JULY 11, 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 2:01 p.m.  Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson thanked everyone for joining the meeting in-person and virtually.  He advised City Hall endured a strike of lightening this week, so some electronic systems have been fried; however, extra measures are being taken to provide adequate coverage, although some may experience fluctuations in service today.  Mayor Johnson announced the City Manager is on training-leave, so we are in the capable hands of our Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd.  Mayor Johnson also asked everyone to keep their thoughts and prayers with Ald. Alicia Miller Blakely and her family for the loss of a brother and step-mother, within a days time.  Mayor Johnson introduced Reverend Dr. Charles Robert O'Berry Jr., Pastor of the House of Freedom Worship Center (on behalf of Ald. Miller Blakely), 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 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:

Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Johnson announced that the Mayor and Aldermen conducted a closed executive session earlier regarding Litigation, for which no votes were taken.  Mayor Johnson entertained a motion to that effect, thereby granting him authority to sign the required resolution and affidavit.  Ald. Palumbo moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Referring to #7 and #8, Mayor Johnson indicated his interest to push these related zoning items to the September 26, 2024 City Council Meeting to allow staff and the public to consider/exhaust more options.

Ald. Bryan:

• Discussed this matter with staff for more than a year, and the building has been for sale for more than 20 years.
• The owner has been offered the house, and $10K to move it.
• It is disheartening the Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) now says this place is/has historic value.
• Requested to see a list of all the African American applications (across the city) the HSF has done.
• Expressed a fond feeling for historical matters.
• Experienced push back from the HSF for the Robbie Robinson historical marker, but the city handled it.
• This particular house has not been on the radar of the HSF.  The Daddy Grace Mansion is also at the top of Victory.
• District 2 has been getting all of the attention in terms of history.
• Held a magnificent townhall meeting in March, and nobody said anything about the house.  The President and Vice President of Victory Heights was not there.
• If it is determined that things are historic in the city, regardless of the reason, we shouldn't wait for the HSF to then say whether something has significant historic value.
• The owner worked with GDOT regarding traffic options.
• The property was sold by black people, and it could have been bought by black people.
• Mrs. Toomer lived multiple places, and there was a dentist too.  But don't make this about a house, when the HSF lost three black churches, because they were not applied for.
• The owner has expressed he wants to move forward, whether the vote is up or down.  She has to advocate for everybody, and she doesn't get to pick and choose.
• The public is trying to make us (the Council) do something they need to be doing.  Moving forward in determining historic value, she suggested the public start giving those names/applications to the HSF, who is picking and choosing.
• There are a lot of markers downtown, but there are other things happening in this city.  Based on reason and logic, today is about zoning, not politics.

Mayor Johnson stated actions today have nothing to do with the HSF, nor do they have to do with the house.  If we are going to move forward, let's move forward.

Ald. Palumbo moved to adopt/approve #1, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for items #4 and #5, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve #4, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearing for items #4 and #5, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Leggett:

• Requested clarification for the license now and in the future, namely regarding liquor.

Mayor Johnson:

• Asked can any restrictions be made conditional, as a part of the license, if she is not pursuing it right now.

Speaker(s):

• Judee Jones, Revenue Director - Beer/Wine only for now, but later on she can pursue it.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve #5, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

MPC Executive Director Melanie Wilson apologized for being late.  They got caught in a school board meeting which was held over.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for #6.

Speaker(s):

• Melanie Wilson, MPC Executive Director
• Edward Morrow, MPC representative

Written comment(s):

• Kerrie Bieber - Expressed various concerns
• Leased Land of Robert & Lucy Grant - OPPOSED

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing for #6, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.  See related agenda item #11.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for #7 and #8.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC representative
• Josh Yellin, representing the petitioner
• Melanie Wilson, MPC Executive Director
• Enocha Van Lierop-Edenfield - OPPOSED
• Rene Hitt - OPPOSED
• Ellie Isaacs - OPPOSED
• Randy Tate - OPPOSED
• Brooke Powell - OPPOSED
• Jason Combs - OPPOSED
• Sue Adler - OPPOSED
• Greer Gadsden Larned, MD - OPPOSED
• Clinton Edminster - OPPOSED
• Emily Ullrich - OPPOSED
• Lynn Adams - OPPOSED

Written comment(s) received:

• Jane Stout - OPPOSED, Debbi Milligan Roland - OPPOSED, Sabine & Steven Smith - OPPOSED, Stephen Corrigan - OPPOSED, Laura Rychak - OPPOSED, Justin Rychak - OPPOSED, Felix T. Maher - OPPOSED, Andi Gray - OPPOSED, Rene Hitt - OPPOSED, Brenda Manning - OPPOSED, Annette Holliday - OPPOSED, Dale Worley - OPPOSED, Jenn Sexton - OPPOSED, Barry Atwood – OPPOSED, Emily Ullrich – OPPOSED, Brooke Powell – OPPOSED, M. Phan – OPPOSED, Sonja Fishkind – OPPOSED, Evelyn Kelly – OPPOSED, Jason Combs – OPPOSED, Natalie Joy Kurtz – OPPOSED, Leighanna Bunton – OPPOSED, Andre Frattino – OPPOSED, Aquila Ingram – OPPOSED, Kathy Salter – OPPOSED, Caity Hamilton – OPPOSED, Jamie Holmes – OPPOSED, Sarah C. Harden – OPPOSED, Enocha Edenfield – OPPOSED, Charlotte Landon – OPPOSED, Christina Brantley – OPPOSED, Lynn Adams – OPPOSED, Kirsten Pointer – OPPOSED, Gloria Martindale – OPPOSED, Kylie Kline – OPPOSED, Ryan Lee – OPPOSED, Katherine Grimmett – OPPOSED, Lillian Proveaux Breitbart – OPPOSED, Mariana Langley (Molander) – OPPOSED, Sharon Mays – OPPOSED, Avondale SAV – OPPOSED, Lana Sanders – OPPOSED, Millia Jimerson – OPPOSED, Anthony Teixeira – OPPOSED, Claire Nelson – OPPOSED, Jillison Parks – OPPOSED, Tammy Kenkel – OPPOSED, Sandra – OPPOSED, Connie Polk – OPPOSED, Jeff Tindi – OPPOSED, Anthony Maxwell – OPPOSED, Kathleen Efird – OPPOSED, Rebecca Fenwick – OPPOSED

Ald. Bell moved to close the zoning hearings for #7 and #8, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was away from the dais, and Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.  See related agenda items #8, #12, and #13.

Mayor Johnson thanked everyone for the time they spent expressing their comments.

Ald. Palumbo:

• Asked the City Manager for an explanation of their recommendation. (denial, but agreed to 30-60 day delay)
• Stated he supports the idea of giving more time to make a more informed decision, and it appears that the decision today is mostly about traffic.

Ald. Leggett:

• Asked if the owner can tear down this property today (no, the owner would have to apply for a demolition permit, requiring an assessment).

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz:

• At the corner of Mills B. Lane and Liberty Parkway is Dr. Henry Collier and his family's home.  She asked everyone to help rescue/save a needed historic property.

Ald. Bell:

• Thanked the citizens for their engagement.
• Asked her colleagues to delay a decision today, and give staff the opportunity to work with the petitioner to see if some of the critical needs can be addressed, such as housing.

Ald. Lanier:

• Asked the MPC what use they recommended.  (a less intense change, called civic institutional)

Then, there was discussion regarding whether housing could be developed under the current and/or proposed housing.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan:

• Asked a question regarding the traffic study, and the process the community was to be notified.
• Asked a question regarding Mr. Clemmons' house.

Mayor Johnson stated we have to be careful about what we do and the ramifications.  He stated he was in the area recently, and there are a bunch of storage units within proximity.  With respect to zoning this property, he has pleaded to allow for a meeting of the minds and come up with something that works, between the city, the hired planners, the petitioner, the land owner, and the residents.  He asked Council to be very thoughtful, and be careful about the precedence that is set for other parts of the city.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz:

• Asked for the recommendation from the City Manager. (denial)

HEARD TOGETHER with item #7.  See related agenda items #7, #12, and #13.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for item #9.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC representative
• Ashley Lowden - OPPOSED
• Glynda M. Jones (LCRS) - Provided additional historical knowledge, IN-SUPPORT

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for item #9, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed, 6-0-3.  Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan were away from the dais, and Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.  See related agenda item #14.

Mayor Johnson asked Ms. Jones to give the former dean of City Council Clifton Jones, her father who recently turned 92 years young, their regards.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for item #10.

Speaker(s):

• Bridget Lidy, Urban Planning & Design Senior Director

Ald. Purtee moved to close the hearing for #10, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.  See related agenda items #15 and #16, for first reading only.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a requst that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve #11, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve item #12, that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion failed, 4-4-1.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Lanier, Ald. Leggett, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan voted yea.  Mayor Johnson, Ald. Bell, Ald. Palumbo, and Ald. Purtee voted no.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

For the Clerk, Ald. Bell asked when this matter can be reconsidered.  (The Clerk of Council advised the motion failed, so no action was taken.  Deferring to the City Attorney, the City Attorney advised the petitioner cannot bring back the matter for one year.  The City Council could bring it back, if it so chose.)

Mayor Johnson advised that item #13 is a moot point, since item #12 did not pass.

No vote was taken on item #13.  See related agenda items, #7, #8, and #12.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve #14, that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was away from the dais, and Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

HEARD for first reading only.

HEARD for first reading only.

HEARD for first reading only.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #18, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Johnson asked when the ordinance takes effect (immediately).

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #19, #20, and #22, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #19, #20, and #22, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Ald. Palumbo announced the City committed to an ambitious goal of 100% clean energy for all city buildings in March 20, 2020, during the first virtual city council meeting.  This goal is alive and well.  The cost pays for itself and returns a $1.4M net benefit to residents of the city.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve purchasing item #21, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #19, #20, and #22, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve the settlement of agenda item #23, authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (car accident) of Cora Cannady in the amount of $150,000.00, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #24, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #25, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Miller Blakely was absent.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mayor Johnson reminded everyone the 2nd public hearing regarding the millage rate will be held later today at 6:00 p.m.

Ald. Bell gave a shout-out to the Savannah area members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated who attended the Biennial Boule held in Dallas, Texas, July 5 -11, 2024.  More than 28,000 were in attendance to celebrate the legacy of service to all mankind, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris was a speaker/attendee.

Ald. Leggett gave thanks to Mayor Johnson, CAT Interim Director Cutter, CAT Chairman Cody, and Chatham County Chairman Ellis for receiving $7,889,840 in federal transit administration funds for the purchase of electric buses.

Mayor Johnson thanked Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan for accompanying him, as they continue to expand their electric footprint and get carbon-guzzling equipment off the road.  Congratulations to CAT, Chairman Cody, Interim Director Stephanie Cutter, and the Biden/Harris administration that continues to make sure we see more money within the community and our lifetime.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz announced and invited the public to support the Greenbriar Children's Center (GCC) who is holding a 3-mile walk in celebration of 75 years of service on Saturday, July 13 at 7:30 a.m., starting at First African Church.  There is a cost and you can call them at 912.234.3431.  Ald. Bell added that GCC was founded by the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, another service to all mankind.

Mayor Johnson asked Ald. Leggett to announce the Savannah Recreation (Leisure Services) Department is set to host a 3-on-3 men's league, basketball tournament at the Blackshear Basketball Complex on Friday, July 12.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan announced the 90th birthday of Mariah Kennedy Bailey, Saturday at St. Benedict's.  Audrey Williams is partnering with the Sheriff's department to do a back-to-school event.  And, Omar Temple #21 is having a Friends and Family Day Picnic in the Mother Mathilda Beasley Park on East Broad Street.

Assistant City Manager Lloyd announced that an excavator truck struck the overpass at I-16 and Chatham Parkway, causing I-16 to be shutdown.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz announced tonight, Thursday, July 11th at 6:00 p.m. at First Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church (corner of 44th and Hopkins), she will be having a meeting with Cann Park and Jackson Park residents regarding recent violence (re: citywide concern of no more guns), along with the Savannah Police Department.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 4:02 p.m.

The 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=a93tZBSWoJCowCgy

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: ______________________

Signature: