CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison followed by the Invocation by Apostle LaRinda J. King, End Time Commission Church.

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows:                                                            

At the meeting held on the 13^th day of April, 2017 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing Litigation and Real Estate. At the close of the discussions upon this subject, the Council reentered into open session and herewith takes the following action in open session:

1. The actions of Council and the discussions of the same regarding the matter set forth for the closed session purposes are hereby ratified;
2. Each  member  of  this  body  does  hereby  confirms  that  to  the  best  of  his  or  her  knowledge,  the subject  matter  of  the  closed  session  was  devoted  to  matters  within  the  specific  relevant exception(s) as set forth above;
3. The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17
4. The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED: APRIL 13, 2017

Michelle Gavin, Community Relations Administrator and Chief Lumpkin of the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department appeared to introduce Lisa and Kenny Wilson, parents and other family members of Cory Joseph Wilson, a Savannah native, who died in 2013 due to a cardiac arrhythmia while in class at Georgia Southern University.

Mrs. Wilson stated an AED is used when a person is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and  can check the person’s heart rhythm and determine if the individual needs an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm. At the time of Corey's death no AED was nearby.

The donated AEDs will be available for use in each SCMPD precinct. Each AED is valuable at approximately $2,000.

Mayor DeLoach read portions of Former Commissioner Rivers resolution. The resolution was read and presented to his family during the Rosary Service held earlier in the week. 

Alderman Johnson stated the overwhelming show of support during the celebration of life for Mr. Joe Murray Rivers who was a mentor and dear friend to him was repeated by many during his services. Mr. Murray's love and affinity for people and how he allowed his faith to work out for the betterment of people. He continued stating our community is better because of him and he is terribly missed already as he was a man of the people and for the people. 

Alderman Bell introduced Savannah High School Basketball Coach Tim Jordan, to be recognized for his efforts in saving a woman’s life on March 5, 2017. Coach Jordan thanked Council for recognizing him and stated he is glad to inform everyone he has heard that, after being in a medically induced coma for two days, she's doing well. He encouraged anyone that isn't CPR Certified to take the course because you never know if or when you could be the person to save the life of another individual. 

Alderman Johnson introduced Coach Olufemi Gordon and the A.E. Beach High School Lady Bulldogs to be recognized for their recent 2017 State AAA Championship win. Coach Gordon is in her fourth year at Beach and led the Lady Bulldogs to a 31-2 season this year. Under the direction of Coach Gordon the team has made it to the finals all four years. Coach Gordon thanked Mayor DeLoach and Council and thanked the City for all of their love and support. 

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

Alderman Johnson stated there were significant lengthy discussions held between the Cuyler/Brownsville Neighborhood Association and the business owner. The neighborhood and Mr. Patel have come up with a Good Neighbor Agreement. Gloria Williams, President Cuyler/Brownsville Neighborhood Association stated she signed the agreement on behalf of the association and asked that if Mr. Patel does not hold up his end of the agreement that they have the right to come back before Council to resolve any issues.

Alderman Bell commended Ms. Williams and the business owner for the spirit of cooperation and compromise.

Alderman Johnson stated although the agreement is not legally binding it is the goal of Council to have residents and business owners to work together to resolve issues.

*A copy of the Good Neighbor Agreement is attached

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence and unanimously carried. Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

Hearings closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimoulsy caried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

Marcus Lotson, Metropolitan Planning Commission appeared to briefly describe the petitioner's request. 

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

Ordinance read for the first time in Council April 13, 2017, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Ordinance read for the first time in Council April 13, 2017, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Withdrawn per the City Manager's Recommendation

City Manager Hernandez stated staff will be reaching out to interested parties within the next few weeks.

Mayor DeLoach made the following statement:

Recently there have been discussions about the expanded use of bar cards in the updated alcohol ordinances.  It has come to Council’s attention that the expanded use of the bar cards has put an additional burden on employees and businesses.  While this request originally came from the industry, we need to decide if it has gone too far.  As a result, myself and members of Council will be meeting with stake holders throughout the industry to understand the proper use of the bar cards.

It is important to note, during this time, the City WILL NOT be enforcing the bar cards. This Council is committed to making sure Savannah remains a business friendly City. 

Attorney Stillwell stated in September 2016, Eric McKay, owner of 645-647 East Henry Street, requested that water service be restored to the property on a date-certain. The water was turned on early, resulting in property damage, which included mold infiltration. Mr. McKay has agreed to accept $71, 230 to fully and finally resolve this claim. 

David Keating, Real Properties Director appeared to give a brief background and history of the chain of events. Mr. Keating introduced Geyer/Morris the highest responsible bidder.

Austin Hill, Stuart Geyer and Louis Joos appeared to brief Council on their plans for the property which will be named the Bryson Read Building named after the first officers to be killed in the line of duty in the City of Savannah.

 Geyer Morris, a well-qualified and experienced real estate development company based in Atlanta, proposed the following:

• Acquisition price of $5,000,000.00.
• Development with a multi-story, mixed-use project that includes ground floor retail and restaurant uses, a parking garage (including 50 spaces available for use by the SCMPD at no charge to the City), and upper floor residential units. The residential units are proposed as apartments, though some for-sale condominiums may also be included. The proposer has agreed to restrict against short-term vacation rentals. 
• The project will produce significant tax and economic development benefits to the City.
• Approximate two-year project acquisition and development schedule. 

Mayor and Council expressed their gratitude to the Geyer/Morris Company stating how excited they are about the concept.

Withdrawn per the City Manager's Recommendation

Alderman Durrence briefly stepped out of Council Chambers prior to the vote but returned before the passing of the motion and verbally voted in favor of the item.  

Alderman Hall briefly stepped out of Council Chambers prior to the vote but returned before the passing of the motion and verbally voted in favor of the item. 

Announcements

Alderman Bell acknowledged the passing and sent condolences to the family of Margaret Dorsey, a retired City of Savannah employee who worked in Central Services. She offered assistance to staff where needed and was one of the first to come back to volunteer in the Police Departments Citizens Program. She will be remembered for her dedication and willingness to serve. The funeral will be held Saturday at 11:00  a.m.. at First African Baptist Church in Franklin Square.

Alderman Shabazz announced she will host a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the Tatemville Community Center, located at 333 Coleman Street. The focus of the meeting will be the fairgrounds property. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding their district.

Alderman Johnson announced April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and asked everyone to keep our most precious resources in mind.

City Manager Hernandez thanked everyone for their patience with the transition from the paper agenda to the electronic system. He thanked the IT Department and Bret Bell for all their hard work as well as the Clerk's Office for working closely with staff. He concluded stating he believes the implementation went well today.

He also recognized Recycling Crew employees on Truck #5735 Thomas Burns, Driver, Darrell Brown, Antonio Powell and  Jonte Brown who were working in District 3 near Pennsylvania Avenue where they saw someone that needed assistance who they stopped to help. The individual wrote a "Thank you" note to the workers. 

There being no further business, Mayor DeLoach declared this meeting of Council adjourned.