City Council - Regular Meeting

Brandy? Brandy, do you want me to start?

There he is.

Okay, good. My day job is keeping me busy.

Proclamation on the table.

I apologize that I'm running late. Good evening, everyone. If everyone would please stand, our Tuscaloosa City Council will now come to order. We'll begin tonight with our prayer, and we ask everyone to remain standing for our Pledge of Allegiance. 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. Approval of the minutes.

I make a motion to approve the minutes. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that we approve the minutes. Voting, Mr. Evenman.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Thank you. Minutes stand approved. We have one proclamation tonight, but as we can see, we have many visitors here tonight who have traveled a long way to come to Tuscaloosa as part of our Tuscaloosa Sister Cities program. and our student exchange with Narashino Japan. And so at this time, I'm going to ask Ms. Shelley Dorrell to come forward and talk to the city council about our visitors who have come a long way. At least they came during the cool season into Tuscaloosa. But also, as we talked about a few minutes ago at the reception, why this program is so important to Tuscaloosa, to Narashino, and especially to the young people behind me who are our future. So at this time, Ms. Dorrell, if you would come forward and then introduce our guest.

Thank you. Thank you so much for having me. I am very pleased to be able to present to you our 40th anniversary version of our student exchange. So for over 40 years, every other summer, we have taken students from Tuscaloosa to Naraschino and then turn hosted students from Naraschino and Tuscaloosa. And to give you an idea exactly how long that is, Eric Wilson, the superintendent, not superintendent, The school board chair, he was in the very first group of students from Tuscaloosa to go to Narasimha. So that longevity of impact on our city, of widening the minds and global understandings of not just our students now, but our future leaders, leaders like Mr. Wilson, gives you just an idea of the impact of this program. And so as you can, first I'm gonna ask if we could have the Tuscaloosa students, if you could stand, if you're a Tuscaloosa delegate. Thank you. And if you could sit down, please. You know I love y'all. And also, this could not happen, not only with the amazing funding that we receive from the city, but the generous host families of Tuscaloosa. If you are a host family, host mom, host dad, host grandma, whoever, if you will please stand. They have truly lived out the phrase southern hospitality for our students. And we were there, as you know, in June. And the experience was absolutely amazing for our students and for the experiences they had. They had an opportunity to speak before us. their city council and also to participate in the 40th anniversary there, chances of experiences that very few 16-year-olds receive to be in rooms that very few 16-year-olds are invited into. And I know that that is going to have a benefit in their lives as they go on bringing those experiences. But without further ado, I would like to introduce to you Chairman Yoshimura. He is the Narashino International Association chairman. So Narashino International Association is sort of like our Tuscaloosa sister cities. It is the organization that does all of the work to make this their relationship with us. And if you will please come, Chairman Yoshimura, please.

Good evening, and the honorable member of the Tuscaloosa City Council and Mayor Maddox. So thank you very much and a very warm welcome for us here. And I'm Kazunari Yoshimura, Chairman of the Narashino International Association. It's a very profound honor to stand before you today. And on behalf of the city and the people of the Narashino, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Tuscaloosa City Council and for your supporting our sister city partnership for a long, long history we have. Just past June, we were very delighted to welcome to Tuscaloosa student and the community a dedication to Narashino in order to celebrate our historic and 40th anniversary. It was a wonderful milestone that beautifully highlighted four decades of deep friendship in the collaborations and the people-to-people connections between our two communities. By the way, I will tell you an interesting story. When the Tascarosa group visited in Tokyo, Japan, the past June, they very enjoyed dinner at the restaurant, but the restaurant located very high skyscraper, the restaurant located. As you may know, in Japan, we have so many natural disasters, like the typhoon, tsunami, and also the earthquake. So Taskarusa group still eating, but suddenly massive earthquake attack our skyscraper. And the member of the Taskarusa delegation, they have never experienced such kind of the earthquake in my life, maybe. So I might guess they have been jumping up and cried out, oh my God, God, please save us. And the other one is, how we can get the vacations? But the surrounding Japanese people still come, still eating, as if nothing happened. In Japan, so many kind of the natural disaster are very common, even if earthquake. That's why the Japanese people still eating very calm. That's an interesting story in the first June. Yeah, by the way, back to the, we incredibly grateful for the dedication of the everyone here in the Tuscarosa who helped sustain our relationship since 1986. As it had been said, the strongest in the bridge between nations built not of steel or stone, but of friendship and hospitality. Our bridge between the Tuscaloosa and the Narasino has never been stronger. As we look towards the future, we are fully committed to nurturing this special bond for many more generations to come. So thank you again for your warm welcome and your continued partnership and your enduring goodwill. Finally, I want to say, Roll Tide, Roll Tide, Roll Tide. Thank you very much. Okay, this is a small shift in the forward dimension.

Thank you very much.

I was going to now introduce the two teacher chaperones. I have a special place in my heart, having been the teacher chaperone before to Germany. So first, we have Akio Nagase. He is the English teacher, and this is his fourth time as a teacher chaperone. He is at Toho High School in Narashino. And then we have Kane Nomura, and she is the teacher chaperone from Narashino High School, also an English teacher. And did you want to say anything? No? OK. Do you want to introduce? OK. No, you come introduce.

You introduce your students. You introduce your students.

He's coming. Everything's recorded. Thank you.

OK, good evening. Thank you for having us. My name is Nagase, a chaperone of the Narushino delegation. And today, on behalf of Narushino delegates, two students are going to make a speech about what they have in mind during the stay in Tuscaloosa. The first one is Akina Hashimoto.

Thank you for your generous support for Narashino delegates. My precious experience in Tuscaloosa is the history of this city. From my experiences at the Huntsville Jameson Mansion, Steenman College, and the University of Alabama, I have learned that Not only Alabama as a whole, but also Tuscaloosa played a significant role in the Civil War and the subsequent development of the United States. When I return to Narasino, I look forward to sharing what I have learned in Tuscaloosa with many people, including my families and friends. Thank you for listening.

Thank you. Next, my delegates, Hitosato Yoshino.

I really appreciate your kind hospitality towards Tuscaloosa and national exchanges. Through my experience in Tuscaloosa, I learned that everyone is very kind because everyone I met including the leaders, host families, people interested, and so clear. It was very friendly and very welcoming. I've never explained such wonderful things. Thank you.

One more present. And also from Narashino. These are for our city council members from North Chino International Association.

Thank you. Thank you. OC, my friend. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, sir.

The city attorney needs one. We'll make sure Mr. Lanier gets it. As we close, I do, again, want to thank Ms. Dorrell and the Tesla Sister Cities Board for what they do every single day to make this program possible. I want to echo Ms. Dorrell in thanking our parents who are here, because you've made sacrifices so that your children could be part of this program. Thank you for doing that so they have this world view. To our students, Thank you for engaging beyond the horizon and searching for something greater than yourself. I promise this will reward you for the rest of your life. And these experiences will always be with you and always provide you happiness and comfort. I promise you, you will never forget this experience. To our young people from Narishino that are here, 10 years ago, I visited. You were babies then. I visited your school. And first of all, your band is magnificent. But it was such a great experience. The educational structure and program is something I wish we could emulate here and replicate. What you have is very special. And we are so proud to be your partner. And we're so glad you're here. And we hope you have a safe visit. To all of our guests that are here, what we will do is just take a quick break. You're welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting. But I suspect you have better things to do than to be here, but you're welcome to. We'll take a quick break so everyone can, if you're with the Sister Cities program and like to depart at this time, please feel free to do so. Yes, we can take a quick, so.

Okay, if I could have the American, the Tuscaloosa students and the Narcino students It's going to be a big picture. Okay, everyone sit.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Are you? Good. Richard Henry. Yes, sir.

That's where I bought my car from.

District 3, north of the river. I'm the new kid on the block. Yes, sir. Nice to meet you. Sir? All right, that's good. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. Okay. Let me know if you need anything.

Have a good one, man.

I know, right? He sure did. It was in your distance.

Yeah, that's right. I was like, do you live in Lakeland now?

At least he said he don't need it.

I thought he was going to ask you. I thought he was going to hit him.

Yeah.

He's a nice guy, though. I said I bought my car from him.

I appreciate the council's patience, and it's rare that we have that long of a program, but what a special program. And as I've said at the reception earlier, it would not be possible without you and your funding. So thank you, City Council. for 40 years of supporting this program with Narashino. So we're gonna change gears. We do have a proclamation tonight, but we're not gonna lose the theme of bringing people together and uniting for a common purpose and belief. We are gonna recognize July 29th as Lasagna Love Day. How about that? How about that for a transition? And so we will have two spokespeople here, and let me tell you, they're fired up about it. And you should be. Who doesn't like lasagna? So this is one of the best proclamations I've ever read into the record. Whereas Lasagna Love is a nationwide movement founded on the belief that a simple home-cooked meal prepared and delivered with care can strengthen communities and create meaningful connections with your neighbors. Since its founding in 2020, and I assume that was COVID-related, Lasagna Love volunteers across 50 states have prepared and delivered more than a half a million lasagnas to millions of individuals and families, supported by a dedicated network of 80,000 volunteers. Whereas Lasagna Love operates throughout the state of Alabama, uniting volunteers who generously give of their time and resources and heart, to cook and deliver meals to their neighbors. And whereas July 29, 2026 has been nationally recognized as Lasagna Love Day to honor the remarkable impact of this movement on families and communities across the country. Now, therefore, it be resolved that I, Walt Maddox, on behalf of our city council, do hereby proclaim July 29, 2026, to be Lasagna Love Day in the city of Tuscaloosa and encourage all residents to celebrate and uplift the spirit of kindness and neighborly support that lasagna love represents.

So on behalf of the city, we want to say thank you.

And let's give them a round of applause.

I'm Tamika. I'm the community ambassador for the state of Alabama for Lasagna Love, and this is...

I'm Laura Otaviani-Chekone. I'm the program ambassador for Alabama.

Our purpose is simple. We feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities. I'm the shy ambassador, so bear with me. First, I would like to thank my father, for without him, I wouldn't be here today. I'd like to thank Mayor Maddox and all the city council members, friends, neighbors, spectators, everybody. Yeah, so today we celebrate National Lasagna Love Day from tomorrow. In the beginning of this organization, they set a national goal for each state to have a proclamation and declare Lasagna Love National Lasagna Love Day. So I had a goal as well for Alabama to have each mayor proclaim a proclamation for Lasagna Love for all of our volunteers who were in those cities. It was amazing what happened next. I had the opportunity to speak with mayors and city clerk members, and after speaking with them, one proclamation was approved, and then the next, and another, and another. And now we have eight proclamations in the state of Alabama, from Tuscaloosa, Dothan, Montgomery, Alabama, our state capital, Mobile, Huntsville, Trustville, Talladega, and Auburn. And we would like to thank everyone who made this possible. This is for our volunteers, our sponsors, our partners, neighbors, and friends. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Thank you.

We would like to honor you with our lasagna love lapel pins. Thank you. Thank you. In hopes that you will continue to spread kindness because we feel kindness travels far. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. That's all I have. Any council announcements tonight?

I'll be at Jack's Saturday morning if anybody wants to come drink coffee.

I don't think Jack's serves lasagna.

Not yet.

Not yet, but we're going to get there. Thank you again. We have no unfinished business tonight. Consent agenda, clerk.

This approves items A and B on the consent agenda.

Move adoption. Second. It's been moved and second to approve the agenda, consent agenda, voting. Mr. Fayol.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

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

This order is demolition of the structure located at 5244 Overbrook Road.

So moved. Second. Moved and second. Mr. Williams.

Mr. Mayor, City Council, this is for the condemnation of 5244 Overbrook Road. It was posted for condemnation on April 2nd, 2026. This property has 47 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. The owner is not here to represent, but there is a representative from the bank.

Any questions on Mr. Williams? At this time, we'll hear from the representative. If you would, please come forward and give your name and address.

Good evening. I'm Amanda Beckett. I'm an attorney at Ruben Loveland. We represent Nation Star Mortgage that has a first priority lien on 5244 Overbrook Road. They asked me to come and ask y'all for some additional time before you order that the house be demolished. They do have a first position mortgage on it. The mortgage is about halfway paid off. There's a good bit of equity in the house. They are considering foreclosing on the property and then then they would be able to do the needed renovations themselves. They can't do it right now, you know, since they're not the owner. So they just asked me to ask the council for more time so that they can proceed with foreclosure and then they can apply for the permits to renovate the property.

All right. This happens to be in my district. About how much time do you think you'll need to do this?

Well, I would say 90 days.

That sounds fair to me.

Do you all have the ability to go and secure the property?

I asked Mr. Williams. I didn't know when I spoke to him how it was open to the public, and he said that the back door is open. He said there's also some siding issues where it could, based on my understanding, even be pushed in from the outside. I don't mean to speak for him, but if the issue is simply the back door is open, I'm sure Nation Star can get somebody to go there and just get the... Oh, I see. That's the back door that's open. Are y'all seeing those pictures on your screen? So the picture on, I guess, your left. Yeah. I mean, I can certainly ask Nation Star to, as soon as possible, get someone to close that back door so that the house is not being accessed.

Yeah, I mean, I think that'd be a big step if they could at least secure it if we're going to wait 90 days to make sure the property's secure. Yes.

It's been... Over the last few years, I've gotten numerous complaints about this house. I believe it's worth saving if that's what you plan to do. Yes, sir. But 90 days, if you come back in 90 days, we'll need to talk.

Yes, sir.

I'm sorry.

I'm just asking, is it going to be reset for 90 days from now? The demolition vote will be reset for 90 days from now?

If the council votes to table for 90 days, then this will just come up under unfinished business, but still be a public hearing in 90 days.

Thank you. Any other questions?

Okay. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against the demolition? Seeing none, do I hear a motion to table for 90 days? Motion. Second. Then move and second to table for 90 days. Voting Mr. Evans.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Demolition has been tabled for 90 days. Thank you. Clerk.

This order is demolition of the structure located at 17 Reese Court. So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded. Mr. Williams. This is for the condemnation of 17 Reese Court. This house was posted for condemnation on April 2, 2026. This property has 47 housing code violations. The owner has been contacted, is aware of this hearing. The owner is aware that if it's condemned to demolish, the cost of demolition will be charged back to the owner. A permit has been pulled. No work has been done to date. The owner is supposed to be here to represent.

Any questions for Mr. Williams? Okay, thank you. If the owner would come forward and please give your name and address. Stephen Gray, 2901 24th Street. Would you mind, I didn't hear your first name again. Stephen Gray. Stephen Gray, okay. Mr. Gray, any questions for Mr. Gray from the City Council?

Mr. Gray, what's the plan? I mean, it's been in property maintenance for five or six years, and to prevent no work's been done. What's the plan?

Well, I got slowed up, and I'm... Do the windows, the side, and what else? The roof and the side and the windows. Mainly the outside structure. There was a lot of rubbish around the backside and on the side. I already cleared all that out, but the rain kind of slowed me down on a lot of other stuff I was trying to do. What's the timeline? If I can get 90 more days or something. you know, to get going, get started again.

You think you can get the bulk of it done in that timeframe? Is that realistic?

Yeah, it looked crazy, but that's a lot of work in 90 days.

So that's, I mean, it's a lot of work to be done. Like I said, how long has to, when did we pull the permit for it? How long ago has it been? How long has it been since you pull the permit for the work? What is it? April?

Was it April?

And you haven't done anything on the House since April? No, sir.

Any other questions for Mr. Gray?

I don't think I can do nine. I think I'd be a little bit more comfortable with 60. and bring it back in 60. I'm going to be honest with you. If no work's been done in 60. Well, there's a reason for that too, but it's kind of personal. Okay. No, no. I understand. I'm willing to recommend 60 days on this one.

Second. Okay. It's been moved and second. Any more questions for Mr. Gray? Thank you, Mr. Gray.

All right. Thank you. Good to see you, Steve. Thank you.

This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against the demolition? Seeing none, voting to table for 60 days, Mr. Fell.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Demolition is tabled for 60 days. Thank you, Mr. Williams. Clerk.

This authorizes zoning amendment number 43. So moved.

Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Mr. Pons. All right. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening. This is a rezoning petition by a 7150 Commerce Drive LLC, Stan Pate, petitioning to rezone approximately 11.8 acres located at 7150 Commerce Drive from IP to IH. This is in Council District One. You can see the property here. This is the former warehouse for the City of Tuscaloosa. We sold that property and so now they are coming forward to rezone to IH. for an industrial use. It does conform to framework. Framework identifies this as industrial, as you can see on that future land use character map. And Planning Commission did unanimously recommend to approve this rezoning request. I'm not gonna answer any questions that y'all might have. Any questions for Mr. Pons? I did not see Mr. Pate come in, so I'm not sure if a representative is here.

Is there a representative here for the zoning amendment? I know we're all familiar with it. Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against? Seeing none, does council want to move forward with a vote? Yeah. Okay. Voting on zoning amendment 43, Mr. Eatman?

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Zoning amendment is adopted. Clerk?

This authorizes zoning amendment number 44.

So moved.

Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Mr. Pons?

Yes. This is a rezoning request by Corey Shoup petitioning to rezone approximately 5.8 acres located at 704 Patriot Parkway from SFR1 to HC, currently not in city limits. Here's the location of the property on the corner of Highway 69 South and Patriot Parkway. Currently vacant today, they're going to HC, or they're requesting to rezone to HC, which is what the adjacent property is as well for commercial development. This does conform to framework. Framework identifies this as corridor commercial, as you can see on the future lane use character map. Planning Commission did unanimously recommend the rezoning request to be approved at the June meeting. And I can answer any questions that you might have.

Any questions of Mr. Pons? Is the applicant here? If the applicant would come forward and please give your name and address.

My name's Corey Shoup, 2400 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham.

Any questions?

Do you all have a plan of what all is going here?

Yeah, we're actively developing the plans for the development. We're just waiting to get through the rezoning annexation piece, and then we'll be ready to submit for approval with the city.

Looking forward to it.

Any other questions? Thank you, sir. Thank you. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against? Seeing none, voting was to fail.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Zoning Amendment 44 is adopted. Good luck. Resolution in Ordinances 9 of the Bureau of Nature of Permanent Operation. Clerk.

This authorizes a funding reduction for the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority's 2024 home contract.

Second. Moved and second. Voting Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Clerk.

This authorizes submission of an application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Second.

Moved and second. Voting Mr. Fell. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

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

This adopts the city's program year 2026 action plan. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded, voting Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes an agreement with the Coaling Water Authority.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded, voting Mr. Powell. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Hearing Construction.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes a professional services contract with Civic Plus.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Pell. Yes.

Yes.

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

This authorizes an as-needed services contract with TS Services and Maintenance.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Resolution is adopted. Clerk.

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Crimson Insulation Company.

So moved. Second.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Fell. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Ryan Metalworks.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This will authorize a minor public works contract with Johns and Kirksey.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Mr. Pell. Yes.

Yes.

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

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Civil Works Construction.

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

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolution is adopted, clerk.

This will authorize amendment number one to the minor public works contract with Fueling Solutions. So moved.

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

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This will authorize the Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Druid City Engineering.

So moved.

Second.

Moved and seconded by Ms. Treedman. Yes.

Yes.

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

This authorizes a minor public works contract with Chip Griffith Construction.

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

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes amendment number one to the contract with Markham Architects. So moved.

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

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This will authorize additional funding for the 2024 home contract with Habitat for Humanity. So moved.

Second. Moved and second. Voting Mr. Fell. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This will authorize a consulting agreement with Industrial Organizational Solutions. So moved.

Second. It's been moved and second. Voting Mr. Eatman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This will authorize the purchase of equipment, supplies, or services for the airport and Tuscaloosa Tennis Center. So moved.

Second. It's been moved and seconded. Voting Mr. Powell. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Resolutions adopted, clerk.

This authorizes Amendment 13 to the Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Reserve for Future Improvements Fund Budget. So moved.

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

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Resolutions adopted. Ordinance of Resolutions of the General Nature of Permanent Operation for Introduction. Clerk.

This introduces Zoning Amendment Number 45. So moved. Second.

Moved and second. Voting Mr. Fell. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Clerk.

This authorizes Amendment Number 16 to the Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Budget. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded. Voting Ms. Friedman. Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. I'll be unanimous in second. Second. Moved and seconded. Voting Ms. Trafail. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Budget amendments adopted for adoption. Clerk.

This sets August 25th as a date for a public hearing to consider adoption of zoning amendment number 45. So moved.

Second. Moved and seconded. Voting Ms. Trafail. Yes. Yes.

Yes.

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

Susie Smith, 17 Springbrook. On June 16, city council voted to approve the tax incentive resolution committing $5.75 million of city sales tax revenue to Delaney Property Group, Mobile, Alabama, for a private commercial development in Springbrook neighborhood. Because he will profit from the sale of the Springbrook property to Delaney, Councilor Henry removed himself from the public hearing. The vote was four approving, Councilors Eatman, Howard, Tyner, and Lanier, and two opposing, Councilors Busby and Fayol. During Mr. Michael Delaney's presentation to the City Council Finance Committee on December 16, 2025, Mayor Maddox asked Mr. Delaney, how much are you gauging for substitution effect? Mr. Delaney replied, as far as light cannibalization, we've got three tenants lined up that are all new, so I wouldn't see much cannibalization. Whatever ends up being a substitution effect, per se, is going to be enhanced by the new development in that area. I feel like we're going to see a lot of cannibalization from this development on other parts of the city. Mr. Delaney's answer indicates the substitution effect or cannibalization is not his concern. Common sense alone tells us that new businesses do cannibalize existing businesses, and Culver's Valvoline and Dutch Brothers Coffee certainly will, particularly that of similar businesses nearby. Culver's has a robust menu. Burgers, chicken, seafood, sandwiches, salads, desserts, frozen custard, shakes, malts, soda floats, and sides that include the regulars, fries, onion rings, coleslaw, two chilies, and seven soups. Just from 15th Street to I-59 on the west side of McFarland in Council District 7, covlers will take a bite out of the business of Jason's Deli, Slim Chicken, Jersey Mike's, Crystal Popeyes, and Burger King. On the east side of McFarland in Council District 6, covlers will chomp down on the business of Shrimp Basket and Captain D's. Did the city support any of these existing businesses with tax incentives? In addition to oil changes, Valvoline replaces batteries, headlights, and tail lights, air filters, and wiper blades. It checks the air conditioning system, cleans the fuel system, and provides transmission and differential service. Just from 15th Street to I-59 on the west side of McFarland in District 7, Valvoline will poach business from O'Reilly's Auto Parts and Advantage Auto Parts. On the east side of McFarland in Council District 6, Valvoline will siphon business from Firestone, Henry's Auto Care, Amco, Pet Boys, Tuscaloosa Tire and Service, and Mavis Tires and Brakes. Did the city support any of these existing businesses with tax incentives? Dutch Bros Coffee offers hot and iced coffees, energy drinks, sparkling soda, lemonade, shakes, hot cocoa, and smoothies. According to its website, Dutch Bros is known for its fast, double-lane drive-through. Dutch Brothers will likely siphon business from other coffee shops only for a short time. Tiring of the difficulty getting to that fast double-lane drive-through and then getting back to a main thoroughfare, customers will soon return to their usual coffee places. Did the city support any of the existing coffee businesses with tax incentives? As Dr. Linda Parsons pointed out on June 16, your vote compels Tuscaloosa businesses, along with the citizen taxpayers of Tuscaloosa, to subsidize the profits Mr. Delaney receives from the tax incentives and takes back to Mobile. Saying nothing before your vote on June 16, and in the interest of being accountable to and transparent with Tuscaloosa taxpayers, I ask that you state now the reason for voting to approve or disapprove the tax incentive resolution. Also, I ask you to consider the resolution vote. Either Councillor Eatman, Howard, Tyner, or Lanier, please move to consider the vote on the tax incentive resolution this evening. If there is a particular procedure you must follow, do so to allow that a vote to reconsider appear on the agenda of the next City Council meeting.

Thank you, ma'am. Do you have anything else? Thank you.

My time's not up.

If you're done speaking, it is. Thank you. Anyone else wish to address the City Council tonight? Seeing none, subject to excise the mayor will veto an ordinance of general nature of permanent operation. All applicable departments hear by order to otherwise implement council policy this day and act.

Move to adjourn. Second.

Move and second to adjourn. Voting Mr. Eamon. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes. Meeting's adjourned.