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JANUARY 27, 2022, 6:30 p.m. - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMENSAVANNAH, GEORGIA The regular meeting of the City Council was held at 6:31 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Miller Blakely who introduced Minister Corey Brooks, Come As You Are Deliverance International Ministries, to offer 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 Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams City Attorney Bates Lovett Clerk of Council Mark Massey Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox |
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for January 27, 2022. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve Item #1, the agenda as presented, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on January 13, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. | |
| Exhibit 1: Minutes - January 13, 2022 City Council Workshop | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on January 13, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. | |
| Agenda Plus_RM DRAFT MINUTES_January 13, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 4. A Proclamation Recognizing the Mighty Eighth Air Force for Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of it's Founding on January 28, 2022, which Took Place in an Armory Located Just South of Forsyth Park at 1108 Bull Street. | |
PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to Mr. Scott W. Loehr, President and CEO of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, also attending was Mr. Pete Nichols, Communications and Marketing Manager. Mayor Johnson observed a moment of silence to honor those who were killed in action and those who have passed. Mr. Loehr thanked Mayor and Council for the honor and invited the public out to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum to view the history of the 350,000 men and women who served with the Mighty Eighth. |
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| ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 5. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License to Lois A. Harper for Fat Tuesday, a Bar at 22 W. Bryan Street, Located Between Whitaker and Bull Streets in District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Fat Tuesday20220120_11205877.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Fat Tuesday20220120_11250230.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Fat Tuesday20220120_11260182.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Fat Tuesday20220120_11241283.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Fat Tuesday20220120_11444042.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the hearings for Items #5, #6 and #7 open. No speaker(s). a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #5, #6 and #7, seconded by Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously. b. Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #5, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 6. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Andrew Brochu for Brochu's, a Restaurant at 2400 Bull Street, Suite 8, Between Maupas Avenue and E. 40th Street in District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Brochu's20220120_11172113.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Brochu's20220120_11175715.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Brochu's20220120_11185336.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Brochu's20220120_11201032.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Brochu's20220120_11453016.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the hearings for Items #5, #6 and #7 open. No speaker(s). a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #5, #6 and #7, seconded by Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously. b. Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 7. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Brian P. Rothenberg for Enmarket Arena, an Arena at 620 Stiles Avenue Between W. Gwinnett Street and Louisville Road in District 1. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Enmarket Arena20211217_08203861.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Enmarket Arena20211217_08212454.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Enmarket Arena20220120_12072470.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Enmarket Arena20220120_12084976.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Enmarket Arena20220120_12100575.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the hearings for Items #5, #6 and #7 open. No speaker(s). a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #5, #6 and #7, seconded by Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously. b. Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 8. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Lights Along Cedar Street with Georgia Power in the Amount of $29,758. This purchase is for seven decorative light fixtures that will match the lights installed for the Savannah Shines Project and will run along Cedar Street from DeLesseps Avenue to E. 60th Street Lane. | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Cedar St. Lights | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Cedar St. Lights | |
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #8 through #13, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 9. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Furniture for Worksource Coastal with McWaters, Inc. (LOCAL) in the Amount of $76,982. The furniture will be used to replace items damaged by a fire in March 2021 at the Liberty County Job Center located in Hinesville, GA. | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Furniture for Worksource Coastal | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Furniture for Worksource Coastal | |
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #8 through #13, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 10. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Rental Uniform Services with Cintas Corporation (LOCAL) for an Amount up to $314,928. This contract provides uniforms for City employees, excluding Savannah Police Department and Savannah Fire Rescue employees. | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Uniform Rental Services | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Uniform Rental Services | |
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #8 through #13, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 11. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Office Supplies with Staples Advantage (LOCAL) for an Amount up to $800,000. This is a Citywide contract used by all City departments to purchase office supplies, copy paper, office equipment, and furniture as needed. | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Office Supplies | |
| Exhibit 2- Purchasing Notes Office Supplies Event 8510.pdf | |
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #8 through #13, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 12. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Ammunition for the Savannah Police Department with Gulf State Distributors in the Amount of $63,283. The ammunition will be used for training new hires, in-service training, and SWAT training. | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Ammunition for SPD | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Ammunition for SPD | |
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #8 through #13, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Promotional Testing and Assessment for Police with Morris and McDaniel Inc. for an Amount up to $104,375. The Savannah Police Department utilizes the contract to conduct promotional assessments for the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Corporal. | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Promotional Testing and Assessment for SPD | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Promotional Testing and Assessment for SPD | |
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #8 through #13, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION | |
| 14. Approval of Contract Modifications for the Rental Car Facility Improvements Project with Johnson-Laux in the Amount of $48,133. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #15 and #16, per City Manager Melder's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 15. Approval of a Contract Amendment for the Security Checkpoint Expansion Project with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. in the Amount of $52,660. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #15 and #16, per City Manager Melder's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 16. Approval of a Host Airport Sponsorship for the F. Russell Hoyt National Airports Conference (NAC) in the Amount of $55,000. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #15 and #16, per City Manager Melder's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| BOARD APPOINTMENTS | |
| 17. Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Authorities | |
Mayor Johnson informed the public that Council recommended the appointment of seven (7) individuals for the Development Impact Fee Advisory Committee (DIFAC), and one (1) appointment to the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) at the Workshop today. a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve the following appointments to the Development Impact Fee Advisory Committee (DIFAC), seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously.
b. Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve the following appointment to the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz. The motion passed unanimously.
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| REAL ESTATE ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 18. Approval of the First Amendment to the Enmarket Arena Operating Agreement. This amendment specifies additional services, to be provided by the Oak View Group, that are integral to the successful operation of the arena. Services will include: parking management, Waterworks park management and sponsorship sales, the Bunker Club addition, and a City suite. | |
City Manager Melder gave a description of the Enmarket Arena Operating Agreement outlining all aspects of the first amendment. City Manager Melder recommends the City strike the provisions of the Waterworks Park and sponsorship agreements with the Oak View Group (OVG) for more due diligence time. City staff and OVG are in agreement with striking the provisions. Alderwoman Lanier expressed concerns with the Waterworks Park management and sponsorship portion of the agreement due to community concerns over previous sponsorships. Since the Enmarket Arena Agreement is finalized, the Waterworks Park and sponsorship agreements will give the community an opportunity to be a part of the discussions and create partnerships for community benefits. Alderman Leggett asked, if approved, will there be an opportunity to revisit the agreement with OVG to reevaluate managment to make sure the City is receiving a return on the investment. City Manager Melder answered, OVG is a contractor, the City has every opportunity to revisit the agreement for adjustments/changes. Alderman Leggett expressed his concern for the price of tickets and wants to be sure the Savannah working class citizens are able to afford taking their family to an event at the Enmarket Arena. Mayor Johnson added, OVG and Live Nation has a unique relationship with TicketMaster to ensure prices and fees are comparable with E-Ticket. To verify that is still the case, Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager to follow-up with OVG and send a memo to Council with the updated information. City Manager Melder assured Council everything was on track for the Enmarket Arena ribbon cutting ceremony on Februray 5, 2022. There will be additional site work around the arena for several more months, but staff is working on plans for vehicles to get in and out of parking facilities including ride share and private vehicles. Emergency vehicles, medical, police and fire will have safety egress & ingress route plans. He will send the amended parking and emergency vehicle route plans to Council. Additional discussions included:
Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #18, as amended by striking the Waterworks Park provisions of the agreement with respect to management and sponsorship, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 19. Approval of a First Amendment to the Civic Center Management Agreement with OVG Facilities, LLC. | |
| Civic Center Management Amendment. Final.pdf | |
City Manager Melder outlined the first amendment to the Oak View Group (OVG) Civic Center Management Agreement. The agreement is only for the Johnny Mercer Theatre and concessions in the lobby. The City will operate the remainer (ballrooms and meeting spaces). The City Attorney advised the contract is, as needed, with a ninety (90) days written mutual agreement to terminate. Other items of discussion included:
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS | |
| 20. Settlement #1 | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Shabazz moved to approve Item #20, to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to resolve the claim of Harold Mundy for $37,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 21. Settlement #2 | |
Item #21 was WITHDRAWN as requested by City Attorney Bates Lovett. |
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| MISCELLANEOUS | |
| 22. Reconsideration of City Council Officers 2022-2023 | |
Mayor Johnson gave background as it relates to a prior request from some Council Members to revisit the current Officers of Council. After guidance from City Attorney Lovett, the Council rules allow the Council the ability to evaluate the role and/or remove Council Officers with a majority vote. For public information, Mayor Johnson described the roles of each council office and indicated Council Members vote at the first meeting of each administration to select its Officers. The Rules of Council do not speak to evaluation and/or removal of Officers, and it is silent on a replacement of an Officer if one is removed. Alderman Purtee requested Item #22 to be placed on the Agenda and he asked to speak. He stated as it relates to responsibility and accountability, a person must be held accountable for their actions. In light of the recent reprimand of Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and approval of that reprimand by Council, he will make a motion to remove Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter from the Council office position of Chairman. Since the Rules of Council provide that it takes five (5) Members to have an item placed on the agenda, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested the names of the five members who requested Item #22 (if City Manager Melder did not put the item on the agenda). City Manager Melder indicated, Item #22 is a Council matter. To be transparent, Mayor Johnson asked all Council Members to respond. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested the names of the majority/consensus for Item #22. The following members responded: Mayor Johnson, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter responded to the Members. She discussed ethical and professional behavior and how this was a colossal embarassment, given all the challenges facing the City, i.e. crime, gentrification, sidewalks, lighting, etc. Alderman Purtee called for point of order. Mayor Johnson acknowledged. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter continued to speak. Alderman Purtee called for point of order. Mayor Johnson acknowledged. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter continued to speak. Alderman Purtee called for point of personal privilege to address the accusation. Mayor Johnson indicated the item is not up for discussion. Alderwoman Miller Blakely indicated she agreed with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter regarding issues the City should be addressing instead of removing Alderwoman Gibson-Carter from the seat as Chairman of Council. Council should focus on the needs of the City and remove the personalities and emotions. Five voting members of Council receive everything and the remainder of Council Members receive nothing, she stated. Alderman Purtee called for point of order. Mayor Johnson acknowledged. Alderwoman Miller Blakely continued. Mayor Johnson called for the vote using the board. Alderwoman Miller Blakely indicated there were citizens who wanted to speak, but Mayor Johnson indicated this item was not open for public comment. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely objected. City Attorney Lovett opined, there is no requirement for speakers when there is not a public hearing. Alderman Purtee moved to remove Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter from the Council office position of Council Chairman, seconded by Alderman Leggett. The motion passed 6-2-1, with Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo, and Alderman Purtee voting yea. Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier voted no. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter did not vote. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Johnson to explain to the public what her removal as Chairman means. Alderman Palumbo motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mayor Johnson requested the Clerk of Council to let the records of the City be updated to reflect Council's actions, and the Chamber structure be adjusted accordingly. |
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Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:38 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=yOtFmtTo8jPS
Mark Massey, Clerk of Council
Date Minutes Approved: February 10, 2022
Signature: MM |
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