MARCH 10, 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 2:00 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Leggett who introduced Pastor Thomas Sills, senior pastor at Connor’s Temple Baptist Church, to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:  Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

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

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 Johnson asked everyone to remember in thoughts and prayers the people of Ukraine, deployed soldiers supporting NATO, and residents here in the United States that have family and friends living in Ukraine.

Mayor Johnson wished a Happy International Woman’s Day, Month and Year to Team Savannah women and especially to the five (5) female Alderwoman (colleagues).

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as amended by adding agenda Item #27, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

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

Mayor Johnson briefly described the past two years without the St. Patrick's Day celebrations due to the onset of COVID-19 pandemic.  He announced the number of COVID cases in Savannah has decreased enough for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations to resume this year.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to Parade Committee members, including General Chairman John P. Fogarity, 2022 Grand Marshal Daniel T. Powers, Adjuntant Michael W. Roush, Jr., and others.

Chairman Fogarity expressed his gratitude for being able to again have the St. Patrick's Day celebration and parade.  He introduced members of his executive committee and the 2022 Grand Marshall.  He asked the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen for the 2022 St. Patrick's Day Parade Permit.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #4, the parade permit, seconded by Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to Human Services Director Kerri Reid, Assistant Director Margaret Williams, Outreach Coordinator & SYA Team Leader Kadatra Ortiz, Program Coordinator, 21^st Century & Youth Council Coordinator Caleb Abernathy, Outreach Coordinators Darlene Jackson, Chandler Crawford, Willie Mae Knight and Philip Kalogitonas, PARC Manager Kareem Hill, and Youth Program Coordinator Natasha Johnson.

Ms. Reid thanked Council for the recognition and introduced each member of the team.  Council Members expressed gratitude to the team for the outstanding work in the community, especially calling out Mr. Kareem Hill for his outstanding commitment in the neighborhoods.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to Sanitation Director Gene Prevatt and Refuse Disposal staff, including Charles Spaulding, Jacqueline Smith, Emory Martin, Deanna Dudley, and Quhannah Andrews, Assistant Sanitation Director & head of the Refuse Disposal Unit.

Mayor Johnson announced The Department of Refuse Disposal has received from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division an overall score of 100 for their routine compliance evaluation inspection at the Dean Forest Road Landfill.

Mr. Prevatt reported this was the 5th year the department has received a score of 100.  He introduced each member of the team. 

Council Members congratulated the team on an outstanding report and score of 100.  They thanked Mr. Prevatt and his department for their service to the community, assistance with Rock-the-Block, 2 Legit 2 Lit, collection of bulk furniture, tires, and for door hangers announcing clean-up projects in neighborhoods.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and READ by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz on behalf of the City Council to Ms. Rebecca Fenwick, National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

On behalf of the local chapter of NAWIC, Ms. Fenwick accepted and thanked Council for the Proclamation.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and READ by Alderman Purtee on behalf of the City Council to Sergeant Sharif Lockett and Officer William Fitzpatrick.

Chief Minter and Officer Fitzpatrick expressed thanks and gratitude to Council for the recognition.  Sergeant Lockett was unable to attend the meeting.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings for Items #9 and #10 open.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #9 and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings for Items #9 and #10 open.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #9 and #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

Mayor Johnson took a point of personal privilege to recognize retired officer Sgt. Andrea who is now working as a reserve officer.  She served on the ABC Team before retirement and Mayor Johnson expressed his desire to see her return to the Team.

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

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter acknowledged the written letters received in support of the special use permit and asked if all supporters lived in the surrounding area.  Alderman Leggett answered, all letters are from area residents living in close proximity to the establishment.  She asked if the nearby church met the alcohol license distance requirements.  Mr. Lotson stated the petitioner is not requesting an alcohol license at this time.  Later, Alderman Leggett answered, the distance from the church is 215 yards and the requirement of distance for alcohol license from a church is 100 yards.    Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if the petitioner was converting a residential home into a restaurant.  Mr. Lotson answered, when originally built, the structure was residential, later zoned neighborhood business, but has been vacant for some years.   

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

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

Written comment(s) received:

• Brent & Heather Buice – SUPPORT
• Elizabeth Schminke (The Baldwin Park Neighborhood Association Board of Directors) – SUPPORT
• Rais Hendrix – SUPPORT
• Jesse Blanco – SUPPORT
• Brianne – SUPPORT
• Gina Berchin – SUPPORT
• Chris Hathcock – SUPPORT
• Lane and Patrick Huerta – SUPPORT
• Kate Daley – SUPPORT
• Kristin Harward-Grant - SUPPORT
• Andrew J. Ripley & Tom Worley – SUPPORT
• Coco Papy – SUPPORT
• Smith Matthews – SUPPORT
• Jared Jackson – SUPPORT
• Tatiana Cabral Smith – SUPPORT
• Kevin Ryan – SUPPORT
• Melissa DeLynn – SUPPORT
• Brandon Carter – SUPPORT
• Mark Lebos – SUPPORT
• Garrett Zajac – SUPPORT
• Libbie and Joshua Summers – SUPPORT
• Jovan Sage - SUPPORT

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing for Item #12 open.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative

Alderman Purtee stated the neighboring communities are in agreement with the zoning amendment.

Alderwoman Lanier asked if the infrastructure and traffic pattern in the area would be handled at a later date.  Mr. Lotson stated the neighborhood had taken care of traffic management and infrastructure back in 2005. 

Alderman Purtee moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #12, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she wanted the residents to know how much money the City is contributing toward the cost of the St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #14, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Purtee stated Information Technology Service Director Tim Moody does a good job of updating the City's technology system, but he recommends a workshop or needs assessment, so Council will know what Mr. Moody needs to move forward with technology updates as it relates to money/budget. 

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #15, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett asked Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd about the odor/smell residents complain about coming from the facility.  Mr. Lloyd stated the City has invested $1.1 million to address/alleviate the odor/smell coming from the facility.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #16, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #17, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she wanted the residents to know how much money the City is contributing toward the cost of the St. Patrick's Day celebration.  She also asked that the porta potties be maintained on a regular basis.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #18, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she wanted the residents to know how much money the City is contributing ($168,948.88) toward the cost of the St. Patrick's Day celebration.  She would like to see equity for other City festivals.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if there were any projected revenues coming from the St. Patrick's Day celebrations to off-set the expenses?  She recommended City staff look at new opportunities to generate revenue during this festival, as well as other festivals held during the year.  City Manager Melder will provide a report to Council as revenue from hotel/motel and sales tax comes in to the City from the St. Patrick's Day festival.  

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

City Manager Melder briefly outlined the qualifications for the CDBG-CV funds.  The City staff will reach out to Savannah small and disadvantaged businesses with primary focus on low income and very low wealth businesses.  The expectation is to assistant at least 118 businesses with up to at least $10,000.00 for each business to assist with COVID recovery.

At the request of Alderwoman Miller Blakely, City Manager Melder read the qualifications and stated staff is expecting to have the grant applications out to businesses by May, 2022.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated she was happy to see the grants will be administered by City staff and asked City Manager Melder for information on accountability for funds given to Family Promise.  Mr. Melder will followup with statistical information and give Council a report.

City Manager Melder discussed criteria for the six new single-family homes that will be used for homeless persons/families.  He also explained the reasoning behind the delay of using the FY2019 CDBG funds.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked who will construct the six homes and will there be DBE participation.  Mr. Martin Fretty answered Dasher Construction Company (Mr. Willie Dasher) will build the homes.  His price point meets with the funds available and he is a DBE.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed the FY2019 CDBG funds not being used for three years and how much interest accrued during that time.  Mr. Melder stated the funds were allocated in the FY2019 plan but not received until 2020.  He will follow-up with any information in that regard to Council.  He also added, there were no responses to the RFP initially sent out to businesses.

Alderman Palumbo called for a vote on the corresponding Item.  Mayor Johnson acknowledged.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated the citizens elected a City Council but the City Manager arrived in 2021, so he is not accountable for funds received in 2019.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan called for point of order.  Mayor Johnson acknowledged.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

HEARD after Agenda Item #4.

Mayor Johnson announced representatives from County Wexford, Ireland will be in Savannah next week for the St. Patrick's Day celebration and there will be a signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #24, to authorize the City Attorney to resolve the claim of Jonathan Reyes for $37,000.00, seconded by Alderman Palumbo and Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #25, to authorize the City Attorney to resolve the claims of Allisha Eady and Zacore Royal for $52,500.00 each, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson gave background and a brief description of the project (new square).  He asked City Manager Melder to arrange a dedication ceremony.

Speaker(s):

• LaRay Benton, Savannah Yamacraw Association - SUPPORTED.
• Bob Spell - SUPPORTED.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #26, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

ADD-ON:

27. A Resolution (Savannah, Georgia) Opposing HB 1093 And SB 494 and Opposing Limitations on a City's Authority to Make Housing, Land Use and Zoning Decisions Within a Local Government's Geographical Boundaries.

Mayor Johnson gave information on the importance of HB 1093 and SB 494 as it relates to the City of Savannah making it's own decisions on land use.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she had not reviewed HB 1093 and SB 494 and could not support Item #27.  Alderwoman Lanier stated she did not have time to read HB 1093 and SB 494 and has not decided to support Item #27.  Alderwoman Lanier asked which Members of Council have reviewed the bills:  Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee did read the bills.  

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #27, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz  and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan thanked all of the departments for their help with the walk-through at Avondale, including Amy, Anthony, and Alice.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd to give an update on Tribble Park drying up, with people living on the island in the middle of the lake. Mr. Lloyd advised there was a recent breach with the wall at Tribble Park and this issue occurred in the past. Staff is analyzing the area to determine a short-term and a long-term solution to get the park back up and the water restored. They are using ground penetrating radar to assess the damage, develop a design for repairs and then make those repairs. Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager to make sure the public communications team produces some focused messaging on the issue.

Alderman Palumbo announced the Federal budget has passed the US House of Representatives and for the first time ever a member of our Senate secured funding for the City of Savannah. Senator Warnock committed $3 million in the federal budget for Tide to Town and the Truman Linear Park Trail. Alderman Palumbo thanked Senator Warnock’s office, Caila Brown (Tide to Town), Brent Buice (East Coast Greenway).

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz congratulated a young man who plays on the Woodville-Thompkins Basketball Team, Wesley West Walker, Jr. She also stated that we are so proud of Woodville-Thompkins and her alma mater Windsor Forest Knights who are playing in the championships.

Mayor Johnson extended congratulations to the Beach Bulldogs who were runners-up, and to Windsor Forest who will play tomorrow in Macon, GA for the 3A State Championship. He also offered a big shout-out to the Savannah State Tigers and the Lady Tigers for phenomenal seasons. Both teams received a number eight bid to the NCAA Tournament and the number one teams they are playing better watch out.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter announced Happy Birthday to her sister, Kia.

Mayor Johnson announced National League of Cities (NLC) is in Washington, D.C. next week, so hopefully they will be bringing back some good news from meetings being held there.

Following announcements, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 4:30 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=EY7JB8nz45fj

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:    March 24, 2022  

Signature:    MM