NOVEMBER 9, 2021, 2:00 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 2:02 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Miller Blakely to introduce Junior Minister Darion Seabrook, Graceful Gospel Church, and a high school junior attending Calvary Day School, 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:

City Manager Joseph A. Melder

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 as amended to correctly spell "SAPELO (Foundation)" in the Workshop Minutes, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4 as amended to correctly spell "SAPELO (Foundation)" in the Workshop Minutes, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4 as amended to correctly spell "SAPELO (Foundation)" in the Workshop Minutes, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Item #5 is related to the Resolution under Item #25.

Ms. Ardis Wood of the Ardsley Park-Chatham Cresent Garden Club presented City Council with a check for $6,000.000 for improvements and upgrades of Theus Park.

As a public-private partnership, Alderman Palumbo thanked the Ardsley Park-Chatham Cresent Garden Club and Neighborhood Association for their donations.  The checks were passed to Mr. Gordon Denney, Senior Director of Greenscapes who thanked both organizations for their contributions over the years.

Alderman Palumbo encouraged the City to continue the partnership tradition.  The combined contributions over the past years from the Ardsley Park-Chatham Cresent Garden Club and Neighborhood Association to the City is well over a half million dollars.     

Item #6 is related to the Resolution under Item #26.

Mr. Charles Vilushis representing the Ardsley Park-Chatham Cresent Neighborhood Association presented City Council with a check for $4,850.00 for improvements of Theus Park.

As a public-private partnership, Alderman Palumbo thanked the Ardsley Park-Chatham Cresent Garden Club and Neighborhood Association for their donations.  The checks were passed to Mr. Gordon Denney, Senior Director of Greenscapes who thanked both organizations for the contributions over the years.

Alderman Palumbo encouraged the City to continue the partnership tradition.  The combined contributions over the past years from the Ardsley Park-Chatham Cresent Garden Club and Neighborhood Association to the City is well over a half million dollars.     

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and READ by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz in recognition of the City's Information Technology Service (ITS) department for outstanding service during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing Zoom technical support for Council meetings, conferences and various other meetings.

Representatives from ITS and the Office of Marketing and Communications expressed their thanks and appreciation to the City for the Proclamation.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and READ by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan in recognition of 115 years of service to the Savannah communities by Omar Temple No. 21 Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA).

Members of Omar Temple No. 21 expressed appreciation and thanks to City Council for recognition and the Proclamation, including but not limited to Potentate Elrico “Rico” Rackard, Imperial Deputy of the Oasis of Savannah John Parker who spoke and brought greetings from the Imperial Potentate John T. Chapman, and Deputy of the Desert Anthony Kelly.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan acknowledged Mayor Johnson as a Noble of Omar Temple No. 21 and announced the newly elected Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Johnson.  This weekend is the Annual Hertiage Ball which is sold out.

Item #29 was heard after Item #8.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol public hearings for Items #9, #10 and #11 open.

No speakers(s) were present.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol public hearings for Items #9,  #10 and #11 closed, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol public hearings for Items #9, #10 and #11 open.

No speakers(s) were present.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol public hearings for Items #9,  #10 and #11 closed, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol public hearings for Items #9, #10 and #11 open.

No speakers(s) were present.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol public hearings for Items #9,  #10 and #11 closed, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

Speaker(s) present:

• Marcus Lotson, MPC Representative described single-family lot sizes and the Sweetwater Station petition.  MPC recommended approval.
• Neil McKenzie, representing the applicant.

Alderman Purtee asked if there were any traffic concerns and the purpose for the zoning change.  Mr. McKenzie shared the traffic study with Council and the zoning change is to decrease the price of the homes.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for pricing of the homes.  Mr. McKenzie could not speculate on pricing, the developer would have the pricing of the homes.

Alderwoman Lanier asked Mr. Lotson if zoning RSF-5 means larger lots (no).  In the market analysis, she asked Mr. McKenzie if the lots were smaller.  (yes, to make the homes more affordable).

Alderman Purtee moved to close the zoning public hearing for Item #12, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  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 Purtee moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. J. Patrick Connell representing Walden Apartments, reported a meeting was held to address prior concerns.  There was no new information concerning the development and all concerns were addressed. 

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #14, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, and Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, and Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, and Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, and Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, and Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, and Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

The following topics were discussed by Council Members:

• City Manager Melder outlined the process of digitizing nearly two million current employee files stored at Savannah Morning News (SMN) by a vendor currently used by the City.  This is an opportune time to digitize the files while the City is moving staff from the SMN building by year end.
• What procedure is the City taking to making sure none of the information is lost during the process of digitizing (Alderman Leggett).  The City archives the original hard copies and established back-up procedures for digitized files (City Manager Melder).
• Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked is there a current contract for storing employee records, (records are currently stored at SMN in a separate room).  She supports delaying a decision pending a cost analysis: digitizing versus an additional employee to digitize, (this vendor contract would cost the City .05ȼ per page, the cost of a full-time employee digitizing files has not been calculated).    
• In light of the City's move from SMN, if digitizing is not approved, will the City need to rent additional space for the paper files and what is the City doing for cyber security protection (Alderwoman Lanier).  The City would need to rent or provide a 12'x12' room to store the files and the City has malware and cyber security protection.  Director of Information Technology Services Tim Moody provided a brief description of how files are safe-guarded.
• Mayor Johnson has concerns with paper files being lost during a catastrophe like Hurricane Katrina.  Having the files digitized makes for good government.
• Alderman Palumbo supports delaying a decision until more information is collected.  He has concerns with this being a nationwide application with only one bidder and what happens to the data once stored to make sure it's not on a proprietary system the City must continually pay. 
• Is the City out of the SMN building on Chatham Parkway (Alderwoman Gibson-Carter).  Director of Real Estate David Keating indicated the City is currently vacating the building and the lease with SMN will end  on December 31, 2021 ($65,000/mo for office space and $400/mo for storing of files).
• Alderman Palumbo asked will delaying a vote for two weeks impact the City's ability to move out of the SMN building.  It will not impact the City's ability to move out of the SMN building but it will impact the City's ability to move out by December 31, 2021.  City Manager Melder is willing to provide the additional information requested rather than Council vote the item down.  He would provide information regarding cyber security management.  He further stated it's best to contract the digitizing out to a vendor, and receive the benefits from indexing the files.
• Where will the files go when the SMN lease ends on December 31, 2021, if Council does not approve Item #21 (Alderwoman Miller Blakely).  With the Human Resources Department (City Manager Melder).
• Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked City Manager Melder how many files (two million files) and how long does the City retain the files.  How much time will it take to scan documents (30 weeks to scan by the vendor versus years for staff to scan).  

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson discussed the disadvantaged position last year of the City, without the use of legislative services.  The City would have greater impact with representation at the Capitol during the Legislative Sessions.

After research, Alderwoman Miller Blakely discussed the two (2) other firms who responded to the RFP for less money.  The Vaquer Firm had a Savannah resident and Ohio River South had a better diverse personnel.  Holland and Knight had only one minority person and the local person chosen from Holland and Knight, in her opinion, is not a qualified Lobbyist.  Why did the City select Holland and Knight.  City Manager Melder responded, this was not a bid but an RFP with more categories; none of the three (3) responders are local Savannah firms, but The Vaquer Firm is in Chatham County.  All three (3) firms had a local partner, but Holland and Knight was the only firm with a local person of color.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the City staff check references of the Holland and Knight local person for lobbyist experience.  City Manager Melder responded, firms are graded on prior experience and their qualifications as lobbyist.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter questioned the $27,000.00 difference over the lowest RFP versus Holland and Knight; and the last Lobbyist hired by the City was a total of $60,000.00.  She has concerns with the local person representing the City at the Capitol from Holland and Knight since he worked on the Mayor's campaign.  Mayor Johnson asked Attorney Lovett, during his review process, did he observe any indications of unethical practices.  Attorney Lovett answered, no.

At City Manager Melder's reception, Alderwoman Miller Blakely reported the Chairman of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce (Bill Hubbard) asked her if the person in question would be a good lobbyist, her response was, he has no experience.  Based on that conversation, in good faith, she cannot vote for Item #22.

Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder if Holland and Knight was registered in the State of Georgia as Lobbyist, City Manager Melder replied, yes.

Alderman Purtee called for the vote.      

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett.  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 #15 through #20, and Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

The name of the winning bidder was corrected as Southern Champion Construction.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested City Manager Melder to discuss the pricing and the recent sewage spills in the City.  She discussed the sewage spills in Ms. Holly Pace's neighborhood and asked for some type of resolution to the problem.

City Manager Melder asked Assistant City Manager Lloyd to discuss Item #24 and the City's recent sewage spills.  Mr. Lloyd described the miles of infrastructure covered by the contract which includes water, sewer and stormwater.  Southern Champion Construction is on a 24/7 notice which allows the City's lines to be repaired immediately.  This and the diverse infrastructure in Savannah is the reason for the pricing, which in his opinion is reasonable .  The sewage spill has been taken care of in the City including Ms. Pace's neighborhood.  Ms. Pace also has a stormwater drainage issue which the City is currently working to remedy.

Alderwoman Lanier asked Assistant City Manager Lloyd how long the contract for Southern Champion Construction will last.  Mr. Lloyd responded, it is an annual contract.    

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #24 as corrected with the name Southern Champion Construction, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve related Items #25 and #26, as amended to reflect Item #25, $6,000.00 for the Garden Club; and Item #26, $4,850.00 for the Neighborhood Association, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve related Items #25 and #26, as amended to reflect Item #25, $6,000.00 for the Garden Club; and Item #26, $4,850.00 for the Neighborhood Association, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter has concerns with Stillwell Towers and the issues/problems facing the residents which include code violations.  She asked City Manager Melder to convey concerns to the Housing Director along with the appointed Board Members by the City to meet with Council for a briefing on a plan of action.  She asked City Manager Melder to express his thoughts concerning Stillwell Towers.

City Manager Melder acknowledged the City's responsibility for all Savannah residents when it comes to quality of life.  His staff will provide the resources necessary to support the Stillwell Towers residents and the Housing Authority.  The City will make the Federal partners aware of the challenges facing the City at Stillwell Towers and the need for more dollars to improve the quality of life for Stillwell Towers residents.        

Mayor Johnson described the building and the recent fire at Stillwell Towers and how the residents were assisted by the City's fire department, City Manager Melder, Chatham Area Transit, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and the Housing Authority.  He recently contacted the office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to discuss the many issues/problems at Stillwell Towers.  Staff will continue to communicate with HUD to increase funding for upgrades and/or repairs, but in the meantime the City will do everything it can to assist the residents.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder to further discuss steps to help the residents of Stillwell Towers.  Mr. Melder discussed processes of working with HUD to receive federal dollars and how the City could continue to work with the Housing Authority to assist the Stillwell Towers residents.

Alderman Palumbo asked for a parliamentary inquiry, the discussion was off topic.  Clerk of Council Massey indicated the discussion was not germane to Item #27.

As an At Large Alderman of Post 1, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her commitment to the residents of the City.  She expects to hear soon from Housing Authority Director Davis and Mayor Johnson's two (2) appointed Board Members of the Housing Authority on the current situation at Stillwell Towers.  Mayor Johnson indicated discussions are underway with the Housing Authority and updates will be provided to Council Members.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder if the Perry Lane right-of-way parcel would be included in the quit claim deed.  The parcel was deeded years ago and now the City is reclaiming the right-of-way from the Housing Authority.    

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #27, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

At the request of Alderwoman Miller Blakely, City Attorney Lovett gave a complete description of the litigation lawsuits.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #29, to authorize the City Attorney to resolve twenty-four (24) property tax litigation lawsuits near the Savannah Airport for no more than $2,600,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously.

Item #29 heard after Item #8.

Mayor Johnson read the Racial Equity And Leadership (REAL) Resolution and presented same to Council for adoption and approval.  He directed the City Manager to review the recommendations and provide future considerations to City Council.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #29 thereby directing the City Manager to review the recommendations for City Council's future consideration, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if City residents could offer suggestions to the City Manager's office.  City Manager Melder will put metrics and indices in place in a racial equity manner with scoring as a benchmark before moving forward, and include any new policies and partnerships that provide community-wide equity.

Mayor Johnson indicated the adopted Resolution will be shared with community partners such as the Board of Education, and agencies/organizations that deal with environmental issues for their input and suggestions.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Johnson if sharing would include the SBAC.  Mayor Johnson answered the SBAC is a partner and will be included.  She recommended the City Manager review the City's past behavior with the SBAC who excluded a majority of African American businesses during the CARES Act Funding; and to look at the City's administration as it relates to a balance in staffing, promotions, and salary disparity.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderman Purtee thanked the Windsor Forest Team for litter and trash removal for Saturday starting at 10:00 a.m.

Alderwoman Lanier announced the cleanup campaign in Carver Village Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. gathering at Stiles and Gwinnett Shopping Center.

Alderman Leggett announced a cleanup campaign Friday, Saturday and Sunday in District 2.  Three dumpsters will be placed at 37th Street.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan thanked Team Savannah for the event naming a street for Lt. White.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter is committed to cleaning up the City streets and welcomed Jenkins High School to the 2-Legit-2-Lit campaign that will launch Saturday at 9:00 a.m.  She also hopes the Community Services Department will lead the charge to clean-up the streets of Savannah.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked the City Manager and his staff for all the help at the vaccination clinic at Liberty City Center Saturday.  On November 27th there will be vaccination booster shots available at the Liberty City Center.  They are currently working on the vaccination for children 5-11 years old and will notify the public when available.  She thanked Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan for supplying the name of Ms. Simmons who was very helpful.

Mayor Johnson thanked everyone who made it possible for the in-person meeting today.  He recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz's birthday today and congratulated former Mayor Edna Jackson now State Representative-elect on becoming House Representative of District 165.  He thanked City Manager Melder and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan for the assistance at Stillwell Towers on a cold rainy day.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced door knockers will be available soon for the bulk items and trash collections.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 4:05 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=wpAclka1bxOW

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:   November 23, 2021 

Signature:  MM

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