APRIL 27, 2023, 6:30 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 6:38 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz 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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as amended by request of Mayor Johnson to add a Proclamation Declaring April 30^th through May 6^th as National Small Business Week, and a Point of Personal Privilege to acknowledge the loss/passing of Darlene Ward Jackson, an employee of the Human Services Department, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

ADDED:

Mayor Johnson took a moment of personal privilege to recognize the loss and send condolences to the family of Darlene Ward Jackson, Outreach Counselor, Human Services Department and Advisor/Coordinator, Savannah Youth Ambassadors.  Arrangements are scheduled for next Thursday and Friday.  Mayor Johnson asked everyone to stand and exercise a moment of silence on behalf of Darlene Ward Jackson.  He asked everyone to keep the family in prayer.  Taffanye Young, Chief Community Services Officer and former Director of Human Services spoke about the positive attributes displayed by Ms. Jackson and the many lives she touched on behalf of the City.

ADDED:

Mayor Johnson read and presented a Proclamation Declaring April 30^th through May 6^th as National Small Business Week to Business Opportunity Manager in the Department of Economic Development MaRonde Lumpkin-Lotson and Deanna Gibbs.

Ms. Lumpkin-Lotson accepted the Proclamation on behalf of friends of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  She announced the Mayor's 2023 Small Business Conference, themed, Discovering the Opportunity, to be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 8:30am-1:30pm.  Registration has closed as the conference has reached the 300 seating capacity.  The Conference will be followed by an inaugural trade show for individuals to introduce their small businesses to local decision makers.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz encouraged small business owners to participate in the conference and trade show.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely thanked Ms. Lumpkin-Lotson for decreasing the small business application from ten pages to two pages, making the application process much easier for citizens.

Mayor Johnson recognized the City of Savannah Age 10 and Under Youth Basketball Team.  Interim Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Nick Roberts gave a brief description of the 2023 program. He acknowledged and introduced Head Coach Chris Pickett, Assistant Coach Rommel Waldburg, and President Tiffany Brown to say a few words and introduce the players.  Ms. Brown presented Mayor Johnson with a Jersey.  Mayor Johnson thanked Ms. Brown for the Jersey and praised all the young players for their outstanding athletic ability and encouraged them to be pursue academic excellence.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter thanked City Manager Melder for his support of the youth teams by making sure there was revenue in the City Budget for their equipment and uniforms.        

Mayor Johnson read the proclamation and recognized Athletic Director Tyler Helmly, Coach Dale Mock and the Memorial Day School Boys Basketball Team.  He congratulated the team on winning the 2023 Class A Boys GIAA State Basketball Tournament and asked Coach Mock to make remarks and introduce the team.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter announced local athlete Jalen Deloach is one of Georgia's newest Bulldogs.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Item #6.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #6, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The  motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #7.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative - recommended approval
• Robert McCorkle, representing applicant.
• Travis Coles – OPPOSED
• Mark Fountain – OPPOSED
• Robin Wright Gunn – OPPOSED
• John McDowell – OPPOSED
• Kinte Taylor – OPPOSED
• Alex Wolfe – OPPOSED
• Oliver Casson-Gary – OPPOSED
• Thomas Pigage – OPPOSED
• Mira Harrison – OPPOSED

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked Clerk of Council if any written comments were received.  Clerk of Council received three written comments in opposition, through Alderman Purtee, a comment from today's speaker (Robin Gunn), and one written comment in support.  Mayor Johnson indicated all comments received by Clerk of Council are submitted to Council Members and retained for the permanent record of the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen. 

Written comment(s) received:

• Jeff Kole – IN SUPPORT
• Jessica Jung – OPPOSED
• Margaret Edwards – OPPOSED
• Robin Wright Gunn – OPPOSED
• Michael Mayhew – OPPOSED

Alderman Palumbo stated the City has a short supply of affordable housing.  Petitioners are asked to accommodate the short supply by using set asides, voucher, tax credit, etc.  Council must consider the context of the entire City while making a decision.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely thanked the citizens for coming to the meeting and voicing their opinions of any changes in their neighborhood.  She indicated she is listening to the residents and she will vote no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern for the City's responsibility to put policies and practices in place as it relates to housing affordability.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated she is bound by the voice of the residents and will support their request.

Alderwoman Lanier described a prior incident in her neighborhood where the residents did not want a project, but Council agreed with the developer and approved the project.  That land now stands vacant because the project could not be built on the land.  Alderwoman Lanier stated the Council must listen to the residents who are stakeholders, it's the people's time.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked all citizens in opposition of the project to stand (a large number of residents stood).  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated there is no environmental impact statement and asked City Attorney Lovett if this constituted an unacceptable health environment for human life (no).  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated she has received numerous calls from residents opposed to the project and she will defer to the residents.     

Mayor Johnson gave final comments stating it is a unique parcel of land and will eventually be developed.  He expressed concern for the proposed requested zoning change (RSF-6 to RMF-2-20), and he hopes any future project will take into consideration the zoning changes.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to close the zoning hearing for item #7, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda Item #9.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #8.

Speaker(s):

• Bridget Lidy, Director of Planning and Urban Design
• Robert McCorkle, representing applicant
• Amanda Wilson – OPPOSED
• John Yates – OPPOSED
• Kerrie Bieber – OPPOSED
• Michael A. Love – OPPOSED
• Rhonda Moss – OPPOSED
• Bennie Warshaw – OPPOSED
• Jennifer Hilborn – OPPOSED
• Leslie Pickett Sheehan – OPPOSED
• David Kuhn – OPPOSED
• Connie Shreve – OPPOSED

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked the residents for their comments and stated the land is in her district.  She asked Mayor Johnson to allow her to make motions for Items #10 and #11.  She stated she will move to deny.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for the information in the letter Mayor Johnson handed to Clerk of Council from the county manager to the city manager.  City Manager Melder responded the letter indicated Chatham County objects to the annexation.  City Manager Melder indicated he recommends approval of the annexation into the City.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern that Chatham County objected to the annexation and the petitioner is proposing to develop the land as light industrial.  City Manager Melder and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed the pros and cons of the project, and changing the zoning to industrial.  Alderman Leggett asked what guarantee does the City have that after the annexation, the zoning won't be changed to light industrial designation.  Mayor Johnson indicated the vote today is only for annexation, the zoning will need to come before Council at a later date. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #8, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda items #10 and #11.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to deny Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderman Palumbo voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to deny Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to deny Item #11, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12 through #15, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12 through #15, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12 through #15, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12 through #15, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem De. Shabazz recused herself for purposes of business.

City Manager Melder gave a brief update of the project and the need for modification due to unforeseen infrastructure issues in widening the road and additional needed expansion construction.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested a point of information and asked if Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz's recusal is due to ongoing or current business with AECOM/Hunt.  Mayor Johnson indicated he had no knowledge of the business conflict, but stated Aldermen/Alderwomen can recuse themselves if they feel there is or appears to be a conflict of interest.

Alderwoman Lanier stated there was a guaranteed maximum price, but there were unforeseen additional expenses.  The Stiles Avenue area is old and the developer should have expected and included in the bid any overruns due to unexpected infrastructure issues during construction.  She expressed concern that the City has not met it's original intent to uplift/improve the western corridor of the City.  The policies for a community benefit agreement were not in place prior to construction; therefore, the residents/neighbors are not benefiting from the addition of the arena in their neighborhood.  Alderwoman Lanier recommended instituting a community benefit agreement at the time of the OVG contract renewal.

Mayor Johnson, as a resident of the area, stated the benefits are numerous for the residents; the traffic is better, the drainage is better, the land has been cleared of environmental hazards, and the residents he has spoken to agreed the Arena is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.  Council has a recommendation from City Manager Melder to close out the Arena project today.  The City anticipates to turn a profit in a year which was unexpected, and the Arena has afforded an opportunity for local businesses to operate in the Arena.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated she attends regular meetings in the Stiles Avenue area and the residents are complaining about the traffic, litter, drainage, the need for sidewalks, etc.  She recommended the City put policies in place to address overruns on projects for future construction.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if there were funds available from the City to address some of the needs of the residents.  City Manager Melder indicated there are some funds remaining in the Stiles Avenue Project fund which could be moved as Council advises.    

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #16, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed 5-3-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted no, and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz recused herself from the vote for business reasons/purposes.

Alderwoman Lanier stated the closest neighbors to the Arena are Cloverdale, Historic Carver Village and Brickyard.  The residents are now saying the flooding is worst and it now floods in areas it never flooded before the construction of the Arena.  Since Mayor Johnson stated the drainage is better in the area, Alderwoman Lanier asked City Manager Melder to acquire data for the truth.  City Manager Melder stated the City monitors stormwater and believes residents when they say there is flooding in new areas.  Both statements could be true.  He described how improvements were made causing widening in some areas and narrowing in others; this could cause the current conditions.  The City will investigate and proceed as needed to mitigate the problem.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #17, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with Alderman Palumbo being not present for the vote.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan made various announcements:  congratulations to Georgia Representative Bill Hitchens on being awarded Legislator of the Year by Mary's Place; the elders at Lake Mayer were celebrated today; shouts out to  Kareem Hill, Natasha Butler and Phil; Healthy Savannah's Annual Breakfast is May 2nd; the Citizen's Advocacy is having the 45th Annual Pot Luck, 5:30pm to 8:30pm, shouts out to Tom Koller and new Director George Seabrook, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan will host a table.

Alderwoman Lanier thanked Chief Gunther and the Savannah Police Department for patrolling West Bay Street today.  It made a big difference in the traffic flow.  

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:54 p.m.

A video recording of the Regular Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=FNPTwnn1uncy

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:     May 11, 2023 

Signature:   MM