamwork, perseverance throughout the season. Whereas their hard work and determination, the team earned the title of champions of the AHSAA class 7A state basketball championship, bringing pride and recognition to their school and community. And the achievement reflects the talent of the student athletes and the leadership and commitment of their coaches who have emphasized discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Whereas the accomp accomplishments of these athletes serve as an inspiration to others highlight the positive impact of athletics within our community. So now therefore, let it be proclaimed that the mayor and the city council hereby recognize and congratulate the Tuscaloosa County High School boys basketball team and coaching staff for winning the 7A state championship and commend them for their dedication and outstanding achievement. In witness whereof I've set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Northport to be affixed. This the 20th day of April 2026. Signed Dale Phillips, mayor speech.

What you me talking about? Basketball. Basketball. Well, interrupt. All right, folks. I was there. I'm sure some of you guys were there, but the the the coaching that he did and the way these kids responded to it, it was great. It was great. Second half, the third quarter especially was a totally different ball game. It was a privilege to watch it, coach.

We We appreciate it. Um couldn't do it without the assistant coaches. uh obviously and the players I'm a small part of this but so you know when I think about the team I think probably and I've said this from time to time the thing that I admire most about these guys is how they competed um how hard they played and they've won a lot of close games this year two of which uh from the Sweet 16 on were in overtime so you know that says a lot about the culture that we've had for for a long long time and um you know I've just got a tremendous amount of respect U for the way they play together and how much they love each other. Uh so but you know it's um it was it was a great year obviously and just really really proud of everyone the buy in um and nobody cared who got the credit. They just wanted to win and you know when you don't care good things seem to somehow find a way of working out and it certainly was a special season for us. So y'all got any questions? We'll answer anything.

I tell you what, boys. Why don't you'all come up and introduce yourselves? Come on up, Aiden, and say what year you are. Aiden Networks, class 29. So, Aiden's a freshman.

Ford Treywick. I'm a senior and Ford was the MVP um of the tournament. My name is Tyler Noble. I was a senior.

My name is Zay Edwards. I'm a junior. If you watch the game, you probably remember the block in the third quarter. The big kid for Hoover that's going to uh Vanderbilt. We had our number three blocked it off the backboard. That's him. He's a sophomore. My name is Caleb Tilman and uh like coach said, I'm a sophomore. My name is Bud Stell and I'm a class of 2028. My name is Brilen Dove and I'm class of 2027. I'm a junior. Yeah, my name is Clark Burge and I'm a uh junior. Couldn't think of

My name is Z Davis, class of 2027. All right. Introduce your coaches. Yeah. Tell them a little bit about yourself. I'm Jacob Hos. I help mostly with the defense. I am uh Barry Williams and this year was my fifth year coaching at County High. We're missing Mr. Ingram. Where's Mr. Ingram? We want let we'll let our AD say a couple words.

My name is Dominique Ingram. I'm the assistant principal and athletic director at Tuscaloosa County High. It's been an honor and privilege uh to be able to work in this community. I've taught a lot of these young men and I've been with them since middle school as either a teacher, um athletic director, and assistant principal. And uh I I just can't um say enough about how hard these young men work, their character, the work ethic, and the things that they did to be able to accomplish this. And also, we want to extend our gratitude um to the Northport City Council for all that you have done and that all the things that you did to help get some of our fans there so that we can have a seal of blue to support these young men. And so, uh, for your efforts and helping us and all that you do to help support Tuscaloosa County High Athletics, um, I have six hats for the members of council. That is the official championship hats that only the kids get, uh, when they win. So, I have one for each one of you. Thank you.

Thank you so much. I'm just glad for stand.

I know. Really?

I got you. Thank you guys and we hope to see you here next year. Coach Weeks will just saying great. Absolutely. Okay. Approval of the agenda. Is there anyone that would like to make a motion to approve the agenda for the 20 April 20th, 2026 council meeting as printed? So move. Second. That is a motion by C uh Pro Tim Washington and a second by uh councelor Conger. Miss Tubs. Uh voting with Pro Tim Washington.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Uh number seven visitors to address the council. We have one Mr. David Allgood. If you can please come to the podium and state your name and address for the record, please. David Allgood, 26th Avenue. Oh, 615 26th Avenue, Northport, 35476. Uh, good evening and thank you for your time. I'm not good at speaking off the cuff, so I have prepared statement. I'm here regarding the development approved in our historic neighborhood by Cabinet Engineering at 519 and 513 26th Avenue. At the time of the zoning hearing that was back in September, this project was presented as two single family homes. What we are now seeing are two four bedroomedroom, four-b houses clearly designed for student occupancy. This raises a very specific question about compliance with the city's zoning ordinance. Northport defines a family as either related individuals plus one related person or no more than three unrelated persons living together as a single housekeeping unit. So the question is simple. If these homes are intended to house four unrelated individuals, how are they compliant with the ordinance? In addition, since these properties are within historic ne a excuse me, within a historic neighborhood district, the ordinance requires that new construction be compatible with the ex existing neighborhood in terms of scale, massing, and overall character. Two high occupancy structures, each designed to house multiple unrelated

tenants, introduce a level of intensity that appears inconsistent with the low density residential character that the historic neighborhood designation is intended to preserve. This is not about whether we like or dislike students. I mean, a lot of us were college students. This is about whether the rules are being applied consistently and as written. Finally, placing what is effectively high occupancy housing at 519 and 513 26th Avenue on a very narrow historic street raises real concerns about parking, traffic flow, and emergency access. We are asking the city to do three things. First, clarify how this project complies with the definition of family in the ordinance. Second, explain how these structures were determined to be compatible with historic neighborhood standards. And third, ensure that parking and safety impacts are fully addressed. We respect the process but we also expect transparency and adherence to the code that governs all of us. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Thank you for coming to uh present this to us. We will definitely take this under advisement and meet with the staff and come up with something and have staff reach out to you. Thank you. Um unfinished business. We have none. New business 9A1. Miss Ram, you're up.

Yes, ma'am. This is a first reading for an ordinance approving a conditional use to allow upper storage dwellings um in a recreational zoning district. The property is located south and west of 300 Riverrun Park South. The proposed development is a hotel um which is allowed in this zoning district plus the uh there are some additional condo units which is what the conditional use is actually uh being sought after for um those condo units would be or could be sold for individual purpose. The planning commission does give a favorable recommendation for the conditional use. However, they do ask that the number of units be limited to no more than 18 units. So there will be a public hearing on this on May the 4th. Okay. Is there anyone that would like to offer this up as a first reading?

So moved. That would be offer offered up by councelor Hickden. Resolutions of a temporary nature. Mr. Matthews.

9B1 is uh establishing the fee for vacation of a public ride ofway. Uh this would uh if established, this would uh potentially vacate 0.17 acres of 71st Avenue. Okay. Are there any questions or comments? Hearing none, the form of the motion is to adopt the resolution authorizing the fees for vacation of a public rideaway known as 71st Avenue in the amount of $2,489 for Austin Scott Murphy and Bobby D. Aer. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second.

That is a motion by councelor Hickden and a second by councelor Conger. Miss Tubs. Roll call, please. Voting with pro Tim Washington. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 9B2. Mr. Matthews. This would amend a previously approved request uh to classify Hospital Drive, a portion of Third Street, and a portion of Bridge Avenue uh under the highway functional classification system. Okay. Are there any questions or comments? Hearing none, the form of the motion is to adopt the resolution authorizing a request for the classification of Hospital Drive, a portion of Third Street, and a portion of Bridge Avenue under the highway functional classification system. Do I hear a motion? So moved.

Second. That is a motion by councelor Hickden and a second by councelor Conger. Miss Tubs. Voting with Pro Tim Washington. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 9B3. Mr. Matthews, you're up again. This would authorize a grant application to the Alabama Department of Transportation for the FY2027 uh TAP grant. Uh that would be an $800,000 of funding of state funding and a $200,000 city match in the uh next fiscal year.

Are there any questions or comments? Hearing none. The form of the motion is to adopt the resolution authorizing the application to Alabama Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2027 transportation alternatives set aside program grant tap grant. And if funded, the city's match will be $200,000. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second. That is a motion by councelor Hickden and a second by Proim Washington. Miss Tubs. Voting with Proim Washington. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 94. Mr. Matthews,

this would award a contract for asphalt patching to Central Alabama Asphalt and Construction uh in the amount of 77,840. Uh they were the lowest responsib on the project. Okay. Are there any questions or comments? Hearing none. The form of the motion is to adopt a resolution authorizing the city administrator to execute a contract with Central Alabama Asphalt and Construction Company LLC for the dirt road service treatment asphalt patching phase in the amount of $77,840. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second. That is a motion by councelor Hickden and a second by proim Washington. Miss Tubs. Voting with Pro Tim Washington. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. 95. Mr. Davis. Uh, yes. We're very fortunate tonight. Not only do you get to vote on one uh resolution allowing water service outside the city limits, you get two. So, staff recommends approval of both. Okay. Are there any questions or comments? Hearing none. The form of the motion is to adopt the resolution authorizing water service outside the city limits be provided to Mr. Jeff Vogle at 16238 Brownville Road pursuant to the conditions in the resolution. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second. That is a motion by councelor Hden and a second by Pro Tim Washington. Miss Tubs with Pro Tim Washington. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. 9B6. Mr. Davis again. Yes. Staff recommends approval. Okay. This one as well. Are there any questions or comments? Hearing none. In the form of the motion is to adopt the resolution authorizing water service outside the city limits be provided to Mr. Charles Lions at 6162000 Brownville Road pursuant to the conditions in the resolution. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second. That is a motion by councelor Hickden and a second by proim Washington. Miss Tubs. Voting with pro Tim Washington. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 9B7. Mr. Web.

Yes. Apex Civil Construction was the low bidder for the 9inth Street area sewer rehabilitation project for $233,53623. This project was part of the 2025 capital budget and the bid came in under budget. Okay. Are there any qu uh questions or comments? Hearing none, the form of the motion is to adopt the resolution awarding the bid for the ninth ninth street area sewer rehabilitation project to Apex Civil Construction LLC in the amount of $233,53623. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second.

That is a motion by councelor Hickden and a second by councelor Conger. Miss Tubs, voting with pro Tim Washington. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 98. Mr. McGee. Uh, yes, ma'am. This is a resolution authorizing the city administrator, city attorney, and finance director to engage with Raymond James and Associates Incorporated uh for underwriter services. This will be no cost at this time and if any fee for service needs come at a later date, they'll be brought back for council.

Good deal. Are there any questions or comments? Hearing none, the form of the motion is to adopt the resolution authorizing the city administrator, city attorney, and the finance director to engage with Raymond James and Associates Incorporated for underwriting services. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second. That is a motion by councelor Hickden and a second by councelor Conger. Miss Tubs. Roll call. Voting with pro Tim Washington. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Uh 9 C is consider an agenda ma ranging from bill listings and PO requisitions. Um I believe you've all seen this. Are there any questions or comments? Hearing none. The form of the motion is to approve the consent agenda for the April 2026 council meeting as printed. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second. That is a motion by councelor Hickden and a second by pro Tim Washington. Miss Tubs. Roll call, please. Voting we pray Tim Washington. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Um public hearings. I would like to remind everyone that during public comments, we encourage you to share any ideas or items of concern. There's a threeminut time limit. Please remember d to direct all comments to the mayor council body as a whole and not as individuals. 10b1. Mr. Matthews.

Yes. And this is a second reading for vacation of right of way of a portion of Bridge Avenue. Uh this is.11 acres requesting to be vacated on the west side of bridge. Uh the requesttor is Greenacres Capital LLC. Okay. I will open the floor for a public hearing for agenda item 10B1. Is there anyone that would like to speak for or against this item tonight? Hearing none, I will close the floor for a public hearing for agenda item 10. Agenda item 10B one. Are there any questions or comments? The form of the motion is to adopt the resolution consenting to the vacation of rightaway for a portion of Bridgen Avenue avenue in the city of Northport. I will offer that up for a motion. Is there a second?

Second. That is a motion by uh President Dykes and a second by Councelor Conger. Miss Tubs. Voting with Pro Tim Washington. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Um city administrator's business. Miss Tubs.

Yes. I want to invite everyone to come in here tomorrow at 8:30 um am going to be from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. to meet with Main Street Alabama. They're coming to visit with us to talk about they just want to have a communitywide discussion, talk about revitalization goals, opportunities, and what matters to our community. So again, that'll be tomorrow morning from 8:30 to 10:30 in here. This is something that I have really wanted the city to get behind for many years and to see this happening. The the connection with Main Street, Alabama or just Main Street is going to be fabulous. So, I appreciate the work y'all have done on that. Um, I have nothing tonight. Mayor Phillips,

uh, remind everyone of my meeting on the 30th. Uh, mayor's events group. Uh, we'll be talking about the 4th of July. Thank you. District 1, Councelor Smith.

Uh, yes. Just want to thank Hunter Whitley Butterfly Initiative for being here and everything you guys do. I encourage everyone to uh visit their Facebook page, their website, and and just get to know what they do. Uh, and see how you can be involved with that initiative. Uh, and then also this Thursday at 5:30 in this room, uh, we've got the District One, uh, town hall. Just invitation's open to everybody. We be talking about several things. Um just try to make it 5:30. We'll be streaming live as well. District two proton Washington. I have not. District three. Councelor Conger.

I just want to say thank you to everyone that's reached out to me. Um, as some of you know, we suffered a death in our family over the last week. And I appreciate um the concerns of those that reached out to me and also the grace. I know I normally post on Sundays, but unfortunately we were at a funeral on Sunday. So, I appreciate your grace and not keeping that routine and and all of your concerns. I feel very blessed to live in this community that is so caring. Thank you. District five. Councelor Hickden. I have nothing. Um adjournment. This is the the form of the motion is to adjurnn this meeting at 558. Do I hear a motion? So moved. Second.

That is a motion by councelor Hickden, a second by pro Tim. All in favor say I. I. This meeting is adjourned.