July 2, 2019 City Council Regular Meeting

Savannah City Government

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

COUNCIL WORK SESSION & CITY MANAGER’S BRIEFING

July 2, 2019 – 2:00 p.m.

The Regular Meeting of the City Council was held at 2:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

PRESENT:      Mayor Eddie W. DeLoach, Presiding

Mayor Pro-Tem Carolyn H. Bell

Alderman Julian Miller, Chairman of Council

Alderman Brian Foster, Vice-Chairman of Council

Alderman Van R. Johnson, II, District 1

Alderman Bill Durrence, District  2

Alderman John Hall, District 3

Alderwoman Dr. Estella E. Shabazz, District 5

Alderman Tony Thomas, District 6

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

Acting City Manager Patrick C. Monahan

Assistant to the City Manager Bret Bell

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Deputy City Attorney Jen Herman

Assistant City Attorney William Shearouse

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, which was recited in unison, Alderman Bill Durrence read into the record a history of Independence Day, to include a merging of different cultures and religious observances in America's History.  He then led everyone in a moment of silence for personal reflection.

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to authorize the Mayor to sign an Affidavit and Resolution for the executive session held for real estate and litigation, where no votes were taken, Alderwoman Shabazz seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Motion to Adopt the Agenda for the July 2, 2019 City Council Regular Meeting

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to adopt the Agenda for the July 2, 2019, City Council Regular Meeting, Alderwoman Shabazz seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Mayor DeLoach recognized the Chatham County Youth Commission and the numerous youth (candidates) in the audience.  Alderman Van Johnson gave a brief background of the Program and introduced the candidates for the Chatham County Youth Commission in the audience.

Mayor DeLoach recognized two participates in the Summer 500 Program, a program for learning and working in the business environment throughout the summer, sponsored by the City of Savannah:

  • Amar Lee - working for Thomas & Hutton, Mr. Trevor Peters and Mr. Michael Hughes, supervisors.  Amar thanked the City of Savannah for the Summer 500 Program and expressed his desire to continue in the engineering field.
  • Domonique Brown - assigned to work for Polote Corporation, Mr. Benny Polote and his father, Supervisors, accompanied him as he expressed his appreciation for the Summer 500 Program and the knowledge he has learned at the Polote Corporation.

Mayor DeLoach thanked all the participates of the Summer 500 Program, businesses, students and City employees for their hard work and dedication.  He introduced Mr. Glenn Hull, City Manager's Office, for all the devotion and commitment to the Program.  He referred to Mr. Hull as the 'Great Giant". 

 
CONSENT AGENDA - (This section shall include all routine items for which it is anticipated there will be no debate or requests for public input. Any Alderman can remove consent items for discussion or separate consideration.)
2. Approval of Minutes for the Work Session & City Manager's Briefing on June 20, 2019

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2 through 15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  No vote taken on this motion.

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting on June 20, 2019

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
4. Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Authorities

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell, Alderman Foster, and Alderman Durrence recused themselves.

There was discussion with Mayor and Council concerning the appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Authorities.

Alderman Johnson, Alderman Thomas and Alderwoman Shabazz expressed concern for the lack of discussion prior to the appointments being placed on the Agenda.  Mayor DeLoach instructed the Clerk of Council to give a copy of the recommended appointment/reappointment for Boards, Commissions, and Authorities to all Aldermen for their review prior to the next Regular City Council Meeting.

A copy of the Memorandum to Mayor and Aldermen from the Office of the Clerk of Council regarding appointments to Boards, Commission and Authorities, dated June 20, 2019 was distributed to each Aldermen and Mayor by the Deputy Clerk of Council.

Item #4 will be Continued/Held to the July 18, 2019, City Council Meeting.  
5. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 3 with Johnson-Laux Construction for Site and Civil Services for the Savannah Police Department's Central Precinct in the Amount of $6,613.01 (Event No. 5688) - (SPLOST PROJECT)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
6. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Emergency Contract with JG Fence Company for Fencing Related to the Bilbo Canal Drainage Improvements Project in the Amount of $51,948 (Event No. 7240) - (SPLOST PROJECT)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
7. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Renew an Annual Sole Source Contract with Zonar Systems for GPS Services in the Amount of $83,633.52 (Event No. 7239)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
8. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Lammons Construction for Repairs to the Savannah Police Department Headquarters in the Amount of $52,350.08 (Event No. 6932)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
9. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract with Beers Housing, Inc. for Securing Structures in the Estimated Amount of $60,000 (Event No. 6913)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
10. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract with R. Jackson Enterprise, Inc. for Mail and Courier Services in the Estimated Amount of $79,800 (Event No. 7054)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
11. Notification of Emergency Procurement of EZ Valve from Consolidated Pipe and Supply Company, Inc. in the Amount of $29,000 (Event No. 7245)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
12. Motion to Approve a Water and Sewer Agreement for Home2Suites at 46 Lee Boulevard

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
13. Motion to Approve a Water and Sewer Agreement for The Preserve at Chatham Parkway

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
14. Motion to Approve the Purchase of Right-of-Way and Easement at 1025 West Gwinnett Street (PIN: 2-0046- 08-02).

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
15. Motion to Approve the Purchase of Right-of-Way and Easement at 1303 W. Gwinnett Street (PIN: 2-0050 -17-001B).

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #2, #3 and #5 through #15, Alderman Durrence seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS
16. (Continued) Show Cause Hearing for Revocation of the Alcohol License for Dharrnisthaben Patel of the Marathon Gas Station at 1816 Montgomery Street (Aldermanic District 2)

City Attorney Lovett asked that Item #16 be continued/held to the July 18, 2019, meeting at the request of the Petitioner's Attorney.

Continued/Held to the July 18, 2019, Council Meeting.
ZONING HEARING
17. Motion to Amend the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Alcohol Density Overlay Districts (Petitioner: Mayor and Aldermen)

Alderman Johnson moved to open the public hearing, Alderwoman Shabazz seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

  • Donna Myers - representative of Liberty City community and several of the surrounding communities.  She asked the Council to support all the Ordinances related to the Alcohol Density Overlay Districts as they are presented.

Alderman Johnson moved to close the public hearing, Alderwoman Shabazz seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Alderman Johnson moved to approve Item #17, Alderwoman Shabazz seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
18. Motion to Amend the Zoning Map to Include Additional Areas as Part of the Alcohol Density Overlay District (Petitioner: Mayor and Aldermen)

Alderwoman Shabazz moved to open the public hearing for Item #18, Alderman Johnson seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Alderwoman Shabazz moved to close the public hearing and approve Item #18, Alderman Johnson seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
ORDINANCES - FIRST READING
19. Motion to Adopt the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance and the Official Zoning Map of the City of Savannah (NewZO)

FIRST READING HEARD
ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING
20. Motion to Amend the Future Land Use Category of 7201 Van Buren Avenue (Petitioner: Joshua Yellin for Brenda K. Horton)

After the first reading was considered the second, Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item #20, Alderman Miller seconded.  The motion carried unanimously. 
21. Motion to Rezone 7201 Van Buren Avenue from R-6 to I-P (Petitioner: Joshua Yellin for Brenda K. Horton)

After the first reading was considered the second, Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item #21, Alderman Miller seconded.  The motion carried unanimously. 
22. Motion to Amend Article A and Article B of the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Convenience Stores (Petitioner: Mayor and Aldermen)

After the first reading was considered the second, Alderwoman Shabazz moved to approve Item #22, Alderman Johnson seconded.  The motion carried unanimously. 
PURCHASING ITEMS
23. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with TQ Constructors for Construction of Facilities at Interchange Court in the Amount of $37,605,246.88 (Event No. 7056) - (SPLOST PROJECT)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item#23 and Item #25 through Item #31 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Foster seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
24. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Johnson-Laux Construction for Various Improvements at Atwood Park in the Amount of $241,286.46 (Event No. 7247) - (SPLOST PROJECT)

Alderman Miller moved to approve Item #24, Mayor Pro-Tem Bell and Alderman Hall seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
25. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 5 with Thomas and Hutton Engineering for Design Services of Savannah Gardens Phase III Infrastructure in the Amount of $180,750 (Event No. 7246) - (SPLOST PROJECT)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item#23 and Item #25 through Item #31 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Foster seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
26. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Renew an Annual Contract with Staples Advantage for Office Supplies in an Amount Not to Exceed $750,000 (Event No. 3649)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item#23 and Item #25 through Item #31 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Foster seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
27. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract with Ashbritt, Inc. (primary), Ceres Environmental Services (secondary), and DRC Emergency Services (tertiary) for Storm Debris Removal Services (Event No. 6481)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item#23 and Item #25 through Item #31 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Foster seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
28. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract for Roofing Materials for the Summer Rehab Program to Southern Roof Center in the Estimated Amount of $136,111.70 (Event No. 7023)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item#23 and Item #25 through Item #31 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Foster seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
29. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Innovative Packaging Leaders, Inc. for Curbside Recycling Carts in the Estimated Amount of $115,228 (Event No. 6530)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item#23 and Item #25 through Item #31 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Foster seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
30. Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract with Dana Safety Company for Patrol Rifles in the Savannah Police Department in the Amount of $73,500 (Event No. 6940)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item#23 and Item #25 through Item #31 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Foster seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
31. Motion to Procure Pickup Trucks from Alan Jay Automotive Management in the amount of $349,970 (Event No. 7088)

Mayor Pro-Tem Bell moved to approve Item#23 and Item #25 through Item #31 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Foster seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.
REAL ESTATE ITEMS
32. Motion to Approve Donation of Real Property at New Hampstead Park.

Alderwoman Shabazz moved to approve Item#32, Alderman Miller seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

  • Mr. Sean Mannion, Chairman of the Park and Tree Commission spoke in support of the New Hampstead Park donation with two provisions: 1) City to make best efforts to preserve tree canopy and coverage throughout the City of Savannah and to minimize logging on the 863 acres conservation easement track and preserve the birds and wildlife ; 2) on the 48-50 acre site the Commission ask that the City save some space for a multi-purpose park.

At the request of Mayor DeLoach, Acting City Manager Monahan gave a brief background of Bacon Park and how New Hampstead Park affords the City with the same opportunity.

Announcements:

Alderman Miller announced he is having a Town Hall Meeting on July 11, 2019, 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Marshall Arts Auditorium at Chandler Hospital to discuss the Canal Street District drainage problem.

Alderwoman Shabazz announced the Neighborhood Leadership Institute will hold a meeting on Thursday, July 11, 2019, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at Wiltshire Blvd. to give information on Landlord and vacant owners responsibilities.

Alderman Johnson commented that 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for people who work might be challenging and because the topic is important to many residents, the City Manager might want to consider a Saturday meeting.

Alderman Hall announced the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the Pennsylvania Avenue Resource Center at 425 Pennsylvania Avenue on Friday, July 12, 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 13, 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a Block Party.

Following the announcements by Council, Mayor DeLoach adjourned the meeting at 2:42 p.m.

The video recording of the Council meeting can be found by copying and pasting the below link in your url:


https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=ZXLPGKJdGjWs 

 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:  ___________

Initials: ______
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