JANUARY 12, 2023, 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 introduced Reverend Dr. Thomas E. Williams, retired Pastor of First African Baptist Church of East Savannah 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

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

Following the invocation, Mayor Johnson exercised a point of personal privilege by presenting a proclamation to Reverend Thomas E. Williams for his retirement after 36 years as pastor of the First African Baptist Church of East Savannah.   The proclamation was read by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Mayor Johnson with Reverend Williams' wife and 2 daughters in attendance.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve/adopt the Regular Meeting Agenda for January 12, 2023, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #4, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson stated the City is making monumental strides in providing affordable housing for residents.  The Galvan Foundation is prepared to make a commitment to improve housing and quality of life in the Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood.

City Manager Melder stated Council was briefed during the Workshop of the Galvan Foundation commitment to develop 19 City-owned properties for housing and a donation of $1 million to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund for use in the Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood.

Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Lanier, Housing & Neighborhood Services Director Martin Fretty, CHSA Executive Director Anita Smith-Dixon, Housing Savannah, Inc. Executive Director Laura Lane McKinnon, and other board members and staff from various related organizations were on hand to accept the donation.

Mr. Fretty discussed the importance of receiving funds from Galvan Foundation and the Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood improvements that will be realized by the donation/investment. 

Vice President Dan Kent of Galvan Foundation expressed how impressed the agency was after reading the Savannah Affordable Housing Plan and their decision to invest in the City.  He thanked the City for the opportunity to invest and looks forward to working with Alderwoman Lanier, Mr. Fretty, Ms. Smith-Dixon and City staff on the Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood improvements.  

Mayor Johnson recognized the Benedictine Military School's Football Team winning the 2022 championship game.  In attendance were Benedictine Coach Britt, Captain Za’Quan Bryan, Student Body President and Captain Charlie Iannone, Captain James Moore, Headmaster Father Frank Ziemkiewicz, and Principal Dr. Jacob T. Horne.

Coach Britt and Father Ziemkiewicz expressed thanks to the City for their support and thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition.

Various Council Members expressed words of thanks and congratulations to the team, the school, and parents of football team members.

Mayor Johnson PRESENTED the Parade Permit to Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Day Association President Deborah Adams, and Association Members Linda Jones, Judee Jones, Carrie Howard, and Glenda Jones.

Ms. Adams presented Mayor Johnson with a cake and fruit basket as a token of appreciation from the Parade Committee.  She announced Carolyn Blackshear and State Representative Carl Gilliard are the 2023 Parade Grand Marshals and Minister Latasha Barnes as Trailblazer.

The Parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023, beginning at East Broad Street & Liberty.  She also announced the appearance of Ms. Vickie Winans on February 19, 2023, 4:00 p.m. at Tabernacle on Allen Street, no cover charge.  The public is invited.

Mayor Johnson PRESENTED a Citation for feeding children through the agency Save Our Youth Savannah, to Minister Latasha Barnes from July 30, 2022.  She was previously unable to appear for the presentation.  

Mayor Johnson and Alderman Purtee recognized Luis Amaro for his work with the homeless.

Executive Director Jennifer Darsey acknowledged the outstanding work and service Case Manager Amaro provided to homeless individuals.  She thanked City Council for the honor bestowed on Luis Amaro.  Team members of the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless were in attendance.

Following the recognition/acknowledgments, Mayor Johnson asked for a moment of silence to honor Luis Amaro.

PRESENTED and READ by Mayor Johnson to Savannah Interagency Diversity Council (SIDC) members, including Board Chair William Bill Gettis, GBI Attorney and Special Prosecutor Diane McCloud, Chatham Area Transit Outreach Manager Valerie Ragland, Tharros Place Executive Director Julie Wade and Outreach Coordinator Kate Templeton, and Mary’s Place of the Coastal Empire, formerly the Rape Crisis Center, Executive Director Doris L. Williams.

Mr. Gettis accepted the proclamation and thanked Mayor Johnson and City Council for the recognition and asked for continued collaboration.  He announced there will be a law enforcement workshop on January 27, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Savannah State University, Howard Jordan Auditorium, and on January 28, 2023, a general public main conference, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Student Union.  Lunch will be served at both events.

Ms. McCloud shared sex and labor trafficking statistics in an effort to show the importance for the public to be aware of the increased problems with trafficking.  Ms. Wade and Ms. Williams thanked City Council for their recognition and asked for the public's support.     

HEARD after Item #15.

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

Speaker(s):

• DeWayne Nathaniel Martin, representing the applicant/petitioner
• Brittany N. O’Neal, applicant

Written comment(s) received:

• B.J. Lowenthal – OPPOSED
• Morgan Taylor – OPPOSED
• Angie & Carle Lee Richardson – OPPOSED
• Michael Hough, et al. received July 14, 2022 meeting – OPPOSED

Mayor Johnson asked if the business model included the consumption of Hooka, the City has a smoke-free ordinance that does not allow this use.  Mr. Martin indicated the establishment will not have Hooka or allow smoking.

Alderman Leggett asked if the establishment secured adequate parking.  Mr. Martin indicated a certified parking plan was submitted and approved by the planning & development department in December 2022.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the petitioner has met all the requirements of the alcohol application, how long has the applicant tried for the license, and is the business in the alcohol overlay area in District 3.

City Manager Melder indicated the business is not in an alcohol overlay district, has met all administrative requirements to appear on the agenda with the City Manager's recommendation for approval.

Alderwoman Lanier indicated since the applicant has met all legal requirements for the alcohol license, Council's approval is subjective.  Granting an alcohol license to a business is a privilege, but she does not see any red flags.    

a.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion failed, 4-5-0.  Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Purtee voted no.  

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked why the denial.  Mayor Johnson indicated the question was inappropriate.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter indicated applicants/petitioners invest money and time in a business before coming to Council.  She asked City Manager Melder if the process could be revised to alleviate loss should the alcohol license be denied.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her concern for the Cru Lounge and their time and money spent only to be denied an alcohol license when all requirements are met.  Since her time on Council, no other applicant had as many requirements to meet approval.  She discussed the lack of African-American owned bars and liquor establishments in Savannah and how bias, disparity and racism play a role in who is allowed to do business in the City of Savannah.  She expressed her concern for exposing the City to litigious actions.

Alderman Purtee asked City Attorney Lovett if this will open the City to any litigious matters.

Attorney Lovett stated anyone can sue anyone for anything, but he believes the actions taken today by Council are legal. 

Alderman Purtee stated he trusts the judgment of the 3rd District Alderwoman and will vote as she deems appropriate.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed her concern that the Cru Lounge was denied an alcohol license and feels it's egregious, since the applicants originally applied in March 2022.  She stated that she feels the denial of this license is based on the personal vendetta of the Alderwoman of the 3rd District against black-owned businesses.

Mayor Johnson indicated Alderwoman Miller Blakely's comment was inappropriate and each Member of Council votes their own convictions.  Each Member is entrusted to respect each Member.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked the petitioner how much was invested to establish the business ($130,000.00).  She asked City Manager Melder what process should applicants follow to alleviate the loss of funds if the alcohol license is denied by Council. 

Mayor Johnson indicated applicants/petitioners should work with staff on the front-end as it relates to alcohol and zoning before appearing before Council for approval, but this will not guarantee a license/approval.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Johnson how the public can prevent the same circumstances as the Cru Lounge, since this has happened only two other times during her serving on Council and it only happened to black-owned businesses.  Do applicants need to be non-black?  Mayor Johnson stated Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's remarks were inappropriate.       

c.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to deny Item #10, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 5-4-0.  Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

Following the vote, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated she is not against black-owned businesses.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Items #11 through #15.

Speaker(s):

• Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if this petitioner/owner was the same as in 2021.  City Manager Melder indicated, it is the same owner.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if the City received clarity on the past sexual assault allegations.  City Manager Melder confirmed the sexual assault allegations were addressed and all due diligence is completed with the Savannah Police Department.
• Corporal Detective Sosbe of the Savannah Police Department ABC Unit reported the sexual assault allegations were investigated by the Special Victims Unit and all allegations were dismissed with no criminal charges pressed against the individual. 

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #11 through #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Items #11 through #15.

No Speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #11 through #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Items #11 through #15.

No Speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #11 through #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Items #13, #14 and #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Items #11 through #15.

No Speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #11 through #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Items #13, #14 and #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Items #11 through #15.

No Speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #11 through #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Items #13, #14 and #15, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for Items #16 and #17.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if this was the old Bells Landing Property (yes).  She indicated the City had an opportunity to purchase that property but did not follow through with the purchase.  Hopefully, the development will be open to the public (restaurant).

Mayor Johnson indicated at the time the property was for sale, the City's funding source was not approved.  City Manager Melder indicated hotel/motel tax was to be used for the purchase (hotel/motel tax was not approved).  The City contacted the sellers several months ago, but the costs were not in line with the property value.  The City approached the sellers a third time but the property was sold.    

• Alderman Purtee requested #16 and #22 be heard for first reading only.

Alderman Purtee moved to close the zoning hearing for Items #16 and #17, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Written comment(s) received:

• Josh Yellin, representing the applicant/petitioner, with 159 petition signatures – IN SUPPORT

Alderman Purtee had several community meetings.  This is a project needed in the sixth District for growth and development.  A good neighborhood agreement is currently being developed, but was not completed at the time of the meeting.

Alderman Purtee requested Item #16 be heard as FIRST READING ONLY, pending the signed good neighborhood agreement.  

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for Items #16 and #17.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative

a.  Alderman Purtee moved to close the zoning hearing for Items #16 and #17, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Purtee moved to continue/postpone Item #17 (Special Use Permit) to the January 26, 2023, City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderman Purtee moved to continue/postpone Item #18 to the February 7, 2023, City Council Meeting, as requested by the applicant/petitioner, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Leggett recused/abstained from the vote due to a business conflict.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #19.

Speaker(s):

• Bridget Lidy, Planning & Urban Design Director

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #19, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Miller Blakely being absent for the vote.

HEARD after Item #21.

Alderwoman Lanier asked to view the master plan of this area (City) and what is the City's intentions for this area.  Will the entire area be designated for light industrial?

City Manager Melder indicated there will be more smaller parcels around the Rockingham Farms development.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked that the record reflect her support of the annexation off Buckhalter Road.

Director of Planning & Urban Design Bridget Lidy explained along the north side of Buckhalter Road, are the ten parcels between the Monsieur School to the Buckhalter Road Extension.  Staff anticipate the developer will work with residents from the Buckhalter Extension to Veteran Parkway, and that will be the last part of the Rockingham Farms development.  The goal is to have all the parcels annexed into the City.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked Ms. Lidy for all her hard work over the past year with residents, the developers and Rockingham Farms to finalize the development. 

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 #20, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed, 7-0-2, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderman Palumbo being absent for the vote. 

HEARD before Item #20.

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 #21, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote. 

HEARD for FIRST READING ONLY, as requested by Alderman Purtee.

Mayor Johnson thanked Mr. Marcus Lotson and the MPC staff for their assistance with the redistricting of Savannah Aldermanic Districts by providing information and maps.

On behalf of MPC staff and SAGIS, Mr. Lotson expressed appreciation for the recognition from City Council and thanked all staff that participated in accumulating maps and information.  MPC Senior Planner Melissa Paul-Leto was also in attendance.  Council Members expressed appreciation and thanks to MPC Executive Director Melanie Wilson for her support and her staff's assistance. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #27, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #27, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #27, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24 through #27, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote.

HEARD after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #28 and #29, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

HEARD after Item #9.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #28 and #29, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #30, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #31, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #32, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #33, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #34 and #35, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #34 and #35, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote.

Alderwoman Lanier expressed concern by residents of the increased traffic, the lack of traffic lights, accidents in the area, and traffic calming in the Highlands area.  City Manager Melder indicated City staff is currently working on traffic calming and additional amenities in the Highlands area.  There are resources needed for the area and staff is working to identify $26 million for Benton Blvd. Phase I and II, and additional work for increasing Highlands Blvd.  In addition, staff is working with the traffic signal engineer to alleviate some of the congestion in the area.

City Manager Melder indicated it will take time and additional resources to address all the concerns of residents for improvements in the Highlands.  He recommends continuing Item #36 to the February 7, 2023 Council Meeting in order to allow staff time to prepare a memo outlining the needs/requirements of the Highlands community.  Alderwoman Lanier agreed with City Manager Melder.  This would allow more dialogue with the residents in the Highlands community.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to continue/postpone Item #36 to the February 7, 2023, Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote.

Mayor Johnson indicated City staff was notified by the Carver Village Neighborhood Association of the desire to name the unnamed park.

Alderwoman Lanier introduced Mr. Donald Jones, President of the Historic Carver Village Neighborhood Association to present to Council the Associations recommendation of naming the unnamed park.  The George Washington Carver Neighborhood Park was voted unanimously by members of the Historic Carver Village Neighborhood Association as the name for the unnamed park.  Mr. Jones asked for Council's support of the change.  Other Association members in attendance included: Mr. Al Porterman, Ms. Gray, and Mr. Robert Meyers.  Mr. Jones recognized Director of Policy and Governmental Affairs Joe Shearouse and thanked him for his support and work on the project.

Alderwoman Lanier thanked members of the Historic Carver Village Neighborhood Association along with Mr. Shearouse for their work on the project.

Mayor Johnson thanked Alderwoman Lanier and members of the Association for naming the park in the neighborhood he played in growing up.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz expressed her thanks to those who worked on the project in naming the park.  

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #37, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed, 8-0-1, with  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter being absent for the vote.

Following the vote, Mr. Jones thanked Council for the unanimous vote in naming the park and expressed his desire to one day see a George Washington Carver monument in the park.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

City Manager Melder acknowledged this is the first meeting for Lenny Brian Gunther as Chief of Police for the City of Savannah.

Mayor Johnson announced the MLK festivities will be held on Monday, January 16, 2023.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced Savannah State is sponsoring the SIAC.  There will be 29-30 college basketball teams coming to the City.  She asked for residents to support the teams and requested a listing of local businesses, especially black-owned, for the visitors to patronize.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan gave a 'shout out' to Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols for lending District 4 Alderman Nick Palumbo an electric car for testing purposes.  

Alderman Leggett gave a 'shout out' to multiple athletics who played on the University of Georgia football team with a 60+ points win.  There were 4 players from Savannah/Chatham County on the team.   

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 4:33 p.m.

A video recording of the Regular Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=CtqLIWJf9let

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:      January 26, 2023  

Signature:    MM