OCTOBER 12, 2023, 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 2:03 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Kurtis Purtee who introduced Reverend Billy Hester, Pastor of Asbury Memorial Church to offer 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

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

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Joseph A. Melder 

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for October 12, 2023.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve Item #1, the agenda for October 12, 2023, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on September 28, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - September 28, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #2, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

PRESENTATIONS
3. Appearance by Pratt Industries in Presentation of an Environmental Impact Award to the City of Savannah Honoring 15-years of Partnership and Dedication to Recycling and Sustainability Within the City of Savannah.

Mr. Matt Coppedges, Southern Region Sales Manager and Recycling Director from Pratt Industries READ and PRESENTED the Environmental Impact Award to Mayor, Council, and Savannah Sanitation & Recycling Departments.  In attendance were Chief, Government Operations Gene Prevatt, Director, Commercial & Recycling Services and Liter Abatement Kevin Exley, and Senior Director Sanitation Quhannah Andrews.

 

3A. Appearance by (adults and children) from the City of Atlanta representing Pearl Academy and Accent Higher Learning Experiences, Inc.

Mayor Johnson recognized and introduced amazing young people from the 1st, 4th, 7th and 12th grades, representing Pearl Academy and Accent Higher Learning Experiences, Inc., Atlanta, GA.  The 1st through 4th graders are from Pearl Academy and the 7th through 12th graders are from Accent Higher Learning Experiences, Inc. visiting Savannah.  Ms. Chrystal Thomas, Founder & Director of Accent Higher Learning Experiences, spoke on behalf of the agency which was founded to provide field trips to students outside of their communities with a grant from Community Corps.  Ms. Thomas sent greetings from Atlanta and thanked Mayor and Council for the opportunity to bring the young adults to the City.

A few of the students said hello by introducing themselves: Angel, Sharon, Caden, and Arene. 

4. Proclamation and Recognition of the Month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

READ by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to Safe Shelter Executive Director Shannon Bates.  Ms. Bates thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and Proclamation. 

4 The Jewel N U CEO/Founder Karen Alston discussed domestic violence and how all citizens can help victims.  Police Chief Gunther acknowledged Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encouraged friends and family members to call for help when domestic violence occurs.

5. Appearance by Savannah State University to Announce the 2023 Homecoming Parade and Activities.

Savannah State University Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander announced the Homecoming festivities for Savannah State University:  the Coronation on Thursday, the football game against Tuskegee University and the Parade.

Mayor Johnson presented the parade permit to Interim President Alexander.  He encouraged residents to support Savannah State University.   

ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
6. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License to Prawesh Khadka for Giant Food Mart, a Convenience Store Located at 1606 West Gwinnett Street. The establishment is located between Nelson Street and Magazine Avenue in Aldermanic District 1.
Exhibit 1: Checklist - Giant Food Mart.pdf
Exhibit 2: Density Map - Giant Food Mart.pdf
Exhibit 3: Alcohol Report - Giant Food Mart.pdf
Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Giant Food Mart.pdf
Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Giant Food Mart.pdf

HEARD after Items #15 through #25.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6, #7, #8, and #9.

No Speaker(s).

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

7. Approval of a Class C (Beer, Liquor and Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Jon Kline for The Bootlegger, a Restaurant Located at 115 East River Street. The establishment is located between Drayton Ramp and Abercorn Ramp in Aldermanic District 2.
Exhibit 1: Checklist - The Bootlegger.pdf
Exhibit 2: Density Map - The Bootlegger.pdf
Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - The Bootlegger.pdf
Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - The Bootlegger.pdf
Exhibit 5: Security Plan - The Bootlegger.pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6, #7, #8, and #9.

No Speaker(s).

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Items #7 and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

8. Approval of a Class G (Beer, Wine) (Complimentary) (By the Drink) Alcohol License to Keith Walston for Savannah Harbor Cruises, a Passenger Vessel Docked at 502 East River Street. The docking address is located between East Broad Ramp and East Lincoln Street in Aldermanic District 2.
Exhibit 1: Checklist - Savannah Harbor Cruises.pdf
Exhibit 2: Density Map - Savannah Harbor Cruises.pdf
Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Savannah Harbor Cruises.pdf
Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Savannah Harbor Cruises.pdf
Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Savannah Harbor Cruises.pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6, #7, #8, and #9.

No Speaker(s).

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Items #7 and #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

9. Approval of a Class C (Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Quantasha Brown for Chuck E Cheese # 605, a Restaurant Located at 6700 Abercorn Street. The establishment is located between Hood Street and Jackson Boulevard in Aldermanic District 4.
Exhibit 1: Checklist - Chuck E Cheese.pdf
Exhibit 2: Density Map - Chuck E Cheese.pdf
Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Chuck E Cheese.pdf
Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Chuck E Cheese.pdf
Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Chuck E Cheese.pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #6, #7, #8, and #9.

No Speaker(s).

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
10. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Maintenance and Repair Services with Motorola Solutions in the Amount of $118,924. Public Safety, Public Works and Water Resources use the ASTRO radio equipment for communication support. (ITS)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Motorola SUA.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Motorola SUA.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #10, #11, and #14, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

11. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 for Vactor Sewer Truck Rentals with EP Rents in the Amount of $75,000. The Sewer Maintenance department's sewer truck fleet was in the shop for repairs waiting for parts that were on national backorder. Therefore, the two sewer excavation trucks were rented to ensure continuity of operations. (Fleet Services)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Vactor Sewer Truck Rental.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Vactor Sewer Truck Rental.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #10, #11, and #14, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

12. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of One (1) Mobile Walking Excavator from Great Southern Equipment in the Amount of $542,217. The mobile walking excavator will be used by the Stormwater Management Division to maintain the drainage canals in the City. (Fleet Services)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Mobile Walking Excavator.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Mobile Walking Excavator.pdf

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested the original budget amount from City Manager Melder.  He will get Alderwoman Gibson-Carter the information before the end of the meeting.

When community ditches are cleaned, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked how are the decisions made to prioritize which ditches are cleaned.  City Manager Melder indicated all City ditches are maintained, priority is based on need.  The staff maintains a regular routine maintenance schedule for ditches and canals.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Lanier stated residents have received letters from the City informing residents some area ditches would no longer be cleaned.  Mayor Johnson indicated staff is trying to track down the false information.  If the ditch or canal is owned by the City, the City is responsible for the maintenance.  City Manager Melder indicated he along with Alderwoman Lanier will meet with community residents to clarify and correct the information.  The ditches and/or canals, whether owned by the City or GDOT, will receive regular maintenance.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested the record to reflect the City's assuming the work of cleaning the ditches/canals in the Woodville community.

Alderman Palumbo commended the City on the purchase of the mobile walking excavator to cleaning ditches/canals.  The City has hundreds of miles of ditches and canals that need routine maintenance and the mobile walking excavator will make the City's responsibility more efficient.  He made a challenge to name the excavator.  Alderman Purtee indicated his agreement with Alderman Palumbo.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder if the new equipment would reduce the crew currently maintaining the ditched/canals.  City Manager Melder indicated there would be no decrease in the crews.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely recommended the City purchase another mobile walking excavator.  City Manager Melder indicated the City will keep options open after a return on the investment is completed.

Alderwoman Lanier stated she has received calls from residents of Woodville, Cloverdale, and Hudson Hill area who have received notices that the City will no longer service the ditches.  After walking the area, it was found some ditches were not on the maps and this will need to be corrected for maintenance records.  She discussed the various methods of weed removal around the ditches including the use of herbicides.  City Manager Melder indicated the City uses the safest herbicides possible.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #12, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Drainage Repair with F.H. Paschen (LOCAL) in the Amount of $74,929. The playground at Lady Bamford Center does not drain properly causing it to hold water for long periods of time. (Capital Projects)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Drainage Repairs.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Drainage Repairs.pdf

Before attending the meeting today, Alderwoman Lanier stated she visited the Lady Bamford Center  and the Hudson Hill Center.  After raining last evening and this morning, she saw no evidence of standing water at the Lady Bamford Center, but there was substantial standing water at the Hudson Hill Center.  Alderwoman Lanier asked if Item #13 is only for the Lady Bamford Center, and if so, will there be any drainage repairs for the Hudson Hill Center.

Mayor Johnson answered Item #13 is for the Lady Bamford Center issues that need to be addressed immediately.  City Manager Melder indicated the drainage repairs for the Hudson Hill Center and behind the Moses Jackson Center will start this week.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked for clarification of Item  #13, from City Manager Melder.  He indicated Item #13 is for drainage repairs for the Lady Bamford Center and behind the Moses Jackson Center only.  The Hudson Hill Center drainage repairs are being addressed now.  Assistant City Manager Lloyd indicated there is on-going design work to eliminate/repair drainage issues. 

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification No. 1 for the Reconstruction of Athletic Courts with Court Makers, Inc., in an Amount Not to Exceed $347,148. This modification will expand the original scope of work to include the reconstruction of two (2) Tennis courts at Kennedy Park and two (2) Tennis courts at Cloverdale Park (Bo Levett Field) which are more than 25 years old and have deteriorated beyond repair. The reconstruction will ensure the safety of the public by excavating and leveling the surface and improving the amenity by installing new asphalt, court lines, fencing, goals, and nets. (Recreation and Leisure Services)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Reconstruction of Athletic Courts.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Reconstruction of Athletic Courts.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #10, #11, and #14, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION
15. Approval to Procure Taxiway Light Fixtures and Connection Kits from Allen Enterprises, Inc., in the Amount of $59,648.

HEARD after Item #5.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

16. Approval to Execute a Four-Year Sponsorship Agreement with the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament, in the Amount of $166,460.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

17. Approval to Ratify the Acceptance of Airport Improvement Program Grant Offer No. 3-13-0100-075-2023 from the Federal Aviation Administration, in the Amount of $2,203,287.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

18. Approval to Ratify the Acceptance of Airport Infrastructure Grant Offer No. 3-13-0100-076-2023 from the Federal Aviation Administration, in the Amount of $3,546,714.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

19. Approval to Execute a Contract with Erickson Associates, Inc., for All Services Associated with the Lifecycle Replacement of Air Handler Units 2A-1 and 2B-1 Project, in the Amount of $1,355,000.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

20. Approval to Renew the Diio Software Subscription from Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions, in the Amount of $63,950.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

21. Approval to Renew the Parking Access Revenue Control System Maintenance Service Agreement with Carolina Time & Parking Group, in the Amount of $26,741.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

22. Approval to Procure Network Switches from Zones, LLC., in the Amount of $227,430.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

23. Approval to Procure Three (3) 4x4 Front Deck Diesel Mowers from Hendrix Machinery Inc., in the Amount of $72,522.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

24. Approval to Procure One Mower from Blanchard Equipment Co. LLC., in the Amount of $56,296

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

25. Approval to Procure Two (2) Flex-Wing Mowers from Hendrix Machinery Inc., in the Amount of $49,686.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #15 through #25, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely was not present for the vote.

AGREEMENTS
26. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with CCA Savannah, LLC for Capital Collective - Bryson Reed Building. This is for a development consisting of 154 apartment units located at 415 East Oglethorpe Avenue in the President Street Treatment Plant service area in Aldermanic District 2.
Exhibit 1: Water & Sewer Agreement - Capital Collective - Bryson Reed Building.pdf

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if there were any agreements with the developer for affordable or workforce housing.  City Manager Melder indicated this is not a zoning issue.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed the City's missed opportunities to make developers set aside units for affordable or workforce housing.  City Manager Melder stated those agreements should be made during planning and zoning, not during the approval of a water and sewer agreement.

Alderman Purter raised a point of order.  He questioned the legality of asking a developer for affordable housing agreements during approval of water and sewer agreements.

Mayor Johnson acknowledged the point of order.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed the culture of Savannah and the rising cost of housing with new housing units.  She wants to use every opportunity for the City to enter into agreements with developers to set aside units for workforce and affordable housing.

Mayor Johnson indicated the Savannah Housing Plan discussed the availability of housing on all levels of income and density of housing in the City.  This project provides density and available units.

Alderman Palumbo expressed his gratitude at discussing the ten thousand housing unit shortage in the City; however, this item is a request for a water and sewer agreement.  If City Council does not approve, the units will not have water and sewer utilities.  He stated that he fully supports the approval of Item #26.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder for confirmation of the project site.  He confirmed the site is the old police parking lot at Oglethorpe and Habersham.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated the prior administration should have incorporated agreements for income based, workforce, and affordable housing.

Alderwoman Lanier discussed the prior missed opportunities for the City to enter into agreements with developers for affordable, income based, and workforce housing units.  She asked if any impact fees will be collected for the six water and sewer agreement items on the agenda.  City Manager Melder indicated impact fees are paid/negotiated at the time of the building permits. 

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #26, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson encouraged Council Members to read the Savannah Housing Plan that speaks to the level of affordability of units as it relates to density and affordable housing opportunities that income will allow.

27. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Wilmington Islands Partners LLC for Wilmington Island Marina Phase 1. This is for a development consisting of 310 apartment units, a restaurant and a marina located at 612 Wilmington Island Road in the Wilmington Island service area in unincorporated Chatham County.
Exhibit 1: Water & Sewer Agreement - Wilmington Island Marina Phase 1.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27, #28, and #31, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

28. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Coldwater Development, LLC for 11303 Abercorn Car Wash Facility. This is for a development consisting of a carwash located at 10300 Abercorn Street in the Wilshire Treatment Plant service area in Aldermanic District 6.
Exhibit 1: Water & Sewer Agreement - 11303 Abercorn Car Wash Facility.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27, #28, and #31, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

29. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Victory Apartments Owner, LLC for Aventon Victory Drive. This is for a development consisting of 280 apartment units located at 1795 Wicklow Street in the President Street Treatment Plant service area Aldermanic District 3.
Exhibit 1: Water & Sewer Agreement - Aventon Victory Drive.pdf

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if any of the units are income based, affordable or workforce housing in the project.  City Manager Melder answered he had no information on the units for income based, affordable or workforce housing; however, the development donated $400,000.00 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.

Mayor Johnson noted this will allow 280 apartment units toward the Savannah housing opportunities.  

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #29, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

30. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Savannah MOB, LLC for Memorial Medical Office Building. This is for a development consisting of a 75,000 sq. ft., 4-story medical office building located at 4700 Waters Avenue in the President Street Treatment Plant service area in Aldermanic District 3.
Exhibit 1: Water & Sewer Agreement - Memorial Medical Office Building.pdf

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #30, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

31. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with SHDC, LLC for Savannah Highlands Phase 8. This is for a development consisting of 60 single family homes located at 610 Highlands Boulevard in the Crossroads Treatment Plant service area in Aldermanic District 1.
Exhibit 1: Water & Sewer Agreement - Savannah Highlands Phase 8.pdf

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27, #28, and #31, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

REAL ESTATE ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
32. Authorize the City Manager to Declare Surplus and Available E 34th Street (PIN #20055 27006), a 1,000SF Remnant Parcel. Attorney Mathew McCoy, on behalf of his client, has requested a City-owned remnant parcel located at 34th St between Waters Avenue and Live Oak Street (PINs 20055 27006) be declared surplus and available for sale to the adjacent property owner.
Exhibit 1: Map - East 34th Street.pdf
Exhibit 2: Purchase & Sale Agreement - East 34th Street.pdf

City Manager Melder confirmed to Mayor Johnson that this is a very small parcel and the City has no need for the land.  The purchaser is paying $12,000.00 (fair market value) for the parcel.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked the name of the petitioner/purchaser and the use of the property .  City Attorney Lovett indicated Suzanne Marie Braddy is the purchaser.  The name of the business is Braddy Electric.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item  #32, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderman Purtee announced the last town hall meeting of this year, Monday, October 16, 2023, at Windsor Forest Golden Age Center, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan congratulated all parties involved in the completed Dundee Village Project.

Mayor Johnson thanked City Manager Melder, CHSA, and the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless on a successful celebration on the opening of Dundee Cottages.  He thanked City Manager Melder on being featured in a video at the State of the Ports event today with a  cameo by Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams.  The City of Savannah and the Georgia Ports Authority project $6,750,000.00/year helps Westside communities with home ownership and helps residents stay in their homes.

Alderman Leggett acknowledged with Alderman Purtee, the death of fifteen year old Keshaun Allen while playing football, on October 2, 2023 at Windsor Forest.  Services are pending, but letters of condolences will be sent on behalf of City Council.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan announced a pending House Bill entitled "The Heart, the heat and the head" Bill.  This informs the public of the deaths involving school sports.

Mayor Johnson acknowledged and sent condolences to the family of Rev. Dr. Teddy Williams who passed on Saturday.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked Mayor Johnson for attending services and presenting proclamations on behalf of City Council to the families who have loss loved ones.  She also acknowledged Rev. Dr. Teddy Williams and his remarkable gospel music enjoyed around the Country.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced on Tuesday 157 homes were sold on the courthouse steps for small amounts of money.  She cautioned residents who are being forced out or displaced to reach out for assistance and don't be so quick to sell property.  

Alderwoman Miller Blakely acknowledged that Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recently lost her mother-in-law and sent out condolences to her family. 

 

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 3:47 p.m.

 

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

 

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

 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

 

Date Minutes Approved:     October 26, 2023  

    

Signature:   MM  

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