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AUGUST 25, 2022, 6:30 p.m. - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMENSAVANNAH, GEORGIA
The regular meeting of the City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Nick Palumbo to introduce Reverend John Ruehl of White Bluff Presbyterian, 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 |
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting for August 25, 2022. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda for August 25, 2022, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on August 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. | |
| Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - August 11, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #2, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 3. A Proclamation Declaring September 4 - September 10, 2022 as “Labor Week” in the City of Savannah to Recognize the Accomplishments and Contributions of the Working Savannah Taskforce and the Savannah Regional Central Labor Council Benefitting all Workers and the Savannah Community. The Council’s efforts and initiatives are constantly seeking equality and economic justice for all of Savannah's citizens. | |
| Exhibit 1: 2022 Savannah Labor Week Proclamation.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson asked 'Working Savannah', workers, labor & union leaders, including Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier, to approach the podium. Mayor Johnson READ and PRESENTED the Proclamation to Ms. Christi Hulme, President of Savannah Regional Central Labor Council, declaring September 4-10, 2022, as "Labor Week" in the City of Savannah. Ms. Hulme thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Labor Council. Each union leader introduced themselves, identified their respective union, and thanked Council for the honor, recognition and support given to local unions and labor workers. |
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| 4. A Proclamation Declaring August 2022 as Black Business Month. | |
| Exhibit 1: 2022 National Black Business Month Proclamation.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson READ and PRESENTED a Proclamation to Ms. Katina Wheeler, Vice President of the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Wheeler accepted on behalf of the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce and thanked Mayor and Council for the honor and support received from the City of Savannah. As a member of the Chamber, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked, Mayor and Council for recognizing black-owned businesses in Savannah. |
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| ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 5. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License to Zankhana Patel for Hari's Food Mart, a Convenience Store at 2200 Habersham Street between East 38th and East 39th Streets in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Hari Food Mart.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Hari Food Mart.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Hari Food Mart.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Hari Food Mart.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Hari Food Mart.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Item #5. No speaker(s). a. Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #5, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #5, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 6. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Cassandra Singleton for The Linq Restaurant and Winery at 1308 Montgomery Street between West Henry and West Anderson Streets in Aldermanic District 2. (City Manager recommends denial). | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - The Linq Restaurant & Winery.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - The Linq Restaurant & Winery.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - The Linq Restaurant & Winery.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - The Linq Restaurant & Winery.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - The Linq Restaurant & Winery.pdf | |
yor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Item #6. City Manager Melder recommended denial of Item #6 based on Savannah Police Department's background investigation of the petitioner (pass felony convictions and recent infractions and citations related to alcohol license issues). Speaker(s).
a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #6, seconded by Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Alderman Leggett moved to deny Item #6, seconded by Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| ZONING HEARINGS | |
| 7. Petition of Harold Yellin on behalf of Christian Chamblee, Manger Building LLC, for a Text Amendment to Section 7.13-1 Hotel Development Overlay District (File No. 22-002694-ZA) | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Georgia Historic Resources for 32 Bull Street.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Sec. 7.13 Hotel Development Overlay.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Draft Ordinance to Amend Section 7.13 Hotel Development Overlay.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #7. Speaker(s) present:
Alderwoman Lanier indicated she was pleased to see all the stakeholders involved in the decision process and recommended using this as a model for future requests. Her concerns were parking in the downtown area and what steps were taken by the petitioner to address the parking. Attorney Yellin stated there is a long-term lease with the parking garage across Drayton Street for the hotel parking. Alderwoman Lanier asked Mr. Lotson if there were other businesses in this category that might decide to return to the original hotel status. Mr. Lotson stated there is one other building identified as the Moon River building. Alderwoman Lanier recommended including stakeholders such as neighborhood presidents and community residents in meetings during the due diligence phase creating equity in future developments. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated that she recommended a moratorium on hotels in Savannah during an earlier Council meeting. She reminded Council that any support for hotels, Airbnb's, or dormitories contributes to a housing crisis in Savannah. With the increase of hotels, Airbnb's, and dormitories in the downtown area, approval of Item #7 only contributes to the problem. Mayor Johnson asked Attorney Yellin for the number of residents residing in the building now. Mr. Yellin indicated none, it is an office building at this time. There will be no persons displaced from their home on approval of Item #7. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #7, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. See agenda Item #9. |
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| 8. Petition of Travis Burke on behalf of Rockingham Farms, LLC to Support Annexed Parcels Located at 343 Buckhalter Road and Garrard Avenue (PINs 10943 01001, 10946 01001 and 10946 01002) from M (Manufacturing) to M-CO (Manufacturing – County). Annexation for Aldermanic District 5 (File No. 22-003291-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: Staff Report on Annexation File No. 22-003291-ZA.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Annexatioon Maps File No. 22-003291-ZA.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Rockingham Farms Ordinance .pdf | |
HEARD after Item #6. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to postpone/continue related Items #8, #10, and #11 to the September 8, 2022, City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 9. Petition of Harold Yellin on behalf of Christian Chamblee, Manger Building LLC, for a Text Amendment to Section 7.13-1 Hotel Development Overlay District (File No. 22-002694-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Georgia Historic Resources for 32 Bull Street.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Sec. 7.13 Hotel Development Overlay.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Draft Ordinance to Amend Sec. 7.13 Hotel Development Overlay.pdf | |
After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no. |
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| ORDINANCES - FIRST READING | |
| 10. Approval to Annex 85.573 Acres Located off Veterans Parkway near the Little Ogeechee River. The property will be developed as industrial warehouses as part of the Rockingham Farms development. | |
| Exhibit 1: Annexation Petition - Rockingham Farms.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Ordinance - Rockingham Farms.pdf | |
HEARD after Item #6. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to postpone/continue related Items #8, #10, and #11 to the September 8, 2022, City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 11. Petition of Travis Burke on behalf of Rockingham Farms, LLC to Support Annexed Parcels Located at 343 Buckhalter Road and Garrard Avenue (PINs 10943 01001, 10946 01001 and 10946 01002) from M (Manufacturing) to M-CO (Manufacturing – County). Annexation for Aldermanic District 5 (File No. 22-003291-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: Staff Report for Annexation File No. 22-003291-ZA.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Annexation Maps File No. 22-003291-ZA.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Rockingham Farms Ordinance .pdf | |
HEARD after Item #6. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to postpone/continue related Items #8, #10, and #11 to the September 8, 2022, City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 12. Notification of an Emergency Purchase for Electrical Repair Services for Baseball Field Lights with Trinity Electrical in the Amount of $61,145. The service was to repair lights at the Allen E. Paulson Softball Complex and the Hudson Hill Baseball Field in order to provide an appropriate and safe level of service. (Recreation and Leisure Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Baseball Complex Lights.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Baseball Complex Lights.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12, #13, #15, #16, and #18, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 13. Notification of an Emergency Purchase for the Excavation and Construction of a 72" Abandoned Artesian Well with Dustcom Limited, Inc. in the Amount of $70,475. The emergency purchase is to re-cap the old abandoned artesian well to present-day standards to protect the Floridan Aquifer, one of the main water sources for the City of Savannah. (Capital Improvements) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Abandoned Artesian Well.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Abandoned Artesian Well.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12, #13, #15, #16, and #18, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 14. Notification of an Emergency Purchase for a Police Chief Executive Search with Police Executive Research Forum in the Amount of $45,000. This is an emergency purchase to ensure the public welfare and safety of citizens of the City of Savannah is not compromised. (Human Resources) | |
| Exhibit1: Funding Verification - Police Chief Exec Search.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Police Chief Exec Search.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14 and #17, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no. |
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| 15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of One-Ton Chlorine Cylinders with JCI Jones Chemical, Inc. in an Amount not to Exceed $263,250. The one-ton chlorine cylinders will be used by the Industrial and Domestic Water Department to disinfect drinking water and wastewater effluent. (Water Distribution) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - One-Ton Chlorine Cylinders.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - One-Ton Chlorine Cylinders.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12, #13, #15, #16, and #18, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Four-Turbo Blower System Upgrade with Howden in the Amount of $315,900. The blower system upgrade is used to treat the waste at the Water Reclamation Plant. (Water Reclamation) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Blower Control Upgrade.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Blower Control Upgrade.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12, #13, #15, #16, and #18, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 17. Authorize the City Manager to Approve Contract Amendment No. 2 for the Truman Linear Park Trail Phase 2B Project with Thomas & Hutton Engineering Services (LOCAL) in an Amount not to Exceed $84,900. This service ensures that necessary stormwater detention and floodplain mitigation requirements associated with the project are satisfied pursuant to the City of Savannah Stormwater Management Ordinance and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). (Sustainability) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Truman Trail.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchase Notes - Truman Trail.pdf | |
Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated concerns to City Manager Melder about repeat vendors for contract amendments. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14 and #17, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no. |
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| 18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Construction of the Leedsgate Gazebo with F.H. Paschen in an Amount not to Exceed $134,300. This contract will provide services to construct a gazebo on a FEMA lot located at 211 Leedsgate Road. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Leedsgate Gazebo.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Leedsgate Gazebo.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12, #13, #15, #16, and #18, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 19. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Construction Contract for Dundee Cottages Infrastructure with Johnson-Laux (LOCAL, DBE) in an Amount not to Exceed $3,241,415. This contract is for the installation of the underground utilities and above ground infrastructure for the Dundee Cottages site. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Dundee Cottage Utilities Construction.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Dundee Cottage Utilities Construction.pdf | |
Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder the cost per cottages. Mr. Melder stated the cottages cost per square foot is approximately $200 s/f without infrastructure cost. The total cost of the project will be $6.5 million with $1 million returned to the City in interest earned. There was discussion between Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and City Manager Melder regarding CHSA and the creation of the non-governmental organization, Housing Savannah, Inc., a subsidiary of CHSA. Housing Savannah, Inc. was created to support the City's affordable housing plan and policies. Alderman Palumbo asked the following questions: Do we have a homeless crisis in Savannah; should we do something about it; and what's the most cost effective way and impactful way to get there? The housing first model has been proven across the country and field tested in places like Salt Lake City, Utah. It has been proven that providing homes for the roofless is the most cost effective and impactful way to make a difference in homeless lives. He further asked, do we have the right partners to help, do we have the right City Manager, and do we have the right City Council? (yes, yes, and yes). Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder were other contractors sent the bid application for the infrastructure portion of the project. Mr. Melder detailed the infrastructure needed underground, above ground, street lights and roads needed for the project. The City is using a State contract which is allowed as a part of the procurement policy/ordinance. The State contracts are competitively bid and have some of the best rates at the State level. This vendor is a State Contractor and he is recommending this vendor for the infrastructure. Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the construction will be for 38 or 50 cottages, and what will be the cost including infrastructure. City Manager Melder answered, the total cost for the project will be $6.5 million with $1 million returned to the City from interest earned. The infrastructure cost is for 50 cottages. The Resolution (Item #22) is for 38 cottages on the city-owned land and 12 cottages on land controlled by the Homeless Authority. The funds from the Affordable Housing Fund and CHSA (Item #21) will be used to fund the 38 cottages on city-owned land and a 2,000 s/f resident services building. City Manager Melder assured Alderwoman Miller Blakely the City's DBE requirements will be enforced. Alderwoman Lanier briefly discussed the individual cost of each cottage and the developers portion of the project, and stated the project is much needed. She asked City Manager Melder to remember and consider the owner occupied residents that are in need of funds ($40,000 - $70,000) for repairs to keep their homes affordable, when interacting with housing specialist. Mayor Johnson informed Council that he and City Manager Melder met with José Alvarez, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator this week and he was excited about the work being done here in Savannah. There may be occasions to leverage other HUD opportunities, as a result. Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan thanked former Interim City Managers Pat Monahan and Michael Brown for their vision of housing for the homeless. She thanked Housing Director Martin Fretty, CHSA Director Anita Smith-Dixon, and City partners for participating in the project. Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Three Sewer Vacuum Hydro Excavation Combination Trucks and Turn Key Maintenance Contracts for Four New Sewer Vacuum Trucks with Vactor Manufacturing in Care of Environmental Products Group in the Amount of $1,617,600. This contract will be used by the City of Savannah’s Stormwater Management Division and the Sewer Maintenance unit. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Vacuum Trucks.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Vacuum Trucks.pdf | |
Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| RESOLUTIONS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 21. A Resolution Authorizing the Community Housing Services Agency, Inc. to Use Up to $2,500,000 from the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund And Up to $500,000 from CHSA to Facilitate the Construction of Up to 50 Cottages And a Resident Services Building at Dundee Cottages and the Cove at Dundee for Persons Experiencing Homelessness. | |
| Exhibit 1: Development Funding Resolution for Dundee Cottages.pdf | |
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd and City Manager Melder for the assistance on the Leedsgate Community Gazebo (Item #18) which has been on the books for some years and now approved. |
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| 22. A Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of City Owned Property Known as the Dundee Cottages Site to the Chatham County/City of Savannah Land Bank Authority. This transfer will facilitate the development of 38 permanent supportive housing cottages and a resident services building for persons experiencing homelessness. | |
| Exhibit 1: Resolution - Property Transfer for Dundee Cottages.pdf | |
Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 23. A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract for FY 2022 with Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Provision of Street Outreach for People Experiencing Homelessness. | |
| Exhibit 1: Resolution - Street Outreach.pdf | |
Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 24. A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract for FY 2022 with Union Mission, Inc. for the Provision of a Day Services Center for People Experiencing Homelessness. | |
| Exhibit 1: Resolution Day Center.pdf | |
Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if "Come As You Are Ministries" will be allowed to participate in this grant funding or if this funding is exclusively for Union Mission. City Manager Melder indicated this grant is specifically for Union Mission. Of the $500,000 Council budgeted for homeless services, there are funds remaining. There are current on-going discussions on how best to utilize the remaining funds, and expanding day services is being considered. Mr. Melder will follow-up with Council when the decision is final on the remaining funds. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder the hours of operation for the day center on Fahm Street. Mr. Melder will follow-up with the correct hours, but there will be an effort to coordinate with the emergency center hours. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concerns for the cut-off time for admission into the center. She also has expressed concerns for homeless individuals outside of the downtown area and she suggested the City's community services division target grants for homeless individuals in the midtown and Southside areas of Savannah. The homeless individuals on the streets after the day centers close is of concern, as stated by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, and police officers have no way of housing homeless persons after day center hours. City Manager Melder agreed with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and he expressed the current on-going discussions on how best to utilize the remaining budgeted funds for homelessness across the city. Mayor Johnson thanked City Manager Melder for all his work on the homeless issues in the city and indicated the day services center is a needed and significant first step. The template can be utilized in other areas throughout the city, especially on the Southside where homeless camps are increasing in numbers. Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #24, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.
Mayor Johnson took a point of personal privilege and recognized his mother, Cynthia Johnson, from New York, and his two Aunts, Carolyn Hamer and Lillian Richardson, in the audience. |
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| AGREEMENTS | |
| 25. Approval of Transfer of Ownership from PSG Terminals, LLC and Tennessee Commercial Warehouse, Inc. to Gulfstream Park Place LLC. to Entered into an Agreement with the City of Savannah to Provide Water and Sewer Services. These services will be provided to the development at 116 Gulfstream Road which consists of two modular office trailers and a container storage area. | |
| Exhibit 1 : Water and Sewer Agreement - 116 Gulfstream Road.pdf | |
Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #25, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| REAL ESTATE ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 26. Authorize the City Manager to Surplus and Donate 180 feet of Riverfront Bulkhead and a Shelter Easement to Chatham Area Transit to Expand Water Taxi Services, which is the City's Agreed Portion of the Transit Grant. | |
| Exhibit 1: CAT Map.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: CAT Grant.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson permitted a speaker, but advised Items #26, #27, and #28 are real estate items and these are not public hearings. Speaker(s) present:
Mayor Johnson asked Executive Director/CEO Faye DiMassimo of (Chatham Area Transit CAT) to meet with Mr. Cohen (she agreed). Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested Ms. DiMassimo meet with her for a few minutes following the meeting to discuss a resident call/concern. Alderwoman Lanier stated she often gets calls from residents (elderly & disabled), using the CAT service for going to doctor's appointments for a fee. The CAT service makes them wait sometimes up to 4 hours. The City is giving CAT property valued at $1.1 million for a stop at Plant Riverside. The City has a free downtown service for visitors and a free boat ride across the river, yet paying citizens must wait hours for CAT. The City needs to be cognizant of how paying residents are treated versus visitors. Mayor Johnson acknowledged he is cognizant, but CAT is its own authority. Ms. DiMassimo is here and Alderman Leggett sits on the CAT Board. Both are available to address CAT issues/services. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #26, #27, and #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 27. Authorize the City Manager to Approve a Temporary Construction and Access Easement Agreement with Duke Realty Limited Partnership. This easement will assist the City with construction of a new force main and upgrades to Lift Station 166, which is located in the Highlands. | |
| Exhibit 1: Map - Lift Station 166.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Temporary Construction and Access Easement Agreement - Lift Station 166.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #26, #27, and #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 28. Authorize the City Manager to Approve as Surplus and Available for Sale City-owned Real Property Located on E. Victory Drive (PIN 20078 01015). The petitioner, Dicky Mopper, on behalf of Tafina LLC, owner of 1650 E Victory Drive, has requested the City-owned property located at the northeast corner of East Victory Drive and Oleander Avenue to provide driveway access for their customers. | |
| Exhibit 1: Map - Victory & Oleander.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #26, #27, and #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS | |
| 29. Settlement #1 | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #29, to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to resolve the claim of Ashley Fireall (vehicle injury) for $150,000.00, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 30. Authorization to Initiate Litigation. | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #30, to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to initiate an appeal of Effingham County zoning decision (threatening drinking water supply), seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| MISCELLANEOUS | |
| 31. Approval to Paint Ten Storm Drains throughout the Casey Drainage Basin in the Ogeechee River Watershed. The mission of this project is to raise awareness and gain community support in decreasing pollution and bacterial contamination of the waterways that have been placed on the State of Georgia’s impaired waters list. | |
| Exhibit 1: HSMC Board Recommendation - Storm Drain Murals.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Storm Drains Submittal Packet.pdf | |
Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #31, seconded Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Alderwoman Lanier voted no. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Johnson congratulated City Manager Melder on his one year anniversary with the City (September 10, 2022) and announced Mr. Melder will celebrate his birthday soon.
Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:14 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=KuJf2q6boc3C
Mark Massey, Clerk of Council
Date Minutes Approved: September 8, 2022
Signature: MM |
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