OCTOBER 13, 2022, 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 2:04 p.m.  Mayor Johnson introduced Bishop Matthew Marvin Odum, Senior Pastor of Temple of Glory Community Church to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

PRESENT:

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, Presiding

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

ABSENT:    Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter, At-Large, Post 1

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

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as amended thereby continuing/postponing agenda Items #13, #17 and #23 to the October 27, 2022, City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2 and #3, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

PRESENTED and READ by Mayor Johnson to Human Resources Director Jeff Grant and HR staff.

Mr. Grant thanked Mayor and Council for the honor/recognition of the proclamation and shared human resources statistics for the past five years.  He introduced the members of the Human Resources (Dream) Team and expressed gratitude for the Team's service to the public.

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson and READ by Alderman Palumbo, Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) Director Melanie Wilson, Planning & Urban Design Director Bridget Lidy, and Senior Planner Candra Teshome. Also in attendance were Development Services GIS Analyst Nusrat Fatema, Housing Senior Planner Brian Brainerd, and MPC Director of Development Services Marcus Lotson. 

PRESENTED by Mayor Johnson to Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Region 5 Community Relations and Education Coordinator for Mobile Crisis Alosia Hall and Dottie Bailey with Mental Health Alert Wristbands, Inc. (Crisis Intervention Training [CIT]).

Ms. Hall discussed the issues encountered by mental health patients and how the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has provided assistance and education of mental illness for the public.  She asked for a champion to represent NAMI and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan volunteered her service.  Ms. Hall presented Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan with two brochures to distribute to Council Members after she has educated herself on the information.

Ms. Bailey gave a brief history of her journey as a mental health patient and her success in overcoming the many challenges on a daily basis.  She distributed mental health wristbands that she created to Council Members.  The wristbands are for law enforcement officers to identify those with a mental illness.

Ms. Hall shared the Georgia mobile and access line and reported 988 is up and operating nationally.  The 988 number will connect directly to the Georgia mobile and access line.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #7 through #11.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7 through #11, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #7 through #11.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7 through #11, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent. 

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed, 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she will be voting no on all lounges, until the City Council votes to approve the CRU Lounge.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #7 through #11.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7 through #11, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #7 through #11.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7 through #11, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #10, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for Items #7 through #11.

No speaker(s).

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearings for Items #7 through #11, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #11, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed, 7-1-1.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing open for Item #12.

Speaker(s):

• Alderwoman Lanier expressed concern with regard to the targeted corridors and neighborhoods, specifically gentrification concerns and rapid growth. The West Bay Street corridor is vital for economic development from the viaduct to Highway 21/516 Interstate entrance. She asked for this corridor to be included going forward.
• Mayor Johnson joined Alderwoman Lanier by asking to have this area included in the 2024 One-Year Action Plan

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the public hearing for Item #12, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.  (See related agenda item #40 for action taken).

CONTINUED Items #13 and #17 to the October 27, 2022 City Council Meeting, as requested by the applicant and City Manager.

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #14.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, representing the MPC

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderwoman Lanier requested Mr. Lotson to provide written documentation to the entire City Council on how someone can request a parcel of land, business, or house to be included in a historic district or an overlay, if they currently are not within those areas.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #14, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.  (See related agenda item #18.)

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #15.

Speaker(s):

• Marcus Lotson, representing the MPC

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #15, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.  (See related agenda item #19.)

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for Item #16.

Speaker(s):

• Bridget Lidy, Planning & Urban Design Director
• Martin Joubert – UNDECIDED, needs developer information regarding the long-term intent

Written comment(s) received:

• Casey Bowers - OPPOSED

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #16, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.  (See related agenda Items #20 and #21.)

CONTINUED Items #13 and #17 to the October 27, 2022 City Council Meeting, as requested by the applicant and City Manager.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #18, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

HEARD, FIRST READING ONLY for Items #20 and #21.

HEARD, FIRST READING ONLY for Items #20 and #21.

HEARD, FIRST READING ONLY for Item #22.

City Manager Melder explained the proposed changes for the record, as requested by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.

City Manager Melder described the following changes:

• Sections 1.A., 1.B., and 1.C.  - To require a Social Security Administration determination for disability or a determination for disability benefits under the City’s long-term disability plan in order to be eligible for disability benefits under the Plan (rather than the Retirement Board determining disability based on physician certifications); and

• Section 1.D.  - To require if a participant is re-employed by the City while receiving pension benefits under the Plan, the participant’s pension benefits will cease and, during the period of re-employment, the participant will make contributions to the Plan. Upon re-retirement, the participant’s pension benefits will be recalculated and payment shall commence following the participant’s re-retirement. Retirees who are elected to office or selected to fill a vacancy in an appointed office (City Manager, City Attorney, or City Clerk), however, will continue to have choice to continue their pension or rejoin and contribute to the Plan. The amendment will be in effect for re-employments on and after January 1, 2023.

CONTINUED Item #23 to the October 27, 2022 City Council Meeting, as requested by staff.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #28 through #31, #33, and #34, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #28 through #31, #33, and #34, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent. 

Alderman Purtee expressed his thanks to the City for the project finally getting started.

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #26, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.   Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Alderwoman Lanier asked City Manager Melder to explain the control center to the public.  She indicated this is a big event where the City can control the impact of traffic, this is in real time.

City Manager Melder explained the traffic control center will help reduce traffic congestion, enhance travel safety, provide traveler information, and generally improve mobility for the residents and visitors of Savannah. The project will allow for the development of an operation layout and provide/install equipment in the City of Savannah’s traffic control center space located in the Administration Building at the Floyd Adams Jr. Municipal Complex. Work will include installing a new video wall, mounting system, workstations, and associated equipment for the traffic control center.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked when will the name, Floyd Adams, be placed on the outside of the administration building on Interchange Court.  City Manager Melder will follow-up with Council with updated information on placing the name on the outside of the Interchange Court administration building.  

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #27, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderman Leggett and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #28 through #31, #33, and #34, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #28 through #31, #33, and #34, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #28 through #31, #33, and #34, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #28 through #31, #33, and #34, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Following the vote, Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder to explain the pre-employment psychological assessments and if this is an on-going or new contract.

City Manager Melder explained the assessments are for the police department recruits.  The services will be utilized in connection with the hiring process as a mechanism to evaluate potential new officers’ psychological fitness to serve as police officers.  This is an on-going standard practice by the City, however; this is a new vendor.  

Alderwoman Lanier has received requests from citizens in the area for more lighting and asked how the lighting was paid for and how can citizens get more lights installed.

City Manager Melder asked Alderwoman Lanier to have citizens send request for more lighting to the City.  He indicated the programs will generate some income, and there are private sponsors contributing toward the cost.

Mayor Johnson indicated the City is working with Georgia Power to do a lighting audit to determine where the unlighted areas of the City need attention.  He encouraged input of staff and citizens to complete the audit.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan thanked prior Interim City Managers Monahan and Brown, and current City Manager Melder on the cottages site project.  Additionally, she thanked all parties involved in the cottages project for the homeless.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #32, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #28 through #31, #33, and #34, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #24, #25, #28 through #31, #33, and #34, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent. 

HEARD after Item #50.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #35 through #39, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Johnson congratulated Savannah Airport Executive Director Gregory Kelly for being named Director of the Year for Small Airports.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan congratulated President Joseph Marinelli of Visit Savannah and the Savannah Airport for being number one in the nation.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated she has spoken to Mr. Dawoud Stevenson regarding the taxi drivers at the airport in reference to increasing the driver’s flat-rate (cost-of-living, no increase since 2008).

Mayor Johnson advised Alderwoman Miller Blakely that the City has no control over the taxi drivers rates and to have the taxi drivers contact the Airport Commission to address a flat rate increase.

Mr. Stevenson stated the Airport Commission follows the City Ordinance as it relates to taxi driver rates and since the City recently increased their rate, the Airport Commission will following the same model and increase their rates.      

HEARD after Item #50.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #35 through #39, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

HEARD after Item #50.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #35 through #39, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

HEARD after Item #50.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #35 through #39, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

HEARD after Item #50.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #35 through #39, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #40, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1, with comments made earlier from Alderwoman Lanier and Mayor Johnson taken under advisement, (See agenda item #12).   Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #41, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #42, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter represented Council at the home going of Isaac Miller, father of Alderwoman Miller Blakely.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely thanked everyone, City staff, police department, Mayor and Council, etc. for their support and condolences on behalf of her family.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #43, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #44 through #48, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #44 through #48, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #44 through #48, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #44 through #48, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #44 through #48, seconded by Alderman Leggett and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

Alderwoman Lanier offered thanks to City staff finally handling the project. 

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #49, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was absent.

HEARD after Item #6, as requested by Mayor Johnson.

PRESENTED and READ by Mayor Johnson to Savannah Area Chamber representatives Bill Hubbard, Margaret Mary Russell, and Jen Davenport. Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan recognized LeAndrea Mikell for being featured on the cover of the Georgia Trend Magazine 40 Under 40 issue.

Mr. Hubbard accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Chamber and thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition.  Chamber Vice President of Community Affairs Jen Davenport introduced other graduates of Leadership Savannah and expressed her thanks for the honor.  She invited others to participate in Leadership Savannah.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced that Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was not present at the meeting because her son graduated from Army Basic Combat Training, which he completed with Honors.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan wished Nick Zoller a Happy Belated Birthday.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 3:42 p.m.

A 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=l7VoEWcn2zbM

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:      October 27, 2022  

Signature:   MM