MARCH 9, 2023, 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 2:05 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Detric Leggett who introduced Pastor Andre J. Osborne of First Tabernacle Missionary 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

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

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ABSENT:

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

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

Alderman Palumbo moved to adopt/approve the Regular Meeting Agenda for March 9, 2023, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to the parade committee members, including the Parade Committee General Chairman Ashley Norris and Parade Grand Marshal George Schwartz.

General Chairman Norris expressed his gratitude for being able to have the St. Patrick's Day celebration and parade.  He introduced Committee Member Martin Hogan who read a message in Irish.  General Chairman Norris introduced members of his Executive Committee and 2023 Grand Marshall George Schwartz.  Grand Marshall Schwartz introduced his wife, Sherry, his Aides, and Chaplin Father O'Brien.  He asked the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen for the 2023 St. Patrick's Day Parade Permit.  Mayor Johnson presented the parade permit to Grand Marshall Schwartz.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #4, the parade permit, seconded by Alderman Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

INTRODUCED by Mayor Johnson.

Executive Director Gene Dobbs Bradford provided highlights of the Savannah Music Festival including the names of performers, and locations across the City.  The 2023 Savannah Music Festival takes place March 23 through April 8, 2023.

INTRODUCED by Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd, Proclamation READ by Mayor Johnson, and PRESENTED to Maria Center.

Assistant City Manager Lloyd, as Mission and Outreach Coordinator of the Board, shared background information of Ms. Center's career serving the community and residents of Savannah.

Ms. Center thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and invited the them to 'Sound the Alarm' on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Connors Temple Baptist Church.  Savannah Fire Department are partnering with the Red Cross to provide fire safety education and free smoke alarm installation in various communities.  The Red Cross provides the smoke detectors and the fire department installs them.   

PRESENTED by Executive Director of Community Housing Services Agency (CHSA)  Anita Smith-Dixon to the City on behalf of Matson Logistic.

Ms. Smith-Dixon introduced Executive Director of Housing Savannah Inc. Laura Lane McKinnon, Board Member Naomi Brown, CHSA Administrative Coordinator Adela Smith, and Chairman and Board Member Jay Melder to accept the $2,500.00 donation from Matson Logistic for the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  

Ms. Smith-Dixon introduced Executive Director of Housing Savannah Inc. Laura Lane McKinnon, Board Member Naomi Brown, CHSA Administrative Coordinator Adela Smith, and Chairman and Board Member Jay Melder to accept a $3,000.00 donation from Savannah Agenda's Author Eric Curl collecting half of the funds from individual residents of the City for the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.

Ms. McKinnon reported the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund has collected, year-to-date, $1,045,500.00.

Alderman Palumbo congratulated Mr. Curl on his accomplishments.  

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder to Purchasing Director Johnnie Coker and staff members Cory Miller, Tiffany Daniels and Vernell Mitchell (3 staff members were unable to attend).

City Manager Melder stated, March is procurement month and the City's purchasing department does an outstanding job of dedicated public service.

Following the introduction of team members, Director Coker thanked Mayor, Council and staff for the recognition of the purchasing department.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recognized March as International Women's Month and March 8, 2023, as International Women's Day.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan recognized the women working at the City of Savannah and thanked them for their service.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #10 through #15.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10 through #15, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously , 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #10 through #15.

Speaker(s):

• Judee Jones, Revenue Department
• Ryan Williamson, applicant/petitioner

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern about how management calculated the ages of patrons.  City Manager Melder asked Revenue Director Judee Jones to address the security plan of alcohol establishments.  Ms. Jones asked petitioner, Ryan Williams to address Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's concerns.  Mr. Williams indicated, servers use a patron's ID for age requirements.

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10 through #15, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #10 through #15.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10 through #15, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

b. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #12, #13 and #14, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #10 through #15.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10 through #15, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

b. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #12, #13 and #14, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #10 through #15.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10 through #15, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

b. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #12, #13 and #14, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #10 through #15.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #10 through #15, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #15, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for Item #16.

This agenda item was continued from the February 23, 2023, Council Meeting, giving the petitioner and the neighborhood association an opportunity to communicate.  An agreement was established and signed.

Alderman Leggett reported the petitioner, the neighborhood association, police and Alderman Leggett met at City Hall to communicate and establish a good neighbor agreement.  The petitioner, Ms. Somesso, and the neighborhood association signed the good neighbor agreement.  The agreement is conditional with the alcohol license. 

Speaker(s):

• Nancy Maia, President, Victorian Neighborhood Association – OPPOSED
• LaRay Benton – IN SUPPORT
• Jacqueline Somesso, applicant/petitioner
• Tony Riley – IN SUPPORT

Written comment(s):

• Nancy Maia, President, Victorian Neighborhood Association – OPPOSED
• Andree Patterson – OPPOSED
• Caroline Berry – OPPOSED
• Steven A. Lietz – OPPOSED
• Trudy Herod – OPPOSED
• DNA President – OPPOSED
• Patricia Underwood – OPPOSED
• Andre Napoli – OPPOSED
• Gerald Bluett – OPPOSED
• Susan J. Gorecki – OPPOSED
• Margaret Goss – OPPOSED
• Robert Becker – OPPOSED
• Ivan Cohen – IN SUPPORT

Mayor Johnson indicated Council received a letter on March 2, 2023, from the City Manager and from the Savannah Police Department (SPD), in reference to Council's request for the history of  Liquid Cafe and Sloppee Toppee.  He recommended Ms. Somesso get a copy of the letter which identifies problems.  He asked Ms. Somesso if she is still consistent with the signed good neighbor agreement (yes). 

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #16, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson indicated alcohol licenses are privileges and not a right.  Alcohol licenses have an administrative portion and a City Council portion.  The City Manager and staff perform due diligence and the City Manager gives City Council recommendations based on findings.  City Manager Melder recommended denial based on pending federal indictment charges against Ms. Somesso.  Mayor Johnson expressed his concerns: 1.) Holding a person accountable for pending charges and they have not been found guilty; and 2.) There are issues and concerns with the operation of the Liquid Cafe and Sloppee Toppee.  If these issues existed, the City should not have renewed the alcohol license for Liquid Cafe.  Mayor Johnson's position at this time is, since there is a signed good neighbor agreement, Council proceed and make the signed agreement a condition of the alcohol license.  If the agreement is not adhered to, the alcohol license will be revoked.

Alderman Palumbo asked City Manager Melder if the petitioner had a license revoked in the past.  Alderman Palumbo stated, according to the Savannah Morning News in 2007 or 2008 the petitioner had a license revoked for Club Ice/Club Oz.  This establishes a pattern of behavior of the petitioner showing their virtues and morale turpitude.  He asked City Manager Melder to have Ms. Jones provide information on the 2007/2008 status of Club Ice/Club Oz, and forward that information to Council.  City Manager Melder indicated he provided Council documentation as to his recommendation for denial, it is not controversial.  Alderman Palumbo requested the calls for service from SPD for Liquid Cafe and Sloppee Toppee.  City Manager Melder read the list of calls for service from a letter dated March 2, 2023.

Alderman Palumbo asked the City Attorney to explain an accusation and how a federal indictment is achieved.  City Attorney Lovett provided definitions.  Alderman Palumbo requested City Attorney Lovett to list the indictments against the applicant (Ms. Somesso).  City Attorney Lovett read the charges.   Alderman Palumbo asked if the charges happened at the Liquid Cafe.  City Attorney Lovett replied, he did not note the location of the drug charges, but the money laundering and theft of PPP Loan charges were at the Liquid Cafe.  Alderman Palumbo stated the applicant cited charges were against her due to guilt by association at the February 23rd City Council alcohol hearing; however, there is a charge for Count 8 - Bank Fraud, on or about May 21, 2021, Alderman Palumbo read the charges.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter raised a point of order.  Chair rules, Mayor Johnson permitted Alderman Palumbo to finish reading the charges.

Alderman Palumbo indicated the charges occurred through the alcohol license which the applicant currently holds.  The applicant provided false statements to Council at the February 23, 2023, City Council alcohol hearing.  The applicant is charged and charged alone.  Council cannot in good conscience approve the request for an alcohol license.  The charges are of the highest and most heinous nature.  Alderman Palumbo highly recommends Council deny the alcohol license.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated an alcohol license is a privilege.  The residents of the community want quality of living to remain the same when a new business enters the neighborhood.  Her position will always be to give consideration to the residents who live in the community.

Alderman Leggett discussed his responsibility as an Alderman to represent the citizens of the community as well as the business owners.  The quality of life must be of concern when making decisions.  It's not a racial issue or an issue of monetary gain.  It's an issue of quality of life within an established neighborhood.

Alderwoman Lanier stated the last business owner of the previous business in that location, Ms. Etta's restaurant, was a black female.  The people that frequented that restaurant will probably frequent Sloppee Toppee.  There are other black businesses in close proximity of the location.  The area is changing.  Alderwoman Lanier does not believe this business will change the nature or character of the community.  The Treehouse is in that community, a place where a murder occurred and the City issued an alcohol license to that establishment.  If the police call records were pulled for Ms. Somesso's businesses, Alderwoman Lanier requested the police call records for every establishment in the City issued an alcohol license.  She discussed the to-go cups and requested the number of drunkenness cases involving to-go cups.  Alderwoman Lanier requested the list of PPP Loan recipients.  Alderwoman Lanier admonished Council of being judgmental and apologized to Ms. Somesso.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated, an alcohol license is a privilege.  There are less than 10 African American businesses out of 600 that have received the privilege.  There is something definitely wrong with those numbers.  The neighborhood association agreed to approve the alcohol license for Sloppee Toppee, and if the owner was prosecuted, the license would be revoked.  It is unfair and unjust for the petitioner to be ridiculed by a Council Member.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely apologized to Ms. Somesso and requested the vote on the amended motion.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed the City's responsibility of creating change for diversity.  The City is currently being sued for denial of alcohol licenses.  She discussed the police service calls throughout the City.  All citizens should be treated with dignity.  In addition to Alderwoman Lanier's request for police call records for other establishments, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested the list of criminal background checks for all business owners with an alcohol license.  It is Council's responsibility as leaders, not to shame citizens, but to see how business owners and neighborhoods can work together within the community.    

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan called for the vote.

Ms. Somesso stated she attended a meeting, as requested by Council, with the Victorian Neighborhood Association, where a good neighbor agreement was signed.  She is here today asking Council to approve her request for the alcohol license.

Mayor Johnson indicated the owner, Ms. Somesso, has charges against her and has numerous police service calls at both establishments, Liquid Cafe and Sloppee Toppee.  Since there are numerous police service calls and charges against Ms. Somesso, he recommends a re-evaluation of the alcohol license issued for Liquid Cafe.  City Manager Melder indicated his recommendation for denial of Sloppee Toppee is based solely on the pending federal charges against Ms. Somesso.

Alderwoman Lanier asked for the motion to be restated.

Mayor Johnson thanked the Victorian Neighborhood Association for meeting with the petitioner and being fair.               

b.  Alderman Purtee moved to deny the license of Item #16, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion FAILED, 4-4-1.  Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo, and Alderman Purtee voted to deny the license. Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted no on the motion to deny.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

c.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to amend the motion to approve Item #16 with a good neighborhood agreement, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion was not voted upon.

d.  Mayor Johnson made a friendly amendment to approve Item #16 based on the conditions of a signed good neighbor agreement and with the issuance of a conditional license that could be revoked, if the applicant was later convicted or pled guilty to indictment charges.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter accepted the friendly amendment, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion to approve with conditions FAILED, 4-4-1. Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted yes on the motion to approve with conditions, as described above.  Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo, and Alderman Purtee voted no on the motion to approve with conditions. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing for Item #17. (See Item #19).

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative
• Robert McCorkle, representing the applicant

Mr. McCorkle gave a detailed description and explanation of how the owner will use the property.  He asked for City Council's approval of the project.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan expressed concern of how the owner will use the property long-term.  Residents are concerned with approving a specific business, if it changes into a different type business in the future.

Alderwoman Lanier asked Clerk of Council if any public comments were received in reference to Item #17 (no).  

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #17, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #18. (See Item #20).

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative
• Leah Michalak, representing the Historic District Board of Review
• Ryan Jarles, Director of Preservation & Historic Properties – OPPOSED
• Harley Krinsky, applicant/petitioner
• Ralph Anderson, representing the applicant

Written comment(s):

• Ryan Jarles – OPPOSED
• Ron Melander on behalf of several neighbors – IN SUPPORT

Alderman Leggett asked the petitioner if he planned to build a single family residence on the property (yes).  Alderman Leggett expressed concern for the church across the street and future use of the property changing to an alcohol business.  Mr. Krinsky stated the Pastor supports a single family home on the property.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked Mr. Jarles to define for the public the definitions of contributing and non-contributing factors.  Mr. Jarles stated any structure built before 1973 is considered historic and the cinder block  is a historic material.

Mayor Johnson asked if the concern is more about this specific property or the precedent it might set.  Mr. Jarles indicated, both.  Mayor Johnson asked if the building is currently functioning.  Mr. Krinsky replied, for the past thirty years the building has been used as a construction warehouse by owner, Ralph Anderson.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked when the building was constructed.  Mr. Krinsky replied, 1953.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for the MPC recommendation.  Ms. Michalak replied, the Historic District Board of Review recommended to de-list the structure.

Alderwoman Lanier asked owner, Mr. Anderson, what year he purchased the building.  Mr. Anderson replied, 1991 and he was not notified the building was placed on the list of historic structures (they had the wrong mailing address).  Alderwoman Lanier discussed how the building became historic and how important block buildings and tabby houses  were during that time in history.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if this was the Savannah Historic Foundation.  Mr. Krinsky replied, Ms. Michalak represents the Historic District Board of Review empowered by City Council for recommendations, and Mr. Jarles represents the Historic Savannah Foundation, a private funded organization expressing an opinion.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her concern in finding the integrity and the value in the representative body, and she asked if it is the same body who recommended the demolition of the church at East Broad and Gwinnett Streets built in the 1800's.  City Manager Melder indicated the issue with that church, it was outside the purview of the Historic District Board of Review.  It was not the same body, the City of Savannah allowed it.

Alderman Palumbo viewed the structure.  It is a very compromised space; the entrance doors at the north and south location were replaced with an incompatible modern vinyl material; the windows were replaced; and the roof would be very difficult to replace.  If it rains, the rain would probably run right through the structure.  It would be very difficult to envision how the building could be restored with adequate/productive use.            

Alderman Leggett moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #18, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to deny Item #19, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed, 5-3-1.  Mayor Johnson, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo, and Alderman Purtee voting yes to deny. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted no to the denial.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated a reconsideration would be made by residents when/if the applicant/petitioner presented a definite business plan.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #20, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 5-3-1.  Mayor Johnson, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo, and Alderman Purtee voting yes. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, and Alderwoman Lanier voted no.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely advised the public the Parklet Ordinance is City-wide and not just for the downtown area.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #22, #23, and #25 through #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #22, #23, and #25 through #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderwoman Lanier expressed her appreciation for the walking trail lights and informed the residents of The Highlands that Phase I is moving forward.

Mayor Johnson indicated the City is trying to secure $26.5 million to alleviate the traffic congestion at Highlands and Benton Boulevards.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #24, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #22, #23, and #25 through #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #22, #23, and #25 through #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #22, #23, and #25 through #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #22, #23, and #25 through #28, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder, spoke about equity.  For years, portable toilets were provided along the St. Patrick's Day Parade only; the City staff found a way to provide portable toilets for the other parades.  Mayor Johnson thanked the City Manager for the much needed addition for other parade events.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested the Juneteenth Holiday be included in the contract.  City Manager Melder indicated the Juneteenth Holiday will have portable toilets available for the public.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed her desire to make a motion to include the Juneteenth Holiday in Item #29 contract for portable toilets.  City Manager Melder indicated the City provides for portable toilets during the Juneteenth Holiday.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked even though it is provided by the City, can it be added in Item #29.  Mayor Johnson indicated that would be out of order, the City Manager stated it will be provided.  City Manager Melder indicated the City provides the portable toilets for Juneteenth, so another contract will not be necessary.

Mayor Johnson moved to approve Item #29, seconded by Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderwoman Lanier asked Clerk of Council who made the motion for Item #29 (Mayor Johnson).  Alderwoman Lanier stated, it was improper.  Mayor Johnson indicated, he can make a motion.  Clerk of Council Massey indicated the Mayor is a voting Member of Council, the motion was proper.   

HEARD after Item #9.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #30, #31 and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

HEARD after Item #9.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #30, #31 and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

HEARD after Item #9.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Items #30, #31 and #32, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #33, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #34 and #35, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #34 and #35, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #36, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items  #37 and #38, to authorize the City Attorney's office to resolve the (injury) claim of Dylan Merritt for $150,000.00, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #37 and #38, to authorize the City Attorney's office to resolve the (trip and fall) claim of Michelle Willis for $180,000.00, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was absent. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

City Manager Melder wished all a safe and festive St. Patrick's Day.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 4:56 p.m.

A video recording of the Regular Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=oTByzb8ny9JR

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:     March 23, 2023 

Signature:   MM