MAY 8, 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 Ald. Bernetta Lanier to offer the invocation. Mayor Johnson acknowledged the recent election of Pope Leo XIV - first U.S.-born pope.  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

a.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve agenda item #1, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Ald. Lanier voted no.

b.  Ald. Palumbo moved to amend agenda item #26 by tabling/postponing two line items relating to the Westside Surface Lot CIP project until a workshop can be held to better understand the project's history and cost escalation.

Ald. Palumbo requested a parliamentary inquiry regarding the ability of the City Council to remove the discussion of those two matters (Westside Surface Lot) now, versus later, given that the Mayor ruled that he will allow the body to consider those line items when agenda item #26 is heard/considered.  As parliamentarian, the Clerk of Council advised that both methods of consideration are appropriate for the body to consider based on their willingness or the Chair's ruling.

Ald. Lanier asked about agenda item #25, and Mayor Johnson indicated he was going to handle the consideration of moving up that agenda item.

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

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

b.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to authorize the Mayor to sign an affidavit/resolution given the City Council held an Executive Session limited to personnel matters prior to the conclusion of today's workshop, seconded by Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  All members were present.  Mayor Johnson facilitated individual performance reviews for the Clerk of Council, the City Attorney, and the City Manager, one-at-a-time.

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to DeLoach Lupus Foundation's founder Salathiel DeLoach, also a 23-year survivor of lupus.

Mayor Johnson recognized the AAPI Taskforce (no members were present) in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Mayor Johnson presented a Building Safety Month proclamation to Development Services Senior Director and City Engineer Julie McLean, joined by employees/professionals from the departments of Development Services and Fire.

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to Chief of Water Resources Ron Feldner, and the many employees of Water Resources, Water Distribution, Sewer Conveyance, Water Supply & Treatment, Planning & Engineering, Water Reclamation, Stormwater Management, and Utility Services.

Mayor Johnson, Employee Engagement Team Chairperson Kristina Chandler, and City Manager Melder presented/recognized the following first quarter winners:

• Community Services – Adriana Cornelius
• Government Operations – Anthony A.J. Johnson
• Information & Public Affairs – Myriam Baker
• Management Services – Joanne Aley
• Planning & Economic Development – Ouida Blake
• Fire Department – Jeremy Veale
• Police Department – Page Contreras
• Water Resources – Joshua Hoskin

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #9 and #10.

Speaker(s) for #9:

• Ben Adams - IN SUPPORT

a.  Ald. Purtee moved to close the public hearings for agenda items #9 and #10, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Bell.  No vote was taken on this motion.

c.  Mayor Van Johnson moved (a substitute motion) to approve agenda item #9 contingent upon dismissal of the lawsuit against the City of Savannah, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan, Ald. Leggett, and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked if the owners of B. Nicole's Bistro feel that they were treated unfairly and why are we voting contingent on them dropping the lawsuit.  Mayor Johnson stated it has already passed.  Attorney Lovett advised that it is at Council's discretion.  Attorney Lovett spoke with their attorney earlier this week, and he (their attorney) agreed that if Council issued this license they would dismiss the lawsuit.  Ald. Miller Blakely asked if the owners were present in the room and if they agreed.  Then she asked if the attorney was present in the room.  Attorney Lovett repeated he spoke with their attorney, Brent Savage, who filed the lawsuit on their behalf this week.  He posed hypothetically if Council approved this business license, would they be willing to dismiss the lawsuit, and he said yes.

Ald. Lanier asked if we have a precendence regarding this matter of dismissing a lawsuit contingent upon approval of a license, and if it has ever occurred in the past.  Understanding her question, Attorney Lovett stated this is the only time that he knows of being sued for this particular circumstance.  There is another lawsuit, pending a third, for a convenience store for a similar circumstance, but the answer is no because this has never happened before.

Mayor Johnson queried the City Attorney on the fact that there are other causes of action that occur in his work such as settlements involving the city where claims are agreed to be released regularly (Yes). 

Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #9 and #10.

No speaker(s) for #10.

a.  Ald. Purtee moved to close the public hearings for agenda items #9 and #10, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #11, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #12, #13, #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #12, #13, #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #14, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Lanier spoke about different renderings of this measure and the creation of the Northwest Precinct at the Adams Complex versus Dooley Avenue, as indicated on the Tuesday Night Memo.  Carver Village Neighborhood leadership also assumed that the precinct would be placed at (coming to) the Adams Complex, which we all are fine with.  Affordable and maybe modular housing can be placed on Dooley Avenue.  We need rooftops and heads, so that we can provide a grocery store in the area.  City Manager Melder responded that the Northwest Precinct will be built on the Adams Complex site next to the Code Compliance office building, right as you enter the complex.

Mayor Johnson queried the City Manager that originally there were several sites being considered, but no site was decided upon.  City Manager Melder confirmed and discussed some of the other sights that were considered.  Mayor Johnson stated we had the responsiblity to do due diligence and consider several sites for the Northwest Precinct, the Dooly Avenue site was never chosen.  City Manager Melder advised that staff is working on a comprehensive physical plan (master plan) document which includes all properties that we own and all the needs that we have to be discussed at a future workshop.

Ald. Lanier asked to be a part of any discussions regarding land to be used in the First District.  Mayor Johnson stated he hopes that would be the case for everyone.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz asked the City Manager to describe exactly where the Northwest Precinct will be built.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked the City Manager to include the At-Large Alderwomen, as well, when the district discussions take place.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #12, #13, #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #12, #13, #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #12, #13, #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #12, #13, #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #12, #13, #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #20, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #21, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Lanier asked the City Manager to expound on what is presented here, which includes preservation and rehabilitation.  City Manager Melder responded.  Ald. Lanier thanked them for this work.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #22, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items (Settlements) #23 and #24, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0, as follows:

• #23:  Authorized the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (worker's compensation) of Mark Fleming for the amount of $85,000.00.
• #24:  Authorized the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (worker's compensation) of Jean Lockhart for the amount of $150,000.00.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items (Settlements) #23 and #24, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0, as follows:

• #23:  Authorized the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (worker's compensation) of Mark Fleming for the amount of $85,000.00.
• #24:  Authorized the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (worker's compensation) of Jean Lockhart for the amount of $150,000.00.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #25, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Speaker(s):

• Jackie Johnson, petitioner
• Doretha Rice, petitioner
• Lenora Axon, 12th granddaughter of Annie B. Graham
• Bishop Charles E. Williams, Tremont Park Neighborhood Association

Referring to Ald. Palumbo's earlier request, Mayor Johnson began discussing how to handle agenda item #26.

City Manager Melder referred to his Tuesday Night Memo and requests made by the Members of Council pertaining to the Westside (Arena) Surface Lot.  He asked that if the City Council wants to hold off on the Westside Surface Lot line items today, he requested to approve the other very important budget moves which are needed concerning matters that have already been approved.

Mayor Johnson suggested moving on all the other items, then discuss the two line items regarding the Westside (Arena) Surface Lot.

a.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve 14 of 16 Budget Amendments as listed under agenda item #26, excluding the two Westside Surface Lot items, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Palumbo moved to table the two remaining Budget Amendments concerning the Westside Surface Lot, pending a workshop presented by the City Manager in two weeks to discuss a couple of issues brought to light (whereupon he shared additional and more specific details).  The motion was seconded by Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson read into the record a history of briefings related to these items.  He added that a workshop can be held as quickly as two weeks.  He expressed belief that the recommendations of staff and the legal obligations will not change, and he expressed that should be considered.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked the City Manager a question about the one thousand parking spaces and if there would be charges for them to help recoup some of this money.  The City Manager responded.  He added they have been actively working hard to reduce the costs to both the  parking fund and capital contingency.  He will be prepared to brief Council on it.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked the City Attorney about the legal option of not following through with the lease.  City Attorney Lovett responded.

Ald. Lanier presented a history of the project and contamination.  She stated that people in the community warned the City about this issue, but the City did not listen to them.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz provided an account of the history of this project and environmental contaminants beginning in 2016 and 2019, including actions taken by the City Council.  She asked City Attorney Lovett to offer additional details on this history of this project and its remediation.  He stated we knew it was dirty, but not necessarily how dirty.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked Mayor Johnson to read for the public all of the money being requested in the Budget Amendments under agenda item #26, whereupon he did.

Ald. Bell asked to reiterate comments made by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo.  A transfer of this size is enough for all of them to understand exactly what's happening, why it is needed, and how to prevent/stop the bleeding.

Mayor Johnson reminded everyone that he, Ald. Bell, and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz were there when the City purchased this lot.  He recalled that those communities pushed/insisted that the Arena be placed in that location because one of the community benefits was the opportunity to be able to remediate contaminated ground that had been contaminated there for well over 50 years.  The site was so attractive because people who lived there were going to get a redeveloped site for public use, remediate dirty soil, and be able to provide a community benefit.  We further knew we needed additional parking.  He stated we had an opportunity to buy land and for him they had an obligation to remediate.  He asked the City Manager and the City Attorney to work to get the numbers (cost) down.  He asked the City Manager to confirm that he was asking for the maximum of what was needed when he made his recommendation (Yes).  He added his opinion regarding a structured parking lot in that area.  He stated we can have a workshop which will be beneficial to us.  He asked the City Attorney when there was a related condemnation hearing (February 2024).

Ald. Purtee asked the City Manager a couple questions.  What do the fees look like for parking (or an average)?  The City Manager stated we should net $1 million per year in revenue and take somewhere between $15-$22 million per year total, over 20 years.  Instead of 2030, the City has lease options until 2050, as authorized by Council.  Ald. Purtee asked how long we have been remediating this property (Original contracts were let in 2020).  City Manager Melder stated that EPD allowed the City to break the project into two portions, the south and north parcels.  The south portion was remediated, capped and paved pretty quickly, and it is paved today.  If there was a mistake/flaw made in the approach, it was that the project was considered to be a parking lot construction project and not an environmental remediation project.  During the workshop, the City Manager stated he can go into what they learned about the north parcel of the lot and in hindsight going back to 2019.  Ald. Purtee stated we have been remediating this property for 5 years.  The community deserves and needs this remediation, but at the same time this has been going on for awhile.  He asked how are we holding folks accountable, given the decision we need to make here.  City Manager Melder responded.  Ald. Purtee continued that a lot of time has been spent on parking for the Arena.  He offered other options to parking lots, like shuttles and sidewalks.  He stated that if he has these questions, others likely have more questions than him.  We owe it to the citizens of Savannah to discuss this matter thoroughly, so there is no question or doubt why we need to move forward. City Manager Melder responded.  Ald. Purtee stated he wants to be friendly to people who cannot afford $50 parking.

Mayor Johnson offered another comment regarding structured parking and the City's obligations.

Ald. Palumbo spoke about options, based on a request made to the City Attorney.  As a result, he offered that the City may have an opening, due to cost overruns and contract law.  EPD provides for reconsiderations, such as voluntary enrollment, type 5 reassessments, and mitigation methods.  Ald. Palumbo and Mayor Johnson debated the ideas presented.

Ald. Lanier asked the City Manager about the availability of any Brownfield grants.  She added that outside contractors offered to build a garage which was turned down, although garages are being built other places.  Mayor Johnson responded.

Written comment(s):

• Meg Gorski Pace - Requested a deferral of the item
• Caila Brown - Requested to reconsider/rebid the item

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #27, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Following various announcements made by the Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Johnson gave the floor to Ald. Leggett who read a prepared statement.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 4:18 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://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/watch?hash=6m0yhduBsfhGrTQj.