JULY 27, 2023, 6:30 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 6:35 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Bernita B. Lanier to introduce Jean Edwards, Associate Pastor of Temple of Glory Community Church to offer 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

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

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Joseph A. Melder 

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda for July 27, 2023, as amended to continue Item #11, Sloppee Toppee alcohol license to the August 10, 2023, meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

READ and PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to thirty-one year employee Ms. Betty Burns. 

Ms. Burns thanked Mayor and Council for the honor and expressed her joy in working with youth over the years.  Alderman Purtee acknowledged the contributions by Ms. Burns to Windsor Forest neighborhoods, and the mentorship to young women in the community. 

READ and PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson.

Dr. Levett thanked Mayor and Council for the proclamation and the recognition.  She thanked the host of friends and citizens who have supported her over the years.  Sigma Theta Sorority Sisters were present with Dr. Levett at the podium.  

Mayor Johnson acknowledged former Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson as one of Dr. Levett's Sorority Sisters.  Members of Council offered words of appreciation to Dr. Levett; Alderman Leggett, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6, #7, #8 #9, and #10.

No Speaker(s).

a. Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings closed for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

b. Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed for Items #6 and #8, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no due to Council's previous vote regarding The Cru Lounge.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6, #7, #8 #9, and #10.

No Speaker(s).

a. Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings closed for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

b. Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed for Items #7, #9, and #10 unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6, #7, #8 #9, and #10.

No Speaker(s).

a. Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings closed for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

b. Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed for Items #6 and #8, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no due to Council's previous vote regarding The Cru Lounge.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6, #7, #8 #9, and #10.

No Speaker(s).

a. Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings closed for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

b. Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed for Items #7, #9, and #10 unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6, #7, #8 #9, and #10.

No Speaker(s).

a. Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings closed for Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10.

b. Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed for Items #7, #9, and #10 unanimously, 9-0-0.

During the adoption/approval of Item #1, Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the name of the business (Sloppee Toppee) had been changed.  City Attorney Lovett indicated because of previous filed documentation with the City of Savannah and a Chatham County organization, they will proceed legally as Sloppee Toppee.  In the future, the trade name will be Henry Street Bistro. 

At the request of the petitioner, Item #11 was CONTINUED/POSTPONED to the August 10, 2023, City Council Meeting

HEARD after Item #5.

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing open for Item #12 at 6:58 p.m..

Mayor Johnson read the State Law requirements as it relates to the millage rate.  He indicated this public hearing is the final of three public hearings for citizens comments.  Each speaker will be alloted two minutes for comment.

City Manager Melder, with staff support, recommended maintaining the current 12.2 millage rate.  This would allow for stormwater infrastructure needed by the City's various neighborhoods.  It would generate $7.8 million in excess revenue for the establishment of a stormwater projects fund to be used for the following three drainage projects:

1. Victory Drive near Ogeechee Road ($3 million)
2. Springfield Canal in Liberty City, along Vasser Street ($900,000.00)
3. Hayners Creek, Montgomery Crossroads area ($4 million)

Speaker(s):

• Chase DeCarlo – OPPOSED
• Israel Small – Neutral
• Ben Adams – OPPOSED
• Angelia Rawls – OPPOSED
• Keyshawn Housey – OPPOSED
• Beatrice P. Williams – OPPOSED
• Sheldon Fields - Did Not Speak (medical episode)
• ***Technical difficulties - a five minute break for repairs (7:36pm - 7:42pm)***
• Zinnie William – OPPOSED 
• Chuck Feagain – OPPOSED
• William Bryant – OPPOSED
• Bodua Gordon – OPPOSED
• Cynthia Moultrie – Issue regarding housing

Written comment(s):

• Tyrisha Davis – OPPOSED
• Lucille Jackson – OPPOSED
• Georgia W. Benton - OPPOSED
• Brent Stubbs - OPPOSED

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing closed for Item #12 at 8:08 p.m. See related agenda item #17.

Alderman Purtee discussed and supported establishing a fund for stormwater drainage project as recommended by City Manager Melder.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed her concern that Savannah may become like sister-city Charleston, SC where the African American population decreased due to this same situation.  Most Savannah residents want to keep their homes and heritage.  She will not support maintaining the current millage rate, she wants a rollback rate.  Then she asked what plans the City is making for drainage issues on the West side.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked the City Manager for the rollback rate (11.119) and what amount it would yield ($81 million in revenue with no growth in the digest).  After City Manager Melder answered Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's questions, there was discussion related to prior years digest and any excess revenue; the 12.2 millage rate as it relates to the Stephens Day exemption; and how the City can decrease expenses.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated her interest is to rollback the millage rate.

Alderman Palumbo stated he does not want the City to experience what happened in New Orleans.  He displayed a sample of an old stormwater pipe to show the need for replacements throughout the City.  Alderman Palumbo supported the City Manager's recommendation to maintain the current millage rate and establish a stormwater projects fund to protect the City's neighborhoods.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz discussed with the City Manager the percentage of tax collected for each district to demonstrate where the majority of property tax revenue is generated (District 1, 11.18%; District 2, 32.2%; District 3, 11.33%; District 4, 21.3%; District 5, 10.61 %; and District 6, 13.31%).  It is based on value of property, not on the amount of residents.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz supported City Manager Melder's recommendation to maintain the current millage rate.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan expressed her concern for the drainage problems across the entire City and the need for solutions.  She supported City Manager Melder's recommendation to maintain the current millage rate and thanked him and his staff for their hard work.

***Technical difficulties - there was a break for repairs***  During the break, the following agenda items were HEARD:

• Airport Commission, Items #33 through #41.
• Alcohol License Hearings, Items #6 through #10.

Returning from the break, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan repeated her remarks.

Alderman Leggett discussed the drainage problems encountered by the  City of Savannah over his lifetime.  The City will spend more later if the issues of drainage are not addressed now.  Alderman Leggett supported City Manager Melder's recommendation to maintain the current millage rate.

Alderwoman Lanier stated most resident complaints are from drainage problems.  SPLOST was introduced to the City in 1985 for infrastructure; however some of those SPLOST funds were used for capital projects.  She recommended the City look for alternative revenue streams and ways to decrease expenses.  Alderwoman Lanier recommended a rollback rate.

Mayor Johnson apologized to the citizens about the confusing information.  The City used State Law language which makes it difficult to understand the total impact of maintaining the current millage rate.  The City is recommending a 12.2 millage rate, after a history of higher rates.  Mayor Johnson discussed the many issues of drainage throughout the City in prior years and today.  He stated that if the City did rollback the millage rate,the taxes could still increase.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely inquired when will the City ask SCAD for some type of revenue in lieu of taxes.  Mayor Johnson indicated the City is in discussions with SCAD, but State Law precludes nonprofits from paying property taxes.  City Attorney Lovett indicated, since SCAD is a nonprofit organization, the City cannot compel SCAD to pay any revenue to the City.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #13.

Speaker(s):

• Melissa Paul-Leto, MPC representative.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #13, seconded by Alderman Palumbo,  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  (See Agenda Item #15)

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing opened for Item #14.

Speaker(s):

• Melissa Paul-Leto, MPC representative
• Bryan Wardlaw, representing the applicant
• Joseph M. Lane – OPPOSED
• Margaret Kramer Ellison – OPPOSED
• Richard Ellison – OPPOSED
• Clark Namias – OPPOSED
• Kevin Morris – OPPOSED
• Mark Morris – OPPOSED
• Martha Morris – OPPOSED
• Susana Lane – OPPOSED
• Debbie Walker – OPPOSED
• Susan Hunt Levin – OPPOSED
• Jack Wardlaw, representing developer (Landmark 24)
• Rob Brannea, Attorney for Clairwood – SUPPORTED - did not speak

Written comment(s):

• Brent Stubbs - OPPOSED

Aldeman Purtee moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #14, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderman Leggett was not present during the vote.  (See agenda Item #16)

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed concern for police coverage in the area.  Mr. Wardlaw indicated there is police in the area by the City of Savannah.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her concern for transparency in government and that several Members of Council have received campaign contributions from Mr. Wardlaw and/or his company.  She suggested Members of Council who have received campaign contributions from Mr. Wardlaw and/or his company should recuse themselves from the vote.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter will not be voting for the project as it negatively affects the quality of life for the residents.

Alderman Palumbo asked MPC for the total acres (115), and units per acre (3.7 for single family and 9 for multi-family).  Mr. Wardlaw indicated the density is suitable for the site.

Alderwoman Lanier asked MPC the size of the lots in the subdivision across the street (the duplexes are 40', 60'x100' lots) and the future use development (planned development).

Mayor Johnson indicated the question is level of density.  There are three entities involved, City of Savannah, Chatham County, and the developer.  He then asked who will determine who will be responsible for what.

Alderwoman Lanier stated the residents attending the meeting expressed concern for the residents quality of life.  She recommends putting the infrastruture in place before the housing projects.

Alderman Purtee indicated as it relates to the quality of life; the Hyundai plant in Richmond Hill will generate economic benefit.  Right now, the area has a shortage of 10,000 homes, when the plant is completed that number will increase.  We need housing units on all levels.  His understanding is the developer, Chatham County, and the City have agreed to improve the roadway in the area with a public/private partnership.  The traffic issues need to be solved.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if this request was denied earlier and if meetings were held before coming before Council.  Ms. Paul-Leto indicated she was not part of the earlier meetings, but she understands there were several revisions of the site plan.  She stated she is before Council to present MPC's recommendation of a reduction of fifty units.  As a member of the MPC Commission, City Manager Melder stated it's not unusual for petitioners to work back and forth with MPC staff.  MPC placed seven conditions before any development.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if all the conditions were met.  City Manager Melder read the seven conditions and indicated the developer has agreed to all the conditions.

Mayor Johnson discussed the traffic and the development, as it relates to all involved organizations committing to the project.  He asked if there can be a zoning amendment contingent on an IGA with all parties involved.  City Manager Melder suggested a first reading to allow time for an IGA.

Alderwoman Lanier expressed concern that the discussion has changed from density to an IGA, stating this is just a smoke screen.

Alderman Purtee raised a point of order.  Mayor Johnson acknowledged, point taken.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked City Manager Melder if the TSPOST was approved how would it have affected the the Highlands.  City Manager Melder indicated additional revenue would benefit all areas of the City.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #15, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  (See agenda Item #13)

a.  After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #14, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  Motion was withdrawn, no vote was taken.

b.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely made a substitute motion to send Item #14 back to MPC for meetings with residents and the developer to establish an agreement, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion failed, 4-5-0.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo, and Alderman Purtee voted no.

c.  Alderman Purtee offered an amended motion for a first reading only, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

City Manager Melder stated he will update Council on the progression of the meetings/agreement.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her concern that several Members of Council have received campaign contributions from non taxpaying entities.  Those same Council Members should encourage the non taxpaying entities to contribute revenues in support of the City's operations.  Mayor Johnson indicated contribution disclosures, as required by law, are available to all citizens to view.  

a.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #17 by rolling back the millage rate to 10.2%, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  No vote was taken.

b.  Alderman Palumbo made a substitute motion to approve Item #17 as written in the agenda, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

HEARD after Item #16.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the splash pad was corrected.  Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd stated the issue has not been resolved, but the engineers are working on the issue. 

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion was passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem moved to approve Items #18, #19, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #41, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #41, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #41, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #41, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #41, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #41, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #41, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #41, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #41, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

HEARD after Item #17.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #42, #43, #44, #45, and #47, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #42, #43, #44, #45, and #47, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #42, #43, #44, #45, and #47, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #42, #43, #44, #45, and #47, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if the City was annexing the property associated with Item #46 into the City of Savannah.  City Manager Melder indicated the City is not annexing the property on Wilmington Island into the City, this is an area serviced by the City's water and sewer utility.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #46, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #42, #43, #44, #45, and #47, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

HEARD after Item #22.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #48, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the property has been sold.  City Manager Melder indicated the property has not been sold, but the adjacent property owner has right of first refusal.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #49, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #50, authorizing the City Attorney's Office to resolve the claim (Worker's Compensation) of Brenda Johnson-Curtis for $186,988.02, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-0-2.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely recused themselves from the vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #51, authorizing the City Attorney’s Office to resolve the claim (worker’s compensation) of Daniel Corrieri for $33,043.84, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #52, authorizing the City Attorney’s Office to resolve the claim (trip & fall) of Sandra Lafreniere for $122,140.00, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #53, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced a parade on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. from the Civic Center to 38th Street Park for Flau'jae Johnson, a local rapper.  Ms. Johnson is donating $100,000.00 in the form of 500 pairs of sneakers, 500 book bags and 500 uniforms to local students.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely thanked Mayor Johnson, City Manager Melder, Assistant City Manager Lloyd, Council, the recreation department, and everyone for their condolences, the Proclamation, and for the Repass for her sister.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan sent condolences to Revenue employee, Megan Edwards, on the passing of her brother, Jaylan James Martin.  She announced the Savannah Fire Department is sponsoring a give-a-way. 

Mayor Johnson and Council expressed condolences to Alderman Leggett on the loss of his mother.

Alderwoman Lanier announced International Longshoreman's Local 1414 moved the back to school give-a-way to the Hudson Hill Community Center on Saturday morning, 8:00 am to 11:00 a.m.

Mayor Johnson announced Liberty County is having their National Night Out on August 1st.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 11:17 p.m.

A 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=pcSt6hi8ucGyN9kI

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:      August 10, 2023  

Signature:    MM