JULY 28, 2022, 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 6:30 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Detric Leggett to introduce US Senator Reverend Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, Senior Pastor of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, to offer the invocation by video. 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 (attended virtually)

Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to correct the Regular Meeting minutes to reflect a "shut up Kesha" comment made by Alderman Purtee, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked Clerk of Council Massey if the minutes reflected what was captured.  Mr. Massey indicated the minutes do not reflect Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's request.  Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Massey if he needed time to determine what was said/heard.  Mr. Massey indicated it was definitely on the record.  He stated if Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's motion is seconded and approved by Council, the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 14 will be corrected/amended to reflect Alderman Purtee's comment.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3 as corrected/amended [see July 14, 2022 minutes for corrected text], seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Clerk of Council Massey to provide her with a copy of the corrected/amended minutes.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to correct the Regular Meeting minutes to reflect a "shut up Kesha" comment made by Alderman Purtee, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked Clerk of Council Massey if the minutes reflected what was captured.  Mr. Massey indicated the minutes do not reflect Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's request.  Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Massey if he needed time to determine what was said/heard.  Mr. Massey indicated it was definitely on the record.  He stated if Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's motion is seconded and approved by Council, the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 14 will be corrected/amended to reflect Alderman Purtee's comment.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3 as corrected/amended [see July 14, 2022 minutes for corrected text], seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Clerk of Council Massey to provide her with a copy of the corrected/amended minutes.

Mayor Johnson took a point of personal privilege to recognize members (candidates) of the Youth Commission who were present in the audience, by asking them to stand.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings opened for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8.

Speaker(s):

• Teniiyah Gore – OPPOSED to additional alcohol licenses.

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderwoman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #4, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings opened for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8.

Speaker(s):

• Teniiyah Gore – OPPOSED to additional alcohol licenses.

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderwoman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the applicant has a parking plan.  Judee Jones of the Revenue Department reported this establishment was exempt and did not require a parking plan.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #5, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings opened for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8.

Speaker(s):

• Teniiyah Gore – OPPOSED to additional alcohol licenses.

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderwoman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #6, #7 and #8, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.  While Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no, she expressed that her no vote was not intended for Items #7 and #8.  

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the applicant has a parking plan.  Judee Jones of the Revenue Department reported this establishment is in a shopping Center and did not require a parking plan.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if a good neighbor agreement was required for Items #6, #7 and #8.  She also asked for the density in the areas.  Judee Jones reported there were two associations who did not oppose, and the other establishment was in a commercial area.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked that her vote reflect no for Item #6 and yes for Items #7 and #8.  Clerk of Council Massey stated the vote could not be separated; however, Alderwoman Miller Blakely could ask for a reconsideration and division, but since she didn't ask for the division before the vote, the vote stands as one vote.  Mayor Johnson indicated she could not ask for a reconsideration, she was not on the prevailing side.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely wanted the public to know she approved of Items #7 and #8, but did not approve of Item #6.

Alderman Palumbo raised a point of clarity on District 4 application.  Item #6 is a new Pilipino restaurant among other restaurants; Items #7 and #8 are in established convenience stores with new ownership and the neighborhood associations concur.  Mayor Johnson thanked Alderman Palumbo for his due diligence.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she will be concerned with every business, and every area of the City because she is At-Large, and don't forget it.  So noted by Mayor Johnson.

Alderman Purtee raised a point of clairification and asked Clerk of Council Massey if an Item has been voted on by Council is additional debate required.  Mr. Massey indicated, it is not a requirement to have a debate, but a Member can motion for reconsideration if they are on the prevailing side.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed having equity across the board for alcohol applicants, because the Cru Lounge was judged far harshly than other establishments. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan raised a point of order.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked what's the point.

Mayor Johnson indicated it is not relevant to the current issue being discussed.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated she was talking to Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.

Mayor Johnson asked Alderwoman Gibson-Carter to address the Chair and not individual Aldermen/Alderwomen.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter says she was talking to Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.

Mayor Johnson again asked Alderwoman Gibson-Carter to address the Chair and not Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated that was not appropriate.

Mayor Johnson stated it was appropriate and Council will move on. 

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings opened for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8.

Speaker(s):

• Teniiyah Gore – OPPOSED to additional alcohol licenses.

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderwoman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #6, #7 and #8, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.  While Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no, she expressed that her no vote was not intended for Items #7 and #8.  

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings opened for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8.

Speaker(s):

• Teniiyah Gore – OPPOSED to additional alcohol licenses.

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderwoman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #6, #7 and #8, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.  While Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no, she expressed that her no vote was not intended for Items #7 and #8.  

HEARD after Items #2 and #3.

Mayor Johnson read a description of the 2022 Property Tax Millage Rate then declared the public hearing on the 2022 property tax millage rate open (Item #9).

Speaker(s) present:

• Teniiyah Gore – OPPOSED to a tax increase on poor people.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to close the public hearing for Item #9 closed, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to reopen the public hearing for Item #9 to allow Mr. Feagain to speak who arrived at the hearing late, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan voted no.

 Speaker(s) present:

• Charles Feagain - OPPOSED

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing for Item #9 closed.  (See agenda Item #14 [related]).

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated if we did a roll-back, property taxes would decrease.  If the property values increase, property taxes will increase.  She will not support Item #9, she would prefer to vote for a roll-back.

Mayor Johnson reminded the public, the current millage rate is 12.739, the proposed rate is 12.2 mills.

Alderman Purtee stated this is the lowest rate since 1987.  Public safety is a huge outcry from the public, the city needs the extra to fund public safety.  

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated the lowest rate the Council could approve is the roll-back rate of 11.399.  She asked Assistant City Manager Lloyd for last year's millage rate.  Last year the millage rate was 12.739.  Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder (virtually) to answer Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's question by citing the last five (5) years millage rates.  Mr. Melder stated the following:

Year              Millage Rate

2018                 13.400

2019                 12.856

2020                 12.739

2021                 12.739

2022                 12.20 (if approved)

Mayor Johnson stated the 12.20 millage rate represents the lowest rate since 1987 (35 years).   Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder what would be the absolute lowest rate the Council could approve (the roll-back rate of 11.399).  Mayor Johnson stated the roll-back rate could be zero (theoretically), this is just a formula used by the State.  City Manager Melder is recommending the 12.20 millage rate, the roll-back rate of 11.399 would be $1.9 million below the adopted budget.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommends the roll-back rate of 11.399 to afford citizens the opportunity to deal with the increased cost of living.  She feels it is disingenuous for anyone to suggest if an individual does not support the City Manager's recommendation they do not support the police; that is far from the truth as the mouth it came out of.  

Alderman Purtee raised a point of order.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked, what is your point.

Mayor Johnson asked Council to let her continue.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter wanted to acknowledge, that unless and until the City staff does due diligence by holding conversations with one of the largest property owners accountable by paying taxes (Savannah College of Art & Design [SCAD]), and having a vested interest in helping the City provide the needed public safety necessary by paying taxes.  The SCAD students and faculty use the city's public safety services and she feels it is unfair, unreasonable and not very compassionate to pass the tax expense to the citizens without conversations with city partners to contribute to the public safety services expenses.

Mayor Johnson indicated conversations are on-going and continuing.  City Manager Melder concurred with Mayor Johnson as it relates to conversations with city partners.

Alderman Purtee confirmed that the City Manager's recommendation is 12.20 mills.  Mayor Johnson confirmed.    

Alderman Palumbo expressed the residents expectation of excellence from the City Government, but there is a fatal flaw in the Georgia Legislature which requires Council to come before the public today, this flaw does not account for inflation.  Just as individual residents are facing an increase in the cost of living, so does the city.  The proposed 12.20 millage rate is the lowest for the City since 1987, but in spite of the proposed lowest millage rate, the City will be able to offer a higher salary and bonuses for our current and new public safety staff.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked City Manager Melder the following:

• Does the 12.20 millage rate represent a decrease from last year (yes, it represents a decrease over half a mill from last year);
• How will the recommended millage rate aid public safety, which is a high priority within the City (police & fire staff will receive salary raises and bonuses.  The starting pay for police would be raised to over $50,000 and for fire over $48,000. giving the City an opportunity to recruit the best, starting on Monday);
• Explain the State Law that requires the millage rate advertised as an increase and why (City Attorney Lovett answered at the request of City Manager Melder - State Code Section 48-5-32, sets the rules for how a city must advertise. it is intentionally confusing.  The Georgia State Legislature made it intentionally confusing to create chaos especially at the municipal level.  They were trying to force unnecessary roll-backs by using language that states if the municipally does not roll the tax all the way back to the lowest level, it would constitute an increase, but because of the Georgia Law language, the City must advertise this way.  The City is not increasing taxes, we are decreasing the millage rate.  City staff has requested the Georgia Legislature change/rephrase the law to make it more understanding for the residents, but has not received a response.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz stated, property taxes are based on the appraised value of property through the Tax Assessors/Tax Commissioner's office.  She asked City Manager Melder if a resident is disabled, a senior or qualifies for the Stephens Day Exemption, their rate gets locked in and potentially may see a benefit, is this correct (yes, for any of the 1,900 households that have applied for the Stephens Day Exemption, the taxable value of their home has been locked-in.  With the City decreasing the millage rate, this would decrease the tax due on the property).  The Exemptions are filed with the Board of Assessors Office at 222 West Oglethorpe Street, Suite 113, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.  Call 912-652-7271 for more information.            

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked, since we can't pick and choose who pays taxes, if the City asked SCAD to pay taxes, will the local churches be asked to pay taxes as well. City Attorney Lovett stated, anyone can voluntarily pay taxes, it is up to any nonprofit to make the decision to contribute to the city.  The City cannot mandate any nonprofit to pay taxes per State & Federal Law.

Alderwoman Lanier asked City Manager Melder if staff looked at alternatives to replace the $1.9 million deficit in case Council approved the roll-back rate of 11.399 (staff lowered the rate to create a balance and invest in the priority services).

Mayor Johnson addressed the audience and the public as he discussed City Manager Melder and staff's responsibility to deliver services and Council's priority request to the residents of the City.  He discussed the importance of acquiring and maintaining high quality individuals for the city's police and fire departments.  The City has decreased the millage rate, but will still have an opportunity to raise starting pay and give increases to law enforcement staff.  This is a major feat given this is the lowest millage rate since 1987.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked how will the pay raises effect compression pay (compression pay was part of the equation).  She asked if consideration was given to the lowest paid (sanitation workers).  An eight percent raise was given January 1, 2022.            

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #10, #11 and #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked about the contractual agreement attached to the Bond dollars for Rockingham Farms, are there any updates related to the project.  Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder to send a written update report to Council Members.    

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #10, #11 and #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked about the contractual agreement attached to the Bond dollars for Rockingham Farms, are there any updates related to the project.  Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder to send a written update report to Council Members. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #10, #11 and #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked about the contractual agreement attached to the Bond dollars for Rockingham Farms, are there any updates related to the project.  Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder to send a written update report to Council Members. 

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

HEARD after Item #9.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #14, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

Mayor Johnson took a moment of personal privilege to thank City Manager Melder, City Council, Assistant City Manager Lloyd, Management & Budget, and Finance staff for all the support and hard work on the millage rate process.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested when the vote is reported by staff, media, or local media to reflect the entire Council did not vote yes.  Mayor Johnson indicated Council is a body and the vote will reflect the Council's vote.   

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15, #17, #18, and #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. 

Alderwoman Lanier asked City Manager Melder what is the plan to clean the viaduct/trussell on Lathrop Avenue (this contract is the first part to restore the viaduct assessment and the restoration will continue down the Westside).  Alderwoman Lanier expressed concern for DBE's using a minority as a front for the business.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder about the contracts of 169 miles in the city to clean the mediums approved/discussed at the last meeting.  She expressed concern for equity throughout the city for the areas where homeless individuals occupy.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely questioned the location of the business being on Wilmington Island but having an address in Savannah at 100 Bull Street.  Assistant City Manager Lloyd explained the business is located at 100 Bull Street, an office suite with various businesses.  She asked why a local business was not selected to handle the viaduct improvements/restoration.  Mayor Johnson and Mr. Lloyd indicated the viaduct is on the national registry and requires a vendor certified by the US Secretary of the Interior.   

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #16, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15, #17, #18, and #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15, #17, #18, and #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. 

Alderman Palumbo gave a brief outline of glass recycling and congratulated the sanitation team on bringing glass recycling back to the city with a partnership with Glasswrx.  

Speaker(s):

• Interim Chief of Government Operations Gene Prevatt gave an overview of the service and displayed and distributed to Council Members a sample of the recycled product.
• Interim Senior Sanitation Director Quhannah Andrews

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her disappointment in the City's selection of Glasswrx and not considering a local glass recycling company owned by a woman as a vendor/partner.  If they want to claim Savannah First, than local business should be included first.

Mayor Johnson and Assistant City Manager Lloyd explained there were 325 solicitations out for the competitive bid process.  Mr. Lloyd indicated local vendors were notified via the supply portal and the process followed the appropriate procurement policies/guidelines.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter added Lammergeier is the first and only glass recycling company in the city.  The owner, Malena Gauss, reached out to the City last year and she is well know by the sanitation staff.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated Ms. Gauss was not aware of the request for bids.  If staff is aware of a local business, why didn't they notify her of the bid.  Assistant City Manager Lloyd stated it was a fair bid process.  Any business can respond to a request for bid, but it is recommended that businesses within the City apply as a registered vendor.  It is the responsibility of business owners to respond to any city request for bids.  It is possible Lammergeier is not registered as a vendor with the City.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter questioned if Ms. Gauss was informed of the process at the time she presented her business to the City over a year ago.  Mr. Lloyd expressed that typically staff asks local businesses to register with the City as a vendor, so as to receive all information on current requests for bids.

As a final note, Alderman Palumbo stated glass recycling has been a priority for him and a major challenge for most businesses is the processor, and what is the final usable product that can be sold in the market to make it cost neutral.  It's extremely challenging for a small business to scale the volume produced by a city the size of Savannah.

Alderwoman Lanier asked if the Glasswrx recycled product can be used by the City.  Mr. Prevatt stated the product can be used in water, air filtration and an aggregate for cement.  She asked Mr. Prevatt if the City will receive any revenue (no, the City will pay for the service to remove the glass, but the cost is equivalent to what the City charges for our own services).

Alderman Leggett asked Mr. Lloyd if the recycled glass product could be used to filter the air at the landfill.  Mr. Lloyd indicated staff is looking at opportunities to use the product in various scenarios throughout the City.       

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15, #17, #18, and #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. 

HEARD after Item #14.

READ by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Leggett, with comments being made by the family of Freddie Patrick Sr. on behalf of his family, the Board of Directors of the Eastside Concerned Citizens, Inc., the residents, his classmates and all the people who supported and loved Mr. Patrick. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan acknowledged Joe Shearouse who spearheaded the process.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to accept/approve Item #21, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #24, seconded by  Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

City Manager Melder apologized for his absence and thanked Assistant City Manager Lloyd for sitting-in for him today.  He announced this is the last Council Meeting for Police Chief Roy Minter.  He thanked him for his service to the City of Savannah and wished him well in future endeavors.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced on this Saturday ILA Local 1414 will hold its annual back to school drive from 9:00 a.m. until everything is gone in the Joe White Ballroom.  There will be vouchers, haircuts and book bags.  She thanked Mr. Prevatt and his team for the door knockers.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan invited the public to a sidewalk employment extravaganza to get people back to work, from 10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. at McAlpin Square.  She also announced the 3rd annual feed the employees from August 1st - 5th from Collins Quarter.

Alderwoman Lanier thanked City Manager Melder and staff for coming out to communities to speak and meet with residents, as it relates to concerns and complaints.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz congratulated new Interim Chief of Police Lenny Gunther, starting on this Saturday.  He has appointed Major Devon Adams and Major Robert Gavin as Interim Assistant Police Chiefs.

Alderman Purtee announced this Saturday at Nine Life Apparel, County Commissioner Whitely, Commissioner Milton & Mr. Bush will hold a community resource fair and back to school supply event from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced Savannah High School will host the Class of 70's Reunion this Saturday at Skidaway Island.  Richard Arnold Reunion will start Friday with a fish fry.

Mayor Johnson stated public school starts next week and asked residents to be mindful driving in school zones/districts and to pray for school officials, parents and school staff members.  He announced Midnight Basketball Friday and Saturday night starting at 8:00 p.m. at W.W. Law and White Bluff United Methodist Church Saturday.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:28 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=5Fy6w6WxfmlM

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:      August 11, 2022  

Signature:    MM