APRIL 10, 2025 - 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 2:05 p.m., in the SCCPSS Board of Education Room located at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura Avenue, Building G.  Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, then recognized Ald. Carolyn H. Bell to introduce Elder Jamal Barrow, Jonesville Baptist Church to offer the invocation.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.  

PRESENT:  

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

Alderwoman Carolyn H. Bell, 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 - Vice Chair

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4 - Chairman

Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, District 5 - Mayor Pro Tem

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Jay Melder

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Assistant to Clerk of Council Renee Osborne

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve agenda item #1, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

*Mayor Johnson first took moments of mayoral privilege by recognizing the following:

• Clerk of Council Mark Massey for recently being elected as the Region III Director of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC); and,
• Savannah Youth Council (eighth graders) who were present in the audience, along with their advisor and mentor Taylor Turner.

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to the Coastal Children's Advocacy Center declaring April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Executive Director Rose Grant-Robinson received the proclamation on behalf of her board and staff.  She spoke and invited people to their grand reopening scheduled for April 25th at 3pm.  Joining Ms. Grant-Robinson were her staff Kristen Borders, Jordan Fields, Ana Hancock, and board member Taylor Mungean.

Mayor Johnson presented and welcomed both teams with recognition for winning the GRPA State Basketball Tournament Championship.  Coaches Todd Rhodes, Jr. Cherrie Keitt, Anthony Jordan, and Kevon Cooper recognized the players (present and in school), City of Savannah Recreation Services Activity Coordinator Mr. Kevin Smith, and Ms. McDonald & Ms. Richards who have been serving as Team Mom, cheerleaders, and more.

Mayor Johnson welcomed City Manager Melder and the Employee Engagement Team to recognize last year's Employee of the Year winner, Senior (Code) Compliance Officer Judy Stewart.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #7 and #9.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the public hearings for agenda items #7 and #9, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #7, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearing open for agenda item #8.

Speaker(s):

• Judee Jones, Revenue Director

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the public hearing for agenda item #8, seconded by Ald. Purtee, Ald. Leggett, and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #8, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson stated that it (agenda packet) says there are no concerns from the police department, this is a new request, and it is operating as a restaurant.  He asked for the operating hours.  Sunday through Thursday, noon to midnight, and Friday & Saturday, noon to 2:30 a.m.  He inquired if there were any complaints from the neighborhood or the police department (no).  For consistency sake, he inquired about the timing given previous complaints made in that area about establishments operating into the night, and he wants to be sure they are operating as a restaurant from opening to closing.  City Manager Melder responded by discussing the more transitional styled establishments.  Mayor Johnson stated he wanted to make sure that staff monitors the different types of establishments.  This is a new owner.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated there is no established neighborhood association associated with this area, so who was contacted (Eastside Neighborhood did not express any objection).

Ald. Lanier asked if we have (in Code) a time when restaurants should close.  City Manager Melder responded up until 12:00 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and up until 2:55 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Ald. Miller Blakely indicated she and other members have frequented this establishment which has been around for a long time, and they sell food until they close.

Ald. Purtee stated he sees on the safety plan that they do not require hired security on the premises, namely at 2:30 in the morning.

Ald. Leggett stated he met with the previous owners who are working with the new owner, Ms. Stephens.  The neighborhood surrounding this establishment are in support of the request.  Part of their cleanup plan includes helping an older lady who lives next door.  He has been assured by the applicant that this neighbor will be a part of their everyday plan.  When moving forward with liquor licenses, he would like staff to be more diligent in our application process before it reaches City Council.

Mayor Johnson stated we have to ask staff questions and let them do their work.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated she wants City Council to hold everyone who requests a liquor license to the same standard.  Every time a black business comes up, we hold them to a higher standard and ask them tougher questions than the others.  She asked if the other two (applicants) which came before them were held to this standard, if not we need to change the way we do business as a city.

Mayor Johnson detailed they are not the same type of license.  One is for a hotel and the other one is for a cigar store.  They are not restaurants.  He stated he is asking questions he feels are valid to ask, including whether the establishment will remain a restaurant throughout the night regardless of race, color, or ethnicity, or the food they serve.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #7 and #9.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the public hearings for agenda items #7 and #9, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #10, #11, and #12.  See related agenda items #13, #14, and #15.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC Representative
• Susan Gorecki - OPPOSED to a third access road leading into the Upper East River Community
• Harold Yellin, representing the petitioner Josh Yellin
• John Gaskin, representing the petitioner Thomas Behm

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearing for agenda items #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Later in the meeting:

b.  Mayor Johnson moved to re-open the hearing for agenda item #12, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

c.  Ald. Palumbo moved to re-close the hearing for agenda item #12, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Yellin a question about written public comment received from Mr. Peeples who reached out to them to express his concerns, but he never received a response.  Mayor Johnson expressed that he is not feeling comfortable.  Mr. Yellin responded by asking to organize the agenda items differently.  He feels that comments being made are about different items.  He explained the differences between each item.  Regarding Mr. Peeples' comment, the curb cut is already there.  DOT controls it and has rights of condemnation.  They have no rights to stop them.  Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Yellin if Mr. Peeples was called back.  Mr. Yellin stated he does not know if he was called back.  The road in question is there now and DOT may take it away tomorrow.  They can do nothing about DOT's plans to improve Presidents Street, and they have to follow guidance given by DOT.  Mr. Yellin continued to explain the differences between each of the agenda items.  Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder to offer input/explanation.

Ald. Leggett asked the City Manager how long city and MPC staff have worked on these items.  He would appreciate staff coming to the Alderpersons ahead of the game, so they can have conversations with members of the public and developers to work through issues before City Council meetings.  City Manager Melder responded.  Mr. Yellin continued to provide a detailed explanation of the items and how the agenda items progressed through the MPC.  Ald. Leggett discussed the history of approving zoning items in one way, then finding out years later they have been changed or amended.

Ald. Lanier stated the property used to be in the first district prior to redistricting, the city owned it, and there was a swap.  With respect to downgrading the property for residential or mixed use from light industrial, this is a subject of interest/desire in the first district.  She indicated this is already the development pattern of the area, but we need to allow for input from the residents and protect the sanctity of the community.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan wished the developer made a follow-up call to Mr. Peeples.  She indicated she is alarmed by the mention in the MPC packet that the property is located in the Hitch Village/Fred Wessels Homes Neighborhood who have many restrictions in their area and she doubted they have been notified given they will be impacted the most.  There are traffic and safety issues in this area.  Regarding the master plan that was used, it is kinda obsolete.  Definitions of planned development seem to vary.  She is also concerned about when a neighborhood association does not exist or is not mentioned.  She objects to this because she needs more information based on the impacts to everybody.  We've got to do better.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked Ms. Gorecki about her concern of more direct access to her community.  Then, Ald. Miller Blakely asked Mr. Yellin about his comments regarding DOT and his client's need.  Mr. Yellin responded.

Additional comments were made about separating the agenda items.

Mr. Yellin requested the opportunity for Mr. John Gaskin from Patrick Malloy Communities LLC to speak, since he may not be able to attend in two weeks.

Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager if Mr. Gaskin's explanation was also his understanding.  City Manager Melder repeated points made earlier, noting that this area is the City of Savannah's first and only Tax Allocation District (TAD).

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz provided a statement/overview to Mr. Gaskin regarding his experience during today's discussion.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated that she is concerned about Mr. Peeples' and Ms. Gorecki's concerns, and she asked the developer if he was no longer concerned about the road (third access) referred to by Ms. Gorecki.

Mr. Yellin added additional remarks in another attempt to clarify the agenda items and stating that only items #11/#14 (the master plan) have anything to do with that access road.

Ald. Lanier stated what is happening here makes sense, but it is also not always what you do, but how you do it.  This City Council is concerned about having citizens included in the conversations, at the table, and negotiate/drive some of the decision-making and development.  We need to take into consideration information provided by the City Manager regarding the development plan and how the grid should be laid out.  Some issues raised by citizens might be resolved through traffic calming or settled in some other way.  This is the plan and sometimes plans have to be tweaked.  With additional time, Ms. Gorecki and her neighbors will be able to sit down with the developer to discuss their concerns and assist them wherever they can.

Mayor Johnson stated we went around the world, but we came back to where we needed to be.  He is comfortable with approving agenda item #15, because the issue actually deals with agenda item #14 which is on first reading anyway.  Mr. Gaskin does not have to come back and we still have time to address the remaining issues.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #10, #11, and #12.  See related agenda items #13, #14, and #15.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC Representative
• Susan Gorecki - OPPOSED to a third access road leading into the Upper East River Community
• Harold Yellin, representing the petitioner Josh Yellin
• John Gaskin, representing the petitioner Thomas Behm

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearing for agenda items #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Later in the meeting:

b.  Mayor Johnson moved to re-open the hearing for agenda item #12, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

c.  Ald. Palumbo moved to re-close the hearing for agenda item #12, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Yellin a question about written public comment received from Mr. Peeples who reached out to them to express his concerns, but he never received a response.  Mayor Johnson expressed that he is not feeling comfortable.  Mr. Yellin responded by asking to organize the agenda items differently.  He feels that comments being made are about different items.  He explained the differences between each item.  Regarding Mr. Peeples' comment, the curb cut is already there.  DOT controls it and has rights of condemnation.  They have no rights to stop them.  Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Yellin if Mr. Peeples was called back.  Mr. Yellin stated he does not know if he was called back.  The road in question is there now and DOT may take it away tomorrow.  They can do nothing about DOT's plans to improve Presidents Street, and they have to follow guidance given by DOT.  Mr. Yellin continued to explain the differences between each of the agenda items.  Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder to offer input/explanation.

Ald. Leggett asked the City Manager how long city and MPC staff have worked on these items.  He would appreciate staff coming to the Alderpersons ahead of the game, so they can have conversations with members of the public and developers to work through issues before City Council meetings.  City Manager Melder responded.  Mr. Yellin continued to provide a detailed explanation of the items and how the agenda items progressed through the MPC.  Ald. Leggett discussed the history of approving zoning items in one way, then finding out years later they have been changed or amended.

Ald. Lanier stated the property used to be in the first district prior to redistricting, the city owned it, and there was a swap.  With respect to downgrading the property for residential or mixed use from light industrial, this is a subject of interest/desire in the first district.  She indicated this is already the development pattern of the area, but we need to allow for input from the residents and protect the sanctity of the community.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan wished the developer made a follow-up call to Mr. Peeples.  She indicated she is alarmed by the mention in the MPC packet that the property is located in the Hitch Village/Fred Wessels Homes Neighborhood who have many restrictions in their area and she doubted they have been notified given they will be impacted the most.  There are traffic and safety issues in this area.  Regarding the master plan that was used, it is kinda obsolete.  Definitions of planned development seem to vary.  She is also concerned about when a neighborhood association does not exist or is not mentioned.  She objects to this because she needs more information based on the impacts to everybody.  We've got to do better.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked Ms. Gorecki about her concern of more direct access to her community.  Then, Ald. Miller Blakely asked Mr. Yellin about his comments regarding DOT and his client's need.  Mr. Yellin responded.

Additional comments were made about separating the agenda items.

Mr. Yellin requested the opportunity for Mr. John Gaskin from Patrick Malloy Communities LLC to speak, since he may not be able to attend in two weeks.

Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager if Mr. Gaskin's explanation was also his understanding.  City Manager Melder repeated points made earlier, noting that this area is the City of Savannah's first and only Tax Allocation District (TAD).

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz provided a statement/overview to Mr. Gaskin regarding his experience during today's discussion.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated that she is concerned about Mr. Peeples' and Ms. Gorecki's concerns, and she asked the developer if he was no longer concerned about the road (third access) referred to by Ms. Gorecki.

Mr. Yellin added additional remarks in another attempt to clarify the agenda items and stating that only items #11/#14 (the master plan) have anything to do with that access road.

Ald. Lanier stated what is happening here makes sense, but it is also not always what you do, but how you do it.  This City Council is concerned about having citizens included in the conversations, at the table, and negotiate/drive some of the decision-making and development.  We need to take into consideration information provided by the City Manager regarding the development plan and how the grid should be laid out.  Some issues raised by citizens might be resolved through traffic calming or settled in some other way.  This is the plan and sometimes plans have to be tweaked.  With additional time, Ms. Gorecki and her neighbors will be able to sit down with the developer to discuss their concerns and assist them wherever they can.

Mayor Johnson stated we went around the world, but we came back to where we needed to be.  He is comfortable with approving agenda item #15, because the issue actually deals with agenda item #14 which is on first reading anyway.  Mr. Gaskin does not have to come back and we still have time to address the remaining issues.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #10, #11, and #12.  See related agenda items #13, #14, and #15.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC Representative
• Susan Gorecki - OPPOSED to a third access road leading into the Upper East River Community
• Harold Yellin, representing the petitioner Josh Yellin
• John Gaskin, representing the petitioner Thomas Behm

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearing for agenda items #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Later in the meeting:

b.  Mayor Johnson moved to re-open the hearing for agenda item #12, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

c.  Ald. Palumbo moved to re-close the hearing for agenda item #12, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Yellin a question about written public comment received from Mr. Peeples who reached out to them to express his concerns, but he never received a response.  Mayor Johnson expressed that he is not feeling comfortable.  Mr. Yellin responded by asking to organize the agenda items differently.  He feels that comments being made are about different items.  He explained the differences between each item.  Regarding Mr. Peeples' comment, the curb cut is already there.  DOT controls it and has rights of condemnation.  They have no rights to stop them.  Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Yellin if Mr. Peeples was called back.  Mr. Yellin stated he does not know if he was called back.  The road in question is there now and DOT may take it away tomorrow.  They can do nothing about DOT's plans to improve Presidents Street, and they have to follow guidance given by DOT.  Mr. Yellin continued to explain the differences between each of the agenda items.  Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder to offer input/explanation.

Ald. Leggett asked the City Manager how long city and MPC staff have worked on these items.  He would appreciate staff coming to the Alderpersons ahead of the game, so they can have conversations with members of the public and developers to work through issues before City Council meetings.  City Manager Melder responded.  Mr. Yellin continued to provide a detailed explanation of the items and how the agenda items progressed through the MPC.  Ald. Leggett discussed the history of approving zoning items in one way, then finding out years later they have been changed or amended.

Ald. Lanier stated the property used to be in the first district prior to redistricting, the city owned it, and there was a swap.  With respect to downgrading the property for residential or mixed use from light industrial, this is a subject of interest/desire in the first district.  She indicated this is already the development pattern of the area, but we need to allow for input from the residents and protect the sanctity of the community.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan wished the developer made a follow-up call to Mr. Peeples.  She indicated she is alarmed by the mention in the MPC packet that the property is located in the Hitch Village/Fred Wessels Homes Neighborhood who have many restrictions in their area and she doubted they have been notified given they will be impacted the most.  There are traffic and safety issues in this area.  Regarding the master plan that was used, it is kinda obsolete.  Definitions of planned development seem to vary.  She is also concerned about when a neighborhood association does not exist or is not mentioned.  She objects to this because she needs more information based on the impacts to everybody.  We've got to do better.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked Ms. Gorecki about her concern of more direct access to her community.  Then, Ald. Miller Blakely asked Mr. Yellin about his comments regarding DOT and his client's need.  Mr. Yellin responded.

Additional comments were made about separating the agenda items.

Mr. Yellin requested the opportunity for Mr. John Gaskin from Patrick Malloy Communities LLC to speak, since he may not be able to attend in two weeks.

Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager if Mr. Gaskin's explanation was also his understanding.  City Manager Melder repeated points made earlier, noting that this area is the City of Savannah's first and only Tax Allocation District (TAD).

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz provided a statement/overview to Mr. Gaskin regarding his experience during today's discussion.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated that she is concerned about Mr. Peeples' and Ms. Gorecki's concerns, and she asked the developer if he was no longer concerned about the road (third access) referred to by Ms. Gorecki.

Mr. Yellin added additional remarks in another attempt to clarify the agenda items and stating that only items #11/#14 (the master plan) have anything to do with that access road.

Ald. Lanier stated what is happening here makes sense, but it is also not always what you do, but how you do it.  This City Council is concerned about having citizens included in the conversations, at the table, and negotiate/drive some of the decision-making and development.  We need to take into consideration information provided by the City Manager regarding the development plan and how the grid should be laid out.  Some issues raised by citizens might be resolved through traffic calming or settled in some other way.  This is the plan and sometimes plans have to be tweaked.  With additional time, Ms. Gorecki and her neighbors will be able to sit down with the developer to discuss their concerns and assist them wherever they can.

Mayor Johnson stated we went around the world, but we came back to where we needed to be.  He is comfortable with approving agenda item #15, because the issue actually deals with agenda item #14 which is on first reading anyway.  Mr. Gaskin does not have to come back and we still have time to address the remaining issues.

Ald. Palumbo moved (to approve agenda item #13) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Legget requested additional time on this agenda item, #14.  Due to a lack of unanimous consent, agenda item #14 was heard on first reading only.

City Manager spoke to the City Council regarding connectivity (downtown expansion zone) and the look/character of the Eastern Wharf.

Mayor Johnson advised that this delay will allow the City Council time to review the matters more closely and allow the City Manager to provide any clarifying information.

Ald. Leggett moved (to approve agenda item #15) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked if the parties were good, and he asked Mr. Yellin to call people back.

Mr. Morrow (MPC representative) advised there is a fairly robust system for creating the neighborhoods and getting information out there for who should be contacted.  If there is no appointed neighborhood organization, it is really difficult to schedule a meeting.  Established standards are minimal standards.  With regard to this particular petition, the Housing Authority is the usual point of contact.  Staff always reaches out to notify people that things are happening, if they happen to know someone.  An applicant cannot be held to a standard, if there is no designated neighborhood.

Mayor Johnson stated that maybe we need to include that/something.  It is our responsibility to make sure they know, when we do know who to contact.  We must make sure there is a mechanism by which that occurs.

Ald. Leggett stated some of them have representatives within their tenant associations.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan advised that she made that comment.  She clarified that when there are not established meetings, it does not mean that we cannot go knock on doors for those people who are personally impacted by their quality of life.  A lot of people are not on social media.  

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #16, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson stated several comments were received in opposition of this request, so he pulled it to bring light to the request for public consumption.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked Mayor Johnson to allow the City Manager to give an explanation regarding the agenda item regarding parking at Forsyth Park.  The City Manager responded by providing a detailed explanation of the agenda item.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #17, #18, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Purtee were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #17, #18, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Purtee were away from the dais during the vote.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #19, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Lanier spoke about the plan and the related costs regarding Vision Zero and traffic calming.  There are changes in our economic climate.  In meeting with her residents, they continue to bring up traffic calming.  She discussed the changes relating to who can make traffic calming requests, whether it came from the District Alderman, Neighborhood Presidents, or residents/neighbors.  Now that the resident/neighbors are making the requests, the requests are being denied for not qualifying, including signage requests.  She stated we have gotten some traffic calming in Cuyler-Brownville, Carver Village, and Cloverdale.  City Manager Melder responded.  Ald. Lanier stated once again she is going to support the request because she is hoping to see a change.

Ald. Palumbo stated to his fellow Council members that this is his favorite portion of the program.  His colleagues are not talking about what they are doing, but about what they are getting.  Self interests are okay.  Today we stand at a crossroads in Savannah's history.  The decision for us today isn't about infrastructure, it's the possiblity, and what City do we want to become.  Savannah Moves represents a plan for tomorrow, integrating all modes of transportation (walking, biking, cycling, trucks, traffic, airplanes, self-piloting drones).  We all suffer when a parent can't reach their work place, when a senior can't cross the street, and when a child can't ride their bike without fear.  Vision Zero is not just a policy goal.  He asked can we all agree that this $500,000.00 expenditure is going to save lives and actually do something.  He says we chose vision over complacency.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated Ald. Lanier was so nice in what she was saying in reference to West Savannah and Hudson Hill, marginalized areas not getting traffic calming devices.  When she rides in districts of the City of Savannah, she sees traffic calming devices all over the place.  Nothing against Vision Zero, let's have equity for all areas.  She asked to be on the Traffic Calming Committe and was voted against by her colleagues to be on it.

Mayor Johnson stated that due to the advocacy of Ald. Lanier there are traffic calming devices in the first district.  Staff has worked to put traffic calming in the first district, and he will support putting more traffic calming in the next SPLOST, equitably around the City.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #17, #18, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Purtee were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #17, #18, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Purtee were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #17, #18, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Purtee were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #17, #18, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Purtee were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #17, #18, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Purtee were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #25 through #31, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #25 through #31, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #25 through #31, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #25 through #31, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #25 through #31, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #25 through #31, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #25 through #31, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson moved to approve agenda item #32, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Leggett was away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #33, #34, and #35, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #33, #34, and #35, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #33, #34, and #35, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #36, seconded by Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Purtee abstained/recused himself from the vote for business purposes.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #37 and #38, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #37 and #38, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #39 (Authorizing the City Attorney's office to resolve the worker's compensation claim of Rukhsar Nawaz for $65,000.00), seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Agenda item #40 was withdrawn at the petitioner's request by consent.

Following various announcements made by the Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 4:21 p.m.

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: ______________________

Signature:                                                                  

The video recording of the meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://www.youtube.com/@cityofsavannah/videos.