SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

JULY 8, 2021 – 2:00 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held via Zoom video communications at 2:02 p.m. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Lanier to introduce Bishop Dorothy M. Tanksley, Senior Pastor of Restoration Praise and Worship Ministries, 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 and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously. 

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

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

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearing for Item #4.

Speaker(s):

• Dr. Betty Jones, President, Feiler Park Neighborhood Assoc. - OPPOSED
• Nikhil Patel, applicant – SUPPORTED

City Attorney Lovett clarified the issue regarding the issuance of the alcohol license.  There was a question regarding if this establishment was eligible for a license because of the overlay.  The overlay prevents new licenses at new locations, but current establishments can reapply for a license within twelve months for a transfer of property ownership.  It will be at Council's discretion to allow.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz stated there are 21 out of 24 allowable alcohol license within a  one-mile radius of the establishment.  The neighborhood association has not accepted the agreement because of the saturation of alcohol establishments within a one-mile radius.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommended Attorney Lovett communicate with business owners about the alcohol application requirements and process prior to an applicant completing the application.  Attorney Lovett will work on wording of a document and report to Council Members. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan read the general provisions from the alcohol beverage ordinance, Section 8-18-20-6, Sec. 6-1202 which clearly states, an alcohol license is a privilege not a right.  This should be conveyed to all alcohol applicants.  

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing for Item #4, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to deny Item #4, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

FIRST READING, HEARD.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the wording 'aluminum' was the only change.  Mayor Johnson answered, yes within a specific boundary.  She asked if the City will be receiving the cups from Rome, Ga and who would pay for the cups. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz presided. Mayor Johnson had to leave the meeting due to another obligation (First Lady Biden's visit).

Acting City Manager Brown explained it will be the business owners option to use the aluminum cups.  Ball Company will provide the aluminum cups.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely has concerns for business owners who may experience additional expenses, like purchasing the aluminum cups.  Alderman Palumbo gave a brief description of the aluminum cup factory and the reasons for using Ball Company.  He stated, using the aluminum cups will give the public and business owners an alternative to plastic, will be better for the environment, and supports Savannah becoming a more sustainable City.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mr. Brown who presented the item as an initiative.  Mr. Brown answered, Alderman Palumbo.  Because this is an initial initiative, and the use of aluminum cups will have a major impact on business owners, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter offered the following motion. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to postpone Item #5 and schedule a workshop on the use of aluminum cups by business owners, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion was not voted upon.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz informed Council this was a first reading only and the opportunity for discussion will be available upon the second reading.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with Mayor Johnson not present.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with Mayor Johnson not present.

Alderwoman Lanier asked Acting City Manager Brown if there would be bike tag fees issued to help pay for roads.  Mr. Brown answered, there haven't been bike tag fees for about forty years, but he would ask the transportation department staff and the Bike Savannah group for recommendations. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with Mayor Johnson not present.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Acting City Manager Brown the status of the impact fees ordinance.  Mr. Brown answered, when the comprehensive plan is adopted with the impact fees ordinance, Council will be able to move forward with the impact fees ordinance.  She asked if there were any community benefits.  Mr. Brown answered, the benefits are the meter and tap fees being paid by the residents for the expansion of the City's water and sewer system.   

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Mayor Johnson was not present.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #10, #11 and #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed 8-0-1, with Mayor Johnson not present.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #10, #11 and #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed 8-0-1, with Mayor Johnson not present.

Since this is an on-going project, Alderwoman Lanier asked Acting City Manager Brown for the data and outcomes associated with the project; i.e., how many workers, what was the impact of the funds, impact on the workforce, etc.  Mr. Brown will prepare a report for Council. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #10, #11 and #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed 8-0-1, with Mayor Johnson not present.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Mayor Johnson was not present.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz adjourned the Meeting at 2:56 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=gnBZNdOMLhxH

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: July 22, 2021    

Initials:  mm