APRIL 24, 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 2:14 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. Alicia Miller Blakely to introduce Bishop Lee F. Jenkins, Jr., Pastor and Founder of Fresh Fire from Heaven Christian Church to offer the invocation. Mayor Johnson also asked to observe a moment of silence in honor of the passing of Pope Francis.  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:

Chief Community Services Officer Taffanye Young

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

Deputy City Attorney Jennifer Herman

Interim Deputy Clerk of Council Gwendolyn Jones

Assistant to Clerk of Council Renee Osborne

Mayor Johnson exerted mayoral privilege to add two additional announcments, one additional appearance, and one additional proclamation. He also announced the removal of item #23 from the agenda by staff's request.

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

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

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

*Mayor Johnson took moments of mayoral privilege for the following:

• Ald. Wilder-Bryan announced Mayor Johnson was newly installed as the 13th President of the African American Mayors Association in Washington, D.C.  He will lead over 600 mayors across the nation from the east to the west coast; and,
• Mayor Johnson announced the City of Savannah was awarded a $125,000 grant from the African American Mayors Association in partnership with the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America.  The City of Savannah was one of seven cities who was selected through a competitive application process recognizing innovative equity-driven public health strategies.  Mayor Johnson stated the city is partnering with Healthy Savannah to enhance ongoing efforts focused on nutrition access, food affordability, and community-based education programs.  He further added that the City of Savannah was awarded $50,000 in January from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Beverage Foundation; totaling $175,000 that the City of Savannah has received in the last four months toward healthy activities; and, 
• Mayor Johnson recognized President Krishon Seastrunk of the Savannah Metropolitan Chapter of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) for receiving acknowledgment and an award at NFBPA’s forum held in San Francisco. President Seastrunk spoke and honored members of Savannah Metropolitian Chapter of NFBPA who joined him at the podium.  He also recognized former members who came before them (Ald.Carolyn Bell and Ald. Bernetta Lanier) and Mayor Johnson who served as founding president of the local chapter.
• Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation recognizing April 26th as a day to celebrate the vital role of family and community engagement in student learning to Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS).  President Roger Moss of the Board of Public Education,  Dr. Angie Lewis, and Ms. Idel Miles received the proclamation on behalf of SCCPSS.  President Moss and Dr. Lewis spoke about the importance of literacy for children, parents, and the community, and invited everyone to the Books, Blankets, and Family Fun at Daffin Park on Saturday, April 26th.

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation declaring the week of May 4th - 10th as National Small Business Week in Savannah, GA, and encouraging citizens to support small businesses and to celebrate their achievements.  Economic Development’s Senior Director MarRonde Lumpkin-Lotson received the proclamation on behalf of the US Small Business Administration and GA Representative Terri Denison.  Also joining Ms. Lumpkin-Lotson at the podium was Savannah's Small Business Leadership Team ( Faye DiMassimo, Mia Mans, Jennifer Davenport, Dewayne Marshall, and Tigerlily Harrington).  Ms. Lumpkin-Lotson explained the week will be filled with activites and programs designed with small businesses in mind, and the jewel of the crown for the week is the Mayor's Small Business Conference followed by the Reverse Trade Show that will be held on May 7th.  

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation declaring the week of April 21st - 26th as Georgia Cities Week in the city of Savannah, GA. Acting Chief of Information and Public Affairs Joe Shearouse and the team of city staff, who were led by Dr. Jennifer Blalock to execute the week long events, received the proclamation. Chief Shearouse acknowledged some of the events in honor of Georgia Cities Week: Employee Appreciation Day,  Administrative Professional Day celebration, and Earth Day at Daffin Park.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9.

No speaker(s).

a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the public hearings for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

b. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #6, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9.

No speaker(s).

a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the public hearings for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

b. Ald. Purtee moved to approve agenda item #7, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9.

No speaker(s).

a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the public hearings for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

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

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9.

No speaker(s).

a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the public hearings for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda item #10. See related agenda item #11.

Speaker(s):

• Bridget Lidy, Director of Planning & Urban Design
• Edward Morrow, MPC representative
• Tigerlily Harrington – IN SUPPORT
• Ellie Isaacs – IN SUPPORT
• Jo Claire Hickson – IN SUPPORT
• Kristen Russell – IN SUPPORT
• Scott Gooch – OPPOSED
• Quin Peterson – IN SUPPORT
• Burt Karmiel – IN SUPPORT
• Malcolm Allen -- IN SUPPORT

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearing for agenda item #10, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson reminded the council that each of them have heard Savannah is becoming too expensive to live, have received complaints, and individually know people who have faced issues of affordability. He stated that council is limited by what they can do to address it, and this is one of the ways to address it. Mayor Johnson further stated that either we do the things that will help us to achieve affordability or we allow unaffordability to continue to persist.

Ald. Lanier stated we are on the right track.  We need affordable housing which is relative all over Savannah, and we are starting here.  She asked how this change would affect commercial properties in these areas. (No affect).  Ald. Lanier expressed her concern regarding the retrictions placed on individuals who would use their own funds.  She stated if developers use city funds, then they should prioritize the affordable housing criteria.  However, she does believe if you use your own funds, that the developer would probably focus more on profitability and quality of the product.  Ald. Lanier stated we want the affordable housing, but it is like we are forcing a private developer with their own funds to adhere.  She further stated that we need affordable housing and density, but let's make sure that we want to have some incentives for the investor to build these affordable houses.  So we might not want to restrict people who bring their own money to the table.

Ald. Leggett stated he wanted the people to understand when we talk about affordable housing, we are talking about affordable to who?  He also wanted  to make sure that people understand that the council does not control the level of rent.  Ald. Leggett stated "rent caps" should be placed on the legislative agenda and we should lobby our legislators to make sure we have a rent cap to help with affordable housing.  Ald. Leggett stated that he wanted to bring attention to people performing demolitions and work without permits.  He explained how one developer was asked to show him his permit and he is still waiting to see it.  The same developer advised that he was planning to build seven houses and was not looking for affordable housing.  Ald. Leggett reiterated that we advocate for affordable housing and stated again, he is going to continue to echo, affordable for who?

Mayor Johnson stated we did place on our legislative agenda housing stabilization to deal with issues of rent and it went absolutely nowhere. They did not even hear it.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated we got a road map for affordability in one of the richest neighborhoods and the problem she has is that with all of these new tools that you all have in the tool box, they never filter down to the other districts. She further stated she will vote for it because it is needs to be done, but the tools you all are using, it is not going to the people who need it. The purpose of affordable housing overlay district is to increase availability, accessibility, and affordability. Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked how could that not be an option for all the districts? She expressed that this is a great tool (affordable housing), but when are those tools in the toolbox going to come to the other districts.

Mayor Johnson stated that the charge we gave was to find neighborhoods that had certain criteria, to include ability to be close to a transit line and areas that were less dense, to be the pilot for this. Once this passes, Mayor Johnson welcomed, encouraged, and challenged council, if they are ready, to get neighborhoods [to participate] and they would add them as quickly as two weeks from now. He stated we have to start somewhere.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan also expressed her concern about the timing of receiving information from staff prior to council meetings.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated she is not a rocket scientist and she does not know everything, so she counts on the staff to tell us, and if they do no tell us, then we do not know. She further stated she wants to have firsthand information and wants it to come to her before she gets this book (Council Meeting Agenda Packet) on Monday.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she has not wavered from her constituency and their voice here on city council in reference to this. She added she is very clear that here in Savannah, we have a housing shortage.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated taking this outside of her district, looking at the broader view of the city of Savannah, there are areas in the city of Savannah that can have more density in them. There are a lot of areas in the city of Savannah when we talk about affordable housing. She explained that council is talking about affordable housing and not talking about people who get Section 8.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz expressed that she is not against some tweaking, but we have got to get started with increasing our inventory for housing.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated that there is not a lot of information that was given in the summary, and asked Ms. Lidy if only ADUs and quads can be built in these mapped areas? Ms. Lidy stated that ADUs are totally separate from this particular item that is being considered right now. She added that right now, council is considering the ability to potentially build a duplex, and one of those units in the duplex would be considered affordable for the project to move forward with the program. If it's a quadplex, it would be two units. Ald. Miller Blakely asked Ms. Lidy if she went to other neighborhoods outside of the second district. (Yes, the fifth district.) 

Written Comments:

• Kim Campbell -- IN SUPPORT
• Virginia L Mobley -- COMMENT
• Kenneth Blackburn -- OPPOSE
• Nancy Maia -- IN SUPPORT
• Michael T. Owens -- IN SUPPORT
• Mitch Linder -- IN SUPPORT
• Joyce Piersanti -- OPPOSE
• Denise R. Grabowski -- IN SUPPORT

a. Ald. Palumbo moved (to approve agenda item #11) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Bell and Ald. Purtee. The motion passed 7-2-0. Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no.

b. Ald. Lanier moved (a substitute/amended motion) to approve agenda item #11 with removing the restriction when private funds are used, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  Ald. Lanier withdrew the substitute/amended motion after receiving input from legal counsel. (No vote was taken on this motion.)

Ald. Palumbo asked the council to please let us have the courage to make this a place not just for profound history, but of a promising future for our community. It is a small step. 

Ald. Lanier stated she would like to remove the restriction from the private funding. However, she would like for investors to have an opportunity to build this type of housing because we need the density.  Mayor Johnson stated that would eliminate what council is trying to do.  Chief Young explained the program provides an opportunity for property owners to be able to add to their property without having to go through the variance process.  It is an incentive only.  She stated it is not tied to our public funds. 

Ald. Palumbo stated that the council needs to be very clear on what they are voting for and asked the city attorney to provide clarity on the amended motion.  Deputy City Attorney Herman stated that this is a zoning map amendment and the motion is not valid.  Ald. Lanier agreed and pulled her amended motion.

Ald. Purtee moved to approve agenda item #12, seconded by Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed 6-1-2.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan voted no, and Ald. Bell and Ald. Palumbo were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13, #14, #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Purtee.  The motioned passed unanimously 7-0-2.  Ald. Bell and Ald. Palumbo were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13, #14, #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Purtee.  The motioned passed unanimously 7-0-2.  Ald. Bell and Ald. Palumbo were away from the dais during the vote.

Ald. Purtee moved to approve agenda item #15, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motioned passed unanimously 9-0-0. 

Ald. Purtee stated $140,000 is a minimal cost when looking at replacing these various shades, to include the ones at Tribble Park. When looking at ways to protect kids and make them healthier whether by protecting them from hot playground equipment or direct sunlight, this is a great investment. He is excited to see this item come to fruition.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13, #14, #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Purtee.  The motioned passed unanimously 7-0-2.  Ald. Bell and Ald. Palumbo were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13, #14, #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Purtee.  The motioned passed unanimously 7-0-2.  Ald. Bell and Ald. Palumbo were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13, #14, #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Purtee.  The motioned passed unanimously 7-0-2.  Ald. Bell and Ald. Palumbo were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13, #14, #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Purtee.  The motioned passed unanimously 7-0-2.  Ald. Bell and Ald. Palumbo were away from the dais during the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13, #14, #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Purtee.  The motioned passed unanimously 7-0-2.  Ald. Bell and Ald. Palumbo were away from the dais during the vote.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #21, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Bell stated she hears from people across our city, from different walks of life, who are concerned about the homeless issue here in Savannah, particularly issues of encampments. It is a privilege that the Interagency Council of Homelessness' Strategic Plan speaks directly to our needs to better address encampments and health and safety issues that derive from homelessness.

Ald. Lanier requested a point of law and directed the following questions to Mayor Johnson:

• When we (city council) pass a measure, first and second reading, does it require a unanimous vote?  (In order for it to be on first and second reading it requires every member of council to agree for it to be on first and second reading.)
• Did we do that? (In reference to item #11, Mayor Johnson stated that no one opposed it being on first and second reading.) 
• So, would you have to oppose it? (Yes)  At that time, should we have said "point of law"? (No, someone just says they do not agree with it (the item) being on first and second reading to the point it reverted to just being the first reading.)

Ald. Wilder Bryan moved to approve agenda item #22, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimounsly, 9-0-0.

Item was removed from agenda at staff's request.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Following various announcements made by the Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 4:39 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.