NOVEMBER 7, 2024 - 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 2:40 p.m., in the SCCPSS Board of Education Room located at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura Avenue, Building G.  Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, then introduced Alderwoman Carolyn H. Bell who recognized Bishop Dr. Jacquelyn Gilbert-Grant, Prelate/Overseer of the Sanctuary of Praise Christian Assembly, Inc. in Savannah, Georgia to offer the invocation.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:  

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II

Alderwoman Carolyn H. Bell, At-Large, Post 1

Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely, At-Large, Post 2

Alderwoman Bernetta B. Lanier, District 1

Alderman Detric Leggett, District  2

Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, District 3 - Vice Chair

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4 - Chairman

Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, District 5 - Mayor Pro Tem

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Jay Melder

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Assistant to Clerk of Council Renee Osborne

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve agenda item #1, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

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

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #4, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and read by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz.  Also speaking were Dr. Brenda Roberts, Ms. Dottie J. Platts, Ms. Annette L. Smith, and Ms. Princetta Simmons.  Mayor Johnson also recognized Chatham County Chairman Chester Ellis who was present, and he congratulated him on his re-election.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson.  Also speaking were Major Ben Herron and Police Chief Lenny Gunther, joined by Assistant Chief Devonn Adams.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol public hearings open for items #7, #8, #9, and #10.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol public hearings for #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #7, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol public hearings open for items #7, #8, #9, and #10.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol public hearings for #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #8, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol public hearings open for items #7, #8, #9, and #10.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol public hearings for #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

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

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol public hearings open for items #7, #8, #9, and #10.

No speaker(s).

a.  Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol public hearings for #7, #8, #9, and #10, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #10, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked if this property was located within an overlay.  Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder responded no.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #11.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, representing the MPC
• Jim Hundsrucker - OPPOSED

Ald. Palumbo moved to close the zoning hearing for agenda item #11, seconded by Ald. Leggett, Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda item #15.

Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Hundsrucker if he contends that this property is a contributing property.  Mr. Hundsrucker responded yes, the property contributes to the historic integrity of the neighborhood (Benjamin Van Clark Park).

Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked Mr. Morrow if there was any historicial significance to 1105 (East Anderson Street) that you know of.  Mr. Morrow responded that he does not believe either of the structures are contributing, but he did not have access to the internet to confirm.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked if community canvassing occurs to determine if others, like Mr. Hundsrucker, don't want to have this type of proposal within their community.  She further asked who is supposed to be protecting historical buildings and are all the agencies contacted formally, like the Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF), preservation, or Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC).  Mr. Morrow stated we have historical districts that have standards, but this property is not located within a historical district.  There is a COA process to go through within the historical districts, in order to demolish a property.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked Mr. Morrow when they are not in a designated historic area, but they have some historic bearings to our community, how are they identified.  Mr. Morrow responded that nationally, there are sometimes properties identified as landmarks as well.  In those cases, they will work to bring those areas into protection by working with the City and MPC historic preservationists, when deemed as a priority.

Mayor Johnson asked if this property could be rezoned with a provision that it is not demolished.  Can the Council institute a protection?  The City Attorney responded not without the opportunity for the property owner to be heard on that subject because it would be constituted a taking.

Ald. Leggett stated the property was already taken down, a second property behind the yellow building (on the back side).  Mr. Morrow said the picture is not a recent picture, but it is his understanding that the property is still standing.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked what year were both buildings constructed.  Mr. Morrow stated he does not have that particular information, but he is showing the Sanborn's (maps).  The property is an early 1900 property according to the records of the Tax Assessors records, which is likely the same structure.  Ald. Miller Blakely stated that it is historical, even if it is not registered nor gone through a process.  She stated she is finding that in marginalized and African American communities you are seeing 4 and 5 stories.  SCAD has put in 4 stories down Anderson Street, which are taking away the landscape.  They have moved from the West side to the East side, next will be the South side.  Soon it will be SCAD-vannah, instead of Savannah, and that is not what we want.

Ald. Palumbo thanked Mr. Morrow for the presentation.  A speaker has thrown around the word, contributing structures and others.  Ald. Palumbo stated that what's in front of us is a rezoning, not an evaluation of a demolition request.  A demolition would be speculative at this point.  He asked if this particular parcel is on a register with the National Register of Historic Places.  If not known (in that case), it is speculation to identify a structure as contributing or not given all the factors to consider.  Ald. Palumbo asked if the property aligns with the future land use map (it does).  He asked if it aligns with the MPC's recommendation and approval (it does).  

Mayor Johnson stated speculation has to be considered in being able to weigh the impacts of what you do and any ramifications.  When you change zoning, you change land use.  The Sanborn map represents that the property is 108 years old easily.  Ald. Palumbo is right, but we have to also consider the wide range of things that could happen to it.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated she believes there is a neighborhood association in connection with this property at 1105, either the Eastside Coalition or the Benjamin Van Clark neighborhood association.  Ald. Leggett stated Benjamin Van Clark.  Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated we want to be sure that we have done our due diligence when we say there is no neighborhood association tied to these things.  Mr. Morrow responded that he misspoke when he said there was no neighborhood association, when he meant that they were unable to contact with the point of contact on Open Neighborhoods.  He personally called the number which was a non-functioning number. 

Ald. Leggett stated he changed his number, but he has provided the persons number to Mr. Hundsrucker who is also a neighborhood president.  Ald. Leggett also stated that within that neighborhood there's Live Oak (Mr. Johnson) and Benjamin Van Clark (Timothy Burgess).  He will provide their information to Mr. Morrow.  Ald. Leggett agreed to help set up a meeting and location for all parties, and be ready within two weeks.

Josh Yellin stated he also reached out to Mr. Burgess, but never received a response.  He understands that Ald. Leggett has a new phone number for him, and we are happy to meet with the neighborhood association and come back within two weeks.  They were not trying to get this slipped by.  They reached out to both Live Oak's number and email listed, and the Van Clark number and email listed.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #12.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, representing the MPC
• Rev. Chester A. Ellis - OPPOSED
• Ellie Isaacs - IN FAVOR/SUPPORTED
• Jim Hundsrucker - OPPOSED

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the zoning hearing for agenda item #12, seconded by Ald. Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda item #16.

Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Morrow to confirm that Carver Village will not be and is not affected.  Mr. Morrow responded no, Carver Village is not affected, the zoning is residential single family. 

Mayor Johnson asked staff to respond regarding Mr. Hundsrucker's allegation that we approve four stories at 45 feet, and later it becomes four stories at 50 feet.  Where does the approval come from, and how is it applied in terms of what was previously approved? 

Mr. Morrow responded we are talking about the work of the MPC or the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), namely variances for site plan related standards.  He explained the changes as giving more flexibility when exceeding maximums, such as height or different roof types.  He described it as nuances where they decide and trade-off on standards, in order to achieve some sort of public benefit.  He further discussed contextual guidelines and a goal to achieve consistencies.

Mayor Johnson stated we should always intentionally and exhaustively communicate.  We have charged the City Manager and Team Savannah to come up with affordable option ways, since we all have screamed about housing affordability.  We asked him to come up with a toolkit of varying mechanisms to achieve affordability citywide, also blessed by our Housing Savannah Taskforce.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz shared that Cann Jackson Park neighborhood was talked about in reference to a density bonus for affordable housing (text amendment).  Her feedback received (text and email) included a request to have a conversation with Ms. Brianna Paxton.  They do not want small scale duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes to be built in their neighborhood.  They do not want to change the standard of what is already there, and they asked her to vote against this amendment.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz stated she is for affordable housing and variances that may need to be done to build affordable housing.  As a very established community, Cann Jackson Park are against the plexes that will take away the character.  There are probably a few properties/lots/houses that need to be torn down and rebuilt.

Ald. Palumbo pointed out a couple things -- salient and extremely relevant to this discussion. We have entered an unusual territory, finding ourselves in the middle of the MPC and city staff.  And we have forgotten about the most important thing here -- an individual (extraordinary) resident of our city who brought this petition to us.  In the meantime, people got excited about it, people from the city and the MPC.  This resident spotted an open lot and wanted to build an affordable home for someone to live in.  She researched the Sanborn maps and found there used to be a duplex there, but she found it could not be done under the current code, so she took it upon herself to fix it.  She even stood toe-to-toe with city staff to deliver a workshop.  We have to re-legalize those pieces of missing middle housing that were once there.  We are not going to get out of the shortage by kicking the can and passing the buck.  Ald. Palumbo continued with he knows it is uncomfortable, but change is inevitable.  We can choose to change by chance or change by choice.  With regard to housing shortages (10 - 20 thousand), this Council gets to choose how they are built, old and traditional ways or towers to the sky, to fill that shortage.  Applicantions will keep coming here until the market is satisfied with the amount of housing we need.  Ald. Palumbo stated the only amendments he wished he could make would only be in the fourth district.  And if the Council passes on this, he invites the petitioner to come and work with him and he will find neighborhoods for you in his district.  He stated we will work together and make this happen because he is not gonna miss this opportunity, the ability to add more human-scaled added density.  In the 1940s, whoever was the Council started botching and butchering our zoning code in a manner (that) we are living with this housing shortage today.  We have a duty and moral imperative to fix it.  We do need to work on communication and outreach, in terms of how it is done and to explain exactly what it is.  Examining this one, he believes it is good.   He has more questions about the program capabilities, and he wants to make sure we do not try to throw everything into the kitchen sink into one persons petition.  Most importantly, we need to keep in mind the original petition and the petitioner.  She sought out and wanted to do the right thing.  Whatever we do here today, he wants to make sure that she gets what she needed out of this process and she can build that duplex and find a way to build affordable housing units on that site.

Ald. Bell stated Neighborhood President Ellis asked that we delay a decision until they can learn more. 

Ald. Lanier stated Ms. Paxton stepped up and submitted a petition, and that's great.  She wished that she could get more citizens to do that.  And she hopes that she can get what she is trying to do there, but we have to be careful of the one size fits all.  Because it can work where she wants it, does not mean it will work in the T district or some other area like Carver Village.  Ald. Lanier stated she thinks we are going to have to be very surgical.  We need to do this in a lot of places.  It is so interesting to hear the argument about being able to replace or re-establish housing that's on the ground.  She made the same argument at the last meeting and the Council disagreed with it concerning the people who sent her to Council over the last 8 years, in trying to get the legality of the duplexes back in the area they had been for decades.  Now that they are trying to be placed in places where they are not accepted, she reached out.  She asked how is this impacting neighborhoods in her district and this is the first time she is hearing about it, while being presented in Council meeting.  Ald. Lanier stated that is unacceptable, so she contacted the leadership in the first district neighborhoods.  Ms. Williams who wanted to be here was familiar with it, but she was very much against it in Cuyler-Brownville.  The president in Carver felt the same way.  Carver Heights' name came up, so she called over to Carver Village.  Mayor Otis Johnson was the guy who made sure that staff did not make these kind of moves without the residents being involved.  We are regressing and making decisions that are going to impact everyone all over, when they don't fit everywhere.  We understand the concept of home rule, when it comes to our legislative agenda.  We don't feel that people at the State level from Atlanta should be making decisions for us here in Savannah, or any other locality.  Similarly, we should not make decisions for peoples neighborhoods when they are not a part of that decision making.  In Cuyler-Brownville they said all of those people who are coming with these great ideas and making these recommendations on massive changes, none of them are from here, including the ones on the MPC and the ones on Council.  So they do not understand the culture and nature of these communities.  What may work in TC intown, may not work in TC within one of the concentric neighborhoods.  Lastly, Ald. Lanier asked who is going to police that duplex or other unit which is supposed to be affordable and the amount of rent that's being charged.  Her recommendation/request today is for people in the neighborhood to be involved, and to postpone this matter to a certain date (maybe a month like December 19).

Ald. Wilder-Bryan thanked Mr. Morrow and Ms. Paxton.  Then she asked who Mr. Morrow is employed by, a County entity right?  She also asked if Mr. Morrow has ever seen something like this proposal presented.  The sitting neighborhood president who is also the chairman is who Mr. Morrow works for.  Working in tandem is not happening.  Communication needs to be had between parties before it comes to the Council.  She does not understand how information regarding this proposal does not fall in the hands of the chairman and neighborhood president.  Something this close to our hearts should not only be on the city's agenda, but the county's agenda.  Carver Heights is moot because it does not exist.  She asked Mr. Morrow if this amendment affects Carver Village.  He responded no, it only impacts single family.  The County and the City have to do better.  She disagreed with showing up in front of us to beat us up and suggest what we should do, when your not suggesting it should be done on your end.

Mayor Johnson explained the MPC is an independent planning organization whose major customer is the City of Savannah and Chatham County.  The MPC does not work for Mr. Ellis nor him.  In this case, they are the planning experts for the City of Savannah.  Rev. Ellis is correct in coming up to speak as a citizen because he would not necessarily be privy prior to this coming to the MPC, or naturally notified in his other capacity.  He is coming up as a citizen and has every right to speak regarding them not notifying his neighborhood.  We have charged the City Manager to deal and come up with means for us to achieve housing affordability.  Ultimately no one (NIMBY) wants to have anything unwanted within their spaces.  The question before us is whether or not we need more communication and charge that those conversations be held.  In his experience those conversations will not change how people feel as it relates to this question.  Ultimately Council is charged to make these decisions regarding housing affordability, with contemporary data saying it is achieved by density.  We have to pick a decision and decide a road to go down.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan clarified she has much respect for Mr. Ellis and his ability to be here.  She is suggesting that he has a lot of juice.  And presidents should be able to voice their opinions before the matters come to the Council.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked why the area of Cuyler-Brownville was picked and if this can be done in other areas of the city.  Does it have anything to do with houses being not as expensive as other places in Savannah.  What made you all decide to go with the Carver Village, Cuyler-Brownville, Victorian districts.  The area of Cuyler-Brownville is being gentrified at an alarming rate.  Mr. Morrow responded they wanted to pick a systematic route, zoning districts that were appropriate.  Intown neighborhoods (Savannah specific) that have been in development in excess of 100 years easily, with very ingrained development patterns.  Traditional districts represent what has been going on for a very long period of time.  If a different approach was taken to go neighborhood by neighborhood (least biased as possible), the MPC would do that, but it would be a longer more protracted process.  Ald. Miller Blakely advised this is not an example of NIMBY, but they want to have a good quality of life like everyone else is experiencing.  It is very interesting how one citizen brought this matter before the staff and now it is being considered.  Consider finding another place for this activity, possibly the 4th district as previously suggested and welcomed or some other area, but not the 1st and 5th districts, since this is not what they want.

City Manager Melder asked to add to Mr. Morrow's information.  He agrees with some of the sentiments and he thanked Ms. Paxton as well for her petition.  The reason this single petition became larger than it was is because the City and the MPC were already working on similar density programs, also what inclusionary zoning might look like, and he did not want to have a competing petition.  He didn't want to make it Ms. Paxton's responsibility to meet with the neighborhoods or be chastised.  He will take that on.  He agreed that we need to be surgical and he sent Council a podcast/article regarding Minneapolis' efforts to try to do something like this at a broader scale.  There are tremendous challenges with trying to create wholesale policy change within zoning.  The attempt was to be surgical although we did not strike the right note.  We endeavored to look at zoning districts that already allow small additions of gentle density where it was already allowed.  We will have all conversations that are required.  We met the notice requirements for the text amendments, we dedicated a workshop, and MPC heard the presentation as well.  We will continue to hear the feedback and continue to refine.  There will always be some folks who think this is not right for their neighborhood or their district.  These will be hard decisions to make as we continue to work that housing plan, and create the housing density that we need.  We can go back and look at other ways to implement this program, and communicate with neighborhoods and residents.  

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz then read into the record an emailed statement from Ms. Altheria Maynard, president of Cann Jackson Park.  She did not meet with Ms. Paxton.  Ms. Paxton would not meet with her regarding building duplexes in our neighborhood. 

City Manager Melder stated he is not quarrelling with her at all.  It's just not Ms. Paxton's responsibility to meet with the neighborhood presidents as a private citizen with a petition of her own.  We felt her petition was worthy of collaboration.  The issue is ours, so we will take that on.  Replace her name in that email with his, and he will take that accountability going forward.

Mayor Johnson stated this is what we are going to do, and he asked the City Manager how much time he needs.  Given the time of year, some people have checked out already for the year.  Council has to do some soul searching.  We keep saying something about what we want in terms of housing affordability within this city.  The County doesn't have affordability, but they are working on it.  We are doing affordable housing, and it cannot be done without density.  If it does not want to be done, then we need to just not do it and let the market take it where it is.  This is not where we said we wanted to go, during our visioning session.  He asked the City Manager again, how much time do you need because we should be fair and not rush folks into meetings.  The City Manager stated he is fine with the January date (second meeting) and responded again with how he felt about the policy and the communication that is needed.  Mayor Johnson asked for the date of the 2nd meeting in January, the 23rd.

Ald. Lanier asked Mr. Morrow about areas on the map which include greater Carver Village.  There are a lot of historic areas (100 years or older) in the first district that are not designated as historic districts.  She stated she believes in the missing middle and we need this housing type.  Changes were made when we were working on the NewZo to accommodate the missing middle.  We are forcing missing middle in some areas that are not welcomed.  We need to focus on where we apply it and how.  City Manager Melder responded.  

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #13.

Speaker(s):

• Bridget Lidy, representing Planning & Urban Design, joined by Preservation Officer Jessica Baldwin

Ald. Leggett moved to close the zoning hearing for agenda item #13, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan, Ald. Palumbo, and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  See related agenda item #17.

Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #14.

Speaker(s):

• Edward Morrow, representing the MPC
• Josh Yellin, representing the applicant 
• Laura Walker - OPPOSED
• Richard Hanpeter - OPPOSED

a.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the hearing for agenda item #14, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

b.  Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #14 (the special use permit with the noted stipulations), seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Ald. Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Yellin to address concerns raised by Ms. Walker (the special use covers the entire property not just the "Late Air" portion).  Mr. Yellin said that was not their intent.

Ald. Leggett moved to continue/postpone agenda item #15 to the November 26, 2024 City Council Meeting, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to continue/postpone agenda item #16 to the January 23, 2025 City Council Meeting, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.  

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved (to approve agenda item #17) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve purchasing items #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda items #25, #27, and #28, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda items #25, #27, and #28, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda items #25, #27, and #28, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #29, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #30, seconded by Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #31, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #32, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson.  Also speaking were Sweeney Patel and Neil Sharma, joined by Rima Patel and Milap Patel.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and read by Ald. Palumbo.  Also speaking were Paula Kreissler and Armaud Turner.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #35, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Ald. Bell recognized and commended Savannah citizens who have been named Georgia Trend's 2024 Most Influential Leaders.

• G. Holmes Bell, Mark Burns, Scott Center, Anna Chafin, T. Mills Fleming, T. Todd Groce, Keitaro Harado, Paul Hinchey, Robert Earl James, Eric Johnson, Shawn Kachmar, Griff Lynch, Joe Marinelli, Sam McCachern, Jonathan Pannell, Greg Park, Scott Sheidt, Chris Smith, Hugh "Trip" Tollison, and Paula Wallace

Ald. Miller Blakely said to young people she is thankful and proud that they went out and voted like they should have, and she congratulated the following on winning their elections:

• District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones
• newly elected Sheriff Richard Coleman
• State Representative Carl Gilliard
• County Commissioner Adot Whitely

Ald. Wilder-Bryan gave a shout-out to Gena Davis (Taylor) from Greenbriar Children's Center for celebrating 75 years of service.  They still have tables available for the gala being held on November 15.  Sam McCachern and Edna Jackson will be the chairpersons.  And congratulations to her soror State Representative Edna Jackson for her re-election.

Mayor Johnson announced that members of the City Council will be engaged with the National League of Cities (NLC) City Summit's centennial celebration in Tampa Bay, FL.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 5:11 p.m.

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: ______________________

Signature:                                                                  

The video recording of the Regular Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=a93tZBSWoJCowCgy