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SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTESCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 22, 2021 – 6:30 p.m.
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held via Zoom video communications at 6:40 p.m. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz to introduce Pastor Joyce C. Hall of Living Hope Community Fellowship who delivered 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
OTHERS PRESENT: Acting City Manager Michael Brown City Attorney Bates Lovett Clerk of Council Mark Massey |
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for April 22, 2021 | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked to offer a substitute motion, however the vote had already taken place. She submitted an item earlier in the week to be included on the agenda. Mayor Johnson suggested she submit the item to the Acting City Manager's office for his preview. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of Minutes for the Work Session & City Manager's Briefing held on April 8, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. | |
| Agenda Plus_WS DRAFT MINUTES_April 08, 2021 City Council Workshop.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 3. Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting held on April 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. | |
| Agenda Plus_DRAFT RM MINUTES_April 08, 2021 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 4. Approval of Minutes for the Special Called Meeting (Closed Executive Session re: Personnel) held on April 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. | |
| SCM_DRAFT Minutes_2021-04-12 Special Meeting re Personnel.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 5. Appearance and Recognition of the Coastal Georgia Region's Designation as a Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities | |
Representing the Coastal Georgia Military Affairs Coalition, Colonel Pete Hoffman, Dr. Bill Cathcart and Mr. Doug Andrews presented the "Great American Defense Community" poster and will send the City a Flag, which is in route, to City Council. Mayor and Council Members thanked the Coalition for their service and for the recognition of the City's support. Alderman Palumbo congratulated the Coalition on receiving such a great honor. |
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| CONSENT AGENDA - (This section shall include all routine items for which it is anticipated there will be no debate or requests for public input. Any Alderman can remove consent items for discussion or separate consideration.) | |
| 6. Approval of a Resolution Honoring the Life of Lady Sheila Jenks Odum | |
| Exhibit 1: Resolution - Lady Sheila Jenks Odum.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson expressed condolences to the family of Lady Sheila Jenks Odum. He attended the funeral and gave remarks, where he presented a Resolution. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approved Item #6, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 7. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Two License Agreements With Norfolk Southern Corporation to Use Railroad Right of Way for Water Main Relocation in the Amount of $74,000 (Event No. 8052) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Railroad Crossing Licenses.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Railroad Crossing Licenses.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #7, #9, #10 and #11, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 8. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for DNA Laboratory Services for the Savannah Police Department with Serological Research Institute for up to $65,000 (Event No. 8143) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Serological Research Institute.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Specifications - Serological Research Institute.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Purchasing Notes - Serological Research Institute.pdf | |
Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Acting City Manager Brown discussed the importance of timing when administering the rape kits. She suggested the City establish a committee to review rape cases where offenders were not captured (cold cases). Mayor Johnson indicated he will pass her request to Mr. Brown and law enforcement officials; this should be addressed by law enforcement. Mr. Brown will prepare a report on how rape kits can be handled in a more efficient manner. Alderwoman Miller Blakely has concerns relating to gun violence/DNA. She asked what happened to the gun violence coordinator. Acting City Manager Brown will provide a report for Alderwoman Miller Blakely. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 9. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Automotive Batteries for City Vehicles with O'Reilly Automotive Stores Inc. (Local) for up to $63,478 (Event No. 8065) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Automotive Batteries.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Specifications - Automotive Batteries.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Purchasing Notes - Automotive Batteries .pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #7, #9, #10 and #11, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 10. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Drive Train Components with Savannah Driveline and Hydraulic Repair, Inc. (Local) for up to $57,750 (Event No. 8114) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Drive Train Components.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Specifications - Drive Train Components.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Purchasing Notes - Drive Train Components.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #7, #9, #10 and #11, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 11. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Automotive Hydraulic Hose Components with Savannah Driveline and Hydraulic Repair, Inc. (Local) for up to $57,000 (Event No. 8115) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Hydraulic Hose Components.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Specifications - Hydraulic Hose Components.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Purchasing Notes - Hydraulic Hose Components.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #7, #9, #10 and #11, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| PURCHASING ITEMS | |
| 12. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Forestry Management and Timber Sales Management/Brokerage Services with Marsh Forestry and Appraisal, LLC in the Amount of $5,000 plus 6% Commission of Timber Sales (Event No. 8183) | |
| Event 8183 - Forestry Mgt & Timber Sales FV.pdf | |
| Specs.pdf | |
| Georgia-Forestry-Commission-Plan.pdf | |
| Map Attachment - Event 8183.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz alerted the public, bids are going out for approximately nine hundred acres of timberland and the timber will soon be moving (sold). She described the uses and protection of the timberland. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Acting City Manager for a report of the contracts approved in an amount under $25,000.00. She requested the report for Council Members. Mayor Johnson indicated he will bring Mr. Brown up to date on the report as Mr. Brown was not aware of the report. |
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| 13. Authorize the City Manager to Procure Route Optimizations and Management Software from Rubicon Global LLC in the Amount of $655,152.50 for a Three-Year Contract (Event No. 8377) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Route Management System.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Route Management System.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #13 and #14, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a New Water Recirculation System with Mars Company for $106,776 (Event No. 8052) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Water Recirculation System.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Water Recirculation System.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #13 and #14, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Purtee. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION | |
| 15. Approval of a Six-Month Renewal Billboard Rental Agreement with Adams Outdoor Advertising, in the Amount of $112,621 | |
| Exhibit 1: Map - Billboard Rental.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 and #16, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| 16. Approval to Renew the 2021 – 2022 Airport Liability Insurance Program with USI Insurance Services, in the Amount of $1,121,981 | |
| Exhibit 1: Premium Summary.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 and #16, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS | |
| 17. Approval of a Class C (Beer, Wine)(By the Drink) Alcohol License With Sunday Sales to Liang Liu of King Cajun Seafood at 7312 Hodgson Memorial Drive (Aldermanic District 4) | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - King Cajun Seafood.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - King Cajun Seafood.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - King Cajun Seafood.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - King Cajun Seafood.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearing for Item #17. No speaker(s). a. Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #17, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz. The motion passed unanimously. b. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #17, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| PETITIONS | |
| 18. Approval of the Naming of the Dorothy W. Law Pavilion located at 2828 Pate Street in Sarah Wade Playground within the Ogeecheeton Neighborhood (Item Postponed to May 13, 2021 City Council Meeting) | |
| 041521 Dorothy W. Law Pavilion MEMO.pdf | |
| 041421 D W Law MAP.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson gave background information about Mrs. Dorothy W. Law and her contributions to the community. She was the matriarch of the Ogeecheeton neighborhood; volunteering endlessly to establishing the neighborhood and a neighborhood park with a playground which proved to be too small. She wanted to see a pavilion in the park for sitting. Mayor Johnson arranged in the last SPLOST funds to have a pavilion built in Mrs. Law's honor; she has since deceased. Mayor Johnson explained naming the pavilion would be contingent on approval by the Sites & Monuments Commission. The target date for naming the pavilion is Mother's Day, May 9, 2021. The Ogeecheeton Neighborhood Celebration would like to make the dedication to the Law family during their celebration. Alderwoman Lanier stands in support of the pavilion monument; the Law family is an important part of the neighborhood. The annual Mother's Day Celebration is a huge event for the neighborhood and this would be the perfect opportunity for the dedication. Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #18, contingent upon a review by the Historic Sites and Monuments Commission, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter previously communicated with the Law family in regard to the pavilion and would like to see the pavilion dedication completed. She asked Mayor Johnson to explain to the public the procedure and timeline for naming a monument in the City. Mayor Johnson outlined the total process of naming streets and monuments. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter shared a humbling conversation with Mrs. Dorothy Law prior to her death, where she indicated the pavilion should not be named after her. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter thought this was very honorable of Mrs. Law and worth mentioning. |
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| ORDINANCES - SECOND READING | |
| 19. Petition to Amend the Zoning Map for 11901 Middleground Road (PIN 20782 02006) from RSF-20 (Single Family Residential-20) to B-N (Neighborhood Business). Karan Patel (Agent) on Behalf of Martin George Grotheer, Jr. (Property Owner). Aldermanic District 6 (File No. 21-000890-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet - 11901 Middleground Road | |
| Exhibit 2: Draft Ordinance for 11901 Middleground Road | |
Alderman Purtee met with the presidents of the neighborhood associations and they have no issues with the application. Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| AGREEMENTS | |
| 20. Approval of a Water and Sewer Agreement with SHDC, LLC for Savannah Highlands Phase 6 | |
| Exhibit 1: Water/Sewer Agreement - Savannah Highlands Phase 6.pdf | |
Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if Acting City Manager received the Plastics Resolution and Impact Fee Resolution submitted to his office. Mr. Brown is preparing a report on the plastics for the Council's next agenda. He encouraged the Council to seriously consider an Impact Fee Ordinance and how they would apply. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter suggested Mr. Brown move forward with an assessment report on the amounts and where the City would apply the fees. Mr. Brown outlined the impact fee process per Georgia Law. He will prepare a report for Council. Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Brown to briefly explain to Council what impact fees are and how they are applied. Mayor Johnson indicated water fees are different than impact fees, and impact fees cannot be charged retroactively to a development. Mr. Brown will prepare a report defining an area, how much revenue will be generated with impact fees, and how those revenues will be applied to the City's Budget. Alderman Leggett asked the difference between tap fees and impact fees. Mr. Brown gave the definition of both fees. Alderman Palumbo stated it's the Council's duty to be genuine with the public. The Council must stay on course with the current agenda items. As the Council explores impact fees, within the Georgia Law, there are fifteen definitions of what qualifies as impact fees. Council should identify the reasoning behind charging impact fees and the goals associated with the outcome. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20 through #23, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no. |
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| 21. Approval of a Water and Sewer Agreement with SHDC, LLC for Savannah Highlands Phase 7 | |
| Exhibit 1: Water/Sewer Agreement - Savannah Highlands Phase 7.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20 through #23, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no. |
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| 22. Approval of a Water and Sewer Agreement with Compassion Christian Church for Compassion Christian Church. | |
| Exhibit 1: Water/Sewer Agreement - Compassion Christian Church.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20 through #23, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no. |
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| 23. Approval of a Water and Sewer Agreement with Bradley Lot Developers, LLC for Bradley Point Phase 6B. | |
| Exhibit 1: Water/Sewer Agreement - Bradley Point - Phase 6B.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #20 through #23, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no. |
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| 24. Approval a Memorandum of Agreement with Mercer University Macon Campus for the Provision of Critical Workforce Shelter Space | |
| Emergency Shelter Facilities License Agreement Savannah GA.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #24, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, as announced by Mayor Johnson. |
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| REAL ESTATE ITEMS | |
| 25. Approval to Grant an Easement Across City-Owned Property Located at 1325 Dean Forest Road to Georgia Power for Tree/Brush Trimming Along an Electric Transmission Powerline. | |
| Exhibit 1: GPC Easement -1325 Dean Forest.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously. |
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| MISCELLANEOUS | |
| 26. Approval of a Major Subdivision Brookline Subdivision Phase 1 | |
| Exhibit 1: Plat: Major Subdivision - Brookline Phase 1 | |
Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #26, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no. |
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Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:39 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=mYCMBvxSmPVb
Mark Massey, Clerk of Council Date Minutes Approved: May 13, 2021 Initials: mm |
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