OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The work session and City Manager’s briefing was held at 1:04 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Palumbo to offer the invocation.

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

Workshop Agenda Items

1. 100% Savannah Clean Energy Plan

PRESENTED by City Manager Melder, Sustainability Director Nick Deffley, and Alicia Brown, Energy Analyst.

Following the presentation, some but not all topics listed below were discussed in comments, questions, or discussions by City Manager Melder, Mr. Deffley, Ms. Brown and Council Members:

Requested to contact City Partners like CAT, SCAD, etc. about the electric vehicles (Alderman Leggett).
Requested a spreadsheet and an updated report in one year. Suggested including Board of Education, local schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. (Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan). Mayor Johnson recommended a six month updated report.
Suggested grant proposals to assist with enabling actions; Council Members can be advocates; appreciate the programs for home repairs and how will the $3.5 million funds be distributed (Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz).
Asked they come back often with updates; the energy ordinance is a good suggestion. Suggested an annual trade show to introduce the concept of clean energy (Alderman Palumbo).
Concerned with timeline & target as the current administration could change in 2025; State policies provide opportunities; other grant opportunities should be pursued; impact fee ordinance, changing stations and fair housing division suggested (Alderwoman Gibson-Carter).
Concerned with equitability of the $3.5 million to the effected areas; what steps are being taken to reduce the high poverty level in the City; who will pay for 100% clean energy in the City; and include residents from the poverty area in discussions and on panels (Alderwoman Miller Blakely).
Suggested making major industries City partners; asked to consider other clean energy sources besides solar; air quality improvements; and homes with structural issues will need grants to address foundation problems (Alderwoman Lanier).

Mr. Deffley asked Council Members to review the Plan and is requesting a Letter of Endorsement.

Mayor Johnson thanked Mr. Deffley, Ms. Brown and others involved in making the plan a success.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Workshop at 2:07 p.m.

Mayor Johnson requested the City Council to reconvene at 2:17 p.m. to allow staff ten minutes of transition time, prior to beginning the Regular Meeting.

A video recording of the workshop can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=3JT3NKcU4SSd

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: December 21, 2021

Signature: mm