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CITY GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison followed by the Invocation by Alderman Shabazz.
Upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried the agenda was amended to move the Resolution accepting a donation from Ardsley Park - Chatham Crescent Garden Club and the Recognition of the Coastal Jazz Association and appearance by Howard Paul before the approval of alcoholic beverage licenses.
Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried the agenda was amended to add a motion to approve a Resolution extending a 90-day moratorium for new alcoholic beverage licenses on West Bay Street.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows:
At the meeting held on the 17th day of August, 2017 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing Personnel and Real Estate. At the close of the discussions upon this subject, the Council reentered into open session and herewith takes the following action in open session:
- The actions of Council and the discussions of the same regarding the matter set forth for the closed session purposes are hereby ratified;
- Each member of this body does hereby confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge, the subject matter of the closed session was devoted to matters within the specific relevant exception(s) as set forth above;
- The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17
- The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED: AUGUST 17, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
Mayor DeLoach read the following statement in regards to his thoughts about what has been going on around the nation:
In the past week we have seen many acts of violence that have been committed in the name of hate and racism. We all must denounce these forms of domestic terrorism, and rally around each other in the name of peace and unity. We must not just be on the right side of history, but we must write the right version of history. Savannah has long wanted to re-name the Talmadge bridge to a name that is more inclusive and representing of our entire community. I hope Council will join in with me in supporting a resolution to send to the Governor and the State Legislature to work with our community to achieve this goal.
In Forsyth Park, we have a beautiful monument that pays homage to the Confederate Dead. This monument only tells a portion of our city’s unique history. While many, including myself had family members fight and die for the Confederacy, we also had citizens who fought and died to preserve the Union. We had citizens like James Moore Wayne who served as a United States Supreme Court Justice while his son served as an Adjunct General in the Confederate Army. Our nation, our city, and our families were divided. And we must embrace the whole story so we do not repeat it.
I call on the City Manager and the City Attorney to find a way to expand the story this monument tells to be inclusive of all Savannahians, regardless of race, creed, or color, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Civil War.
Vaughnette Goode-Walker, Owner and Operator of Footprints in Savannah a Savannah Walking Tour appeared to give a brief history of the monument in Forsyth Park and other historical facts.
Alderman Miller stated he applauds Mayor DeLoach's efforts but there needs to be a discussion held with the public before Council takes a vote, as there are alot of meanings to many things as just stated. He stated he feels Council needs to be careful about changing the names of things and allow for input before moving forward. He concluded asking that the issue be continued to the next meeting for a vote.
Alderman Hall thanked Mayor DeLoach for his statements and stated a resolution was introduced six years ago that didn't move forward. He welcomes doing it again as the name Eugene Talmadge is not what Savannah is.
Alderman Bell thanked Mayor DeLoach for his statements and Mrs. Goode-Walker for her explanation and historical statements. She stated the people that really need to be heard are the descendants of those brave men and women from both sides. She concluded stating this is a time for us to maintain the unity in this country that we have seen, fought for and struggled for many years ago.
Alderman Johnson thanked Mayor DeLoach for taking the opportunity and leadership with his statement and stated he thinks there should be continued discussions inclusively with the community. His concern is how attitudes are as it relates to policies and economics, how the citizens are treated and wants to ensure Savannah isn't a place of hate and that it is inclusive and a loving and beloved community that welcomes people here. He concluded stating we are the Hostess City of the South and we need to exemplify that in our actions.
Alderman Shabazz also thanked Mayor DeLoach for his leadership in the City stating with everything going on in the world we need to work towards unifying ourselves more in the City of Savannah. She concluded stating this administration is striving toward moving the City Forward and she supports the efforts of Mayor DeLoach and look forward to working closely with Council and the Sites and Monuments Commission.
Alderman Thomas asked Attorney Stillwell if the naming of the bridge is a decision that Council and residents can make. Attorney Stillwell replied it may be the State Department of Transportation with input from the State Legislature, the City doesn't have a say but can make its position known. Alderman Thomas stated a recommendation can be sent but wanted to make it clear that "we" will not be naming it but can hope that the Legislature will honor what the citizens want.
Alderman Johnson stated he doesn't believe the City Council meeting is the right forum for citizens input because the meetings are at 2:00 p.m. on a Thursday which isn't a very convenient time for most of the citizens. He recommended that the City Manager create some type of forum for State leaders to attend and give the citizens the opportunity to weigh in.
Council recommended that City Manager Hernandez stage a public forum in the Civic Center after the upcoming panel discussion in September.
Mayor DeLoach stated if Council wants to hold a forum he's all for it but his overall objective was to go forward with a decision by this Council that says what we stand for as a Council, with the community working with them.
Alderman Thomas stated he believes everyone is for what he is suggesting, and recommended that the forum be held in a facility that has ample parking and is prepared for opposing opinions with plenty of police presence to control the discussion. He also suggested in preparation of the forum that the information provided today by Mrs. Goode-Walker be televised on the Government Channel.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried.
Continued to the meeting of September 28, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Continued to the meeting of August 31, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.
Marcus Lotson, Metropolitan Planning Commission appeared to briefly describe the petitioner's request.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Marcus Lotson, Metropolitan Planning Commission appeared to briefly describe the petitioner's request.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Hall, and unanimously carried.
No Action needed
Withdrawn by Petitioner (Letter on file in the Office of the Clerk of Council)
Withdrawn by Petitioner
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.
Alderman Miller recused himself from the vote.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Continued to the meeting of August 31, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Continued to the meeting of August 31, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.
Continued to the meeting of September 14, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Bell, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Howard Paul, Coastal Jazz Association, President, Tanya Milton and Paula Folgerty, Interim Executive Director appeared to announce the 2017 Savannah Jazz Festival scheduled for September 17-23, 2017. This is the 36th event, it is a week long FREE festival with shows throughout the City during the week, culminating in Forsyth Park Thursday and Friday evening and Saturday during the day and evening.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Alderman Bell extended congratulations to Mary and Roger Shank for their daughter Savannah native Suzanne Shank for winning the 2017 Shot Caller award at the BET Black Girls Rock! Awards Show.
There being no further business, Mayor DeLoach declared this meeting of Council adjourned.
