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JUNE 23, 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 6:32 p.m. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz recognized Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely to introduce Reverend Dr. Betty Jones, associate pastor of Litway Missionary Baptist Church, to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
PRESENT: Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, District 5, 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 Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4, Vice-Chairman Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6 ABSENT: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3
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 called the meeting to order, whereupon she read the following statement: Mayor Jonson is out of the country on a US State Department-sponsored mission to Germany, leading a delegation from Savannah and Atlanta to discuss domestic terrorism prevention and to improve US-European relations. During his time in Germany, the delegation will visit Berlin, Halle and other cities, meet with local mayors and US Embassy officials. Savannah has had a Sister City relationship with Halle, Germany since 2011. |
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for June 23, 2022. | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to adopt/approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on June 9, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. | |
| Exhibit 1: DRAFT MINUTES - June 9, 2022 City Council Workshop.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on June 9, 2022, at 2:20 p.m. | |
| Exhibit 1: DRAFT MINUTES - June 9, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 4. Approval of a Class C (Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Daniel T. Merritt for The Green Palm Inn, an Inn at 546 E. President Street Between East Broad and Houston Streets in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - The Green Palm Inn.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - The Green Palm Inn.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - The Green Palm Inn.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - The Green Palm Inn.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - The Green Palm Inn.pdf | |
a. Alderman Palumbo moved to open the alcohol hearing for Items #4, #5 and #6, seconded by Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. b. Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #4, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. c. Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #4, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 5. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License to Niktaben Patel for Savannah Market, a Convenience Store at 130 East Victory Drive Between Abercorn and Drayton Streets in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Savannah Market.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Savannah Market.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Savannah Market.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Savannah Market.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Savannah Market.pdf | |
a. Alderman Palumbo moved to open the alcohol hearing for Items #4, #5 and #6, seconded by Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. b. Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #5, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. c. Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #5, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 6. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Ericka M. Phillips for Dottie's, a Restaurant at 207 West Broughton Street Between Barnard and Jefferson Streets in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Dottie's.docx | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Dottie's.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Dottie's.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Dottie's.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Dottie's.pdf | |
a. Alderman Palumbo moved to open the alcohol hearing for Items #4, #5 and #6, seconded by Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. b. Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #6, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. c. Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| ZONING HEARINGS | |
| 7. Petition of Harold Yellin, Agent for Cowen Investments, LLC, on Behalf of Gladys Gill and Joyce Durrence, to Amend the Zoning Map at 0 Fort Argyle Road (PIN 21034 01008) from A-I (Agricultural) to B-C (Community Business), IL-T (Light Industrial-Transition) and I-L (Light Industrial) with Conditions. Aldermanic District #5. File No. 22-001626-ZA. | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 0 Ft. Argyle Road (File No. 22-001626-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Maps for 0 Fort Argyle Road (File No. 22-001626-ZA).pdf | |
a. Alderman Palumbo moved to open the zoning hearing for Item #7, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Speaker(s) present:
Written comment(s) received:
Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked what impact will this have on Bush Road? Mr. Yellin answered, no impact. Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if Ms. Grant received written confirmation that her property will not be annexed into the city. City Attorney Lovett confirmed Ms. Grant's property will not be annexed. Alderwoman Lanier asked if the current zoning is agricultural (yes). She asked about the current buffer and what will be permitted on the property. Mr. Lotson indicted the buffer will be to maintain the existing vegetation and trees, and the zoning will permit warehousing on the heavy side creating truck traffic. When the developer prepares the master plan a traffic study will be required. Alderwoman Lanier asked if the residents received any community benefits. Mr. Yellin detailed the 100 foot buffer for the residents, he explained the ordinance requires an eight foot tall fence and a thirty foot vegetative buffer. The property use is in line with the comprehensive plan approved by MPC and the City. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concerns with the West Chatham County Community not being recognized as an organized body and not part of Savannah. Once annexed into Savannah, Chatham County claimed no purview over the properties. She stated decisions made by MPC, where City Manager Melder and others serve on the panel, serves as a pass-through; thereby when items come before Council, it has already been approved. City Manager Melder explained, he along with the County Manager serve as exofficio members on the MPC Board, along with equal members from both municipalities; every vote counts equally. Historically, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated her experience on Council has shown, the current structure leaves those residents at a disadvantage when it come to developments of this type. Addressing Mr. Lotson, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter restated his information concerning the project and the area having no current commercial outlets. However, there are convenience stores and lodging, but there is no fire, police or ambulance service. Residents have called her with concerns for the projects and there are wetlands involved. She asked City Manager Melder if an environmental impact study was performed. Mr. Melder indicated Council is considering zoning today and not the environmental impact. Additionally, City Manager Melder reported the area does have fire and police protection within 4-5 minutes for the area. Since the project will be brought before Council again, Alderman Palumbo asked what are the next steps. Mr. Yellin indicated a master plan with detailed information for Council's approval. Alderman Palumbo asked about the future land use classification as it aligns with the proposed uses. Mr. Lotson detailed the planned development process. Alderman Palumbo asked MPC Executive Director Melanie Wilson to explain the roles, differences and responsibilities as it relates to the City and MPC. Ms. Wilson gave a detailed explanation for Council and the public. Alderman Purtee clarified the area in question does have fire and police, plus Chatham EMS provides coverage for any emergency calls. Alderwoman Lanier asked Ms. Grant if there were other issues needing to be addressed that didn't materialize. Ms. Grant answered, no, and there were five other residents affected that also received a buffer. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz indicated the project is in the fifth district and she is in favor of City Manager Melder's recommendation for approval. Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked what kind of water source is in the area (well or city). Mr. Welsh answered, there are shallow and deep wells in the area. Alderwoman Miller Blakely received correspondence from a resident stating her well would be affected. Mr. Cowen indicated the project will have city water and sewer and will not be on septic or wells. b. Alderman Palumbo moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #7, seconded by Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 8. Petition of Thomas Matthews from Drayton Parker Companies LLC on Behalf of Carlton Ray to Amend the Zoning Map at 1758 Grove Point Road (PIN 10993A 05001) from R-A-CO (Residential – Agricultural County) to B-C (Community Business) with Conditions in Aldermanic District 6 (File No. 22-002106-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 1758 Grove Point Road (File No. 22-002106-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Maps for 1758 Grove Point Road (File No. 22-002106-ZA).pdf | |
a. Alderman Purtee moved to open the zoning hearing for Item #8, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Speaker(s) present:
Written comment(s) received:
Alderman Purtee explained the concerns of some residents. There will be a traffic study to increase efficiency and safety. No. 15 Fire Station will not be impacted by the project. Residents have met with Parker's representatives and have reached agreements. After a request by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, there were no residents attending the meeting in support or opposed to Item #8. b. Alderman Purtee moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #8, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concerns and read portions of Mr. & Mrs. Davis' written comments opposing the project. Alderman Purtee indicated he attended all the neighborhood meetings and there were no opposed residents attending. If there are oppositions, he suggested residents contact their Chatham County District Commissioners. |
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| ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 9. Petition of Harold Yellin, Agent for Cowen Investments, LLC, on Behalf of Gladys Gill and Joyce Durrence, to Amend the Zoning Map at 0 Fort Argyle Road (PIN 21034 01008) from A-I (Agricultural) to B-C (Community Business), I-L-T (Light Industrial-Transition) and I-L (Light Industrial) with Conditions in Aldermanic District 5 (File No. 22-001626-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 0 Ft. Argyle Road (File No. 22-001626-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Maps for 0 Fort Argyle Road (File No. 22-001626-ZA).pdf | |
After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Alderman Purtee. The motion passed, 4-3. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier voted no. |
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| 10. Petition of Thomas Matthews from Drayton Parker Companies LLC on Behalf of Carlton Ray to Amend the Zoning Map at 1758 Grove Point Road (PIN 10993A 05001) from R-A-CO (Residential – Agricultural County) to B-C (Community Business) with Conditions. Aldermanic District #6. File No. 22-002106-ZA. | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 1758 Grove Point Road (File No. 22-002106-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Maps for 1758 Grove Point Road (File No. 22-002106-ZA).pdf | |
After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed, 6-1. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no. |
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| PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 11. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification for Three Dump Trucks with Wade Ford, Inc. in the Amount of $27,030. The three (3) dump trucks will be a fleet addition for the Sanitation Department to support the newly created Sanitation’s Litter Crew. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Modification for Three Dump Trucks.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Modification for Three Dump Trucks.pdf | |
Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if the modification request is for all three dump tracks. Mr. Melder indicated it is for all three trucks. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 12. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Mini Excavator with National Equipment Dealers, LLC in the Amount of $49,599. The mini excavator will be utilized by the Water Distribution & Conveyance Division in the repair of old water lines. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Mini Excavator.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Mini Excavator.pdf | |
Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recently requested information from staff on increased customer service as it relates to water services. To date, she has received calls from residents reporting $50.00 late fees and the billing cycle decreased from 60 days to 30 days. She also asked have the residents been advised of these changes, and when and how were the changes authorized. City Manager Melder will follow-up with answers for Council Members. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her displeasure of the $50.00 late fee and the decrease in the billing cycle days. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Replacement of one 9-Ton and one 11-Ton Wheel Loader Carriers with National Equipment Dealers, LLC in the Amount of $308,433. The wheel loaders will be used by the Stormwater Management Division to maintain the large drainage canals within the City of Savannah. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - 9 and 11 Wheel Loaders.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - 9 and 11 Ton Wheel Loaders.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #13 through #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Long-Reach Excavator with National Equipment Dealers, LLC in the Amount of $324,628. The long reach excavator will be used by the Stormwater Division to maintain the large drainage canals in the City. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Long Reach Excavator.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Long Reach Excavator.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #13 through #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Sewer Vacuum Truck from Environmental Products Group, Inc. in the Amount of $476,900. The vehicle will be utilized by the Stormwater Management Division to ensure positive drainage and reduce the incidence of flooding. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Sewer Vacuum Truck.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Sewer Vacuum Truck.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #13 through #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Dryer Belt with Huber Technology in the Amount of $70,200. The belt will be utilized by the Water Reclamation Department for moving sludge in the bio-solid handling process. (Water Reclamation) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Dryer Belt.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note - Dryer Belt.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #13 through #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 17. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for HVAC Maintenance with Boaen Mechanical Services (LOCAL) in the Amount of $98,757. The services will be used by the Water Supply and Treatment Department to maintain over 70 HVAC systems in those facilities. (I & D Plant and Water Reclamation) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - HVAC Maintenance for Water Treatment Facilities.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - HVAC Maintenance for Water Treatment Facilities.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #13 through #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification No. 1 for Body Cameras, Tasers, and Digital Evidence System in an Amount up to $101,446. The Savannah Police Department will utilize this contract to enhance the body-worn cameras (BWC) by adding GPS location services and the ability to view BWC’s live from remote locations. This service will enhance public safety services by providing GPS tracking of officers. (Police) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Body Cameras, Tasers, & Digital Evidence System.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Body Cameras, Tasers, & Digital Evidence System.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #13 through #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 19. Authorize the City Manager to Procure a Contract for the Replacement of Mobile Data Terminals with Law and Order Technology, LLC in the Amount of $315,000. The mobile data terminals (MDT) used by the City of Savannah Police Department, allows officers to communicate with Central Dispatch while providing real time GPS location mapping and information relevant to the current task. (IT) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Mobile Data Terminal Replacement.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Mobile Data Terminal Replacement.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #13 through #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Senior Meals with Senior Citizen, Inc. (LOCAL) in an Amount up to $475,000. The meals will be served to senior citizens at various centers throughout the City. (Recreation and Leisure Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Senior Meals.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Senior Meals.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #13 through #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| 21. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Final Project Close-out Amendment for the Facilities at 8 Interchange Court with Johnson-Laux Construction Inc. (LOCAL, DBE) in the Amount of $82,180. This modification is needed to cover costs associated with various credits, added costs due to unforeseen conditions, constructability items, clarification in plans, and owner requested changes. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Final Close-Out Amendment for 8 Interchange Court.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Final Close-Out Amendment for 8 Interchange Court.pdf | |
Alderwoman Lanier asked City Manager Melder if the adjustment/amendment is due to supply chain problems or if the city requested changes to the fleet services portion. Mr. Melder indicated the adjustment is due to unforeseen conditions (additional asbestos remediation, relocation of underground utility lines, installation of a CO2 monitoring system, upgrading the electrical power coming to the building from single-phase to three-phase, increasing the size of an overhead door, and the addition of a shop sink). In spite, of the adjustments/amendment, Mr. Melder indicated the project is still under budget. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter has concerns for project cost overruns and modifications from contractors/vendors who have a consistent history of submitting such modifications. Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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| CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS | |
| 22. Settlement #1 | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #22, to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to resolve the claim of Patience Wright (vehicle injury) for $70,000.00, seconded by Alderman Purtee and Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Melder recognized Fire Chief Derek Minard for his service to the City of Savannah. Mr. Melder shared with Council and the public the many outstanding accomplishments of Chief Minard. He thanked the Chief for his service to the City. City Manager Melder introduced Assistant Fire Chief Elzie Kitchen who will assume the position of Interim Fire Chief, effective July 2, 2022. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked her colleagues for a very good meeting today and she wished Mayor Johnson safe travels home from Germany. Alderwoman Miller Blakely recognized Police Major Devon Adams for coming back, doing well and healthy. She also asked the City Manager about a raise expected by certain employees in July. The City Manager responded a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was approved by the City Council. The second/last phase begins July 1st. These COLAs are for the rest of the city employees who did not receive an adjustment in January. Concerning Police officers, City Manager Melder indicated they have already received their increase and will not be a part of this phase.
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz adjourned the meeting at 7:52 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=WNBb6oWOnex2
Mark Massey, Clerk of Council
Date Minutes Approved: July 14, 2022
Signature: MM |
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