SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 11, 2021 – 2:00 p.m.

 

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held via Zoom video communications at 2:03 p.m. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Leggett to introduce Reverend Dr. Bernard Clarke, senior minister of Saint Philip Monumental AME Church who delivered 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

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

Acting City Manager Michael Brown

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Johnson acknowledged a year ago today the City experienced the beginning of the COVID-19 national pandemic.  He asked the public to remember those Souls lost, recovering, still experiencing, and those recovered from COVID-19.    

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for March 11, 2021

Acting City Manager Brown requested to continue/postpone Item #33, Petition for a Special Use Permit to Allow the Shelter at 2305 Augusta Avenue, for 30 days or two meetings.  This will allow (due diligence) time for the recently received alternate development proposal for the location.

Alderwoman Lanier stated, as Alderwoman of District 1, she is prepared to move forward with the vote today by Council.  She reported there were 17 to 18 citizens who rearranged their schedules to be in Chambers today.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked to make a substitute motion; however, Mayor Johnson had called for the vote and was confirming those votes.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked, how can you adopt the agenda and entertain an Item at the same time.  Mayor Johnson answered, Mr. Brown had requested Item #33 be continued/postponed for 30 days or two weeks prior to the motion.  Alderwoman Lanier asked if this action was keeping with the rules on adopting/approving the agenda.  Mayor Johnson, answered, it is appropriate.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Clerk of Council when could she make a substitute motion.  Clerk of Council answered, during the debate.  A substitute motion can be made after the main motion and before the vote is called for by the Mayor. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as amended, requested by  Acting City Manager Brown to continue/postpone Agenda Item #33 for 30 days or two Council meetings, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed, 6-3-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked for clarification on her recorded vote from the Clerk of Council.  Mr. Massey answered, on the motion to adopt/approve today's agenda as amended to continue/postpone Item #33, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter is recorded as voting no.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Johnson if Item #33 could remain on the agenda and be handled as a separate item.  Mayor Johnson indicated, at all Council meetings, any item can be removed or continued/postponed at the adoption/approval of the agenda as amended.  This has been done consistently by Council.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern for the citizens who rearranged their schedules to come before Council today to hear Item #33 only to find out it will not be heard today.  Mayor Johnson apologized to the citizens for the postponement.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Alderwoman Lanier if the citizens in Chambers would like to make comments.  Mayor Johnson indicated Item #33 was a continuation of a closed hearing where all public comments were heard.  Item #33 was only on the agenda for voting by Council.  Citizens can continue to give written or verbal comments to the Acting City Manager, but the hearing for public comment was voted as closed by Council.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked why the Acting City Manager postponed Item #33 for 30 days.  Mr. Brown recently received a competing/alternate development proposal for the location, and his office needs time for due diligence to review the proposal.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely reported seeing online today, Alderman Palumbo requesting a 30 day extension for Item #33.  As Alderwoman at Large for Post 2, she is asking for notification to Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman at Large for Post 1, Gibson-Carter and Mayor Johnson, along with herself, for any future items concerning District 1.

Alderman Palumbo called for a point of personal privilege.

Alderman Palumbo stated members are not allowed to criticize other members.  His opinions are his own.  Members should wait to be recognized by the Chair before speaking.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated Mayor Johnson called for the motion, then called for the vote right after the motion.  She had concern for Mayor Johnson stating no additional comments would be allowed for Item #33 and she feels this is a disservice to the citizens.  The citizens are taxpayers who voted Council into office.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Johnson to reconsider his policy on not allowing citizens to speak on any item on the agenda.  Mayor Johnson indicated the law is clear on public hearings:  the City advertises the public hearing, Council opens the hearing, receives comments both in person and via the Clerk of Council's office, and closes the public hearing.  The Clerk of Council's office is still receiving written comments on this item.  Council now needs to take action.  Mayor Johnson asked City Attorney Lovett if the City has acted improper.  Attorney Lovett indicated no by shaking his head.        

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Approval of Minutes for the Special Called Meeting Held on February 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Exhibit 1: Minutes - February 22, 2021 City Council Special Meeting.pdf

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of Minutes for the Work Session & City Manager's Briefing Held on February 25, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Exhibit 1: Minutes - February 25, 2021 City Council Workshop.pdf

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

4. Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on February 25, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Agenda Plus_RM DRAFT MINUTES_February 25, 2021 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

CONSENT AGENDA - (This section shall include all routine items for which it is anticipated there will be no debate or requests for public input. Any Alderman can remove consent items for discussion or separate consideration.)
5. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Maintenance of Utility and Tax Collection Software with MS Govern in the Amount of $102,689.42 ( Event No. 8281)
Exhibit 1: Purchasing Summary - MSGovern Software.pdf
Exhibit 2: Funding Verification - MSGovern Software.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #5 through #9 and Items #11 through #14 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

6. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for the Annual Maintenance of Permitting and Inspection Tracking Software with Tyler Technologies in the Amount of $87,675.82 (Event No. 8190)
Exhibit 1: Purchasing Summary - Permit Tracking Software Maintenance.pdf
Exhibit 2: Funding Verification - Permit Tracking Software Maintenance.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #5 through #9 and Items #11 through #14 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

7. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Lawn and Leaf Bags with Paper Chemical Supply (Local) for up to $84,370 (Event No. 6526)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Lawn and Leaf Bags.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Lawn and Leaf Bags.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #5 through #9 and Items #11 through #14 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

8. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Personal Paper Products and Cleaning Supplies with Southeastern Paper Group for up to $76,037.32 (Event No.7344)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Personal Paper Products.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Personal Paper Products.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #5 through #9 and Items #11 through #14 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

9. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Traffic Sign Blanks with Vulcan Signs for up to $71,686.60 (Event No.6368)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Traffic Sign Blanks.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Traffic Sign Blanks.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #5 through #9 and Items #11 through #14 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

10. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Roadside and Aquatic Vegetation Maintenance with NaturChem,Inc. for up to $53,250 (Event No. 6833)
Exhibit 1: Purchasing Summary - Aquatic Vegetation Maintenance..pdf
Exhibit 2: Funding Verification - Aquatic Vegetation Maintenance.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Alderwoman Miller Blakely has concerns the City is still not awarding contracts to local businesses and she asked when will the City start enforcing Savannah First.  Mayor Johnson indicated the closest local business was $78,000 and the next closest local business was $103, 000 over the awarded vendor.  Acting City Manager Brown stated this was an annual renewal contract and the Savannah vendor was $78,000 more than the lowest bidder.  Mayor Johnson indicated there were 200 inquiries sent to businesses and the City received 5 bids (4 DBE's).  

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #10, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz mentioned ordinances approved by prior Council, the Savannah Business Ordinance, Savannah Business Enterprise, Savannah DBE, and Savannah First along with the procurement policy, which allows specific percentages that can be used to determine an award to a local vendor that has a bid higher than the lowest bidder.  She asked Mr. Brown to review those ordinances and send a report to Council.   

11. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Filter Belts (Used in the Dewatering Process of Sludge at the Water Plants) with Clear Edge Filtration for up to $34,424 (Event No.7332)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Filter Belts.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Filter Belts.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #5 through #9 and Items #11 through #14 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

12. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Water Distribution Repair Clamps and Sleeves with Core and Main, LP for up to $40,147.80 (Event No.7085)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Clamps and Sleeves.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Clamps and Sleeves.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #5 through #9 and Items #11 through #14 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for the Sale of Scrap Metal Recycling to Southern Metal Recycling, Inc.(Local) (Revenue Generating) (Event No. 7334)
Exhibit 1: Purchasing Summary - Scrap Metal Recycling Revenue.pdf
Exhibit 2: Funding Verification - Scrap Metal Recycling Revenue.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #5 through #9 and Items #11 through #14 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Cost Neutral Contract Renewal for Delinquent Utility Account Collections (for Closed Accounts) with Professional Credit (Event No. 6871)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Delinquent Utility Account Collections.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Delinquent Utility Account Collections.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #5 through #9 and Items #11 through #14 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

PURCHASING ITEMS
15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Grounds Maintenance for Public Rights of Way with J.Corbett Enterprises, Inc. (Local, DBE) and SamJay Services, Inc. (Local, DBE) for up to $1,572,203 (Event No. 7452)
Exhibit 1: Purchasing Summary - Grounds Maint PROW.pdf
Exhibit 2: Funding Verification - Grounds Maint PROW.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Alderwoman Miller Blakely was proud the City used a local DBE vendor for a $1.5+ million contract renewal for grounds maintenance for public rights of way.  Mayor Johnson asked if SamJay Services is a local business.  Acting City Manager Brown confirmed SamJay has an office within the City limits on Bull Street.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #15, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Recyclable Material Processing to Pratt Recycling, LLC for up to $734,000 (Event No.6407)
Exhibit 1: Purchasing Summary - Recycling Material Processing.pdf
Exhibit 2: Funding Verification - Recycling Material Processing.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Alderman Palumbo had concerns and asked about glass recycling for the Savannah area.  Acting City Manager Brown admitted recycling glass is a problem.  He will create a report related to glass recycling and distribute to Council.  Alderman Leggett asked if the weight of glass is a consideration.  Mr. Brown answered, it is weight and volume and there is hardly a market for glass.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Alderwoman Gibson-Carter to share with Council the glass recycling service she had at a recent event.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter shared the following information:  Lammergeier Glass Recycling, can be reached through http://www.savannahglassrecycling.com.  She suggested Mr. Brown have the City staff work with Lammergeier to incorporate their services and extend glass recycling services to City residents.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter reported City sanitation staff has researched other glass recycling resources in close proximity to Savannah Mr. Brown could contact service opportunities.        

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #16, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

17. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Electrical Repair Services with Aiken Harper for up to $697,570 (Event No.7366)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Electrical Repair Services.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Electrical Repair Services.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Curbside Residential Carts with Wastequip Inc. for up to $400,000 (Event No. 8312)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Curbside Residential Carts.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Curbside Residential Carts.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

19. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Water Reclamation Pump Repair Services with GoForth Williamson for up to $300,000 (Event No. 7070)
Funding Verification - Pump Repairs.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Pump Repairs.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan has received numerous complaints from businesses and residents about the terrible odor.  The City needs to maintain and repair the pumps in a timely manner at the site.  If not properly maintained, the raw spillage and foul odor impacts the health and welfare of the community.

Acting City Manager Brown asked Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd to provide an update to Council on the improved methods being used at the President Street site.  Alderman Leggett has worked with Mr. Lloyd and the complaints in District 2 have decreased, since the City started using the new effective methods.  

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #19, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Water Meter Boxes and Lids with Consolidated Pipe & Supply Co. for Up to $242,741.63 (Event No.7157)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Meter Boxes and Lids.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Meter Box and Lids.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

21. Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Renewal of an Annual Maintenance Agreement with Motorola for Repairs and Support for Radio Hardware in the Amount of $205,555.01. (Event No.8311)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Motorola Service Agreement.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Motorola Service Agreement.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

22. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Generator Maintenance and Repair Services with W.W. Williams (Local) for up to $200,462 (Event No.6931)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Generator Maintenance.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Generator Maintenance.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

23. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for for Ready-Mix Concrete with Complete Precast (Primary) and Savannah River Utilities (Secondary) for up to $200,000 (Event No, 7227)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Ready-Mix Concrete.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Ready Mix Concrete.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

24. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Gate and Tapping Valves with Consolidated Pipe & Supply and Core & Main L.P. for up to $126,119.67 (Event 5491)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Gate and Tapping Valves.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Gate and Tapping Valves.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

25. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Renewal for Oil, Lubricants and Coolant with Colonial Oil and Barrett Oil Distributors (Local) for a total up to $107,475.65 (Event No. 5056)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Oils, Lubricants & Coolant.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Oils and Lubricants and Coolant.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

26. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification for Water Tank Repainting and Repair with E and D Coatings, Inc.(Local) in the Amount of $143,230 (Event No. 7496)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Water Tank Repainting.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary Water Tank Repainting.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

27. Authorize the City Manager to Award an Annual Contract for Yard Waste Management Services to Daly Organics, LLC for up to $200,000 (Event No. 8059)
Exhibit 1: Purchasing Summary - Yard Waste Services.pdf
Exhibit 2: Funding Verification - Yard Waste Services.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

28. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Cost Neutral Contract for the Collection of Delinquent Property Taxes from Delinquent Tax Services, Inc. for up to $104,800 (Event No. 4799)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Delinquent Property Tax Collections.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - Delinquent Property Tax Collections.pdf
Exhibit 3: Specifications.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #17, #18 and Items #20 through #28 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION
29. Approval to Participate in the 2021 Visit Savannah Co-Op Digital Advertising Campaign in the Amount of $200,000
Exhibit 1: 2021 CO-OP MARKETING CAMPAIGN.pdf

Mayor Johnson announced President Biden has signed the Relief Bill which will assist the City in future efforts.  He welcomed Southwest Airlines to the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport today at a ribbon cutting ceremony and expressed appreciation to the Airport Commission.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #29 through #32, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

30. Approval of a Targeted Marketing Campaign with Expedia Group in the Amount of $100,000
Exhibit 1: Expedia Image.png

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #29 through #32, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

31. Approval to Execute a Contract with Erickson Associates, Inc. for the Lifecycle 750-Ton Chiller Replacement Project in the Amount of $514,000
SAC 30609 - CHILLER IMAGE.png

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #29 through #32, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

32. Approval of a Five-Year Office 365 Service Subscription Agreement with Microsoft Corporation in the Amount of $185,000
Exhibit 1: Microsoft Invoice.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #29 through #32, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

ZONING HEARINGS
33. Petition for a Special Use Permit to Allow the Shelter, Emergency and Shelter, Transitional Uses at 2305 Augusta Avenue (PINs 20025 10001 and 20025 11004). Petition of Phillip McCorkle (Agent) on behalf of the Housing Authority of Savannah (Owner) within Aldermanic District 1 (File No. 20-000512-ZA) [Updated on 3/10]]
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation - 2305 Augusta Avenue

At the request of Acting City Manager Brown, Item #33 was continued/postponed for 30 days or two Council meetings, upon the adoption of the regular meeting agenda.

RESOLUTIONS
34. Approval of a Resolution Ratifying the Mayor's March 3, 2021 Extension of the Emergency Mask or Face Covering Order
Exhibit 1: Resolution - Emergency Order May 2021.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked Mayor Johnson for extending the emergency mask covering order in an effort to keep the residents of Savannah safe.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #34, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

AGREEMENTS
35. Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Highway Administration and Georgia Department of Transportation to Prepare Commitments to Minimize and Mitigate Disproportionately High and Adverse Effects to Residents and Business Owners in the Area of the Proposed Project Derenne, between I-516 and Harry S. Truman Parkway
Exhibit 1: Agreement - Project DeRenne.doc
Exhibit 2: Memo to City Council - Project DeRenne.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Acting City Manager Brown to give a brief summary of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the benefit of the citizens.  Mr. Brown briefly described the project and the benefits of avoiding traffic congestion between I-516 and Harry S. Truman Parkway area. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #35 per Acting City Manager Brown's recommendation, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
36. Settlement #1

Per the City Attorney, nothing was ready to settle at this time.

MISCELLANEOUS
37. Approval of the Installation of an Historical Marker Within the Public Right-of-Way in Front of 342 Drayton Street
Exhibit 1: Submittal Packet - COA 342 Drayton Street.pdf
Exhibit 2: SIGNED Board Decision - 342 Drayton Street.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #37 and #38, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

38. Approval of Public Art Information Displays Within Kiosks on the 400 Block of Broughton Street
Exhibit 1: SIGNED Board Decision.pdf
Exhibit 2: Submittal Packet .pdf

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked the purpose of the Kiosks.  Acting City Manager Brown will send Council a detailed follow-up information concerning the Kiosks.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #37 and #38, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderman Palumbo gave a “shout-out” to Kristopher Monroe, Chairman of the Historic Sites and Monuments Commission, for the public art being placed in the public domain, with historic maps and art.

Along with Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and other Council Members, Mayor Johnson expressed condolences to the family of Sarahlyn U. (Hargrove) Phillips, a tireless advocate in the community.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced there will be job fairs all over the City with a company called Hire Dynamics (general labor) coordinated with the City Manager.

Alderwoman Lanier announced a meeting with the Highlands area residents taking place on March 18, 2021, pertaining to a new development that she believes the residents will be quite pleased.

Alderman Leggett asked the residents, friends/family and visitors (hotels) to wear masks and be smart when downtown during the observances of St. Patrick’s Day. The pandemic is not over, and the hotels are packed.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Mayor Johnson to reiterate a summary of his Tuesday press conference regarding St. Patrick’s Day observances. Mayor Johnson stated he has enjoyed a great partnership with the Parade Committee. They did not request a parade permit this year and there is no festival authorized by the City. He asked everyone to be safe, and he thanked the businesses who voluntarily agreed to protect our citizens, visitors and employees to enforce good habits (pledge), to prevent having more restrictive actions taken.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter gave a special “shout-out” to her children’s former school, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and its members. She extended greetings on behalf of herself and her family to the entire Irish community, and congratulations to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic School for trying to keep with the spirit, namely with respect to the yard decorations. She will serve as a judge relating to this contest.

 

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 3:13 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=nytmgvXPLQfB

 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:  March 25, 2021

Initials: mm

Agenda Plus