JUNE 9, 2022, 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 2:20 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderwoman Gibson-Carter who introduced Apostle J. R. Taylor, dedicated member of The United House of Prayer for All People, to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:  Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

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

Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2

Alderwoman Bernetta B. Lanier, District 1

Alderman Detric Leggett, District  2

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4, Vice-Chairman

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

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Joseph A. Melder

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda for June 9, 2022, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

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

Alderman Purtee provided a brief overview of when and why PRIDE month started and introduced the members of the Savannah PROUD Taskforce:  Chair Pastor Candace Hardnett, Board Chair of First City PRIDE Center Dusty Church, Pam Miller, Samantha Sosobee, and Erika Hardnett.

Pastor Hardnett thanked Mayor and Council for acknowledging June as Savannah's PRIDE month and the recognition for taskforce members.  Each member of the Taskforce thanked Council Members for the opportunity to appear and speak to express their thanks for the recognition.

Mayor Johnson and other Members of Council thanked the Taskforce for their local work.  The PRIDE Flag is hanging in the City's Rotunda.  Beginning in July there will be a launch of a National Suicide Helpline (988) for individuals experiencing challenges.   

Mayor Johnson introduced Municipal Archives Director Luciana Spracher and her team for documenting the history of Savannah.  Ms. Spracher introduced the members of her team (Kelly Zacovic and Megan Keikhoff ) and their respective responsibilities/specialty.  She  thanked Mayor and Council for the opportunity to speak about the history of Savannah and for the department's honor and recognition.

Chief Operating Officer Bret Bell, City Manager Melder, Mayor Johnson and several Council Members thanked the municipal archives team for their tireless documentation of the history of the city.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter gave a brief history of the 'Weeping Time' and representatives of the Weeping Time Coalition stood for recognition.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommended the municipal archives department remember to provide a history/story of the weeping time event.

ADDED after Item #5:

Mayor Johnson took a point of personal privilege to discuss the history of Juneteenth and the meaning of the holiday, as well as various events to be held in the city (events are posted on the city's web page) and a Flag to be raised in the Rotunda at City Hall.  This year marks the first year the City, as well as Federal offices, will celebrate Juneteenth as a Holiday on Monday, June 20, 2022.

Mayor Johnson read a portion of 'the Emancipation Proclamation reaches Savannah' from the book entitled, 'Saving Savannah' by Jacqueline Jones.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recognized long-time organizer Marilyn Jackson for working on the Juneteenth celebration at 38th  Street Park for years.  She commended City Manager Melder for working with Ms. Jackson and her committee in developing a plan and budget for the celebration.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz recognized Ms. Jackson and the Daughters of Mary Magdalene for their continued recognition and celebration of Juneteenth for years before anyone would honor the date.  She thanked City Manager Melder for his support.

Alderwoman Lanier recognized Mr. Ivy Cohen for his support.  Mayor Johnson thanked prior Mayors Edna Jackson and Otis Johnson along with prior Aldermen for their support of the Juneteenth celebration.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6 and #10.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #6 and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Wilder Bryan moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion passed unanimously.

City Attorney Lovett requested Item #7 be continued to the July 14, 2022, City Council Meeting at the request of the petitioner.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to continue/hold Item #7 to the July 14, 2022, City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

City Manager Melder reported, and Mayor Johnson announced, Items #8 and #9 are withdrawn at the applicant's request.

City Manager Melder reported, and Mayor Johnson announced, Items #8 and #9 are withdrawn at the applicant's request.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6 and #10.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #6 and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #11.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC Representative - MPC recommended approval.

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #11, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Alderman Leggett if he had received an email from Virginia Mobley opposing the parking lot.  Alderman Leggett acknowledged the email was received but even though she opposed, the HOA voted to support the special use permit.  She also asked if resident Wendy Picone's concerns expressed to Council at the meeting of May 26th were addressed.  Alderman Leggett replied, Ms. Picone's concerns were resolved.

Alderwoman Lanier asked Mr. Lotson if MPC had any discussions concerning the special use permit process as a policy initiative.  Mr. Lotson indicated MPC had no conversations with city staff concerning the special use permit process, but the process is new and an important part of the ordinance process. MPC is willing to meet with staff to discuss the process if there are specific concerns.  Alderwoman Lanier asked City Manager Melder if city staff would be looking at discussions concerning the special use permit process.  Mr. Melder indicated it is a good ordinance.  Alderwoman Lanier discussed her concerns with the process and if it is the best practice.

Mayor Johnson stated the special use permit process gives the staff and Council another layer of protection, scrutiny, review and decision making for properties.  The process allows for flexibility and subjectivity.  It is up to Council if they would like to have further dialogue on the process.      

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz informed the public and expressed her thanks for the ground maintenance contract which was awarded to local and DBE vendors.  The policies and procedures established by the city work for the local and DBE businesses.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson stated 100% Savannah.  The city is moving toward its goal to structure the city's garages to accommodate electric vehicles. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter would like to see equity by partnering with midtown and Southside affiliates to include charging stations in those garages.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #17, #18 and #19, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if this item relates to or impacts the canal district.  Mr. Melder indicated Item #15 is specific to The Highlands and increasing the infrastructure and Item #16 is citywide and enterprise wide.  Because of the financial investment of the city, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested monthly financial reports.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #15 and #16, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if this item relates to or impacts the canal district.  Mr. Melder indicated Item #15 is specific to The Highlands and increasing the infrastructure and Item #16 is citywide and enterprise wide.  Because of the financial investment of the city, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested monthly financial reports.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #15 and #16, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #17, #18 and #19, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #17, #18 and #19, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #14, #17, #18 and #19, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier asked what is the community benefit, how is community engagement being addressed, and what type of company is CHA.  She has concerns with the purchasing policy and would like to view/read the policy and she recommended staff consider tweaking the policy.  The intended investment is not reaching the residents/community.  The same vendors are coming into the low wealth communities with projects and the residents receive no financial benefits.

Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder indicated the contract was for design and engagement.  There were three responses to the bid, two from Atlanta and the awarded vendor, CHA from Savannah.  There is a benefit to the community.  It will protect the wetlands, protect against stormwater and water mitigation flooding, and produce active engagement of outdoor space and recreation for the community.

If Council is not satisfied with the authentic engagement from staff, City Manager Melder is willing to have staff take steps to include that specific engagement.  The bid required 20% DBE participation and CHA provided 49% DBE at the sublevel.  City Manager Melder recommends Council's approval to move forward with the CHA contract.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked which CHA Consulting, the one on Abercorn Street or the CHA with Savannah Chamber.   Director of Purchasing Johnnie Coker indicated the vendor is located at 7 East Bay Street, CHA with Savannah Chamber.   

Alderman Palumbo asked City Manager Melder what are the funding sources.   Half is grant funded and city funds.  Alderman Palumbo sees this as a great opportunity for the city to use grant funds for protection of the wetlands and a benefit for the community to enjoy a local park.

Mayor Johnson expressed his concern with implications that a vendor is not capable of completing the contract and the need to change the procurement process.  The process was open and fair as confirmed by the City Manager.

Alderwoman Lanier is pleased with the grant funds, but the city must still be responsible and thoughtful in allocation of the funds.  The city should not continue to place money in the hands of the same people, when the citizens of the area receive no benefits.  The policies were created during segregation and should be changed.  

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to continue Item #20 to the July 14, 2022, City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion failed, 4-5-0.  Mayor Johnson, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted no.

b.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

As the city moves forward in being true to the investment as a community and Council Members other than herself, enjoy the benefits of the Enmarket Arena events, Alderwoman Lanier stated the community receives no benefits.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan raised a point of order.

Of all the Council, Mayor Johnson indicated he lives the closest to the arena and he has worked on the project longer than any Council Member.  The city has purchasing policies based on ordinances and law.  The City Manager is confident with the process and recommends approval.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked who did the grant.  City Manager Melder indicated the Office of Sustainability completed the grant as part of the canal district master plan.  Council Members made a trip to Atlanta to view a wetlands preserve, and this is a similar plan for the city's canal district.   

HEARD after Item #10, per Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #21 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10, per Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #21 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10, per Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #21 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10, per Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #21 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10, per Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #21 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Item #10, per Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #21 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

At the request of the Savannah Airport Commission, City Manager Melder withdrew Item #27.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder what Georgia DOT would do with the property.  Mr. Melder indicated Georgia DOT has a long-term plan to widen Ogeechee Road and as part of that plan, acquiring land adjacent to that area is necessary.

The residents have concern with the widening of Victory Drive.  Assistant City Manager Lloyd stated the property along Victory Drive is wide enough for the Georgia DOT widening project, but the item today is not for Victory Drive it is solely for the Ogeechee Road widening project.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter indicated there has not been adequate and consistent information shared with the residents along Victory Drive in reference to the Victory Drive widening project from the city or Georgia DOT.  She recommended City Manager Melder coordinate a meeting with  Ann Purcell to diminish the anxiety among the residents of Victory Drive.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder for the sales price of the property.  Mr. Melder indicated the twelve (12) partial parcels of land sold for the appraised value of $259,314.00.    

Alderman Palumbo called for the question.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan informed the public the existing two-lane roadway will be widened to include bicycle lanes and a raised median. The existing bridge over CSX railroad would be replaced. A raised culvert would replace the existing culvert at Springfield Canal to relieve any prevalent flooding issue along the hurricane evacuation route.

Alderwoman Lanier raised a concern for residents in relation to the viaduct being altered.  Assistant City Manager Lloyd indicated there will not be a round-about at Stiles Avenue, but they will do some improvements.       

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #28, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter has concerns with approving subdivisions as it relates to the city not receiving impact fees from developers, due to the delay in approval of the impact fee ordinance by City Council.  The development areas are in need of a police station, recreation area, libraries and infrastructure.

Mayor Johnson indicated there will be a workshop in July (the next meeting) for discussion/update of impact fees/impact fee ordinance.

Alderwoman Lanier stressed the importance of a recreation area for the residents in The Highlands noting the small playgrounds installed by the developers are not sufficient for the many subdivisions in the area.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #29, #30 and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #29, #30 and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #29, #30 and #31, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Johnson to address the letter distributed to Council Member concerning the plumbing ordinance approved at the May 26, 2022, City Council Meeting.  Mayor Johnson indicated the letter was sent to the Clerk of Council.  The City Attorney and City Manager will advise on the matter.  A response will be prepared for Council and the public.  The City Manager will communicate in a more informative fashion for the public to understand.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz noted there were four (4) minutes of the video taping of the last City Council Meeting missed.  Mayor Johnson indicated the system had technical difficulties. 

Alderman Palumbo cautioned Council, the discussion does not include items on today's agenda.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she received calls from residents attending events at the Enmarket Arena that the cost is very expensive.  Additionally, some type information should be available for residents of the security measures before attending, i.e. no purses, price of food and beverages, parking.  City Manager Melder indicated the information is available on the city's website.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated alcohol was sold at a gospel event.  Residents were upset that alcohol was sold.

Alderman Palumbo moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Purtee.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 4:27 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=MG6vHSW7uYWK

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:   June 23, 2022 

Signature:   MM