AUGUST 14, 2025 - SPECIAL MEETING - HEARING RE: ALCOHOL LICENSE

CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

 

The special meeting was held at 6:52 p.m., in Council Chambers.  Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order.  

 

PRESENT:  

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

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:

City Manager Jay Melder

Assistant City Manager Taffanye Young

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Assistant City Attorney Denise Cooper 

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Gwendolyn Jones
Special Meeting Agenda Items
1. Show Cause Hearing for Henry Street Bistro, 1308 Montgomery Street To Show Cause Why Your Alcohol License Should Not Be Revoked.
Exhibit 1: Show Cause Notice Hearing Notification -Henry St. Bistro
Exhibit 2: Security Plan - Henry St. Bistro
Exhibit 3: Henry Street Bistro Summary Report

Written comment(s):

  • Joint Statement – OPPOSED by Jacob Jarvis (Thomas Square Neighborhood Assoc.), Nancy Maia (Victorian Neighborhood Assoc.), and Gloria Williams (Cuyler-Brownville Neighborhood Assoc.)

Mayor Johnson provided an overview regarding the purpose for the show cause hearing and the process that would be exercised.

Assistant City Attorney Denise Cooper represented the city, and Attorney Courtney Gilchrist represented the Henry Street Bistro.

The following witnesses took an oath, administered by Mayor Johnson, to provide testimony during the hearing.

  • Judee Jones, Revenue Director
  • David Williams, owner/manager

After both attorneys presented their case, made statements and completed their questioning, members of the City Council asked questions and deliberated.

City Manager Melder made his recommendation.

Mayor Johnson moved to accept the City Manager’s recommendation to take no action at this time in good faith based upon the testimony, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Shabazz and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

 

There was no action taken.  Mayor Johnson adjourned the special meeting at 8:11 p.m.

 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:                                                     

Signature:                                                                       

The video recording of the Workshop can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://www.youtube.com/@cityofsavannah/videos
Agenda Plus