DECEMBER 7, 2023, 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 2:03 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier who introduced Pastor Samuel Pointer of Bethel Apostolic Church, 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

Deputy City Attorney Jen Herman

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

Mayor Johnson announced today marked the beginning of Hannukah (at sundown), and he acknowledged and requested a moment of silence in remembrance of the recent passing of two city employees: Ronnie Hopkins, Jr.; and Debbie Miles Fields.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda for December 7, 2023, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt Item #4, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderman Leggett moved to continue/postpone Item #5 to the January 11, 2024, City Council Meeting, as requested by the petitioner, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

No speaker(s).

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan commended the new owner, Mr. Stringer, for cleaning up the property and establishing positive relations with the community with an agreement.  Even through the establishment is in the overlay district, it was grandfathered to continue operating.  Alderwoman Lanier asked what type of agreement was established.  City Manager Melder indicated a good neighbor agreement was adopted into the security plan.

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson indicated this is the final public hearing for the FY2024 Budget.  City Manager Melder gave comments explaining the FY2024 Budget addresses additional benefits for retirees and increased compensation for employees.  The Budget also includes updates for recreational facilities and civic infrastructure.  Mayor Johnson added the FY2024 Budget was achieved with no increases in taxes and no draw on the City's reserve account.

Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing for Item #11.

Speaker(s):

• Bob Eason – retirees
• Stanley Mosley – retirees
• Mike Nichols – retirees
• Warren Andrews – retirees
• William Black - retirees

Alderman Palumbo moved to close the public hearing for Item #11, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda Items #22 and #33.

Written comment(s):

• Virginia Mobley – splash pad/pool concerns

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder to explain the up to 15% increase for employees.  City Manager Melder gave a detailed explanation of the increases for employees.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely thanked all staff for the employee increases.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked all the retirees for staying the course until the City was able to provide additional benefits.  She thanked City Manager Melder and the entire City staff, especially Finance, Budget Management Office, and Human Resources for a job well done.

Alderman Purtee expressed concern for the starting pay for police officers and asked how the City will compete with other local municipalities.  City Manager Melder explained the police officers salaries included bonuses, benefits, and additional incentives.  Alderman Purtee recommended a market study analysis for police officers compensation for the next budget cycle.  Mayor Johnson indicated when looking at the pay for police officers, the complete compensation packet should be considered.

Alderman Palumbo thanked staff for an efficient budget process and the positive overall growth of the City's services.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing for Item #12.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, representing MPC

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The  motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda Item #17.

Written comment(s):

• Gloria William, Cuyler Brownville Neighborhood Association President – IN SUPPORT

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing for Item #13.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, representing MPC

Alderman Palumbo moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #13, correcting the record to read District 1, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett.  The  motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda Item #18.

Written comment(s):

• Gloria William, Cuyler Brownville Neighborhood Association Present – IN SUPPORT

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #14 and #15.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, representing MPC

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to close the zoning hearing for Items #14 and #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda Items #19 and #20.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #14 and #15.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, representing MPC

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to close the zoning hearing for Items #14 and #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda Items #19 and #20.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing for Item #16.

Speaker(s):

• Bridget Lidy, Planning & Urban Design Senior Director – petitioner
• Andrew Jones – IN SUPPORT
• Ellie Isaacs – IN SUPPORT
• Ryan Jarles – IN SUPPORT
• David McDonald – IN SUPPORT
• Karen Jarrett – OPPOSED by requesting it to be continued for MPC review
• Richard “Dicky” Mopper - OPPOSED

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #16, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 9-0-0.  See related agenda Item #21.

Written comment(s):

• Paul & Caren Cobet – IN SUPPORT
• Mariah Ringhoff – IN SUPPORT
• Regina Roney – IN SUPPORT
• Don Steinberg – IN SUPPORT
• Rick Roney – IN SUPPORT
• A. Cory Highland – IN SUPPORT
• Andrew Jones – IN SUPPORT
• Justin A. Godchaux – IN SUPPORT
• Martha A. Barnes – IN SUPPORT
• Eleanor Rhangos – IN SUPPORT
• Birgit and Kurt Reiff – IN SUPPORT
• Teresa Jo Styles – Concerned re: how this may affect her property
• Katie Glusica – IN SUPPORT
• Arthur Scinta & Catherine Campbell – IN SUPPORT

City Manager Melder indicated notices were mailed to residents that would be impacted.  As a representative of the land owner, City of Savannah.  City Manager Melder has no objections to the changes.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Mr. Mopper what will be the effects on the Civic Center that he mentioned.  Mr. Mopper answered, there would need to be subdivisions and recombinations in order for any redeveloped.  She asked has the changes gone before MPC.  City Manager Melder indicated this matter does not require MPC review, it is a City ordinance.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed concern that she feels the matter is being fast-tracked.  City Manager Melder indicated the due diligence process was met.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely recommends bringing the matter before MPC for further review and for citizen input.

Alderman Leggett asked how many neighborhoods would be effected by the overlay.  Ms. Lidy answered, 2; the Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Forsyth Neighborhood Alliance.  Alderman Leggett asked how long has the City worked on the Ordinance.  Ms. Lidy answered, actively since August 2022.  Alderman Leggett indicated neighborhood associations have been involved in the process and have given input.  Ms. Lidy indicated, The Historic Board of Review was included in the process with positive input.

Alderwoman Lanier expressed concern that the City did not include MPC in the review process when the City's prior process has always been to include MPC.  City Manager Melder stated The Historic Board of Review is part of MPC and has approved the changes.  He also stated, the City has not changed the process of vetting property with MPC.

Mayor Johnson clarified the role of MPC as it relates to the City.  MPC does not change or establish ordinances for the City, that is the roll of City Council.  MPC is an advisory body.  Mayor Johnson recommends the ordinance (Item #21) for a First Read only.  This will afford time for any additional questions to be answered and any further information requested by residents to be supplied.

MPC Executive Director Melanie Wilson indicated MPC worked with City staff on the document, but the item did not go before the MPC as a Commission for another public hearing.  City Manager Melder indicated The Historic Board of Review made recommendations to City Council and those recommendations are before Council.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern for sacred land throughout the City being desecrated.  Going through MPC would alleviate some of those issues.  She discussed other subdivisions in the City and how the City should have major subdivisions go before MPC for review.        

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #17, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, correcting the record to read District 1, Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #18, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

HEARD for First Reading Only, as ordered by Mayor Johnson.

HEARD after Item #33.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 8-1-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no.

Mayor Johnson thanked staff for a successful budget process.  He recognized those staff members responsible for completion of the FY2024 Budget by asking the Office of Management and Budget, Finance, and Human Resources Departments to stand. 

CONTINUED/POSTPONED Item #23, as announced by Mayor Johnson.

Written comment(s):

• Petra Echauri – OPPOSED

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #26, #27, #29, and #30, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #26, #27, #29, and #30, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #26, #27, #29, and #30, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #26, #27, #29, and #30, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #28, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 8-1-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #26, #27, #29, and #30, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #26, #27, #29, and #30, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #31, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 8-1-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 8-1-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no.

HEARD after Item #11.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #33, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder to explain the transaction in detail for the residents.  City Manager Melder explained the transaction.  City staff determined it was more cost effective to borrow the money from the City than issue bonds, and also pay the interest to the City.  This was a cost-savings issue.

Alderwoman Lanier expressed the City made a smart move with this transaction.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #34, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter abstaining.

Alderwoman Lanier asked City Manager Melder if any prior City Councils voted to remove the overpass.  City Manager Melder indicated the City cannot vote to remove the overpass, it is owned by GDOT; Item #35 is for approval of a preliminary engineering report.  Alderwoman Lanier stated, in the FY2023 budget projection lists, there is $180,000 for a study to remove the I-16 flyover, is that amount part of this grant.  City Manager Melder answered, yes, the $180,000 is the City's portion (20%) of the grant amount.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if this is part of Reclaim the Old West Broad Street Plan from years ago.  City Manager Melder answered, the City of Savannah never adopted that Plan; this is not connected with that Plan.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #35, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 7-2-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voting no.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #36, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 8-1-0, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely voting no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #37, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-2-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voting no.

Mayor Johnson recommended a traffic study be conducted by the City of Savannah, Chatham County, and SEDA.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #38, conditionally, with City of Savannah, Chatham County, and SEDA to conduct a a traffic study, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz .  The motion passed 8-1-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed deep concern that a young man who was incarcerated for two years due to a police false report is now hired in the Savannah Code Enforcement Department.  She recommended adding two (2) additional people to the Civil Service Board for a non-biased representation and decision making.  Mayor Johnson indicated this was not the proper forum for that discussion.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz invited everyone to the Evergreen Cemetery Dedication, Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on ACL Blvd.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Purtee, and Pastor Charles Roberson of Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship is presenting 'Blessings on the South Side", Saturday, December 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; 1,000 gifts and 1,000 bags of groceries will be given away.  The public is invited. 

Mayor Johnson announced funeral services for Debbie Fields will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul A.M.E. Church.  The arrangements for Mr. Ronnie Hopkins, Jr. have not been finalized.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan invited all to Pegasus Riding Academy Executive Director Peggy Noon's 10th Annual Parade; contact her on the web https://prasav.org/.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 3:54 p.m.

The video recordings of the Regular Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=nowJ96BXn4x4aQtK

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:      December 19, 2023  

Signature:   MM