APRIL 11, 2024, 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 Alderman Palumbo who introduced Deacon and Alderman Detric Leggett to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

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 Joseph A. Melder

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for April 11, 2024.

Mayor Johnson announced that the Mayor and Aldermen conducted a closed Executive Session earlier about Real Estate for which no votes were taken. Mayor Johnson entertained a motion to that effect, thereby granting him authority to sign the required resolution and affidavit.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Mayor Johnson signing a Resolution and Affidavit of Executive Session for the April 11, 2024, meeting for the purpose of discussing Real Estate, for which no votes were taken, seconded by Ald. Leggett, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve/adopt the agenda of the Regular Meeting for April 11, 2024, as amended, removing agenda Item #16 from the Agenda as requested by the City Manager, seconded by Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on March 28, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.

Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - March 28, 2024, City Council Workshop.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, #4, and #5, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on March 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - March 28, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, #4, and #5, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

4. Approval of the Minutes for the Special Called Meeting Visioning Session Retreat on March 25, 2024.

Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - Special Called Meeting March 25 2024.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, #4, and #5, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

5. Approval of the Minutes for the Special Called Meeting Visioning Session Retreat on March 26, 2024.

Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - Special Called Meeting March 26 2024.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, #4, and #5, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

PRESENTATIONS

6. An Appearance by Representatives of Advocates for Restorative Communities of Savannah (ARCS) to Receive a Proclamation Declaring the Month of April 2024 as “2nd Chance Month” in Savannah, GA.

READ by Mayor Johnson and presented to Katina Wheeler, Chair of ARCS.

Ms. Wheeler thanked Mayor Johnson and City Council Members for the Proclamation and recognition. She announced the ARCS conference, Second Welcome Home Event, at the Civic Center on April 24, 2024. Also in attendance were Pastor Thurmond Tillman of First African Baptist Church; Dismas Charities of Savannah Resident Reentry Center Director Renee Williams; First African Baptist Chuch Associate Minister Derrek Curry; James Butler, Georgia Department of Community Supervision & Reentry Services; and Gloria Johnson-Sanders, Career Advancement Trainer of Goodwill Southeast Georgia.

7. An Appearance by Representatives of the Live Oak Public Libraries to Receive a Proclamation Declaring April 7-15, 2024 as “National Library Week” in Savannah, GA.

READ by Mayor Johnson and presented to Live Oak Public Libraries Executive Director Lola Shelton-Council. Ms. Shelton-Council thanked Mayor Johnson and City Council Members for the Proclamation and the recognition. She announced a book donation drive starting this week throughout Savannah. Also in attendance were Deputy Library Director Jennifer Baxter and Communications and Strategic Partnerships Betsy McCullar.

8. An Appearance by Representatives of Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to Receive a Proclamation Declaring April 11, 2024 as “AKA Black Maternal Health Day” in Savannah, GA.

READ by Mayor Johnson and presented to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Gamma Sigma Omega Savannah Chapter President Nicole Fields and Chairman of Connection & Social Action at Gamma Sigma Omega Kim Dubois.

Ms. Fields thanked Mayor Johnson and City Council Members for the Proclamation and for recognizing AKA's Black Maternal Health Day in Savannah.

Also in attendance were members of the Sorority including Chatham County Tax Commissioner Sonya Jackson; Assistant City Attorney Denise Cooper; sister of Ald. Detric Leggett; and Ms. Dorothy Wilson.

9. Presentation of the Employee Engagement Team and Recognition of the 2023 City of Savannah Employee of the Year.

City Manager Melder and Chairman Rhonda Rouse of the Fire Department along with the Employee Engagement Team announced the the first Employee of the Year, Resource Center Manager LeQuinton Kates of the Moses Jackson Advancement Center. Mr. Kates received an award, forty hours of paid leave, a personalized parking space, and $2,500.00.

Mr. Kates thanked everyone involved in the selection process, and introduced and thanked his staff for their support.

10. Presentation of the 2020-2023 City of Savannah Accomplishments Report.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and Cit Manager Melder.

The Savannah Accomplishments Report 2020-2023 of the 139th administration of the City of Savannah was distributed to Council Members. City Manager Melder indicated a digital copy of the Report will be available soon.

ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)

11. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales and a Class A (Liquor, Beer, Wine) Caterer License to Ryan Williamson for Flora & Fauna Savannah, LLC t/a Flora Fauna, a Restaurant Located at 2401-2403 Bull Street. The establishment is located between West 40th and West 41st Streets in Aldermanic District 2.

Exhibit 1: Checklist - Flora & Fauna.pdf

Exhibit 2: Density Map - Flora & Fauna.pdf

Exhibit 3: Measurement Report - Flora Fauna.pdf

Exhibit 4: Alcohol Reports - Flora & Fauna.pdf

Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Flora & Fauna.pdf

HEARD after Item #12.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol and zoning hearings for Items #11 and #12 (related items).

Speaker(s):

Edward Morrow, MPC representative

a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #11, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

ZONING HEARINGS

12. Petition from FARM-Starland Properties, LLC on Behalf of Ryan Williamson for a Special Use Permit to Establish a Restaurant with Alcohol Sales with Conditions at 2401-2403 Bull Street (PIN 20065 47009) within TC-1 Zoning District in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-001093-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet (File No. 24-001093-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Combined Maps (File No. 24-001093-ZA).pdf

HEARD after Item #35.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol and zoning hearings for Items #11 and #12 (related items).

Speaker(s):

Edward Morrow, MPC representative

Ald. Miller Blakely expressed concern that Sey Hey was held to a higher standard when applying for a special use permit. Mr. Morrow indicated he was not part of that process but Sey Hey is a bar/lounge and there are differences.

Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder if the standard are the same for each business. City Manager Melder indicated there are a set of standards as part of the administrative process and there is a difference between bar/lounge and restaurants.

a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #12, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)

13. Ordinance to Amend of Chapter 1, Personal Conduct, of Part 9, Offenses, of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia.

Exhibit 1: Ordinance - Lost or Stolen Firearm.docx

Mayor Johnson indicated Item #13 is especially important to him, he is committed to saving lives. Public safety involves the entire city and every citizen is held accountable. Mayor Johnson shared the statistics of stolen firearms from unlocked cars. There were 203 of 244 guns stolen from unlocked cars last year. The ordinance was created to make sure citizens report stolen guns; and if you leave your car, take the firearm with you or lock it in the car. If approved today, Mayor Johnson is asking for an intense public safety campaign throughout the City for the next thirty days.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan shared that 'Moms Demand Action' submitted a petition to state elected officials for more strenuous gun laws. The ordinance is a good start to deter crime.

Ald. Purtee read portions of the ordinance into the record:

Section 1, Sec. 9-1027 Report of Theft or Loss of a Firearm, Rifle, or Shotgun:
- (a) Any owner or other person lawfully in possession of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun who
  suffers the loss or theft of said weapon shall within 24 hours of the discovery of the
  loss or theft report the facts and circumstances of the loss or theft to the Savannah
  Police Department.
Section 2, Sec. 9-1028 Secured Storage of Firearms, Fifles, and Shotguns in Parked Vehicles:
- (a) Every person with a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in a vehicle shall ensure that each such firearm, rifle, or shotgun is securely stored in a glove compartment, console, a locked trunk, or the area behind the last upright seat of a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk at all times while such vehicle is unoccupied.
- (b) Every person with a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in a vehicle shall ensure that no firearm, rifle, or shotgun is visible at any time while such vehicle is unoccupied.
- (c) Every person with a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in a vehicle shall ensure that all doors
  and hatches are locked while such vehicle is unoccupied.

After reading the ordinance, Ald. Miller Blakely indicated she is in agreement with the ordinance, but has questions she will separately address to the City Attorney.

Ald. Lanier expressed the original version of the ordinance had language about logging of the firearms, and she asked if that portion was taken out of the final version of the ordinance. Attorney Lovett indicated an initial version of the ordinance was released. There was feed back from Moms Demand Action, other stake holder groups, and Council Members to establish the final version of the ordinance, which was a more enforceable document for the police department. Logging the information of a firearm can still be accomplished by the police department, it is not mandated by the ordinance.

Speaker(s):

Georgia State Representative Anne Allen Westbrook
Representatives of Moms Demand Action

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson admonished citizens to 'lock up your guns'.

PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)

14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Rental of Four (4) Vehicles with Premier Truck Rental in the Amount of $64,621. These vehicles were used to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and mitigate any potential utility service disruptions. (Fleet)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Fleet Water Distribution Vehicles.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Fleet Water Distribution Vehicles.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #15, #18, #21 and #22, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Ammunition with Gulf State Distributors in the Amount of $74,783. The ammunition will be utilized for the training of new hires, current officers, and specialized units. (SPD)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Ammunition.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Ammunition.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #15, #18, #21 and #22, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract and Maintenance Agreement with Vertosoft for OpenGov Software in the Amount of $309,750. OpenGov is a budget and performance software solution used by the City for financial management operations in a cloud based environment for the public sector. This contract will provide regular maintenance and support as well as licensing to the City. (ITS)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - OpenGov.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - OpenGov.pdf

REMOVED during the adoption of the agenda, as requested by the City Manager.

17. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Leasing of 300 Automated External Defibrillators with Avive Solutions in the Amount of $114,999 Annually for Five Years, with a Total Amount Not to Exceed $574,995. Leasing the defibrillators enables the City to outfit its facilities with the devices at a much lower cost while shifting much of its liability onto the vendor. (Risk Management)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - AED Lease.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - AED Lease.pdf

Ald. Palumbo commended the Risk Management Department for the effort of being proactive in leasing defibrillators to save lives. City Manager Melder commended Risk Management and Assistant City Manager Lloyd for obtaining the defibrillators.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve Item #17, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Parking Matters Study with Stantec Consulting Services in the Amount of $128,285. The Parking and Mobility Services Department will use Stantec to conduct the analysis, evaluate the existing parking situation, and develop strategies to optimize parking utilization and efficiency. (Parking & Mobility Services)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Parking Matters Study.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Parking Matters Study.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #15, #18, #21 and #22, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

19. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Installation of New Ballfield Lights with MUSCO Sports Lighting, LLC in an Amount Not to Exceed $838,445. The installation of new ballfield lights at the Guy Minick Youth Sports Complex will provide more opportunities for youth and adult sports teams to conduct practices and games during evening hours. (Recreation & Leisure Services)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Guy Minick Lights.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Guy Minick Lights.pdf

Ald. Miller Blakely expressed concern and asked if there were problems with the existing lights at the Guy Minick Youth Sports Complex. She indicated Somerset Park has no lights and she recommended equity in installing lights at the park. She also requested a list of parks that do not have lights.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan indicated the Somerset Park has lights but continue to be broken by citizens engaged in illegal activity. The community and police are aware and are working on solutions.

Ald. Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Three (3) Elgin Pelican Street Sweepers with Environmental Product Group c/o Elgin Sweeper Company in the Amount of $869,100. The new sweepers will replace units that are at the end of their useful life and have been identified as FY24 replacements. (Fleet)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Elgin Pelican Street Sweepers.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Elgin Pelican Street Sweepers.pdf

Ald. Lanier indicated she knows the trail sweepers are important, and asked City Manager Melder are there any local opportunites for group purchasing. City Manager Melder indicated yes, with the County and the City's cooperative contracts.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

21. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Eight (8) Rear Loader Chassis with Battle Motors c/o Crane Carrier Company in the Amount of $1,430,624. Seven (7) of the rear loader truck chassis are planned FY24 replacements and one (1) will be a fleet addition for the Sanitation Department. (Fleet)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Rear Loader Chassis.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Rear Loader Chassis.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #15, #18, #21 and #22, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

22. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Three (3) Front Loading Refuse Trucks and Eight (8) Refuse Bodies with Solid Waste Applied Technologies c/o New Way Under in the Amount of $2,163,000. The front-loading refuse trucks will replace units 6701, 6742, and 6743 which are planned FY24 replacements. (Fleet)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Front Loading Refuse Trucks & Bodies.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Front Loading Refuse Trucks & Bodies.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #15, #18, #21 and #22, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION

23. Approval to Purchase GPS Survey Equipment from Georgia Surveyors Exchange, in the Amount of $35,200.

HEARD after Item #10.