MAY 12, 2022, 2:00 p.m. -  CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The regular meeting of the City Council was held at 2:08 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Purtee who introduced Reverend Billy Hester, Senior Minister of Asbury Memorial 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

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

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Joseph A. Melder

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda for May 12, 2022, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

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

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

Mayor Johnson recognized State basketball tournament winners for ages ten and under of the 2022 Georgia Recreation & Parks Association. 

Recreation and Leisure Services Director Kelly Ledbetter discussed the teams challenges and achievements.  The "Pitbulls" coach, Keegan Richards, introduced each team member: Kenneth Bostick, Daryl Heyward, Jhurell Gibson, Carter Jackson, Anderson Rahal, Kyree Richards, Joseph Rogers, Cole Thompson, Mikelle Washington and Andrew Wiggins.  All team members maintain at least a 'B+' grade point average.

Mr. Ledbetter and Coach Richards thanked City Council for the recognition and acknowledged the parents of the team members.

Mayor Johnson thanked Team Savannah for supporting youth programs.

Alderman Palumbo read and presented the Proclamation to MPC Executive Director Melanie Wilson.  Ms. Wilson thanked MPC staff their support and work.  She also thanked City Council for the recognition.  Ms. Sue Adler and Ms. Coleen Reynolds from the Historic Savannah Foundation thanked Mayor and Council for the Proclamation and recognition.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz read and presented the Proclamation to Director of Organization Performance and Accountability Leonard Tropea and Board Member of Savannah Internal Auditors.  Mr. Tropea expressed appreciation and thanks on behalf of the auditors and stated the County was unable to attend. 

Mayor Johnson read and presented the Proclamation to Director of Development Services and City Engineer Julie McLean who accepted the Proclamation and thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition.  She introduced and thanked key members of her team:  Permit Services Technician Brenda Price, Flood Plain Manager Tom McDonald, Development Liaison and Site Development Manager Mike Rose, and Building Official and Professional Engineer Peter Ghilarducci.  Assistant City Manager Health Lloyd congratulated Ms. McLean and her team.

Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder recognized and thanked Director of Development Services and City Engineer Julie McLean and the development department team for their contributions to the citizens of Savannah.  The department has spearheaded the completion of projects throughout the city, including the Enmarket Arena, and responded to residents' request for assistance and repairs.  They make the city a wonderful place to work, live and play. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to CONTINUE/HOLD Item #10 to the May 26, 2022 City Council Meeting as recommended by staff, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to CONTINUED/HOLD Item #11 to the June 9, 2022 City Council Meeting as recommended by staff, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings for Items #12 and #13 open.

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #12 and #13, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings for Items #12 and #13 open.

a.  Alderman Leggett moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #12 and #13 closed, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #13 with special conditions as listed on the agenda, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Item #47 HEARD after Item #13.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #14, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #20, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if city staff were able to do the work.  City Manager Melder answered, staff is unable to remove trees and stumps, the work must be contracted out to a vendor.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #21, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder had the decision to use the Gamble building for staff been finalized.  After a poll of Council Members at a recent meeting, the Civic Center needed more due diligence, but the Gamble building should be preserved as municipal office space for staff.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed her concern for residents inability to park or navigate cobblestones when visiting the Gamble building for city services.  She asked which departments would be housed in the building.  City Manager Melder would place strategic services in the Gamble building, not resident-facing services.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed the renovations on the third floor at City Hall as being designed for Council Member offices, but was not allocated as such.

Alderman Palumbo recalls Council wanting to move staff from rental space to city-owned facilities.  This is a step in that direction, the Gamble building can house staff and be in close proximity to City Hall.  Alderman Palumbo stated the city hall third floor renovations were an award-winning historic preservation project from the Savannah Historic Foundation.  To utilize the best space possible, the third floor space should be used for staff.  He gladly gave up office space for staff.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder if the charges listed in Item #22 ($625,000.00) is a separate charge from the actual renovations of approximately $43 million.  Mr. Melder answered, the $43 million was for the Civic Center and the Gamble building.  The $625,000.00 charge for architectural and design services will be included in the renovation charges for the Gamble building only.  She asked if RFP was distributed for other vendors to submit bids.  Mr. Melder explained this was a competitive RFP distributed in 2020, and the winning vendor agreed to freeze his rates for the City.

Mayor Johnson indicated, the Gamble building is a 5-story city owned facility sitting empty when staff needs office space.  He recommends the city move forward with renovations to house staff in a city-owned building, there are numerous departments that have no interactions with the public who could be housed in the building. 

Alderman Purtee agreed to forego the Council offices on the third floor for staff.  He also mentioned, the longer Council takes to make a decision to move forward with renovations, the more costly the project as prices of materials are rising on a daily basis.   

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee asked for the expected completion date for Phase I.  Assistant City Manager Lloyd answered, October.  

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated the modification amount was substantial and she wanted to bring it to the attention of the public.  City Manager Melder explained the deterioration of the underground pipe line could not be detected at the time of the original cost estimates.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked staff to be mindful of these types of modifications for the future.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder for the original amount of the contract ($11,208,888.00 for Phase I).  She asked if this was a SPLOST project.  Mr. Melder answered, the Broughton Street Streetscape is a SPLOST VII project, funds from capital improvement, and bonds.

Alderwoman Lanier asked if there was any type of contingency fund for unexpected developments during construction, and will the funds be taken from the capital improvement line item.  City Manager Melder indicated, this item will be paid out of the miscellaneous water line improvement fund.  Alderwoman Lanier suggested bidders be required to have a contingency fund for such projects, as the underground lines in Savannah are old and they will most likely face unexpected expense during infrastructure project.  Mr. Melder indicated agreement with Alderwoman Lanier.

Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder the consequences of not replacing the deteriorated water main (the area businesses and residents connected to that line would likely be without water).  

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if his car stipend would be removed after receipt of the vehicle (no, this is a vehicle for the office and for emergency management).  Alderwoman  Gibson-Carter stated this is like the Mayor having a car, a driver and a stipend on the backs of taxpayer dollars.

Alderman Palumbo raised, point of order.  Point taken by Mayor Johnson.

Alderman Purtee raised, point of order.  Point taken by Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Johnson raised, point of order.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked what is the point of order.  Mayor Johnson stated it was not relevant.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Clerk of Council and City Attorney Lovett to weigh-in on the point of order.

Mayor Johnson stated Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's statement is not relevant and is inappropriate.

Alderman Purtee asked that Alderwoman Gibson-Carter be removed from the meeting, per Robert's Rule of Order, if the behavior does not change.    

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #24, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #25, #26, #27, #29, #30, #31, #32 and #33, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #25, #26, #27, #29, #30, #31, #32 and #33, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #25, #26, #27, #29, #30, #31, #32 and #33, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if Brooks Stillwell will receive any of the $100,000.00.  Savannah Airport Commission representative Dawoud Stevenson explained, Brooks Stillwell is legal counsel for the Airport Commission and he has commissioned the Lewis Law Group for legal services in the amount of $100,000.00.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #28, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 6-2-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #25, #26, #27, #29, #30, #31, #32 and #33, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #25, #26, #27, #29, #30, #31, #32 and #33, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #25, #26, #27, #29, #30, #31, #32 and #33, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #25, #26, #27, #29, #30, #31, #32 and #33, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #25, #26, #27, #29, #30, #31, #32 and #33, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if the $93,970.00 was for the October 2020 allocation.  Director of Human Services Kerri Reed answered, the HUD funds were received in 2020, but there were no applicants responding to the RFP so the funds were put back out. Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested City Manager Melder to create a better process for local agencies to have access to the funds.  Mayor Johnson indicated HUD has strict guidelines as to how the funds can be allocated.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #34, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed 8-01.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Items #35 through #45, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz was not present for the vote.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #46, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Per Mayor Johnson, Item #47 was Heard after Item #13.

Alderman Purtee discussed the line item for appropriation of $2.5 million for Tribble park repairs.  He is requesting an environmental impact study with an engineering long-term, longevity project plan.  City Manager Melder agreed to move forward with the request. 

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #47, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

City Manager Melder announced Savannah was awarded the US Environmental Protection Agency $500,000.00 Brownfield Grant.  This is the second time Savannah has received the Brownfield Grant.  Mr. Melder thanked the community for advising on the grant, and Director, Environment Sustainability Nick Deffley and Energy Analyst Alicia Brown for getting the grant submitted.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested a workshop on the blight tax fee, how it is assessed, and the locations.  She has received numerous calls from residents receiving blight tax fees up to $10,000.00 including a gentlemen on Gwinnett Street receiving a fee of $2,000.00.  City Manager Melder cited the workshop schedule through July.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Mr. Melder to add blight tax fee.

Alderman Purtee congratulated all the students graduating from Savannah State and Georgia Southern Universities this year.

Alderman Leggett advised Council the blighted tax fee assessed to the man on Gwinnett Street; staff has responded that the notice sent was not acknowledged, consequently, he received a blight tax fee. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter sent condolences out to all the families who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence on the streets of Savannah.

Mayor Johnson thanked Team Savannah for their service to the residents, and sent out condolences on behalf of Council to families who have lost loved ones to gun violence on the streets of Savannah. 

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 3:39 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=FkDS4WoRuu0k

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:    May 26, 2022  

Signature:    MM