City Council - Regular Meeting

Like y'all had a big time?

We did. We were there all weekend. Oh, man. Yeah.

Did y'all behave? No. Good girl.

Okay.

Good evening, everyone. If you would please stand. The Tuscaloosa City Council has now come to order. We're going to begin tonight's meeting with our prayer, and then we ask that you remain standing for our Pledge of Allegiance. Let's bow our heads, please. Dear God, bless our proceedings tonight. Give us the wisdom to know what is just and the strength to do what is right. Amen. I pledge allegiance 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. Please be seated. Approval of the minutes.

I'll make a motion that we approve minutes. Second.

Move the second to approve the minutes. Voting, Mr. Eatman. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Minutes stand to approve. Statements by Mayor and Council. Let me first remind everyone tonight that at Government Plaza, beginning at 6 p.m., the 151st Army Band will be playing. The concert should last an hour, an hour and a half. Patriotic music as we begin our celebration of America's 250th birthday. And so again, Government Plaza, 6 o'clock. We will get started and look forward to seeing the 151st Army Band out of Montgomery. On Saturday night, the city will continue its long tradition of having fireworks and fun at the amphitheater. The Kid Zone in West and East Plazas of the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater will begin at 6 p.m., and that will last to 8 p.m. There will be face painting, inflatables, games, DJ Tank will begin his performance at 6 p.m., and that will go on to 7.55 p.m., and then beginning immediately thereafter, the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra will perform from 7.55 until the fireworks begin. This is an extraordinary show that's put on by so many in this community, first by the generosity of this city council, but countless corporate partners. We make it possible. And so we hope that you'll come out and celebrate with us. As I mentioned to our city council earlier today, I'm really proud of our arts and entertainment team that puts all of this together, both what will go on tonight at Government Plaza and also what's going to be going on at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater on Saturday night. One other quick note, that the train trestles, both the main line and spur line, are under construction, and that area of MLK Boulevard is closed until that construction is complete. So just remember that in your traffic patterns. We're also having to adjust just for the fireworks show itself, but as I've been briefed on the situation, it'll actually make the fireworks even closer and more intimate at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, so we're excited about that. Do we have any council announcements tonight? Do we have any agenda items, comments by citizens? No, sir. Unfinished business, clerk.

This order is demolition of the building located at 142 18th Court East.

Make motion. Second.

Moved and seconded, Mr. Williams.

Mr. Mayor, council, this is for the condemnation of 142 18th Court East, condemned September 19th, 2025. The property has 46 housing code violations. The owner has been contacted, is aware of this here, and the owner is aware that if it's condemned and demolished, the cost of demolition will be charged back to her. She's continued to make progress, and she is here to represent.

Any questions of Mr. Williams? Okay, if the owner would please come forward and give your name and address.

Yes, my name is Ivy. On the behalf of Mary Dykes, which is my mother.

Do you mind pulling the microphone down?

Yes, I said my name is Ivy Goodale and I am here at 142 18 Court East on the behalf of Mary Dykes and we are yet working. We are here for more 90 days so we can finish. We have been yet doing a lot of things there as far as come in. I am grateful for being here and working with him. He has been coming out, taking pictures of some of the things that I have been doing.

Yes, ma'am. I've known Ms. Dykes for many, many, many years, and we're going to give you another 90 days. Okay? Is that a motion? That's a motion for 90 days. Second.

It's been moved and seconded to table for 90 days. This was a public hearing when it was introduced. Is anyone here wishing to speak for or against? Seeing none, voting Mr. Lanier to table for 90 days. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Demolition's table for 90 days.

Thank you for your work on this. Thank you. Yes, ma'am.

Have a good evening. Clark.

This order's demolition of the building located at 6414 31st Street. So moved.

Second. It's been moved and seconded. Mr. Williams. This is for the condemnation of 6414 31st Street, condemned September 19th, 2025. This property has 45 housing code violations. The owner has been contacted, is aware of this hearing. The owner is aware that if it's condemned and demolished, the cost of demolition will be charged back to the owner. This lady has also continued to make progress, and she is supposed to be here tonight.

Any questions for Mr. Williams? Is the owner or owner's representative here tonight? We're not showing the owner or owner representative. How many days would you recommend we table for? 90 days. Do I hear a motion? I motion. Second. Move and second to table for 90 days. This was a public hearing when it was introduced. Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against the demolition? Seeing none, voting Mr. Eman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Demolition is tabled for 90 days. Consent agenda, clerk.

This approves items A through F on the consent agenda.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Consent agenda is adopted. Public hearings, clerk.

This order is demolition of the building located at 2918 26th Street. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Williams.

This is for the condemnation of 2918 26th Street, condemned March 25th, 2026. The property has 48 housing code violations. The owner has been contacted as aware of this hearing. The owner is aware that if it's condemned and demolished, the cost of demolition will be charged back to the owner. No work has been done to date, and I'm not sure if the owner is here.

Okay. Any questions for Mr. Williams? Is there anyone here representing 2918 26th Street? Seeing none, it's a recommendation to demolish. Yes.

Thank you.

This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against the demolition? Seeing none, voting Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Demolition is ordered. Thank you. Clerk.

This sets the cost of demolition for the structure at 3006 27th Street and authorizes the filing of a lien.

So moved.

Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against setting the cost of demolition? Seeing none, voting Mr. Lanier. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Cost is set. Clerk?

This approves an entertainment license for Barrio Fiesta Mexican Grill.

So moved.

Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Ms. Franks? Okay. And Ms. Kreitz?

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

Good evening. Good evening.

Okay, so for Barrio Fiesta Mexican Grill, there are three parts to this application. So this is the first one of approving the entertainment license at 514th Street. So this will approve them to have live music. Okay.

Okay. That's the first vote.

Three votes or one vote? Say again? Three votes. I'll make a motion.

Second.

Okay.

Is it a public hearing? It's a public hearing.

Do we want to hear from the owner? I think we do.

Yes, we do.

Yeah. We could hear from the owner would come forward. Please give your name and address.

Oh, my name's Ann Goncaico. The address for the establishment?

That'll be fine.

Okay, 514th Street, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

And I would ask the council if they would, just for the sake of time, to ask the applicant of any questions regarding this and the subsequent resolutions as well. Any questions?

So, Ann, I went by there this weekend or Friday, I guess, maybe. Tim, is that who I'm at?

Yes, sir.

When are you all going to open?

July, later part of July. That's what we're shooting for.

Look forward to trying it. We looked at the work being done on the outdoor patio there. That's nice. I think you and I have talked about with the entertainment license, reasonable sound wise.

Yes, sir.

Wish you luck.

Thank you.

Any other questions of the applicant on this resolution or the subsequent resolutions? Seeing none, thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. This is a public hearing. Anyone here speak for or against the approval of the entertainment license? Seeing none, voting Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Entertainment license is approved. Clerk.

This approves a bar restaurant as a conditional use for Barrio Fiesta Mexican Grill.

So moved. Second. Moved and second. Ms. Franks, Ms. Kreitz, any other comments on this? No, we're good.

Council, if you have any questions about that bar use type, I'm happy to answer otherwise.

We covered my questions in pre-council.

Yes, sir.

Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against? Seeing none, voting Mr. Lanier. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolution is adopted. Clerk.

This approves a restaurant retail liquor license for Barrio Fiesta Mexican Grill.

So moved. Second. Moved and seconded. Ms. Franks.

Second. Second.

We're having trouble getting the presentation pulled up. Any questions for Ms. Franks as we deal with the technical difficulties?

I think it was covered really well in pre-counsel myself.

Okay, here we go. Okay, so we have GF Property LLC doing business as Barrio Fiesta Mexican Grill. They're applying for a restaurant retail liquor license. They're located at 514th Street. Their hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Here is the aerial view. Here is their floor plan. Okay. Their occupancy is capped at 135. All my reports have been filed with the city clerk. TPD will give their report. And then the applicant, again, if you have questions.

Any questions, Ms. Franks? Officer Champion.

Good evening, Mayor, Council.

Police Department doesn't have any objections to this applicant. Any questions, Officer Champion?

Okay, we heard from the applicant earlier. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against? Seeing none, voting mistreatment. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Restaurant retail liquor license is approved. Good luck. Clerk.

This approves a special retail more than 30 days license for Tuscaloosa Tennis Center.

Motion. Second. We move and second. Ms. Franks.

Hang on one second, Mary Beth. I got it fixed.

Okay, I have ABC application for Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, doing business as Tuscaloosa Tennis Center, applying for a special retail more than 30 days. They're located at 715 21st Avenue East. Their hours are Sunday, 12 PM to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 9 PM. Here's their layout. The concession building is circled in red because that is where alcohol sales would take place. There are agreed upon operational requirements, and that is alcohol sales are only allowed at the concessions building. It's served by 21 or older. Locked storage units, daily inventory checks, security cameras, on-site consumption only. Non-related tennis events are prohibited. This oversight is the responsibility of both the director of tennis and the office manager. All my reports have been filed with Sorry, all my reports have been filed with the city clerk, TPD will give their report, and then the applicant.

Officer Champion.

Good evening again. Police Department doesn't have any objections to this applicant.

Thank you. I see that we have representatives here from PARA. If we could have one or both come forward and please give your name and address.

Good evening, Mayor and Council, Mr. President. I'm Jay Logan, representing Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation. I've got our Director of Tennis, Mr. Mike Goldhammer, and he is here to answer any operational questions, and I'm also here for support.

Any questions, Mr. Goldhammer or Mr. Logan?

Mike, for our viewers at home that may be just seeing this for the first time, can you tell me what you expect with this concession stand and why?

Yes. Thank you. Tennis, like a lot of other sports, very social in nature. And this is an opportunity specifically for our adults to have a drink after they get done playing, socialize, connect with each other. We have not had this privilege in the past other than water, Gatorade and soft drinks. And we have had a lot of interest in that from our members and patrons. We thought that this would be a perfect time for us to expand our into the alcohol business. Thank you.

Anybody have any questions?

All right.

Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against? Seeing none, voting Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Applications approved. Good luck. Resolution and ordinances not of a general nature or permanent operation. Clerk.

This authorizes a contract with Polydyn Incorporated and declares a bid law exemption.

So moved. Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes the purchase of equipment, supplies, or services from Pier 43, Lake Tuscaloosa.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes a grant application for the State Homeland Security Grant.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Eamon. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This will authorize a professional services agreement with Firefighters Inspiration, Readiness, and Education, LLC. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes a professional services agreement with Vetro Incorporated. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Radco Electronics.

So moved. Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This will authorize a minor public works contract with ZL Builders LLC.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Building Specialties Company Incorporated regarding the fire admin building. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted. Clerk.

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Building Specialties Company Incorporated regarding Fire Station 2.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Resolutions adopted. Clerk.

This will authorize a professional services contract with John B. Galloway. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted. Clerk.

This authorizes the CFO to draw a draft for the Linton Park property acquisition.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Clerk.

This will authorize execution of a right-of-way permit to Westerville Investment Realty.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolution is adopted, clerk.

This rejects bids received for the 2026 Barge Mooring Facility Project construction and authorizes rebid.

So moved. Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Resolution is adopted, clerk.

This authorizes CNS to make budget and program changes through local amendment to the 2018 action plan of the city's five-year consolidated plan. So moved. Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted. Clerk.

This adopts accounting and financial policies and procedures for the administration of community planning and development programs and projects. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Resolutions adopted. Clerk.

This authorizes Amendment No. 5 to the fiscal year 2026, Water and Sewer Reserve Future Improvements Fund budget.

Motion.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted. Ordinance and resolutions of the General Nature of Permanent Operation for introduction. Clerk.

This introduces zoning amendment number 43.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Friedman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Clerk.

This introduces zoning amendment number 44.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Clerk.

This amends Section 1991 of the Code of Tuscaloosa. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. All unanimous consent.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Code is amended for adoption. Clerk.

This sets July 28th as a date for a public hearing to consider adoption of zoning amendment number 43.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Date is set. Clerk.

This sets July 28th as a date for a public hearing to consider adoption of zoning amendment number 44.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Lanier. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Date is set, auditing accounts.

This authorizes the payment of bills.

Payment of bills. Payment of bills.

Thank you. Moved and seconded.

Voting Mr. Eatman. I'm coming home, Alberta.

Voting Mr. Eatman. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Thank you.

Bills are paid.

Citizens' comments and other communications. Any citizens wish to address their city council member? Yes, ma'am. If you would, please come forward and give your name and address.

I have a handout I'd like to give you first.

Thank you. Oh, I didn't hear.

Those are hand-curated, stapled hands there. Okay, I'm Joan Barth, 5541 Woodbury Lane. I was unable to attend the city council meeting last week or two weeks ago on the 16th for the public hearing regarding the Springbrook Circle incentive package. And I wanted to add a couple things to the public record since I wasn't there. The first handout in your package is a petition. When Susie Smith came up to speak, she handed you this petition, but then she failed to mention it in her comments. And I know you'd received emails from it. But to do sort of right by the people who signed the petition, I wanted to come here and to present it again to let you know, to let them know at home that you did receive it. On June 16th, there were 178 signatures. On June 29th, yesterday, there were 229. 125 of those are from Tuscaloosa, a total of 200 from the state of Alabama. 117 of the Tuscaloosa signees are from zip codes 35401, 04, 05, and 06. So those are local people who are in opposition to the incentive package. I realize that this is post-decision, but as I said, I just wanted to do right by the people who signed the petition. The second handout there, unless you think that only the signees on this petition were not happy with the decision, it's a list of Facebook comments that came from the Tuscaloosa thread in response to their story that was posted on Facebook. I went through them, you can see I color coded them because that's sort of my profession. But 32 of those signees, so more than half, were negative. And mentioning the various criticisms that I think you're familiar with, with redundancy of the businesses, creating a situation of unfair competition, desire for incentives for other purposes. 20 of these, interestingly enough, were in desire of a Golden Corral restaurant. So if you want to pursue that, you're going to have a lot of people happy with you for that. These people weren't really in favor of the incentives, but they weren't really speaking against them either. Only four were clearly in favor of that decision. So I just wanted to bring that to your attention. But the main reason that I'm here tonight is to request that you reconsider your decision for the tax incentives. Section six, part five of the rules and procedures for conducting city council meetings indicates that there's a six month window for you to reconsider your vote. and so i would like you to reconsider the incentive package for delaney property group based on the faulty premises for the need the need to develop the area setting a low benchmark for incentives for the future it asks very little in return especially for the existing residents of springbrook i'm not against progress and i'm not against change but this proposal doesn't offer either of these The incentives were justified by providing us with lifestyle options that we don't have in Tuscaloosa, and that is such a stretch for the businesses that are being proposed here, a coffee shop, another fast food restaurant, and a GAT. That doesn't make sense for what's there. You've already heard from several others that it appears that this incentive package is rewarding property owners who let their properties fall into disrepair and allow them to declare blight and then get this incentive package. Those are not good reasons to give incentives. You might be wondering why I am so passionate about the Springbrook. I genuinely believe that when neighborhoods thrive, Tuscaloosa thrives. This deal sets low benchmarks that could be used for unwanted commercial development in the perimeter of many other neighborhoods, including my neighborhood, Woodland Forest. I'm very concerned about areas adjacent to Woodland Forest along Hargrove Road and Skyland that are similarly situated as Springbrook. If you insist on incentivizing this project, then I ask you to demand more in return, specifically insisting that a development process and the end result respect the neighborhood. There is precedent for asking for neighborhood compatibility. If you consider Shops of Legacy and also Midtown, both were asked to change their design to be more compatible with the neighborhoods. I know I'm out of time, but I'm on the last paragraph. If you can give me 15 more seconds here. One reason that the neighborhood protections are an issue for this project is that the wonderful neighborhood compatibility standards in our new zoning codes, and I see Ashley here, might not apply to the residential area is separated from the commercial area by a street. So all along I've had my comments have been focused on this, trying to add some protections for the neighborhood. So I ask that if to the degree you have the power to do it, to the degree that Mr. Lanier can ask the landy group to develop this project in a way that it respects the neighborhood that is there. Your planning and zoning department, that could help. That's all I have to say. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Anyone else wish to address City Council tonight? Seeing none, just again reminding everyone, the 151st Army Band will be playing at Government Plaza beginning at 6 o'clock in celebration of America's 250th birthday. Subject to the exercise of mayoral veto, an ordinance of general nature of permanent operational and applicable departments hereby order to otherwise implement council policy that is to be enacted. Do I hear a motion to move and adjourn? Second. Moved and second to adjourn. Voting Mr. Lanier. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Meeting is adjourned. Have a good night.