SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

JULY 23, 2020 – 6:30 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held via Zoom video communications at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Johnson requested Alderman Detric Leggett to introduce Reverend Dr. Matthew Marvin Odum, Sr., Senior Pastor of the Temple of Glory Community Church, who provided 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, Chairman

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

OTHERS PRESENT:

City Manager Pat Monahan

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Deputy City Attorney Jennifer Herman

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as presented, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #4 through #10, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  No vote was taken.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to amend the motion to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #4, 5, #6 and #8 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #4 through #10, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  No vote was taken.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to amend the motion to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #4, 5, #6 and #8 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #4 through #10, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  No vote was taken.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to amend the motion to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #4, 5, #6 and #8 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

For the benefit of the public and due to the recent property tax discussions, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested the City Manager to provide explanations for items on the consent agenda and the purchasing items.  She requested more information on the odor control vapor system from OMI in the amount of $98,017.

City Manager Monahan explained that the odor control vapor system is necessary for the control of the odorous compound smells in the neighborhood at the water plant on E. President Street.  The funding comes from the Water & Sewer Fund and not the General Fund.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #7, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #4 through #10, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  No vote was taken.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to amend the motion to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #4, 5, #6 and #8 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

City Manager Monahan explained the purchase of the replacement tractor will be for the shooting range to replace an old non-working tractor.  This funding comes from the vehicle replacement fund of the police department budget.  This is a scheduled replacement.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter indicated that this item along with a command station are purchases that the public questioned.  This is an example of de-funding the police department.  She questioned the need for purchasing of these items amidst the pandemic.

Mayor Johnson, Alderman Purtee, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and City Manager Monahan explained that these tools are necessary for the police department to perform there duties effectively.

Alderwoman Lanier suggested extending the replacement schedule given the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked the City Manager if these purchases (tractor and the command station) could be accomplished out of SPLOST monies.  She indicated, given the pandemic and the loss of revenue, the City needs to be more strategic in where funding is taken from and if purchased can be made at a later time (six months).  

City Manager Monahan indicated the expenditure must be identified in the Resolution and the SPLOST VII does include money for public safety, the police and fire departments.  This would include vehicles.  The current SPLOST could be used for vehicles; however, he is uncertain if the current SPLOST could be used for the tractor.  He reported the Chief just informed him that the tractor is broken, so some action needs to be taken.

Given the suggestions/points made by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager to investigate any opportunities to delay vehicle replacement or extend the warranty.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #9, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

City Manager Monahan explained that due to COVID-19, staff is visiting all facilities in an effort to replace all systems to touchless and improve the air filtration and mechanical systems.  These expenditures will be reimbursed through the CARES Act.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if the same upgrades could be added to the local community centers.  (City Manager Monahan answered, yes).  She requested that staff be mindful of the priorities, so as not to leave the most vulnerable communities as the last to be updated.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #10, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #11 through #15.  There was no second.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked the City Manager if the Savannah River Utilities was the only vendor to supply the services.

City Manager Monahan explained the selection process, the annual renewal cost and the reason for the heavy equipment rental. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #11, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #11 through #15.  There was no second.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter questioned the need for the vendor to continue to issue modifications.

City Manager Monahan explained the need for the additional software modifications.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #12, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #11 through #15.  There was no second.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked the City Manager for an explanation for the contract modification.

City Manager Monahan explained the bid was based on an annual renewal and the need for  modifications through the end of the year.

Alderwoman Lanier asked if there was a DBE requirement for the bid.

City Manager Monahan advised he will check with purchasing on the DBE requirements for this bid and will get the answer to Alderwoman Lanier.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked if Item #13 should be postponed until the City Manager responds to Alderwoman Lanier's inquiry.

Mayor Johnson asked Alderwoman Lanier would the City Manager's information concerning the DBE requirements affect her vote on Item #13.

Alderwoman Lanier answered yes, because there are local DBE's with demolition services.

Mr. Manuel Dominguez, Purchasing Departments, joined the meeting via ZOOM and explained that contracts under $100,000 are considered as SBE Programs and DBE requirements are not included in the bid requirements.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz pointed out that the amount in Item #13 was up to $102,857, so the amount is over the $100,000 amount.

Mr. Dominguez explained the City has the flexibility to determine if the contract will be assigned the SBE status, if it is a little over or a little under the $100,000 amount.  This particular contract was awarded sometime ago and the amount changed over time.     

b.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #13, Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed, 6-3-0 with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voting no.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #11 through #15.  There was no second.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #14, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Palumbo, and Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #11 through #15.  There was no second.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to amend the above motion to approve Item #15, Aldermen Palumbo and Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the Alcohol License Hearing.

Clerk of Council reported there were no speaker requests for Item #16.

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the hearing, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #16, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing.

Speakers:

• Mr. Marcus Lotson, MPC.  Mr. Lotson corrected the Agenda.  Item #17 is in District 5.  He gave a brief description of the property and the classification.  MPC is recommending approval.
• Attorney Harold Yellin and Mr. Russ Hightower, Manager of Government Affairs and Mr. Gary Ahlberg, Engineer of Waste Management

Alderwoman Lanier reported a phone call she received from a resident concerned about the odor in the community and the zoning change.  The resident wanted to know how they could receive information to provide input and keep updated on the status of the project.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked how would the project affect the residents as it relates to their property taxes.

Alderman Palumbo asked the Petitioner will they maintain the maintenance along I-95 Interchange and along the roads, and will the project impact any other local roads or infrastructure.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Attorney Yellin if he thought there would be a negative impact on the area and the property taxes in the Henderson Community.  She asked Mr. Lotson if there were any inquiries from any of the Henderson Community property owners.  She asked Attorney Yellin to describe in detail how the property next to the landfill will be used.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated her concern even though the Henderson Neighborhood is across the interstate.  As an Environmental & Safety Manager for fourteen years, she stated the odor is being caused by chemicals that are very combustible and will cause fires, so at any cost, it must be removed.

Alderwoman Lanier reported that the resident who called was the head of the HOA, Ms. Dorothy Sealy and they are very disappointed they were not notified of the zoning change of the property.  She is advocating for the residents because the changes will impact their community, even though it's in the County, because she believes the residents must be represented.  She would want someone to advocate on her behalf, if she lived about a mile away from a landfill that issued odors in the area.

Since the property is in the 5th District, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Alderwoman Lanier to share the contact information of the residents with her, so she can have conversations with the community.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing.

Speakers:

• Mr. Marcus Lotson (MPC), described the property and reported that MPC recommends approval.
• Attorney Harold Yellin - spoke on behalf of the petitioner.  He described the land and multifamily project in detail.
• Mr. James Collins, Thomas & Hutton Engineer
• Mr. Porter Jones
• Mr. Michael Roach, Thomas & Hutton Engineer

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter commented she was glad to see residential multifamily housing on the property and asked Mr. Yellin if the project will have affordable or workforce housing.  She commented on the previous Council's vote for brick and mortar, but the current Council accepts the responsibility of partnering with developers such as DPJ Residential to assure a fraction of what they are producing would benefit the community in some way.  She requested the City Manager and City staff, in the future, to work along side of the developers, or even this developer, to make sure the City partners on developments which include affordable and/or workforce housing, even if it is only one percent.

Alderman Leggett agreed with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and wants this project to be multifamily housing instead of hotels and parking structures.  The Council needs to advocate for the residents who live in that area.  He requested the project be put on hold until the Attorney Yellin/petitioner could come back to Council with a presentation with a more developed plan.

Mayor Johnson clarified the project as currently a hotel/parking structures project.  The petitioner is requesting a decreased zoning to residential.  Attorney Yellin recommended the Council adopt an affordable housing ordinance for future development.  Mr. Collins gave Council the parameters (measurements) for the project.

Mayor Johnson reported the Savannah Housing Taskforce will be announced next week and they will develop an affordable housing ordinance.  He warned Council they do not need to make a decision but it leaves the door open for other developers to come in and build projects the Council is trying to prevent.  The current request is for decreased zoning to residential multifamily housing.

Alderman Palumbo discussed the project as it relates to environmental issues.  He would like the petitioner to return with a presentation in more detail showing how they turned five hotels into multifamily housing.

Alderwoman Lanier asked the City Manager if the project was in a Tax Allocation District (TAD).  This means all taxes created in that area must be spent in that district and it will be the responsibility of the Council to put legislation and policies in place to accomplish that goal.  This developer has not presented this Council with a project based on what's in place, we may not like it but we have not put the legislation or policies in place to insure the equity is there.  It is hard to deny the developer, based on what's in place.  Let's get busy and establish impact fees and TAD's throughout the City.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter explained her position to Attorney Yellin.  It is not the developer's responsibility to undergird our communities but it is the responsibility of this Council to invoke political will through policy and legislation like impact fees.  I have been asking to get impact fees on the agenda as an ordinance since day-one, and we would not be having this conversation.  She addressed City Manager Monahan about her efforts with him to get impact fees as an ordinance on the agenda because the majority of Council ran their campaigns on that issue.  It's an easy fix, you don't need a taskforce, a committee, or a study to enact legislation that is going to generate necessary revenue to help the people today.  Mr. Monahan, you advised the City did not have much land left to build on to impose impact fees that would benefit the City, I can only imagine how much money the City is losing on a project of this scope.    

City Manager Monahan reported the City Attorney is currently working on an impact fee ordinance and community benefits ordinance.  Mayor Johnson has appointed and he has agreed to serve on the Savannah Housing Taskforce specifically for inclusion of zoning as part of that work.  He further stated that impact fees would not help this development whatsoever.  Impact fees would pay for roads, parks, and schools.  None of those apply in this instance.  The developer will be responsible for improvements and the extension of the water & sewer service to serve the project.  I do think that some of the proposed ordinances that will come before Council within the next sixty days will address many of those issues.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz recommended Council Members meet with the Savannah Housing Taskforce before it comes before the entire body.  Mayor Johnson stated the Council would have an opportunity to meet with the Taskforce at the conclusions of their meetings for their findings.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for notifications of meeting dates and times and to sit in or listen to the Savannah Housing Taskforce meetings, if at all possible.  Mayor Johnson advised Alderwoman Miller Blakely he will let her know, since there are issues involved with public notices.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked the City Manager if it would be possible for him to get an opinion from a legislative counsel on what he acknowledges as the benefits of impact fees.

The City Manager stated he could get the opinion from the City Attorney but the State is clear on the uses of any proceeds generated from impact fees.  They must be used for one of six to seven purposes within State Law, and must be used within a three year period.  Those are generally infrastructure projects and would not pertain to a development of this scope.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested an opinion from a legislative counsel on what would be the benefits of impact fees.  She also stated she appreciated Mr. Monahan's time, tenure and talent, but he will be leaving the City of Savannah so wouldn't it be a conflict of interest for him to serve on the Savannah Housing Taskforce in light of hiring a new City Manager.

Mayor Johnson stated absolutely not.  He stated he does not understand what a legislative opinion is.  He will ask the City Attorney to issue an opinion to Council on the uses of impact fees.

Alderwoman Lanier stated she participated on several Taskforces around 2006, 2007 and 2008 where they worked on inclusionary zoning and impact fees and asked if their findings could be used in this instance.  Mayor Johnson answered no, because the work is dated and the information does not apply now, and the Savannah Housing Taskforce will be a product of this Council.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan reminded Council that the City sent a letter to the State Legislature in February and we're still waiting to hear back on the issues, so why would we ask for an opinion from them now.  She values the Legislature and the work they do, but she is putting her money behind the City Attorney opinion.  She does not need to be reminded of what she ran her campaign on and she is doing exactly what she promised.  

Alderman Leggett moved to close the hearing for Item #18, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing.

Speakers:

• Mr. Marcus Lotson (MPC), described the property and advised that MPC recommends denial of the petitioner's request.
• Mr. Edward Garvin

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mr. Lotson if he had received a copy of a letter dated July 15, 2020 addressed to Council and MPC from the petitioner outlining reasons why they would like Council to move forward with approval given the changes made to the request.

Mr. Lotson informed Alderwoman Gibson-Carter the letter was developed by the petitioner after the MPC recommendation was issued.  The Council has the option today to act on the recommendation of MPC; they could provide an alternative decision; or they could remand the item back to MPC for reconsideration.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter suggested in the future, MPC should make it mandatory that all petitioners make sure all rulings by MPC are final before MPC presents to Council for approval.

Alderman Palumbo stated he is intimately familiar with the application.  Since it's initial application to MPC it has evolved and changed significantly since it was submitted to Council.  He is not comfortable with the request and suggests the item is remanded back to the reviewing authority, so Council can review it after MPC's governing body has an opportunity to weigh-in on the request.

Mr. Garvin, on behalf of the seller and purchaser, stated this property has not been maintained because it's on a four lane highway and families do not want to buy there because of the noise, traffic, and congestion.  The purchaser intends to put a real estate office at this location using the existing footage.  They have met with the neighboring community, thanks to Alderman Palumbo.  The petitioner is requesting office general out of a possible thirty-one uses of the property.  Mr. Garvin stated there are small businesses shutting down all over town, and the minorities are taking over the South Side with small businesses. 

Mayor Johnson suggested the petitioner revisit MPC with all the information as stated today in the public hearing.  Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Palumbo's suggestion to remand the issue back to MPC.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter addressed Mr. Garvin with regard to turning residential places into businesses.  As stewards of our community we need to make sure we are creating a culture of decorum that buildings are set aside for businesses.  It doesn't matter how rundown they are, we must be in support of maintaining those zonings and ordinances for those businesses.  Responding to this issue by turning residential settings into businesses is not a culture that we need to start adopting here in the City of Savannah.  It doesn't matter if it's for minorities or anyone outside of that demographic.      

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearing for Item #19, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing.

Speakers:

• Mr. Marcus Lotson (MPC) described the land and the uses of a Special Use Permit for this type of project.  He reported that MPC recommended approval with conditions. 
• Mr. Josh Yellin

Alderman Leggett has spoken with the Thomas Square neighborhood and the adjacent neighborhood associations and they would like to meet with the petitioner for input and additional background information before any decisions are made.  Alderman Leggett would like to postpone/continue Item #20.

Mayor Johnson informed Mr. Lotson the neighborhood associations would like to meet with the petitioner to get this approved, so if the Council approves this special use, will it be approved.  Mr. Lotson answered yes.  

Alderwoman Miller Blakely mentioned this was the new Starlandia District where there are a lot of breweries and night club establishments.  She wanted to let the public know what was in the area of the discussion.

Mr. Yellin clarified for the record, the use of this project will be a neighborhood food hall and will not be entirely for alcohol uses.  The petitioner is looking to put in a fitness center, a grocer, and a butcher shop.  They are asking for Council's approval to take a large building and bring in eight separate retail tenants.  He has had conversations with the neighborhood associations and all are in favor of this project.  He will defer to Alderman Leggett to postpone and have additional meetings with the neighborhood associations.

Alderwoman Lanier asked if Council recently approved this area as a red cup/walking with alcohol zone.  Mayor Johnson answered, this is north of Victory Drive.  Since Council has no policies in place for saturation, Alderwoman Lanier is concerned with creating this type of environment in an established neighborhood such as Thomas Square.  She agrees with Alderman Leggett's postponement, but has great concern of how the area will look five years from now with new establishments opening and patrons ability to walk in the area with alcohol.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter clarified that the red cup/walking with alcohol zone is still in the pilot phase and has not received final approval.  She asked Mr. Yellin if it would be better for each individual business to petition City Council for their own license instead of granting the permission to the owner of the building.  Mr. Yellin agreed and stated this approval is for permission for the building to be used by multiple businesses.  Each individual business owner will need to come before City Council for their respective license.     

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing for Item #20, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to postpone/continue Item #20 to the next City Council Meeting, August 13, 2020, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #21, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson gave thanks and appreciation to Alderman Purtee for being the first openly gay member of City Council and leading the effort for the ordinance revisions.  He also acknowledged the LGBTQ, Georgia Equality, and PROUD Savannah communities.  He introduced Pastor Candace Hardnet for additional comments. 

Pastor Hardnet spoke on behalf of the amended ordinance and on behalf of the LGBTQ community.  She thanked Council for their support on the revisions of the ordinance and pushing Savannah forward in these changing times.

Alderman Purtee thanked Mayor Johnson for his support in helping him lead the charge on the ordinance revisions.

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #22, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #23, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed, 8-1-0 with Alderwoman Lanier voting no.

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #24, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to remand/refer Item #25 to the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

READ.  First Reading Only.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #27, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson identified the property as the land that formerly housed the property maintenance building that was burned down.  He further stated this is an opportunity for the City of Savannah to provide affordable housing in a major way by issuing an RFP based on Council's specifications.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Johnson if there has been a particular group or party that has expressed an interest in developing affordable housing on the site.  Mayor Johnson answered, no.  That would be the reason for the RFP, so Council could decide which RFP meets their specifications.

Alderman Palumbo commended the Fire Marshall, the Fire Department, and ATF for the swift investigation and completion of what happened on the site.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #28, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #29, Settlement #1, authorize the City Attorney's office to proceed with a parking rights dispute with Curtis V. Cooper, Curtis Cooper Clinic at 635 E. Broughton Street, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #30, Settlement #2, authorize the City Attorney to proceed as recommended with Lamar Advertising pertaining to billboards encroaching on the City’s right-of-way, to include monthly rent payments as well as rent for past encroachments, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz noted for the record that Mr. Lamar will pay the City monthly rent going forward and will also make payments representing the past rents.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #31, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR ITEM #32.

City Manager Monahan provided DBE participation information.  A question arouse about Griffin & Davis' local and DBE status.  Mr. Monahan agreed not to sign the Agreement until further investigation.  He introduced Mr. Manuel Dominguez for further explanation.

Mr. Dominguez began by clarifying Item #13, JCS, a small business enterprise, was questioned as to its status as a DBE.  He stated JCS was previously certified as a DBE, and is owned by an African American woman.  They are currently in the process of getting recertified.

Mr. Dominguez reported that Griffin & Davis was certified by GDOT as a DBE.  The City's local DBE list is only for those DBE's within the City of Savannah.  He described the local vendor definition by purchasing standards.  Griffin & Davis appeared not to be local; however, they recently leased space on Bull Street in a multi-business office environment.  It should be noted that this contract did not have a local DBE clause/goal.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked for the current status on this Item.  Mayor Johnson reported the Agreement was approved, this was for Council's information and clarification.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely thanked Mr. Dominguez for the information and wanted it on record that even though GDOT certified a business as a DBE, the City should still incorporate the local DBE's from the City of Savannah.  She is sure there is a local DBE that could have been used as a joint venture in the Hussey Bell & Gay project.

After discussions among the City Manager and Council Members, Mayor Johnson authorized the City Manager to sign the Agreement.       

Mayor Johnson reported that the third largest reports of the COVID-19 cases occurred.  The situation is getting worse, so we need the Council's continued advocacy to make sure we encourage our citizens to maintain an environment of safety.  

Hearing no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:51 p.m.

The audio recording of the Council Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the below link in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=aAlvURj4qhDw

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: August 13, 2020

Initials:  mm