SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

NOVEMBER 24, 2020 – 2:00 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held via Zoom video communications at 2:00 p.m. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson asked Alderwoman Lanier to introduce Pastor Andre J. Osborne of First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 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

Deputy City Attorney Jennifer Herman

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Johnson announced Agenda Item #14, Zoning Hearing and #15 corresponding Ordinance for 3001 Little Neck Road is continued/postponed to the December 10, 2020 Meeting.  He is aware there are citizens here today to speak in reference to Item #14.  Those citizens can speak today or speak on December 10, 2020 but not on both dates.

The Clerk of Council reported because of comments made by staff and the Planning and Urban Design Department, there are more than two (2) citizens in the queue to speak in reference to Item #14.  There are ten (10) citizens signed up to speak in reference to Item #14.  Mayor Johnson asked the Clerk of Council to notify the ten speakers the zoning hearing for 3001 Little Neck Road is postponed/continued to the December 10, 2020 Meeting, they can speak at that time or today, the choice is theirs.

Acting City Manager Brown reported discussions with City Attorney Lovett in reference to Item #14 and #15.  The notice was posted as required and the City met the requirement.  This was a prior agenda item which needs to be resolved.  Speakers can voice there opposition/approval today or at the December 10, 2020 Meeting.  City Manager Brown noted two important issues: 1.) the hearing must be handled procedurally; and 2.) this is a rezoning because the area was annexed and there is a State Law that governs when and how the rezoning works.  The City should focus on the issue that this is not simply a rezoning, but this is a necessary action environmentally.  This is a major landfill and the purpose of this action is to treat the leachate.  City Manager Brown recommends to allow a short hearing today and another hearing at the December 10, 2020.          

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve Item #1 as amended to continue/postpone Agenda Items #14 and #15 to the December 10, 2020 Meeting, the zoning matter of 3001 Little Neck Road, Agenda Items #14 and #15, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #2 and #3, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passes unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #2 and #3, Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passes unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #4, #5 and #6, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #4, #5 and #6, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #4, #5 and #6, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely questioned the Acting City Manager as to why Item #7 was an emergency.  City Manager Brown explained the original contractor withdrew services, therefore the City had to hire a different contractor to maintain the cemetery grounds.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked why the vendor withdrew on such short notice.  Acting City Manager Brown answered, it is possible they bid too low and could not complete the work.  The City then went to the next lowest bidder and established a working contract.

Due to last minute agenda changes, Alderwoman Miller Blakely questioned if a $429,000 expense previously on the agenda that was removed for Laurel Grove North, Laurel Grove South, and Greenwich Cemeteries annual maintenance contract will come before Council on the next meeting agenda.  Regarding the contract for $129,080, an emergency that goes through the end of December, she asked will the $429,000 annual contract come before Council at the next meeting.  City Manager Brown answered the $129,080 contact will end at the end of December and he believes the annual contract will go to the next lowest bidder and contract with that vendor.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if the local businesses will have an opportunity to bid on the $429,000 annual contract and when did the RFP go out for the contract.

Chief Operating Officer Bret Bell explained, the City hired a contractor for the cemetery grounds maintenance and were not satisfied with the service.  The vendor realized they had underbid, made no money, and withdrew from the contract.  The City issued an RFP in September to replace the current vendor.  The low bidder was selected in September to finish out the contract through the end of December.    The RFP for the $429,000 annual maintenance contract went out in September 2020.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if any of the individuals in the prior contract are associated or a part of the vendor awarded the second time.  Mr. Bell answered, he does not believe they are.                    

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #7, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderman Purtee asked how many employee vacancies are in the sanitation department.  Acting City Manager Brown did not have that information, however he stated this would be 5-10 temporary employees for the year, on an on-call basis.  Alderman Purtee said the City has a unique opportunity to hire the homeless for sanitation purposes.  The City could use up to $429,500 for a similar circumstance as last year when Council used $130,000 on an initiative to use the homeless to collect trash from the downtown historic district streets.  The City has a homeless problem and this creates an opportunity to solve issues on both ends.  Alderman Purtee asked the City to come up with a better solution, to look at the above option or something similar.

Acting City Manager Brown recommended awarding the current contract and immediately the City could start on a program as suggested by Alderman Purtee.  Mr. Brown stated the City would need to work with the homeless to prepare them for work and he will meet with the sanitation staff to move in the direction for preparing steps to use the homeless for temporary employment in the sanitation department and neighborhood recreation centers.  Acting City Manager Brown recalled Savannah Impact had two landscaping crews that went into neighborhoods to help with cleanup, especially for the disabled and elderly.

Mayor Johnson suggested Savannah Impact could have handled the cemetery maintenance and the temporary sanitation staffing issue.  This service need creates an opportunity for the City to approve the contract but tell the contractor to utilize the unemployed, under employed, the homeless, and returning citizens as priority staff member.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked why the City did not hire additional sanitation staff to handle the work or have a sanitation temporary labor pool.  She asked if there were any stipulations that do not allow the City to have temporary employees available for seasonal work or temporary issues.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan recommended tabling Item #8 to allow staff to work on some of the issues.  Mayor Johnson responded to Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan's concerns.  He explained this issue deals with continuity of government operations.  It is more cost effective for governments to contract for temporary staffing.  The municipality would not incur the cost or responsibility of an employee, i.e. workman's compensation, unemployment insurance, benefits, etc.  The temporary agency would incur those expenses.  Mayor Johnson explained the $429,500 cost would equate to FTE (full time employee), if the City brought on the same number of employees.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated she was satisfied with Mayor Johnson's answer.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan questioned the two annual renewals for the contract.  Mayor Johnson explained it is for a three year period and the City has the option to renew the contract.  Acting City Manager Brown does not recommend renewal without seeing how far City staff can pursue the alternative arrangements discussed earlier.  Mr. Gene Prevatt explained this contract is for when the sanitation department has a shortage of workers due to vacancies, FMLA, and sick leave and the department is unable to meet the service requirements.  This contract will provide the sanitation department with skilled workers for a day or several days.  Many of the temporary employees are later hired on a full-time basis.

Alderman Leggett asked if the current discussion is related to the topics discussed during the work session by Chief Finance Director David Maxwell.  Mr. Prevatt answered this discussion is primarily for sanitation workers.  Alderman Leggett asked Mr. Brown to provide reasoning for stating the conditions must be safe, when Alderman Purtee recommended using homeless individuals as temporary employees.  Acting City Manager Brown answered, individuals need to be ready for work, i.e. drug & alcohol free and capable of doing the work.  There are steps involved to get the homeless ready for work. 

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for the hourly wage for the employees coming from the temporary agency.  Mr. Prevatt will send the wage information to Council.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely  questioned the 266 RFP's sent to vendors, why there was only one response in the amount of $429,500.  Mr. Pervatt referred the question to the purchasing department.  Acting City Manager Brown responded there are probably numerous agencies that place temporary staff but very few have the experience for the sanitation requirements.

Mayor Johnson questioned if there was a stipulation that the lowest paid temporary employee is commensurate with the lowest paid City employee.  Mr. Prevatt did not have an answer, but Mayor Johnson indicated he would be interested in the answer.

Alderwoman Lanier addressed in terms of public works and sanitation having a temporary working pool, there is a need for this type program.  She previously worked on a pilot program similar to what is being discussed today.  Without the City assuming all of the cost, some type of temporary staffing pool program should be established.  Going forward, pilot programs should be investigated and creative ways to get service done in the most cost efficient and community-oriented fashion. She stressed the need for the City to work on some type of pilot program for a temporary sanitation staff pool.  Mayor Johnson suggested Coastal Work Force for a job ready program.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #8 as recommended by Acting City Manager Brown, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Johnson recommended the Acting City Manager adjust the salary of the temporary sanitation staff to at least the minimum wage of City employees.  City Manager Brown committed to the wage requirements and to working on pilot programs. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #9, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #10, #11, #12, and #13.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan reported staff has utilized much time and effort in surveying and gathering resident input.  It appears there is a loop-hole: if a owner leaves the business within a year, the owner can establish the same site.  The whole idea is to decrease these type of businesses, these two establishments are less than a half mile apart.  The residents have indicated a desire for no additional convenience stores with liquor licenses in the neighborhood.   Until further information from Planning & Urban Design Director Bridget Lidy and her staff is received, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan is requesting to pull Items #10 and #12.  She needs additional information on the ownership of the establishments.  City Attorney Lovett agreed to meet with Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan to further discuss the issue.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan if the alcohol overlay work was still in process.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan indicated the alcohol overlay work was completed and approved.    

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to continue/postpone the hearings for Items #10 and #12 to the December 22, 2020 Meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.  

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #10, #11, #12, and #13.

The Clerk of Council reported one speaker for Item #11.

Speaker:

• Ms. Paula Letcher, Petitioner - thanked the Council for their consideration.  Mayor Johnson offered continued condolences from Council.  Ms. Letcher expessed appreciation, more than anyone will know, for the condolences.

Alderman Palumbo moved to close the hearing for Item #11, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #11, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #10, #11, #12, and #13.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan reported staff has utilized much time and effort in surveying and gathering resident input.  It appears there is a loop-hole: if a owner leaves the business within a year, the owner can establish the same site.  The whole idea is to decrease these type of businesses, these two establishments are less than a half mile apart.  The residents have indicated a desire for no additional convenience stores with liquor licenses in the neighborhood.   Until further information from Planning & Urban Design Director Bridget Lidy and her staff is received, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan is requesting to pull Items #10 and #12.  She needs additional information on the ownership of the establishments.  City Attorney Lovett agreed to meet with Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan to further discuss the issue.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz asked Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan if the alcohol overlay work was still in process.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan indicated the alcohol overlay work was completed and approved.      

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to continue/postpone the hearings for Items #10 and #12 to the December 22, 2020 Meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.  

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #10, #11, #12, and #13.

No Speakers.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing for Item #13, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

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

Mayor Johnson reminded Council Item #14 was discussed and continued from the November 12, 2020 Meeting.  No action will be taken on Item #14 and #15 today.  Item #14 and #15 is continued/postponed to the December 10, 2020 Meeting.

Mayor Johnson recognized residents in attendance who would like to make public comment on Item#14.  Those residents can speak now or speak at the hearing on December 10, 2020.   

MPC representative Marcus Lotson gave an overview of the request.

Acting City Manager Brown addressed two issues: 1.) for the past several weeks, Ms. Lidy and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz have reviewed the resident's concerns.  The City did advertise the public notice.  The meeting date changed and Mayor Johnson has given residents an opportunity to speak; and 2.) how is the City relating to the residents.  This annexation petition was filed as allowed by State Law and then the rezoning petition was filed.  The reasoning is the City has accepted truck transport of leachate to the City's wastewater plant on President Street.  This is a large landfill that generates approximately 27,000 tons per day but also three million gallons a year of leachate.  The landfill is not just garbage, the more problematic issue is when rain falls on the landfill, without having a lining and it contaminates the ground water.  This has happened all over Savannah.  The City can now take the leachate, three million gallons per year, and transport it by truck through the City.  This proposal with annexation would allow for the leachate to be piped underground.

Acting City Manager Brown asked the question of everyone including residents, if this facility does not operate as a landfill, where would the garbage and leachate go.  There is no obligation in Georgia for other Counties to accept waste elsewhere.  He feels it's fair and reasonable to handle the leachate in the appropriate way into the wastewater treatment plant in a way that is fair to the City.  He does not recommend the City provide free garbage or leachate service or subsidize that service to non-residents of the City.  The problem can be resolved by annexation, the City's treatment of the leachate, and make sure the landfill operates as it should.  He strongly recommended this proposal to the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen as the best solution for the City in handling the garbage and leachate.             

Planning and Urban Design Director Bridget Lidy shared information on the residential complaints via a petition received on October 13, 2020 at an MPC Meeting.  She displayed a map showing the residential locations of each petitioner. A memo was sent to residents yesterday via the City Manager outlining the public outreach plan.  In speaking with Anita Boutwell, West Chatham County Citizens Watch Representative, they were unable to schedule a meeting prior to today's meeting.  City staff is willing to reconvene a meeting for the week of November 30th.  The memo to residents mentioned possibly doing a balloon test to show the height of the landfill projected and maybe restrategizing after a drone test performed yesterday.  The goal is to have some type of examination of the drone test to create site drawings in preparation for the December 10, 2020 Meeting.  Staff will continue to engage with residents to listen to their concerns.    

Speakers:

• John Beam, 201 Walden Pond Road - does not want the height of the landfill to increase.
• Donald Wilson, 656 John Carter Road - concerned with citizens not living within the City, does not have representation. 

The Clerk of Council reported the following written comments:

• Anita Boutwell - opposed
• Kerrie Bieber - opposed

Waiving their right to speak until the December 10, 2020 Meeting:

• Donnard Johnson, District Manager, Superior Landfill Waste Management
• Gary Ahlberg, Engineer, Superior Landfill Waste Management
• Russell Hightower
• Amanda Wilson
• Kerrie Bieber
• Anita Boutwell
• Harold Yellin, Petitioner
• Josh Yellin, Petitioner

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated with fourteen years of environmental health and safety experience, she asked what system is in place to collect the leachate.  Acting City Manager Brown replied, currently the leachate is collected in a wetwell of sorts, then extracted and taken by truck through the City of Savannah to the wastewater plant.  This is a valuable service provided by the City, the State provides fees, and we have property taxes that compensate the City for providing the service.  Mr. Brown believes any issues brought forth about the landfill site, odor, litter, whatever, should be addressed by the petitioner and Ms. Lidy and her staff.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked what revenue the City receives. Mr. Brown answered, approximately $1-2 million in revenue for the City to provide the service. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked what service the City is rendering.  There is a management service who should be responsible for resident complaints about the changes in their quality of life.  Acting City Manager Brown answered, yes they have a duty and EPD also monitors and scores them regularly to make sure the odor, trash, and height of the landfill meets requirements.  And the leachate which is not regular household sewage.  Whatever is in everyone's household garbage, the rain falls on the landfill and that liquid must be collected and only the City of Savannah can treat the leachate.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan indicated if the leachate is compressed and compiled it will contain conbustible gases that cause fire.  Acting City Manager Brown answered the liquid is not conbustible and the liquid is what the City is responsible for removing.  Waste Management is responsible for the control of the solid waste.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan agreed with the residents in wanting to know how the garabge will be treated and the maximum height of the landfill (the County maximum is 125').  She asked Ms. Lidy the purpose of the drones.  Ms. Lidy replied, the purpose of the drone test was to see the actual height level at different intervals in order to determine whether or not the landfill reached a certain height.  It was a preliminary test and staff will gather more information for the December 10, 2020 Meeting.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked all the citizens who came out to the meeting today or called in for comments.  She is looking forward to citizens comments at the December 10, 2020 Meeting regarding 3001 Little Neck Road.  There has been a lot of work done by MPC staff and City staff in reference to this issue and she sends her thanks out to all working on this issue.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz reported, she along with Ms. Lidy visited the landfill and witnessed the testing by Waste Management.  She along with City staff will be meeting with the residents and the management staff at the landfill.  Then they will come back to the meeting of December 10, 2020 and hear all the comments so Council can make a decision at that time.

Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager and Mr. Lotson: 1.) between now and then, why can't the City maintain the zoning as it was with the County; 2.) could the City's zoning be done with the stipulation that it is only for a landfill with an operation such as this; and 3.) what would be the consequence of the City not treating.  Those are questions to be answered on the next episode of 3001 Little Neck Road.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz stated, those questions are already on the table and conversations are being held to research the answers.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter addressed the residents and neighbors in the 3001 Little Neck Road area, she is listening and appreciates all who have reached out to her.  The City does not take lightly all the concerns raised by citizens and are working on those issues.  In the interim, she asked the Clerk of Council , on, by or along with the December 10, 2020 Meeting, to read into the record those Council Members who have received financial campaign contibutions from Waste Management, both present and past.  Mayor Johnson asked the Clerk of Council to make the information available for everybody.  The Clerk of Council asked if that was a request to review the Disclosures (Alderwoman Gibson-Carter nodded, yes).  Mayor Johnson and Clerk of Council agreed the Disclosures are public record.              

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to continue/postpone Items #14 and #15 to the December 10, 2020 Meeting, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The  motion passed unanimously.

The Clerk of Council reported for purposes of the record, the action to continue/postpone Items #14 and #15 was previously adopted/approved by Council with the Approval of the Agenda, Item#1.  Mayor Johnson indicated, it's intentional. 

No vote taken, see Item #14.

FIRST READING.

Mayor Johnson announced the Budget is still in presentation mode, there is a possibility of a meeting next week for Council to continue work on finalizing the Budget.  No action is required today and the budget hearings will be announced.   

FIRST READING.

Mayor Johnson announced the Budget is still in presentation mode, there is a possibility of a meeting next week for Council to continue work on finalizing the Budget.  No action is required today and the budget hearings will be announced. 

Alderman Palumbo thanked City staff for their assistance in researching and Alderwoman Miller Blakely for organizing an event this past Saturday where neighbors could meet with the petitioner and ask questions about who would be coming into their neighborhood.  Currently, this is a vacant house that will be restored with restrictions on the deed.

a. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #18, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  No vote taken. 

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated she was at the neighborhood meeting this past Saturday and there were more residents in opposition than in support.  She added, this project has elements that would not be approved by traffic engineering.

b.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to amend the motion for Item #18 to be conditioned upon a report/review and work by traffic engineering be completed and resolving resident issues pertaining to ingress/egress and the site plan, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.   

Director of Planning and Urban Design Bridget Lidy addressed the comment from Ms. Gideon.  There was concern of the horseshoe driveway not being permitted per City code.  The conditions as it relates to this zoning about the horseshoe drive are: 1.) within the site plan there must be a reveiw process; 2.) the design of the parking lot is in keeping with the City of Savannah standards with a turnaround capability on site; 3.) permit ingress and egress of traffic from Waters Avenue.  Nothing in the conditions states the hourseshoe driveway needs to stay nor does it say anything about the gravel parking lot staying.  The conditions are subject to going through the City process.  The current plans will need to be reviewed and vetted by the City.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated the City is making a decision based on work that has not been completed.

Alderman Palumbo encouraged Council Members to familarize themselves with the process that a zoning request which is different from a site plan review.  You must review the zoning on the site first, then move forward with the site approval.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely reported she was at the meeting on Saturday and the residents are not happy with the project.  She asked the developer/purchaser for a copy of his plan in color.  She did not receive the color plan.  She spoke to Ms. Cathy Gideon and other residents at great length and the residents are not receptive of a business going in that location.  The residents also complained of the City not maintaining the public property in the area.  She reported the maintenance problem to Assistant City Manager Health Lloyd.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely believes the residents should be heard concerning the project before Council approval.

Mayor Johnson asked if any maintenance has been done in the area since reporting the issue to Assistant City Manager Health Lloyd.  Ms. Lidy reported a memo from the City Manager was sent out yesterday with information concerning a sign recently painted and a maintenance schedule for the median and the surrounding grounds on a regular basis.  She also noticed other code compliance issues on Saturday that are being addressed very quickly.  Mayor Johnson asked for the City Manager's memo be sent to all Council Members.     

Following a background history of the area discussed and the surrounding proximity by Acting City Manager Brown, Alderman Palumbo expressed appreciation for a petitioner who wants to purchase the property and become a part of the community.  The petitioner's desire to invest in the neighborhood, perserve the building, be a partner in the neighborhood,  and maintain the residents quality of life is commendable, even to the point of restricting their own deed.   

The Clerk of Council reported there were discussions between Ms. Lidy and Assistant to the City Manager Daphanie Williams concerning public comment not being acknowledged.  For the record, all comments received by e-mail, letter, and phone calls to the Clerk of Council's office are sent to the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen prior to the meetings.  He acknowledged the residents' names are stated in the Minutes; however, the residents never hear their names during the meetings.  Mayor Johnson suggested developing a process to make sure the residents know their comments are acknowledged, even if it is an email. 

The Clerk of Council reported the following resident phone calls in opposition to Item #18:

• Rosemary Gideon
• Buffie Lee
• Cindy Lodge
• Robert Lexie
• Vicoria Glisson

The Clerk of Council reported the following resident written comments in support of Item #18:

• Ben Bluemle (with a list of sixteen (16) residents/addresses in support).

c. Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Mayor Johnson asked if this Resolution was included in Council's Agenda Packets.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter answered, the Agenda Packet was changed overnight.  She asked Alderman Leggett, Director of Planning and Urban Design Bridget Lidy, and Police Chief Minter, what data is being collected and why continue with the pilot program.  What are we looking for and has crime increased.  Alderman Leggett asked the same questions and because of business closings due to COVID-19, there was no information available.  Residents have asked for the extension due to their closures during COVID-19.  

Due to COVID-19 business closings, Acting City Manager Brown recommended extending the pilot program for an additional 90 days and Council can revisit on a monthly basis to determine it's continuation.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #19, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Chief Financial Officer David Maxwell gave a report on the seven (7) RFP's received and the award to the lowest bidder, J. P. Morgan Chase, for the issuance of the Taxable Revenue Bonds (Arena parking Project), Series 2020.  

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter did not vote.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely requested Item #21 be pulled and rescheduled to another meeting.  Council Members have not read and did not receive a copy of the Resolution.  She does not know what the Resolution says.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Johnson who presented the Resolution for the Agenda.  Mayor Johnson answered, one of the Council Members.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked, which Council Member.  Mayor Johnson answered the Council Members who submitted the ethics complaints.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter replied, she spoke with one of the Members who submitted the ethics complaint and he did not know about the Resolution.  She also spoke with the City Manager who had no knowledge of the Resolution.  She asked Mayor Johnson who submitted the Resolution.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated to Mayor Johnson, he controls the agenda, since the item is on the agenda, he should know who submitted the Resolution.  Mayor Johnson answered, he was looking for the Resolution.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter reported she spoke to the City Manager and Alderman Purtee and neither had knowledge of the Resolution being on the agenda.  She asked Mayor Johnson who submitted the Resolution and what rules were followed.  Mayor Johnson answered, it came from the attorney's office, Alderman Palumbo and he believes Alderman Purtee.  He stated Alderman Purtee asked two weeks ago if it was going on the Agenda, the question was continually asked.  Mayor Johnson delayed putting it on the agenda hoping all concerns would be worked out or the issue would resolve itself, but it has not.

There was dialogue between Mayor Johnson and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter for a short time frame.  During that time Alderman Palumbo held up a sign reading "Point of Order", Alderwoman Gibson-Carter said, 'Boy, put down that sign".

Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Palumbo for point of order.

Alderman Palumbo advised Council Members are to seek recognition at the meetings before speaking, whether in person or online regardless of how heated it may be.  He raised a point of personal privilege due to the disparaging remark made against his character.  Mayor Johnson acknowledged Alderman Palumbo's personal privilege.

Mayor Johnson restated Alderwoman Miller Blakely's concern of no Resolution attached for review on Item #21.  Therefore Mayor Johnson feels it is not appropriate to hear Item #21 when Council has no copy of the Resolution for public record.

Alderman Purtee provided clarification.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was correct concerning their discussion and he did not know of the Resolution on today's agenda.  He did not ask for the Resolution to be on this agenda, he asked for a swift completion of the issue right after the ethics hearing, to which he did not get any response.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan acknowledged the Resolution was not attached to the agenda, Council should move forward, apology or no apology.  She said what she meant at the ethics hearing.  She would like the issue resolved before the new year.  She owned what she has done, others need to own what they did.  Council can move forward with the business of the City.  She is mindful of Romans 8:31, no weapons formed will prosper - rivals real or imagined.  Council should move forward with the business of the City, but she does remember at the last meeting the City Manager said he would put it on the agenda for Thanksgiving.         

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz encouraged Council Members to have respect for each other.  We can agree to disagree.  The hearing is over and Council should put this issue to bed and move forward with taking care of the residents.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to not approve (deny) Item #21 in an effort to move forward to serve the citizens of Savannah.  Mayor Johnson did not entertain the motion due to no Resolution being available for review.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if Deputy City Attorney Jennifer Herman is attending the meeting on behalf of City Attorney Lovett.  She acknowledged the following due to Item #21 pertaining to her:  1.)  at the ethics hearing the Mayor stated he did not support Council Members filing complaints against each other, then why are we here?; 2.)  if during the prior administration the Mayor voted against a censure for Alderman Tony Thomas, what is it about me, an African American black woman that you hate so much that you allow these behaviors to exist in this City on this platform.  This will not be put to bed as long as the Mayor continues to use his power and authority as a whipping post for those he doesn't agree with.  We are simply doing what we were sent to City Hall to do.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated to Alderman Palumbo, if her presence, her person and whatever she represent disturbs you  enough, and she is the only person to make him relevant as an Alderperson, if Savannah Morning News and all the other airways can continue to profit off of Kesha Gibson-Carter, have your way.

Alderman Palumbo called point of order.

Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Palumbo's point of order but answered Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  He corrected Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stating he voting to censure Alderman Thomas because his behavior was inappropriate.  This has been a collective waste of the Council's time but this is not from his behavior.  Mayor Johnson advised he would have strongly preferred, when Alderwoman Gibson-Carter made accusations against people who work in this building, including Aldermen/Alderwomen and City staff members, to even make the claim there was a pedophile in the building.  He, Aldermen/Alderwoman, and other staff took offense to the accusation.  Maybe Alderwoman Gibson-Carter spoke out of passion, or whatever the case may have been.  The fact was, she knew it wasn't true, but she said it anyway.  There are employees who work here and I heard from a lot of them who were upset about the accusation and that was the unfortunate part, and still to make that unfounded accusation.  He sent an email to all Council Members involved and asked for mediation and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter did not bother to respond.  He asked for Members to meet with outside counsel and that didn't happen.  So we have the ethics hearing and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter impunes the character of Council again.  After some time, he thought it would get better but it got worse.  He hoped that she would just apologize and she refused.  And today Alderwoman Gibson-Carter calls an Alderman, a boy.  It is behavior, and that is what we are talking about.  It's okay for us to disagree, but it's our behavior and that's what this is about.  The citizens expect us to work together and be examples.  Now we're done and we're moving on.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #22 through #26 as recommended by the City Manager, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #22 through #26 as recommended by the City Manager, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #22 through #26 as recommended by the City Manager, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #22 through #26 as recommended by the City Manager, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #22 through #26 as recommended by the City Manager, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #27, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

CLOSING:

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced she has been in conversations with County Commissioners, as well as Alderman Purtee and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, regarding an opportunity to partner with the County on the Southside in the Bells Landing area for the benefit of that community and their youth.

Mayor Johnson wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and in spite of all that happens, it is still a day of thanksgiving.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 4:19 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=FgB9hDg5roml

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: December 10, 2020

Initials:  mm