Agenda Plus - February 12, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting

FEBRUARY 12, 2026 - 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 2:14 p.m., in Council Chambers. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order. He then recognized Alderwoman Carolyn H. Bell who introduced Elder Jamal Barrow, Jonesville Baptist Church, to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States 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

Deputy Clerk of Council Gwendolyn Jones

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for February 12, 2026.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve item #1 as amended to add the appearance of United Way recognizing 211 Day, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Miller Blakely was away from the dais during the vote.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

2. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on January 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Agenda Plus -RM DRAFT MINUTES_ January 22, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting_watermark.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #2, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Miller Blakely was away from the dais during the vote.

*Mayor Johnson entertained a motion that an executive session regarding litigation, personnel, and real estate was held earlier, following the work session presentation for which no action was taken. All members were present for the executive session. Also attending were City Manager Melder, City Attorney Lovett, and Clerk of Council Mark Massey.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to authorize the Mayor to sign a related affidavit and resolution, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Miller Blakely was away from the dais during the vote.

PRESENTATIONS

3. Appearance and Recognition of the 37th Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival

Mayor Johnson introduced Amanda Hollowell with Color Of Change to talk about this year's 37th Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival. Ms. Hollowell highlighted some events for the public to attend over the next few weeks. The festival began on February 1, 2026, and will close on February 28, 2026.

4. An Appearance by Visit Savannah in observance of its 50th Anniversary, recognizing five decades of promoting Savannah as a premier destination .

Mayor Johnson presented an official proclamation in observance of Visit Savannah's 50th Anniversary, recognizing five decades of promoting Savannah as a premier destination, to Visit Savannah President & CEO Joe Marinelli and Visit Savannah staff.

5. An Appearance by the Savannah Trustees’ Garden Club to receive a proclamation in observance of its 100th Anniversary, honoring a century of service and countless contributions to the beauty and heritage of the City of Savannah

Mayor Johnson presented an official proclamation in recognition of the Savannah Trustees' Garden Club's 100th Anniversary to Garden Club President Ena Shelley and other trustees.

6. An Appearance by the Park and Tree Commission Recognizing February 20, 2026, as The Annual Arbor Day and Tree Planting Celebration in the City of Savannah for 43 years of commitment to effective urban forest management. (Park and Tree Department)

2026 Arbor Day Proclamation.docx

a. Mayor Johnson presented an official proclamation recognizing February 20, 2026, as Arbor Day in Savannah, Georgia, to Park and Tree Director Gordon Denney.

b. Mayor Johnson presented an official proclamation recognizing 211 Day (celebrated on February 11, 2026) to United Way of the Coastal Empire President & CEO Kimberly Waller.

7. Presentation By the Employee Engagement Team for Recognition of the 2025 4th Quarter Employee of the Quarter Winners (Human Resources)

Mayor Johnson introduced City Manager Melder to present the 4th Quarter Employee of the Quarter Winners, joined by the Employee Engagement Team's Chair, Kristina Chandler (HR), and other members.

Natasha Butler, Community Services, not present
Renata Peters, Fire
Gregory Pinckney, Government Operations
Latrelle Favors, Information & Public Affairs, not present
Sancia Joseph-Jarvis, Management Services
Tim Welter, Planning & Economic Development
Amanda Green, Savannah Police Department
Laura Walker, Water Resources

8. Appearance and Recognition of the City Manager's Emerging Leaders Academy Cohort IV Participants. (I&PA Chief's Office)

City Manager Melder and Organizational Development Officer Dr. Jennifer Blalock presented/recognized the participants of the City Manager's Emerging Leaders Academy Cohort IV.

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

9. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) (By the Package) with Sunday Sales Alcohol License to Mitul Patel for Pump and Pantry at 2014 Waters Ave., a Convenience Store Located between SE 36th Street and East 37th Street in Aldermanic District 2. The Applicant Plans to Operate as a Convenience Store. (New Applicant/Existing Business)

EXHIBIT 1- CHECKLIST- WATERS PANTRY

EXHIBIT 2- DENSITY MAP- WATERS PANTRY

EXHIBIT 3- ALCOHOL REPORT - WATERS PANTRY

EXHIBIT 4- MEASUREMENT REPORT WATERS PANTRY

EXHIBIT 5- SAFETY PLAN- WATERS PANTRY

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #9 through #11.

No speaker(s).

a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #9 through #11, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was away from the dais during the vote.

b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was away from the dais during the vote.

10. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sale to Arthur Rudy Gasdik for The Brass Coyote at 309 West River Street., a Bar/Lounge Between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Barnard Street Ramp in Aldermanic District 2. The Applicant Plans to Continue to Operate as a Bar/Lounge. (New Applicant/Existing Business)

EXHIBIT 1- CHECKLIST -THE BRASS COYOTE

EXHIBIT 2- DENSITY MAP - THE BRASS COYOTE

EXHIBIT 3- ALCOHOL REPORT - THE BRASS COYOTE

EXHIBIT 4- MEASUREMENT REPORT THE BRASS COYOTE

EXHIBIT 5- SAFETY PLAN - THE BRASS COYOTE

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #9 through #11.

No speaker(s).

b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #10, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was away from the dais during the vote.

11. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) (By the Package) with Sunday Sales Alcohol License to Tarrakkumar Patel for Waters BP at 5806 Waters Ave., a Convenience Store Located Between East 72nd Street and East DeRenne Ave in Aldermanic District 3. The Applicant plans to continue to operate as a Convenience Store. (New Applicant/Existing Business)

EXHIBIT 1- CHECKLIST- WATERS BP

EXHIBIT 2- DENSITY MAP- WATERS BP

EXHIBIT 3- ALCOHOL REPORT- WATERS BP.

EXHIBIT 4- MEASUREMENT REPORT WATERS BP

EXHIBIT 5- SAFETY PLAN - WATERS BP

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #9 through #11.

No speaker(s).

b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #11, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was away from the dais during the vote.

ZONING HEARINGS

12. A Petition of Tom Bolton on behalf of Vintage Home Builders, LLC for a Special Use Permit to Establish a Hotel in TC-1 (Traditional Commercial-1) Zoning District with Conditions on 0.32 acres at 2512 Habersham Street (20075 21007) in Aldermanic District 2 (25-005273-ZA). Continued from the January 22, 2026 City Council meeting.

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 2512 Habersham Special Use Permit (25-005273-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Maps for 2512 Habersham (25-005273-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 3: Proposed Good Neighbor Agreement for 2512 Habersham Street.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to continue item #12 until further notice, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson stated this item was requested to be continued at the request of the petitioner.

A Speaker Card was completed, but did not speak:

Whitney Shephard - OPPOSED

Written Comments:

A list of 35 emails/letters of opposition was filed with the Clerk of Council.

13. Petition of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia for a Text Amendment to Section 7.7 Historic Property Overlay District (25- 005000-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet Text Amendment (25-005000-ZA) .pdf

Exhibit 2: Maps of the Powder Magazine.pdf

Exhibit 3: Savannah Powder Magazine National Register Designation.pdf

Exhibit 4: Photos of the Powder Magazine.pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for agenda items #13 and #14. See related items #16 and #17.

Speaker(s):

Subhashi Karunarathne, MPC representative
Tommy Holland -- IN SUPPORT
Collier Neeley, Historic Savannah Foundation -- IN SUPPORT
Ellie Isaacs -- IN SUPPORT

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearings for agenda items #13 and #14, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated that this little house is commonly referred to as the little castle in the woods. She thanked the Historic Savannah Foundation, the Landmark Preservation Consultants, and Tommy Holland for the work they have done. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated that there have been lots of conversations on the City Council for many years about this piece of property. She thanked City Manager Melder and Bridgett Lidy for the work and for keeping her close with this particular project.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan commended Tommy Holland for his work and involvement. She stated that this is what we call civic engagement.

Ald. Lanier congratulated Mr. Holland for being steadfast. She stated that this is the property she asked that Tremont Park residents be notified about because it is an asset for their community, and they also have an affinity for this property. Ald. Lanier stated that is why people need to be more engaged, like Mr. Holland.

Ald. Purtee stated he knew the history behind the Powder Magazine, but he had no idea where it was. Ald. Purtee shared a memory of Mr. Holland taking him and Ald. Palumbo to the location of the Powder Magazine and enlightening them about the property, the details, and the history behind it. He stated what an awesome piece (of property) to be able to preserve.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated that she was glad to know that Mr. Holland was so passionate about what he was doing. She stated that for 30 years, he has been fighting for this. She advised Mr. Holland that he had a super-duper partner, Ellie Isaacs, and she told them both thank you.

14. Petition of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia for a Zoning Map Amendment to Designate 14.61 acres at Ogeechee Road (20836 02002) as a Local Historic Property Overlay (H-P-O-1) in Aldermanic District 5 (25-005001-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet Map Amendment (25-005001-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Maps of the Powder Magazine.pdf

Exhibit 3: Savannah Powder Magazine National Register Designation.pdf

Exhibit 4: Photos of the Powder Magazine.pdf

See related agenda item #13.

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

15. Approval of Amendment to the Stopping, Standing, and Parking Prohibited Ordinance (Transportation Services)

Exhibit 1- Revision to Sec 219 Stopping standing and parking prohibited.pdf

Exhibit 2- Memo for TNM-Revisions to City Ordinance Sec 219.pdf

First Reading Only with advertisement for a public hearing at the next meeting (February 26, 2026).

16. Petition of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia for a Text Amendment to Section 7.7 Historic Property Overlay District (25- 005000-ZA).

Exhibit 1: Proposed Text Amendment Ordinance (25-005000-ZA).pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved (to approve agenda item #16) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

17. Petition of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia for a Zoning Map Amendment to Designate 14.61 acres at Ogeechee Road (20836 02002) as a Local Historic Property Overlay (H-P-O-1) in Aldermanic District 5 (25-005001-ZA).

Exhibit 1: Draft Ordinance for Powder Magzaine Map Amendment (25-005001-ZA).pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved (to approve agenda item #17) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 to the Construction Contract with Reeves Young to Establish the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the Civic Legacy - Arena Removal Project of $10,900,000. (Capital Projects)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Civic Legacy - Arena Removal.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Civic Legacy - Arena Removal.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #18, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked the following questions:

Is Reeves Young a viable Savannah First Company? City Manager Melder explained.
Are we only guaranteeing 10% DBE participation locally? (Yes)
Why are we not doing more than that (10% participation)? City Manager replied.
Could she have a list of all of our local DBE participants and the other DBE participants that are not local? (Yes)

Mayor Johnson asked if there was a difference between deconstruction and demolition. He stated that it is not a nuance there--meaning, it is not just blowing stuff up and hauling it away. City Manager Melder responded.

19. Authorize the City Manager to Award a Construction Contract to Griffin Contracting, Inc. for Canal Drainage Improvements in the Amount $1,348,488. (Stormwater Department)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Tremont Road Culvert Replacement.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Tremont Road Culvert Replacement.pdf