SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

JUNE 24, 2021 – 6:30 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held at 6:33 p.m., via Zoom video communications. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Miller Blakely to introduce Reverend Dr. Leonard Small, Pastor of Litway Missionary Baptist Church, who offered the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:  Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter, At-Large, Post 1, Chairman

Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2

Alderwoman Bernetta B. Lanier, District 1

Alderman Detric Leggett, District  2

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4, Vice-Chairman

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

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ALSO, PRESENT:

Acting City Manager Michael Brown

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter had concerns there was no amount included in the request.  Acting City Manger Brown discussed what happens in the event of a category 5 hurricane, and the steps required to continue City operations.  A designated site is needed to house approximately 250 essential City workers for housing, air conditioning, eating and sleeping.  The expenses are reimbursable by FEMA.  The approximate cost per person/per day is $196.00.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked how vendors would be chosen for services.  Mr. Brown stated, staff solicited disaster-response companies to assist the City during the hurricane.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter acknowledged her support of a disaster recovery base, but asked if Council will be notified before any vendors are selected and the amounts requested.  Mr. Brown answered, the City operations would normally be out of commission, but Council would receive memos on updates/progress.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked what Ranco Response and MLU Services provided.  Mr. Brown stated, Ranco as primary provides multi-purpose services, tents, air conditioning, electrical connectors, flooring, bedding, cots, toiletries, food, etc.  MLU is the secondary provider offering the same services as a backup.  She asked if this was the first time for the contract and using these vendors.  Mr. Brown answered, previously there were remnants of this contract.  This is the first time for a comprehensive contract.

Alderman Leggett asked if any of the costs could be shared with Chatham County, and what are the City's current amenities.  Mr. Brown answered, the County will have its own set of contracts and the City has a facility on the grounds of the Surface Water I&D Plant.  Alderman Leggett asked if the City is ready for a disaster or if a dry-run is necessary.  Mr. Brown stated, table-top exercises have been performed and the City is prepared.         

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #5, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 and #7, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 and #7, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concerns that the local residents were not included in the decision and scope of the signage.  Ardis Wood, local resident, is somewhat of the downtown signage spokesperson and she should be included in the signage discussions.  Acting City Manager Brown stated, he is more of a sign fighter than Ardis.  The sign is not in the neighborhood, the signs will be on the building as a monument, it will give recognition to the neighborhoods of West Savannah, it is not advertising and it will be similar to the Civic Center sign, except it will be more attractive and the wording will change less.  At the direction of Mr. Brown, staff is exploring the other signs and he asked that any vendor recommendations be sent to his attention.  He recommends doing an attrition ordinance to eliminate visual blight.  Mr. Brown strongly recommends approval.  A delay could run into chip shortages. 

Written Comment:

• Ardis Wood - requested to Table matter.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommends giving the neighborhood residents an opportunity to give comments or at least notified of the signage.  Mr. Brown suggest ordering the signs now to avoid any building delays and then have dialogue with the residents on the messages displayed on the signs.  Mayor Johnson stated the signs will also afford the City an opportunity to notify residents of any hurricanes and evaluation information.

After review of Daktronics web site and pricing of signs, Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the cost of the signs could be renegotiated, given the two signs cost over $780,000.  Mayor Johnson and Mr. Brown stated the signs include fabrication, design and a look consistent with the building.  Mr. Brown stated he visited other signs of this type throughout the Southeast and the signs are in line with other buildings.

Alderwoman Lanier stated the signs are good information sources for the neighborhood and she thanked Ms. Woods for prior education on signage, however, she has concerns that the Arena Committee nor the surrounding community was given an opportunity to weigh-in on the decisions made for the sign.  She has received calls and emails concerning the signs.  Alderwoman Lanier suggested postponing Item #8 to the July 8, 2021 meeting to allow time for residents to voice concerns and have discussions.  Mr. Brown stated, a two week delay would create problems, due to the current national chip shortage.

Alderman Palumbo facilitated a meeting with Ms. Wood, Chair of Scenic Chatham and Chief Operating Officer Bret Bell regarding signage.  Regarding the Arena signs, the City would have control of the signs, now and into the future.  They will be able to control the frequency of the changes, whether the images are static or moving, the context, and the brightness of the signs.  He suggested the City consider an ordinance eradicating billboard signs in the future.

Mayor Johnson suggested the importance of getting the order placed and within the next two weeks have meetings with neighborhood residents.  If during those meetings there are any substantial changes decided, the City can place a change order.  Alderwoman Lanier clarified with Mayor Johnson and Mr. Brown, that changes could be made after ordering the signs and the meetings with residents.  Mayor Johnson and Mr. Brown agreed.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for clarification on Alderman Palumbo's meeting with Ms. Wood and Mr. Bell in reference to signage.  Alderman Palumbo stated, Ms. Wood reached out to him for a general meeting.                       

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #8, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Johnson instructed Mr. Brown to facilitate a meeting with community residents and include Alderwoman Lanier in the planning.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if this was the parking lot or the garage.  Acting City Manager Brown stated, it is a digital on-street parking system.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if there was a pre-existing vendor since there was no pre-bid conference.  Mr. Brown answered, a pre-bid conference only happens if someone makes the request.  Mayor Johnson indicated this was a sole-source because of the compatibility of the City's current devices.  He stated the money will come from the Parking Fund, not the General Fund. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #9 and #10 as recommended by Acting City Manager Brown, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if this was the parking lot or the garage.  Acting City Manager Brown stated, it is for on-call remote support services for the garage.  Mayor Johnson stated the money will come from the Parking Fund, not the General Fund.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the on-call parking attendant will be new or will it be an existing employee.  Mr. Brown stated, it will be a subscribed contract service, not a City employee. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #9 and #10 as recommended by Acting City Manager Brown, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Acting City Manager Brown to explain the expense to the public.  Mr. Brown gave a description of the project and the need for addressing drainage and the improvements in that area.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely is very concerned with the Arena project.  The local DBE participation is not working as promised.  The local DBE vendor promised participation has not received a portion of the Arena project.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely will send Council Members a copy of the memo received in that regard.  She is very disgruntled with the entire Arena project.  Mr. Brown stated this is a great project meeting all its DBE requirements.  He stated it is not appropriate for Council Members to be involved in contractual relationships.  If there is a disgruntled vendor, there are established channels for the vendor to report any dissatisfaction.

Mayor Johnson indicated the City has an agreement with a general contractor and the general contractor has contractual and arrangements with WBE's and DBE's.  The general contractor is expected to meet the City's requirements as outlined in the agreement.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated the constituents were told they would be able to receive employment through the Arena construction, and that has not happened.  Mayor Johnson indicated this Item has nothing to do with that arrangement.

Alderwoman Lanier asked Mr. Brown for preventive drainage maintenance in the Westside communities (Carver Village, Cloverdale and Brickyard).  Based on community calls, the increased maintenance has not happened.  She is asking for better maintenance in those neighborhoods.  Mayor Johnson concurred with Alderwoman Lanier and stated the increased maintenance should follow the canal into District 5.  Mr. Brown assured Alderwoman Lanier he will convey the need for better maintenance in the Westside communities.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz mentioned when the SPLOST dollars decisions come again, she asked Council to make the Springfield Basin, from Hunter to Victory and Ogeechee be a top priority.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #11, Mayor Pro-Tem Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #12, #13 and #14.

No speaker:

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol license hearings for Items #12, #13 and #14, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #12, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #12, #13 and #14.

No speaker:

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol license hearings for Items #12, #13 and #14, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #13, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #12, #13 and #14.

No speaker:

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol license hearings for Items #12, #13 and #14, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #14, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the establishment was in the overlay district.  Mayor Johnson answered, that is part of the problem and staff is working on the issue.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked, if it's in the overlay district, why delay instead of opposing.  Mayor Pro-Tem Shabazz is working with the City Attorney, zoning department, along with the neighborhood association to resolve the issues.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked how can you work-out issues in an overlay district.  Mayor Johnson indicated the legal issues are being worked out and they have requested time to address those issues.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated the City needs a blanket rule that covers all the Districts and not pick and chose which area it will apply.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz indicated there is no picking and choosing.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan called for point of order.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated, if there is an overlay the neighborhood and applicant should not be encouraged to apply.  The item should not be on the agenda.  Mayor Johnson agreed with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, however the City Attorney and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz are addressing the issue.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter suggested the City set policies that everyone adheres to, with no exceptions.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz stated, it is the policy with the overlay that is in question.        

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to continue/postpone Item #15 to the July 8, 2021 meeting, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked how long the overlay last and requested more information on the subject.  Mayor Johnson stated the Council will need to have discussions on alcohol and alcohol districts in the City.  He has the Harvard Fellow, Ms. Meese, here to help with research on zoning on alcohol issues.  

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #16 and #17.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan performed due diligence for the shop and found an ice cream booth and shelving containing prepackaged snacks (from Walmart or Sam's Club).  An approval will negatively impact District 3, and other Districts in the City.  City staff will need to increase due diligence when considering special interest items before presenting to Council for consideration.  She stated the dictionary's definition of a restaurant is a place that cooks, serves and provides take-out in the establishment.  She will not approve of this item.

Mayor Johnson indicated, this is a petition from MPC, which any citizen can submit.  He asked Acting City Manager Brown for the definition of a restaurant.  Mr. Brown sent a memo to Council describing this and surrounding establishments as 'food service'.   As a food service establishment, sometimes the food is cooked and sometimes not cooked.  It is not a restaurant, but licensed as a food service establishment with ice cream and confectioners.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan disagreed with Mr. Brown.  During her due diligence, she noted the establishment was not a restaurant, according to the Department of Health.   Moving forward the City will need to update policies if this administration is working for changes.  When a petition has gone through the MPC process, Mr. Brown stated the City is required by law to put the petitions on the agenda.  This does not mean the City is recommending approval.

Alderman Leggett had an opportunity to have a meeting at the establishment with the Department of Health and Judee Jones, Director of Revenue.  He was told by the representative from the Department of Health, the establishment was a Risk Type 1, meaning frequency of inspections is once per year for establishments that do not cook food, may reheat food such as hot dogs & sausages.  Alderman Legget asked Attorney Lovett for the definition of a restaurant.  Mr. Lovett stated, restaurant means food service, under the City's ordinance, it means the service of food, not necessarily cooked.

There was discussions with Mayor Johnson, Mr. Brown and Alderman Leggett concerning the approval of Items #16 and #17 setting a precendent, thereby allowing the same type of special use permits throughout the City.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mr. Brown if staff checked to make sure each of the petitioners were meeting the threshold of the law before adding items on the agenda.  If the City allows this petitioner's request of a ice cream and coffee shop to pass as a viable establishment to sell alcohol, it is sending mixed signals to petitioners wishing to apply for an alcohol license.  At some point, the City needs to set standards and policies determining how the City sells alcohol and adheres to those policies.

Alderman Palumbo asked City Attorney Lovett the following questions: if the City failed to view an applicant, is that considered a failure of due process (yes); does the City have the obligation to review every appliction by a petitioner (yes); is there any bearing on the use of a special use permit approval in one area of the City setting a precendence for special use permit approval in another part of the City (no); and does each special use permit need to be taken under their own consideation, with their own parameters, under their own rights (yes).  Alderman Palumbo suggested the Council needs a refresher on the NewZo special use permits and what it means and the impacts moving forward. 

Speaker(s):

• Marguerite Seckman, applicant, asked the Council to recogonize there are two separate businesses, one a coffee shop and one an ice cream shop.  Ms. Seckman described the food and activities with patrons at both locations.  She compared her shop to Paris Market on Broughton Street with retail, food, coffee and serves alcohol.  She doesn't feel a glass of wine will create a DUI.

Mayor Johnson stated, the problem is the comparisons with other businesses are the concerns of Council, thus the reasons for the discussions on approval of special use permit.

Ms. Seckman disagreed and stated the definitions in the City ordinance, defines ice cream and coffee as restaurants.           

Written comment(s) received (#16 & #17):

• Brianne Halverson, SUPPORTED
• Clinton Edminster, SUPPORTED
• Brigitte Harley, SUPPORTED
• Elizabeth Massey, SUPPORTED

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #16, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #16, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion failed, 3-6-0.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo voted yea.  Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee voted no.

During the vote, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan requested a text message (chat) as to the motion and the vote.  Clerk of Council Massey responded by sending her a text.  Mayor Johnson stated the motion was to approve, the vote was 3 yeas, and 5 no's.  Mr. Massey indicated Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan's vote was not taken, she voted against the motion.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan voted no.

c.  Alderman Palumbo requested a reconsideration of the vote for Items #16 and #17, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

d.  Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #16 (coffee shop), Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed, 5-4-0.  Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted yea.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan voted no.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Items #16 and #17.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan performed due diligence for the shop and found an ice cream booth and shelving containing prepackaged snacks (from Walmart or Sam's Club).  An approval will negatively impact District 3, and other Districts in the City.  City staff will need to increase due diligence when considering special interest use items before presenting to Council for consideration.  She stated the dictionary's definition of a restaurant is a place that cooks, serves and provides take-out in the establishment.  She will not approve of this item.

Mayor Johnson indicated, this is a petition from MPC, which any citizen can submit.  He asked Acting City Manager Brown for the definition of a restaurant.  Mr. Brown sent a memo to Council describing this and surrounding establishments as 'food service'.   As a food service establishment, sometimes the food is cooked and sometimes not cooked.  It is not a restaurant, but licensed as a food service establishment with ice cream and confectioners.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan disagreed with Mr. Brown.  During her due diligence, she noted the establishment was not a restaurant, according to the Department of Health.   Moving forward the City will need to update policies if this administration is working for changes.  When a petition has gone through the MPC process, Mr. Brown stated the City is required by law to put the petitions on the agenda.  This does not mean the City is recommending approval.

Alderman Leggett had an opportunity to have a meeting at the establishment with the Department of Health and Judee Jones, Director of Revenue.  He was told by the representative from the Department of Health, the establishment was a Risk Type 1, meaning frequency of inspections is once per year for establishments that do not cook food, may reheat food such as hot dogs & sausages.  Alderman Leggett asked Attorney Lovett for the definition of a restaurant.  Mr. Lovett stated, restaurant means food service, under the City's ordinance, it means the service of food, not necessarily cooked.

There was discussions with Mayor Johnson, Mr. Brown and Alderman Leggett concerning the approval of Items #16 and #17 setting a precedent, thereby allowing the same type of special use permits throughout the City.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mr. Brown if staff checked to make sure each of the petitioners were meeting the threshold of the law before adding items on the agenda.  If the City allows this petitioner's request of a ice cream and coffee shop to pass as a viable establishment to sell alcohol, it is sending mixed signals to petitioners wishing to apply for an alcohol license.  At some point, the City needs to set standards and policies determining how the City sells alcohol and adheres to those policies.

Alderman Palumbo asked City Attorney Lovett the following questions: if the City failed to view an applicant, is that considered a failure of due process (yes); does the City have the obligation to review every application by a petitioner (yes); is there any bearing on the use of a special use permit approval in one area of the City setting a precedence for special use permit approval in another part of the City (no); and does each special use permit need to be taken under their own consideration, with their own parameters, under their own rights (yes).  Alderman Palumbo suggested the Council needs a refresher on the NewZo special use permits and what it means and the impacts moving forward.                  

Speaker(s):

• Marguerite Seckman, applicant, asked the Council to recognize there are two separate businesses, one a coffee shop and one an ice cream shop.  Ms. Seckman described the food and activities with patrons at both locations.  She compared her shop to Paris Market on Broughton Street with retail, food, coffee and serves alcohol.  She doesn't feel a glass of wine will create a DUI. 

  Mayor Johnson stated, the problem is the comparisons with other businesses are the concerns of Council, thus the reasons for the discussions on approval of special use permit.

  Ms. Seckman disagreed and stated the definitions in the City ordinance, defines ice cream and coffee as restaurants.    

   

Written comment(s) received (#16 & #17):

• Brianne Halverson, SUPPORTED
• Clinton Edminster, SUPPORTED
• Brigitte Harley, SUPPORTED
• Elizabeth Massey, SUPPORTED

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #17, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #17, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed, 5-4-0.  Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted yea.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan voted no.

Mayor Johnson asked Clerk of Council Massey to secure Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan's vote.  He indicated Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan indicated a no vote for Item #17 (during the vote of Item #16).

Before the vote, Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Ms. Seckman if the establishment was similar to Paris Market.  Ms. Seckman answered they are very similar, with the retail and cafe.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if Paris Market was in the entertainment district.  Mr. Brown answered years ago there were various establishments on Broughton Street selling beer and wine.  He doesn't know if Paris Market is a match, but they are not a full service restaurant.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the Starland District was an entertainment district.  Mr. Brown could not confirm, but stated there is entertainment in the area.

Mayor Johnson asked Ms. Seckman if the establishment had tables (yes, 9 tables).  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz stated her votes are in support of the District Aldermen.

After the vote, Ms. Seckman stated the Council had concerns for the ice cream shop, but it passed.  She was told by several people in the City of Savannah that the coffee shop would pass.  Mayor Johnson indicated the Council has voted.  Ms. Seckman stated, they only want wine in the coffee shop.  She asked when can she bring 2418 Desoto Avenue back to Council for another vote.  City Attorney Lovett answered, 12 months.

Mayor Johnson stated the Council has deliberated on these two Items during two separate meetings and the vote has been taken.  Ms. Seckman asked for clarification. Mayor Johnson read into the record, Item #16, 2418 Desoto Avenue the special use permit was denied; and Item #17, 17 West 41st Street, the special use permit was approved.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for the location of the ice cream shop, 17 West 41st Street (yes) and the coffee shop is on Desoto (yes).  Ms. Seckman stated the Council was confused on the locations.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated, the ice cream shop failed and the coffee shop was approved (no).  Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated there was definitely confusion, the ice cream shop is the one that should not have passed.

Mayor Johnson asked if the entire Council was confused on the locations.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated they voted no on both locations.  Mayor Johnson clarified the ice cream shop to be at 17 West 41st Street and the coffee shop at 2418 Desoto.  Ms. Seckman confirmed.  At Mayor Johnson's polling, Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett, Alderman Palumbo and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz  stated their vote would not have changed.  Alderman Purtee stated, he voted to approve both Items, and his vote would not have changed.  Mayor Johnson and Clerk of Council Massey stated, the vote taken for Alderman Purtee for Item #16 was no.  Mr. Massey stated even with Alderman Purtee changing his vote, it would not change the outcome of the decisions.  Mayor Johnson stated, he would have approved Item #16 and denied Item #17.

Alderman Palumbo stated there were some connection issues with Comcast and suggested a revote on Item #16.  Mayor Johnson stated a revote on Items #16 and #17.    

c.  Alderman Palumbo requested a reconsideration of the vote for Items #16 and #17, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

d.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #17 (ice cream shop), Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion failed, 4-5-0.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted yea.  Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan voted no.

Since the definition for restaurant was vague, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked Attorney Lovett how is staff monitoring the ordinances on food service equaling the alcohol license.  Mr. Lovett answered, by audits with establishments receipts, alcohol versus food.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan requested a copy of an audit report.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing for Item #18.

Speaker(s):

• Melanie Wilson, MPC Executive Director, described the project.  MPC recommended approval with conditions.
• Vincent Del Monte, (Agent) on behalf of the applicant. 
• Donna Myers, Liberty City resident, supported.
• Harry Frazier, Liberty City area resident, supported.
• Gregg Dixon, supports Boys & Girls Club, discussed other issues/matters.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed concerns with the current building.  She had discussions with Mr. Del Monte who promised the current Boys & Girls Club building would not be sold or demolished.  The building will be renovated and used for teenage programs.  Mayor Johnson requested Mr. Del Monte to provide written confirmation, from the Board of Directors in reference to the plans for the current Boys & Girls Club building, to be added to the Minutes.  Mr. Del Monte indicated the action will be taken at the next Board Meeting, in a couple weeks.  He will forward the confirmation to Mayor Johnson.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter commended the Boys Club for extending out to reach more young boys.  This will keep them in positive programs and hopefully deter some of the gun violence.  She also encouraged the citizens to contribute to the Boys & Girls Club's capital campaign.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter encouraged the City to lead the charge in providing resources through the Community Services Fund.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter thanked Mr. Gregg Dixon for his voice and courage.  She stated, as a Member of Council, she represents all people not just black people.  Since taking office, part of her platform was to engage aggressive and progressive policy initiatives to increase benefits where the most vulnerable population was concerned (which is black/brown people), but that has not been realized.  She challenged the assertion that the Council is a task force for black people.

Mayor Johnson indicated, the task forces are for population groups that are under-represented.  He believes the black/brown population has received benefits, in spite of the pandemic, since this administration has taken office.  This includes affordable housing, poverty reduction and crime reduction.

Alderman Leggett thanked Mr. Del Monte for keeping the Boys Club building in District 2 and extended any assistance needed from his office.  He is a product of attending the Boys Club.  He requested, if possible, even after Mr. Del Monte's tenure, the building never be sold.

Mayor Johnson commented, when you look at the great men in the Savannah communities, the one common denominator is the Boys Club.  If an agency is able to build great men from little boys, the community needs the organization.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan thanked the Catholic Diocese, Frank Callen (her children attended) and Coach Holmes who she worked with as a cheerleader and worked there off-duty with the Sheriff's department.  She thanked Mr. Del Monte for working with LB4 & After Foundation and Lawrence, in partnership and the Savannah Golf Club for the LB4 & After yearly golf camp.  We will continue to work together for the youth.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked Ms. Wilson and numerous other individuals for all the work done for the City, and she thanked the Boys and Girls Club for not giving up on finding a new location in Savannah for their flagship location in District 5.                

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #18, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #19, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson congratulated Mr. Del Monte and challenged all Council Member to join him in giving the first donations.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #20 and #21, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #20 and #21, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Johnson indicated there has been an appeal in reference to Item #22 and requested removal from the agenda to give Acting City Manager Brown an opportunity to respond.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Mayor Johnson the status of the Summer youth programs.  Mayor Johnson answered, due to the pandemic the City was unable to offer the programs, but there are currently numerous jobs available to youth at this time by various businesses.  

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #23, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #24, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #25, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed, 8-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #26, to authorize the City Attorney’s office to settle a Worker’s Compensation matter involving Gertrude Addison in the amount of $80,000.00, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #27, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderwoman Miller Blakely commented the Council served the Sanitation Department a meal last week.  She was not aware of the event, if she had known, she would have participated.  She supports the sanitation department 100%.  Mayor Johnson indicated, in recognition of Sanitation Week, a request was made for a meal and breakfast was served to the department on behalf of Council.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, as a member of the National League of Cities and a member of the National Black Caucus of Elected Officials, advised speaker, Gregg Dixon, the conversations and actions for reparations are being done throughout the Country.  Due to the pandemic, the organizations were unable to meet in Washington, DC, but there are cities with Resolutions in regard to reparations.  She wanted Mr. Dixon to know there are Members on Council aware of the issue.

Mayor Johnson reminded Council of the National League of Cities meeting in November in Salt Lake City.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan wished Marty Johnson, Assistant to Mayor Johnson, a Happy Birthday.

Alderman Leggett reported Kroger is hiring young adults.  They should complete applications during peak hours of 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., especially the Kroger's in McAlpin Square.  

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m.

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

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=HvuldxaTe4Mz

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:  July 8, 2021

Initials:  mm