MARCH 27, 2025 - 2:00 p.m. - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The regular meeting of the City Council was held at 2:00 p.m., in the SCCPSS Board of Education Room located at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura Avenue, Building G.  Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, then recognized Pastor J. Michael Culbreth, founding pastor of ConneXion Church to offer the invocation.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.  

PRESENT:  

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

Alderwoman Carolyn H. Bell, At-Large, Post 1

Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2

Alderwoman Bernetta B. Lanier, District 1

Alderman Detric Leggett, District  2

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3 - Vice Chair

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4 - Chairman

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

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Jay Melder

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Assistant to Clerk of Council Renee Osborne

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

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

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

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved that an executive session regarding personnel, litigation, and real estate was held earlier for which no action was taken and authorizing the Mayor to sign an affidavit and resolution, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  All members were present, including the City Manager, City Attorney, and Clerk of Council.

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to Savannah State Tigers Men's Interim Head Coach Clevan Thompson, Director of Athletics Opio Mashariki, and players who introduced themselves by giving their names, the position they play, their hometowns, and their year of matriculation.

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to Byrd Cookie Company CEO Stephanie Lindley and family.

Mayor Johnson recognized Executive Director Gene Dobbs Bradford to introduce this year's festival.

Ald. Palumbo invited everybody to join him at the Zydeco Dance Party on April 5th at 5pm, taking place at the Ships Of The Sea Maritime Museum.

Mayor Pro Tem announced they already have their tickets for Branford Marsalis.

Mayor Johnson presented Ald. Linda Wilder-Bryan with the Environmental Justice Pioneer Award from the Harambee House and Dr. Mildred McClain for her valuable contributions to the fight and protection of Mother Earth.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearings for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #7, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearings for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearings for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearings for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearings for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearings for agenda items #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #12, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #13 and #14.  See related agenda items #15 and #16.

Speaker(s):

• Subhashi Karunarathne, MPC Representative
• Rose Cody - asked how much money was being offered to impact the properties on Bowden Street and/or how far they are planning to come up Bowden Street
• Warner Moore, representing the petitioner (did not speak)

Ald. Lanier moved to close the public hearing for agenda items #13 and #14, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked about the use of alcohol.  Ms. Karunarthne responded that everything which falls within the zoning use is applicable.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated that in Section 5.12.8, V. states the minimum square footage is 450 sqft, what is the maximum?  City Manager Melder responded whatever the lot size will be able to accommodate.  Ms. Karunarthne responded later that the maximum is 5,500 sqft.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked the City Manager about the recommendation in relationship to the residential use.  Is there any type of agreement to ensure that the property is not converted to a non-residential use?  She stated she has watched where people have bought property, then 3-5 years later something else is there that we did not approve.  City Manager Melder responded, including that the MPC recommendation allows the property to change from residential use to a restricted/limited (TN use) but commercial use, TC-1.  City Attorney Lovett added that the zoning conditions if approved with restrictions would restrict the property, if a subsequent owner buys the property they can come back and ask Council to change it up.  Then Council has the authority to say yes or no.

Mayor Johnson reminded Council this corner has been in disrepair for quite sometime.  The petitioner requested it to be declared surplus in order to combine it with an adjoining lot.  This is a natural progession.

Ald. Lanier advised this is a new structure and the lot next to it was needed for parking, and that's why the City sold him that property.  The community and leadership has spent considerable time making sure this works for the community.  They are trying to restore a pattern on that corner which was retail and commercial many years ago, including famous artists who performed right there on that corner.  Everybody is onboard and she is glad that the Bowden Street resident came down because they made sure that it was not going to be something put there that would inhibit the feel of any residents already in place.  There is another business coming soon next to the church very similar to this which is already zoned for it.  This is the pattern, no one had any problems, but we needed to have these questions answered.

Mayor Johnson added this will further develop a community based opportunity that is conducive to the neighborhoods that surround it.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #13 and #14.  See related agenda items #15 and #16.

Speaker(s):

• Subhashi Karunarathne, MPC Representative
• Rose Cody - asked how much money was being offered to impact the properties on Bowden Street and/or how far they are planning to come up Bowden Street
• Warner Moore, representing the petitioner (did not speak)

Ald. Lanier moved to close the public hearing for agenda items #13 and #14, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson asked about the use of alcohol.  Ms. Karunarthne responded that everything which falls within the zoning use is applicable.

Ald. Miller Blakely stated that in Section 5.12.8, V. states the minimum square footage is 450 sqft, what is the maximum?  City Manager Melder responded whatever the lot size will be able to accommodate.  Ms. Karunarthne responded later that the maximum is 5,500 sqft.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked the City Manager about the recommendation in relationship to the residential use.  Is there any type of agreement to ensure that the property is not converted to a non-residential use?  She stated she has watched where people have bought property, then 3-5 years later something else is there that we did not approve.  City Manager Melder responded, including that the MPC recommendation allows the property to change from residential use to a restricted/limited (TN use) but commercial use, TC-1.  City Attorney Lovett added that the zoning conditions if approved with restrictions would restrict the property, if a subsequent owner buys the property they can come back and ask Council to change it up.  Then Council has the authority to say yes or no.

Mayor Johnson reminded Council this corner has been in disrepair for quite sometime.  The petitioner requested it to be declared surplus in order to combine it with an adjoining lot.  This is a natural progession.

Ald. Lanier advised this is a new structure and the lot next to it was needed for parking, and that's why the City sold him that property.  The community and leadership has spent considerable time making sure this works for the community.  They are trying to restore a pattern on that corner which was retail and commercial many years ago, including famous artists who performed right there on that corner.  Everybody is onboard and she is glad that the Bowden Street resident came down because they made sure that it was not going to be something put there that would inhibit the feel of any residents already in place.  There is another business coming soon next to the church very similar to this which is already zoned for it.  This is the pattern, no one had any problems, but we needed to have these questions answered.

Mayor Johnson added this will further develop a community based opportunity that is conducive to the neighborhoods that surround it.

Ald. Lanier moved (to approve agenda item #15) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Lanier moved (to approve agenda item #16) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson stated we previously held a hearing on this item.  Mayor Johnson then opened the floor for public comments for agenda item #17.

Speaker(s):

• Rev. Claire Marich (representing 23 congregations) - IN SUPPORT due to the deficit of housing
• Pastor J. Michael Culbreth - IN SUPPORT of affordable housing

Ald. Lanier stated she wants to make this work, to move forward, and ensure Ms. Paxton gets what she came to get.  However, there are some more people involved in this matter.  We are trying to find something that will work for most of the people involved.  She asked the City Manager for some help.  At this time, they would like to structure this to be able to move forward with Ms. Paxton's request, with adjustments that dealt with Carver Village and Cuyler-Brownville which are not included.  We had some other areas we were looking at and they have not been able to be included.  They have already committed to doing the work, and staff has met with the leadership from the area, but there were more questions than answers.  They need to remove R-6, until they can have a series of meetings that staff has planned and the residents are expecting.

Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager for his recommendation.  The City Manager responded, finishing with the fact that no neighborhood will be impacted with this vote (the text amendment that lays out the criteria).  The map which comes next lays out the geographic area.

Ald. Lanier stated that the next time when we do the map will be contingent on this text amendment being considered today.  Residents have problems with the text, like duplexes, setbacks, and properties that are next to each other that can change the nature/pattern of these communities.  It is not ready for the R-6 people.  These other people have not had the ability to work on these issues, like Ms. Paxton has been able to do.  This matter is going to be long-lasting.  Residents are having a fit about the MPC signs that will be erected beginning tomorrow.  The matter will require a door-to-door outreach due to its impact.

Mayor Johnson stated we are not leaving without moving forward on this matter, in some way or another.  His stated his confusion is that we thought we had a path forward.  Then people said we want to be included and it grew.  Now he is hearing, no we do not want to grow, but go back to where we were.  It was November when we had a hearing, and now it is March, then it's August and later it will be next year.  There is a paralysis of analysis that occurs when thinking about something and doing nothing.  We know the path to affordability is density.  We have to change the way we do business in order to achieve it.  It was requested that we be more inclusive, so that everyone could take advantage of what density provides.  We should not let another day go by where we don't at least have something.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked about the summary timeline.  Why can't we just wait until April to do everything?  City Manager Melder responded.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated you probably already have a map, so why didn't she (Ms. Paxton) present it.  City Manager Melder indicated that we have to notice the map, and we are managing how to incorporate feedback.  Deferring to the Alderwoman from the First District, she advised that she will be very vocal about whatever someone in the Third District says about not getting what they were able to get in the First District.  Based on the neighborhoods where this is getting started (Victorian, parts of Live Oak, Thomas Square, and Metropolitan), she believes there is an opportunity to include/add the Third District.  Two weeks is not enough time to roll/iron everything out.  City Manager Melder responded.

Ald. Bell asked Ald. Lanier if moving forward today is in conflict with the text amendment, specific to the neighborhoods mentioned (Yes, if they decide to become a part of the affordable housing overlay they will be subject to this text).  The City Manager recommended moving forward without the inclusion of or removing the RSF-6, which includes those First District neighborhoods.

Ald. Lanier added that is what she was recommending, to pull out the RSF-6, but she is still a little bit concerned with the language knowing that if they put the affordable housing overlay in your area it will address duplexes, multiple duplexes side-by-side, subdividing a lot, and setbacks.  As proposed, bringing your own money to the table you would have to make it affordable, versus using the Housing Authority Fund or other governmental resources/loans.  The concern is that you should not have to make the housing affordable if you are bringing your own money to the table.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked about the map contained in the Tuesday Night memo.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz asked about a neighborhood that was not talked about today is Cann Jackson Park.  She stated she raised her hand in a negative for this because her constituents asked her not to vote for what was being proposed at that time.  With the new text amendment and the overlay, are any of her neighborhoods in her district (fifth) subject to text amendment or the overlay anticipated in the future?  The City Manager responded that the proposed Affordable Housing Overlay will come before the City Council next.  The text amendment mentions no neighborhoods, rather districts.  The map will define (the) where geographically in the city those districts exist within that map and where the program will be eligible.  The proposed maps previously sent to City Council twice, there are no Fifth District neighborhoods in that map.  They have removed the Cann Jackson Park neighborhoods from the feedback that was given in November.  Regarding the conversation mentioned by Ald. Lanier, she asked if a private citizen/company bring their own money to the table, then how do we make them not subject to this text amendment and further over to the overlay versus those who are using public money from the City or loans.  City Manager Melder responded.

Mayor Johnson stated we are going to do something.  We can't complain about housing affordability and don't do the things that help create affordability.  We have all heard that housing prices remain unaffordable, and they are getting more unaffordable.  Our Housing Savannah Taskforce said that as well, prescribing some avenues which we can pursue this.

Ald. Palumbo stated he appreciates this discussion dearly.  For the first time in a long time, we are way overthinking this thing.  We have been discussing this matter since November and we punted this thing in February and March.  He thinks the package is good, as is.  He thinks it does not go far enough and he thinks it is diluted.  He is willing to take it a little bit, so that it can be amended later.  Ald. Palumbo detailed a story regarding having enough food for a family dinner.  He stated he knows we can do better, and this (proposal) does not go far enough.  He advised the City Manager that he remains available, he will do it in the Fourth District, and he will work with the neigborhoods to find out where it is.  His ultimate dream is that if there was a duplex there at one time, there can be a duplex there today, and similarly for a quadplex.  The world did not end when the neighborhoods were built, so the world will not end when they are put there again.  We are going to have a choice, whether we are going to spread the love all throughout the City of Savannah and feed a whole lot of people, or we can have massive developments hunting and picking throughout our community that are painful no matter where they are put.  I rather share the burden with all of us, with a beautiful, walkable, dense place that we all know, love, and call home.  He stated he has read the agenda item and looked at the memos from the City Manager, and he is ready to make a motion for approval, whereupon he made the following motion.

a.  Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #17, seconded by Ald. Purtee.  (No vote was taken on this motion.)

b.  Ald. Lanier moved (a substitute motion) to approve agenda item #17 removing the R-6 designation/elements, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Purtee voted no.

Mayor Johnson restated we can't complain about not having affordable housing if we aren't willing to take the bold moves to get us there, and density has to be citywide.

Written comment(s):

• Rev. Claire Marich - IN SUPPORT

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz highlighted the maintenance coming to this area, and she thanked the City Manager and the Park & Tree Director.  Then she asked the City Manager to provide an overview of what is coming to this particular area.

Mayor Johnson added that Ald. Lanier shares the other side of West Victory Drive with Ald. Shabazz.

Ald. Bell echoed the sentiments that were made.  She is very appreciative to Park & Tree, as well, for the work they are doing particularly in that neglected area of Victory Drive.  We are looking forward to that (project), and also she is happy to see some of the other areas scattered around town that Park & Tree is working in.  She stated she hopes they make it to Broughton Street pretty soon.

Ald. Miller Blakely referenced what Ald. Bell said, she appreciates what they are doing with that median area.  But she would love to see the median area on Middleground Road taken care of better than what it is right now.  Also Abercorn Street needs attention over by Oglethorpe Mall, we got to do better.

In reference to what Ald. Miller Blakely said, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz clarified areas on Abercorn Street to include areas from DeRenne down to Tibet and Middleground.

Mayor Johnson reminded members of Council that they can get improvements to any area as a part of the budget process each year.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #18, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19 through #24, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19 through #24, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19 through #24, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19 through #24, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19 through #24, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #19 through #24, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Shabazz highlighted the great work being done by GIS.  We are moving forward with modernization, and she asked the City Manager to advise to the public exactly what we are doing here.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #26 through #41, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to (approve agenda items #42 and #43) authorize the City Attorney's office as indicated below, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

• Resolve the worker's compensation claim of Grayling Parker for $211,401.00.
• Resolve the claim of Lawrence Harris for $50,000.00.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to (approve agenda items #42 and #43) authorize the City Attorney's office as indicated below, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

• Resolve the worker's compensation claim of Grayling Parker for $211,401.00.
• Resolve the claim of Lawrence Harris for $50,000.00.

Following various announcements made by the Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 4:08 p.m.

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: ______________________

Signature:                                                                  

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

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