JANUARY 11, 2024, 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 Bishop Dr. Willie Ferrell, Pastor of the Royal Church of Christ, Inc. on Hudson Hill to offer the invocation.   Mayor Johnson also recognized Lady Margaret Ferrell.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

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

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4

Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, District 5

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

Ald. Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the regular meeting agenda for January 11, 2024, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson announced a new slate of officers was discussed during the Workshop as follows:

a.  Ald. Leggett nominated Ald. Dr. Shabazz to be elected as Mayor Pro-Tem, Ald. Wilder-Bryan seconded. 

b.  Ald. Purtee nominated Ald. Palumbo to be elected as Chair of Council, Ald. Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan seconded. 

c.  Ald. Palumbo nominated Ald. Wilder-Bryan to be elected as Vice-Chairman of Council, Ald. Dr. Shabazz seconded. 

Ald. Purtee moved to appoint the following officers, upon nomination during the workshop, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

• Ald. Dr. Shabazz was appointed to Mayor Pro-Tem;
• Ald. Palumbo was appointed to Chairman; and
• Ald. Wilder-Bryan was appointed to Vice Chairman.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve Item #5, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no.

b.  Ald. Lanier moved to adopt Item #5 with a change in Sec. 11.4, changing from 4 to 2 other Council members being required to place an item on the agenda, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion failed, 2-7-0.  Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Bell, Ald. Leggett, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, Ald. Palumbo, and Ald. Purtee voted no.

At the request of Ald. Miller Blakely, Mayor Johnson explained Ald. Lanier's substiture motion was to change Section 11.4(c) from the current language of: 'a Council member can submit an item for the agenda with the concurrence of four other Council members (plus the presenting Council member)' to 'a Council member can submit an item for the agenda with the concurrence of two Council members (plus the presenting Council member)'

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve Item #6, for all 2024 regular meetings to begin at 2:00 p.m., seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Lanier, and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Ald. Purtee voted no.

Ald. Lanier expressed concerns regarding civility as it relates to the City's Meeting Procedures and Rules, namely Section 11.4; five votes being required to place an item on the agenda.

There followed discussions with Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Lanier regarding Council Members individuality, viewpoints, and the right to disagree during discussions.  The discussion ended with Mayor Johnson reading into the record portions of the Civility Resolution.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Purtee.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no.

Ald. Lanier expressed concern regarding a more equitable Ethics Board.   During the Inauguration on January 2, 2024, Council Members took an oath to hold up the ethics of Council.  

Ald. Palumbo read into the record the Ethics Resolution.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Purtee.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no.

Mayor Johnson recognized City Manager Joseph A. Melder, City Attorney R. Bates Lovett, and Clerk of Council Mark Massey for the outstanding service to the City of Savannah and requested Council to reaffirm their appointments.  He stated there was a discrepancy in the salary for Clerk of Council Mark Massey and during discussions in Executive Session it was confirmed to adjust the salary to $130,000.00, retroactive to January 1, 2024. 

Ald. Lanier moved to approve Item #9, reaffirming City Manager Joseph 'Jay' Melder, City Attorney R. Bates Lovett, and Clerk of Council Mark Massey, seconded Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

HEARD after Item #27.

Mayor Johnson recognized Board of Elections Member Glenda Jones.

The appearance was INTRODUCED by Mayor Johnson and PRESENTED by former City of Savannah first lady Deborah Adams, Board of Elections Member Glenda Jones, and Revenue Director Judee Jones.  Ms. Adams gave a brief overview of the festivities of the parade and presented Council Members with a "MLK" cap, and Mayor Johnson with a cake and fruit basket. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #11, approval of the parade permit, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Lanier, and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Leggett moved to continue/postpone Item #12 as requested by the petitioner to the January 25, 2024, City Council Meeting, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for Items #13 and #14.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC representative
• John Northrup, III, representing petitioner
• Eva Pappert - IN SUPPORT
• Jared Pappert – IN SUPPORT
• Chat Howard – IN SUPPORT
• Carol Howard – IN SUPPORT
• Christy Ellis – IN SUPPORT
• Jennifer Wells – IN SUPPORT
• Wayne Wells – IN SUPPORT
• Beth Brannen Brock – IN SUPPORT
• Zane Brock – IN SUPPORT
• Judy Helton – IN SUPPORT
• Helen Hester – OPPOSED
• Patricia McKenzie – IN SUPPORT
• Laura Smith Mackey – OPPOSED
• Irene Gadson Hines – OPPOSED
• Gerrie Jaubert – OPPOSED
• Caren Bramhall – OPPOSED
• Dorie Clark – OPPOSED
• John D. Smith – OPPOSED
• Jenifer Hilburn – OPPOSED

Written comment(s):

• Diane B. Brannen – OPPOSED
• Kerrie Bieber – OPPOSED

Mayor Johnson ordered the hearing closed for Items #13 and #14 at 4:08 p.m.

Ald. Lanier asked Mr. Morrow to identify the location of Red Gate on the map.  She expressed her concern for the air and noise pollution in industrial areas.  She asked if any grant funding was pursued to alleviate some of the challenges produced by industrial areas. 

Ald. Miller Blakely requested the distance to Oakland Missionary Baptist Church from the subject property (1/2 mile).

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked residents for coming out to speak.  She added, Oakland Missionary Baptist Church is in a conservation use evaluation assessment area and is located 2,558.4 feet from the subject property.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked City Manager Melder to explain the importance of the conservation use evaluation assessment area.

City Manager Melder explained the conservation easement protection has another ten year option.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked if the conservation easement is the same as a historic designation and if the church has a protection.  City Manager Melder answered the historic designation is different than conservation easement.  The Oakland Missionary Baptist Church property is not part of the future land use map amendment property.

Ald. Leggett, on behalf of the entire City Council, extended support to Mr./Mrs. Brock on the terminal illness of Mrs. Becky Brock and condolences to the Howard family on the loss of their father/husband. 

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for Items #13 and #14.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC representative
• John Northrup, III, representing petitioner
• Eva Pappert - IN SUPPORT
• Jared Pappert – IN SUPPORT
• Chat Howard – IN SUPPORT
• Carol Howard – IN SUPPORT
• Christy Ellis – IN SUPPORT
• Jennifer Wells – IN SUPPORT
• Wayne Wells – IN SUPPORT
• Beth Brannen Brock – IN SUPPORT
• Zane Brock – IN SUPPORT
• Judy Helton – IN SUPPORT
• Helen Hester – OPPOSED
• Patricia McKenzie – IN SUPPORT
• Laura Smith Mackey – OPPOSED
• Irene Gadson Hines – OPPOSED
• Gerrie Jaubert – OPPOSED
• Caren Bramhall – OPPOSED
• Dorie Clark – OPPOSED
• John D. Smith – OPPOSED
• Jenifer Hilburn – OPPOSED

Written comment(s):

• Diane B. Brannen – OPPOSED
• Kerrie Bieber – OPPOSED

Mayor Johnson ordered the hearing closed for Items #13 and #14 at 4:08 p.m.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for Item #15.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC representative

Written comment(s):

• Jason Combs – IN SUPPORT
• Yvonne McQueen – Expressed concern and requested a delay.

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the hearing for Item #15, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely being away from the dais.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve Item #15 with conditions, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely being away from the dais.

HEARD FOR FIRST READING ONLY.

HEARD FOR FIRST READING ONLY.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #18, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely being away from the dais.

Mayor Johnson expressed his appreciation for the $30,147,160.00 Federal BRIC grant and the positive equity for the West Side (Carver Village and Cloverdale communities).

Ald. Lanier expressed to the public that the grant is for resiliency in communities and the West Side communities desperately needs improvements/repairs around the Springfield Canal.  Ald. Lanier requested to be at the table during the negotiation of these type of transactions.  Ald. Miller Blakely agreed with Ald. Lanier that the District representative should be advised of grants and any funds received in their respective Districts at the time of submission.

Mayor Johnson, City Manager Melder, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Miller Blakely, and Ald. Lanier discussed the BRIC grant and how important the funds will be to alleviate flooding in West Side communities, and the improvements to the basin.  Acknowledgments were sent to staff for the hard work in pursuing the Federal funds. 

Ald. Lanier moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Miller Blakely, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #18, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely being away from the dais.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #18, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely being away from the dais.

Ald. Palumbo invited prior Aldermen/Alderwomen of District 4 (Alderwoman Flexon, Alderman Sadler, Alderwoman Sprague, and Alderman Miller), to celebrate the $40,276,019.00 budgeted SPLOST funds for the Casey Canal Drainage Improvement project.  Alderman Julian Miller was the only former Alderman able to attend the meeting and join Ald. Palumbo at the podium for the announcement.  1998 SPLOST III was the beginning for the Casey Canal Drainage Improvement project expenditure.  The SPLOST dollars will improve homes in the midtown area south of Hall Park that are in the one hundred year flood plain.  Ald. Palumbo thanked Team Savannah, especially Assistant City Manager Health Lloyd, the Stormwater team, the neighborhood associations, and City Council for all their support.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

HEARD after Item #28.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23, #24, #25, and #26, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23, #24, #25, and #26, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23, #24, #25, and #26, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #23, #24, #25, and #26, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve Item #27, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz recused herself from the vote due to business purposes.

HEARD after Item #10.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #28, appointing City Manager Melder to the Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization Board (CORE MPO) replacing Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #29, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #30 and #31, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #30 and #31, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #32, to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to purchase property owned by the Morgan family in lieu of condemnation for $1,400,000.00, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson moved to approve Item #33 with the following language/wording on a ground marker, seconded by all Council Members:

• Taylor Square laid out in 1851.
• 1851 named for John C. Calhoun, Seventh U.S. Vice President.
• 2022 City Council removed the name Calhoun, a staunch defender of slavery.
• 2023 named in honor of Susie King Taylor, a formerly enslaved woman, nurse, educator, and the first African American to openly teach in the State of Georgia.

The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #34, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Council Members offered condolences to Mayor Johnson and his family on the loss of his father.  The public can make donations to the Alzheimer Foundation on behalf of the Johnson family.  Information will be posted on the City's web page.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 4:58 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=tjzNKN68yj4ySXJt

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:     January 25, 2024 

Signature:   MM