JUNE 12, 2025 - 2:00 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 2:01 p.m., in the SCCPSS Board of Education Room located at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura Avenue, Building G.  Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, then recognized Ald. Linda Wilder-Bryan who introduced The Reverend Doctor Bertice Berry, Deacon, Christ Church Episcopal to offer the invocation.  The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was recited in unison.  

PRESENT:  

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

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

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3 - Vice Chair

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4 - Chairman

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

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Jay Melder

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Assistant to Clerk of Council Renee Osborne

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve agenda item #1, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #4, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson stated that council has been engaged in a multi-month, multi-session in consideration of the performance of the three employees that work directly for council: City Manager Jay Melder, the City Attorney, Bates Lovett, and the City Clerk, Mark Massey.  Council has completed their process and Mayor Johnson stated he would consider all three to be very good.  He further stated, with the council's thanks, congratulations to Mr. Melder, Mr. Lovett, and Mr. Massey.

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to Hunter Army Airfield Lt. Col. Derick Taylor and Fort Stewart Retired Soldier Council Officer Co-Chair and Civilian Aide to the Secretary of Army Pete Hoffman.  They were joined by Army Veterans Ald. Alicia Miller Blakely, Acting Chief of Management Services Melissa Carter, Water Resources Administrator Anthony Caston, and Police Chief Lenny Gunther.

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to Acting Chair of the PROUD Task Force Pam Miller, Savannah Pride Center Program Director Jessica Saunders, Reverend Dr. Cale Robert Hall, and Ald. Kurtis Purtee.

Mayor Johnson recognized June 16-20, 2025 as National Waste & Recycling Workers Week.  Solid Waste Senior Director Quhannah “Q” Andrews, Chief of Government Operations Gene Prevatt, and various other Solid Waste Professionals introduced themselves.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #8 including the good neighbor agreement, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked staff to make sure we have the good neighbor agreement and forward it to the Clerk.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #9 including the good neighbor agreement, seconded by Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked staff to make sure we have the good neighbor agreement and forward it to the Clerk.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #10, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol license hearings open for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #9, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #11, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson announced that agenda item #12 was WITHDRAWN, as requested by the petitioner.

Mayor Johnson introduced agenda item #13 and asked the City Manager to give a top-level review and presentation.

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing open for agenda item #13.

No speaker(s).

Ald. Lanier moved to close the public hearing for agenda item #13, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson stated there will be another opportunity for public comment over the coming days.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #14.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC representative

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearing for agenda item #14, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #14, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #15, #16, and #17.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC representative
• City Manager Melder
• Ron Feldner, Chief of Water Resources

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearings for agenda items #15, #16, and #17, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #15, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she wanted the public to know that a lot of the growth is happening in the fifth district, due to the fact that, that is where the land for development is, and a lot of the land is in Chatham County.  She stated it is a wonderful thing that is happening in our city.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she wanted the citizens to know that our Mayor, the council, the city manager, our attorney, city clerk, and team Savannah, care about development and the different types of land we have to develop on.  She further stated -- telephone calls from citizens, research, all the work that is done as professionals, our Ogeechee River Keepers, and our waterway keepers -- all of you are not taken for granted.

In reference to agenda items #15, #16, and #17, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.Shabazz asked the City Manager to explain how our development standards with our stormwater and wetlands can be impacted.  City Manager explained that the city has robust regulations in place and this development will have to comply with those regulations.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Mr. Edward Morrow, MPC representative, and Ron Feldner, Chief of Water Resources, to provide further explanations regarding the development regarding stormwater, wetlands, flooding, and flood prevention.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated that collaboration is key.  She asked citizens to continue to call her and to meet with her to make her aware, so that she can continue to do the work, especially on this project.

Mayor Johnson advised the members of the public who completed speaker cards that they spoke at the previous meeting, so their comments have already been made a part of the record.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #15, #16, and #17.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC representative
• City Manager Melder
• Ron Feldner, Chief of Water Resources

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearings for agenda items #15, #16, and #17, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #16, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she wanted the public to know that a lot of the growth is happening in the fifth district, due to the fact that, that is where the land for development is, and a lot of the land is in Chatham County.  She stated it is a wonderful thing that is happening in our city.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she wanted the citizens to know that our Mayor, the council, the city manager, our attorney, city clerk, and team Savannah, care about development and the different types of land we have to develop on.  She further stated -- telephone calls from citizens, research, all the work that is done as professionals, our Ogeechee River Keepers, and our waterway keepers -- all of you are not taken for granted.

In reference to agenda items #15, #16, and #17, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.Shabazz asked the City Manager to explain how our development standards with our stormwater and wetlands can be impacted.  City Manager explained that the city has robust regulations in place and this development will have to comply with those regulations.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Mr. Edward Morrow, MPC representative, and Ron Feldner, Chief of Water Resources, to provide further explanations regarding the development regarding stormwater, wetlands, flooding, and flood prevention.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated that collaboration is key.  She asked citizens to continue to call her and to meet with her to make her aware, so that she can continue to do the work, especially on this project.

Mayor Johnson advised the members of the public who completed speaker cards that they spoke at the previous meeting, so their comments have already been made a part of the record.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #15, #16, and #17.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, MPC representative
• City Manager Melder
• Ron Feldner, Chief of Water Resources

a.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearings for agenda items #15, #16, and #17, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #17, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely voted no

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she wanted the public to know that a lot of the growth is happening in the fifth district, due to the fact that, that is where the land for development is, and a lot of the land is in Chatham County.  She stated it is a wonderful thing that is happening in our city.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she wanted the citizens to know that our Mayor, the council, the city manager, our attorney, city clerk, and team Savannah, care about development and the different types of land we have to develop on.  She further stated -- telephone calls from citizens, research, all the work that is done as professionals, our Ogeechee River Keepers, and our waterway keepers -- all of you are not taken for granted.

In reference to agenda items #15, #16, and #17, Mayor Pro Tem Dr.Shabazz asked the City Manager to explain how our development standards with our stormwater and wetlands can be impacted.  City Manager explained that the city has robust regulations in place and this development will have to comply with those regulations.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Mr. Edward Morrow, MPC representative, and Ron Feldner, Chief of Water Resources, to provide further explanations regarding the development regarding stormwater, wetlands, flooding, and flood prevention.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated that collaboration is key.  She asked citizens to continue to call her and to meet with her to make her aware, so that she can continue to do the work, especially on this project.

Mayor Johnson advised the members of the public who completed speaker cards that they spoke at the previous meeting, so their comments have already been made a part of the record.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #18.

Speaker(s):

• Jenn Dulong, Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) - IN SUPPORT
• Kristy Crill, The Dive Savannah - IN SUPPORT
• Calum Crampton - OPPOSED
• The Rev. Matthew W. Herring, Lutheran Church of the Ascension - OPPOSED

a.  Ald. Purtee moved to close the hearing for agenda item #18, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Purtee moved to approve agenda item #18, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  No vote was taken on this motion.

c.  Mayor Johnson moved/requested to amend, thereby adding an alternative review (report on the effectiveness) during a workshop on September 11 25, 2025, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  Mayor Johnson withdrew his motion.

d.  Ald. Purtee moved to approve agenda item #18 with an evaluation in 90 days (September 25, 2025 Council Workshop) by the City Manager to determine/evaluate the pros or strengths and cons or weaknesses and provide any recommendations, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated she is supposed to take care of citizens, business owners, everybody that is affected by this, and she knows council is supposed to do something about this.  She further stated she is hopeful that we come up with some kind of ordinance that is fair and true to the people that we serve.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked Mayor Johnson when we make this criminal, what we are going to do about the storage of things that people have, who is going to be responsible for storing it, and who is going to be offering services?  She stated we got to do a better beckoning and reasoning when we, the city, make these things and put them on the books that last forever and ever. If we are going to approve this, we sure better have someplace for people to store their items and be able to come back and get them.

Ald. Purtee stated that this is a very touchy subject, and that the absence of action is often worse sometimes than the action itself.  He further stated that what we find here is step 15 of a 20 step plan which we have implemented and have poured millions of dollars in the City of Savannah towards homeless eradication, towards trying to find a solution to homelessness.  Ald. Purtee said that he think we have done a fairly good job of managing resources and getting folks the help they need.  The truth is our police officers are already stretched because many of the calls they are dealing with these individuals. He stated that everyday police are out there dealing with a person with a mental health crisis who happens to be roofless.  They are out there with somebody who is defecating a public space who happens to be homeless.  Ald. Purtee expressed that these folds are riddled with mental health issues, addiction issues, and some, but not all, are actually part of the criminal elememt.  He stated that this ordinance is not a one-size-fits-all approach, this is just another tool.  Ald. Purtee stated he does not see this as criminalizing homelessness.  We are looking at the most vulnerable people in Savannah.  Not only do they have mental health issues, not only are they struggling with addiction, they do not have a place to lay their head at night, and when they do, it is often in a public spot.  Ald. Purtee stated he does not want this to be used as something to criminalize people.  He wants this to be used as a place to offer them services.  Ald. Purtee expressed that this is a tool to protect all people in Savannah.  He stated that we can make this work in our favor for our community, for all, all of us, and all means all. [A speaker left/was asked to be removed for disrupting the meeting.]

Ald. Palumbo stated since we have all served together on city council, we have made those remarkable landmark investments in affordable housing, in housing first policies, not just a pioneer on Georgia's coast, but really in the entire state of Georgia and the southeast.  He stated pound for pound per capita, we have made more investments in this space than nearly any city in the south. From the Veterans Village onto the American Rescue Plan Act that we have continued building this strategy together, forming the interagency council on homelessness, leading by the tip of the spear, even when others did not want us to place those investments.  Ald. Palumbo stated that he has learned in this job that you have to listen to the experts that are on the field that are seeing it from their perspective.  He further stated that our leaders at the Chatham Savannah  Authority for the Homeless are advocates who are living it every single day, and they are asking us for options.  They are asking for a system that gives us tools for warnings, to help lift people up, and give them options to connect them for services.  Ald. Palumbo encouraged Council to not only consider this, but continue to make those investments so we can get to that functional zero point.  So that we can be the first city in America that solved it.  Even if it is impossible, we need to keep trying.

Speaking on behalf of the residents of Gwinnett Street, Ald. Leggett spoke about a recognized homeless person seen pleasuring himself on someone's porch in front of children.  The residents expressed concern for services that are not available after 6pm, or services that are offered for a fee that the homeless individuals cannot pay.  We are failing the homeless persons in many ways, like where are the dropoff places we can take them to at less convenient times.  Police are doing the best they can do, but we have to educate the homeless population.  Some homeless people are being dropped off in our city from other places, due to our services being provided.  There are still so many questions attached.  Services we say that we have, need to be followed-up to make sure that we really are offering them.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated our job is to take care of all our citizens.  In adding her comments, she said that we are policymakers and we have to make sure that we do the right thing.  With respect to unsheltered citizens, some are good and some are not so good in terms of their actions.  We open up our city facilities, work with our nonprofits, and our businesses offer support to them, like her business that feeds them everyday.  She stated as lawmakers we have to take care of everybody, the good and the bad.

Ald. Lanier stated she can see the pros and the cons of this ordinance.  With members who have championed this issue, she has to offer concessions and compromises.  For someone who is sleeping outside, we need help.  In listening, she will be able to make a decision.

Mayor Johnson stated he is still struggling with this issue.  With all the speaker comment cards, all of them have an address, but the people we are talking about do not have an address.  We have not heard from them.  We go above and beyond to make sure that we are communicative and engaging people, but he is not sure we did that on this issue by talking to those who are affected.  He stated he hoped to God that none of us have to spend a day being homeless, and he does not know what that feels like although there are people within our community who do.  Over time, he has heard from so many people.  He's heard that homelessness is bad for tourism and business, it's unsightly, they smell, we don't want to see them, move them someplace else.  He submitted that if we pride ourselves in being a city of hospitality, then we are a city of hospitality for all, like people who can afford a hotel room, and those who sleep outside of the hotel.  On the issue of doing criminal things, they are urinating, deficating, and pleasuring themselves, the same things he saw on St. Patrick's Day weekend, or any other given weekend.  His answer to this is, those are criminal acts which should be prosecuted in a criminal manner.  We estimate that there are about 40-60 individuals who are repeatedly criminal in their actions.  He has not heard a significant plan to deal with those persons, and we know exactly who they are.  He would like to treat them like criminals and remove them from our community.  Mayor Johnson then told a story about Cale Hall ministering to homeless persons.  Mayor Johnson stated his concern is where do you take them and their stuff.  Are we moving problems from one area to another, or does it become complaint-driven?  He has not seen a procedure for handling their stuff, like what is done when you get arrested at jail.  Once we put hands on people, we have incurred liability for them and their stuff.  He agreed that something has to be done, especially with persistent issues, and we have to try something.  We must make sure to treat people with dignity, humanity, and care, based upon their individual need.  Everyone homeless does not have mental health issues.  Everyone homeless is not criminal either.  He knows where everyone is going on this and they are welcomed to go there.  If we are going to approve this, he asked to approve it on a 90 day provision that it come back to the Council.  And if changes need to be made, we make them.  He is concerned that the theorethical policy does not have the practicality that we need.  The City of Savannah is not in the homeless business.  Chain of custody for personal belongings may not be the responsibility of the officers.  He stated that he wants to be sure to lead with love, support, and care.  Removal should only be done as a last result, and we know that this is only a short-term fix.  He thanked everyone who was engaged in this work, given everyone's concern for people who are roofless.  He stated he feels that we need to have a feedback loop, in order to determine that this is working in the way that it is supposed to be.  If he sees that it is used to criminalize them, he will be the first to ask for it to be repealed.  Police officers or the City should not determine whether a persons belongings are of value or not.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked a question regarding how the ordinance addresses handling of personal property, and she asked that to be changed.  City Manager Melder responded.

Ald. Purtee stated this is a tough issue for all of us, including those of us who are ministers.  If anyone has questions or doubt about services provided 24/7 to the homeless contact Jenn Dulong and Kristy Crill.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked who will be monitoring for those 90 days.  Mayor Johnson responded that the City Manager will bring back a review and suggest any changes.

Ald. Purtee asked the City Manager if he would be reviewing the implementation of the ordinance whether there was an amendment or not (yes).  He asked the Clerk of Council if the ordinance can be repealed (yes).

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz gave a perspective about what happens on City Council when policy decisions are made, and she requested her colleagues to allow this discussion to come back in front of them in 90 days, as requested by the Mayor.  Mayor Johnson clarified his request.

Ald. Leggett asked the City Manager if anyone has had a conversation with the Sheriff to see if he was on board, having our officers taking individuals to the jail.  City Manager Melder responded.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated she ran the property room at the Chatham County Sheriff's Department, and it is not an easy job.  We have to do something, she agreed.  Unless it is criminal, she recommended people's belongings be held somewhere other than the property room for police.  She added there should be a clear process for how people get their materials back.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, #22, #23, #25, #26, and #27, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, #22, #23, #25, #26, and #27, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item 21, seconded by Ald. Linda Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Ald. Lanier voted no.

Ald. Miller Blakely expressed concern that three vendors applied, but she only sees one.  City Manager Melder responded that he believed that others may have been non-responsive, but he will get back with her on that information.  Ald. Miller Blakely asked what the deciding factor was for the chosen vendor.  City Manager Melder responded with the difference between RFPs and Bids.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz asked what is the economic value and impact of this study to the citizens of Savannah.  City Manager Melder responded.

Ald. Miller Blakely inquired about the Sottille Company and what they were supposed to be doing in relation to the Civic Center, as opposed to this vendor.  City Manager Melder responded.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, #22, #23, #25, #26, and #27, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, #22, #23, #25, #26, and #27, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson moved to approve agenda item 24, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson stated the City Clerk deserves the best.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked if the other furniture can be donated.  Mayor Johnson responded we have a process for disposing of surplus property.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, #22, #23, #25, #26, and #27, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, #22, #23, #25, #26, and #27, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19, #20, #22, #23, #25, #26, and #27, seconded by Ald. Palumbo, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Bell moved to approve agenda item #28, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakley, Ald. Lanier, and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

HEARD for First Reading Only.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #30, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Lanier asked the City Manager about the organization, Forsyth Conservancy, Inc.  City Manager Melder responded.  Ald. Lanier mentioned a second playground and meeting space are being planned for the park, so she asked if the same organization or a different organization is involved with that work.  City Manager responded, identifying Rotary Clubs.  Ald. Lanier commented that these activities are good models and shows how we can do more with these assets and others around the city (MOUs and MOAs).

Mayor Johnson pointed out that the City Manager is a member of the Rotary, and his membership brings back dividends for the City, so that's why we support the investment.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #31, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Bell moved to approve agenda item #32, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed 7-2-0. Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated she is vehemently against this agenda item.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #33, seconded by Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed 7-1-1, as amended to invite/inquire about the School Board being a part of the agreement.  Ald. Miller Blakely voted no, and Ald. Purtee recused/abstained from the vote.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated residents who voted for her know that she is vehemently against the Vision 2033 program, then she read a prepared statement.  Ald. Miller Blakely asked if the 2033 plan has changed or been revamped from what was introduced in 2019, and she asked who was on the Board.  City Manager Melder responded.  Ald. Miller Blakely added that the previous Vision 2033 plan did not have any consideration of African Americans in that particular plan presented in 2019.  There are certain groups that have, and there are other groups that don't have.  She asked if the MPC is involved with this effort (no), and she stated this is a problem since they are the professional planners.

Mayor Johnson stated there have been a variety of plans that people have introduced due to the Year of 2033 being our tricentennial year.  Where there is no vision, the people perish.  You can't bemoan people for setting out to create some function of their vision.  He supported this effort because we need vision for this region, including the County and economic development partners.  He cautioned Council, if you are not at the table, you are on the menu.  People being spoken of is who we have to represent.  He stated he is the mayor for the entire city.  When you look at this Council, we do have.  Mayor Johnson stated we are using the MPC, but they are not the convener.

Ald. Palumbo added many events are centered around our tricentennial, an outstanding milestone.  We have profound regional challenges, like the Housing Savannah Study, a transportation crisis.  He stated he sees Vision 2033 as a visionary document that looks at processes and procedures.  It also fosters cross-coordination with the nine municipalities, and our regional and State partners.

Mayor Johnson stated there is the vision, the strategies, and the tactics.  MPC will have to be involved in the strategy and the tactics.

Ald. Lanier asked the City Manager about the work done by the Congress of the New Urbanism (CNU), surrounding those federal opportunity zones, and that particular Vision 2033 plan.  City Manager Melder responded.  Ald. Lanier added that we did not get an opportunity to do a legacy plan with the CNU on the westside, although they were in the room but not offered a seat at the table.  She stated she was speaking about neighborhood presidents and advocates on the westside.  They tried to represent that opportunity zone on the westside.  Many of their desires did not get put into NewZo, but they were told they would be revisited, but that never happened.  Recently, during the work on ADUs and duplexes, we discussed parts of those conversations.  Speaking from her experience and the experience of people in the community, when we participate in these exercises it is almost impossible to get the vision of these people she represents in the plans.  People often hear her say, a clash of two visions.  The vision the residents have and the master plan.  And the plans don't benefit people in these areas.  Ald. Lanier stated she met with some of the proponents/partners of this plan who said they will be referencing, building, and relying upon the CNU work.  She asked how do we get the vision of the people she represents actualized and not relinquished to the master plan, thereby wiping out their communities and being gentrified.  Those are some of her concerns.  We need to look at some of the basic root conditions and design for certain outcomes.  She has a problem with the professional planners not being at the top/primary level.  It looks like we are replacing the MPC, spending a whole lot of money, and putting a bunch of developers, business and government entities together to create our master plan.  She stated that the Chair of the MPC should also have a seat at the table.  City Manager Melder responded by explaining the Comprehensive Plan versus the Vision 2033 initiative.  Ald. Lanier then discussed the City's strategic plan which is great to her.  She asked for a guarantee that this particular plan be resident-driven, citizen-based, and engaged.

Mayor Johnson stated this is a vision and it is different.  He really thought the school board should have been at the table, because education is so essential to what we do.  He stated he sees where some efforts are stakeholder driven, not resident-driven.

Ald. Lanier stated earlier we took the Mayor's recommendation to come back in thirty days and review, so she asked if we could get something like that put in place.  A lot of citizens have asked about area plans.  Many neighborhoods did not get to work on plans like they did in the early 2000s.  Ald. Lanier asked about how they can ensure that they get some type of participatory momentum with this work and measure it.  She asked, are we creating a new Vision 2033 plan?

Mayor Johnson committed, as a voting member, to inform Council whenever timelines are established.  He stated the previous plan was developed by the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority.

Ald. Miller Blakely read from the agenda item description.

Ald. Bell stated there is no reason why we cannot call the shots or offer parameters, being one-third of the funding mechanism and the Mayor is a voting member.  City Manager Melder responded.

Mayor Johnson stated again we should ask the school board to participate who is critical, whether we handle it ourselves or as a part of the motion.  City Manager Melder stated we are talking about an IGA, which would require it to be amended by the parties too.  Mayor Johnson stated we will approve the IGA and come back with any changes once we know what they (school board) said.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she believed that there are people/entities already written and stated as a part of the agreement.  City Manager Melder suggested a couple ways to incorporate the school board.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #34, authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim of Jamaine Williams (a worker's compensation matter) in the amount of $65,000.00, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Ald. Leggett was away from the dais during the vote.

Ald. Purtee moved to approve agenda item #35, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Following various announcements made by the Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 5:21 p.m.

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: ______________________

Signature:                                                                  

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

https://www.youtube.com/@cityofsavannah/videos.