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MAY 11, 2023, 2:00 p.m. - CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMENSAVANNAH, GEORGIA
The regular meeting of the City Council was held at 2:06 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Nick Palumbo who introduced Alderman Kurtis Purtee to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
PRESENT: Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter, At-Large, Post 1 Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2 Alderwoman Bernetta B. Lanier, District 1 Alderman Detric Leggett, District 2 Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3 Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4, Vice-Chairman Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, District 5, Mayor Pro-Tem Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6 ALSO, PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams City Attorney Bates Lovett Clerk of Council Mark Massey Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox |
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for May 11, 2023. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda for May 11, 2023, as presented, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on April 27, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. | |
| Exhibit 1: WS DRAFT MINUTES_April 27, 2023 City Council Workshop.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on April 27, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. | |
| Exhibit 1: RM DRAFT MINUTES_April 27, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.
Mayor Johnson announced that the City Manager was excused for particularly important reasons (getting married) and Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd is sitting in his stead. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 4. A Proclamation for HUGS (Heads-Up Guidance Services) in Honor of National Mental Health Month. HUGS is a local non-profit organization making quality mental health and addiction recovery services available to all motivated individuals by utilizing professional volunteers with the goal of increasing awareness of a critical need, decreasing the stigma of seeking emotional help, and recognizing the efforts of those providing counseling services in the community. | |
READ and PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to HUGS Founder and Managing Director Andrea Epting. Ms. Epting thanked the Mayor and City Council for the recognition and proclamation. Alderman Purtee expressed his thanks to HUGS for the resources made available to residents. |
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| 5. A Proclamation Declaring May as International Internal Audit Awareness Month. Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to enhance and preserve organizational value, and helps a business accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. | |
PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to Performance and Accountability Senior Director Len Tropea and Principal Internal Auditor Daniel Colello. Mr. Tropea thanked City Council and staff for the support and recognition. Chief Operating Officer Bret Bell gave a brief description of the audit process and thanked Mr. Tropea and Mr. Colello for the services provided to the City.
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| 6. A Proclamation Declaring May as Building Safety Month. The theme for Building Safety Month 2023, “It Starts with You,” encourages us all to raise awareness about building safety on a personal, local and global scale, and in observance of Building Safety Month, people all over the world are asked to consider the commitment to improve building safety, resilience and economic investment at home and in the community, and to acknowledge the essential service provided to all of us by local and state building departments, fire prevention bureaus and federal agencies in protecting lives and property. | |
| Exhibit 1: 2023 Building Safety Month Proclamation.docx | |
READ and PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to Development Services Senior Director Julie McLean and Fire Marshal Whitney Williams Smith, and other team members joining them at the podium. Ms. McLean thanked Mayor Johnson and City Council for the recognition and support. She introduced members of her team and members from the fire department who partnered with the Development Services department. Assistant Fire Chief Handy thanked City Council, Ms. McLean and the Development Services team for their support and recognition. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern regarding the City obtaining a certificate of occupancy (COO) for the Enmarket Arena, to avoid any retaliation from the City's fire department. Assistant City Manager Lloyd advised, the City is operating on a temporary COO, and working through issues for the permanent certificate. He expressed his thanks to Fire Marshal Smith for her diligent work on making sure the Arena is safe and for continuing to secure the certificate of occupancy. Fire Marshal Whitney Smith, the first African-American female Fire Marshal for the Region, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and to staff members supporting her efforts. Fire Marshal Smith stated, as a member of the Savannah Fire Department, she will continue to protect and keep the residents safe. Alderman Leggett announced, he and Director of Policy & Governmental Affairs Joe Shearouse met with staff at GSA who gave praises to the Savannah fire department staff and City engineers for their efficiency and professionalism in dealing with the work being done on the Tomochichi Federal Building. |
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| ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 7. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License to Alpaben Patel for Victorian Market at 1004 Abercorn Street, a Convenience Store between East Waldburg Street and East Park Avenue in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Victorian Market.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Victorian Market.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Victorian Market.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report -Victorian Market.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Victorian Market.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #7, #8, #9 and #10. No speaker(s). a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7, #8, #9 and #10, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 8. Approval to Add Sunday Sales to Existing Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License to Ankur Patel for The Nest at 126 West Bay Street, a Restaurant between Barnard Street Ramp and East Upper Factor Walk in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - The Nest.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - The Nest.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - The Nest.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - The Nest.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - The Nest.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #7, #8, #9 and #10. No speaker(s). a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7, #8, #9 and #10, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 9. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Quianna Kearse for 800 East, a Restaurant at 800 East Gwinnett Street between Paulson and Harmon Streets in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - 800 East.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - 800 East.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - 800 East.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - 800 East.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - 800 East.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #7, #8, #9 and #10. No speaker(s). a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7, #8, #9 and #10, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 10. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License to Dipeshkumar Patel for Jasmine Food Mart, a Convenience Store at 9602 White Bluff Road between Paradise Drive and Wesley Street in Aldermanic District 4. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Jasmine Food Mart.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Jasmine Food Mart.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Jasmine Food Mart.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Jasmine Food Mart.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Jasmine Food Mart.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #7, #8, #9 and #10. No speaker(s). a. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7, #8, #9 and #10, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 11. Notification of an Emergency Purchase for One Excavator from Yancey Brothers Company in an Amount Not to Exceed $124,814. The new excavator will be assigned to the Street Maintenance Department and will be replacing unit #3227, which has been deemed unsafe to operate on public roads. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Excavator.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Excavator.pdf | |
HEARD after Item #21. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #11 and #12, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 12. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 for One-Ton Chlorine Cylinders with JCI Jones Chemicals, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $276,000. The one-ton cylinders are used to disinfect more than 14 billion gallons of drinking water and wastewater effluent. (Industrial and Domestic Water Plant) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - One Ton Cylinders.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - One Ton Cylinders.pdf | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #11 and #12, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Office Furniture for the Floyd Adams Jr. Complex with Young Office in an Amount Not to Exceed $83,133. The furniture, which includes desks, chairs, storage cabinets, training tables, corkboards, and markerboards, will be used to functionalize office space for various departments. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Floyd Adams Furniture.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Floyd Adams Furniture.pdf | |
Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern that the City only received one responder to the bid. Assistant City Manager Lloyd explained this was a State contract. The State has vendors they use in the bid process. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked which office will use the furniture. Assistant City Manager Lloyd indicated the furniture will be used primarily for fifty plus employees in the park and tree department, and for a few other employees in other departments. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern that after a year, the complex does not have the name of former Mayor Floyd Adams on the building. Assistant City Manager Lloyd answered, the Floyd Adams signs that will be posted on and around the building are on order and should arrive soon. Alderwoman Miller Blakely expressed concern that there are local companies within the City who can perform the work of making the signs for the building. Assistant City Manager Lloyd explained, there are local companies capable of doing the signs, but they did not respond to the bid. The City placed the bid out for the signs on three different occasions, and finally received an acceptable bid. Staff expects the signs to be completed within the next thirty to forty-five days. Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Construction Services with SJ Hamil Construction, LLC in the Amount Not to Exceed $5,872,540. This project is to widen the existing Bilbo Canal to achieve a 100-year conveyance North to Normandy Street. (Stormwater Management) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Bilbo Canal Widening.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Bilbo Canal Widening.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Development Agreement - Riverview President Street LLC.pdf | |
Alderwoman Lanier asked which area/portion of the Bilbo Canal will be expanded. Assistant City Manager Lloyd indicated this expansion is for eight hundred feet south of President Street. There will be drainage improvements for the Blackshear community, the northern part of Benjamin Clark and Hitch Village. Alderwoman Lanier asked what is the large paved area north of President Street (a dock, easement or trail?). Assistant City Manager Lloyd explained that area is a very wide sidewalk which connects to Riverwalk in and around the Wharf, and then connects back to President Street. The large paved area is a City maintenance shelf, but can be used by pedestrians for walking. Alderwoman Lanier asked Assistant City Manager Lloyd if this Bilbo Canal expansion is a phased project, yes. Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the area was earmarked as a tax allocation district (TAD). Assistant City Manager Lloyd answered, yes. For the public's benefit, Alderwoman Miller Blakely explained a TAD is a district that generates taxes and the taxes collected must stay in that district. Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Assistant City Manager Lloyd, how much are the developer contributing to the project, if any. Assistant City Manager Lloyd explained the City entered into a development agreement with the developers in March 2022, for an estimated $6.5 million project cost. The developers contribution of the agreement is a maximum of $2 million, with the City contributing the first $4.5 million. Assistant City Manager Lloyd announced the project cost is $5.8 million; the City will contribute the first $4.5 million and the developers will contribute the remaining $1.3 million. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter acknowledged a local business submitted a $7.7 million bid for the project. When it comes to local businesses, does the City extend any liberality to local businesses? City Manager Lloyd replied, the City does give credence to local vendors; however, in this case there was a gap of $2 million. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern for developers winning a bid at a lower amount and then come before Council with a request for additional funds to complete a project with modifications. Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #14, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION | |
| 15. Approval to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Moore | Martin Real Estate Valuation Services, Inc., in the Amount of $28,750. (This item has been postponed.) | |
HEARD after Item #10. POSTPONED/CONTINUED Items #15 and #19. |
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| 16. Approval to Procure Installation Services and Equipment from Infax, Inc., in the Amount of $43,347. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16, #17, #18, #20 and #21, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 17. Approval to Procure Darktrace Cybersecurity Platform from Darktrace, in the Amount of $65,302. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16, #17, #18, #20 and #21, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 18. Approval to Procure Two Vehicles from O.C. Welch Ford, in the Amount of $94,290. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16, #17, #18, #20 and #21, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 19. Approval to Fund an Additional Year of the Professional Services Agreement with Carol Holladay & Associates, in the Amount of $96,000. (This item has been postponed.) | |
POSTPONED/CONTINUED Items #15 and #19. |
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| 20. Approval to Procure Seven Vehicles from J.C. Lewis Ford Pooler, in the Amount of $393,173. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16, #17, #18, #20 and #21, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 21. Approval of the 2023-2024 Airport Liability Insurance Program with Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, Inc., in the Amount of $1,210,669.80. | |
Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16, #17, #18, #20 and #21, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.
ADDED: Mayor Johnson exercised a moment of Mayoral privilege by recognizing Scenic Chatham Chair Ardis Wood, affiliate of Scenic America that focuses on improving the visual of the environment, to issue a Certificate of Appreciation to Benedictine Military School Headmaster Father Frank Ziemkiewicz, in appreciation for improving the border of their property, and beautifying their campus. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Alderman Leggett announced the anniversary of Police Sgt. Kelvin Ansari who died in the line of duty four years ago. Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced her grandson, Bubba, was in attendance today for the Council meeting. Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan announced former Commissioner & Harlem Globe Trotter Larry Gator Rivers was funeralized last evening. She gave shouts out to all Harlem Globe Trotter's who attended the service. Mayor Johnson thanked teachers, nurses and all mom's. We appreciated you. Mayor Johnson sent congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Jay Melder.
Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 2:57 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=TkK7yKMGcPBJSM8u
Mark Massey, Clerk of Council
Date Minutes Approved: May 25, 2023
Signature: MM |
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