Tuscaloosa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tuscaloosa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Bowers Park Pickleball Courts change order
A change order trimmed $79,432.32 off the pickleball courts project with War Construction, though it adds 39 days to the schedule.
District 1 community disbursements
Four small grants from the District 7 Improvements Fund went to local schools and nonprofits, totaling $10,500.
PARA executive director selection
Councilor Eatmon wants the city to have a seat on the committee hiring PARA's next executive director, since the city is a major funder. A resolution may come next week.
Honorary designation of Alberta Park as Kip Tyner Plaza
The committee is moving forward with two tributes to the late Kip Tyner — a plaza at Alberta Park and an honorary parkway along 26th Avenue East. Residents' addresses and 911 data won't change; honorary signs will be added.
McDonald Hughes building lighting upgrade
Exterior lights at the McDonald Hughes building will be brought up to LED standards using leftover savings from an under-budget ballpark lighting bid — no new money needed.
Gym expansion at Richard A. Curry Jr. Complex
A small $14,995 project will expand the gym and weight room at the Richard A. Curry Jr. Complex, adding space and new flooring for recreation users.
Chief Tuskaloosa sculpture funding
The Tourism and Sports Commission offered $150,000 toward the Chief Tuskaloosa sculpture, and the city needs to accept the donation and budget it. It's a public art project boosting the city's identity and tourism appeal.
Riverwalk security, communications, and lighting upgrades
Small thermoplastic markers will help Riverwalk users near Parker Hall stay on the path and find their way to the western and southern riverwalk segments.
Patton Lake Park condemnation amendment
The council was scheduled to amend an earlier resolution authorizing condemnation proceedings for the Patton Lake Park Project, moving the park project forward.
Patent Lake condemnation for public park
The city is using eminent domain to acquire land around Patent Lake in Woodland Hills for a public park. The amended resolution now includes the survey and full property descriptions that were missing before.
Jaycee Park grading and drainage
A new six-foot fence will connect the JC Park Pavilion to the Tennis Center, part of previously approved fencing and drainage funds.
Freeman Park & Pool improvements
Two separate budget revisions would shut down leftover balances from the Benjamin Barnes YMCA and Burrell Odom Park projects and roll that money — about $1.55 million combined — into Freeman Park & Pool improvements.
Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter
A tentative $256,200 contract award to N.C. Morgan Construction Co., Inc. was on the agenda to re-roof the animal shelter and add a canopy.
PARA equipment funding
About $423,000 for playground equipment at Palmore Park, equipment at Ol' Colony, and the city's share of general PARA operational gear.
River Market lighting and AV upgrades
The River Market's original lights and screens are malfunctioning, risking the city's image with high-profile events. Upgrades were approved as a need, not a want.