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JANUARY 8, 2026 - 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 2:05 p.m., in Council Chambers. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order. He then recognized Ald. Kurtis Purtee who introduced Reverened Ricky Hester, Pastor of Asbury Memorial Church, to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was recited in unison.
PRESENT: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II 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
ABSENT: Alderwoman Carolyn H. Bell, At-Large, Post 1
ALSO, PRESENT: City Manager Jay Melder Assistant City Manager Taffanye Young Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams City Attorney Bates Lovett Clerk of Council Mark Massey Deputy Clerk of Council Gwendolyn Jones
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for January 8, 2026. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve item #1, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on December 11, 2025, at 11:00 a. m. | |
| Agenda Plus - WS DRAFT MINUTES December 11, 2025 City Council Workshop.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| 3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on December 11, 2025, at 2:00 p. m. | |
| Agenda Plus - RM DRAFT MINUTES_December 11, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. *Mayor Johnson entertained a motion that an executive session regarding litigation and real estate was held earlier, following the work session presentation for which no action was taken. All members were present for the executive session except Ald. Bell. Also attending were the City Manager Melder, City Attorney Lovett, Attorney Mathew McCoy with McCorkle, Johnson, and McCoy, LLP, and Clerk of Council Mark Massey. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to authorize the Mayor to sign a related affidavit and resolution, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 4. An appearance by the Savannah Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Day Association to announce the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance activities. | |
Mayor Johnson recognized State Representative Edna Jackson, former mayor, who was in attendance. Mayor Johnson asked the members of the Savannah Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Day Association to join him at the podium to announce the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Day activities. Mayor Johnson also provided details of the renaming of the Savannah Civic Center to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center dedication service (Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.). He stated that we are so pleased that the MLK Observance Day Association and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance partnered with us to reveal the name. Mayor Johnson entertained the motion for issuance of the parade permit. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #4, approval of the parade permit, seconded by Ald. Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. Mayor Johnson presented the permit to the Honorable Judge Leroy Burke, III, the association president, along with association members, Michael Cheney, Judee Jones, Carolyn Blackshear, Tommy West, and Tara Scott Brown were presented. |
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| 5. An appearance by Ms. Amaris L. Johnson, Southern Regional Director, and Ms. Me’Kia Davis, President of the Savannah Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., to receive recognition commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Sorority’s Southern Region and the 50th Georgia State Cluster, which will be hosted in Savannah from January 15–18, 2026. | |
Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to Southern Regional Director Amaris L. Johnson, President of the Savannah Alumnae Chapter Me'Kia Davis, former Mayor Edna Jackson, Ald. Linda Wilder-Bryan, Miss Savannah State University Crystalynn Jefferson, including sorority members who were present. The proclamation commemorated the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s 100th Anniversary of the Sorority's Southern Region and the 50th Georgia State Cluster, which will be hosted in Savannah from January 15-18, 2026. |
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| 6. An appearance by the Savannah Interagency Diversity Council (SIDC) to formally announce Traffick Jam 2026, to be held January 23–24, 2026, at Savannah State University, highlighting its mission to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking | |
NOT PRESENTED--Postponed until the next meeting. |
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| 7. Recognition of the Graduates of the 2025 New Directors Academy Cohort II. | |
City Manager Melder and Organizational Development Officer Dr. Jennifer Blalock presented/recognized the Graduates of the 2025 New Directors Academy Cohort II. |
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| ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 8. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) Alcohol License to Pankilkumar Patel for Shady Food Mart at 2215 Martin Luther King Blvd. The establishment is located between West 38th Street and West 39th Street; a Convenience Store in Aldermanic District 1. (New Owner/Existing Business) | |
| EXHIBIT 1: Checklist: Shady Food Mart | |
| EXHIBIT 2: Density Map: Shady Food Mart | |
| EXHIBIT 3: Alcohol Report: Shady Food Mart | |
| EXHIBIT 4: Measurement Report: Shady Food Mart | |
| EXHIBIT 5: Safety Plan: Shady Food Mart | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. b. Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #8, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| 9. Approval of a Class C (Liquor) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Gary Gordon for Five Twenty Wings a Restaurant at 2701 Bull Street. The establishment is located between West 43rd Street and Victory Drive in Aldermanic District 2. (New Owner/New Business) | |
| EXHIBIT 1: Checklist: 520 Wings | |
| EXHIBIT 2: Density Map: 520 Wings | |
| EXHIBIT 3: Alcohol Report: 520 Wings | |
| EXHIBIT 4 Measurement Report: 520 Wings | |
| EXHIBIT 5: Safety Plan: 520 Wings | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| 10. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to James Massey for The Laundry Diner a Restaurant at 1401 Paulsen Street. The establishment is located between East 31st Street and East Anderson Street in Aldermanic District 2. (Existing Business/New Request) | |
| EXHIBIT 1: Checklist Laundry Diner | |
| EXHIBIT 2: Density Map Laundry Diner | |
| EXHIBIT 3: Alcohol Report Laundry Diner | |
| EXHIBIT 4: Measurement Report Laundry Diner | |
| EXHIBIT 5: Safety Plan Laundry Diner | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #10, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| 11. Approval to add a Class C (Beer) (By the Drink) Alcohol License to the existing Class B (Beer) (Manufacturing) Alcohol License to James Massey for Two Tides, a Brewpub, at 12 West 41st Street. The establishment is located between Whitaker Street and DeSoto Ave in Aldermanic District 2. (Existing Business/New Request) | |
| EXHIBIT 1: Checklist Two Tides | |
| EXHIBIT 2: Density Map Two Tides | |
| EXHIBIT 3: Alcohol Report Two Tides | |
| EXHIBIT 4: Measurement Report Two Tides | |
| EXHIBIT 5: Safety Plan Two Tides | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #11, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| PETITIONS | |
| 12. Motion to Consider Appeal by Ashbritt, Inc Concerning Award of Storm Debris Removal Contract. | |
Mayor Johnson stated this item was pulled by mutual agreement, and it will come back if there is a need. |
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| PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 13. Notification of an Emergency Purchase for a Switchgear Control Upgrade with Current Edge Solutions, LLC (LOCAL) in the Amount of $566,473. (Stormwater Department) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Derenne Switchgear | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note - Derenne Switchgear | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13 - #15, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| 14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 2 with Great Southern Recreation for Splash Pads in Windsor Park and Daffin Park in the Amount of $46,000. (Capital Projects Management) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Splash Pads.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Splash Pads.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13 - #15, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| 15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification to the Existing Services Contract with Hazen and Sawyer, PC for Georgetown Water Reclamation Facility Engineering Design services in the Amount of $5,315,000. (Water Resources) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Contract Modification No. 1 - Georgetown Water Reclamation Facility.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Contract Modification No. 1 - Georgetown Water Reclamation Facility.docx | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #13 - #15, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| 16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Benton Boulevard Resurfacing Project with C. W. Mathews Contracting Company in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,763,160. (Street Maintenance) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Benton Boulevard Resurfacing.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Benton Boulevard Resurfacing.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #16, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| BOARD APPOINTMENTS | |
| 17. Boards, Commissions, and Authorities - Consider Appointments. | |
Ald. Purtee moved to appoint citizens as read, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent.
As read/follows: • Reappointing Taffanye Young to the Land Bank Authority |
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| AGREEMENTS | |
| 18. Authorize the City Manager to Accept the Second Allocation FY26 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grant Awards for Adult ($656,783) and Dislocated Worker ($1,109,723) Programs. (WorkSource Coastal) | |
| Exhibit 1 - Second Allocation FY26 WIOA Adult Grant Award.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2 - Second Allocation FY26 WIOA Dislocated Worker Grant Award.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #18, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| 19. Authorize the Approval of a Development Agreement with VYOM 5920, LLC for 5920 Ogeechee Road in Unincorporated Chatham County. (WR- Planning & Engineering) | |
| Exhibit 1 : Development Agreement - 5920 Ogeechee Road.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #19, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| REAL ESTATE ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 20. Authorize the City Manager to Approve an Easement for Georgia Power Company at Daffin Park – 1401 E. Victory Dr. (PIN 20076 29001) (Real Estate Services) | |
| Exhibit 1 - Daffin Park GAPC Easement - Map.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2 - Daffin Park GAPC Easement - Easement (1).pdf | |
| Exhibit 3 - Daffin Park GAPC Easement - Easement Exhibit A.pdf | |
Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #20, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS | |
| 21. Settlement #1 | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to authorize (Settlement #1) the City Attorney's office to settle the claim of HDD and Astra for $4,550,000 with financial contribution from Hussey Gay Bell, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. |
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| MISCELLANEOUS | |
| 22. Authorize the Approval for an Interpretive Marker Installation on the Oglethorpe Lane Building in Aldermanic District 1 (25-004765-HM) (Planning & Urban Design) | |
| Exhibit 1: SIGNED HSMC Recommendation to City Council for 201 Montgomery St (25-004765-HM) .pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Signage Text.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Application Packet for 201 Montgomery St.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item# 22, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was absent. For the record, the correct Aldermanic District is District 2. |
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Following additional announcements made by the Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 3:05 p.m.
Mark Massey, Clerk of Council Date Minutes Approved: ______________________ Signature: The video recording of the meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url: |
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