FEBRUARY 24, 2022, 6:30 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 6:30 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Lanier who introduced Pastor Donald Lowe of God’s Temple of Praise, 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 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

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

Mayor Johnson added Items  #27 & 28 to the Agenda.  Item #27 a Proclamation recognizing Memorial Day School's 50th Anniversary; and Item #28 an announcement of a $30,000.00 grant from the National League of Cities.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve Item #1, as amended, adding Items #27 and #28, seconded by Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #5, #6 and #7, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #5, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #5, #6 and #7, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #5, #6 and #7, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #18, #19 and #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked and applauded City Manager Melder for putting the contract for team sports equipment in the City's budget for the youth of Savannah.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter thanked City Manager Melder, Senior Director of Parks & Recreation Kelly Ledbetter and Chief of Community Services Taffanye Young for supporting the efforts of the team coaches.  She is hopeful this particular program will continue. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr.Shabazz moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

As a prior environmental health safety manager, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan has a personal reference of Gallagher Bassett and commends City Manager Melder for selecting a vendor that has proven they are fair and equitable.  

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #18, #19 and #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #18, #19 and #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #18, #19 and #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #18, #19 and #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #18, #19 and #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Purtee asked what is included.  City Manager Melder asked Purchasing Director Johnny Coker to respond.  Mr. Coker explained vendors with various sized contracts are now being combined into one contract/vendor.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked what is the meaning of layer 3.  Mr. Coker answered, Layer 3 Communication, LLC is the name of the vendor.

Alderwoman Lanier thanked Information Technology Services (ITS) Director Tim Moody for updating the City system and making sure the City's ITS department is state-of-the-art.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #16, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed concern for the City using Johnson-Laux so often and identifying the vendor as a DBE.  She asked for the number of African Americans employed by Johnson-Laux construction.  City Manager Melder indicated Johnson-Laux is a certified DBE.  Other than the Savannah Impact office, Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked what other programs and/or service operations would be at the location.  City Manager Melder answered, this is a community and inter-agency space that many partners can use.  The City is creating a community-focused space designed around violence prevention.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked, in the 2033 Plan, there was a plan for the 2005 Waters Avenue building.  It this the same plan?  Mr. Melder could not confirm, but the current plan will not alter much on the site.  Long-term future plans are to attract a grocer to the area.

Alderman Leggett expressed gratitude for the opportunity of the City to use the space for the entire community, employees and eventually solve the food insecurities problem in the Waters Street corridor.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed a building on the Southside (District 6) being considered for a community center, and she stated it is in better shape than the Waters Street building.  She would like to see equity across the city.  She also expressed concern for frequent flyers popping up on the agenda, namely Johnson-Laux.  She does not want the City to look as if it is playing favorites.  She has concerns for this level of investment ($1.7 million) for a former grocery store on the Waters Avenue site.  These type areas are becoming gentrified, the City needs to protect the neighborhoods.  Residents will not be able to afford the taxes.  She received a call from a 95 year old citizen who could not afford to pay the taxes on her Park Avenue home.

City Manager Melder responded to Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's concerns.  Keeping dollars local on contracts is important to the City, but staff must work within State guidelines.  Item #17 and other community projects were supplemented in the Budget by ARPA funds.  The Southside community center will receive $5 million for renovations.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz expressed her support for Item #17.  She reminded Council of the history and herstory of the building.  Former Alderwoman Mary Osbourne and former Alderman Durrence had a vision and perserved the land for this purpose.  Now Alderman Leggett will bring the vision to completion.  She is delighted to support this project.

Alderman Palumbo agrees with Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  He supports the return of the Savannah Impact Program and this will be their home.  He supports this initiative.  Mayor Johnson indicated the program will serve the entire City, even though is it located in District 2.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #17, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan encouraged all senior citizens to apply for the Stephen's Day (Homestead) Exemption.  This will prevent a 95 year old citizen from paying taxes.       

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #18, #19 and #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #18, #19 and #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #18, #19 and #20, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson gave the 2021 statistics on fatal wrecks and wrecks involving deaths of pedestrians.  The Resolution sets forth a plan which City Manager Melder will work with the City's mobility team and other partners for twelve months then submit the final plan to Council for approval.

Mayor Johnson asked Alderman Palumbo to read the Resolution into the record.  Other Committee Members (Caila Brown,  Armand Turner and another gentleman) joined Alderman Palumbo at the podium and assisted in reading the Resolution.  Rebecca Fenwick also spoke in regards to pedestrian safety.

Alderwoman Lanier commented that the Westside residents were not familiar with the Resolution.  They have been working for years to get traffic calming, speed bumps, traffic lights, etc. to no avail.  Alderwoman Lanier along with the Westside residents received the memo this week in reference to the Resolution and were not invited to participate on the committee.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely reiterated what Alderwoman Lanier stated and stated the visioning session was the first time she heard of the Vision Zero Initiative.  In the future, she asked City Manager Melder to include her in discussions earlier when establishing new initiatives.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter congratulated members of the committee on getting the Resolution on the Agenda.  She referenced a pilot, by Caila Brown, of Whitaker and Drayton Streets to increase safety.  She would like Ms. Brown to discuss the pilot with City Manager Melder.  She asked if there was a dollar amount associated with the Vision Zero Initiative (no).  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested a timeline for the Vision Zero Initiative.  She stated gun violence quadruples the number of pedestrian accidents in the city and Council should have a Resolution for gun violence.  She made a plea to City Manager Melder, as the chief executive officer of this administration, to take his rightful place as the leader and establish an emergency response to the families burying their children to gun violence.  It is a public health issue.

Alderman Purtee raised a point of order.  Mayor Johnson accepted.

Aldewoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder for a Gun Violence Resolution.

Mayor Johnson addressed Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's concerns and stated Council, staff and the police department are making investments right now in dealing with gun violence.  The City has the ability to deal with both, gun violence and pedestrian fatalities.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan commented, she was proud of the committee and the work they are doing and thanked Alderman Palumbo.

Mayor Johnson and Alderman Purtee thanked the committee for caring and spending energy bring the Resolution before Council.  This is just one piece of something larger.  Alderman Palumbo stated the background on why the committee was formed and the many advocates for the initiative.  The most important thing is human life.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she is not against the Resolution; however, there should be a Resolution for gun violence.  Everyone should be included.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz commended the committee for coming forward to get the initiative started.  

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson reported the COVID numbers have dropped drastically since January.  All data supports that by March 17th the City's numbers will allow for the St. Patrick's Day festivities.

City Manager Melder offered a summary of the St. Patrick's Day Committee's recommendations presented to Council at the February 10th meeting.  He outlined the open cup area, charter bus parking, restrictions on outside permits, local business and food vendor participation.  

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

b.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to amend the motion to exclude the open cup area until there is clarity of a specific time frame.  Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder identified the time frame as March 17th, Thursday only, 24 hours.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter rescinded/withdrew her motion.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if safety measures would be increased during the St. Patrick's Day festivities.  City Manager Melder assured her safety would be the City's top priority.  She mentioned Mayor Johnson making a comment in public calling the St. Patrick's Day celebration a drunk fest.  She and her family were offended by the statement and she hopes he would apologize.  Mayor Johnson indicated Alderwoman Gibson-Carter misquoted the statement.  In the presence of the St. Patrick's Day Committee he said, we do not want the St. Patrick's Day celebration to become a drunk fest.  He hopes residents and visitors will enjoy the celebration.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23 and #25, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan has concerns with a land swap with Curtis Cooper.  He has lost 54 parking spaces and she would like the City to honor the land swap and requested the City Manager to secure more information.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if this was the Tybee Depot property.  City Manager Melder answered, this is the property just east of the Tybee Depot property which is city owned.  She discussed opportunities for affordable housing in this area and possibly housing the homeless.  This was an item Council could discuss in executive session; she asked City Attorney Lovett why Council does not meet in executive session.  Attorney Lovett indicated COVID was part of the reason, but in his opinion, executive sessions are not what's best for this Council for the last eighteen months.

City Manager Melder met with Inner City Night Shelter and it is agreed there is a need; however, this particular site has some zoning and construction restraints that will not permit the type of facility needed.  He is willing to work with Inner City Night Shelter on other locations for their facility.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to Hold/Continue Item #24 with a City Manager request to gather more information, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23 and #25, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #26 per recommendation by City Manager Melder, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

ADD-ONS:

27.  Proclamation Recognizing February 26, 2022, as Memorial Day School Day in Celebration of the School's 50th Anniversary.

HEARD after Item #4.

PRESENTED.  Mayor Johnson read the proclamation into the record.  Present and/or speaking were Ms. Jennifer Farris, Head of Memorial Day School and Ms. Wanda Hill, Board President.

28. Announcement Regarding a Grant Received from the National League of Cities in the Amount of $30,000.00 to increase Economic Inclusion and Resilience for Communities of Color.

HEARD after Item #27.

ANNOUNCED.  Mayor Johnson announced a new initiative led by the National League of Cities (NLC) in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.  Savannah along with fifteen other cities in the Southeast U.S. was selected to participate in the 20-month project.  The project offers an opportunity for cities to invest funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other federal sources in economic inclusion strategies toward a growth model that offers cities, their residents and businesses, greater economic prosperity.

Mayor Johnson thanked Deputy Assistant Marty Johnston for going after the grant opportunity for Savannah. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderman Purtee gave a tribute to Mary McAllister Organization on the rebranding of the rape crisis center to the new Mary's Place.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she did not vote for the St. Patrick's Day Resolution because there was no Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade.  Mayor Johnson indicated it was the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade Committee who postponed the Parade to April 2022.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely thanked City Manager Melder, Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams and the staff at the Cultural Arts Center for the wonderful event for Dr. Umar Johnson presentation on Wednesday evening.

Alderwoman Lanier thanked the Cloverdale Civic Improvement Association for the $500.00 contribution to the Curtis Cooper Center on behalf of the late Curtis Cooper, Sr. and Curtis Victor Cooper, II on the 57th Birthday celebration of Curtis Victor Cooper, II.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:13 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=xkVjVT5rA2ze

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:     March 10, 2022   

Signature:    MM