Agenda Plus - December 19, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting

DECEMBER 19, 2024 - 2:00 p.m. - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The regular meeting of the City Council was held at 2:02 p.m., in the SCCPSS Board of Education Room located at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura Avenue, Building G. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz called the meeting to order, then introduced Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

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

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Assistant to Clerk of Council Renee Osborne

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for December 19, 2024.

Ald. Palumbo moved to adopt/approve agenda item #1, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1. Mayor Johnson was away from the dais.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on November 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Agenda Plus - WS DRAFT MINUTES_November 26, 2024, City Council Workshop.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1. Mayor Johnson was away from the dais.

3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on November 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Agenda Plus - RM DRAFT MINUTES_November 26, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1. Mayor Johnson was away from the dais.

PRESENTATIONS

4. Appearance and Presentation by Hunter Army Airfield in Support of National Wreaths Across America Day on December 14, 2024.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz invited LTC Derik S. Taylor, Commander of US Army Garrison - Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA, to make the presentation.

Ald. Leggett asked for a moment of silence for those who served and lost their lives.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked LTC Taylor on behalf of Mayor Johnson.

5. Proclamation Honoring the Service of Lizann Roberts, Executive Director, of the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, Inc. upon her retirement.

Chairman and Ald. Palumbo read and presented the proclamation to Ms. Lizann Roberts. He was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Mayor Johnson who offered remarks.

Ald. Bell thanked Lizann for all the good things she has done for the city, including when she was a city employee and what she did to bring organizations together like the Front Porch.

Ms. Lizann Roberts spoke about working with the Behavioral Health unit and with providing assistance in the mental health community in a compassionate way.

*Mayor Johnson lifted activites of two projects where the city/staff were involved:

2024 United Way Campaign - raising $156,625.00
- He thanked Campaign Chair Steven Maxwell and Deputy Fire Chief Jack McCutchen
10 Days of Giving Canned Food Drive - collecting 34,653 canned goods (highest amount ever collected and donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank)

*Ald. Wilder-Bryan announced that moments ago Mayor Johnson was unanimously voted in as the National League of Cities (NLC) new 2nd Vice President, by its board of directors. Former Mayor John Rousakis is the last mayor who held this position, in 1979 as its president. Mayor Johnson explained a vacancy was created by a loss of an election. NLC is the largest organization representing 19,000 cities, towns, and villages. In two years, Mayor Johnson will be the president of the NLC.

6. Recognition of the City of Savannah Celebrating 235 Years.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz invited Municipal Archives Director Luciana Spracher to provide an oral history. A flyer document was shared and filed within the Council Papers.

Ald. Lanier expressed her thanks and added her comments to the historical perspective, namely City history from 1733 to 1789.

ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)

7. Approval of a Class D (Wine) (By the Package) and Class G (Wine) (Complimentary) Alcohol License to James Crotts for Limestone Wines, A Package Store Located at 513 E. Oglethorpe Avenue Ste G. The establishment is located between Price and Houston Streets in Aldermanic District 2.

Exhibit 1: Check List - Limestone Wines

Exhibit 2: Density Map - Limestone Wines

Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Limestone Wines

Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Limestone Wines

Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Limestone Wines

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #7 and #8.

a. Ald. Purtee moved to close the alcohol hearings for agenda items #7 and #8, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #7, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

8. Approval of Class D (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License to Shahil Patel for Bradley Liquor, a package store located at 1102 Bradley Blvd. Ste C. The establishment is located between US Highway 17 and Ristona Drive in Aldermanic District 6.

Exhibit 1: Check List - Bradley Liquor

Exhibit 2: Density Map - Bradley Liquor

Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Bradley Liquor

Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Bradley Liquor

Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Bradley Liquor

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #7 and #8.

a. Ald. Purtee moved to close the alcohol hearings for agenda items #7 and #8, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b. Ald. Purtee moved to approve agenda item #8, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

9. Final Public Hearing to Receive Comments on the 2025 Proposed Service Program and Budget.

Mayor Johnson provided an overview of the budget process and Council priorities.

City Manager Melder thanked Melissa Carter and budget staff, and members of the City Council. He proposed adjustments to the fees charged for business types, rental spaces, and other fees, based on conversations and letters received. He proposed downgrading the alcohol licenses fees which were previously proposed (+40%), amongst/over eighteen (18) different fee types. Going forward they will strengthen their communications with those impacted by fee changes. City Manager Melder also spoke regarding the enhancements made within the umbrella of Recreation Reimagined.

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing open to receive comments on the 2025 Proposed Service Program and Budget, along with the proposed Revenue Ordinance.

Speaker(s):

Mike Vaquer – OPPOSED to alcohol licensing fee increases
Tom Worley – OPPOSED to alcohol licensing fee increases
Matthew Britsch – IN SUPPORT of funding for Crime Stoppers of Savannah-Chatham County
Tre Singleton – IN SUPPORT of funding for violence prevention programming for Urban Mentoring Academy of Savannah
Alex Bender – OPPOSED to alcohol licensing fee increases
Frank M. Rose – DID NOT SPEAK, had issues unrelated to the budget (Mayor Johnson connected the speaker with the City Attorney instead)
Jeffrey Downey – OPPOSED to alcohol licensing fee increases

Ald. Palumbo moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Ald. Leggett, Ald. Lanier, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

The following comments from Council were made:

Ald. Lanier - asked about the proposed increases to the alcohol license fees (The proposed increase in collections would have been 41.6% or $77,000 for the year for all 603, expected to be 630, license holders. The City Manager proposed an amendment to cut or adjust downward to 20.83% or $35,000.00 for the year.)
Ald. Lanier - thanked the City Manager for hearing her concerns and requests for the 1st District, including the recreational amenities needed in the Highlands.
Ald. Wilder-Bryan - suggested setting up the liquor licenses to be paid twice a year with deadlines to give them relief or a halfway mark, and she is pleased with the budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz - thanked the City Manager for sitting down and talking to her, the details, and time spent to get their issues taken care of. Regarding the Urban Mentoring program, she suggested doing some more looking into it.
Mayor Johnson - requested the City Manager personally evaluate the situation with the Urban Mentoring program.
Ald. Palumbo - stated the importance of the budget process throughout the year, and described this budget as earnest/honest, incremental improvements. He agreed with the small businesses regarding the increases to licensing fees, and he appreciated them for coming to speak up. He extended kudos to Chief Carter and her team.
Ald. Purtee - stated he hopes to see more transparency for the nonprofits, as well as an easier process. He also hopes for better customer service for our customers and neighbors, more employee retention, investing in our employees, more service with public safety, and infrastructure (back-to-basics).
Ald. Miller Blakely - asked the City Manager about the proposed percentage for cost of living increases to employees (3% and $8 million to fund the comp and class study to be completed around the 2nd Quarter). Regarding the Urban Mentoring program, she wants to know if there is another agency providing those services, like HVAC, plumbing, citizenship, etc. We should not let that go and invest in it with this budget, given they serve at-risk youth and she has seen the program in operation. She asked about the summer youth employment program and what has increased. She stated she would like to see more equity when it comes to African Americans getting alcohol licenses. Pertaining to lifting the alcohol overlays, she would like to see that subject on an agenda and discussed. She thanked the City Manager and staff for taking their time out for having a tough conversation regarding the budget and the retreat. She asked the City Manager for the updated list of alcohol licenses.
Mayor Johnson stated he refuses to believe that alcohol licenses in black or minority neighborhoods are the only economic drivers within minority communities. Directed to the City Manager, he stated that the context is important as well within your report, including who actually applied.
Ald. Bell stated they have already talked about reducing alcohol licensing fees that were brought up in the introductory remarks. She cautioned her colleagues to make sure you have the full picture that staff uses for making grant funding to nonprofits, before drawing conclusions in isolation. Perhaps giving the City Council a more detailed report before the Council votes on the budget will be more helpful, including who was funded, who was not funded, and why. She does not want to second guess the budget team or staff who reviewed the grant requests, since she did not see everything that they saw.
Mayor Johnson stated this is his 21st budget and 5th budget as Mayor, and all of the budgets were different, difficult, and combative in ways, but a necessary process. The budget is the result of dedicated folks who live and breathe this subject to get us to this day. Mayor Johnson asked Chief Carter and the budget team to stand and be recognized. And he thanked them.

See related agenda items #23 and #47.

ZONING HEARINGS

10. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of 1210 Drayton, LLC for a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Amendment at 108 East Henry Street (20053 03018), 112 East Henry Street (20053 03005), and 1210 Drayton Street (20053 03017) to Change the FLUM Category from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-005524-ZA). The Petitioner continued this item from the November 26, 2024 City Council Meeting.

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for FLUM Request (File No. 24-005524-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Zoning Maps.pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for agenda items #10, #11, and #12. See related agenda items #16, and #17.

Speaker(s):

Edward Morrow, representing the MPC
Robert McCorkle, representing the petitioner
James Hundsrucker – OPPOSED
Debra Lewis – OPPOSED
Ryan Madson spoke on behalf of Nancy Maia – modified SUPPORT
Jason Combs – OPPOSED

Written comment(s):

Michael Sharkey – OPPOSED
Nancy Maia – IN SUPPORT
Amy Johnson – OPPOSED

Ald. Leggett moved to close the zoning hearings for agenda items #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

City Manager Melder and Mayor Johnson advised that a hotel is not allowed there by right, and will not be.

Ald. Palumbo asked MPC staff to offer a couple of clarifying points to address letters received from the public. He stated he has strong feelings about surface parking lots. Is surface parking allowed in the current zoning classification? Mr. Morrow responded yes. He asked staff to clarify the staff recommendation versus the MPC board members' recommendation (making the entire block consistent rather than mid-block). Ald. Palumbo stated he finds it very hard to stomach the thought that such valuable real estate right in the heart of the city would be best served by surface parking lot, which do more harm than good (impervious pavement), despite parking challenges in the area. It's hard to say how decisions made today will play out in the future. No one has called him to say, this is what I want to put here, to understand what the aim is pertaining to this request today. He cannot support this because he does not know what it is going to be. The neighborhood association brings up an excellent point, that they were there first to push something into motion a long time ago (proactively). That petition should be addressed first, before Council considers this item.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated she is very familiar with the area and believed that is an excellent location for a parking lot. Referring to a public comment speaker's concern, she asked Council to consider the parking lot to alleviate the speaker's concern.

Mayor Johnson asked staff to put the map up again, then stated he knows that is not the best and highest use for that space and he hates looking at it everytime he drives by it.

Ald. Leggett stated there is nothing there right now. If we approve, we can approve it with provisions spoken of earlier (no hotel there). By right, they can only have an inn there, and nothing with 75 or more people.

Mayor Johnson stated that although it is not allowed there, by right, we can articulate that. We are at the finishing point for getting this other overlay put in place. He asked Mr. McCorkle if he agreed to the three-year timeframe/limit.

Ald. Lanier pointed out that nothing we do here will be for the duration (of zoning). She asked for clarity: #10 is asking the change for the FLUM; #11 is asking for the change in zoning; and, #12 is a required request to do the parking lot. A good designer can make the space work for parking. She parked there during a recent parade, and it is used as a parking lot. If the neighboring community is working on something to protect them or to give them more time, we should consider that. We are only needing to rezone one.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated from River Street down to Henry and Anderson streets, we always talk about the parking being a problem. She agreed with what the Alderman of the district is recommending, and she thinks it is a good idea for anyone who is looking to add parking to that area.

Ald. Palumbo stated he knows we cannot bind a future Council. He asked the City Attorney if a hotel could be seen at this site after three years. The City Attorney stated there will still be the special use issue or need to come back before the City Council for a small hotel, but there is not the same requirement for an inn. A large hotel is not allowed in this zoning district. They will be able to build an inn, as a right. Ald. Palumbo asked how today's approval will intersect with an anticipated overlay which is in the works. He doesn't want the community to get a hotel, when they don't want one. The community presented their own petition (to address hotels in this neighborhood) in January, before this one was launched. The City Attorney advised that this should be getting/giving an extra blanket of comfort/protection to the neighborhood association.

With large hotels not being permitted here, Ald. Lanier asked about there being some other overlay in the works. City Manager Melder advised there are three neighborhoods who have joined together in a petition to extend the hotel overlay district within the boundaries of the historic district, in order to restrict large hotels in those three neighborhoods. An overlay is more tedious than a petition by a property owner. Work was done some months ago. The work group and the consultants have gotten back together. Sometime in the spring they will be able to present a hotel overlay petition to the MPC, then to Council. Ald. Lanier stated the work is on-going and the work done today (a three-year prohibition) will provide some protection to give the community what they need.

11. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of 1210 Drayton, LLC for a Zoning Map Amendment of 0.14 acres at 112 East Henry Street (PIN 20053 03005) to Rezone from Traditional Neighborhood-1 (TN-1) to Traditional Commercial-1 (TC-1) in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-005471-ZA). The Petitioner continued this item from the November 26, 2024 City Council Meeting.

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for Rezoning (File No. 24-005471-ZA) .pdf

Exhibit 2: Zoning Maps.pdf

See related agenda items #10, #12, #16, and #17.

Ald. Leggett moved to close the zoning hearings for agenda items #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

12. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of 1210 Drayton, LLC for a Special Use Permit to Allow a Parking Facility at 108 East Henry Street (20053 03018), 112 East Henry Street (20053 03005), and 1210 Drayton Street (20053 03017) with Conditions in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-005474-ZA). The Petitioner continued this item from the November 26, 2024 City Council Meeting.

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for a Special Use Permit (FIle No. 24-005474-ZA).pdf

See related agenda items #10, #11, #16, and #17.

a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the zoning hearings for agenda items #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve the Special Use Permit for agenda item #12, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Purtee voted no.

13. Petition of Jeff Jepson, on Behalf of Seacrest Seven, LLC, 1015 Whitaker Street, LLC, and Portfolio Holdings, LLC, with agent Michael Garcia, for a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Amendment for 0.97 acres located at 1001 Whitaker Street, 1015 Whitaker Street, 120 West Park Avenue, and 124 West Park Avenue (PINs 20044 25001, 20044 25002, 20044 24002, and 20044 24003) to Change the FLUM designation from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-005816-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for FLUM (File No. 24-005816-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Zoning Maps (File No. 24-005815-ZA and 24-005816-ZA).pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for agenda items #13 and #14. See related agenda items #18 and #19.

Speaker(s):

Edward Morrow, representing the MPC
Howard Yellin on behalf of Jeff Jepson, representing the petitioner
Elaine Picard – OPPOSED
Elaine Pullen – OPPOSED
Dylan Wiliam – OPPOSED
Monica Vernon – IN SUPPORT
James Hundsrucker – OPPOSED
Clara Greig – OPPOSED
Garth Vernon – IN SUPPORT
Ryan Madson on behalf of Nancy Maia – IN SUPPORT

Written comment(s):

Katie Glusica – OPPOSED
Nancy Maia – IN SUPPORT
Elaine Pullen – OPPOSED
Andree Patterson – OPPOSED
James Fredericks – OPPOSED
Clara Greig – OPPOSED
Matt Williams – OPPOSED
Mary E. Adams – OPPOSED

Ald. Palumbo moved to close the zoning hearing for agenda items #13 and #14, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson stated for clarification the ownership of the garage determines the hours of operation for the garage. The City Manager stated yes, the City will operate the garage.

Ald. Leggett asked for the ordinances be heard for first reading only, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. Ald. Leggett asked if there is an opportunity for the neighborhood to have a conversation and develop a good neighbor agreement in the interim with Mr. Yellin, the petitioner, and surrounding neighborhoods. The City Manager agreed. Ald. Leggett stated that he doesn't want this opportunity to pass.

Mayor Johnson advised we were required to have a public hearing and we have done that. To take care of the first and second readings in one meeting, we all have to agree. Since Ald. Leggett opposes having both, today reverts to a first reading and we hold a second reading on January 9, 2025.

Ald. Bell asked who is the neighborhood (Victorian, Forsyth Park, and brand new neighbors who live around Howard Street). She asked to make it clear about what is expected to occur between now and the next reading. She has lived there for over 40 years and does not remember the area being anything but commercial. Ald. Bell said she thinks that was stated in the Victorian Neighborhood president's letter.

Ald. Leggett said it will be a lot work, and an opportunity for the At-Large Council members to work with him and the community to find out what works and get to the finish line. He plans to have conversations with the residents and report back what they come up with. He wants to give all parties the opportunity to speak with the elected officials.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated she does not agree with this particular project because of the way it is going to affect the community. She does not believe in the underground parking. Once it starts it is going to affect some of the homes in the area, and mess up the foundations. Several residents have spoke in disagreement with what is being done.

Ald. Lanier stated when the residents came up, she heard some things, like the 24-hour parking, bars and restaurants, parking concerns, preservation, history, and the character of the area as they work with the developers. She said a gentleman also spoke of a community benefit agreement, which makes sense to her. But we do not have community benefits ordinance (CBO) that will dictate what happens. An ordinance is not needed in order to work directly with a developer to create a legally binding agreement with the community. Good neighbor agreements are not legally binding (no teeth), but it shows our good intentions.

14. Petition of Jeff Jepson, on Behalf of Seacrest Seven, LLC, 1015 Whitaker Street, LLC, and Portfolio Holdings, LLC, with agent Michael Garcia, for Zoning Map Amendment for 0.97 acres located at 1001 Whitaker Street, 1015 Whitaker Street, 120 West Park Avenue, and 124 West Park Avenue (PINs 20044 25001, 20044 25002, 20044 24002, and 20044 24003) to Change the Traditional Neighborhood-1 (TN-1) to Traditional Commercial-2 (TC-2) in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-005815-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for Rezoning (File No. 24-005815-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Zoning Maps (File No. 24-005815-ZA and 24-005816-ZA).pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for agenda items #13 and #14. See related agenda items #18 and #19.

Ald. Palumbo moved to close the zoning hearing for agenda items #13 and #14, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

See related agenda items #13, #18, and #19.

15. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of Speir Property, LLC to Zone ~677 Acres Located on 420 Bush Road and 302 Bush Road (PINs 11026 01002C and 11026 01017) from R-A (Residential Agriculture) and PDR-SM (Planned Development Reclamation Surface Mining) to PD (Planned Development) (File No. 24-006311-ZA).

Exhibit 1: Staff Report for 302 and 420 Bush Rd (File No. 24-006311-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Final IGA for the Little Neck Road Annexation.pdf

Exhibit 3: Zoning Maps (File No. 24-006311-ZA).pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for agenda item #15. See related agenda items #21 and #22.

Speaker(s):

Bridget Lidy, representing the City of Savannah
Robert McCorkle, representing the petitioner
Kerrie Bieber – OPPOSED
Bennie Warshaw – OPPOSED
Michael Love – OPPOSED
Leslie Sheehan – OPPOSED

Written comment(s):

Kerrie Bieber – OPPOSED

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked Ms. Bieber for coming and she gave an overview of the project (great development/annexation) happening in the west part of the city. She will be present with the City Manager and his staff for the necessary meetings and conversations. Our housing inventory needs to be increased, and the west part of our area is where we are going to make it happen. She understands Ms. Bieber's interest is to be a part of the conversations and she agrees. People who own property out here can work together with others and not have any type of tension and arguments. This development and the IGA is for the good of everybody. She asked the attorneys, planning folks, City Manager, and others to include the people's voice, being at the table when doing this work. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated we are not leaving you (Ms. Bieber) out.

Mayor Johnson asked for an explanation regarding the obligation to notify to be investigated and reported back to Council. Following the last speaker, Mayor Johnson asked the City Attorney and City Manager if the petition meets the requirements for annexation. City Manager Melder replied yes, and the City Attorney replied yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for agenda item #15, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Lanier asked Ms. Lidy regarding her first slide, and the proximity to The Highlands. Ms. Lidy stated it is actually located near New Hampstead.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked Ms. Sheehan where she got her information from. Ms. Sheehan replied the IGA.

Mayor Johnson advised that the County had the responsibility to notify County residents when they approved the IGA on their end. The City Manager advised there were three parties, the County, the City, and the Petitioners who want to develop. We know this is a lawful petition for annexation because the City Attorney's office and City staff prepared for a lengthy opposition hearing from the County, which the County withdrew. The IGA which the Council approved dictates the shared cost for the widening and improvements of Little Neck Road, from Ogeechee to the intersection of I-95, which is not in front of this annexation. There is an intention in the provision that the City and County would share in the widening of Little Neck Road from I-95 to the Bloomingdale line at I-16. Right now, Little Neck Road is a County road and has been under-maintained only at the expense of the residents who use it there. The agreement is an important one and it sets out a path forward to improve that roadway. And the City of Savannah to take-on the ownership, operation, and maintenance of that roadway in the future.

Ald. Lanier spoke about incorporated and unincorporated areas being side-by-side in the past, with gaps in between. Because of the growth and development, we are closing these gaps. We are going to have to change how we operate, including the MPC, the City, and the County. The residents deserve better, as far as notification, even if we have to notify our counterparts. She requested the City Manager's assistance.

ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)

16. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of 1210 Drayton, LLC for a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Amendment at 108 East Henry Street (20053 03018), 112 East Henry Street (20053 03005), and 1210 Drayton Street (20053 03017) to Change the FLUM Category from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-005524-ZA). The Petitioner continued this item from the November 26, 2024 City Council Meeting.

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for FLUM (File No. 24-005524-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Zoning Maps.pdf

Ald. Leggett moved (to approve agenda item #16, with a condition to place a three-year prohibition/limit on any inn, small or large hotel use) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Purtee voted no.

17. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of 1210 Drayton, LLC for a Zoning Map Amendment of 0.14 acres at 112 East Henry Street (PIN 20053 03005) to Rezone from Traditional Neighborhood-1 (TN-1) to Traditional Commercial-1 (TC-1) in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-005471-ZA). The Petitioner continued this item from the November 26, 2024 City Council Meeting.

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for Rezoning (File No. 24-005471-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Zoning Maps.pdf

Ald. Leggett moved (to approve agenda item #17, with a condition to place a three-year prohibition/limit on any inn, small or large hotel use) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Purtee voted no.

18. Petition of Jeff Jepson, on Behalf of Seacrest Seven, LLC, 1015 Whitaker Street, LLC, and Portfolio Holdings, LLC, with agent Michael Garcia, for a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Amendment for 0.97 acres located at 1001 Whitaker Street, 1015 Whitaker Street, 120 West Park Avenue, and 124 West Park Avenue (PINs 20044 25001, 20044 25002, 20044 24002, and 20044 24003) to Change the FLUM designation from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-005816-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for FLUM (File No. 24-005816-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Zoning Maps (File No. 24-005815-ZA and 24-005816-ZA).pdf

HEARD FOR FIRST READING ONLY, see related agenda item #13.

19. Petition of Jeff Jepson, on Behalf of Seacrest Seven, LLC, 1015 Whitaker Street, LLC, and Portfolio Holdings, LLC, with agent Michael Garcia, for Zoning Map Amendment for 0.97 acres located at 1001 Whitaker Street, 1015 Whitaker Street, 120 West Park Avenue, and 124 West Park Avenue (PINs 20044 25001, 20044 25002, 20044 24002, and 20044 24003) to Change the Traditional Neighborhood-1 (TN-1) to Traditional Commercial-2 (TC-2) in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-005815-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for FLUM (File No. 24-005816-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Zoning Maps (File No. 24-005815-ZA and 24-005816-ZA).pdf

HEARD FOR FIRST READING ONLY, see related agenda item #14.

20. Adoption of the Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund Ordinance. To establish a Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund in order to track stormwater related expenses within the stormwater cost center and to provide a future revenue mechanism to fund the City of Savannah Stormwater Department.

Exhibit 1: Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund Ordinance.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved (to approve agenda item #20) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Ald. Lanier voted no.

Mayor Johnson provided a brief overview of the agenda item.

Having been present during the infamous Fire Fee, Ald. Bell suggested they think about giving the business community and citizens an opportunity to be engaged in the decision-making process.

As a veteran of the Fire Fee, Mayor Johnson advised that is baked into what we do. We will not go through that (fire fee) again. This action just creates the utility/mechanism, and once the City Manager comes back we can talk about how we float this out to not only make the case for it, but to talk about how it is implemented, if it is implemented.

ORDINANCES - FIRST READING

21. Petition to Annex ~667 Acres Located at 420 Bush Road and 302 Bush Road (PINs 11026 01002C and 11026 01017) from Chatham County to the City of Savannah.

Exhibit 1: Annexation Petition #24-545.pdf

Exhibit 2: Final IGA for the Little Neck Road Annexation.pdf

HEARD FOR FIRST READING ONLY, see related agenda items #10 and #22.

22. Petition of Robert McCorkle on Behalf of Speir Property, LLC, to zone ~677 acres located on 420 Bush Road and 302 Bush Road (PINs 11026 01002C and 11026 01017) from R-A (Residential Agriculture) and PDR-SM (Planned Development Reclamation Surface Mining) to PD (Planned Development) (File No. 24-006311-ZA).

Exhibit 1: Staff Report for 302 and 420 Bush Rd (File No. 24-006311-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Final IGA for the Little Neck Road Annexation.pdf

Exhibit 3: Zoning and Annexation Maps for 302 and 420 Bush Road (File No 24-006311-ZA).pdf

HEARD FOR FIRST READING ONLY, see related agenda items #10 and #21.

ORDINANCES - SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)

23. Approval of the 2025 Revenue Ordinance. Each year, City Council adopts a Revenue Ordinance to authorize the collection of taxes and fees.

2025 Revenue Ordinance - Final.docx

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #23, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson provided a brief summary of the process implemented.

PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)

24. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for The Design of a Single Lane Roundabout with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. (LOCAL) in an Amount Not to Exceed $487,800. The Transportation Department and Traffic Engineering Division is requesting this service for the design of a single-lane roundabout at the existing intersection of Windsor Road at Largo Drive. Kimley-Horn will provide project management/coordination, database preparation, environmental studies, and roadway plans. Kimley-Horn already has in-depth knowledge of this intersection as they provided the Intersection Control Evaluation Analysis and developed the roundabout concept earlier this year. (Transportation Services)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification- Design of Single Lane Roundabout.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes- Design of Single Lane Roundabout.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #24 through #39, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1. Ald. Miller Blakely was away from the dais during the vote.

25. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification No. 2 for Sewer Lift Station Parts and Pumps with Xylem, Inc. in an Amount not to Exceed $300,000. This contract is for Flygt Pumping Equipment and Component Parts in the City's Lift Station. (Public Works)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verificaton- Pump Modification.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes -Pump Modification.pdf

26. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for 13 Two and a Half (2.5) Ton Flatbed Dumping Trucks with National Automotive Fleet Group c/o Alan Jay Fleet in the Amount of $1,545,695. The two and a half (2.5) ton dumping trucks will be utilized by different departments within the City, including Water Distribution, Sewer Maintenance, I&D Water, Sanitation, and Street Maintenance. (Fleet)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - 2.5 Ton Dump Trucks.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - 2.5 Ton Dump Trucks.pdf

27. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Two (2) Five (5) Cubic Yard Dump Trucks, One (1) 16 Cubic Yard Dump Truck, and One (1) Flatbed Truck Chassis with Mack Trucks c/o Vanguard Truck Center of Savannah in the amount of $503,730. The new trucks will be utilized by different departments within the City, including Sewer Maintenance, Street Maintenance, and Savannah Fire. (Fleet)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Dump Trucks & Flatbed Truck Chassis.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Dump Trucks & Flatbed Truck Chassis.pdf

28. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 for Azure Software Services (SPD PenLink) from Insight Public Sector in the Amount Not to Exceed $22,500. This contract will be used by the police department to maintain the Azure cloud storage environment that allows for cloud computing services created by Microsoft for building, testing, deploying, and managing applications and services through Microsoft managed data systems for PenLink. (ITS)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - SPD Azure Modification.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - SPD Azure Modification.pdf

29. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with SL Development for a Digital Advertising Campaign for the Savannah Police Department (SPD) in the Amount Not to Exceed $99,996. SPD will use the services for a digital advertising campaign. The strategy for this campaign is to increase social media, digital, and print campaigns used in the recruitment of new police officers.

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Digital Advertising Campaign SPD.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Digital Advertising Campaign SPD.pdf

30. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Design Services of Greenwich Columbarium with Greenline Architecture (LOCAL)(DBE) in an Amount Not to Exceed $79,900. This contract includes design revisions, permitting, and construction administration for the new columbarium at Greenwich Cemetery. (Capital Projects)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Greenwich Columbarium.pdf

Exhibit 1: Purchasing Notes -Greenwich Columbarium.pdf

31. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Street Repair and Resurfacing With APAC- Atlantic, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $4,400,000. The Streets Maintenance Division will use this to maximize the amount of resurfacing within the available budget and allow the contractor and subcontractors to mill and resurface asphalt streets that remain from 2024’s list.

Exhibit 1- Funding Verification- Street Repair and Resurfacing.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes- Street Repair and Resurfacing.pdf

32. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification No. 1 for City-Wide HVAC maintenance and repairs to Boaen Mechanical (LOCAL) in the amount not to exceed $475,750. The Real Estate Services Department will use the contract to service and provide emergency repairs to all HVAC systems, chiller systems, ice machines, and commercial refrigerators in City facilities. (Real Estate)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification -City Wide HVAC.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes- City Wide HVAC.pdf

33. Notification of an Emergency Purchase for Various Equipment with United Rentals in the Amount of $92,636. The emergency purchase was required due to a significant cave in of the main sewer line in the southwest corner of the Water Resources Facility. (Water Reclamation)

Exhibit1: Funding Verification - Equipment Rental.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note - Equipment Rental.pdf

34. Notification of An Emergency Purchase for a 60-Inch Main Repair with Ruby Collins, Inc. in the An Amount of $677,710. The Water Reclamation Plant utilized theses services to repair the main sewer line at enters into the Water Reclamation Facility. (Water Reclamation)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - 60 in main.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - 60 in main.pdf

35. Notification of An Emergency Purchase for Roll Off and Vactor Services with Badger in An Amount of $297,244. The Water Reclamation utilized these services to clean the gravity thickeners to resume the waste and removal of solids process. (Water Reclamation)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Roll Off Services

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note -Roll Off Services

36. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Two Bar Screens from Cornerstone H2O in an Amount not to exceed $1,740,000. The bar screens remove debris from the stormwater pumping stations. (Stormwater)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Fell St Bar Screens.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Fell Bar Screens.pdf

37. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Extension for Storm Debris Removal with Ashbritt, Inc. (Primary), Ceres Environmental Services (Secondary), and DRC Emergency Services Inc. (Tertiary) in an Amount that Will Vary Based on the Severity of the Natural Disaster. This contract will be used to prepare for and recovery from major debris generating disaster events. (Sanitation)

Exhibt 2: Purchasing Note - Storm Debris Removal Services

38. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification No.1 for Debris Monitoring and Oversight Services from Goodwyn Mills Cawood (LOCAL) in an Amount Not to Exceed $600,000. This contract is for debris monitoring management, recovery, and consulting services to support the oversight and management of debris removal and processing contractors in preparation and following a declared emergency event. (Sanitation)

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note- Debris Montioring & Oversight Services

39. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract to Design, Manufacture, and Install a Prefabricated Restroom Building from Restroom Facilities Ltd. in an Amount Not to Exceed $264,927. This building will be installed at the Signature Playground which will be located at Daffin Park, at the corner of East Victory Drive and Waters Avenue. (Recreation and Leisure Services)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Prefabricated Restroom Installation.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Prefabricated Restroom Installation.pdf

SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION

40. Approval to Renew Out-of-Home Advertising on Hwy 278 and Hwy 170 with Adams Outdoor Advertising, in the Amount of $279,903.