SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

NOVEMBER 12, 2020 – 2:00 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held via Zoom video communications at 2:02 p.m. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson asked Alderwoman Miller Blakely to introduce Pastor George F. Sharpe, Sr. of Shepherd’s House Ministries, who provided 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, Chairman

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

OTHERS PRESENT:

Acting City Manager Michael Brown

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Whereupon Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Palumbo who stated there was an outstanding issue that needs to be addressed by the Council for both the Council’s closure and the public at-large. As a result of the Savannah’s Ethics Board Hearing conducted on October 29, 2020, a recommendation was rendered. Alderman Palumbo further stated he understands more time is needed in this process to assemble documents. Publicly, he let everyone know a resolution to this issue is deserved.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as presented, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson officially welcomed Michael Brown as the Interim/Acting City Manager. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Mayor Johnson if the 2021 Meeting Schedule would discontinue the 4:00 p.m. Work Session and the 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting.  Mayor Johnson indicated the last two Regular Meetings of 2020 were scheduled at 2:00 p.m. to allow for Council and staff to celebrate the holidays.  The 2021 meeting schedule will continue with 6:30 p.m. meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #4, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #5 and #6, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Items #5 and #6, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan commented the landfill is in District 3, and the City needs to take care of it's only landfill.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #7, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8 and #9, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #8 and #9, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #10, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearing for Items #11, #12 and #13.

The Clerk of Council reported no public comments received.

No speakers.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearing for Items #11, #12 and #13, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #11, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearing for Items #11, #12 and #13.

The Clerk of Council reported no public comments received.

No speakers.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearing for Items #11, #12 and #13, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearing for Items #11, #12 and #13.

The Clerk of Council reported no public comments received.

No speakers.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearing for Items #11, #12 and #13, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #13, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Item #14, #15  and #16.

Speakers:

• Mr. Marcus Lotson, MPC gave a brief outline of the area/project.  MPC recommends approval.

The Clerk of Council reported no public comments received.

Alderman Palumbo recognized the City is experiencing traffic issues in heavy traveled corridors.  Single family residential areas are now being rezoned for other uses.  Alderman Palumbo asked Mr. Lotson for any recommendations MPC could provide to the City staff to alleviate some of the City's growing pains as it relates to easing the rezoning transitions along these corridors.  

Acting City Manager Brown's intentions are to attend MPC meetings to look for and improve quality of life for residents living along such corridors.

Mayor Johnson explained, to protect the City's interest, the City Manager and the Chatham County Manager have a voting seat on the MPC Board.  He is looking forward to Acting City Manager Brown being an active/engaging member of the MPC Board on the City's behalf for zoning and land use.

Alderman Palumbo moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #14, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Item #14, #15  and #16.

Speakers:

• Mr. Marcus Lotson, MPC, provided a brief background of the project and the area.  MPC recommends approval.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for the definition of Island Classified.  Mr. Lotson described the Highland neighborhood as part of the City and receives services from the City.  After her discussions with some of the neighbors, she recommends additional meetings with citizens living in the neighborhood.

Alderman Palumbo suggested Item #15 be an Ordinance - First Reading today, to allow time to meet with the neighborhood residents to address concerns.

Mayor Johnson further defined Alderman Palumbo's request for Item #15 a First Reading today and the Second Reading at the next Council meeting, pending agreement by all Council Members.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter acknowledged Mr. Ed Garvin in attendance, and asked IT to assist with his connection to hear and answer any questions from Council.  Mr. Lotson offered to assist with answering any questions Mr. Garvin might have today or at a later time.

Acting City Manager Michael Brown intends to work with MPC staff to make sure all residents concerns are addressed.  He asked Mr. Lotson about the fencing and asked for the designs of the fencing.  Mr. Brown requested Council to be specific on what needs to be done when an item is returned to MPC for reconsideration.

Mayor Johnson explained to Mr. Garvin the Ordinance will be on First Reading only today and will return for Second Reading on November 24, 2020.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #15, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearings for Item #14, #15  and #16.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and City Manager Brown recommended meetings with City partners and residents.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter acknowledged Ms. Deana Beam was in attendance for public comment on Item #16.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz informed Ms. Beam, she will be in contact with the leaders of the West Chatham Group which is meeting heavily on this issue and Ms. Beam will be getting updates from the leadership of the Group. 

The Clerk of Council had written public comment provided by Scott l. Pinholster AND Anita Boutwell.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to continue/postpone Item #16 to the January 14, 2021 Meeting, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Later in the Meeting:

City Manager Michael Brown requested continuing/postponing Item #23 to the November 24, 2020 Meeting.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely questioned the reasoning for moving Item #23 to the November 24, 2020 Meeting.  City Manager Brown cited there were previously established time frames that must be acknowledged.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz agreed with Mr. Brown that Item #23 can be resolved by the next Council Meeting.  

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #17, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #18, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #19, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

The Clerk of Council designated the City Manager's Office (Bret Bell and Myriam Baker), as the Assistant Open Records Officer.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter wants to make sure the City is adhering to the standards of the Open Records Ordinance and staff does not add comments/commentary to the Request.  She would also like the City to make sure each Request  is responded to in a timely and complete manner.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan wants the City to make sure payments are made for the Open Records Request. 

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #20 with the City Manager's Office as the Assistant Open Records Officer, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked the City Attorney if there was any new information concerning the previous legislative agenda item, sovereign immunity rights.  Attorney Lovett answered, the amendment will go before the legislature this coming session, and they will craft a law allowing any citizen to petition to have sovereign immunity waived.  They have not drafted the law as of today, but Attorney Lovett will keep Council informed. 

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

HEARD for First Reading only.

Per Mayor Johnson, Item #23 is CONTINUED/POSTPONED to the January 14, 2021 Meeting.

Later in the Meeting:

City Manager Michael Brown requested continuing/postponing Item #23 to the November 24, 2020 Meeting.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely questioned the reasoning for moving Item #23 to the November 24, 2020 Meeting.  City Manager Brown cited there were previously established time frames that must be acknowledged.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz agreed with Mr. Brown that Item #23 can be resolved by the next Council Meeting.  

Mayor Johnson sent out condolences on behalf of Council to the family of Attorney James (Jay) B. Blackburn, Jr.  The Resolution was presented to Mr. Blackburn's children, his brother and his mother.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #24, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #25, Alderman Palumbo and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #26, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27, #28 and #29, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27, #28 and #29, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27, #28 and #29, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #30, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #31, to authorize the City Attorney to resolve/settle the James McGill lawsuit in the amount of $104,000.00, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Items #32, #33 and #34, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Items #32, #33 and #34, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Items #32, #33 and #34, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan acknowledged the efforts of Mayor Johnson during this most difficult time of COVID-19.

Alderman Leggett asked Mayor Johnson if the City was still in Phase I of the Emergency Declaration.  Mayor Johnson answered, we are still in Phase I.  At Alderman Leggett's request, Mayor Johnson explained the difference between not allowing basketball (contact sport) and allowing tennis (non-contact sport).

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz stated, on a national basis, because of the continuous mandates approved by Savannah City Council led by Mayor Johnson, it contributes to the somewhat steady success of the City.  She thanked the citizens of Savannah for abiding by the rules set out in the Emergency Declaration.

Alderman Palumbo thanked Mayor Johnson for looking out for the City and its citizens during this critical time.  He pointed out the uses of mask in the Emergency Declaration, specifically, paragraph five describing where mask are not required.

Mayor Johnson stated, he may be the front man on the Emergency Declaration, but it takes a team effort and the entire Council is responsible for the success thus far.  Mayor Johnson informed Council there is an expectation of Cities being hit hard again in big waves and Council will try to prevent the City from experiencing any increase.  Mayor Johnson encouraged everyone to wear a mask.  He thanked the City staff for their efforts during the COVID-19.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter has concerns with putting undue pressure/stress on businesses already adhering to the Emergency Declaration.  She expressed concerns for tourist/visitors not wearing masks visiting restaurants and bars in the City.

Mayor Johnson explained the Governor's Declaration allows for businesses to individually determine how they will operate, with or without masks, for patrons to enter their business.  

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #35, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

CLOSING:
Acting City Manager Michael Brown requested continuing/postponing Item #23 to the November 24, 2020 Meeting.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely questioned the reasoning for moving Item #23 to the November 24, 2020 Meeting.  Acting City Manager Brown cited there were previously established time frames that must be acknowledged.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz agreed with Mr. Brown that Item #23 can be resolved by the next Council Meeting.   

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested a point of personal privilege.  She congratulated all candidates of the November 3, 2020 election.  She asked all the candidates to remove their campaign signs from public locations.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter congratulated Ms. Shalena Cook Jones, the first African-American female as District Attorney in the Eastern Judicial Circuit.  She asked the Council to take a serious look at the issue of crime in the City and how to address the many homicides in the City.

Alderman Palumbo invited the public to the District 4 Town Hall Meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m.  Sign up by going to www.tinyurl/100forD4.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely congratulated all the young high school athletes, some of the young men were nominated for player of the week, play of the week, and one young man (John Dickerson) was nominated for ESPN Player of the Week.  Her grandson, Bubba Chisholm was nominated.  She sends congratulations to all winners and to the Savannah Public Schools.

Alderwoman Lanier reiterated concern for the up tick in violet crimes in the community and the demographics of those affected in the City.  She feels a sense of urgency is needed that she is not seeing, Savannah is becoming a bloody City.  She suggest the City create a plan to attack the problem.  Mayor Johnson addressed the issue and explained the issues during COVID:  a.) grand juries not active; and b.) criminal justice system is at a standstill.  Mayor Johnson sees changes shortly with the grand jury starting again.  Alderwoman Lanier stated, she is not placing blame, we need to address the conditions and root causes to prevent future increases in crime.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely stressed the City needs more community involvement to address the root causes.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz agreed with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Lanier on the importance of the City to curtail the homicides/crimes in the City.

Acting City Manager Brown announced he will present five (5) initiatives for Council's consideration at the Budget Retreat Thursday, November 29-20, 2020: 1.) poverty/child poverty; 2.) gross economic disparities to include workforce issues and business development; 3.) violent crime/gun crime; 4.) affordable housing; and 5.) blight.

Mayor Johnson clarified the shooting that happened earlier today was in the County and it was an accidental shooting.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 3:48 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=30kGxrgG712A

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: November 24, 2020

Initials:  mm