APRIL 14, 2022, 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 2:06 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Palumbo who introduced Dr. Stephen Williams, Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Savannah, 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

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

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to reconsider entering into Executive Session for personnel matter(s) involving the Police Department (concerning a 128-page report, officer involved shootings, and departmental turmoil), seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion failed, 3-6-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voting yea.

Mayor Johnson advised these matters are under the purview of the City Manager, pursuant to our Charter/laws.

Mayor Pro-Tem  Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda for April 14, 2022, with a request from Alderwoman Miller Blakely to include the appointment of Mr. Jeffrey Notrica to the Historic Preservation Commission, since he qualifies as a city resident, given a recent resignation. Mayor Johnson advised he will rule on this request later in the meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and Alderman Palumbo.  Mayor Johnson introduced Community Housing Services Agency Executive Director Anita Smith-Dixon. 

Ms. Smith-Dixon introduced Mr. Dan Kent of Galvan Foundation who presented the City with a check for $50,000.00 for the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  Mr. Kent thanked Council Members, Ms. Smith-Dixon and Housing & Neighborhood Services Director Martin Fretty for the opportunity to participate in the affordable housing efforts in Savannah. 

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and READ by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.

Assistant City Manager Lloyd briefly explained the importance of good underground utilities and thanked Mayor and Council for the Proclamation.  He introduced Water Engineering & Planning Director James (Jim) Laplander who introduced members of the water & sewer staff:  Stephen Altman & David Myers, Locators; Andrew Collins, Water & Sewer Distribution Superintendent; and Southeast Georgia Right of Way Inspector Jamie Coursey from Atlanta Gas & Light.  Mr. Coursey thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and Mr. Collins recognized Stephen Altman, David Myers and a third member of the team who was unable to attend, for locating and responding to over 21,000 request last year through the 811 call system from residents.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and READ by Alderman Leggett.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recognized Fred Robinson (her uncle), 2nd District resident Mr. Mark Smith, and Reverend Doctor Leonard Small as an organ donor/recipient.    

Mayor Johnson recognized in 2021 41,354 transplant patients in the United States received life-saving organ transplants; over 1,243 were Georgians, but still over 3,500 Georgians are awaiting organ donations.  This month is an opportunity to sign-up for organ donation.  Information to donate an organ will be posted on the Savannah web site.  

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and READ by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.

Rose-Grant Robinson Director of Coastal Children's Advocacy Center accepted and thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and staff members were introduced.  Ms. Robinson encouraged adults to listen to children when they have a problem, it just might be child abuse. 

PRESENTED and READ by Mayor Johnson.

Director of Coastal Children's Advocacy Center Ms. Robinson accepted the Proclamation on behalf of Executive Director Doris Williams of Mary's Place who was unable to attend the meeting.  Ms. Williams sent apologies for not attending, but thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and for declaring April as sexual assault awareness month.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely recognized Alderwoman Gibson-Carter as a strong advocate against sexual assault and read as follows, 'The Rape Crisis Center has rescinded the June 5, 2018 termination, accepted Ms. Gibson-Carter's resignation, and provided Kesha Gibson-Carter a positive letter of reference incorporating the findings by Butler as to her many contributions to The Rape Crisis Center, including the fact that he found Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter to be completely gracious, quiet, kind, and passionate about the victims she and The Rape Crisis Center served.  We want to give her the recognition she deserves.'

Alderman Purtee raised a point of order, Mayor Johnson acknowledged.

Alderman Leggett raised a point of order, Mayor Johnson acknowledged.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan raised a point of order, Mayor Johnson acknowledged.

Mayor Johnson stated we appreciate that, but we want to recognize the work with the individuals here today.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter thanked Alderwoman Miller Blakely and indicated she is a strong supporter of sexual assault and she's humbled by the recognition.  She asked Mayor Johnson to outline his proposal/design for providing information and education for the community to address sex trafficking, especially with regard to the airport.

Mayor Johnson indicated, at the appropriate time, he will.   

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson who was joined by City Manager Melder and Director of Sanitation Gene Prevatt.  Recognition was given to the entire sanitation staff for the outstanding work performed during and after the St. Patrick's Day Celebration.

Council Members thanked and congratulated the sanitation department for the work performed every day for the City.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked that the sanitation department be included in the catered meals and to give the sanitation workers an additional bonus for working during the St. Patrick's Day festivities.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to give the sanitation workers a bonus for working during the St. Patrick's Day celebration, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion was ruled inappropriate by the Mayor. 

Following Item #9, Mayor Johnson took a point of personal privilege to introduce students from Harvard University here in Savannah helping the Mayor's office to research various boards that have oversight for police and how data is collected and stored:

• Kenashia Thompson, Spartanburg, SC - Master of |Divinity candiate
• Merida Brimhall, Boston, MA - Master of Public Health
• Jerald Watson, Brooklyn, NY - Masters in Business Administration & Master of Public Policy
• Alexis Williams, Cary, NC - Master of Business Administration & Master of Public Policy
• Marisa Palmer, South Jersey - Nieman Foundation for Journalism
• Megan Russo, Acworth, GA - Master of Public Policy & Juris Doctor (Unable to attend meeting)

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings for Items #10, #11, #12 and #13 open.

No speaker(s):

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10, #11, #12, and #13, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings for Items #10, #11, #12 and #13 open.

No speaker(s):

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10, #11, #12, and #13, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings for Items #10, #11, #12 and #13 open.

No speaker(s):

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10, #11, #12, and #13, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings for Items #10, #11, #12 and #13 open.

No Speaker(s):

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10, #11, #12, and #13, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing for Item #14 open.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC Representative

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #14, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett and 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, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Purtee moved to CONTINUE/HOLD Items #16 and #17 to the April 28, 2022, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller  Blakely.  The motion was passed unanimously.

Alderman Purtee moved to CONTINUE/HOLD Items #16 and #17 to the April 28, 2022, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller  Blakely.  The motion was passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder what is the outstanding balance on the Arena project.  City Manager Melder will follow up with the Alderwoman, but he indicated Item #18 and Item #19 was included in the original cost of the Arena.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter is requesting the balance information to assure the City's General Fund is not used for the project.

Mayor Johnson requested City Manager Melder to send Council Members a written update on the guaranteed maximum price and spending on the Arena Project.  

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

Item #19 was part of the Item #18 discussion.  Alderman Purtee asked City Manager Melder if the Item #19 expenditure will be taken from the SPLOST fund or capital improvement fund.  City Manager Melder answered, the expenditure is contained in the capital improvement project (CIP) Arena furniture & finishing (FF&E) budget which was previously planned, but the supply chain was delayed (not SPLOST).  This item was previously approved by Council.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked the difference between Savannah's senior meals versus the Medicaid meals for seniors.  City Manager Melder will send Alderwoman Gibson-Carter the information via written email.

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

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked how the training program is being advertised to the public.  Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder indicated, once approved by Council, the public communications department will work with staff to notify/educate the public about the program. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

City Manager Melder indicated a grant made it possible for the city to obtain the training for the police department.  Alderman Purtee is pleased to see this training implemented for the city's law enforcement officers.  This will help them make the correct life/death decisions.

Alderman Leggett wants to make sure the training will be utilized by the officers.  He asked the City Manager to make sure the city has a plan in place to make sure all officers will utilize the technology.

Mayor Johnson reiterated that the Savannah Police Department has training beyond State requirements.  He invited Council Members, with City Manager Melder's approval, along with the police chief to have the first opportunity to go through the training to witness/see the various situations police officers face everyday. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed current data on Georgia and City of Savannah homicides and expressed the police department is understaffed and responsibilities should be reevaluated and officers' duties reallocated.  Mayor Johnson stated the Alderwoman's data was incorrect.

City Manager Melder requested to address Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's concerns.  He stated there is no greater focus than to ensure the residents of Savannah have the resources needed to be and feel safe, which starts with the police department.  He along with staff are earnest about making sure the Savannah officers have the resources needed to protect its residents and look for every opportunity to hire qualified officers or to train new officers.  It is an A-1 priority.     

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Purtee stated he needs additional ShotSpotter coverage in the 6th District.  The current coverage is inadequate for the various neighborhood communities.  He requested City Manager Melder to investigate public/private partnerships, if the city cannot afford the additional ShotSpotter coverage.  Mayor Johnson offered assistance with the partnerships to expand the program.  City Manager Melder will work on continuing to expand the ShotSpotter program.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked the City Manager for including ShotSpotter on the agenda and offered her assistance, along with Mayor Johnson's, with private partnerships.

Alderman Palumbo called on the adjacent surrounding Counties to partner with Savannah to expand the radius of ShotSpotter to achieve 100% coverage.  This is about holding illegal gunfire accountable in all areas.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed concern for a resident who experienced gunfire over the past weekend, and she asked if ShotSpotter cameras were in the 38th and Harding Streets areas.  City Manager Melder will follow-up with the Alderwoman and Council Members concerning the area coverage and the incident.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked about the radius of ShotSpotter.  Major Gavin indicated the purchase today will cover 3.5 square miles.  The completed ShotSpotter coverage is the current 4 square miles + today's 3.5 square miles + 2 Square miles from SCAD, a total radius of 9 miles.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked for radius information per ShotSpotter.  Each ShotSpotter is different, it various from 1/4 to 1-1/2 mile radius.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter suggested pairing ShotSpotter with cameras and traffic lights, and asked for the current cost of ShotSpotter.  Major Gavin indicated, staff is currently working on various options to increase coverage and the cost is approximately $525,000.00.   

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #24, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked is this youth program paired with the program offered by the Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (yes).

Alderman Leggett reminded Council that a periodic (quarterly) update on the programs provided by the Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement was requested and should be distributed next month to Council Members.  He asked for the total dollar amount for both programs ($1.58 million + the CIP allocated funds).

Alderwoman Lanier asked how the program's success will be monitored.  Since this is a nationally recognized program, City Manager Melder indicated evaluations are part of the programs.  He suggested a workshop on these type programs.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked how many individuals will be hired for the program.  City Manager Melder answered there will be seven paid staff members who will target the highest risk youth and supply mentorship and engagement.    

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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

City Manager Melder and staff requested Item #33 be REMOVED/WITHDRAWN from the Agenda.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #34, #35, #36 and #37, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recusing herself from voting on Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #38, #39, #40, and #41, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #38, #39, #40, and #41, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #38, #39, #40, and #41, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #38, #39, #40, and #41, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #4.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #42, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #43, #44, #45, #46 and #47, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #43, #44, #45, #46 and #47, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #43, #44, #45, #46 and #47, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #43, #44, #45, #46 and #47, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #43, #44, #45, #46 and #47, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #48, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Upon conclusion of the agenda, Alderwoman Miller Blakely inquired about the Board Appointment matter she presented during the adoption of the agenda. Mayor Johnson advised he will take the information under advisement. He understands there may be some other issues he needs to investigate. He will report the information back to the Alderwoman in writing.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely advised she has already investigated the issue, along with the Clerk of Council. Mayor Johnson advised he needs to understand the issue, given obvious miscommunication.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to have a discussion regarding a change in the Rules of Council (From 5 individuals to 3 individuals), seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  Mayor Johnson ruled the motion out of order, given it is not on the agenda.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested the matter to be included on the next agenda.

Alderman Palumbo moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Leggett.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 3:56 p.m.  He stated God Bless and wished everyone a happy Holy Week.

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=lNW4J0TQ92i2

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:   May 12, 2022 

Signature:   MM