SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

AUGUST 12, 2021 – 2:00 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held at 2:02 p.m., via Zoom video communications. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan to introduce Reverend Dr. Bernita Rivers Smalls, Pastor of Second Bethlehem Baptist Church, who offered 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

ALSO, PRESENT:

Acting City Manager Health Lloyd

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as presented, Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, #4 and #5, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, #4 and #5, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, #4 and #5, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, #4 and #5, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Item #6 through #10.

No speaker(s).

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing for Items #6 and #8, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #6 conditioned upon a good neighbor agreement, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Item #6 through #10.

No speaker(s):

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing for Item #7, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Item #6 through #10.

Speaker(s):

• Josh Yellin, representing the applicant.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing for Items #6 and #8, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Acting City Manager Lloyd indicated there were outstanding items for clarity and the petitioner is requesting a continuation for Item #8.

c.  Alderman Leggett moved for reconsideration of Item #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Lloyd recommended continuation to the August 26, 2021 Meeting to allow code enforcement to comply with the outstanding issues.  Alderman Leggett recommended code enforcement address petitioner's issues prior to listing items on the agenda.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked for the security plans for each application be attached to the agenda item, prior to Council Meetings. 

d.  Alderman Leggett moved to postpone/continue Item #8 to the August 26, 2021 City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Item #6 through #10.

Speaker(s) present:

• Justin D. Maines, representing applicant – SUPPORTED
• Jason T. Whipple, hired employee – SUPPORTED
• Diedra Lewton, hired employee – SUPPORTED

Written comment(s) received:

• Joann Johnson Polite – OPPOSED
• Lucille Jackson – OPPOSED
• Tonia Miller – OPPOSED
• Jacqueline White – OPPOSED
• Vinay Patel (submitted a petition list) - SUPPORTED

Alderwoman Lanier moved to postpone/continue Item #9 to the September 9, 2021 Meeting, pending a good neighbor agreement, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Item #6 through #10.

Speaker(s) present:

• Robert Evangelista, applicant – SUPPORTED

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the hearing for Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #10, conditioned upon a good neighbor agreement, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #11, #12, #13 and #14.

Alderman Leggett moved to continue Item #11 to the August 26, 2021 City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Speaker(s) present:

• John Northup - OPPOSED

Written comment(s) received:

• Terry & Marlborough Packard – OPPOSED
• Ardis Wood – OPPOSED
• Mary Wegman, Joan Levy, and Dr. & Mrs. Finger – OPPOSED
• Austin Hill – SUPPORTED
• Angus & Leslie Littlejohn – SUPPORTED
• Cheryl Lang – SUPPORTED
• Henry & Heidi Reed – SUPPORTED
• Celia Dunn – SUPPORTED
• Glen Nicotra – SUPPORTED
• Vance Peacock & Darren Bryenton – SUPPORTED

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #11, #12, #13 and #14.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative - MPC staff recommended denial of Items #12 and #13, MPC Board recommended approval for Item #12 and denial for Item #13.  Baldwin Park Community Association recommended approval with conditions.
• Bob Isaacson, agent - SUPPORTED

Written comment(s) received:

• Bob Isaacson – SUPPORTED
• Kathryn Dillon – SUPPORTED
• Smith Mathews – SUPPORTED
• Dr. Daniel Chapman – SUPPORTED
• Scott Cleveland – SUPPORTED
• Megan Miller - SUPPORTED

Mr. Lotson, Mayor and Council Members discussed the property's current and future use, affordable housing opportunities, prior redevelopment efforts, area gentrification, community opportunity zone possibilities (not in an opportunity zone per City staff), community benefits, and current ownership of the PUD area.

Council Members had concerns with displacement of current residents and with the petitioner having stakehold in the community.

City staff recommends approving both or denial of both. 

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

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #11, #12, #13 and #14.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative - MPC staff recommended denial of Items #12 and #13, MPC Board recommended approval for Item #12 and denial for Item #13.  Baldwin Park Community Association recommended approval with conditions.
• Bob Isaacson, agent - SUPPORTED

Written comment(s) received:

• Bob Isaacson – SUPPORTED
• Kathryn Dillon – SUPPORTED
• Smith Mathews – SUPPORTED
• Dr. Daniel Chapman – SUPPORTED
• Scott Cleveland – SUPPORTED
• Megan Miller - SUPPORTED

Mr. Lotson, Mayor and Council Members discussed the property's current and future use, affordable housing opportunities, prior redevelopment efforts, area gentrification, community opportunity zone possibilities (not in an opportunity zone per City staff), community benefits, and current ownership of the PUD area.

Council Members had concerns with displacement of current residents and with the petitioner having stakehold in the community.

City staff recommends approving both or denial of both. 

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

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #11, #12, #13 and #14.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #14, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Items #15 and #16 with the following conditions:  There was no second, the motion was not carried.

• hours of operation from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.;
• no full service kitchen operation; and
• no alcohol sales

Mayor Johnson recommended sending Items #15 and #16 back to MPC for stronger conditions per Council Member's concerns.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommend staff spend time in due diligence to identify concerns of Council, i.e. affordable housing, opportunity zones, gentrification, etc., prior to placing item on the agenda.

b.  Alderman Leggett withdrew the previous motion and moved to send Items #15 and #16 back to MPC for stronger conditions as discussed by Council Members, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.

Rather than sending Items #15 and #16 back to MPC for stronger conditions, Acting City Manager Lloyd requested time for City staff to coordinate with MPC on revised conditions and then resubmit Items #15 and #16 to Council.

c.  Alderman Leggett moved to postpone/continue Items #15 and #16 to the September 9, 2021 City Council Meeting, thereby allowing the Acting City Manager time to coordinate with MPC on revised conditions to be presented to the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Items #15 and #16 with the following conditions:  There was no second, the motion was not carried.

• hours of operation from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.;
• no full service kitchen operation; and
• no alcohol sales

Mayor Johnson recommended sending Items #15 and #16 back to MPC for stronger conditions per Council Member's concerns.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommend staff spend time in due diligence to identify concerns of Council, i.e. affordable housing, opportunity zones, gentrification, etc., prior to placing item on the agenda.

b.  Alderman Leggett withdrew the previous motion and moved to send Items #15 and #16 back to MPC for stronger conditions as discussed by Council Members, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.

Rather than sending Items #15 and #16 back to MPC for stronger conditions, Acting City Manager Lloyd requested time for City staff to coordinate with MPC on revised conditions and then resubmit Items #15 and #16 to Council.

c.  Alderman Leggett moved to postpone/continue Items #15 and #16 to the September 9, 2021 City Council Meeting, thereby allowing the Acting City Manager time to coordinate with MPC on revised conditions to be presented to the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #17, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

Mayor Johnson moved Item #18 up on the Agenda, to be heard after Item #5.  He gave a complete overview of the proposed 2021 Property Tax Millage Rate and opened the hearing.  Speakers were asked to state their name and address for the record:

Speaker(s):

• David J. Tootle (City resident – District 2) – OPPOSED to the proposed millage rate.
• Sara Laine-Moneymaker (not a City resident – County) – OPPOSED to the proposed millage rate.
• Gary Plotycia (City resident – District 2) – OPPOSED to the proposed millage rate.
• Ben Adams (City resident – District 5) – OPPOSED to the proposed millage rate.
• Sarah Thompson (City resident – District 4) – OPPOSED to the proposed millage rate.
• Keith Padgett (City resident- District 6) - OPPOSED to proposed millage rate.

Written comment(s) were received:

• Sara Laine Moneymaker (not a City resident – County) – OPPOSED to proposed millage rate.
• Gene Karl Robinson (not a City resident – County) – OPPOSED to proposed millage rate.
• Sarah Thompson (City resident – District 4) – OPPOSED to proposed millage rate.

At the request of Mayor Johnson, City Attorney Lovett explained the wording as it relates to the millage percentage rate and how millage rates are calculated.  The City is maintaining the same millage rate as last year.  Mayor Johnson indicated there are steps being taken by GMA for the State to simplify the wording for citizens.

During the work session Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested information regarding the use of the $54 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and using the earned interest on the funds for salary increases for City employees.  She asked if Acting City Manager Lloyd had retrieved the information related to the $54 million ARPA funds.  The City will receive $27,000.00 in interest from half of the funds received from ARPA; however the $27 million must remain in the Georgia State Treasury, Fund 1, for one (1) year prior to the City using the entire interest amount.

Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Lloyd the dollar amount if the City adopted the roll back rate.  Mr. Lloyd answered, $1.9 million with no plans in the current budget to meet the $1.9 million shortfall.  Mr. Lloyd's recommendation to Council is to adopt and maintain the existing millage rate.

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #18, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

b.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter offered an amended motion to roll back the millage rate from 12.739 mills to 12.401 mills, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion failed, 3-6-0.  Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested for any SPLOST funds for the Arena project be identified on the agenda.  Alderwoman Lanier requested the purchasing documents be corrected to reflect Center Office Systems, Inc. as the awarded vendor.  Acting City Manager Lloyd will comply to both requests. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed, 6-2-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no, and Alderman Purtee was was not present.

Alderwoman Lanier shared the information concerning the community benefits/partners from the proposed ice hockey initiative.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed, 6-2-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no, and Alderman Purtee was was not present.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely had concerns with the Evergreen Cemetery's maintenance.  Mayor Johnson indicated Evergreen Cemetery is private but City Attorney Lovett and Mr. Lloyd are working on a solution to the situation.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter suggested the City look for volunteer opportunities for Evergreen Cemetery maintenance; Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz welcomed/asked for organizations and citizens to volunteer for clean-up of Evergreen Cemetery.    

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked the City to respond to the complaints from residents who are experiencing strong odors.  Acting City Manager Lloyd will contact Waste Management related to the odor concerns.  

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #24, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Alderman Purtee was not present.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #25, seconded by Alderwoman Miller  Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Items #26, #27 and #28, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Items #26, #27 and #28, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Items #26, #27 and #28, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Purtee was not present.

There were discussions related to the Martin Luther King, Jr./Montgomery Street area being an enterprise zone and the benefits to the community.  Acting City Manager Lloyd will provide the enterprise zone information for the specific area and send to Council.  

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #29, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed, 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Alderman Purtee was not present.

Written comment(s):

• John R. Bennett, SDRA – SUPPORTED

Alderwoman Lanier suggested creating policies for landowners to retain their property to create family wealth.  Alderwoman Miller Blakley requested a listing of the homes owned by the Land Bank Authority.  Mayor Johnson instructed Acting City Manager Lloyd to provide the list of homes owned by The Land Bank Authority for Council.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked how each home was acquired.  Mr. Lloyd provided the information for Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  Mayor Johnson and City Attorney Lovett explained in detail how The Land Bank Authority criteria is used in acquiring and renovating/restoring the houses.  Attorney Lovett suggested a workshop for The Land Bank Authority to explain the process for Council.  

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Items #30, #31 and #32, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Alderman Purtee was not present.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Items #30, #31 and #32, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Alderman Purtee was not present.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Items #30, #31 and #32, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Alderman Purtee was not present.

Mayor Johnson moved Items #33 through #37 up on the Agenda, after Items #5 and #18.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Items #33 through #37, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Speaker(s):

• Anita Smith-Dixon, Community Housing Services Agency, Inc.
• Patton Dugas, Truist Bank (SunTrust and BB&T)

Mayor Johnson moved Items #33 through #37 up on the Agenda, after Items #5 and #18.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Items #33 through #37, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Speaker(s):

• Anita Smith-Dixon, Community Housing Services Agency, Inc.
• Sheri Butler, Wells Fargo
• Aprill Springfield-Blanco, Wells Fargo

Mayor Johnson moved Items #33 through #37 up on the Agenda, after Items #5 and #18.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Items #33 through #37, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Speaker(s):

• Anita Smith-Dixon, Community Housing Services Agency, Inc.
• Nola Johnson, United Way

Mayor Johnson moved Items #33 through #37 up on the Agenda, after Items #5 and #18.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Items #33 through #37, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Speaker(s):

• Anita Smith-Dixon, Community Housing Services Agency, Inc.
• Swann Seiler, Georgia Power

Mayor Johnson moved Items #33 through #37 up on the Agenda, after Items #5 and #18.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Items #33 through #37, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Speaker(s):

• Anita Smith-Dixon, Community Housing Services Agency, Inc.
• George Bowen (unable to attend)

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #38, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #39, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #40, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakley voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #41, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderman Purtee extended thoughts and prayers to Effingham County Sheriff's Department and Port Wentworth Police Department on the loss of officers due to COVID-19.  He congratulated Alderman Palumbo on being included in Georgia Southern University's 40 Under 40 Alumni.

Alderwoman Lanier encouraged residents to view the MPC or City web pages to see the meeting times in an effort to let your voices be heard as it relates to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely encouraged residents to file for Stephens Day Exemption to lock in your property tax rate.  She asked for prayers, her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter are suffering with COVID-19.   

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan thanked Rebecca & Anthony Debreeze for partnering with LB4 & After Foundation during the employee appreciation dinner.

Alderman Palumbo congratulated Team Savannah staff on the stormwater management plan which will assist in acquiring federal grant monies for infrastructure.  Alderman Palumbo congratulated Alderman Purtee for Georgia Southern University's 40 under 40 Alumni.

Congratulations were given to Heath Lloyd on his first week and first Council Meeting as Acting City Manager.

Mayor Johnson announced a job fair for Unions jobs, Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Civic Center.  He thanked Council and Team Savannah for hosting the GMA Convention.  

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 5:47 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=tnKrBvCEbaEZ

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:  August 26, 2021

Initials:  mm