MARCH 24, 2022, 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 6:30 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan who introduced local real estate professionals of Ukrainian descent, Mr. Ivan Shalavuta and Ms. Inna Adams, 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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda with the addition of Board Appointments, Agenda Item #27, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

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

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan to Ms. Elaine Shavers Campbell, President, Savannah Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with other members present.

Ms. Campbell accepted and thanked City Council for the Proclamation on behalf of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  She invited everyone to celebrate Mamie George S. Williams Advocacy Day at King Frazier Student Center Ballroom, Savannah State University on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.  There will be an opportunity for new voters to register to vote and all in attendance can enjoy a lecture by Velma Thomas, Author and Historian, on the life of Mamie George S. Williams. 

NOT PRESENTED.

Alderman Leggett moved to continue/hold Item #6, as recommended by staff, to the April 14, 2022, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

Speaker(s) present:

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative - MPC recommended approval with series of conditions.
• City Manager Melder - enumerated/detailed some of the conditions.
• Sherry Harris – SUPPORTED
• April James – SUPPORTED
• Michael and Brittanie Neal – SUPPORTED
• Genea C. Robertson – SUPPORTED
• Pat Gunn – SUPPORTED
• Dr. Bernita R. Smalls – SUPPORTED
• Thurmond N. Tillman – SUPPORTED
• Bill Gross – SUPPORTED

Written comment(s) received:

• Gloria Youmans – SUPPORTED
• Bianca Graham – SUPPORTED
• Shalonda Spann – SUPPORTED
• Catrina Bristol – SUPPORTED
• Alisa Campbell – SUPPORTED
• David Jones – SUPPORTED
• Pat Gunn – SUPPORTED

Alderwoman Lanier inquired if all 100 units will be in one structure.  Mr. Lotson answered, up to 100 units are designated multifamily for seniors on the 3.85 acres.  Mr. Melder added, the 100 units will not necessarily be in one structure but will be on that portion of the 3.85 acres.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for pictures of the development to assure the project(s) will be garden style units and not two or three stories.  Mr. Lotson indicated there are numerous renderings of projects for the entire development, but at this time, there are no specific designs or site development for the multifamily senior units on the 3.85 acre portion of land.

Alderwoman Lanier asked if the units will be income-based or affordable housing.  Mr. Lotson answered the only designation at this time is senior housing.  Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder indicated timing and the negotiations of the development agreement and the purchase and sales agreement will determine pricing of the units.  The intention is affordable units for seniors.   

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked Executive Director Melanie Wilson and the MPC entire staff for all the research and the approval vote for rezoning of 4801 Meding Street.  For public clarity, she read, in detail, the seven (7) conditions in entirety.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder about the use of low income tax credits for the project.  Mr. Melder explained how the city could partner with the Land Bank Authority.  Partnering will help make sure the units stay affordable in perpetuity.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed the residents of the 5th District would like to be included in the decisions/negotiations for the development; she discussed the City's purchase of the land and environmental concerns calling for mitigation and she asked if any of the P3 representatives were in Chambers for questioning.  Mr. Melder indicated Item #7 is a petition for rezoning only.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz if any members of P3 were present for questions.  The people she introduced them to in Atlanta.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter mentioned the need to have an executive session, against the recommendation of the City Attorney.

Mayor Johnson called for point of order.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mr. Melder if a timeline has been established, (no).  She would like to support the development, but expressed her concerns for various parts of the development and asked City Attorney Lovett if he was familiar with the Terragon Environmental Report.

Mayor Johnson described the process which Council approved, giving City Manager Melder authorization to proceed with vetting out all the details of the development and reporting back to Council with his recommendations.

Alderman Palumbo discussed the advantages of the City's involvement in the development and how all aspects of the project(s) are discussed openly for transparency, so there is no need for closed executive session.  He indicated the last executive session resulted in a violation of ethics.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely called for point of order.  Mayor Johnson acknowledged.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely had concerns for the written comment submitted by David Jones, Managing Partner of P3 Joint Venture Group, describing a three (3) story unit project and questioned what happened to the garden style units.  Mayor Johnson answered, Council is asked to review and approve the zoning only of the project today and will accept plans for approval at a later date.        

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #7, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan requested time for additional due diligence.  City Manager Melder reported staff has also requested additional time for Item #8.

Written comment(s) received:

• Donald Perry – OPPOSED

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to continue/hold Item #8 to the April 14, 2022, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing for Item #9 open.

Speaker(s) present:

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative - MPC recommended approval.

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

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

Speaker(s) present:

• Candra Teshome, Office of Planning & Urban Design
• Daniel Ben-Yisrael (Parker’s Real Estate Development Manager, representing the petitioner)

Alderman Purtee has met with the homeowners association in the area.  The neighborhood homeowners association supports the project.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked who will be responsible for paving the arterial streets in the neighborhood.  Ms. Teshome indicated the developer will be responsible for paving the streets.  Mr. Yisrael stated a review by GDOT and Chatham County is currently in process; when the results of the reviews are completed the developer will review the options and implement the best solutions.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Mr. Yisrael if he had contacted the residents in the area.  She stated the residents would like to be included in the decisions regarding their neighborhood.  The petitioner reached out to the Sweetwater Homeowners Association several weeks back, and had recent contact with representative Mr. Kenneth Craven, to schedule a meeting in early April and subsequent meetings with residents of the community to address any concerns.

Alderman Purtee stated there is no opposition from the Sweetwater Homeowners Association.  The opposition letter received is from a neighboring community.  The petitioner's meetings will be with the neighboring community.      

Written comment(s):

• Carolyn and Tony Davis – OPPOSED

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to continue/hold Item #12 to the April 14, 2022, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

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 #13, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

FIRST READING ONLY for Item #14.

FIRST READING ONLY for Item #15.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 and #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier was contacted by the West Victory Drive Neighborhood Association, President Mr. Brown, who would like a meeting to discuss the change in the plans from years prior.  City Manager Melder agreed to have a representative contact the Association and schedule a meeting to discuss the modifications to the plan.  

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #17, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett asked City Manager Melder if there will be a maintenance contract for lighting and streetscapes for any replacements and/or repairs.  Mr. Melder indicated staff will come back  with a maintenance strategy for Council approval.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely had concerns about the lighting cost of $250,000 being included in the streetscape cost of $1,162,337.  City Manager Melder explained they are two separate projects: Georgia Power is the vendor for the lighting project and Johnson-Laux is the vendor for the streetscape project.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #18, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett requested staff include the business owners in the design process of the project.  City Manager Melder acknowledged the request. 

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder if the sanitation department was included.  Mr. Melder indicated this was one of City Council's strategies to streamline the City's cost.  It is part of the vacancy reduction strategy. 

Mayor Johnson asked if both businesses were local Savannah businesses (yes, they are designated local, per City Manager Melder); and he questioned if there is any data to support if this contract reduces the City's reduction in unemployment and workmen's compensation costs.  Director of Human Resources Jeff Grant answered no, but this contract will enable the City to start working on data to support reductions.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 and #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked what percent of the overall area will the cameras cover for license plates readers; given the high volume of crime in certain geographic areas of the city.  Will cameras be placed in those specific areas; and what is the timeline for execution?  Major Gavin indicated the timeline will be approximately eight weeks from the signing of the contract.  City Manager Melder indicated the cameras will be strategically placed throughout the city in hotspots.

Alderwoman Lanier had concerns with the cameras that were placed last year to capture illegal dumping and the trouble with reading the license plates for identification.  Major Gavin indicated staff is working on changing the positions of the cameras for reading the plates.  He also shared the cameras data is shared with other cities and states to track vehicles.  If no progress with the cameras is made in capturing illegal dumping within the next three to six months, Alderwoman Lanier recommended reviewing other alternatives.

Mayor Johnson asked Major Gavin if the cameras could be relocated to other areas of the City when the trends in crime change.  Major Gavin answered, that is the advantage of using flock, the cameras are mobile (the cost would be $300-$500). 

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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23, #24, #25 and #26, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern for the lack of advertisements to report and/or assist citizens with regard to child/human sex trafficking in the airport and city.  Mayor Johnson, as an ex officio member of the Airport Commission, along with City Manager Melder are in the process of discussing campaigns/advertisements in the airport and the city as it relates to child/human sex trafficking.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23, #24, #25 and #26, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23, #24, #25 and #26, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23, #24, #25 and #26, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson reported the City Council reviewed and made recommendations for the Historic District Board of Review and the Historic Preservation Commission during the work session held earlier today.  He thanked Clerk of Council Massey for all his diligent work in getting all the applicants information to Council Members, and invited residents to apply online to serve on one of the many boards, commissions or authorities to represent the City. 

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #27 (part a), to appoint/reappoint the following citizens to the Historic District Board of Review as listed below, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Historic District Board of Review (HDBR)

• Melissa Memory – reappointment (District 2)
• Thomas L. Thomson – appointment (District 4)
• David Altschiller – reappointment (District2)
• Karen M. Guinn – appointment (District 2)
• Michael Higgins – appointment (District 2)
• Melissa H. Rowan – appointment (District 2)
• Nan Taylor – reappointment (District 4)
• Ellie Isaacs – reappointment (District 3)

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #27 (part b), to appoint/reappoint the following citizens to the Historic Preservation Commission as listed below, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

• Keyshawn Housey – appointment (District 5)
• Kiersten Connor – appointment (District 2)
• Mae Bowley – appointment (District 4)
• Kathy S. Ledvina – appointment (District 2)
• William S. Santiago – appointment (District 6)
• Virginia Mobley – reappointment (District 2)
• Darren Bagley-Heath – reappointment (District 2)

City Manager Melder discussed the Resolution in detail and outlined the purposes of the creation of Housing Savannah.  Mayor Johnson added City Manager Melder and Housing Director Fretty will serve on the Housing Savannah Board to protect the City's interest and make sure the Council's vision for housing is accomplished.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked what the $300,000 administrative cost for the non-governmental organization (NGO) included.  City Manager Melder outlined the cost to include hiring a professional and executive staff to lead the operations which include start-up and capacity building while under the umbrella of the Community Housing Services Agency (CHSA).  She asked how many staff members, who will hire, and what professional experience will be required.  Mr. Melder indicated the NGO would do the hiring and experience would include: non-profit leadership, fund-raising, and affordable housing creation and education. 

Alderwoman Lanier asked how many members will serve on the Housing Savannah Board.  City Manager Melder indicated, under the draft Articles, it will be a five member board and allows for the addition of six members.  She asked if the Board would manage the Savannah Housing Fund.  No, the Savannah Housing Fund will be managed by an ordinance of City Council.  Alderwoman Lanier recommended being strategic about the credentials/skill set when selecting board members, and to make sure there is community-at-large representation for a balanced board.

Mayor Johnson explained the reasoning behind establishing the NGO to educate and aggressively raise funds to create more quality affordable housing.  

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo gave a brief description of HB 1425 and SB 609 and recommended City Council consider now how to regulate the sale and/or distribution of medical marijuana for the future. 

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #29, seconded by all Aldermen/Alderwomen.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #30, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier expressed her thanks to City Manager Melder and Assistant City Manager Lloyd for all their assistance during the sales/negotiation process of acquiring the property.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #31, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #32, to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to resolve the claim of Kerry Milledge for $36,250.00, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

City Manager Melder announced Savannah Fire Department has extinguished the wood chip fire again, all thanks to them!

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan extended a shout-out and prayers to Mr. Hollis Johnson, from Above and Beyond. He does a lot of business with the City and he volunteers within the community working with men, kids and the elderly to achieve amazing outcomes.  He was in a car accident, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Aldermen Leggett announced Pete Liakakis has been hospitalized and we pray for him.

Mayor Johnson extended Happy Birthday greetings to our 61^st Mayor, Otis Johnson, who will turn 80 years old on Saturday.

Following the announcements, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:24 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=moiWaMjQoawn

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:    April 14, 2022   

Signature:    MM