The Tuscaloosa City Council honored National Parent Leadership Month, approved beverage licenses and approved funding for various local projects at its meeting on Tuesday.
ABC licenses for Family Dollar
Three Family Dollar stores are now selling wine and beer after the Tuscaloosa City Council approved their ABC licenses Tuesday.
Rob Hosack, a consultant representing Family Dollar, said the stores made the change due to high customer demand. Although the stores will now sell alcohol, Hosack said that Family Dollar wants them to remain family-friendly.
“Be assured, Family Dollar is not trying to become a convenience store or a package store,” Hosack told the council, adding that the stores will not carry vaping products or drinks with high alcohol content.
Hosack said that the retailer will train its associates with a “zero tolerance” policy for underage sales and that it’s committed to remaining “safe and well managed.”
Developments around town
The council approved just under $400,000 for public works and professional services contracts. The bulk of the money will go to the software company Environmental Systems Research Institute, better known as Esri, and The Capstone Engineering Group.
The Capstone Engineering Group is working on several small projects to improve drainage around the city. The contract with Esri is for access to their ArcGIS mapping software for the next three years.
National Parent Leadership Month
Mayor Walt Maddox proclaimed February 2024 National Parent Leadership Month. The month honors parents and caregivers, and Maddox asked all Tuscaloosans to show their appreciation.
“All of Tuscaloosa knows how important parents are,” Maddox told members of the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama, an organization that combats child neglect and maltreatment. “Thank you for being advocates for this city.”
Vadonna Williams, a member of the CTF’s Parent Advisory Council, said she was excited that the city was celebrating the month.
Roosevelt Jackson, an Alabama Parent Leadership Network member, expressed gratitude to the city.
“Thank you for acknowledging how important parent leadership is to the community,” Jackson said.
