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NOVEMBER 13, 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 2:14 p.m. in Council Chambers. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order. He then recognized Ald. Linda Wilder-Bryan who introduced Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman, to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was recited in unison. Mayor Johnson asked for a moment of silence in remembrance and honor of Senior Grant Analyst, Stacey Truesdale, who passed away on November 9, 2025.
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
ABSENT: Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6
ALSO, PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Taffanye Young Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams City Attorney Bates Lovett Clerk of Council Mark Massey Deputy Clerk of Council Gwendolyn Jones |
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for November 13, 2025. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve agenda item # 1, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on October 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. | |
| Agenda Plus - WS DRAFT MINUTES_October 23, 2025 City Council Workshop Meeting_watermark.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on October 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. | |
| Agenda Plus - RM DRAFT MINUTES_October 23, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting-watermark.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 4. Proclamation declaring November 2025 as Homeless Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.P.E.) Month | |
Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Homeless Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.P.E.) Month to Park Place Outreach Executive Director Adriana Tatum-Howard, board members, and staff. |
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| 5. Presentation by the Employee Engagement Team for Recognition of the 2025 3rd Quarter Employee of the Quarter Winners. (Human Resources) | |
Mayor Johnson welcomed Employee Engagement Team Chair Kristina Chandler and the members of the Employee Engagement Team to recognize the 2025 3rd Quarter Employee of the Quarter Winners:
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| 6. Presentation by the Office of Human Resources for Years of Service Recognition | |
Mayor Johnson welcomed Assistant City Manager Young to present the Years of Service Recognition to employees who have served 30 or more years with the City of Savannah:
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| 7. Presentation by the Metropolitan Planning Commission on Plan 2045: Update to the Comprehensive Plan Introduction | |
| City of Savannah Presentation - 11.13.25.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson welcomed Metropolitan Planning Commission Executive Director Melanie Wilson to present the Plan 2045: Update to the Comprehensive Plan Introduction.
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she was glad to see the telephone number listed on the presentation, and asked if the telephone number was a number that the public could call to get some more information. (Yes) Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked Director Wilson for still making that platform available.
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| ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 8. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to William Hall for Circa 1875 Restaurant at 48 Whitaker Street located between West Broughton and West Congress Streets in Aldermanic District 2. (New Owner/New Request) | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Circa 1875 | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Circa 1875 | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Report - Circa 1875 | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Circa 1875 | |
| Exhibit 5: Safety Plan - Circa 1875 | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #8 and #9. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8 and #9, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #8, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 9. Approval of Class C (Liquor, Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Wen Jing Wang for Hana Sushi & Seafood Restaurant located at 11108 Abercorn Street between Deerfield Road and Wilshire Boulevard in Aldermanic District 6. The applicant plans to continue to operate as a restaurant. (New Owner/New Request). | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Hana Sushi & Seafood | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Hana Sushi & Seafood | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Report - Hana Sushi & Seafood | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Hana Sushi & Seafood | |
| Exhibit 5: Safety Plan - Hana Sushi & Seafood | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #8 and #9. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8 and #9, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. b. Ald. Miller Blakely moved to approve agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 10. Authorize the City Manager to Execute A Contract Modification No. 2 for Azure Software Services (SPD PenLink) from Insight Public Sector in the Amount of $41,916.(SPD) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - SPD PenLink.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - SPD PenLink.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 11. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Disaster Recovery Base and Support Services with MLU Services (Primary), USA Upstar (Secondary), and Ashbritt (Tertiary) in an Amount that Will Vary Based on the Severity of the Natural Disaster. (Emergency Management) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Disaster Recovery Program.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Disaster Recovery Program.pdf | |
WITHDRAWN as requested by staff. |
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| 12. Notification of an Emergency Purchase of a Generator From Current Edge Solutions in the Amount of $77,277. (ITS) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Emergency Generator Replacement.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Emergency Generator Replacement.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for (1) Service Body Truck with Crane from Wade Ford in the Amount of $203,525. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Service Body Truck with Crane.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Service Body Truck with Crane.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for (1) Box Truck and (1) Stake Body Truck from Alan Jay Fleet Sales, c/o National Auto Fleet Group in the Amount of $169,504. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Box Truck and Stake Body Truck.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Box Truck and Stake Body Truck.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Utility Tractor from Shea Tractor & Equipment, c/o Kubota in the Amount of $55,154. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Utility Tractor.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Utility Tractor.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Maintenance Agreement for Radio Software and Network Support Services with Motorola Solutions, Inc. in the Amount of $130,237. (ITS) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Motorola Solutions Maintenance Agreement.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Motorola Solutions Maintenance Agreement.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 17. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 for Replacement Vehicles for the Savannah Police Department with Santee Automotive, LLC, in the Amount of $59,002. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - SPD Vehicle Replacement & Fleet Additions.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - SPD Vehicle Replacements & Vehicle Additions.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Contract Compliance and Supplier Diversity Management Software from AskReply, Inc. dba B2GNow in the Amount of $54,257. (Economic Development) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Contract Compliance and Supplier Diversity Management Software.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Contract Compliance and Supplier Diversity Management Software.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 19. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Three Blowers with Aerzen USA Corporation in an Amount Not to Exceed $216,040.(Water Reclamation) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification- Aerzen Blowers | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note - Aerzen Blowers | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification #1 for the Pump Repair with GoForth Williamson in the amount not to exceed $500,000. (Water Reclamation) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Pump Repair | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note - Pump Repair | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 21. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 for Multi-Station Playground Structures with GameTime c/o Dominica Recreation Products Inc., in an Amount Not to Exceed $49,557. (Recreation and Leisure Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Daffin Park Multi-Station Playground.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Daffin Park Multi-Station Playgound.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10, #12 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. Ald. Lanier asked what brought about a change order. City Manager Young stated that this modification of the playground is to have GameTime take on the construction of the sidewalks. Staff were originally looking for the prime contractor to take on that work, but the cost was going to be much higher. She explained that this would actually reduce the overall cost of the signature playground project instead of paying more for the same work. Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked that when those types of negotiations and internal contracts come apart, do we change the scope and mission of what is going on, and is the contract not binding to the prime, and not to the person? City Attorney Lovett replied. |
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| AGREEMENTS | |
| 22. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with NorthPoint Industrial, XI, LLC for JIT Warehouse. This is a development consisting of office and warehouse space located at 301 Technology Circle off Jimmy Deloach Parkway in the Crossroads Treatment Plant service area in Aldermanic District 1. (Water & Sewer Department) | |
| Exhibit 1 : Water & Sewer Agreement - JIT Warehouse.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 23. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Edward Edge for 2464 West Gwinnett Street. This is a development consisting of office space located at 2464 West Gwinnett Street off Lynes Avenue in the President Street Treatment Plant service area and is in Aldermanic District 1. (Water & Sewer Department) | |
| Exhibit 1 Water & Sewer Agreement - 2464 West Gwinnett Street.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 24. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Drayton-Parker Companies LLC for Parkers Kitchen #123. This is for a development consisting of a 1,000 sq. ft. convenience store located 3900 Highgate Boulevard near Fort Argyle Road in the Travis Field Treatment Plant service area and is in Aldermanic District 5. (Water & Sewer Department) | |
| Exhibit 1 : Water & Sewer Agreement - Parkers Kitchen #123.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda items #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 25. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Savannah and the Town of Vernonburg (Fire Department) | |
| Exhibit 1_Agreement_2025-10-23_City of Savannah_Fire_Services.pdf | |
Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| 26. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with HP-231143 Savannah Preston LLC for Pointe Grand Savannah on Chatham. This is for a development consisting of 348 Apartments with a Clubhouse and Fitness Center at 500 Preston Drive off Chatham Parkway in the President Street Treatment Plant service area and is Aldermanic District 5. (Water & Sewer Department) | |
| Exhibit 1 : Water & Sewer Agreement - Pointe Grand Savannah on Chatham.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan, Ald. Palumbo, Ald. Miller Blakely, and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| REAL ESTATE ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 27. Authorize the City Manager to Sell a Permanent Easement to Savannah Harbor Partners, LLC for Installation of Four Foundation Encroachments on City Right-of Way at 55 Resort Drive (PIN 20436 01009). (Real Estates Services Department) | |
| Exhibit 1_Map 55 Resort Dr..pdf | |
| Exhibit 2_Plans and Specs 55 Resort Dr..pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #27, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. |
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| CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS | |
| 28. Settlement #1 | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #28, #29, and #30, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. #28 - Authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (accident) involving Marvin Roberts in the amount of $70,000.00. #29 - Authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (accident) involving David Ray Stokes in the amount of $35,000.00. #30 - Authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (accident) involving Juliana Nieves-Borges in the amount of $40,000.00. |
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| 29. Settlement #2 | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #28, #29, and #30, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. #28 - Authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (accident) involving Marvin Roberts in the amount of $70,000.00. #29 - Authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (accident) involving David Ray Stokes in the amount of $35,000.00. #30 - Authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (accident) involving Juliana Nieves-Borges in the amount of $40,000.00. |
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| 30. Settlement #3 | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #28, #29, and #30, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously 8-0-0. Ald. Purtee was absent. #28 - Authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (accident) involving Marvin Roberts in the amount of $70,000.00. #29 - Authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (accident) involving David Ray Stokes in the amount of $35,000.00. #30 - Authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the claim (accident) involving Juliana Nieves-Borges in the amount of $40,000.00.
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Following announcements made by the Mayor and Alderman, Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 3:28 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: |
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