DECEMBER 9, 2021, 2:00 p.m. -  CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The regular meeting of the City Council was held at 2:18 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Detric Leggett to introduce Reverend Paul E. Smith, Pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, who offered the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:  Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter, At-Large, Post 1, Chairman

Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2

Alderwoman Bernetta B. Lanier, District 1

Alderman Detric Leggett, District  2

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4, Vice-Chairman

Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, District 5, Mayor Pro-Tem

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Joseph A. Melder

Assistant to City Manager Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as amended to recognize representatives from our Sister City, Halle (Saale) Germany, led by Deputy Mayor Dr. Judith Marquardt, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

ADD-ON:

Appearance and recognition of Savannah's Sister City, Halle (Saale) Germany, led by Deputy Mayor Dr. Judith Marquardt.

PRESENTED and READ by Mayor Johnson.  Deputy Mayor Dr. Judith Marquardt along with delegations and representatives from the US Department of State and Homeland Security met in Mayor Johnson's office yesterday to reinforce the Sister City relationship instituted in 2011.

Dr. Judith Marquardt thanked Mayor and Council for the opportunity to reestablish the partnership and looks forward to a long and lasting relationship.  She invited all to visit the City of Halle, Germany.    

Mayor Johnson PRESENTED and READ donation amounts from Carver State Bank, United Community Bank, Wal-Mart, St. Joseph's/Candler Health System and Community Housing Services Agency (CHSA).

Community Housing Services Director Anita Smith-Dixon recognized CHSA Directors, Israel Small, President of CHSA Development & Co-Chair of Savannah Housing Task Force; and Deborah Wright, Vice President of United Community Bank & CHSA Director.  She announced there are five (5) other donors in attendance to donate $43,500.00 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  Year-to-date, CHSA has raised $197,750.00 for the Fund.

Representatives from Carver State Bank ($2,500.00), South State Bank ($5,000.00) and United Community Bank ($2,500.00) presented checks to the City.  Ms. Smith-Dixon reported the representative from Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Foundation was unable to attend, but CHSA has received their check of $2,000.00.

St. Joseph's/Candler Health System President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey stated 52 employees have purchased homes through the program.  He introduced Mr. James Williams, dietary employee at St. Joseph's Hospital who recently purchased a home through CHSA who expressed his appreciation for the Dream Maker Program.   Mr. Hinchey announced the donation was changed from $15,000.00 to $40,000.00.

Ms. Smith-Dixon presented the check from Community Housing Services Agency ($16,500.00).  She stated in addition to the funds raised for the Savannah Affordable House Fund, they have received $424,500.00 from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) toward housing efforts in Savannah.    

Mayor Johnson PRESENTED and READ donation amounts from Carver State Bank, United Community Bank, Wal-Mart, St. Joseph's/Candler Health System and Community Housing Services Agency (CHSA).

Community Housing Services Director Anita Smith-Dixon recognized CHSA Directors, Israel Small, President of CHSA Development & Co-Chair of Savannah Housing Task Force; and Deborah Wright, Vice President of United Community Bank & CHSA Director.  She announced there are five (5) other donors in attendance to donate $43,500.00 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  Year-to-date, CHSA has raised $197,750.00 for the Fund.

Representatives from Carver State Bank ($2,500.00), South State Bank ($5,000.00) and United Community Bank ($2,500.00) presented checks to the City.  Ms. Smith-Dixon reported the representative from Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Foundation was unable to attend, but CHSA has received their check of $2,000.00.

St. Joseph's/Candler Health System President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey stated 52 employees have purchased homes through the program.  He introduced Mr. James Williams, dietary employee at St. Joseph's Hospital who recently purchased a home through CHSA who expressed his appreciation for the Dream Maker Program.   Mr. Hinchey announced the donation was changed from $15,000.00 to $40,000.00.

Ms. Smith-Dixon presented the check from Community Housing Services Agency ($16,500.00).  She stated in addition to the funds raised for the Savannah Affordable House Fund, they have received $424,500.00 from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) toward housing efforts in Savannah.    

Mayor Johnson PRESENTED and READ donation amounts from Carver State Bank, United Community Bank, Wal-Mart, St. Joseph's/Candler Health System and Community Housing Services Agency (CHSA).

Community Housing Services Director Anita Smith-Dixon recognized CHSA Directors, Israel Small, President of CHSA Development & Co-Chair of Savannah Housing Task Force; and Deborah Wright, Vice President of United Community Bank & CHSA Director.  She announced there are five (5) other donors in attendance to donate $43,500.00 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  Year-to-date, CHSA has raised $197,750.00 for the Fund.

Representatives from Carver State Bank ($2,500.00), South State Bank ($5,000.00) and United Community Bank ($2,500.00) presented checks to the City.  Ms. Smith-Dixon reported the representative from Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Foundation was unable to attend, but CHSA has received their check of $2,000.00.

St. Joseph's/Candler Health System President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey stated 52 employees have purchased homes through the program.  He introduced Mr. James Williams, dietary employee at St. Joseph's Hospital who recently purchased a home through CHSA who expressed his appreciation for the Dream Maker Program.   Mr. Hinchey announced the donation was changed from $15,000.00 to $40,000.00.

Ms. Smith-Dixon presented the check from Community Housing Services Agency ($16,500.00).  She stated in addition to the funds raised for the Savannah Affordable House Fund, they have received $424,500.00 from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) toward housing efforts in Savannah.    

Mayor Johnson PRESENTED and READ donation amounts from Carver State Bank, United Community Bank, Wal-Mart, St. Joseph's/Candler Health System and Community Housing Services Agency (CHSA).

Community Housing Services Director Anita Smith-Dixon recognized CHSA Directors, Israel Small, President of CHSA Development & Co-Chair of Savannah Housing Task Force; and Deborah Wright, Vice President of United Community Bank & CHSA Director.  She announced there are five (5) other donors in attendance to donate $43,500.00 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  Year-to-date, CHSA has raised $197,750.00 for the Fund.

Representatives from Carver State Bank ($2,500.00), South State Bank ($5,000.00) and United Community Bank ($2,500.00) presented checks to the City.  Ms. Smith-Dixon reported the representative from Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Foundation was unable to attend, but CHSA has received their check of $2,000.00.

St. Joseph's/Candler Health System President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey stated 52 employees have purchased homes through the program.  He introduced Mr. James Williams, dietary employee at St. Joseph's Hospital who recently purchased a home through CHSA who expressed his appreciation for the Dream Maker Program.   Mr. Hinchey announced the donation was changed from $15,000.00 to $40,000.00.

Ms. Smith-Dixon presented the check from Community Housing Services Agency ($16,500.00).  She stated in addition to the funds raised for the Savannah Affordable House Fund, they have received $424,500.00 from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) toward housing efforts in Savannah.    

Mayor Johnson PRESENTED and READ donation amounts from Carver State Bank, United Community Bank, Wal-Mart, St. Joseph's/Candler Health System and Community Housing Services Agency (CHSA).

Community Housing Services Director Anita Smith-Dixon recognized CHSA Directors, Israel Small, President of CHSA Development & Co-Chair of Savannah Housing Task Force; and Deborah Wright, Vice President of United Community Bank & CHSA Director.  She announced there are five (5) other donors in attendance to donate $43,500.00 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  Year-to-date, CHSA has raised $197,750.00 for the Fund.

Representatives from Carver State Bank ($2,500.00), South State Bank ($5,000.00) and United Community Bank ($2,500.00) presented checks to the City.  Ms. Smith-Dixon reported the representative from Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Foundation was unable to attend, but CHSA has received their check of $2,000.00.

St. Joseph's/Candler Health System President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey stated 52 employees have purchased homes through the program.  He introduced Mr. James Williams, dietary employee at St. Joseph's Hospital who recently purchased a home through CHSA who expressed his appreciation for the Dream Maker Program.   Mr. Hinchey announced the donation was changed from $15,000.00 to $40,000.00.

Ms. Smith-Dixon presented the check from Community Housing Services Agency ($16,500.00).  She stated in addition to the funds raised for the Savannah Affordable House Fund, they have received $424,500.00 from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) toward housing efforts in Savannah.    

Mayor Johnson PRESENTED and READ donation amounts from Carver State Bank, United Community Bank, Wal-Mart, St. Joseph's/Candler Health System and Community Housing Services Agency (CHSA).

Community Housing Services Director Anita Smith-Dixon recognized CHSA Directors, Israel Small, President of CHSA Development & Co-Chair of Savannah Housing Task Force; and Deborah Wright, Vice President of United Community Bank & CHSA Director.  She announced there are five (5) other donors in attendance to donate $43,500.00 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  Year-to-date, CHSA has raised $197,750.00 for the Fund.

Representatives from Carver State Bank ($2,500.00), South State Bank ($5,000.00) and United Community Bank ($2,500.00) presented checks to the City.  Ms. Smith-Dixon reported the representative from Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Foundation was unable to attend, but CHSA has received their check of $2,000.00.

St. Joseph's/Candler Health System President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey stated 52 employees have purchased homes through the program.  He introduced Mr. James Williams, dietary employee at St. Joseph's Hospital who recently purchased a home through CHSA who expressed his appreciation for the Dream Maker Program.   Mr. Hinchey announced the donation was changed from $15,000.00 to $40,000.00.

Ms. Smith-Dixon presented the check from Community Housing Services Agency ($16,500.00).  She stated in addition to the funds raised for the Savannah Affordable House Fund, they have received $424,500.00 from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) toward housing efforts in Savannah.    

HEARD after Item #39.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and after thanking City Manager Melder and Council for an adopted/approved budget, Alderwoman Lanier READ the Proclamation.

Senior Budget Director Melissa Carter thanked Council on behalf of the Management & Budget Department.  She introduced and thanked each staff member for outstanding performance during the budget process.

Mayor Johnson and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz gave a special thank you to the Management & Budget staff.   

HEARD after Item #15.

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearings for Items #12 and #13 open.

No speaker(s) were present.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearings for Items #12 and #13, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearings for Items #12 and #13 open.

No speaker(s) were present.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearings for Items #12 and #13, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #45.

City Manager Melder gave an overview of the 2022 proposed Budget and highlighted the major investments in Team Savannah and community services.

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing for Item #14 open.

Written comment(s):

• Betty & Mark Armstrong – Funding for stormwater system to drain rainwater into the Vernon River more efficiently.

Speaker(s) present:

• The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda – SUPPORT, Funding for Affordable Housing.
• Reverend Katie Callaway – SUPPORT, Funding for Affordable Housing.
• River Ray Webb Hopkins – Homelessness, demographics, drugs, and double-standards of laws against low-wealth citizens.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Following an overview given by the City Manager pertaining to Clearview Homes tenants being displaced, Mayor Johnson permitted public comment from the following:

• Diane Washington - Honor extension to December 31, 2021 and removal of the dispossessory proceedings from their record.
• Debra Johnson - Honor extension to December 31, 2021 and removal of the dispossessory proceedings from their record.
• Dione W. Hicks - Honor extension to December 31, 2021 and removal of the dispossessory proceedings from their record.

City Manager Melder indicated the developer had agreed to give Clearview residents time to vacate the building but did not live up to the agreed upon timeframe.  The City Manager, City Attorney and City staff will work with local agencies and the court system to try and alleviate the dispossessory.  Mayor Johnson indicated the City will continue to fight for the residents of Clearview Homes.

HEARD after Item #11.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #15, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson asked Finance Director David Maxwell to stand for recognition and a thank you for the 2022 Revenue Ordinance.

HEARD after Item #13.

Speaker(s) present:

• Rebecca Holcombe - petitioner

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #16, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter supports the purchase, but has concerns for entities like the Stillwell Towers when operating in a fashion that is a danger to firefighters, the City has a responsibility to assign compliance violations.

Mayor Johnson indicated the discussion must be associated with the Item.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated her discussion had direct association with the purchase as it relates to the safety of police and firefighters.  

Alderman Palumbo callled for a point of order.  He asked Parliamentarian, Clerk of Council Massey if the discussion was germane to Item #18.  As parliamentarian, he replied no.  Mayor Johnson ruled the discussion was out of order.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's discussion was not germane to item #18, and he asked for a motion to approve.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #18, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter thanked City Manager Melder and dedicated the purchase to the life lost of William Zackery Harvey.  His cause of dead was never determined.  To his mother, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated this contract is a part of efforts to make sure that we have done what we said we would do.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan called for a point of order.  Mayor Johnson stated, the point of order is taken and he called for the vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #24, contract renewal, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter advised the public this service will help track utility billing and residents can get assistance by contacting Ecomonic Opportunity Authority (EOA) and United Way.  She expressed concern for those individual's homes on the tax sales recently and this service will provide better communications to avoid tax sales on the courthouse steps.  Mayor Johnson confirmed with City Attorney Lovett tax sales are governed by State Law.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #25, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter has received complaints from department heads and she has requested to interview individuals, particularly in the police department.  For a point of clarification, Mayor Johnson stated all staff work under the direction of the City Manager and Council is not in a position to determine and dictate how to interact with staff. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #29, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #19, #21, #22, #23, #26, #27, #28, #30, and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder the training requirements in departments where there are AEDs.  Mr. Melder will follow-up with information on the training requirements and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked to be a part of the training.

Alderman Leggett asked City Attorney Lovett the City's liability when staff is not experienced with using AEDs.  Attorney Lovett answered, there is not liability, the courts look favorably on trying to save a life (covered by the 'Good Samaritan Act'). 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #32, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #38, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #38, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #38, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #38, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #38, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #38, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #14.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve Item #39, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter congratulated City Manager Melder on a successful completion of the 2022 Budget

Alderman Palumbo asked City Attorney Lovett the statutory regulations related to municipal budgets each year.  Attorney Lovett answered, municipalities must balance their budgets each year, expenditures must equal revenues, must present a balanced budget to the residents, and must have two public hearings within certain time frames before the budget is approved/adopted by Council.  Alderman Palumbo asked if the City met the requirements.  Attorney Lovett responded, absolutely.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely thanked City Manager Melder for recognizing and responding to resident's concerns and requests, including the youth and elderly.    

HEARD after Item #10.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #40 through #45 as amended, changing St. Joseph's/Candler Health Systems' donation to $40,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #40 through #45 as amended, changing St. Joseph's/Candler Health Systems' donation to $40,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #40 through #45 as amended, changing St. Joseph's/Candler Health Systems' donation to $40,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #40 through #45 as amended, changing St. Joseph's/Candler Health Systems' donation to $40,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #40 through #45 as amended, changing St. Joseph's/Candler Health Systems' donation to $40,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #40 through #45 as amended, changing St. Joseph's/Candler Health Systems' donation to $40,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #38.

Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder if the development was affordable units.  Mr. Melder replied, it's his understanding it's market and parceled into townhouses.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter commented in tandem to this item (#46) and Item #50, regarding the gentleman who spoke during the public hearing, this is a part of the duplicitous nature of what we do as a local government.

Alderman Palumbo called, point of order.  The term duplicitous is inflammatory.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated, racist, could you please let me speak, you always talk to me when I'm talking about a vulnerable or black community.

Mayor Johnson instructed Alderwoman Gibson-Carter to direct comments to the chair.  He stated he believes the word duplicitous is inflammatory and asked Alderwoman Gibson-Carter to rephrase her comments.

City Manager Melder made corrections to his statement.  The developer is making an investment of $2 million to make right-of-way improvements for the development.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter questioned Mayor Johnson's comment on the development being affordable.  City Manager Melder answered, he misstated that it's market and parceled into townhomes, that is a later item on the agenda (#50).  He is not sure on the affordability, he believes it's market rate.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated her comment was, this is part of the duplicitous nature of what local government does to consistently talk about affordable housing.  Since this administration's time on Council, nothing has been done by way of affordable housing and she wanted to acknowledge that fact.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated there are affordable houses on Pennsylvania Avenue available.  This administration has worked towards making affordable housing available to the public.

Mayor Johnson stated, this Council has passed an Affordable Housing Plan and made an historical investment in the Affordable Housing Fund to stimulate opportunities for homeownership through affordable housing.  In reference to Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's allegations, he asked Attorney Lovett if opportunities to insist or mandate affordable housing as it relates to these types of development exist.  Attorney Lovett answered, yes, you can start mandating; you can start inclusionary zoning.

Mayor Johnson suggested not voting on Item #46, but sending to Attorney Lovett for inclusionary zoning.  City Manager Melder stated Item #46 is for right-of-way improvements and not development of housing.  Mayor Johnson recommended City Manager Melder prepare a first reading ordinance for Council's consideration at the beginning of the year.

In an effort to address some of the issues through policy, Alderwoman Lanier suggested various ordinances and polices she presented to City Manger Melder for Council consideration and legal opinions.

City Manager Melder will prepare a draft inclusionary ordinance for Council's consideration for the December 21, 2021 meeting, and staff will work on a community benefits ordinance.

Alderman Palumbo requested a point of personal privilege.  Personal remarks were made to Members of Council should be addressed at this meeting today.  Inflamatory, not directed toward the chair, statements.  Personal comments toward him, calling him a racist in the meeting.

Alderman Palumbo moved to reprimand Alderwoman Gibson-Carter for the comment.

Mayor Johnson asked Alderman Palumbo when this incident happen.  Alderman Palumbo stated, in this meeting.  Mayor Johnson asked Alderwoman Gibson-Carter if she called Alderman Palumbo a racist.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter refused to answer.  Mayor Johnson will investigate the incident.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for the rent amounts on the development.  City Manager Melder will provide the rent amount information to Council Members.                

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #46, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Johnson stated Alderman Palumbo's reprimand of Alderwoman Gibson-Carter will be handled at the Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Council Meeting.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #47, to authorize the City Attorney’s office to resolve the claim of Damien LaSalandra for $45,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked for the name of the fundraiser and where to send donations.  African Diaspora Museology Institute-support (https://theadmi.org/support/).

Speaker(s) present:

• Dr. Deborah Johnson-Simon, support for Kiah House Museum to raise $80,000.00.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #48, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #49, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson indicated Item #50 was reviewed by City Manager Melder during Item #46 discussions.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely viewed the property and asked why it was on today's agenda.  she asked if additional units will be added to the four existing townhomes.  Alderman Leggett answered, currently the property is vacant and staged and would like to know why it was included on the agenda.  Mayor Johnson asked for clarification of the term major subdivision.  He asked the petitioner to answer Council Members questions.  City Manager Melder indicated a major subdivision is anything over three units and the subdivision is on the agenda today to allow the petitioner to sell or rent each townhome.   

Speaker(s) present:

• David R. Slonim, petitioner, explained the process and additional code requirements before approval by Council.    

Council Members, City Manager Melder and the petitioner discussed the project, code requirements, market analysis, rent amounts, unit's square footage, sales price, appraisal amounts and timeline.  It was recommended that citizens in the community apply for the Stephens-Day Homestead Exemption now to lock in property values. 

a.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #50, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

b.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested reconsideration of the vote, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

c.  Mayor Johnson sounded the vote in consideration of Alderwoman Gibson-Carter changing her vote on Item #50 to no.  The motion passed unanimously.  The final vote for Item #50, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #51, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mayor Johnson informed the public the next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. to allow time for individuals to enjoy the holiday season.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced an End Gun Violence Rally and Initiatiive on Saturday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at 38th Street Park. Barnes Restaurant will provide all the food for the event.  She thanked City staff for all the efforts to support community events.

Alderwoman Lanier announced and invited the public to a ground breaking for Monday, December 13th at 11:30 a.m. for the Grant Gym.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced on Monday at 11:30 a.m. on Skidaway Road Come As You Are Baptist Church is doing a groundbreaking for their homeless shelter.

Alderman Purtee announced Kingdom Light Blessings, on the Southside Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; and Glazier Penecostal Church and Windsor Forest Elementary School will host a clothing and food give-a-way at 1143 Mohawk Street.  There will be a second annual Jingle Jangle event on December 16th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, tune into the City's channel to listen.  He congratulated Daphanie Williams and Joe Shearouse on their recent promotions.  He gave a shout out to Windsor Forest, Wilshire and Coffee Bluff for recent clean-up efforts.  

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m.

The audio recording of the Council Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the below link in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=GmJjt7kq7iMG

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:  December 21, 2021

Signature:  mm