JANUARY 25, 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 2:02 p.m.  Mayor Johnson recognized Reverend Dr. Carolyn H. Bell, Alderwoman, to offer the invocation. 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 - 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 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 moved to approve signing of the Resolution and Affidavit of Executive Session for the January 11, 2024, and January 25, 2024, meetings for the purpose of discussing Real Estate, Personnel, and Litigation with no votes taken, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve Item #1, the agenda for January 25, 2024, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. 

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

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

Mayor Johnson exercised a point of personal privilege to recognize Amazon Head of Community Affairs (Atlanta Region) Terreta Rodgers and Regional Public Relations Manager Shemeeka Johnson for working with him to deliver school supplies at local elementary schools, including Haven, Brock, Gadsden, and A.B. Williams.

READ and PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to SIDC Chairman William Gettis and USDOJ representative Barry Paschal.  The Proclamation was accepted by Mr. Gettis who thanked the Mayor and Council for the recognition.  Mr. Paschal thanked Police Chief Gunther for his participation and support of the Savannah Police Department.     

PRESENTED by City Manager Melder who expressed his appreciation to all the graduating participants.  City Manager Melder introduced the class members: Sam Alai, Economic Development; Nicholas Alfini, Water Resources; Freidland Bazelais, Park & Tree; Jennifer Becknedd, Code Compliance; Charles Bogle, Cultural Arts; Andrea Bossart, Purchasing; Midoria Carpenter, City Manger's Office; Khristi Chisholm, Recorder's Court; Dr. Kimberly Cunningham, Savannah Police Department; Zarina Davis, Planning & Urban Design; Stephanie Davis-Nelson, Parking Services; George Dickens, III, Savannah Fire Department; Alexandria Earley, Savannah Fire Department; DeAnni Gibbs, Economic Development; Azsha Hankerson, Assistant City Manager's Office; April Ludwig, Recorder's Court; Earline Matthews, Cemeteries; Dr. Salimary Mojica Ravelo, Economic Development; Rhonda Ruesch, Savannah Fire Department; Tori Thomas, Utility Services; Tuan Dinh Vu, Traffic Operations; Amber Williams, Capital Projects; and Melissa Williams, Recreation Services.

City Manager Melder thanked Dr. Jennifer Blalock, Director, Organizational Development, and Human Resources Director Jeff Grant and the Human Resources team for their support.

Mayor Johnson recognized Khristi Chisholm, the daughter of former Mayor Floyd Adams.

Mayor Johnson announced there was no action required for Item #6.  The petitioner withdrew his application.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearings for Items #7 and #9.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7 and #9, seconded by Ald. Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearing for Item #8.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #8, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to deny/disapprove Item #8, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Mayor Johnson, Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no.

c.  Ald. Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion failed, 3-6-0.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Bell, Ald. Leggett, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, Ald. Palumbo, and Ald. Purtee voted no.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan indicated, an alcohol license is a privilege not a right.  Her goal is to protect the citizens and there were concerns by residents about parking.  Residents were opposed to the restaurant being granted an alcohol license.   

Ald. Miller Blakely stated this business was highly scrutinized unlike other alcohol applicants.  She requested the names of the residents who did not approve of the business in the community, because her due diligence showed the residents in the community had no objection to the restaurant having an alcohol license.

Ald. Lanier recommended revisiting the standards to eliminate subjectivity. If a petitioner meets the standards, then the alcohol license should be granted.  It should not be based on personal opinions. 

Written comment(s):

• B.J. Lowenthal/Danielle Murray – Expressed concerns with parking and the potential for loitering.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearings for Items #7 and #9.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7 and #9, seconded by Ald. Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

Mayor Johnson indicated a public hearing was held at a previous meeting and no public comment will be heard during today's session.

City Manager Melder cited the recent updated recommendations for Item #10, the Future Land Use Map Amendment, and Item #11, the Zoning Map Amendment, in an effort to protect the surrounding communities from any negative impact associated with light industrial use and to ensure property owners in Phase One will be able to sell their properties to the petitioner and not serve as a buffer.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #10, to include updated recommendations made by the City Manager, seconded by Ald. Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson thanked residents for showing up for the Buckhalter Road petition.  He asked City Manager Melder about the buffer associated with the properties.

City Manager Melder indicated the Ordinance calls for a 40' buffer, but Council has approved a 100' buffer and an 8' vegetated earthen berm.  A 100' buffer is the most the City has ever required. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Ald. Purtee to include updated recommendations made by the City Manager, as follows:

1. Provide a 100-foot buffer along the northern border of phase 1 to include a vegetated earthen berm at least eight (8) feet in height, and/or a combination vegetated earthen berm/sound wall at least eight feet in height;
2. Provide a 100-foot buffer along the eastern border of phase 1 to include temporary sound, light, and visibility mitigation devices, which can include a vegetate earthen berm at least eight (8) feet in height.  AND, if phase 2 properties are not purchased by the petitioner within 24 months of the completion of the CPPI’s capital construction of building, the petitioner must install permanent treatments identical to those required along the northern border;
3. A Mitigation Agreement will be finalized within 30 days; and,
4. A recombination plat would be required.

The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson expressed his appreciation for the program.

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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #13, #14, #15, and #16, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #13, #14, #15, and #16, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked if the project will be completed before the heat of the summer.  City Manager Melder answered staff will be working hard to complete the project before the heat of summer.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #13, #14, #15, and #16, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #13, #14, #15, and #16, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz indicated the number one priority for the City is the protection of it's citizens.  The new facility will provide joint police and fire departments, as well as space for department and community use, and training and storage space. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #17 as written, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. 

Mayor Johnson gave a brief background of the Okefenokee Swamp and the reasons for preserving the swamp and the wildlife therein.  DeKalb County, Wayne County, City of Brunswick, and City of St. Mary's passed Resolutions in support of the Okefenokee Swamp.

Ald. Lanier expressed concern for residents of District 1 who are currently facing environmental injustices (air, noise, toxins, and truck intrusions).  The City should address it's citizens issues.  For these reasons, Ald. Lanier stated she will not support the Resolution.

Mayor Johnson indicated the issues in District 1 are not State issues, they are regulatory issues.  The City has requested continued monitoring of those issues for compliance.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve Item #18, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Leggett, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no.

Written comment(s):

• Jen Hilburn, 100 Miles – IN SUPPORT (Thank you)
• Ben Prater, Defenders of Wildlife – IN SUPPORT
• Rena Ann Peck, Georgia River Network – IN SUPPORT
• Monica Thornton/Bailey Izard, The Nature Conservancy – IN SUPPORT

Mayor Johnson recognized Commissioner Kendra L. Rolle, City of Brunswick.  She is one of the youngest Commissioners in the City of Brunswick.  Mayor Johnson thanked Commissioner Rolle for attending the Council meeting.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Lanier, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. 

Ald. Lanier moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was away from the dais.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #24, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #25, to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to settle the claim (worker’s compensation matter) of Amanda Brooner for $80,000.00, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Purtee moved to approve Item #26, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mayor Johnson announced Council Members will be in Atlanta over the weekend attending GMA's Legislative Update and Briefing Conference (Cities United Summit).  Following the weekend, Council Members will visit the Capitol for interaction with other cities and for Savannah Chatham Day to highlight and advocate Savannah's important issues to the Georgia General Assembly.

Ald. Leggett offered condolences to the following families: Pastor Mary Jones, District 3; Mr. Irvin Scott, District 4; Mr. Frank Williams, District 4 who taught brick laying to young men in the community; Ms. Monica Dye Cleveland, District 4; and Angela Wiggins, District 2.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan thanked the School Board for the Spelling Bee held at Savannah State University on January 23, 2024, and congratulated 8th grade student D. Goodson who won.  She also thanked SCAD for providing gifts to participates of the Spelling Bee.

Mayor Johnson offered condolences to the family of Robert L. Gray, a longtime registrar of Savannah State University and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz announced a community partner, Life Skills for Empowerment Center, Inc., will hold it's annual recognition ceremony on Sunday, January 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Tatemville Community Center, 333 Coleman Street.

Ald. Leggett thanked Mayor Johnson and Chatham Area Transit (CAT) Executive Director/CEO Faye DiMassimo for Senior Circular starting on February 5, 2024.  The CAT program takes seniors from senior housing for grocery shopping and for appointments (doctor, dentist, etc.).

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 3:02 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=YvswJllshRJtNXxi 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:     February 8, 2024 

Signature:   MM