Meeting will Begin at 2:00pm
January 16, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting

SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

January 16, 2020 – 2:00 p.m.

 

The Regular Meeting of the City Council was held at 2:08 p.m. in Council Chambers of City Hall.

 

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

Alderwoman Dr. Estella E. Shabazz, District 5

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

City Manager Pat Monahan

Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd

Interim Chief Operating Officer Bret Bell

Assistant to the City Manager Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Assistant City Attorney William Shearouse

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

 

The regular meeting of the City Council was held at 2:08 p.m. in the City Council chambers at City Hall. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order and introduced The Reverend Joseph Kwong-Ho Wong, Pastor of Chinese Baptist Church of Savannah (formerly Ardsley Park Chinese Mission), who offered the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

Mayor Johnson asked all in attendance to honor a moment of silence for Debbie Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Port Wentworth, GA and a prior employee of the City of Savannah, and Mr. Freddie Patrick an East Side Community Leader who recently passed away. 
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Motion to Adopt the Agenda for the January 16, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting

Alderwoman Dr. Shabazz moved to approve the Agenda for January 16, 2020, Regular Council Meeting, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session & City Manager's Briefing on December 19, 2019

Alderwoman Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, and #4, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 
3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting on December 19, 2019

Alderwoman Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, and #4, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 
4. Approval of the Minutes for the Special City Council Meeting on December 19, 2019

Alderwoman Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3, and #4, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 
5. Approval of the Minutes for the Inauguration on January 2, 2020

Alderwoman Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #5, Alderman Palumbo and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 
ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS
6. Election of Mayor Pro Tem, Council Chair and Council Vice Chair

a.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely nominated Alderwoman Dr. Shabazz to be elected as Mayor Pro-Tem, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely nominated Alderwoman Gibson-Carter to be elected as Chair of Council, Alderwoman Dr. Shabazz seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.

c.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan nominated Alderman Palumbo to be elected as Vice-Chairman of Council, Alderman Leggett seconded. After motion d. was made, motion c. was adopted 5-4-0, with Alderwomen Gibson-Carter, Miller Blakely, Lanier, and Gibson-Carter voting no.

d. Alderwoman Dr. Shabazz nominated Alderwoman Miller Blakely to be Vice-Chair of Council.  Mayor Johnson ruled that the body will first handle motion c. which is already on the floor. (No vote was taken on this motion).
PRESENTATIONS
7. Appearance by the St. Joseph's/Candler Smart Senior Program to Announce the 2020 Smart Living Expo and Health Fair

Ms. Jenny Koch, Program Manager, St. Joseph's Senior Membership Program, invited the City of Savannah to partner on the 2020 Smart Living Expo at the Civic Center on Friday, May 29, 2020.  The event is free and open to the public and is promoted to City of Savannah employees, families and retirees, offering health screenings such as vision, hearing, cancer, stroke and cardiac evaluations, spine checks, balance checks, foot checks, osteoporosis, blood sugar, lung checks and more. 

Ms. Koch introduced the other members of the committee:  Ms. Angela Briggs, Ms. Rita Mines, Ms. Karen Olenick, Mr. Dave Lewis, Ms. Colette Balder, Ms. Catherine Clements and Ms. Mary Ann Traver. 
8. Appearance and Recognition of Memorial Health University Medical Center’s $30,000 donation to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund

Memorial Health University Medical Center (Memorial Health) CEO, Shayne George, and Memorial Health Board member and former Savannah Assistant City Manager, Israel G. Small, presented a $30,000 donation to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah for the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund. This donation, marks the second year that Memorial Health has invested in the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  These contributions will provide the down payment necessary to help Memorial Health employees purchase their first home in the city of Savannah.
9. A Formal Invitation to the Mayor and Alderman to Attend the 31st Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival

Dr. Sametria McFall, Savannah State University Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, joined by Ms. Annette Ogletree-McDougal, Vice President of Marketing and Raymond Clarke, Vice President of Enrollment Management, thanked the Mayor and Aldermen for giving the Savannah State University the opportunity to invite the City to partner with the University in celebrating 31 Years of Black History, Culture and Art during the Savannah Black Heritage Festival.     

To share more information on the Festival, Dr. McFall introduced Shirley B. James, the Savannah Black Heritage Festival Coordinator, and other committee members to formally invite the Mayor and Aldermen to attend this years festivities.  The festival will take place between February 1, 2020 and February 23, 2020.

Ms. James outlined the activities for every age and interest. Cultural education and exposure to the performing and visual arts, as well as ethnic cuisine, crafts, fun and family will be emphasized throughout the celebration. Great music of every genre, dance performances, national and regional recording artists, local youth talent showcases, historic tours, visual art exhibitions by internationally acclaimed and local artists and sculptors, the W.W. Law Lecture Series, spoken word and dramatic productions are all included on the schedule. In addition, educational opportunities are provided through a health and wellness fair, culinary arts activities and youth programs.

 

9B.   Mayor Johnson exercised a point of personal privilege to recognize of Mr. Barry Baker for his 2nd retirement from the City's Recreation and Leisure Services Department.
CONSENT AGENDA - (This section shall include all routine items for which it is anticipated there will be no debate or requests for public input. Any Alderman can remove consent items for discussion or separate consideration.)
10. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 with Beers Housing, Inc. for Securing Structures in the Amount of $40,000 (Event No. 6913)

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #10, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
11. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 with Johnson-Laux Construction for Summerside Park in the Amount of $24,717.08 (Event No. 7381)

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #11, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
12. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 with Dabbs-Williams General Contractors, LLC for the Industrial and Domestic Water Laboratory in the Amount of $24,188.19 (Event No. 6047)

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #12, Items #16 through #18, and Item #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
13. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 with Astra Construction Services, LLC for the Cann Park Sidewalk Project in the Amount of $20,352.23 (Event No. 6423)

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #13, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
14. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 2 with Myrick Marine for the Eastern Wharf Dock Repairs in the Amount of $14,335 (Event No. 6767)

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #14, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed, 8-1-0, with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voting no.
15. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 with Johnson-Laux Construction for the Savannah Police Department's Forensic Garage in the Amount of $11,478.83 (Event No. 6814)

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #15, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
16. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 5 with Watkins Associates Architects for Savannah Fire Training Facility in the Amount of a Reduction of $1,150 (Event No. 2618)

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #12, Items #16 through #18, and Item #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
17. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 2 with Johnson-Laux Construction for Streetscapes Improvements for Cedar Street in the Amount of a Reduction of $215.58 (Event No. 7035)

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #12, Items #16 through #18, and Item #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
18. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Procure Two Tilt Gooseneck Trailers from Econoline Trailers, Inc. in the Amount of $26,330 (Event No. 7584)

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #12, Items #16 through #18, and Item #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
19. Notification of Emergency Procurement of Repair Services for an Eroded Slope Paving and Piling on the Jimmy DeLoach Bridge with CSX Transportation, Inc. in the Amount of $34,309 (Event No. 7647)

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #19, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
20. Motion to Approve a Resolution Accepting a $30,000 Donation from Memorial Health University Medical Center for the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #12, Items #16 through #18, and Item #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
PURCHASING ITEMS
21. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute the First Renewal of an Annual Contract with In Depth, Inc. for Water Tank Inspections and Washout in the Amount of $160,900 (Event No. 6690)

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #21 through #23, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  No vote was taken.

Mayor Johnson requested to change the motion to Items #21 and #22.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to amend the motion to approve Items #21 and #22, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
22. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Second Renewal of an Annual Contract with SOS Radial Tire for Passenger Tires in the Estimated Amount of $140,093.15 (Event No. 5292)

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #21 through #23, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  No vote was taken.

Mayor Johnson requested to change the motion to Items #21 and #22.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to amend the motion to approve Items #21 and #22, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
23. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Second Renewal of an Annual Contract for Legislative Services with Connect South in the Amount of $60,000 (Event No. 5348)

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to deny Item #23, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed, 5-4-0, with Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voting no.

Alderman Palumbo appealed the decision.

b. Alderman Leggett moved to reconsider Item #23, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The procedural motion passed, 5-4-0, with Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz voting no.

c.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #23, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed, 5-4-0, with Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz voting no.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stressed the importance for the Lobbyist to talk to Legislators that represent the City of Savannah.
24. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 with Beers Housing, Inc. for the Lot Clearing Annual Contract in the Amount of $200,000 (Event No. 7071)

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to continue/hold Item #24 to the February 13, 2020 Council Meeting, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
25. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Amendment No. 5 with Thomas & Hutton for DeLesseps/LaRoche Avenue Corridor Improvements in the Amount of $20,650 (Event No. 716)

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #25, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS
26. Motion to Approve Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License to Alton Brecker of Mint To Be Mojito Bar and Bites at 12 W. State Street (Aldermanic District 2)

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #26, #27, and #28.

There were no speakers.

Alderman Palumbo moved to close the hearing for Items #26, #27, and #28, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #26, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #27, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #28, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
27. Motion to Approve Class E (Beer, Wine) (By the Package) Convenience Store Alcohol License for NehalKumar M. Patel of Jasmine Food Mart #3 at 9602 White Bluff Road. (Aldermanic District 4)

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #26, #27, and #28.

There were no speakers.

Alderman Palumbo moved to close the hearing for Items #26, #27, and #28, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #26, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #27, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #28, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
28. Motion to Approve Class C (Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) License with Sunday Sales to Laura T. Wester of Sly's Sliders and Fries at 1710 Abercorn Street. (Aldermanic District 2)

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #26, #27, and #28.

There were no speakers.

Alderman Palumbo moved to close the hearing for Items #26, #27, and #28, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #26, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #27, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #28, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
ZONING HEARINGS
29. Motion to Deny the Request to Amend the Future Land Use Map Category from General Residential to Commercial Neighborhood or Civic/Institutional for 10614 and 10816 Middleground Road (Petitioner: Harold Yellin as agent for Gail Waters and Danny Nelson)

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #29, #30, and #31.

Marcus Lotson of Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) addressed Items #29, #30 and #31.  He indicated these are the same properties.  Initially, MPC denied the petitioner but has now presented an adjusted recommendation for approval.  MPC is recommending approval of multi-family zoning, 25 units per acre.

Alderman Purtee asked if all notices were sent out and public hearings held within the community.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked about the increase in density in the area.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the development would be affordable housing or market rate housing.

Attorney Harold Yellin, Petitioner, gave a brief description of the property and the proposed development.

Alderman Palumbo requested clarification on the zoning codes.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the hearings for Items #29, #30, and #31, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
30. Motion to Deny the Request to Rezone 10614 and 10816 Middleground Road from RMF-2-10 to RMF-2-25 and O-I (Petitioner: Harold Yellin for Gail Waters and Danny Nelson)

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #29, #30, and #31.

Marcus Lotson of Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) addressed Items #29, #30 and #31.  He indicated these are the same properties.  Initially, MPC denied the petitioner but has now presented an adjusted recommendation for approval.  MPC is recommending approval of multi-family zoning, 25 units per acre.

Alderman Purtee asked if all notices were sent out and public hearings held within the community.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked about the increase in density in the area.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the development would be affordable housing or market rate housing.

Attorney Harold Yellin, Petitioner, gave a brief description of the property and the proposed development.

Alderman Palumbo requested clarification on the zoning codes.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the hearings for Items #29, #30, and #31, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
31. Motion to Approve the Metropolitan Planning Commission's Alternative Recommendation for 10614 & 10816 Middleground Road (Petitioner: Harold Yellin as agent for Gail Waters and Danny Nelson)

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #29, #30, and #31.

Marcus Lotson of Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) addressed Items #29, #30 and #31.  He indicated these are the same properties.  Initially, MPC denied the petitioner but has now presented an adjusted recommendation for approval.  MPC is recommending approval of multi-family zoning, 25 units per acre.

Alderman Purtee asked if all notices were sent out and public hearings held within the community.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked about the increase in density in the area.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the development would be affordable housing or market rate housing.

Attorney Harold Yellin, Petitioner, gave a brief description of the property and the proposed development.

Alderman Palumbo requested clarification on the zoning codes.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the hearings for Items #29, #30, and #31, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
32. Motion to Rezone 317, 319, 321, 323, and 325 East 32nd Street from TN-2 to TC-1 (Petitioner: Josh Yellin for Gordon Development Group LLC)

Mayor Johnson opened the hearings for Items #32 and #33.

Marcus Lotson of Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) gave a brief outline of Items #32 and #33.  The MPC is recommending approval.

Attorney Josh Yellin, Petitioner, spoke on behalf of the applicant and described the project/development.    

Alderman Palumbo asked about the uses under the current zoning.  He expressed the lack of notification of any changes to the neighborhood associations.

Alderman Leggett informed Mayor and Council that the neighborhood association has been notified and have approved the changes.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the public hearings for Items #32 and #33, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 
33. Motion to Amend the Future Land Use Map Category for 317, 319, 321, 323, and 325 East 32nd Street from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial (Petitioner: Josh Yellin for Gordon Development Group LLC)

Mayor Johnson opened the hearings for Items #32 and #33.

Marcus Lotson of Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) gave a brief outline of Items #32 and #33.  The MPC is recommending approval.

Attorney Josh Yellin, Petitioner, spoke on behalf of the applicant and described the project/development.    

Alderman Palumbo asked about the uses under the current zoning.  He expressed the lack of notification of any changes to the neighborhood associations.

Alderman Leggett informed Mayor and Council that the neighborhood association has been notified and have approved the changes.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the public hearings for Items #32 and #33, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
34. Motion to Amend the Zoning Code to Allow for Alternative Historic Preservation Commission until Appointments are Finalized by City Council

Mayor Johnson opened the hearing for Item #34.

Bridget Lidy, Director of Planning and Urban Design, gave a brief overview of  the new Zoning Ordinance and Georgia Historic Preservation Act requiring the City to establish an Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) as a new review authority for the local historic districts.

Alderman Palumbo asked if the appointees selected have met the specific eligibility requirements.  

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked if there are any applicants ready for City Council to appoint and how many current openings are available.

Clerk of Council Massey indicated the application process is on-going with no cut-off date.  All applications received are forwarded to City Council.  He indicated there are now approximately sixteen (16) applications received for appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked how many will be appointed to this Board and informed the public they should apply for appointment.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the hearing for Item #34, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING
35. Motion to Amend the Code of the City of Savannah, Part 7-1091, Appendix I, Section 219. Stopping, Standing and Parking Prohibited

Alderwoman Lanier requested more information.  

City Manager Monahan described the site as prohibiting parking on both sides of McAuley Drive behind St. Joseph Hospital that will improve emergency access.  

Alderman Purtee named the specific site as along McAuley Drive between Dutchtown Road and Mercy Boulevard.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked the City Manager to make the language more specific.

Mayor Johnson read the motion, as amended, to prohibit Stopping, Standing and Parking on McAuley Drive between Dutchtown Road and Mercy Boulevard. 

After the first reading was considered the second, Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #35 as amended, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
36. Motion to Approve the Metropolitan Planning Commission's Alternative Recommendation to Rezone 10614 & 10816 Middleground Road from RMF-2-10 to RMF-2-25

After the first reading was considered the second, Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #36, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
37. Motion to Rezone 317, 319, 321, 323, and 325 East 32nd Street from TN-2 to TC-1 (Petitioner: Josh Yellin for Gordon Development Group LLC)

After the first reading was considered the second, Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #37, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
38. Motion to Amend the Future Land Use Map Category for 317, 319, 321, 323, and 325 East 32nd Street from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial (Petitioner: Josh Yellin for Gordon Development Group LLC)

After the first reading was considered the second, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #38, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
39. Motion to Amend the Zoning Code to Allow for Alternative Historic Preservation Commission until Appointments are Finalized by City Council

After the first reading was considered the second, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #39, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
MISCELLANEOUS
40. Adoption of the 2020 City of Savannah Legislative Agenda

Mr. Joe Shearouse of the City Manager's Office, read the titles of all the Legislative Items, including those added during the Work Session and he noted that some items discussed are tabled for discussion until a future date:

  1. Confiscated Weapons
  2. Common-Sense Gun Measures to Reduce Gun Violence
  3. Private Solid Waste Disposal Fees
  4. Savannah Development and Renewal Authority
  5. Smoke Alarms in Rental Properties
  6. Logistics Technology Corridor
  7. Non-Property Tax Revenue Options to Rollback Property Taxes
  8. Commercial Property Tax Assessments Annual Growth Cap
  9. Staggered Term Limits for Savannah City Council
  10. Safe House Facilities and Support for Abused and Commercial Sex Exploitation of Children
  11. Increase Small Business Personal Property Tax Exemption
  12. Port Container Fee
  13. Review and Update the Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG)
  14. Continued support of Behavioral Health Crisis Centers
  15. Seek increased funding for Urban Development Funds
  16. Home Rule Items
    1. Continued support of Abandoned Shopping Cart Ordinance
    2. Continued support of Local Short-Term Vacation Rentals
    3. Opposition to any Prohibition of Fees on Property Tax Bills

Mayor Johnson asked that the request for the re-designation of City Aldermen to become full-time staff be added to the list.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested the following items be added to the Legislative Agenda:

  • Retention Policy
  • Increase of Hotel/Motel Tax
  • Federal Code Compliance
  • Community Initiatives and Projects
  • Drainage Projects
  • Re-Studies related to Taxable Income 
  • Eliminating Downtown Business Tax
  • Tourism Saturation Study

 

Public Comment Speakers:

GREEN, an organization for poverty reduction requested to make a Work Session presentation.  They would also like to have a partnership with the City.

  1. Ms. Veronique Thomas, representing GREEN
  2. Mr. Quan Cutter, representing GREEN
  3. Dr. Christine Wacta, representing GREEN
  4. Ms. Ida Scott, representing GREEN

Mayor Johnson requested the City Manager designate staff to meet with GREEN representatives to address poverty reduction.

 

Mayor Johnson stated there was consensus of the Legislative Agenda Items listed above, including the re-designation of City Aldermen to become full-time staff.  He indicated Alderwoman Gibson-Carter noted there were additional Legislative Agenda Items for Council consideration:

  • Term Limits - add
  • Container Port Fees - add
  • Impact Fees - can accomplish internally per Joe Shearouse
  • Re-allocation of the previous SPLOST Projects - can accomplish internally per Joe Shearouse
  • Retention Policy - add
  • Increase of Hotel/Motel Tax - will be discussed further at a later time by Council
  • Federal Code Compliance - allow staff to look into this item a little further and provide Council information per Joe Shearouse
  • Community Initiatives and Projects - allow staff to look into this item a little further and provide Council information per Joe Shearouse
  • Drainage Projects and Various Studies - add

 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #40 with the necessary amended items, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously, with the expectation to discuss these matters again at the February 13, 2020 Council Meeting.

 

Additional Speakers:

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Ms. Yvonne Pryor, representing Inner City Night Shelter pertaining to a request for property needed to house homeless individuals.
  • Mr. Rick Ellison, representing RUFF (Retirees Unite for the Future)
    • Concerned about the last two sessions – Broughton Street funding too much.
    • Concerned about moving the Waving Girl.
41. Robert's Rules of Order Debriefing

Mayor Johnson thanked attendees and staff for attending the meeting and he recessed the meeting to debrief on Robert’s Rules of Order at 4:36 p.m. in the Media Room.

 

Mayor Johnson reconvened the meeting at 4:51 p.m.

 

Robert's Rules of Order Debriefing. (HELD IN THE MEDIA ROOM)

Ms. Carol Johnson Davis, CP-T, PRP, congratulated the Council on a good first meeting.  She gave the Council a few items to make the meeting move more expediently.  She shared a recommendation on how to more effectively present motions.

Mayor and Council thanked Ms. Davis for her presentation during the Work Session and for her additional assistance on debriefing the Council on meeting protocol.  

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 5:23 p.m.

 

 

The video 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=zTi9Vgw0NjCp

 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:  February 13, 2020

Initials: mm
Agenda Plus