NOVEMBER 7, 2024 - 12:30 p.m. - SPECIAL MEETING (SHOW CAUSE HEARING)

CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The special meeting (show cause hearing) was held at 12:45 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 special meeting to order.

 

PRESENT:  

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

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
Special Meeting Agenda Items
1. Show Cause Hearing for the Revocation of the Alcohol License for Rajendra Patel of Octane Bar and Lounge Located at 35 Whitaker Street in Aldermanic District 2. (Postponed from the September 12, 2024, and October 10, 2024, Council Meetings at the Petitioner's Request)
Exhibit 1: Octane Lounge - Notice of Show Cause Hearing.pdf
Exhibit 2: Octane License Suspension Notice.pdf

Mayor Johnson provided an overview regarding the purpose and reasons for the show cause hearing and the process that would be exercised.

Assistant City Attorney Denise Cooper represented the city, and Attorney Donavan Juleus represented the Octane Bar and Lounge.

The following witnesses took an oath, administered by Mayor Johnson, to provide testimony during the hearing.

  • Judee Jones, Revenue Director
  • Sgt. Scott Richards
  • Sgt. Perneacia Banks
  • Mr. Rajendra Patel, owner

After both attorneys presented their case, made statements and completed their questioning, members of the City Council asked questions and deliberated.

City Attorney Lovett presented options for the City Council members to consider.

Mayor Johnson facilitated the development of a motion/action.

Ald. Leggett moved, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely, the following conditions:

  1. The city will continue the license revocation until the end of the year (remainder of 2024).
  2. When the business reopens, the owner will be subjected to a six-month probationary period, including monthly/regular engagement with the ABC team.
  3. The owner will work with the ABC unit to develop a security plan.
  4. The owner will meet with the neighborhood association to develop a good neighbor agreement.
  5. The owner will hire duly authorized off-duty officers for security.
  6. The new/modified hours of operation will result in closing the establishment on weekdays (Sun – Thurs) at midnight, and Fridays & Saturdays at 1am.

The motion passed 8-0-1. Ald. Purtee abstained from voting, since he did not hear the evidence from the beginning.

Mayor Johnson added that the alley is very dark, which lends itself to some of the problems. He suggested the business owner work with the landlord on this issue.

Ald. Miller Blakely asked someone to give the business owner information and instructions regarding what he needs to do to hire security from local law enforcement agencies.

There was no action taken during the Special Meeting (Show Cause Hearing re: Octane Bar and Lounge).

Mayor Johnson adjourned the workshop/executive session at 2:17 p.m.

 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:                                                     

Signature:                                                                       

 

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

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=BlhqwiVadzGpN5w
Agenda Plus