FEBRUARY 13, 2025 - 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 2:06 p.m., in the SCCPSS Board of Education Room located at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura Avenue, Building G.  Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, then recognized Ald. Linda Wilder-Bryan  who introduced Ald. Detric Leggett to offer the invocation.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.  Later in the meeting, Ald. Wilder-Bryan recognized Reverend Timothy Sheppard, Pastor of Central Missionary Baptist Church to offer another prayer.  

 

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 February 13, 2025.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve agenda item #1, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on February 4, 2025 (postponed/rescheduled from January 23, 2025), at 10:00 a.m.
Exhibit 1: Agenda Plus - RM DRAFT MINUTES_Revised January 23, 2025_February 4, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #2, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

 

Mayor Johnson also entertained a motion pertaining to an executive session regarding litigation that was held on February 4, 2025, for which no votes/action was taken.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Lanier was away from the dais during the vote.

PRESENTATIONS
3. A Proclamation Declaring February 21, 2025, as the Annual Arbor Day and Tree Planting Celebration in the City of Savannah.
Exhibit 1: 2025 Arbor Day Proclamation.docx

Mayor Johnson presented the proclamation to Park & Tree Commission Chairman Randy Tate and Park & Tree Department Director Gordon Denney.

4. Presentation of the Employee Engagement Team and Recognition of the 2024 4th Quarter Employee of the Quarter Winners.

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

  • Stacey Truesdale, Community Services (Human Services Grants & Contracts Division)
  • Terry Pusha, Government Operations (Fleet Maintenance Department)
  • Margaret (Victoria ) Stribling-Paige, Information & Public Affairs (Recorder's Court)
  • Ashley Sullivan, Management Services (Capital Projects Management)
  • Shvokeia Watson, Planning & Economic Development (Development Services)
  • Bud Boyce, Savannah Fire Department - not present
  • Sgt. Michael Kerr, Savannah Police Department
  • Roland Avie, Water Resources
ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
5. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) (By The Package) Alcohol License to Sagai Sadasivan for Wheaton Market, A Convenience Store Located at 1321 Wheaton Street. The Establishment is Located Between Ash and Cedar Streets in Aldermanic District 2.
Exhibit 1: Density Map - Wheaton Market
Exhibit 2: Alcohol Reports - Wheaton Market
Exhibit 3: Measurement Report - Wheaton Market
Exhibit 4: Security Plan - Wheaton Market
Exhibit 5: Check List - Wheaton Market

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #5, #6, and #7.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearings for agenda items #5, #6, and #7, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #5, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

6. Approval Of a Class C (Beer, Wine) (By The Drink) Alcohol License to Angel Santiago for L & L Hawaiian Barbecue, A Restaurant Located At 318 Mall Boulevard Ste. 800. The Establishment Is Located Between Abercorn Street and Hodgson Memorial Drive in Aldermanic District 4.
Exhibit 1: Check List - L & L Hawaiian Barbecue
Exhibit 2: Density Map - L & L Hawaiian Barbecue.pdf
Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - L & L Hawaiian Barbecue
Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - L & L Hawaiian Barbecue
Exhibit 5: Security Plan - L & L Hawaiian Barbecue

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #5, #6, and #7.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearings for agenda items #5, #6, and #7, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #6, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

7. Approval of a Class A (Wine) (Caterer Alcohol License to Tonya Rintye for Locally Made Savannah, An Ice Cream Shop Located At 223 West Broughton Street. The Establishment is Located Between Jefferson and Barnard Streets in Aldermanic District 2.
Exhibit 1: Check List - Locally Made Savannah
Exhibit 2: Density Map - Locally Made Savannah
Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Locally Made Savannah
Exhibit 4: Measurements Report - Locally Made Savannah
Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Locally Made Savannah

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #5, #6, and #7.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearings for agenda items #5, #6, and #7, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

Ald. Miller Blakely asked the City Manager if agenda item #7 is the same one previously requested for the ice cream shop (Yes).  Revenue Director Judee Jones explained that this is an existing alcohol license which is being requested to add a catering license.

PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Public Hearing Regarding the Ability to Opt Out of the State's Version of Homestead Exemption, Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 48-5-44.2.

Mayor Johnson provided an overview of the purpose for the hearing, then he declared the hearing open for agenda item #8.

Speaker(s):

  • William S. Gates - IN SUPPORT
  • Patricia Jenkins Spady - IN SUPPORT

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

ZONING HEARINGS
9. Petition of Gary Gordon for a Special Use Permit in the TC-1 (Traditional Commercial-1) Zoning District to Allow for Accessory Alcohol Sales (Beer and Wine) in Association with a Restaurant for ~ 0.12 Acres at 1104 SE 36th Street (PIN 20063 04001) in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-006540-ZA).
Exhibit 1 MPC Recommendation Packet for 104 SE 36th Street (File No. 24-006540-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2 Combined Maps for 104 SE 36th Street (File No. 24-006540-ZA).pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #9.

Speaker(s):

  • Edward Morrow, MPC representative
  • Ms. Georgia W. Benton - OPPOSED
  • Mr. Curley Green, representing Second Arnold Baptist Church - OPPOSED

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

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve the special use permit for agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked if the issue dealing with stacking vehicles was a part of any recommendation.  Mr. Morrow answered no and explained that he was making a statement purely for the record just so it does not become a nuisance, and this has been fully permitted.  City Manager Melder added that the special use permit only deals with the ability to do alcohol sales.  Traffic planning will happen or has happened at the permitting stage, and he will take that comment back to them.

Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager if the restaurant meets the legal distance requirements.  City Manager Melder explained the request meets the legal requirements for the special use permit.  This is not the alcohol license request which will come later because it (the business) sits in a district that requires a special use permit before they can apply for an alcohol license.  If there were restrictions for the proximity to churches or schools that will impact their ability to sell spirits, then yes, that will impact the type of alcohol license they could receive.  This (request) is the zoning that says this parcel is appropriate for alcohol sales.  City Council will hear the alcohol license, if that comes in the future.

Ald. Leggett asked for clarity that the request today pertains to the ability to sustain a liquor license, but they will have to come back before us  (City Council) to obtain a liquor license.  The City Manager responded yes, that is true.  Then he gave background on how/why this came about, along with options to consider.  Ald. Leggett restated and queried that it will be appropriate for the public to weigh-in once it is time for an alcohol license to be established (Yes).  City Manager added that this alcohol right does not stay with the property, if it were to be sold then the special use permit will be dissolved.  Any new owner would have to come back to request a special use permit, as well as an alcohol license.  Ald. Leggett asked the City Manager if they would be able to sell alcohol after today, if approved (No).

Mayor Johnson stated if he heard concerns about selling alcohol he would premptively meet with them to reach a meeting of the minds before applying for an alcohol license, creative more space and opportunities for communication.

Ald. Bell stated she was going to ask Ald. Leggett if the owner had any communication with him or the Mayor.  If this request is approved today, she agrees that before they come back for the alcohol license she suggests they have a meeting of the minds with the neighbors.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated that they will have a meeting with those who opposed what is happening.  She asked staff to let the owner know that he needs to reachout.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated she likes to agree with whatever the sitting Alderperson says, but she is into protecting communities.  Anyone who expressed they are against it, but has not talked to the owner is a problem for her.

Mayor Johnson repeated this is not for a liquor license, this is for zoning which must precede obtaining an alcohol license.  It is conceivable for Council to approve a special use permit and not approve an alcohol license.

10. Petition of Ryan Williamson, Agent, for Strangebird Savannah, LLC on behalf of the Savannah College of Art and Design for a Special Use Permit in the TC-1 (Traditional Commercial-1) Zoning District to Allow for Accessory Alcohol Sales (Distilled Spirits) in Association with a Restaurant for 0.29 Acres at 1220 Barnard Street (PIN 20044 35006) in Aldermanic District 2 (File No. 24-006412-ZA).
Exhibit 1 MPC Recommendation Packet for 1220 Barnard Street (File No. 24-006412-ZA).pdf
Exhibit 2 Combined Maps for 1220 Barnard Street (File No. 24-006412-ZA).pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #10.

Speaker(s):

  • Edward Morrow, MPC representative
  • David Mason, Director of Operations and representing the petitioner

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearing for agenda item #10, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan, Ald. Palumbo, and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve the special use permit for agenda item #10, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked if they want to pursue this today, and are they operational, given the recent fire damage they experienced.  City Manager Melder answered it is their understanding that they suffered fire damage which is being addressed and they are trying to get back open as soon as possible.  Mr. Morrow added they received an email from the owner requesting to please proceed.

Ald. Leggett asked Mr. Morrow how substantial the damages were to the building.  Mr. Mason explained it is still very early, but they hoping to rebuild.  They have already started mitigation and a fence is around the area.  They do not have a timeline, but they are hoping four months.  Ald. Leggett asked if it will be in the best interest of the petitioner to postpone this request.

Mayor Johnson advised the decision is totally up to them.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated she wants to make sure that the petitioner is not going to be asking for a prorated fee on the liquor license (No).

Ald. Miller Blakely asked if this restaurant is directly across the street from The Black Rabbit at Henry/Barnard (Yes).

ORDINANCES - FIRST READING
11. Approve Amended Updated Fees Outlined in Article Q, Taxicabs Ordinance Consistency with Consumer Index.
Exhibit 1: 2025 Taxi Ordinance Amendments.docx

Mayor Johnson read and announced that agenda item #11 is for first reading only and no action is required.

PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
12. Authorize The City Manager to Execute a Contract for Alternative Transportation Services with Savannah Downtowner, LLC (LOCAL) in an Amount Not to Exceed $598,797. The Mobility and Parking Services Department will use the Savannah Downtowner, LLC to provide alternative transportation services between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am within the greater downtown area using vehicles provided by the company. The vendor will be responsible for insurance, maintenance, and upkeep of the vehicles used.
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification- Alternative Transportation Services.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes- Alternative Transportation Services.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing agenda item #12, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for City Wide Flooring (LOCAL) from Culver Rug Company in an Amount Not to Exceed $133,125. These services will utilize this contract for removal and installation of various types of flooring solutions, but not limited to carpet, laminate, hardwood, and tile flooring. (Facilities)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - City Wide Flooring
Exhibit 2: Purchase Note- City Wide Flooring

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing agenda items #13, #14, and #16, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for City Hall Exterior Lighting with Moseler, LLC, d/b/a Founders Maintenance & Restoration in an Amount Not to Exceed $90,146. This upgrade will modernize and provide the main LED lighting to the City Hall’s dome, statues, and balconies. This procurement will upgrade the current external lighting system at City Hall. (Information & Public Affairs)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - City Hall Exterior Lighting.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - City Hall Exterior Lighting.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing agenda items #13, #14, and #16, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Design Services with Ethos Preservation(LOCAL)(DBE) in the amount of $252,326. These services will be used to complete an investigation of existing conditions, develop a detailed rehabilitation plan and designs, aid in confirmation of the contractor’s pricing, perform construction administration and complete project closeout.
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Springfield Terrace School.pdff
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note - Springfield Terrace School.pdf

Ald. Miller Blakely moved to approve purchasing agenda item #15, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked if this is the final phase for the project (No).  This procurement is for the design phase only, and the City Manager described what future expenses might include.  Ald. Miller Blakely then asked if the particular vendor would be paid more than what is proposed on this procurement or would this be the final expense.  The City Manager responded it is their intention, but there will be development and construction dollars that will be needed as well.  He further stated they will keep a close eye on contract modifications, with construction of this project to be completed by summer of 2027.  Ald. Miller Blakely stated she is glad to see that it is a DBE business.  City Manager Melder stated it is local as well.

Ald. Lanier stated she had a similar question about timeline.  When Bret (Bell) was here they had been communicating on this project.  She hasn't had any conversations on it and the status of it right now.  She has completed most of her (rounds) community meetings for the month.  Her residents are saying the same things and asking the same questions.  Regarding projects they want to know the status and timelines.  They inquire about drainage, grants at Springfield Canal, water works projects, Adams sign, neighborhood signs, Pearl Smith, and traffic calming.  The cry is that they are not seeing any activity on these projects.  City Manager stated he will make sure staff gets with her.

Mayor Johnson stated there are other opportunities that he is personally pursuing regarding some philanthropic opportunities to recover costs, either value enhancement or to deduct the cost that Council would have to approve.  Stay tuned about that.

16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Engineering Services with Hazen & Sawyer in the Amount of $671,400. This Contract is for Engineering Services for Phase 1 Design for the Georgetown Water Reclamation Facility Expansion.
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - George Town Water Reclamation.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - George Town Water Reclamation.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing agenda items #13, #14, and #16, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

RESOLUTIONS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
17. A Resolution Confirming the Mayor's Emergency Declaration on January 21, 2025.
Exhibit 1: 012125 Mayor's Emergency Declaration.pdf

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #17, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

18. A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages for On-Premises Consumption on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
Exhibit 1: 2025 Resolution Authorizing Sunday Sales for March 16, 2025 .doc

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #18, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-1-0.  Ald. Leggett voted no.

Ald. Leggett stated he has a question before he can vote.  He asked to provide an explanation of his vote.  He voted it down to make sure all ducks are in a row when it comes to the ABC unit, with respect to enforcement.  He can't support the agenda item (authorizing Sunday sales for March 16th), without a mechanism being in place that will have an enforcement piece with our bars for safety reasons.

AGREEMENTS
19. Authorize the City Manager to Accept a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act FY2025 Rapid Response Grant Award in the Amount of $70,000. The award will be used to implement general Dislocated Worker workforce training activities. The City serves as the fiduciary agent for the 10-county region.
Exhibit 1: FY2025 Rapid Response Statement of Award.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

20. Authorize the City Manager to Accept the Second Allocation of FY2025 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grant Awards for Adult ($660,066) and Dislocated Worker ($1, 517,993) Programs. These awards will be used to provide programs from October 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026 to adults who are unemployed or underemployed, and adults who have been laid off from their jobs. The City serves as the fiduciary agent for the 10-county region.
Exhibit 1: FY2025 Adult Statement of Award.pdf
Exhibit 2: FY2025 Dislocated Worker Statement of Award.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

21. Approval of Transfer of Ownership from Gulfstream Park Place, LLC to GPSS Gulfstream Owner, LLC to Enter into an Agreement with the City of Savannah to Provide Water and Sewer Services. These services will be provided to the development at 116 Gulfstream Road which consists of two modular office trailers and a container storage area in Aldermanic District 1.
Exhibit 1 : Water & Sewer Agreement - 116 Gulfstream Road.pdf
Exhibit 2: Tennessee Commercial Warehouse - 116 Gulf Stream Road - Original Agreement.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
22. Settlement #1

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, as noted below.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

  • Authorize the City Attorney's Office to settle the claims (vehicle accident) of Minh Nguyen for $450,000.00.
  • Authorize the City Attorney's Office to settle the claims (vehicle accident) of Linda Robinson for $55,000.00.
  • Authorize the City Attorney's Office to settle the claims (worker's compensation) of Charlesetta Wright for $54,500.00.
23. Settlement #2

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, as noted below.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

  • Authorize the City Attorney's Office to settle the claims (vehicle accident) of Minh Nguyen for $450,000.00.
  • Authorize the City Attorney's Office to settle the claims (vehicle accident) of Linda Robinson for $55,000.00.
  • Authorize the City Attorney's Office to settle the claims (worker's compensation) of Charlesetta Wright for $54,500.00.
24. Settlement #3

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, as noted below.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

  • Authorize the City Attorney's Office to settle the claims (vehicle accident) of Minh Nguyen for $450,000.00.
  • Authorize the City Attorney's Office to settle the claims (vehicle accident) of Linda Robinson for $55,000.00.
  • Authorize the City Attorney's Office to settle the claims (worker's compensation) of Charlesetta Wright for $54,500.00.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mayor Johnson announced meetings will continue with a workshop at 4:30 p.m., and a public hearing at 6:00 p.m.  Then, he asked for an executive session regarding personnel and litigation.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the regular meeting to hold a closed executive session regarding litigation and personnel, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Miller Blakely stressed to the public to take advantage of what Stephen's Day has to offer, especially the elderly.

Ald. Leggett stated rest in peace to Mr. Horace Scandrick and Mr. Kenneth Smart both who will be funeralized on Saturday.  He asked for special recognition to the fire department who helped him get a cat out of a tree, shout-out to JE Dunn corporation who gave a contribution of $2,500.00 to the Boys & Girls Club in the 2nd District, and special shout-out to one of Savannah's own, Nolan Smith (Philadelphia Eagles), who became a Superbowl Champion.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked if there is any way to give Nolan Smith and Wanya Morris (Kansas City Chiefs) a key to the City.  Mayor Johnson stated we are talking about appropriate recognitions from the City and his office has been contacted.  When it comes to parades or some type of event, we are looking for a sponsor or someone to be in charge of that but folks are calling and inquiring about it, particularly for Mr. Smith.  Ald. Miller Blakely stated Mr. Morris is still ours, and Ald. Lanier added he was a Westside Whipper.  Mayor Johnson stated we will make appropriate contact and announce what we are going to do.  Ald. Miller Blakely asked the public for a sponsor.  Mayor Johnson stated people have already reached out about that and they directed them to Special Events.  There is a process.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan announced condolences to Elizabeth Pryor Jackson, funeralized on Monday.  Carla Peterson of GALS and her are doing a Valentine's Party for the children of Savannah Gardens at the PARC.  She gave a shout-out to Roger Moss, the School Superintendent, the Mayor, the County Elections Board, and the Georgia Historical Society who had an awesome event where most of the children showed up.  She thanked for showing up to all the Districts, the City Manager, the Mayor, Daphanie and her staff for the Savannah GPS Survey which was amazing.  Thank you so much for what you do.  Keep focusing on our listening public who ultimately -- it's their voice.

Ald. Lanier also congratulated the City Manager and his staff for the work they did on last week.  It was a lot, and you did a great job.  Thank you for that.

Mayor Johnson announced that yesterday, the City of Savannah celebrated a birthday, 292 years old.  Georgia and Savannah share a birthday.  Next year we have to really do something, eight years away from being 300 years old.  Shout-out to the founding of Georgia and the founding of Savannah.  

The meeting closed for executive session at 3:24 p.m.  The executive session began at 3:33 p.m.

At 4:20 p.m., Mayor Johnson moved to end the executive session regarding litigation and personnel, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

All members were present, along with the City Manager, City Attorney, and Clerk of Council.  No action was taken.

 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: ______________________

Signature:                                                                  

 

The video recording of the meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://www.youtube.com/@cityofsavannah/videos.

Agenda Plus