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CITY GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison followed by the Invocation by Dyanne Reese.
Present: Mayor Deloach, Alderman Thomas, Durrence, Hall, Foster, Bell, Miller, Shabazz, and Johnson.
Alderman Bell stated that today council held an Executive Session to discuss Personnel and Litigation where no votes were taken. She made a Motion that the Mayor be authorized to sign the Resolution and Affidavit. This was Seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows:
At the meeting held on the 21st day of November 2017, the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing Personnel and Litigation. At the close of the discussions upon this subject, the Council reentered into open session and herewith takes the following action in open session:
- The actions of Council and the discussions of the same regarding the matter set forth for the closed session purposes are hereby ratified;
- Each member of this body does hereby confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge, the subject matter of the closed session was devoted to matters within the specific relevant exception(s) as set forth above;
- The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17
- The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED: November 21, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
Upon Motion of Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. Approval was given to the minutes of November 7th Special Work Session: November 9th Work Session and November 9th City Council Meeting.
Continued from the meeting of November 9th was the petition of Mr. Morris for an Amended request for a Beer and Wine License only with Sunday sells at Randolph Street Development.
Attorney Harold Yellin represented Mr. Morris again reference that this is for Beer and Wine only. This location has several components where events will be held. Mr. Morris has renovated the location and meets all the requirements for state and local laws.
Alderman Shabazz asked if the two parties met as she requested at the last meeting and if there was a resolution. She was told by Attorney Yellin that they met the Monday after last council meeting but did not come to a compromise.
Pastor Tony Reddick of New Shiloh Baptist Church stated that they had a meeting but what was discussed had nothing to do with what was discussed at the last council meeting. There was no resolution and they were scheduled to meet yesterday but he received a letter from Mr. Morris office cancelling the meeting. It was stated earlier that there is no law prohibiting this location proximity to a church but alcohol is alcohol and there should be a law.
Mrs. Lazetta Groover stated she has been a member of the church for 7 years and agreed that any type of alcohol was a bad influence on the children, parking, and safety issues.
Mr. Reginal Franklin representing the board of Curtis Cooper Health Center stated he wanted to present Mr. Morris as a man of great character with many accomplishments. He is an exemplary and an involved citizen by sponsoring different outreach programs for health and wellness. He decided to have his head quarters here and to give back to the community by promoting the city and its citizens.
Mr. William Groover stated that they are a small group but relationship is built on fellowship and to work together we must get to know each other. Alcohol brings crime, safety, and security issues. Cars could be vandalized and liquor, beer, and wine could be openly used around the church.
Mrs. Lomisher Rivers stated that although Mr. Morris has sponsored health programs, alcohol affects is also a health issue.
Mayor Deloach asked Judy Jones if this was a permitted use. Mrs. Jones said Yes and there is no measurement required to establish this license near a church.
Alderman Shabazz stated she has always voted against alcohol license near houses of worship. She asked the City Attorney can she bring forth a law to create requirements that prohibits this use near a church.
Attorney Stillwell stated this is an option that we can review that there is no such present law but an ordinance could be drafted for consideration.
Alderman Bell asked Attorney Yellin if this was a special event destination. Mr. Yellin responded that it is and the current location which is the Morris Center has been operating for 9 to 10 years. There has been no issues with vandalism or car break ins. Judy Jones added that not to her knowledge that any vandalism had occurred. This is an event location and it is not opened everyday.
Attorney Yellin stated that their lease require security.
Mrs. Groover agreed they need to build a relationship as their main concern is the safety of the children.
Pastor Reddick in response to questions of Alderman Bell said we cannot measure the affect of his current location or his future location without statistics. Currently there is a homeless shelter where those who attend who has had problems with drugs and alcohol.
Alderman Johnson stated that we recently approved amendments to alcohol license and this particular requirement was not addressed as we relied solely on the state law measurements.
Alderman Bell stated that she agrees with Alderman Shabazz recommendation to consider amending the ordinance.
Alderman Hall stated that we cannot cover everything but we must stay inside the current law.
Alderman Miller stated that Mr. Morris followed the guidelines. He said this is not a bar but an event location and he deserves to move forward as he's met all of the requirements for a beer and wine license.
Alderman Hall moved to close the hearing. This was Seconded by Alderman Foster.
Alderman Miller moved to approve a beer and wine license at this location. This was Seconded by Alderman Foster and carried with Mayor Deloach, Aldermen Miller, Durrence, Bell, Thomas, Hall, Foster and Aldermen Johnson and Shabazz voting against the motion.
A motion was made to close the hearing. Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried.
Alderman Johnson moved to approve the license as requested. This was Seconded by Alderman Foster and unanimously carried.
A motion was made to close the hearing. Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried.
Alderman Miller moved to approve the license as requested. This was Seconded by Alderman Durrence and unanimously carried.
Attorney Charles Bellow appeared representing Mr. Putra request for a liquor license to be added to his existing beer and wine license.
Marty Johnston City of Savannah Chief Operating Officer stated that the staff had recommended denial as this use is not allowed in the urban renewal district.
Attorney Bellow stated this location is 1 block between Bull and Congress and MLK and Montgomery Street. There are 9 locations in this area that sells liquor by the drink. This location went before the Zoning board of appeals who recommended approval. The urban renewal plan in this block allows retail. The list states what's not allowed as there is no permitted use list and liquor license is not on the list.
Mr. Tony Riley stated that he has watched council cherry pick certain people and locations for package stores and businesses selling alcohol. There are numerous liquor licenses in this area of Bay St, Factors Walk, and River Street. There is no law to deny this use, therefore this man should be given a license.
Alderman Durrence asked Attorney Stillwell to respond to the petitioners request. Attorney Stillwell stated that a request was made in 2015. It was denied, went to court and the city positions was upheld. The Zoning Administrator has ruled that this does not meet the ordinance requirement nor is it a legal use. If council would like to continue for 2 weeks he will review previous actions at this location.
Attorney Bellow stated the Zoning Board of Appeals denied this on technical grounds and there was no ruling given.
Attorney Stillwell asked Mr. Bellow to write him a letter explaining their position.
Alderman Durrence added that maybe his appropriate pursuit is asking for a re-zoning before the ZBA.
A motion was made by Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Durrence to continue this hearing for 2 weeks until the meeting of December 7,2017.
Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, Seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried. The first reading considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed.
Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. The first reading considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed.
Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. The first reading considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed.
Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, Seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried. The first reading considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed.
Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, Seconded by Alderman Durrence and unanimously carried. The first reading considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed.
Upon motion of Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried. The first reading considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed.
Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. This ordinance was approved.
Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. This resolution was approved.
Upon motion of Alderman Durrence, Seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried. This resolution was approved.
Upon motion of Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Durrence and unanimously carried. This contract was approved.
Upon motion of Alderman Miller, Seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried this contract for street repair and resurfacing has been continued until the meeting of December 21, 2017
Upon motion Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Foster and unanimously carried. Bids and Contracts, Items 19-21 and 23-31 were approved.
Alderman Shabazz stated that Items 22-35 are a funding initiative to help reduce poverty through training, education, and workforce development. The national poverty rate is 14.6% and Savannah is 26.5% and she was very pleased at receiving these various funds to support initiative for low income families.
Mr. Mike Tucker Director of Workforce Coastal stated that they are a job training program in cooperation with he state and this contract with Savannah Technical College is to provide job training programs in cooperation with the state high gross sector. They will connect with own site coordination to provide job training, connect with students k-12 and a business advisory group to meet training needs for a better workforce.
Alderman Hall thanked them for their work on the Green Job initiative that will provide a pathway out of poverty where low income people can learn a respectable and much needed trade.
Nick Deffley Director of Sustainability added that these funds will be used especially on FEMA lots to train arbor care and horticulture.
Upon motion of Alderman Shabazz, Seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried. Items 22,32-35 and Item 38 were approved.
Upon motion Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Foster and unanimously carried. Bids and Contracts, Items 19-21 and 23-31 were approved.
Alderman Johnson wanted to make it clear that the 1.2 million is not for the City of Savannah alone as it is allocation for 10 counties. The Chatham County portion is $411,800. He understands that we are disbanding Savannah Impact. These funds were secured for a specific program with SIP and he wanted to ensure that they are still targeted for that use.
Mr. Michael Tucker stated that if SIP is disband then a contract would be solicited for another agency and the funds allocated use will remain the same.
Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Foster and unanimously carried. This agreement was approved.
Upon motion of Alderman Miller, Seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried. This agreement with Tybee Island 911 Center was approved.
Upon motion of Alderman Miller, Seconded by Alderman Foster and unanimously carried. This lease agreement was approved.
Upon motion of Alderman Miller, Seconded by Alderman Durrence and unanimously carried. The 2018 Legislative Agenda was approved.
Mr. Antwone Lane the new president of the Savannah Jay Cees/Junior Chamber of Commerce stated that 20 to 40 year olds performed Community Service in this neighborhood and yesterday they held a press conference to address actions taken by the City of Savannah. They understood the vote taken by City Council and he thanked council members for speaking to him. They want to support the City's agenda especially in the area of gun violence. They also are concerned about poverty reduction. The young man recently shot and killed in Savannah Adkinson attended the same High School as he did and he went to speak with the students at Windsor Forest and their concerns about their safety are real. He stated much of the decisions are moving fast. They will host a town hall meeting and they are willing to help the City to communicate to the citizens.
See Presentations at the beginning of the minutes.
42. Board, Commissions, and Authorities
Upon motion of Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried. The following appointments were approved.
Coastal Workforce Development Board
K. Lynn Tootle
Recreation Commission
Doretha Walker
Teketha Kelley-Hill
Announcements
Alderman Miller stated that he will hold a 4th District town hall meeting at the JEA on Abercorn Street at 6 p.m. There will be a short review to include proposed fire fees and city staff will be present.
Alderman Hall stated that he along with 3rd District School Board Representative will be holding a town hall meeting November 29th from 5:30 to 7p.m. at Savannah High School on Pennsylvania Ave. They will also tour the new lab that is being transferred from Woodville Tompkins to Savannah High.
Alderman Johnson stated he had just returned from the NLC where he completed 4 years on the Board of Directors. He was appointed as Co-Chair of the NLC Advisory Council by the NLC president. Alderman Hall and Alderman Bell recognized each other for receiving certificates of completion in training by the NLC Leadership Training council.
Mayor Deloach extended Thanksgiving greetings to the citizens of the City of Savannah.
There being no further business, Mayor DeLoach declared this meeting of Council adjourned.
The recorded City Council Meeting is located on the City of Savannah website.
