JUNE 22, 2023, 6:30 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 6:35 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Miller Blakely to introduce Reverend Dr. Leonard Small, pastor of Litway Missionary Baptist Church 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

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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the regular meeting agenda of June 22, 2023, as amended by request of Mayor Johnson to add a Resolution Honoring Andre՛ Jackson, former Police Department employee, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #3 and #4, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #3 and #4, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson exercised a moment of personal privilege to introduce the 56th Mayor of Dayton, Ohio, former Mayor Nannette 'Nan' L. Whaley.  Mayor Whaley is in Savannah attending the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) conference this weekend.  She presided over the United States Conference of Mayors from 2021 to 2022.  Mayor Whaley thanked Major Johnson for the recognition and expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome from everyone in Savannah.

HEARD after Item #24.

READ and PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to Dr. Kimberly Ballard-Washington.   

Dr. Ballard-Washington thanked Mayor and Council for the honor and recognition.  She expressed her gratitude to the residents of Savannah and Savannah State University staff and students for the continued support and encouragement she received during her tenure.  Also in attendance were the family members of Dr. Ballard-Washington.

HEARD after Item #4.

READ by Mayor Johnson followed by a moment of silence.  The Resolution was delivered to the family of Mr. Harry Tucker Campbell, Jr. and made a part of the permanent record of the Savannah City Council meeting minutes.

City Manager Melder and Chief Operating Officer Bret Bell thanked Mayor and Council for the Resolution and the outpouring of support to the family and the IT department.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan was not present for the vote.

HEARD after Item #11.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Item #7.

No speaker(s).

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed concern and asked if this was an ice cream shop.  The applicant answered the shop is a retail store selling milk shakes, slushies, smoothies to go, and small baked goods.  The alcohol application is for wine slushies and wine shakes.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked the applicant if the business is in the 'to go cup zone' (yes). 

Alderman Leggett indicated the neighborhood association has no concerns.

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #7, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Items #8 and #9.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #8 and #9, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #8 and #9, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Items #8 and #9.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #8 and #9, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #8 and #9, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Item #10.

Speaker(s).

• Attorney Pierre Ifill - representing the applicant.

Alderman Leggett indicated the building has been condemned and there are issues needing to be addressed before moving forward.

Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager or the City Attorney for the current status.

City Manager Melder indicated the building is condemned and cannot perform as a business, but a Certificate of Occupancy (COO) is not required for the issuance of an alcohol license. The alcohol license application is in order, if Council wants to proceed with the alcohol hearing.

Attorney Ifill indicated the business name has changed from Sloppee Toppee to d/b/a Henry Street Bistro. The applicants are securing the building for occupancy and the city should receive a letter from engineers by weeks end stating the building can be occupied.

Alderman Leggett expressed concern and asked City Attorney Lovett what would happen if the city approved the alcohol license, and the building cannot be repaired for occupancy. Attorney Lovett answered the business would not be able to operate the establishment.

Alderman Leggett recommended waiting until the letter for occupancy is produced and the applicant has met with the neighborhood association. He recommended postponing Item #10 until all concerns are addressed/corrected and the structure has been fully approved by the city.

Mayor Johnson expressed concern, because of the location. He asked Attorney Ifill if a good neighbor agreement was executed. Attorney Ifill answered the applicant is willing to work with the neighborhood and would be willing to abide by the previous neighborhood agreement. Attorney Ifill stated the city has previously issued alcohol license to establishments with a temporary occupancy certificate (TOC).

Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested the number of TOC's issued by the City to businesses with an alcohol license. City Manager Melder indicated he did not have the information, but will send the information to Council. Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked why the building was condemned. City Manager Melder indicated the building was struck by a vehicle on June 16th. The City's first responders and building inspectors responded to the accident and the City's code compliance determined the building was structurally unsound. Code Compliance condemned the building pending a structurally sound engineer’s report/letter.

There was discussion by Mayor Johnson, City Manager Melder, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Attorney Ifill relating to a COO; however, it was made clear by the discussions that the approval by Council of the alcohol license is not dependent on the issuance of the COO.

Alderman Purtee agreed with Alderman Leggett.  To be consistant, the City requires a good neighbor agreement when issuing alcohol license.  He recommended postponing Item #10 until the new owner signed a good neighbor agreement.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her opinion of recent City approved alcohol license.

Alderman Purtee raised a point of order.  Point taken by Chair.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommended issuing the alcohol license contingent on the repairs needed to receive the COO.  City Manager Melder indicated Council has the ability to issue the alcohol license with contingencies.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Attorney Ifill what repairs are needed.  Attorney Ifill explained in detail the steps being taken by the applicant to repair the building.  The at-fault driver's insurance company will be responsible for the repairs and he indicated a letter from the engineers will be sent to the city on tomorrow.

Alderwoman Lanier asked if the applicant has reached out to the neighborhood association.  Attorney Ifill indicated the applicant reached out to the neighborhood association two days ago and the association asked questions pertaining to the change of name and the new owner.  The applicant is trying to arrange a meeting with the neighborhood association.  Alderwoman Lanier asked if the applicant and neighborhood association would agree to the previous good neighbor agreement.  Attorney Ifill indicated there should be a few tweaks to the agreement.  Alderwoman Lanier asked if there was a particular item in the good neighbor agreement which could not be agreed to by both parties, would that constitute a denial of the alcohol license.  City Attorney Lovett indicated the matter would come back before Council, and Council would decide if the questionable condition constitutes the denial of the alcohol license.

Alderman Leggett asked Attorney Ifill who is the lease holder.  He answered, the lease holder is still Jackie Somesso.  The landlord would not break the lease, Jackie Somesso is the financial guarantor on the lease.  Alderman Leggett indicated the lease holder is one of the reasons for the request of meeting with the neighborhood association with Alderman Leggett in attendance.

a. Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked the City Manager who maintains a copy of the neighborhood agreements.  City Manager Melder indicated the city and the various neighborhoods maintain a copy.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested a copy of all the good neighborhood agreements with business licenses.  She stated it seems like there is always a problem when an African American applies for an alcohol license.

Alderman Purtee and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan raised a point of order.  Point of order was recognized by the Chair.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan indicated the good neighbor agreements are an on-going process in the third district.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked if a certificate of appropriateness (COA) will be required since the establishment is in the historic district.  City Manager Melder indicated the COA is a separate issue from the alcohol license.

Mayor Johnson indicated good neighbor agreements were instituted to prevent numerous alcohol establishments in a neighborhood.  The alcohol ordinance established questions for the alcohol application that must be answered by the applicants:  1.) is there a neighborhood association; 2.)  was the neighborhood association contacted; and 3.) were there any concerns.  It was a way to include the neighborhoods/residents in the process.  All applicants must answer those three questions to be considered for an alcohol license approval by Council.

b. Alderman Leggett moved to CONTINUE/POSTPONE Item #10 to the next City Council Meeting on July 27, 2023, contingent on entering into a good neighbor agreement, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed, 6-3-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

c. Alderwoman Lanier moved to amend the motion to approve Item #10 with the condition of an executed good neighbor agreement, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion failed, 3-6-0.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted no.

Alderman Leggett indicated the neighborhood association president just texted him.  She has not met with the new owners.  Attorney Ifill indicated the neighborhood association was contacted and have been provided a letter.  

HEARD after Item #5.

Mayor Johnson read an explanation for the public hearing on the City's proposed millage rate of 12.20 mills for 2023.  He announced there will be two additional hearings concerning the millage rate to be held on July 27, 2023, at 10:00am and 6:30pm, respectively. 

City Manager Melder explained maintaining the 12.20 millage rate will allow the City to establish a stormwater management fund to provide improvements in drainage at bottleneck areas in the City.  The City Manager and staff recommend approval of the proposed millage rate of 12.20 mills. 

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing open for Item #11.

Speaker(s):

• Monique – requested police protection and better support from the district attorney regarding a domestic violence issue.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the public hearing for Item #11, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #12.

Speaker(s):

• Melanie Wilson, MPC Executive Director
• Melissa Paul-Leto, MPC representative
• Edward Morrow, MPC representative
• Jason Combs, President of the Thomas Square Neighborhood Association – IN SUPPORT - read the SUPPORT letter from Kevin Rose, Architect, representing the Thomas Square Neighborhood Association
• Robert L. McCorkle, III, representing the applicant

Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) Executive Director Melanie Wilson introduced MPC representatives, Melissa Paul-Leto and Edward Morrow who will represent MPC at City Council meetings for zoning hearings.  Ms. Paul-Leto and Mr. Morrow will be taking the place of Marcus Lotson who resigned from MPC to pursue other career opportunities.  Ms. Paul-Leto presented the presentation from MPC.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Mr. Combs the names of the other two businesses owned by the applicant.  Mr. Combs responded, Mood Right's and Over Yonder, in the same building located close to Abercorn Street and Victory Drive.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Mr. Combs if there was a good neighbor agreement.  Mr. Combs answered, a good neighbor agreement was not required because this is not the alcohol application.  The Thomas Square Neighborhood Association provided what MPC required for the special use permit.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if this property/building came before Council for approval at a prior meeting (no, she attended the neighborhood association meeting).  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Mr. McCorkle discussed the convenience/walkability for the immediate neighbors and the assigned parking for the business.

Alderman Leggett asked if the applicant contacted the railroad and the storage business across the street.  Mr. McCorkle indicated the applicant has reached out to the railroad for use of right-of-way in the rear for storage and the storage business is in support, along with two other neighborhood businesses.  Alderman Leggett indicated the applicant has reached out to the local church, and the neighborhood association is in support.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if there are parking spaces for the business.  Mr. McCorkle indicated, although it is not required, there are three assigned parking spaces for the establishment.       

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the zoning hearing the Item #12, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

Mayor Johnson and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ann Levett co-sponsored an Honorary Street Designation for Virginia Edwards-Maynor Way.  Ms. Virginia Edwards-Maynor became the superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools in 1998 where she remained until 2001.  She was the school district's first African American female superintendent.  The portion of Hopkins Street between West 52nd and 53rd Streets is where Ms. Edwards-Maynor served as principal at the former DeRenne School.  The Historic Sites and Monument Commission approved the designation unanimously.

Superintendent Levett was unable to attend the meeting, but Ms. Bernadette Oliver, Deputy Superintendent who works under and closely with Superintendent Levett thanked Mayor and Council for the honor and recognition of Ms. Edwards-Maynor.  Ms. Oliver indicated she worked closely with Ms. Edwards-Maynor who was a mentor to many and opened (kicked-down) doors for those who would follow her career path. 

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Palumbo was not present for the vote.

Later in the meeting:

b.  Mayor Johnson moved to reconsider Item #13 to give Alderman Palumbo an opportunity to vote, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

c.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

FIRST READING ONLY.  READ by Mayor Johnson.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if the residents will experience a rate increase.  City Manager Melder indicated there will be no rate increases for residents.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #15, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #16, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson announced, City Council met to consider the following appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Authorities.  Mayor Johnson read the following for Council's approval:

• Coastal Region MPO Citizens Advisory Council – appointed Robert R. Pirie (two-year term)
• Historic District Board of Review – appointed Robert G. Becker (three-year term)
• Hospital Authority of Savannah – reappointed Taqwaa Saleem and Grace H. Taylor, and appointed Dr. Jose de Arimateia da Cruz (four-year terms)
• Savannah-Chatham Historic Sites and Monuments Commission – appointed Dr. Nicholas Henry (five-year term)

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #17 as read by Mayor Johnson, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson read the Resolution and indicated the creation of the Community Improvement District (CID) would accelerate the improvement opportunities along the waterfront.

City Manager Melder explained the CID and how the tax revenue collected in that district can be utilized.  By creating a CID, the City will be able to use general funds for other projects.  City Manager Melder recommended approval.  City Manager Melder acknowledged Ansley Williams, Chelsea Williams, Julie Musselman, and their team who worked on the project. 

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder if a Community Improvement District can be created in a residential area (Yes, if the property owners agree to tax themselves.  There is a threshold, a majority of property owners must agree and those property owners must represent 75% of the assessed property value in that geographical area).

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderwoman Lanier expressed their congratulations to the creators of the CID and recognized the economic benefits the CID will bring to the community.  Alderwoman Lanier asked City Manager Melder if there is a time limit on the Community Improvement District (yes, must be renewed every 6 years).

Mayor Johnson moved to approve Item #18, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee  was not present for the vote.

City Manager Melder requested Item #19 to be POSTPONED as requested by staff.  Item #19 was postponed by unanimous consent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder how long will the temporary easement exist and how will the City reclaim ownership.  City Manager Melder indicated when the utility line is completed, the City will expire the temporary easement and the work will be deeded to the City. 

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Attorney Lovett about how the City assesses lawsuits.  City Attorney Lovett explained the City assesses all the damages of the claim (in this case, $72,000.00).  When liability is clear, special damages (lost wages, property, medical, etc.) are doubled to arrive at a settlement amount. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #23, to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to resolve the (motor vehicle collision) claim of Latarius Gordon for $150,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

ADDED:

24.  Resolution Honoring the Life and Service of Police Department Employee, Lt. Andre՛ Jackson.

HEARD after Item #6.

READ by Mayor Johnson and followed by a moment of silence.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #24 and made a part of the permanent record of the Savannah City Council meeting minutes, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan was not present for the vote.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mayor Johnson announced the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Conference will be in Savannah through Monday, June 26, 2023.  Savannah will be awarded as Georgia's first City of Civility from GMA.

Alderman Purtee took a moment of personal privilege to recognize the passing of the founder of the Wilshire Neighborhood Association, Ms. Bonnie Wells-Harris.  Family and friends will gather at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Avenue, at 2:00 p.m. Saturday to celebrate her life and accomplishments.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan congratulated Team Savannah on the Robbie Robinson Monument Marker in Cann Park.  The LB3 Foundation Golf Camp in partnership with the Savannah Golf Club for kids who would not otherwise have an opportunity to learn or participate in golf.  Stillwell Towers will be having the King and Queen event.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced she and Alderwoman Lanier attended the National Black Caucus of Elected Officials Conference in Jackson, Mississippi.  "See Black" was the theme.  Major topics were safety, education, and economics, and how to utilize those tools in the African American communities.  Thanks to Sharonte Turner for arranging safe and efficient travel accommodations.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked Team Savannah and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan for the Robbie Robinson Monument in the 5th District.

Alderwoman Lanier announced that security on the first floor is holding a lost portfolio and phone.

Mayor Johnson thanked Team Savannah for all their hard work and support.  The next City Council Meeting will be on July 27, 2023, he encouraged taking a vacation during the extra time.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:18 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=nxBYgBofo1G2mtzZ

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:      July 27, 2023  

Signature:   MM