JULY 10, 2025 - 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., in the SCCPSS Board of Education Room located at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura Avenue, Building G.  Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, then recognized Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz who introduced Pastor-Elect Janice Swan Butts, First Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church, to offer the invocation.  The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was recited in unison.  Mayor Johnson asked everyone to keep our friends from Texas in their thoughts and prayers, as a result of the recent flooding and related deaths.

PRESENT:  

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

Alderwoman Carolyn H. Bell, At-Large, Post 1

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 Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Jay Melder

Assistant City Manager Taffanye Young

Neighborhood Services Manager Kahntilida Coleman

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Assistant to Clerk of Council Renee Osborne

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve item #1 with additions stated by Mayor Johnson, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Johnson stated, in relation to items #13 and #14 dealing with horse drawn carriages, the council would not be taking public comment as these items were not advertised as a public hearing.  Therefore, those items will be considered as first readings with no action nor public comment taken.  However, he believes there would be notice for August 14, 2025 Council Meeting.

Mayor Johnson further stated he understands there is item #44, the petition of Gary Wiggins on behalf of Highlands Park Commercial, LLC, in which he previously vetoed council's action.  He stated he was informed that the petitioner requested that this item be postponed until August 14, 2025 City Council Meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

* Mayor Johnson took moments of personal privilege to:

• Welcome and introduce City Manager Melder's mother, Ms. Connie "Coco" Melder, to the city of Savannah.
• Publicly announce Taffanye Young as the new Assistant City Manager.

Mayor Johnson presented Dr. Mildred McClain, who awarded $5,000 grants to Neighborhood Associations to support community-driven growth and engagement through the "Mustard Seeds of Community Investment" which is a combined initiative of Savannah State University, Georgia Tech, CLEAR Hub, Harambee House and the Mayor's office.  Dr. McClain presented five of the twelve awarded grants to the following:

• East Savannah Community Association
• Woodville Community Action Organization
• Ogeecheeton/Dawes Neighborhood Association
• Hudson Hill Neighborhood Association
• Liberty City Neighborhood Association

Mayor Johnson, Ald. Lanier, Ald. Legget, Ald. Bell, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan each expressed their appreciation and thanks to Dr. McClain for her work and engagement in the community and to the Harambee House.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #5.

No speaker(s).

a. Ald. Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearing for agenda item #5, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #5, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for agenda items #6 and #7. See the related agenda items #10, and #11.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC Representative

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearings for agenda items #6 and #7, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for agenda items #6 and #7. See the related agenda items #10, and #11.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC Representative

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearings for agenda items #6 and #7, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for agenda item #8. 

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC Representative

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearing for agenda item #8,  seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #8, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for agenda item #9.  See the related agenda item #12.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC Representative
• Kerrie Bieber -- requested the updated conditions written in red
• Robert McCorkle, III, representing the petitioner

Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearing for agenda item #9, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Written comment(s):

• Kerrie Bieber -- Requested an additional IGA for this area

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked the City Manager and staff for working close with her,  engaging with the developer and Attorney McCorkle, and developing a model for the continous expansion that is so much needed to help decrease the negative inventory of housing in Savannah.  She also thanked the City Manager for working closely with Chatham County as we are developing the improvements of Bush Road and making sure we have the roadways and the IGAs including all things we have been working with.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated that we must continue to have our public engaged with what we are doing in our city.  She expressed her appreciation to Attorney McCorkle and the developer for working hard with the community.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz further thanked MPC for the special conditions and making that stretch. She stated that when special conditions like these are made and they are not originally in budgets of the developer, these things are not just words, but they are also money.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz also expressed her thanks to Ms. Bieber and Ms. Wilson.

Ald. Bell asked Attorney McCorkle a question regarding the total number of units that were being added to this project.  Attorney McCorkle advised that the IGA adopted in November limited the total density on the 680 acres to 1500 units.  He stated he does not know exactly how many units, but it will be less than 1500 total.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved (to approve agenda item #10) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan, Ald. Lanier, and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved (to approve agenda item #11) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by  Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved (to approve agenda item #12) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Bell and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

LISTED for First Reading Only

Written comment(s):

• Ruth Arnone – OPPOSED to #13 and #14
• Robyn Lowe – OPPOSED to #13 and #14
• Amy E. Soeldner – OPPOSED to #13 and #14
• Janet & Jeff Champlin – IN SUPPORT of #14
• Jessica Malki – IN SUPPORT of #14
• E. Burcin Dengiz Olin – IN SUPPORT of #14
• Karen Elger – IN SUPPORT of #14
• Ann Sosbe – IN SUPPORT of the carriage horse industry
• Sara Crane – IN SUPPORT of restricted carriage use
• Elsa Moczulski – IN SUPPORT of restricted carriage use
• Reece Myran DVM – IN SUPPORT of the carriage horse industry
• Kathleen O’Sullivan – IN SUPPORT of #13
• Ilene Shuman – IN SUPPORT of the carriage horse industry

Mayor Johnson stated items #13 and #14 were not advertised as a public hearing, so this is just for publication purposes.  However, council will take it up on August 14th.  Mayor Johnson advised that there are several ways to address council (in-person on the 14th or a message can be sent to the Clerk of Council who sends council all of those comments).  He stated that the first amendment's rights to peaceably assemble is one of the bedrock of foundational freedoms we have as Americans.   He further stated whether you love horses or you do not, wherever you are on this, the great part about being in America is that you have a right to an opinion, and you have a right to express that opinion even if people do not agree with you.  Mayor Johnson asked in the ensuing days and weeks as this issue continues to play out, let us just keep it cool, and if you do not agree, then you just do not agree and leave it at that. Let the legislative process for council take place as it does.

Ald. Palumbo stated in cases like these where there is an enormous amount of attention, we will try to move the goalpost to a person, we will try to move them to a scapegoat, we will analyze and split hairs over the details.  He stated that the most important thing to remember is that we are all Savannahians.  The people that are passionate about this issue are passionate about the values they hold and they are not for or against anybody else. It is what they believe in.  Ald. Palumbo stated that no matter what happens in the ensuing month, as this is debated, his most important wish is that we keep it to the policy.  The charge is to address the heat, the number that is in this ordinance, the safety and welfare of animals, the operators that serve, and the conditions that the city has been charged with to address.   He further stated that we have a duty to draft these regulations and evaluate them all the time.   Ald. Palumbo expressed that his wish is for all us to continue to express our opinions, to express our voices, and acknowledge that we are still one city, one community, and we hold these values dearly. 

Ald. Lanier stated that what Ald. Palumbo experienced while he was attending the protest is unacceptable.  She stated that he was graceful in his response.  Ald. Lanier further explained that if that was to have happened to someone else, it would have been a different story, and we do not want that.  Ald. Lanier stated she was sorry that Ald. Palumbo had to go through that. 

LISTED for First Reading Only

Written comment(s):

• Ruth Arnone – OPPOSED to #13 and #14
• Robyn Lowe – OPPOSED to #13 and #14
• Amy E. Soeldner – OPPOSED to #13 and #14
• Janet & Jeff Champlin – IN SUPPORT of #14
• Jessica Malki – IN SUPPORT of #14
• E. Burcin Dengiz Olin – IN SUPPORT of #14
• Karen Elger – IN SUPPORT of #14
• Ann Sosbe – IN SUPPORT of the carriage horse industry
• Sara Crane – IN SUPPORT of restricted carriage use
• Elsa Moczulski – IN SUPPORT of restricted carriage use
• Reece Myran DVM – IN SUPPORT of the carriage horse industry
• Kathleen O’Sullivan – IN SUPPORT of #13
• Ilene Shuman – IN SUPPORT of the carriage horse industry

Mayor Johnson stated items #13 and #14 were not advertised as a public hearing, so this is just for publication purposes.  However, council will take it up on August 14th.  Mayor Johnson advised that there are several ways to address council (in-person on the 14th or a message can be sent to the Clerk of Council who sends council all of those comments).  He stated that the first amendment's rights to peaceably assemble is one of the bedrock of foundational freedoms we have as Americans.   He further stated whether you love horses or you do not, wherever you are on this, the great part about being in America is that you have a right to an opinion, and you have a right to express that opinion even if people do not agree with you.  Mayor Johnson asked in the ensuing days and weeks as this issue continues to play out, let us just keep it cool, and if you do not agree, then you just do not agree and leave it at that. Let the legislative process for council take place as it does.

Ald. Palumbo stated in cases like these where there is an enormous amount of attention, we will try to move the goalpost to a person, we will try to move them to a scapegoat, we will analyze and split hairs over the details.  He stated that the most important thing to remember is that we are all Savannahians.  The people that are passionate about this issue are passionate about the values they hold and they are not for or against anybody else. It is what they believe in.  Ald. Palumbo stated that no matter what happens in the ensuing month, as this is debated, his most important wish is that we keep it to the policy.  The charge is to address the heat, the number that is in this ordinance, the safety and welfare of animals, the operators that serve, and the conditions that the city has been charged with to address.   He further stated that we have a duty to draft these regulations and evaluate them all the time.   Ald. Palumbo expressed that his wish is for all us to continue to express our opinions, to express our voices, and acknowledge that we are still one city, one community, and we hold these values dearly. 

Ald. Lanier stated that what Ald. Palumbo experienced while he was attending the protest is unacceptable.  She stated that he was graceful in his response.  Ald. Lanier further explained that if that was to have happened to someone else, it would have been a different story, and we do not want that.  Ald. Lanier stated she was sorry that Ald. Palumbo had to go through that. 

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #15, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

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. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #17, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #18, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Johnson stated that there are several ingredients that go into your tax bill: the City, the County, the School Board, and the Transit District.  Of course, we have a hot property market where the valuation is growing.  He stated that this is some relief that we (council) can provide, but again, we do not control what your total tax bill is. 

Ald. Bell moved to approve agenda item #19, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #20, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Johnson noted that this item was continued from the June 26, 2025 Council Meeting.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated that council has talked a lot about this.  She expressed that when council asks for something for two weeks, the whole idea is to get some conversation about it or to change something.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan further stated that the summary was still the same and nothing has changed and expressed that passing it for two weeks was to try to get an adjustment for the timeframe.  She explained that we are hiring four people to work 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked what was going on on Sunday, and stated this is the problem she had.  The hours are still banking hours and most of the people who have problems have them after 11:00 p.m.  She stated that we are giving a quarter of a million dollars to help roofless people with bankers hours, and there is nothing you can do from 9 to 10 that negates what needs to be done from 11 unti 6 o'clock in the morning.

Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager if it would require modification or another contract.  (It will require additional funding and a contract modification.)

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked why can't they change the hours.  She stated that we just had this whole thing about horses and the heat, and so, are not these roofless people just as important as horses and animals?  Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated specifically, she is more concerned about the people outside during those hours.  City Manager Melder stated he agreed with Ald. Wilder-Bryan regarding the need for expanded homeless outreach services.  He further explained the constraint for expanding operating hours after 9 p.m. including Sundays.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated we need to do something that will change the quality of life during the time frame that we do not have any service and on Sunday.   We need coverage from this homeless authority on Sunday, and to not have anything on Sunday is very distasteful.  Assistant City Manager Young explained the terms of the current contract and the additional cost for extending services on Sundays until 9:00 p.m.  She stated that funds need to be identified as it is an unbudgeted cost and would look forward to a contract modification to pick that up--so, Sunday is possible.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated she was in agreement that we have to do something because of what is going on downtown.  She further stated because people are traveling and vacationing, there will be more arrests on Sunday if we do not hurry up and do something.  Saturdays and Sundays are where we do most of our arrests, and she knows this from hands-on experience.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan expressed that is why she is adamant about doing something on the weekend, Sunday especially.

Mayor Johnson noted that this is further than where we were, this council that made the mounumental steps forward, and in a year, we have already expanded our services.  He stated he thinks if we keep the trajectory going and understand where our gaps in services are, then he would love to have services 24 hours a day everyday.  He stated he appreciated Ald. Wilder-Bryan's passion and that he agrees with her, but we have to build bridges to get to the step.  Mayor Johnson further stated it is definitely a step in the right direction and he believes the City Manager heard that we want folks taken care of all the time, and we can get there.

Ald. Bell agreed with the Mayor and City Manager by reiterating that this council should be proud and it is an incremetal process.  She further expressed to not forget that the Inner City Night Shelter, the only wet-shelter in town, is expanding for an additional 40 beds.  Ald. Bell stated we are not there yet, but we are definitely making progress in terms of providing services for our homeless population.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #21, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed 7-1-0.  Ald. Lanier voted no, and Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Lanier stated this item was postponed to receive more information.  She stated that she spent quite a bit of time taking a deep dive into the information that was provided at the last meeting.  She informed City Manager Melder that she sent over a lot of information to his office and has not seen answers to the questions that she sent.  She further stated she does not have staff, but she had to build one by pulling some really smart people together to work on this.  Ald. Lanier stated that they looked at the two companies' histories by reviewing what was public as she did not get the interviews she requested.  She stated that both companies met the minimal qualifications and they met the Seymar qualifications, but there are some red flags.  She stated they (her and her staff) put together a qualification analysis comparison, and had it been close, they would have shut down their operation.  Ald. Lanier stated that it appears that one of the companies far exceeded the other as far as experience of the diiferent jobs they had under their belt and the amount of the billions of dollar jobs, but they are not the one being recommended.  She stated that we are recommending the company that met the minimum qualifications.  Ald. Lanier asked the City Manager was something sent or did she miss something?  City Manager Melder stated that an email was sent to her from the city attorney regarding our ability to send responses.  City Attorney Lovett explained his concerns about the legality of disclosure of much of the information requested.  Ald. Lanier asked what is the recourse if this is passed and she shared the information that shows the discrepencies that her team discovered.  City Attorney Lovett stated that after the hearing/vote would be an appropriate time to disclose the information that was given.  He further explained the process of recourse for the bidder who was not selected: a formal written process to appeal within the City of Savannah, and if they are not satisfied, they can file a lawsuit in superior court.  Ald. Lanier stated that this is another point because it makes us complicit with whatever is happening.  She stated that she wanted to send notice to our processes and procedures because she had to put back on her certified analyst hat and dive into this.  She further stated that she was blown by how much of a discrepency there was, and she understood the actual legal procedure that we are now taking.  Ald. Lanier expressed that she just needed to say this in public because once the vote is taken, she will be in a position to share this information with management.

Mayor Johnson added that the council manager form of government protects city council members because it creates a buffer between the decision-makers and the process of formulating a recommendation that is there on purpose.  He further stated that there is a period in between the time that the RFP is released and answered--a blackout period in which we are not to communicate.  Mayor Johnson stated we either accept the recommendation or we do not, but he would caution council, not only on the legal side but on the ethical side, to make sure that we are allowing our roles to do what they do--it should never become fuzzy. 

After the vote, Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager to make the information (regarding this item) available to those that want it.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, #24, #25, and #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, #24, #25, and #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, #24, #25, and #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, #24, #25, and #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, #24, #25, and #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #32, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-0-1.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz recused herself/abstained due to business purposes, and Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, and #39, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #40, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #41, seconded by Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed 7-0-1.  Ald. Purtee was away from the dais, and Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Johnson stated that it is not perfect, but we can live with it.  City Attorney Lovett and City Manager Melder advised the council that there were changes to the contract regarding the distribution of revenue as it relates to the 2030 Census.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #42, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed 7-0-1.  Ald. Purtee was away from the dais, and Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Written comment(s):

• Sam Brannen -- Requested sound barriers along the Truman Parkway

Mayor Johnson stated that all of our pools are operating and the Jenkins pool is in relatively good shape, and so, we are trying to expand access.  He stated this is the agreement that council asked staff for. 

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated she is glad that we got an additional pool which makes six and covers the entire city.  She also thanked Assistant City Manager Young and Director of Recreation and Leisure Services, Nick Roberts.

Ald. Palumbo thanked our partnership with the school board with a walk down memory lane by sharing a brief story about his student teacher experience at HBJ Warriors and had a classroom that overlooked this very pool.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz commended our City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Mr. Roberts for the lifeguards.  She stated that when we did the opening day for the 100 Days of Summer, there were so many lifeguards there, some being trained. 

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #43, authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the injuries/damages claim of Ahyunjah Middelton for $65,000.00, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-1.  Ald. Purtee was away from the dais, and Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Palumbo moved to reconsider agenda item #44 and to place it on the August 14, 2025 City Council Meeting agenda as requested by the petitioner, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

*Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12^th Edition, provides that a motion to reconsider means that the original vote is thus canceled, and before any new vote on it is taken, the question is again open to debate, amendment, or any other action appropriate in the case, per RONR Sec. 37:7.

Mayor Johnson stated to keep Ald. Miller Blakely and her family in your thoughts and prayers.  He also stated that this starts a brief hiatus for team Savannah and our next meeting is not until August the 14th. 

Following additional announcements made by the Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 3:50 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:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/?folder=ALL.