FEBRUARY 10, 2022, 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 2:11 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Gibson-Carter who introduced Pastor Valarie Grimes of Radiant 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, Chairman

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

ABSENT:    Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Joseph A. Melder

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve Item #1, as amended, adding Items #30 and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderman Palumbo and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderman Palumbo and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

PRESENTED.  Anita Smith-Dixon and Gary Nelson, President of Healthcare Georgia Foundation, presented a check to Mayor Johnson.

PRESENTED.  READ by Alderman Purtee on behalf of the City Council.  Also speaking were Park & Tree Commission Chairman Sean Mannion, Vice Chairman Hunter Hall, and Greenscapes Department Director Gordon Denney.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked and commended each of them for their service individually and on behalf of the Park & Tree Commission.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan thanked them for changing (improving) the quality of life for citizens of Savannah.

PRESENTED.  Mayor Johnson read the proclamation into the record.  Also present or speaking were the following: Capital Projects Management Director Christy Lawrence; Doug Patten (13 yrs); Leif Blomberg (23 yrs); male employee (2 yrs); Michelle Gerdes (2 1/2 yrs); Carol Moon (15 yrs); and, Heath Lloyd, Assistant City Manager.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing for Item #7 open.

No speaker(s).

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #7, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Alderman Palumbo and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing for Item #8 open.

Speaker(s) present:

• Marcus Lotson, MPC Representative
• Robert McCorkle, petitioner - Market rent for the area

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #8, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Johnson inquired about the cost/market for the apartments.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked about the former automotive portion/side of the Sears building and whether it was being used in this development.

Alderman Leggett asked about the name of the property being Madison Apartments, since there already is an apartment complex with that name.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter inquired about the pricing for the units/apartments.  She also asked the City Manager to provide this type of information in the future, as a standard. There will be 240 units and four stories.

Alderman Purtee thanked them for their presentations.  He stated it is up to us to figure out what we can do to fix up our areas and assist with the housing shortage, especially in places that have been vacant for a long time.

Alderman Palumbo asked how this project can impact the success of the mall.  Mr. McCorkle said they will be adding people traffic, greenspace and realigning lanes so traffic will flow better.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked to see the renderings again.  Then she asked how long it will be before the first tenant turns the key.  Mr. McCorkle did not have a specific date.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked if he anticipates any future rezoning.  Mr. McCorkle said no.

Alderwoman Lanier asked Mr. Lotson if B-C zoning allows for any housing.  He explained this development versus other areas, thereby requiring this change.  Alderwoman Lanier asked Mr. McCorkle about inclusionary zoning which may come in the future.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mr. McCorkle about engaging with this developer, absent any existing policies like inclusionary zoning, with the aim of housing affordability.  Can this developer reserve certain units for income-based housing?  Mr. McCorkle responded there are no plans for a percentage of affordable housing for this particular project.  They are happy to have a dialogue.

Mayor Johnson advised there is an extensive permit process that the City does control.  There are opportunities to have those discussions.

Alderman Palumbo thanked the petitioner for their ingenuity and their effort.  He invited developers to the 4th District to build housing opportunities.  Incentives do not happen in a vacuum.  We need to offer a carrot to developers to create housing opportunities.  

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing for Item #9 (special use permit) open.

Speaker(s) present:

• Marcus Lotson, MPC Representative
• Patrick Connell, petitioner

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the hearing for Item #9 (special use permit), seconded by Alderman Palumbo, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #9 (special use permit), seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Written comment(s) received.

• Jason Combs, Acting President, Thomas Square Neighborhood Association - SUPPORTED
• Jennifer W. Long - SUPPORTED
• Eric Burmeister - SUPPORTED

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing for Item #10 open.

Speaker(s) present:

• Leah Michalak, MPC Representative - Historic Preservation

Following Ms. Michalak's presentation, she advised that the MPC recommends approval of the proposed amendments to the Streetcar District, including nine (9) buildings constructed prior to 1937 and now previously listed as contributing to expand the District boundary with an effective date of March 1, 2022.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked how do other areas of the City get protected like the ones being proposed.  Ms. Michalak recommended that other areas should apply for a Conservation Overlay, similar to what was started by Alderman Palumbo with respect to Ardsley Park.  This process is sort of the first step toward becoming a local historic district, protecting solely against the demolition of historic buildings.  A period of significance is developed to substantiate the historical designation.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan also asked about the timing required for achieving a conservation overlay.  Ms. Michalak stated a neighborhood association can apply for a text amendment change to add the particular area, pursuant to the zoning ordinance.  An application is sent to the Development Services office, then it comes before the Planning Commission (MPC) for a recommendation, and then it comes to the City.  If approved, it is added to the overlay.

Alderman Palumbo moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #10, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing for Item #11 open.

Speaker(s) present:

• Marcus Lotson, MPC Representative

Mayor Johnson indicated his excitement for this particular item, due to the opportunities being created for home childcare or daycare and other tools to help create self-sufficency within the City and remove barriers.  The proposed changes reflect the will and heart of Council.  Three pillars are housing, transportation and child care.

On behalf of the Planning Commission (MPC), Mr. Lotson recommended the ordinance changes to allow more flexibility and the use to be permitted in more residential areas, relating to child/adult daycare.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #11, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #12 with the site plan being reviewed by the MPC, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-1-1, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no and Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderman Palumbo and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

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 #14, seconded by Alderman Purtee, and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Alderwoman Lanier asked for more details about the current numbers for child/adult daycare homes.  Mr. Lotson advised the definition provides the following: care for more than six (6); but not more than twelve (12).  With respect to arterial or collector streets, it is now permitted on a local (residential) street.  With respect to the 500 feet requirement, this is a new requirement for the/any use of a similar kind.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked what does this mean to a person who lives in a community and they want to open a day care.  Mr. Lotson advised it will be much easier for the operator now, regardless of whether their home is on a busy road or not.  They utilize the City of Savannah for the permitting process.  For people living in neighborhoods, they will potentially have a closer place to leave their children.  With increased day care options, this may impact cost in a positive way, given the expensive costs with less competition.

Mayor Johnson advised this change helps people become legal and encourages people to obtain business licenses, with less restrictions for residential locations.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Heard after Item #4.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Johnson indicated he and the City Manager met this week with the medical advisory team.  They strongly recommended the continuation of the mask mandate.  He offered some statistics, good and bad.  He asked for the Council's support to extend the current order through February 28, 2022.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated she is going to go along with this matter in unison, however when presenting these matters to the public while hosting large concerts, parades and festivities with nobody wearing a mask, she stated we just do this for attention, shock and awe. She asked the public to do what you need to do to remain safe.  She further stated she does not wear the mask all of the time.

Mayor Johnson indicated he wore his mask the entire time of the concert.  We ask people to follow the science.  He encouraged wearing masks and getting the vaccine. We are trying to get through this and he would rather have a mask mandate where most people do it, than to not have a mask mandate and no one does it.  What Savannah has done in the last two years has worked, as compared to other cities.  This order relies to City buildings, and to the City Manager, we rely on staff to ensure that our orders are complied with.  We hold the City Manager responsible for this activity.

Alderman Purtee stated this mandate just applies to City buildings, and it is a recommendation from the City Council.  For people who feel that strongly about it, model that behavior.  If you don't feel strongly about it, don't model that behavior. 

For the record, Mayor Johnson advised that all of our emergency orders have passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #24, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Johnson advised that this agenda item goes toward two strategic priorities: litter abatement; and, training opportunities for under and unemployed.

Alderman Purtee stated it will be very beneficial for the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless to be brought to the table and get their recommendations.  This is an issue for the entire City and the authority has their pulse on this particular issue of roofless individuals.

City Manager Melder agrees with the points made.  This particular pilot program is funded by the occupancy fees (per occupied room fund) and serves the convention area, but he plans to utilize existing funds through a budget modification, resolution or ordinance to spread this project beyond the tourist area and move throughout the city using various existing business partners like the Union Mission, Authority for the Homeless, and Inner City Night Shelter, within two weeks.

As requested by Alderman Purtee, Senior Director Gordon Denney (Greenscapes) detailed the convention area as being from the Talmaldge Bridge east to the Truman, and Hutchinson Island south to Park Avenue.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter thanked the City Manager for the written explanation he provided her for this pre-establlished initiative.  She stated this project can best be replicated in the area of DeRenne Avenue and Abercorn which is also occupied by hoteliers.

Alderwoman Lanier stated this is a great program.  Because of certain conditions on the west side, like cutbacks needed for tree limbs, lanes and dumping, she would like to bring more people to the table to expand this program including people resources and financial resources.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked about the selection of Union Mission.  The City Manager advised with the need to open up the capacity to serve more areas, he will need other organizations to join the project.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked to keep an eye on how we ensure accountability with services offered by Union Mission, particularly in the Park Avenue area which is heavily littered.  

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #25, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #26, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

On behalf of the residents in West Chatham County, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter provided the following:

• These matters can be problematic when there are questionable ownership interests between the City and the County.  The City Manager responded with a detailed explanation of the revocable easement being proposed and he advised the City holds ownership.
• The residents have produced documents which prove that Chatham County owns the properties.  The City Manager and City Attorney responded the City owns the ground under and property on Bush Road.
• Alderwoman Gibson-Carter read an email written earlier in the day by Ms. Bieber, for the record.

Alderman Purtee expressed environmental and maintenance concerns with the Canal.  A bridge is being placed there instead of a culvert and this addresses one issue.  If the developers (easement holders) do not hold up their end of the bargain with respect to maintenance, what does the City do?  The City Manager responded there are multiple options, including revoking the easement holders rights and privileges.

Mayor Johnson asked to illuminate the consequences to the easement holders in a letter relative to the evoking powers.

Alderwoman Lanier indicated she is aware of the County's responsibility for Canal maintenance countywide, and in certain cases they invoice the City for maintanence.  She also asked the Clerk of Council if there was any additional public comment.  There was only one communication from Ms. Bieber.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated Savannah's easements are becoming the fixes for the new developers on the west side.  She is sympathetic to the West Chatham residents and Ms. Bieber who is an awesome person, however our first and foremost concern are the residents of Savannah, and we have to advocate for them.  These easements are making it easy for Chatham County.  If the City does everything to help the County, the County should do the same for the City.  Savannah is inside of Chatham County.  We keep having these easement questions, and they all concern West Chatham developers.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #27, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-1-1, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no and Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Written comment(s) received:

• Kerrie Bieber - OPPOSED

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #28, seconded by Alderman Palumbo, Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett, Alderman Purtee and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Alderman Purtee asked about this location on Little Neck Road to Ogeechee (Highway 17) being inside the City or the County, and if there are any plans to expand the width of the roadway and infrastructure in the future.  Heath Lloyd, Assistant City Manager, responded the area is owned by the County and there are plans to improve and widen that roadway.

Alderman Palumbo moved to continue/hold (remand) Item #29 for two weeks to the City staff for review, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Alderman Palumbo indicated the zoning seems to be appropriate, but the eastern parcels being requested are far more dense than the surrounding neighborhood.  The units per acre need to be studied for the subdivision and it may allow by right building that is far less sympathetic for the surrounding neighborhoods there.  Alderman Palumbo asked for additional review, the petitioner has not reached out or contacted or met with any of the neighborhood associations.  And for an additional request of density, a meeting needs to take place or the petition needs to be changed.

The City Manager recommended approval of the request, but if it is the City Council's will he will bring it back with additional staff review.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked if there is a time restraint for this agenda item.  The City Manager advised the time constraints are of the developers.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked to hear from the developers.  Mayor Johnson indicated this is not a public hearing and will not be conducted as one.  The Alderpersons questions are fair and two weeks is enough time to get those matters addressed.  We can direct the City Manager to meet with the Aldermen, meet with the petitioners, and have those issues addressed.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated the most important thing to her is for them to meet with the neighborhood association leaders and the people who live in that community.  She trusts the City Manager's recommendation and judgement as far as timing.  As much as we need housing as stated earlier today, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated I am not sure what is wrong with your project.  You may have to pay somebody more money or something.

Alderman Palumbo made a point of personal privilege.  The Alderwoman stated you have to pay to play, which is absolutely abhorrent behavior which continues on this Counci and disruptive.

Mayor Johnson stated, so noted and we move on.  We ignore bad behavior.

PRESENTED.  Erika Dongre, Executive Director of Savannah Book Festival, announced the dates of the festival being February 17 to February 20, 2022, with the Saturday event being free and open to the public.  Tickets are made available through the Savannah Box Office, and at savannahbookfestival.org.

31.  Resolution Honoring the LIfe, Legacy and Service of former Alderman David Jones.

PRESENTED.  READ by Alderwoman Lanier on behalf of the City Council.  Mayor Johnson requested everyone to stand and honor Alderman Jones with a moment of silence.  He also offered condolences to former Alderman Jones' wife and family.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve resolution #31, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent.

Announcements

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan announced the Rock the Block events and times for picking up bulk waste, tires and debris:

• 1st weekend in March, Church on the Corner in the 3rd District (Gwinnett and Goebel)
• Following two weekends in the 2nd District (37th and Waters)

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan also thanked Bret Bell, Christian Shellman, OVG, Marty Johnston, Elaine Synder, Mr. Jay Melder, Mayor Johnson, all the previous administrations, and Earth, Wind and Fire for doing a great job.  She had such a good time!

Alderman Purtee stated Monday is Valentine's day and the City of Savannah is partnering with Georgia Southern University (GSU) Police Department and GSU by hosting a blood drive from noon to 6pm at the Armstrong Center, corner of Apache and Abercorn.  Folks get a $20 gift card, T-shirt and to see him and a bunch of other folks.  Share the love is what it is all about.  There is a critical need for blood in the area and this non-profit allows us to keep it in the area.

Mayor Johnson thanked Team Savannah for extraordinary work with the opening of the Enmarket Arena.  He thanked the City Manager, City Attorney, Mr. Bell, Ms. Christain Shellman, and to all who had something to do with it.  It is a phenomenal facility, and we are working through the kinks.  It is getting better and better.  He thanked the public for supporting the facility.  He is excited for what it means.  He also thanked Major Adams because our PALS team is winning and we need the coach to keep that up.  We need a championship our first year back.

City Manager Melder announced the first Development Impact Fee Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 6pm at the Coastal Georgia Center, open to the public and a Zoom link will be provided prior to the meeting.  He also called the Council's attention to the City's change in our demolition policy which will add a step and help protect future demolitions of such places.

Mayor Johnson thanked the City Manager for being responsive to this request.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 4:18 p.m.

The audio recording of the Council Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the below link in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=RXhQJQaumO5l

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:    February 24, 2022  

Signature:    MM