AUGUST 22, 2024 2:00 p.m. -  CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

 

The regular meeting was held at 2:03 p.m., in City Council Chambers.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz called the meeting to order and recognized Alderman Purtee to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:  

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

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4 - Chairman

Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, District 5 - Mayor Pro Tem

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ABSENT:

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3 - Vice Chair

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Jay Melder

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for August 22, 2024.

Ald. Palumbo moved to adopt/approve agenda item #1, as amended, seconded by Ald. Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.

Ald. Lanier asked the City Manager why the various agenda items were being continued.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on August 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - August 8, 2024, City Council Workshop.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on August 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - August 8, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
ZONING HEARINGS
4. Petition of Ellen Harris on Behalf of James Silver for an Amendment to the Future Land Use Map Category from Residential General to Traditional Commercial at 0 William Street (PIN 20084 04012) on 0.27 Acres in Aldermanic District 3 (File No. 24-003649-ZA). (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 0 William Street (File No. 24-003649-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2: FLUM Map for 0 William Street (File No. 24-003649-ZA).pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
5. Petition of Ellen Harris on Behalf of James Silver for an Amendment to the Zoning Map from RSF-6 (Residential Single Family-6) to TC-1 (Traditional Commercial-1) at 0 William Street (PIN 20084 04012) with Conditions on 0.27 Acres in Aldermanic District 3 (File No. 24-003648-ZA). (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for Rezoning of William Street (File No. 24-003648-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2: Maps for 0 William Street (File No. 24-003648-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 3: Proposed Site Plan for 0 Wiliam Street (File No. 24-003648-ZA).pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
6. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of HOS Management, LLC for a Zoning Text Amendment to Article 7, Sec. 7.8 Savannah Downtown Historic District, Sec. 7.8.10(b) Historic District Height Map to Permit a Five-story Development on Parcels Adjoining Cohen and Selma Streets with Conditions in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-000559-ZA). (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for Text Amendment to Sec. 7.8 (File No. 24-00559-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2: 601 Cohen Street Concept Plan from 06.05.2024.pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
7. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of HOS Management, LLC for a Zoning Text Amendment to Article 7, Section 7.13 Hotel Development Overlay District, Figure 7.13-1 to Permit Hotel Development on Parcels Adjoining Cohen Street in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-000558-ZA). (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for Text Amendment to Sec. 7.13 (File No. 24-000558-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2: 601 Cohen Street Concept Plan from 06.05.2024.pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
8. Petition of Ellen Harris on Behalf of James Silver for an Amendment to the Future Land Use Map Category from Residential General to Traditional Commercial at 0 William Street (PIN 20084 04012) on 0.27 Acres in Aldermanic District 3 (File No. 24-003649-ZA). (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 0 William Street (File No. 24-003649-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2: FLUM Map for 0 William Street (File No. 24-003649-ZA).pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
9. Petition of Ellen Harris on Behalf of James Silver for an Amendment to the Zoning Map from RSF-6 (Residential Single Family-6) to TC-1 (Traditional Commercial-1) at 0 William Street (PIN 20084 04012) with Conditions on 0.27 Acres in Aldermanic District 3 (File No. 24-003648-ZA). (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for Rezoning of William Street (File No. 24-003648-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2: Maps for 0 William Street (File No. 24-003648-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 3: Proposed Site Plan for 0 Wiliam Street (File No. 24-003648-ZA).pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
10. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of HOS Management, LLC for a Zoning Text Amendment to Article 7, Sec. 7.8 Savannah Downtown Historic District, Sec. 7.8.10(b) Historic District Height Map to Permit a Five-story Development on Parcels Adjoining Cohen and Selma Streets with Conditions in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-000559-ZA). (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for Text Amendment to Sec. 7.8 (File No. 24-00559-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2: 601 Cohen Street Concept Plan from 06.05.2024.pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
11. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of HOS Management, LLC for a Zoning Text Amendment to Article 7, Section 7.13 Hotel Development Overlay District, Figure 7.13-1 to Permit Hotel Development on Parcels Adjoining Cohen Street in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-000558-ZA). (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for Text Amendment to Sec. 7.13 (File No. 24-000558-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2: 601 Cohen Street Concept Plan from 06.05.2024.pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
12. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Small Public Safety Enterprise Agreement Annual Subscription for ArcGIS Services and a Jumpstart Package with ESRI in an Amount Not to Exceed $56,640. This technology will aid SPD in automating data displays and allow for a better use of manpower to focus on intelligence and crime analysis. (Police)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - ESRI ArcGIS & JumpStart Package.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - ESRI ArcGIS & JumpStart Package.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Facilitation and Execution of a Hazardous Material Full-Scale Exercise with Sentinel Crisis Solutions in an Amount Not to Exceed $70,000. Emergency Management will use this contract to facilitate the execution of a full-scale exercise that encompasses multiple venues, agencies, and response timeframes. (Emergency Management)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Hazardous Materials Full-Scale Exercise.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Hazardous Materials Full-Scale Exercise.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Employee Background Verification Services with Accurate Background, LLC in an Amount Not to Exceed $96,385. This background screening service will be primarily utilized by the Office of Human Resources, Savannah Police Department, and Savannah Fire Department. Background services are both a common practice and a requirement for the City's interest in recruiting and retaining a fully qualified and credible workforce. (Human Resources)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Employee Background Verification.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Employee Background Verification.pdf

Ald. Leggett moved to approve purchasing agenda item #14, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.

Ald. Leggett asked the City Manager questions regarding the availability of any local and DBE vendors, and details of the required work.
15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Asphaltic Concrete with US Home Solutions (Primary) and APAC-Atlantic, Inc (Secondary) in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000. The Streets Maintenance Division will use this contract to repair and complete utility cuts from the Sewer, Water, and Stormwater Departments. In addition, in-house repairs will be made to potholes, pavement defects, and low patches. (Transportation Services Department)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Asphaltic Concrete.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Asphaltic Concrete.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Replacement of the Driving Range Netting at the Bacon Park Golf Course with Netting Professionals, LLC in an Amount Not to Exceed $120,400. This purchase is to replace the driving range netting at the Bacon Park Golf Course. (Facilities Maintenance)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Bacon Park Netting.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Bacon Park Netting.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
17. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Elevator Repairs with TK Elevator Corporation (LOCAL) in an Amount Not to Exceed $143,968. The repairs are for labor and materials required to replace the motor, ropes, and rope gripper in elevator No.1 of the State Street Garage. (Facilities Maintenance)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - State Street Parking Garage Elevator Repairs.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - State Street Parking Garage Elevator Repairs.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 2 for Lift Station 23 Upgrades & Force Main Replacement with Astra Grading and Pipe, LLC in the Amount of $127,995. The increased cost are to include two additional concrete thrust blocks that are significantly larger and more complex than normally required to tap and restrain the existing sanitary force main. (Public Works & Water Resources)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Lift Station 23 Upgrades.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchase Notes - Lift Station 23 Upgrades.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.

Ald. Lanier asked the City Manager where the lift station is located. (Behind Yamacraw Village on Canal Street)
19. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Three Blowers with Aerzen USA Corporation in an Amount Not to Exceed $256,496. The blowers will be used at the Water Reclamation Crossroads Facility to supply the necessary air for the digester tanks and equalization basin. (Water Reclamation)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Aerzen Blowers.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Aerzen Blowers.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Generator Maintenance with W. W. Williams Company, LLC (LOCAL) in an Amount Not to Exceed $307,145. This service will provide maintenance for the emergency standby generator equipment at the City's President Street Plant, Regional Plants, and Industrial and Domestic Water Facility. (Water Reclamation)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Generator Maintenance.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Generator Maintenance.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
21. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Stormwater Structure Inspections with Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood (LOCAL) in an Amount Not to Exceed $665,000. These inspections are required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Program to ensure effective management and maintenance of stormwater infrastructures. (Stormwater)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Stormwater Structure Inspections.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Stormwater Structure Inspections.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
22. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Construction Contract for Pool Deck Resurfacing with Smith Aquatics, Inc in the Amount of $290,639. This work will be done at the Daffin Park, W.W. Law, and Tompkins Center Pools. The work includes, but is not limited to, the removal of the existing concrete, preparation of the existing deck, and installation of a new pool deck surface, which will be a cooling deck. (Capital Projects)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Pool Deck Resurfacing.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Pool Deck Resurfacing.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
23. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Truman Trail 2B Lighting with Georgia Power in the Amount of $357,527. This expenditure is for the upfront lighting cost for Georgia Power to install 90 LED lights for the Truman Linear Trail 2B. (Capital Projects)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Truman Trail Lighting.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Truman Trail Lighting.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #12, #13, and #15 through #23, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Bell.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
24. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Design Services of the Eastside Gym Addition at PARC with Hussey Gay Bell (LOCAL) in the Amount of $452,500. These services will be used to develop addition plans to construct a gym at the existing building at PARC. The program of spaces will include a gymnasium, player locker rooms, gym office and storage, public restrooms, and lobby. (Capital Projects) (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Eastside Gym.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Eastside Gym.pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION
25. Approval of a Mobile License Plate Recognition (LPR) System from Survision, LLC, in the Amount of $26,600.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #25, #27, #28 and #31, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
26. Approval of Task Order No. 10 with AECOM for Design, Bid, and Construction Phase Services for the Demo Quail Run Lodge Facility Project, in the Amount of $97,230.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve purchasing agenda items #26, #29 and #30, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz recused herself for business purposes.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
27. Approval of a Three-Year Cyber Penetration Testing Agreement with Horizon3 AI, Inc., in the Amount of $144,000.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #25, #27, #28 and #31, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
28. Approval of a Two-Year Savannah Ghost Pirates Sponsorship with Zawyer Sports, Owners & Operators of the ECHL Team, in the Amount of $160,000.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #25, #27, #28 and #31, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
29. Approval of Task Work Order No. 6 with AECOM to Prepare a Runway 10-28 Needs Assessment Document, in the Amount $241,717.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve purchasing agenda items #26, #29 and #30, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz recused herself for business purposes.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
30. Approval of Task Order No. 11 with AECOM to Prepare the Master Plan Update, in the Amount of $1,384,068.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve purchasing agenda items #26, #29 and #30, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-3.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz recused herself for business purposes.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
31. Approval to Ratify the Acceptance of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) - Airport Terminal Program (ATP) Grant Offer No. 3-13-0100-080-2024 from the Federal Aviation Administration, in the Amount of $5,000,000.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing agenda items #25, #27, #28 and #31, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
AGREEMENTS
32. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Dream Finders Homes LLC for Hidden Pointe Phase 2. This is for a development consisting of 59 townhomes on Navajo Road in Aldermanic District 6.
Exhibit 1: Water & Sewer Agreement - Hidden Pointe Phase 2.pdf

Ald. Purtee moved to approve agenda item #32, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
33. Approval of an Amendment to an Existing Executed Water and Sewer Agreement for the New Hampstead PUD. The original agreement is for 9,800 units of mixed development in Aldermanic District 5.
Exhibit 1: First Amendment - Water & Sewer Agreement - New Hampstead.pdf

Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #33, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.
34. Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of Forsyth Conservancy Inc. and City of Savannah Which Outlines Mutually Beneficial Roles and Responsibilities to Promote and Maintain the Preservation, Historic Integrity, and Open Access of Forsyth Park for All of Its Users. (Continued to September 12, 2024, Council Meeting)
Exhibit 1: MOU - Friends of Forsyth Park Conservancy Inc.pdf

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, postponed/continued agenda items #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #24, #34, and added agenda item #36, a presentation by the City Manager to provide recognition of excellent public service.
MISCELLANEOUS
35. Approval of a Petition to Rename Normandy Street to East Perry Lane in Order to Avoid Potential Public Confusion with the Current Street Names.
Exhibit 1: Renaming Submittal Packet - Perry Lane.pdf
Exhibit 2: HSMC Recommendation.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #35, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Johnson and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz asked the City Manager to provide an explanation of this agenda item for which he read a prepared statement into the record.
36. Added Item: Presentation - City Manager to Provide Recognition of Excellent Public Service.

HEARD after agenda items #2 and #3.

City Manager Melder presented recognitions (plaques and name plates) to Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd and Chief Information and Public Affairs Officer Bret Bell for becoming the City Manager of Pooler, GA, and City Manager of Tybee Island, GA, respectively.

Each member of the City Council also extended their congratulations.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

As a graduate, Ald. Bell announced she has been invited to serve as a mentor for the current students enrolling in the University of Georgia's MPA program.

Ald. Miller Blakely let the public know they should be on the lookout for drastic changes taking place in the Medicaid/Medicare plans.

Ald. Lanier extended thanks to the Clerk of Council because she noticed the extra work done with respect to the agenda packets/materials which are more organized and makes things easier for us to do this work.  On Saturday August 31st, a group in west Savannah called the Home Boys Reunion will be getting together at Hudson Hill Park.  They have been getting together every year for the last 50 years.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Bell recognized a long-standing citizen and contributor of the community and extended condolences to Mrs. Lois Wooten's family and friends.  She was the first woman to serve on the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA).

Ald. Purtee extended a heartful thanks to all of the city employees, especially the public safety folks, Mr. Stephen Henry and his crew, Mr. Melder, Heath, and Lida for all of their work at Bradley Pointe during the flood (Tropical Storm Debby) we experienced.  It was pretty scary for the residents and everybody.  Team Savannah was there to serve and helped our residents, which speaks volumes for the type of employees we have.  They showed up and addressed the situation, and learned some things from it.  

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz echoed her thanks and added that Mayor Johnson was a part of the group of persons who were not sleeping, along with Ald. Purtee.  She came out a couple days later when she returned to town and joined them.  There is nobody greater than Team Savannah.  She commended them for their work during Tropical Storm Debby, the Ogeechee River flooding, and the opening of Treemont Park/Road.

Ald. Lanier thanked the staff for their work at Treemont Road.

Ald. Miller Blakely expressed Happy Birthday to Ms. Sadie Campbell for turning 100 years young, and she announced that Taylor Washington (owner of Two Chefs Gullah Geechee Soul Food Restaurant) lost her mom on yesterday.  Ald. Miller Blakely asked to keep her family in prayer.

Ald. Purtee expressed Happy 43rd Anniversary to his parents.

City Manager Melder announced this is the last time meeting in Council Chambers due to a restoration project of the space, likely until February 2025.  He expressed big thanks to Luciana of Municipal Archives and the Capital Projects Team led by Christy Lawrence who are helping to get it situated.  As a reminder, we will be meeting at the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System board room located at the Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura Avenue off of Presidents Street.  We will continue to meet as scheduled on Thursdays, twice a month.

Ald. Bell asked for workshop and Council meetings (yes).

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz announced Mayor Johnson will be with us at our next City Council meeting, and she adjourned the Regular Meeting at 3:15 p.m.

 

The 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=a93tZBSWoJCowCgy

 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: ______________________

Signature:                                                                  
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