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OCTOBER 23, 2025 - 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 2:05 p.m., in Council Chambers. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order. He then recognized Ald. Detric Leggett who introduced Pastor Claude Douglas Cheatham, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States 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 Assistant City Manager Taffanye Young Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams City Attorney Bates Lovett Clerk of Council Mark Massey Deputy Clerk of Council Gwendolyn Jones
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for October 23, 2025. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve item #1, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Leggett, and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Bell was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session/Executive Session Held on October 9, 2025, at 11 a.m. | |
| Agenda Plus - WS DRAFT MINUTES_October 9, 2025 City Council Workshop Meeting-watermark.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Miller Blakely, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on October 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. | |
| Agenda Plus - RM DRAFT MINUTES_ October 9, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting_watermark.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier, Ald. Miller Blakely, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.
*Mayor Johnson entertained a motion to authorized Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz to sign an affidavit/resolution that an executive session regarding litigation and real estate was held following the work session (October 23, 2025), for which no action was taken. All members, except Mayor Johnson, were present for the executive session, including the City Manager, City Attorney, and Clerk of Council. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve as stated above, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS | |
| 4. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Schedule for the 2026 calendar year. | |
| Draft Council Meeting Schedule for 2026.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve item #4, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 5. Appearance by the Chatham Retired Educators Association (CREA) and Proclamation Recognizing November 2, 2025, as Georgia Retired Educators Day | |
Mayor Johnson was joined at the podium by members of the Chatham Retired Educators Association and the City of Savannah's 65th Mayor, Mayor Edna Jackson, to whom he presented a proclamation recognizing November 2, 2025, as Georgia Retired Educators Day. |
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| 6. Appearance by Savannah State University to Announce the 2025 Homecoming Activities and Receive the 2025 Savannah State University Homecoming Parade Permit. | |
Mayor Johnson presented to Savannah State University President Jermaine Whirl, Homecoming Committee Co-Chair Moncello Stewart, Government and Community Relations Assistant Vice President LeAndrea Mikell, and other alumni, staff, students, and cheerleaders. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #6 as written, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 7. Appearance by the Veterans Council of Chatham County to Introduce the 2025 Parade Grand Marshal and Receive the 2025 Veteran's Day Parade Permit. | |
Mayor Johnson, joined by Ald. Miller Blakely, presented to the Veterans Council of Chatham County, who introduced the 2025 Parade Grand Marshall, Dr. Fay Prescott, United States Navy veteran and the founder of My Veterans Place. Ald. Miller Blakely moved to issue the parade permit for the Veterans Day Parade 2025, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 8. Approval of Amendment to the Unlawful Discrimination Ordinance | |
| Exhibit 1.docx | |
Ald. Purtee moved (to approve #8) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 9. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for (1) 55 – Ton Lowboy Trailer from Savannah of Freightliners, c/o Global Trailers in an Amount not to Exceed $99,900. (Fleet Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - 55 Ton Lowboy Trailer.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - 55 Ton Lowboy Trailer.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 10. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Modification with JHC Corporation for the Construction of a Detention Pond for Tide to Town Truman Trail Phase 2B in the Amount of $500,000. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Truman Trail 2 B.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Truman Trail 2 B.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 11. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract to Repair Sidewalks, Curbs, and Cobblestone/Concrete Streets with Multiple Vendors in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000. (Transportation Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Sidewalk, Curb, and Cobblestone Repair Services.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Sidewalk, Curb, and Cobblestone Repair Services.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 12. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Compact Excavator with National Equipment Dealers, LLC in the Amount of $79,789. (Fleet Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Compact Excavator.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Compact Excavator.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for (1) 10-Ton Boom Truck with Crane with Hardy Family Ford, in the Amount of $284,792. (Fleet Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: 10 Funding Verification - 10 -Ton Boom Truck with Crane.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - 10 - Ton Boom Truck with Crane.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 for ITS Temp Staff with Robert Half in the Amount of $70,000. (ITS) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Robert Half Modififcation ITS Temp Staff.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Robert Half Modification ITS Temp Staff.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 2 to the 5-Year Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management in an Amount Not to Exceed $694,099. (Fleet Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Equit Lease Agreement Modification No.2.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Equity Lease Agreement Modification No.2.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a contract for a Two-Year Mower Lease Agreement with John Deere c/o Beard Equipment in an amount not to Exceed $639,405. (Fleet Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Mower Lease Agreement.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Mower Lease Agreement.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 17. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract for Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Infrastructure Repair with Southern Champion Construction in the Amount not to Exceed $8,833,000. (Water Resources) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification- Infrastructure Line Repair | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note-Infrastructure Line Repair | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for "As-Needed" Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Engineering Services to Pond and Company (LOCAL) in the Amount of $300,000. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering Services.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering Services.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 19. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Holiday Tree, City Hall Decorations and Accessories with Stage Front Lighting and Theatrical Supply Company, Inc. (Local) in an Amount Not to Exceed $59,815. (Special Events) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Holiday Tree, City Hall Decorations & Accessories.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Holiday Tree, City Hall Decorations & Accessories.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve item #19, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Broughton, River Street, and City Market Decoration Installation with True Blue Construction, LLC, (Local) in an Amount Not to Exceed $58,760. (Special Events) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Broughton, River St., and City Market Decoration Installation.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Broughton, River Street, and City Market Decoration Installation.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 21. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for City-wide Community Holiday Decoration Installation with True Blue Construction, LLC, (Local) in an Amount Not to Exceed $62,240. (Special Events) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Parks and Squares Decoration Installation.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Parks and Squares Decoration Installation.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 22. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Pharmacy Benefit Manager with Maxor in an Amount Not to Exceed $29,459,106. (Human Resources) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Pharmacy Benefit Manager.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Pharmacy Benefit Manager.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 23. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Other Post Employee Benefits (OPEB) Medicare Advantage Plan with Part D with United Health Care (UHC) in an Amount Not to Exceed $2,549,905. (Human Resources) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Medicare Advantage Renewal.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Medicare Advantage Renewal.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 24. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Voluntary Employee Dental and Vision Insurance with The Standard Insurance Company at No Cost to the City. (Human Resources) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - The Standard for Dental & Vision.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - The Standard for Dental & Vision.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 25. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with McKnight Construction Company for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Preconstruction Services for the Windsor Forest Community Center in the amount of $7,500. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Purchasing Notes - CMAR Windsor Forest Community Center.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #9 through #18 and #20 through #25, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION | |
| 26. Approval to Ratify the Acceptance of the Airport Improvement Program Grant Offer No. 3-13-0100-083-2025 from the Federal Aviation Administration, in the Amount of $9,904,404. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakey. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 27. Approval to Procure Professional Services for the Evaluation of Airfield Drainage System from Mead & Hunt, in the Amount NTE $54,656. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 28. Approval to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Woodward & Associates, in the Amount of $144,000. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 29. Approval of Amendment 1, with PGAL for a ConRAC Feasibility Study, in the Amount of $94,750. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 30. Approval to Execute a Contract with Infax Inc. for the Replacement of FIDS Screens and Conversion of Static Advertising to Digital Displays, in the Amount of $539,186. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 31. Approval to Procure Environmental Service Supplies from Haskins Doyle Chemical & Supply Co., in the Amount NTE $500,000. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 32. Approval of a 3-Year Broadband Service Agreement with The Seimitsu Corporation, in the Amount of $55,590. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 33. Approval of a 3-Year Cable Service Agreement with Comcast Business Communications, LLC, in the Amount of $61,555. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 34. Approval of the Concourse Alpha Door Replacement Project, to be Completed by Founders Maintenance & Restoration, in the Amount of $167,123. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 35. Approval to Purchase One Skid Steer with a Snow Blower from Hendrix Machinery, Inc., in the Amount of $89,355. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 36. Approval of Task Work Order No. 16, with AECOM for the Terminal Apron Bypass Taxilane and A1, A2, A3 Fillet Widening Project, in the Amount of $1,607,245. | |
Ald. Purtee moved to approve items #36, #37, #38, #40, and #42, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-0-1. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz abstained/recused herself from voting for business purposes. |
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| 37. Approval of Task Work Order No. 18 with AECOM for the Taxiway F Reconstruction Project, in the Amount of $494,565. | |
Ald. Purtee moved to approve items #36, #37, #38, #40, and #42, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-0-1. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz abstained/recused herself from voting for business purposes. |
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| 38. Approval of Task Work Order No. 4, Amendment No. 1, with AECOM for the Inline Baggage System, in the Amount of $437,360. | |
Ald. Purtee moved to approve items #36, #37, #38, #40, and #42, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-0-1. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz abstained/recused herself from voting for business purposes. |
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| 39. Approval of Change Order No. 6 with Collins Construction for the Fuel Storage Facility Expansion Project, in the Amount of $340,110. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 40. Approval of Task Work Order No. 34, Amendment No. 2, with AECOM for the Terminal Improvements Landside Project, in the Amount of $202,764. | |
Ald. Purtee moved to approve items #36, #37, #38, #40, and #42, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-0-1. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz abstained/recused herself from voting for business purposes. |
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| 41. Approval to Execute a Contract with ECS Southeast, LLC, for the Reconstruct and Expand North Apron Project, in the Amount of $55,625. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #26 through #35, #39, and #41, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 42. Approval of Task Work Order No. 21, with AECOM for the Permanent Survey Control Monuments Project, in the Amount of $50,000 | |
Ald. Purtee moved to approve items #36, #37, #38, #40, and #42, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 8-0-1. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz abstained/recused herself from voting for business purposes. |
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| AGREEMENTS | |
| 43. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Savannah Harbor Owner, LLC for Savannah Harbor BTR for a development of 210 single-family homes on Hutchinson Island in the President Street Treatment Plant service area in Aldermanic District 1. (Water Resources) | |
| Exhibit 1 : Water & Sewer Agreement - Savannah Harbor BTR.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve item #43, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 44. Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between Chatham County and the City of Savannah County Wide Canal Maintenance Program | |
| Chatham Co_Savannah_Canal Agreement_2025.pdf | |
Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve item #44, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| MISCELLANEOUS | |
| 45. Authorize the City Manager to Approve a Major Subdivision, Camden Crossing and Cottage Row, Phase 3. (Development Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Plat-Major Subdivision: Camden Crossing and Cottage Row Phase 3.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: MPC Approval Decision.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #45, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan, Ald. Lanier, and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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Following announcements made by the Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Johnson adjourned the regular meeting at 3:07 p.m.
Mark Massey, Clerk of Council Date Minutes Approved: ______________________ Signature:
The video recording of the meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url: https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/?folder=ALL. |
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