SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

JULY 22, 2021 – 6:30 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held at 6:30 p.m., via Zoom video communications. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Leggett to introduce Pastor Charles O’Berry of the House of Freedom Worship Center Savannah, 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:

Acting City Manager Michael Brown

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

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

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

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #5, #7 and #8.

Clerk of Council Massey reported the following speaker was in Council Chambers:

Speaker(s):

• Michael Higgins - Supports but did not speak (speaker card).

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol license hearings for Items #5, #7 and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #5, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett moved to continue Item #6 to the August 12, 2021 Meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #5, #7 and #8.

Clerk of Council Massey reported the following speakers were present via Zoom video:

Speaker(s):

• D. H. Bathon, III - Applicant (did not speak).
• Tom Oxnard - on behalf of Applicant - stated his support.

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol license hearings for Items #5, #7 and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #5, #7 and #8.

No Speaker(s):

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol license hearings for Items #5, #7 and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the hearing for Item #9.

Acting City Manager Brown briefly explained the process for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan which paves the way for impact fees for the City.  He emphasized this is a draft and recommended approval for submission to DCA for comments.

Alderwoman Lanier reported there were concerns from the Westside leadership because there were no community meetings, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Westside leadership would like meetings before the end of the month for input in the Plan.  Mayor Johnson indicated the Centers are now open and the City can proceed with scheduling meetings for citizen comments.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz recommended MPC provide a model that can be used in all neighborhood districts for comments.

No Speaker(s):

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing for Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #9, in draft form, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier noted the Plan is for Savannah and unincorporated Chatham County and asked Mr. Brown if the seven (7) municipalities would participate in the Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Brown answered, the other seven municipalities opted out of the Plan.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely emphasized, for the public, this is a draft and not the final Plan.  She encouraged interested residents to attend the public meetings for their input.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz requested additional research and clarification on the establishment of which District.  Mayor Johnson asked Acting City Manager Brown to work with MPC staff on clarification of which District the establishment resides.

Alderman Leggett moved to continue Items #10 and #17 to the August 12, 2021 meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the hearing for Item #11.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative gave a brief outline of the zoning request change.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Leggett are requesting a meeting with the petitioner to discuss a business agreement for the establishment prior to moving forward with Items #11 and #18.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to continue Items #11 and #18 to the August 26, 2021 meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the hearing for Item #12.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative gave a detailed description of the rezoning request.
• Kerri Bieber - Opposes.
• Travis Burke, Engineer - Supports.
• Harold Yellin, Agent for petitioner - Supports.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Mr. Lotson for clarification on which District the development would reside.  Mr. Lotson answered, possibly District 5.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz stated there should be more due diligence performed prior to Council's vote.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked if the agreement  with Chatham County has been received.  Mayor Johnson indicated if the agreement with Chatham County is not received, there will be no moving forward with the development.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated the West Chatham residents are concerned with disruption to the community.  She informed Council the property was the burial ground of slaves and she had concerns that Mayor Johnson had received contributions to his campaign.  She asked if he would recuse himself.  Mayor Johnson declined.

Attorney Yellin discussed the years he has worked on this project with Chatham County and the meetings with the City related to the annexation of the property into the City, due to City services.  He asked Alderwoman Gibson-Carter for the names of the concerned West Chatham residents.   Mr. Brown indicated along with the names, residents should disclose their addresses of residence in the City.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to continue Items #12 and 19 to the September 9, 2021 meeting, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the hearing for Item #13.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative explained the text amendment in detail.
• Bridget Lidy, Urban Planning & Design Director
• Melanie Wilson, MPC Executive Director

Written comment(s):

• John R. Bennett, acting Chair of SDRA – Supports.
• Jason Combs, VP of the Thomas Square Neighborhood Assoc. – Supports.

Alderman Leggett asked Mr. Lotson if any buildings are higher within the stated area.  Mr. Lotson answered no.  Alderman Leggett has concerns with the current height maximum of construction along MLK and Montgomery.  Mr. Lotson indicated the current maximum height is 40 feet.

For clarity, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked if the new amended language would change the maximum height in the area from 40 feet to 55 feet.  Mr. Lotson answered yes.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz has concerns of destroying the historic integrity of the area with the change in height to 55 feet and the rapid gentrification.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely agreed with Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.

Alderwoman Lanier recommended having policies in place pertaining to anti-gentrification.  Alderman Palumbo recommended MPC and Ms. Lidy identify the importance of the text amendments right now; there is no current distinctions of how the change would impact the area and any benefits to the City.

Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Lotson and Ms. Lidy if they were aware of any individuals who might have approached MPC or the City which would necessitate the City's review of this item at this time.  Mr. Lidy indicated she has spoken to an individual who is looking at developing property in this area; this precipitated the review of ordinance text.  She clarified the height as 45 feet for a maximum of three stories; and the amendment as 45 feet for four stories.

Ms. Wilson explained why the text amendment came before MPC, but recognizes the need for a more specific detailed corridor/land use plan for the area.  If Council requests a more specific detailed corridor/land use plan, MPC will provide the information.            

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to refer Items #13 and #20 back to MPC for the development of a more detailed corridor/land use plan, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the hearing for Item  #14.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative, introduced Ms. Michalak.
• Bridget Lidy, Urban Planning & Design Director.
• Leah G. Michalak, MPC Historic Preservation - provided a presentation for Council regarding the 90 buildings in the Brownville Historic District; requesting to reclassify some of the buildings as historic, protecting them from demolition.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo thanked Ms. Michalak and expressed their gratitude for the additional 90 historic buildings.  The area was established in 1867 as the closest neighborhood to downtown for freed slaves. 

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the hearing for Item #14, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter informed Ms. Lidy there are other neighborhoods seeking the same historic destination.  Ms. Lidy asked Alderwoman Gibson-Carter to have individuals contact her and she will work with MPC for strategies to move forward.

Mayor Johnson opened the hearing for Item #15.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative, gave a brief outline of the zoning map amendment.
• Kerri Bieber – Opposes.
• Travis Burke, engineer – Supports.
• Brent Watts, petitioner (did not speak).
• Michael Garcia, Project Designer - described building design and parking spaces.
• Harold Yellin, agent for petitioner – Supports.  Gave an in depth description of the project naming approval acquired and supporters.

Written comment(s):

• Jason Combs, VP of the Thomas Square Neighborhood Assoc. – Supports.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked Mr. Lotson if staff recommended denial.  Mr. Lotson indicated during MPC staff's initial review there was concern for the number of units.  The petition was revised and resubmitted to MPC, at which time MPC recommended approval.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked Mr. Yellin for the median rents for the project.  Mr. Watts answered, market rate and number of units will determine rents ($1,600 - $3,000 for large 1-bedroom unit).  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked if tax credits are received, how can workforce housing afford the units.  Mr.  Watts explained the smaller workforce house will be closer to $1,000.  She also had concerns for parking (Attorney Yellin reported there will be 22 parking spaces).

Alderman Leggett discussed neighborhood concerns of the units becoming vacation rentals.  He suggested language in the agreement to disallow vacation rentals in the building.  Attorney Yellin stated the petitioner is agreeable to disallowing vacation rentals in the property for five years, then revisit the language of the agreement.  Alderman Leggett reported the neighborhood association wants the language to read no short term vacation rentals for the life of the project.  Mayor Johnson indicated there could be a 'deed restriction' associated with the agreement.

Mayor Johnson thanked Attorney Yellin for serving on the Housing Task Force and asked if he would give a description of affordable housing versus workforce housing.  Attorney Yellin described affordable housing and workforce housing as it relates to the City of Savannah.

Alderwoman Lanier asked how can you assure the rental rates will remain affordable for the workforce (downtown area, $40,000 salary).  She suggest the City adopt policies to regulate workforce rent rates.  Mayor Johnson and Attorney Yellin discussed how the City could avoid students occupying the intended workforce housing units.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed various issues of concern associated with the project:

• Council has a responsibility to protect the neighborhood corridors;
• this area has experienced a high rate of gentrification;
• the property is in close proximity to SCAD, there will be some student applications;
• the City needs policies to regulate workforce rent rates;
• the rent rates for the project are too expensive; and
• the City should create policies to help/support developers in decisions for projects.       

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked if the tax credits would be from the City or the Federal Government, and how does it relate to the project.  Mr. Watts answered, it is historic tax credits that off-set the rents from Federal and State Government.    

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearing for Item #15, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Leggett moved to approve Item #16, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan voted no.

Alderman Leggett moved to continue Items #10 and #17 to the August 12, 2021 meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to continue Items #11 and #18 to the August 26, 2021 meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to continue Items #12 and #19 to the September 9, 2021 meeting, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to refer Items #13 and #20 back to MPC for the development of a more detailed corridor/land use plan, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the hearing for Item #22.

Speaker(s):

• Charles A. Feagain (Lives in District 2 on W. Perry Street) – Opposes.  He asked the City Attorney to have the City conduct the hearings at the specified times as published.
• Gene Robinson (not a City resident, lives on Blackshell Road - notaxesnow@gmail.com) – Opposes.  He read the proposed amendment to the Constitution and offered a copy to any interested person.  

Mayor Johnson indicated there were two (2) hearings today, one at 4:00 p.m. and one at the Regular Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m.  Citizens were encouraged to send or attend meetings to provide comments.

Acting City Manager Brown cited two separate dedicated hearings were available for citizens.  On the issue of the tax increase, it is a 2% tax increase for services.  No services were discontinued during the recession and there were no increases of sanitation rates or water and sewer fees.  He is recommending the 2% tax increase.

Mayor Johnson instructed the Clerk of Council to contact Mr. Robinson and send Council Members a copy of the proposed amended Constitution. 

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing closed.

Mayor Johnson thanked Alderman Palumbo, Assistant to City Manager Joe Shearouse, Jr., and other various organizations for their work on allowing the use of aluminum cups on public right of ways.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Alderman Palumbo, how much will the aluminum cups cost the business owners.  Alderman Palumbo responded, questions should be addressed to the Chair.  The aluminum cups are more cost affective than other sustainable alternatives such as cups made of corn.  Mayor Johnson indicated each business can purchase as many or as little as their budgets will allow.  Participation is totally voluntary and the business will purchase the cups from the vendor.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her concerns with not getting items put on the agenda.  Mayor Johnson explained the process of getting items on the agenda with the support of other Council Members.      

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #31 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #31 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #31 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #31 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #31 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #31 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #31 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #31 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson moved Items #32 through #39 up on the Agenda, after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #32 through #39, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson moved Items #32 through #39 up on the Agenda, after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #32 through #39, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson moved Items #32 through #39 up on the Agenda, after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #32 through #39, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson moved Items #32 through #39 up on the Agenda, after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #32 through #39, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson moved Items #32 through #39 up on the Agenda, after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #32 through #39, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson moved Items #32 through #39 up on the Agenda, after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #32 through #39, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson moved Items #32 through #39 up on the Agenda, after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #32 through #39, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson moved Items #32 through #39 up on the Agenda, after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #32 through #39, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely had concerns with the language being an automatic annual renewal without Council vote.  Mayor Johnson explained, Council will annually adopt a new plan.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #40, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Shabazz moved to approve Item #41, authorize the City Attorney’s office to resolve a personal injury claim involving Bryanne Jenkins in the amount of $37,000.00, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #42, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson announced the upcoming departure of Michael Brown as Acting City Manager, effective July 30, 2021, pursuant to receipt of his resignation letter.

Mayor Johnson moved to appoint Heath Lloyd as Acting City Manager, effective July 30, 2021, at the same interim rate of $20,000.00/month through September 10, 2021, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson moved to appoint Joseph “Jay” Melder as City Manager, starting September 10, 2021, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson advised his motion is contingent on the terms of employment being voted upon at the next City Council meeting and pursuant to a satisfactory background examination.

Lastly, Mayor Johnson thanked Mr. Melder and the entire City Council for their hard work during this process. He thanked the search firm of Developmental Associates and their representatives, Steve and Heather. He thanked the City Attorney for being intrinsically involved and helping the City Council to get to this point. And Mayor Johnson thanked the citizens who came and participated in the forums, and for their patience with the City Council during this process. Finally, he thanked Heath Lloyd whom they are counting on to help lead during the transition, and Michael Brown for being a consummate professional.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:01 p.m.

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

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=pgS500xnZgcD

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: August 12, 2021    

Initials:  mm