JULY 25, 2024 2:00 p.m. -  CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The regular meeting was held at 2:02 p.m., in City Council Chambers.  Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, then recognized Alderwoman Lanier to offer the invocation.

PRESENT:  

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

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

Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2

Alderwoman Bernetta B. Lanier, District 1

Alderman Detric Leggett, District  2

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4 - Chairman

Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, District 5 - Mayor Pro Tem

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ABSENT:

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3 - Vice Chair

ALSO, PRESENT:

Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve/adopt item #1, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #2, #3, and #4, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #2, #3, and #4, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #2, #3, and #4, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Johnson excercised a point of personal privilege and recognized SCCPSS School Board President Roger Moss. 

He also recognized an amazing group of young ladies, candidates of the Chatham County Youth Commission, who are being prepared to take the places of the City Council.  Mayor Johnson stated he has served as the director of the program for 29 years.

Following the adoption of the proposed millage rate, Mayor Johnson joined Assistant City Manager Lloyd to present the 2024 2nd Quarter Employee of the Quarter Winners, as follows:

• Management Services - Charles Railey
• Savannah Fire - Jeffrey Walton
• Government Operations - Stephen Edrosa
• Planning & Economic Development - Denise Cheeseman
• Savannah Police - Lakeisha Frazier
• Water Resources - Jean Bernard Jeanty
• Community Services - Jerri Pollard
• Information & Public Affairs Kelly Zacovic

Mayor Johnson announced what the winners receive: $1,000.00 (one-time); and, 24 hours of PTO (paid time-off).

Mayor Johnson read a prepared statement regarding the proposed millage rate of 12.20 mills, including how the city plans to utilize the growth ($7.2M) in taxes while maintaining the prior years millage rate, as follows:

• Drainage improvements in the amount of $3.5M
• Transportation improvements/Vision Zero in the amount of $2.0M
• Public Safety compensation in the amount of $1.6M

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing on the 2024 Property Tax Millage Rate open for #6.

Speaker(s):

• Timothy S. Mackey - Inquired about values, IN SUPPORT of the proposed millage rate, as explained by Mayor Johnson.  He also asked about a proposal to be made by the City Manager concerning a rate hike versus a tax increase.

Written comment(s) received:

• Graham Zrostlik - IN SUPPORT of the proposed millage rate to utilize increased revenue for drainage.

Ald. Leggett moved to close the public hearing on the 2024 Property Tax Millage Rate, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing for item #7 open.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, representing the MPC
• Robert McCorkle, representing the petitioner

Ald. Leggett stated he met with the client and the neighborhood association, which he reported back to the City Manager that the petitioner wanted to give 10% of his space/apartments to low-income.  As a result, he indicated he endorses this building being built.

Ald. Leggett moved to close the zoning hearing for item #7, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Ald. Lanier asked if the verbal agreement of 10% was firm/binding.  She indicated this is similar to the inclusionary zoning that can't get off of the back burner.  She was notified of this housing project by the MPC, given that she has property in that area.  She asked if there was anything else going there.

Mayor Johnson asked how the motion would be fashioned, so that the agreement which was reached is codified as a condition of their approval.

City Attorney Lovett stated the easiest way is to ask Mr. McCorkle if he consents, then the City Attorney asked Mr. McCorkle if he consented to the request made by Ald. Leggett.   Mr. McCorkle indicated he was not at the meeting, but his client agreed to have one of the units be affordable, so he will consent.

Ald. Leggett moved that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, thereby approving item #8, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Ald. Purtee moved to approve item #9, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Ald. Purtee moved to approve item #10, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Ald. Purtee moved to approve item #11, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

POSTPONED, upon adoption of the agenda, as requested by Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #13, #15, #16, #17, #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve items #14 and #18, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz recused herself for purposes of business, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #13, #15, #16, #17, #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #13, #15, #16, #17, #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #13, #15, #16, #17, #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve items #14 and #18, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-2.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz recused herself for purposes of business, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #13, #15, #16, #17, #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #13, #15, #16, #17, #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #13, #15, #16, #17, #19, #20, and #21, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

POSTPONED to the August 8, 2024 City Council Meeting, as announced by Mayor Johnson during the Workshop.

Ald. Leggett moved to approve item #23, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

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

Ald. Leggett moved to approve item #25, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Johnson asked what is the period of time on the time-limited easement.  (20 years, per Assistant City Manager Lloyd)

See agenda item #28.

See agenda item #28.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26, #27, and #28, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, as follows:

• authorizing the City Attorney’s Office to settle the claim (worker’s compensation matter) involving Jemell Miller in the amount of $60,000.00.

• authorizing the City Attorney’s Office to settle the claim (car wreck) involving Antoinette Joiner for $62,500.00.

• authorizing the City Attorney’s Office to settle the claim (sewer backup) involving Robert Logan for $29,500.00.

The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1. Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Mayor Johnson noted this matter was heard by the Historic Sites & Monuments Commission, who recommended denial.  He further stated Council and the public recognizes the relationship between our Commissions which we appoint.  The Commissions are recommending bodies, and we appreciate their work and service.  Ultimately the City Council decides.  Although it (the agenda item) is not a public hearing, he will allow some comment on it outside of our normal process.

Mayor Johnson recognized that he has four people who completed speaker cards that are in support of the request.

• John Trussell - IN SUPPORT
• Jeffrey Loomis - IN SUPPORT
• Valerie Kuhn Granzow - IN SUPPORT
• Ty Butler - IN SUPPORT

Ald. Purtee moved to approve item #29, seconded by Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan was absent.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked if they could give a history on Marquis de Lafayette.

Mayor Johnson asked Municipal Archives Director Luciana Spracher to come up.  She advised the marker is documenting Marquis de Lafayette's visit to Savannah, making the city a part of a larger national trail event.  Marquis de Lafayette played a part in bringing together the United States and France, forging relationships and common bonds.

Dressed in vintage attire, John Trussell spoke and petitioned the city on behalf of the American Friends of Lafayette and the Georgia Society of the American Revolution to place a marker in Johnson Square to honor Marquis de Lafayette, better known as General Lafayette.  Then he read a prepared statement of history into the record, naming the date for a public ceremony to be held on March 22, 2025.

Ald. Palumbo read into the record historical facts pertaining to this grand, comprehensive tour, and he expressed his appreciation to the advocates.

Ald. Bell asked if anyone was present from the Historic Sights & Monuments Commission to clarify or explain the reason for the denial recommendation.  Caitlin Chamberlain introduced herself, as a member of the MPC staff.  She said there was a 3 to 2 vote to deny.  Reasons for denial included the overcrowding of Johnson Square, although staff recommended approval.  Ald. Bell indicated she saw a rendering of the sign within the packet.

Assistant City Manager Lloyd provided a synopsis of concerns expressed by the Historic Sights & Monuments Commission.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked if John Trussell was related to General de Lafayette.  After stating no, Mr. Trussell introduced other supporters who were present and representing the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Georgia, Savannah Chapter of the American Revolution, Honorary French Consul, and the Daughters of American Revolution.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz welcomed those who were present, and she acknowledged how this item shows the diversity of what we can/should have within our squares within the City of Savannah.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Ald. Leggett presented the trophy his team won during the 3-on-3 men's basketball tournament.

Ald. Miller Blakely announced that Brampton Baptist Church will be having a march on Sunday, July 28th at 4pm. Flau'jae Johnson will be holding a back to school give-away Friday, July 26th from 4pm to 8pm at the enMarket Arena.  And she thanked everyone sincerely for their condolences expressed to her and her family during their time of bereavement on the loss of her brother and stepmother, a day apart. 

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked the Recreation Department (Chief Young) for the array of programming during the 100 Days of Summer.  She also asked Police Chief Gunther to announce their back to school event to be held at the Savannah Impact Building on Saturday, July 27th, 11am to 2pm.

Mayor Johnson extended condolences on behalf of Council to the family of Gus Bell, III, who passed away.  He was a long-term Savannanian, and registered professional engineer.

Ald. Miller Blakely announced two additional events.  On July 27th at the Tompkins Center, 12pm to 3pm, they will have uniforms to giveaway.  On Saturday, July 27th, 10am to 12pm, from City Hall to Taylor Square, there will be a Say Her Name, Sonya Massey, Silent March and Vigil.  She was murdered in her home in Illinois.  The Clergy Walk is Sunday, July 28th at 4pm at Brampton Baptist Church.

Ald. Purtee announced school starts back August 1, next Thursday.  School enforcement cameras will be active through those zones.  Just because the lights are not on, does not mean the cameras are not on.  An hour before and an hour after school.

Ald. Bell echoed the Mayor's condolences to the Gus Bell family, she and Attorney Bates attended the funeral.

Assistant City Manager Lloyd announced the kick-off of the Camp Ignite in the Savannah Fire Department.  There are 21 young ladies going through the program, and he thanked Council for the continued support.  Mayor Johnson said today they are learning CPR.

Mayor Johnson stated if the school zone cameras are going to be on, the lights also need to be on.  Ald. Leggett moved that a letter be drafted by the City Manager to fix the camera/lights school zone matter, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 3:14 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: