JANUARY 26, 2023, 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 6:41 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter who introduced Prophetess Dr. Hazel Scott, Pastor of Resurrection Pentecostal Temple, 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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda for January 26, 2023, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

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

HEARD after Item #19.

Mayor Johnson introduced City Manager Melder for recognition of Team Savannah's group of emerging leaders.

City Manager Melder discussed why and how the Emerging Leaders Academy was developed.  He asked the 30-member group to stand for recognition as he explained the application process.  Each participant was paired with a mentor who holds a City leadership role, members participated in six development seminars, training from September through December, and each member completed a Capstone Project centered on initiatives for the City and presented their Project to their mentors and City senior staff at the Civic Center Johnny Mercer Theater.

Mr. Melder introduced each member of the City Manager's Emerging Leaders Academy.  Mayor Johnson asked just one of the members to talk about their experience in the Academy.  Harold Taylor, Jr. discussed his experience and how it has enhanced his understanding of the many roles involved in the operation of the City.

Alderman Leggett called out Richard Praylo for his outstanding assistance in helping a citizen at her residence with decorations and landscaping during his personal time.  He also assisted in hanging holiday decorations for the City.

Alderwoman Lanier asked to see the Capstone Project presentations.  City Manager Melder will send the link to Council Members.    

HEARD after item #20.

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

Speaker(s):

• Wei Lin, representing the applicant
• Yue Bin Wang, applicant

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated that resident, Robert Cohen, expressed concern with accessibility to the establishment.  Mr. Lin indicated there are no stairs and Mr. Cohen wanted someone to feed him.  His concerns were addressed. 

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #5 and #6, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #5, seconded by Alderman Purtee,  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

No Speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #5 and #6, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderman Purtee,  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #7.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative

Alderman Purtee moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #7, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #8.

Speaker(s):

• Bridget Lidy, Senior Director, Planning & Urban Design
• Matt McCoy, representing the applicant

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for the owners name.  Mr. McCoy replied, Telfair Business Center, LLC.  She asked if there will be warehouses on the property.  Mr. McCoy answered, small warehouses.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the property was in close proximity to a residential area.  Mr. McCoy stated the Bradley Point South neighborhood is close with a buffering property.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the residents were notified.  Mr. McCoy indicated, per Ms. Lidy, notices were sent to residents and to residents in the neighboring properties.  Ms. Lidy indicated there were not responses received from any of the residents, but she did receive a response from a neighboring tractor company concerned with the impact to their property (it will not impact their property).

Alderwoman Lanier asked if the notices placed on the property were easily viewable.  Ms. Lidy indicated the signs (2) were placed on the frontage of the property for easy viewing.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked which neighborhood association was contacted.  Ms. Lidy indicated the Bradley Point South Neighborhood Association.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated the Bradley Point South Neighborhood Association was not on the list of neighborhood associations.  Ms. Lidy indicated it was on Open Neighborhood List which is the tool used to contact neighborhood associations.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder to have staff check for verification.  City Manager Melder indicated Bradley Point South might be a Home Owners Association (HOA) rather than a neighborhood association, but he will have the information updated. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter did heard from a resident concerned with the increased traffic in the area due to increased warehouse activity.  Ms. Lidy indicated this is a zoning issue today, later there will be a site plan and a traffic impact analysis might be included (it could be added as a condition).  City Manager Melder indicated the City's light industrial zoning code is more restrictive in use than the County's.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked why would the petitioner want to be annexed into the City, if the zoning code is more restrictive.  City Manager Melder indicated, for the City services.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if the developer will be subject to the impact fee ordinance.  City Manager Melder indicated the impact fee ordinance should be ready for Council consideration at the next Council Meeting.  If Council approves the impact fee ordinance in two weeks, the developer would participate in the impact fee program based on the timing of the application for a building permit.     

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

City Manager Melder distributed a memo outlining the revisions to the proposed alcoholic beverage ordinance amendment.  He detailed the revisions by reading the proposed amendments.  Mr. Melder recommended approval by Council:

• Section 13(a) Server Training Permit
• Section 7(t) Alcoholic Beverage Tastings
• Section 12(e) Alcohol Review Committee 

Speaker(s):

• James (Jim) Deal, representative of Alcohol Server Training, 912-657-3327
• Mike Vacquer, representative of the National & Georgia Restaurant Association

Mr. Deagle would like to have the opportunity to be involved in the City's server training permit program.  City Manager Melder agreed with Mr. Deagle and will follow-up with a meeting with Mr. Deagle.

Mr. Vacquer applauded the City for the proposed alcoholic beverage ordinance amendments and indicated the National Restaurant Association is willing to assist the City in helping to develop the server training permit program including the safety elements identified in the amended ordinance.

Alderman Purtee disagrees with not allowing home delivery here in the City.  From a public safety issue, this might decrease the number of DUI's and public intoxication.  He asked Revenue Department Manager Judee Jones how many community engagement meetings were held and the locations of the meetings.  Ms. Jones indicated the public engagement meetings were held at the Georgia Coastal Center, Revenue Department, 305 Fahm Street.  This is a central location for applicants with available parking.

Since State Law allows home delivery of alcohol, Alderman Purtee asked why the City will not allow home delivery.  City Manager Melder indicated the feedback from residents and package store owners citing the point of sale by an employee would be harder to enforce and the purchase by underaged individuals would be hard to control.  City Manager Melder recommends further research before approval of alcohol home delivery.  Alderman Purtee suggested not waiting too long to research alcohol home delivery.  The 6th District residents were not included in the conversations before a decision was made, and he would like to see equity on the Southside and other communities in the City.

Mayor Johnson indicated the City hardly ever supersedes State Law, but home rule is allowed on this issue.

Alderman Leggett asked where is the enforcement piece in the ordinance and how does it tie into the ordinance.  City Manager Melder indicated the enforcement is throughout the ordinance.  There are many mechanism to create enforcement, i.e. the BYOB, the selling alcohol through windows and doors, the alcohol review committee, and the alcohol beverage compliance unit administration meetings all increase enforcement.  Enforcement will be strengthened across the board.     

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder if convenience stores will have tastings (yes, convenience and package stores can have tasting events).  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for clarification on the BYOB section.  City Manager Melder explained in detail the temporary license associated with BYOB.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked when the alcohol overlay districts will be reexamined.  City Manager Melder indicated, at the request of Council.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Mayor Johnson when the alcohol overlay districts will be reexamined and how long the alcohol overlay district has existed in District 1.  Mayor Johnson indicated District 1 alcohol overlay district has existed for approximately 5 years, there are also alcohol overlay districts in Districts 3 and 5.  Residents working with staff will determine when and if the alcohol overlay districts can or will be lifted.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely made a motion to direct staff to re-look at the alcohol overlay districts.  Mayor Johnson indicated the motion was out of order.  Mayor Johnson and Alderwoman Miller Blakely discussed if selling alcohol in a specific area causes an economic boom, and if so, does it enhance or destroy the area.  Mayor Johnson indicated the alcohol overlay was not a permanent solution, but would be revisited at a later date.  There were discussions of how the original overlays were established and the recent neighborhoods interested in removal of the overlay.  Mayor Johnson indicated it is a subject that is not germane to the agenda and will be examined at a later date.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz stated that data will show that the neighborhoods have not changed their position in relation to the established alcohol overlay districts, especially in the 5th District.

a.  After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  No vote was taken on this motion.

Alderwoman Lanier expressed how consumers behavior has changed in recent years and the amended alcohol ordinance addresses those changes.  There should be equity when discussing changes and District 1 has not seen equity.  The overlay district needs to be re-examined.  District 1 needs economic drivers for sustainability and for residents to create wealth.  Alderwoman Lanier discussed the to-go cup zone as it relates to customers getting a to-go cups and then getting in cars.  She discussed when the alcohol overlay districts were established, a building size restriction was placed so small buildings with less than 2,500 s/f could not acquire an alcohol license preventing a large group of people in a small space.  Mayor Johnson indicated it was Council that placed the restrictions and only Council can remove the restrictions.

City Manager Melder discussed the issue of leniency as it relates to restaurants converting to a club/lounge.  The amended ordinance will require the restaurant to comply with a security license, age requirement, etc. in order to convert to a club/lounge.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter apologized to staff for the late hour; however she feels it is time well spent and thanked the staff for all the hard work in getting the amended alcohol license to Council for approval.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter agreed with Alderwoman Lanier that the alcohol overlay districts are the areas needing economic enhancements.  She expressed concerns for alcohol playing a major role in rape, sexual assault and sex trafficking.  She recommended adding rape and sexual assault to sex trafficking when the SPD releases data.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if there were any citations issued since BYOB is more restrictive.  City Manager Melder indicated there would be no citations since BYOB businesses do not hold a license, but there have been issues.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed bar cards and Mr. Deagle's recommendation on the requirements and maintain continuity across the program.  She previously submitted training recommendations as a partnership instead of a demand approach to Interim City Manager Monahan with no response.   Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed the requirements for wedding venues and asked for clarification on the alcohol requirements.  Ms. Jones explained the temporary Sunday alcohol license rules, as it relates to weddings and Sunday events.  City Manager Melder explained in detail the State and City requirements for Sunday venues to have consumption of alcohol on the premises.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if the selling through windows/doors states it preempts festivals, does that mean the St. Patrick's Day festivities only.  City Manager Melder indicated any time the festival ordinance is enacted it will be enforced.  She asked if it included the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day festivities.  The festival ordinance was not enacted for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommended giving Council an opportunity to highlight certain events and festivals for inclusion of the festival ordinance.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested additional clarification on identification of violations  and the alcohol review committee's purpose and responsibilities.  City Manager Melder answered her inquiries.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommended an at-large person serve on the alcohol review committee.  City Manager Melder stated the committee is an administrative process and should be separated from the political process where Council votes.  She expressed her concerns for the waiting period of 24 months after a denial is punitive.  City Manager Melder stated the waiting period is 12 months and is not punitive.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated she represents the residents in the 3rd District and the residents wanted the alcohol overlay and she will support her constituents.                 

b.  After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Palumbo made a friendly motion to approve Item #9 amending Section 13(a), Section 7(t), and Section 12(e), as read by City Manager Melder, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Johnson thanked City Manager Melder and all staff that worked on the amended alcohol ordinance.

HEARD FOR FIRST READING ONLY.

HEARD FOR FIRST READING ONLY.

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

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

Alderwoman Lanier expressed thanks to Assistant City Manager Lloyd and Cristy Lawrence, Office of Capital Project Management, for accompanying her for the first walk through of the new Hudson Hill Community Center.  There was only one correction of a paint color.  Alderwoman Lanier thanked all involved in the project.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #14, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated she noticed that from Derenne Avenue to Victory Drive and from Waters Avenue to Abercorn the entire area has new or repaired sidewalks.  When was the project approved and what funds were used to pay the cost.  City Manager Melder indicated Waters Avenue was a SPLOST project (Streetscape).  Assistant City Manager Lloyd stated he will research the mentioned streets and get the information to Council.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern for disparity in other requested areas of the City for new or repaired sidewalks for months.  City Manager Melder explained there are numerous projects across the City including Streetscape and private developers completing or repairing sidewalks.   Staff will research the streets if Alderwoman Gibson-Carter will provide a list.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern for staff's lack of response to her inquires and asked how were the sidewalks between Derenne Avenue to Victory Drive and from Waters Avenue to Abercorn a priority over the needed new and repaired sidewalks on Waters Avenue between Stephenson and Abercorn.  City Manager Melder committed to getting the requested answers/information for Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  He indicated staff works hard to address every question that comes through Council by providing a monthly packet going to each Member with the questions and the answers. 

Mayor Johnson indicated the City Manager and staff respond to Council inquiries in a timely manner.  He also stated there was one mile of sidewalks installed along Augusta Avenue as part of a SPLOST project.

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

Alderwoman Lanier asked if the City was operating under the new redistricting map.  Mayor Johnson indicated the new redistricting map is effective for the new administration, beginning January 1, 2024.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Item #16, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Item #17, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Item #18, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

HEARD after Item #21.

Mayor Johnson introduced Mr. Pete Nichols, Communications and Marketing Manager, National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force who explained when Savannah received Designation as a World War II American Heritage City and gave a brief description why Savannah was selected for the designation.  Mr. Nichols has forwarded the signage/logo to City departments for usage throughout the City.

Mayor Johnson thanked Mr. Nichols for his work and stated the Designation is great news for the City.  This will give visitors another reason to visit Savannah.

HEARD after Item #4.

Mayor Johnson introduced the Civility Resolution presented to Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) conference attendees at the recent Summit United Conference in Atlanta.  He discussed the importance of government officials' obligation to show civility as respect, courtesy and openness to peers.  Mayor Johnson read the Civility Resolution. 

a.  Alderman Purtee moved to adopt the Civility Resolution, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 6-0-3.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier abstained from the vote.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed that the ultimate display of voter suppression is requiring a 5 Member approval for legislation items to be placed on the meeting agenda.  She stated, this happens no where in the Unites States of America.  She  recommended Council consider more important issues like homelessness, wages requirements, prevention of forced displacement, sex trafficking, or Broughton Street enhancement/relief for business owners.  She further recommended amending the Rules of Council to a moderate number of 3 members required to place an item on the agenda.

Mayor Johnson indicated these issues were not mentioned to him or other Members of Council in the past.  The purpose of the agenda is to vote an item for approval or disapproval.  In prior years only the City Manager or Mayor was able to place items on the agenda.  The Rules of Council was changed to give Council Members an opportunity to place items on the agenda by majority vote.  Members are encouraged to communicate with each other to request assistance in getting their individual items on the agenda by majority vote.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated she has communicated with the City Manager and Council Members to get an item on the agenda to no avail.  Before addressing civility, incivility must be addressed.  In early 2020, Council adopted Rules of Council permitting a 5 member approval for items to be placed on the agenda.  She expressed concern that no other jurisdiction within the United States requires such an approval and recommended amending the Rules of Council to a 3 member approval.  This will permit her to have access to the process.

Mayor Johnson indicated he believes there are 19,000 other cities/counties in the United States.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely agreed with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and stated after surveying other elected officials, no other municipality has that requirement.  She would also like to see the Rules of Council requirement reduced to a 3 member approval.      

Mayor Johnson referred to the City Attorney Lovett and Clerk of Council Massey, since Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked to change the Rules of Council how to proceed.

Mr. Massey indicated, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter initially stated she wanted to approve the Resolution and amend the Rules of Council to change the ability to introduce legislation on the agenda from 5 to 3 Members.

b.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to adopt the Civility Resolution and amend the Rules of Council to introduce legislation as an agenda item to 3 (from 5) members, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion failed, 3-6-0.  Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted no.

Mayor Johnson distributed the Civility Resolution to Members of Council for signatures.  It is the first City in the State to adopt the Civility Resolution.  The executed Resolution will be sent to GMA.

Alderwoman Lanier stated she abstained from the vote due to conversations about civility and a lack of conversations about equity.  There have been conversations with GMA and the National League of Cities (NLC) about requirements to get an item on a bodies agenda.  An unofficial survey shows none require a majority vote for an item to be placed on the agenda.  Alderwoman Lanier has used strategies to get her items on the agenda and some have failed, but in order for her to serve her constituents effectively she would like to see the Rules of Council requirement reduced to 3.

Alderman Palumbo expressed the prior process for getting items on the agenda was through the Mayor or the City Manager.  The Rules of Council empowered Council Members to get items on the agenda by working together as a team.  There are no other governing bodies that empower their Council.  His phone line and email is open.  He is open to any ideas to benefit the residents.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated she ran and won Post 1 At-Large representing the entire City along with Alderwoman Miller Blakely Post 2 At-Large.  She feels it is imperative to get items on the agenda.  She along with Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier, District 1, are consistently closed out.  It is a form of voter suppression and incivility.

Mayor Johnson stated the means of accessing government remains, the City Manager is accessible for administration.  He is accessible along with Council Members.  Incivility is caused by bad behavior; therefore a lack of respect or a show of disrespect will not lead to civil behavior.  The City has an Ethics Board which each Council Member has access, if they feel aggrieved.  The Resolution was adopted and signed by Council Members who voted yea.  Three Council Members abstained.          

HEARD after Item #3.

Mayor Johnson recognized Nickolas Pappas and Vasilis Varlagas of the Olympia Cafe restaurant for being named in the top 10% of restaurants in the World according to Tripadvisor. 

Mr. Pappas and Mr. Varlagas thanked Mayor Johnson, City Council and the City Manager for the honor.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter added Savannah Unforgettable Bakery and Cafe owned by Belinda Baptiste, was nominated for the James Beards Award for Outstanding Bakery.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderman Purtee recognized the passing of two people in District 6, Patrice Muller of Windsor Forest, leaving 10 & 14 year old daughters; and Daphne Walker an employee of the Savannah/Chatham County Authority for the Homeless for eleven years and recently promoted to a director level position.  He asked the public to remember them in prayer.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced on Saturday a survey will be given to interested individuals and residents of Yamacraw Village at First Bryan Baptist Church, 10:00am to 1:00pm.  For residents interested in preserving Yamacraw Village, there will be a meeting at the Georgia Coastal Center on Fahm Street, from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Monday, January 30, 2023.  Come out and support preserving Yamacraw Village.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan gave a shout-out to Frances Pooker for sitting through the entire meeting.    

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:50 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=TmoCPigiFLDi

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:      February 7, 2023  

Signature:   MM