CITY GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison followed by the Invocation by Pastor Clarence Teddy Williams.

Upon Motion of Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Shabazz.  The Summary and final minutes for the Work Session and the Council Meeting on October 12th is unanimously Approved.

Deferred until December 9th, 2017.

Chad Jacobs from Affordable Housing Fund stated that he was here with United Community Bank to make a presentation to Council.  Mr. Mason Waters of Savannah United Community Bank stated they were very proud to be apart of the community and wanted to present a check of $5,000.00 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.  He had with him, Deobrah Wright and Gaye Reese. 

Mayor Deloach thanked them for their gift.  Alderman Bell made a Motion to Approve the Resolution to accept the donation.  This was Seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. - See Resolution

The Chairman of the Veterans Association appeared with Mike Brady, Cornel Ed Wexleer Veteran of the Year, Joe Mitchler,  Pete Hoffman, and Jimmy Ray.  There will be 110 year units in the parade.  2 out of town bands from Sanderville and Statesboro.  The parade will be on November 11, 2017.  He asked that all Veterans in the Chamber to stand and they were recognized.

Upon Motion of Alderman Miller, Seconded by Alderman Johnson.  The Veterans Parade permit was unanimously approved.

Mr. Ed Wexler, Veteran of the Year stated he was born and raised in Savannah and a proud resident of District 6 for over 40 years.  He's honored to be designated to be Veteran of the Year.  He has a slogan which said "Every day in Savannah GA is Veterans Appreciation Day".

Mr. Aaron Whitley of the Board of Directors of Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club appeared with Mrs. Daniel Paul Director of Research and Development, Director Vince Delmonte, Elgin Kennedy, Reverend Barbara Simmons and Mrs. Whitley.

Mr. Whitely thanked Council for this opportunity to share with them the Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club.  The Boys and Girls Club cannot solve all the problems but does a wonderful job for the youth in our community.  

Mrs. Paul stated that the Gala will be November 10th at the Trade Center and invited Council to their VIP Reception at 5:30 p.m. where their speaker Jackie Joyner Kersey and followed by Reception and Dinner.

Dustin Church appeared with the following representatives.  Andy Sheer, Regan Drake, and Tyron Scarborough.  Mr. Church stated he was the Director of the Savannah Pride Association and they have a new direction and vision.  He wants Council to share in their celebration from 11 to 6 on October 28th.

Upon Motion of Alderman Miller, Seconded by Alderman Foster.  Approval was given to open the hearing on the following Alcohol Beverage Licenses.  No one appeared in Objection and the hearing was closed upon Motion of Alderman Miller, Seconded by Alderman Foster.

Alderman Johnson moved to Approve Items 8-12.  This was Seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried.

Upon Motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Bell Approval was unanimously given to continue zoning hearings for Beaumont Drive until the meeting of November 9th as requested by the Petitioner.

Mr. Marcus Lotson of the MPC outlined the MPC's recommendation for approval of the RIP - B.  The Petitioner is represented by Mr Harold Yellin and Mr. Joshua Yellin.  Mr. Joshua Yellin stated that they concur with the recommendation of the MPC as his client Mr. Johnny Young wants to operate a small 30 seat restaurant at this location subject to it being opened from 10 a.m.. to midnight.  They are asking for the same use that is allowed one block away from this property.

Mr. John Rantz stated his property is next door to this location.  It is an historic home where he has invested over 1 million dollars and never thought he would be living next door to a restaurant.  He has presented letters to the members of Council from the residents in the neighborhood who are against this rezoning.

Mayor Deloach stated that this area is currently zoned commercial and this particular property has had many uses.  Lots are currently RIP- A and at the end of the block is an RIP - B therefore all uses is not residential.

Alderman Durrence asked if their intent was to provide sidewalk seating. 

Mr. Young stated that sidewalk seated is allowed by MPC and he is not adding to the property or it becoming a hotel.  He only wants what is allowed by others the same use that is one block away from his property.  He understand the concerns of the wealthy and prominent neighbors but he is asking for fairness.

Alderman Bell asks if this constitutes spot zoning.  Mr Lotson stated that in his opinion it is not as it is a change from existing mix use to another mix use.

Attorney Stillwell agreed that it was not spot zoning.

Alderman Thomas asked if the restaurant is currently allowed on the property and was told by Mr. Lotson No.  He then ask what is the difference in spot zoning.

Attorney Stillwell said spot zoning will be out of character to the neighborhood such as a service station in a residential neighborhood.  What is allowed in the RIP -  A and RIP - B are minor differences.  The RIP - A does not allow hotels and restaurants and the RIP - B does.  Mr. Lotson added that the heavier commercial uses such as bars and taverns are in the RIP - C zone.

Alderman Bell stated that those who contacted her are concerned about protecting the integrity of the neighborhood and the increase of parking and traffic.  Mr. Lotson stated that is why MPC recommended denial of the BC 1 and the petitioner must address parking whether remote or public.

Alderman Hall stated that because there are a number of commercial uses in this block he feels that the rezoning is in keeping what's already there. 

Alderman Johnson asked Mr. Young where did he live.  Mr. Young stated he lived in Pooler but previously lived in downtown Savannah for over 30 years.

Mrs. Joshua Yellin stated Mr. Young has 9 parking spaces on site and his requirement of a 30 seat restaurant does not exceed the 36 seat requirement under the Ordinance.  Mr. Lotson stated the ordinance requires one parking space per four seats and if he stays under, he meets the requirement and if he goes over he must find another way for adjacent parking.

Mrs. Kathy Levina of 143 Abercorn Street stated that she wanted to give a comparison to her property that is adjacent to the current RIP - B that was rezoned in 2010.  There is problems with parking, garbage, cigarette butts, laying trash, oversized containers, insects, and stench.  She has read the RIP - B and it does allows for hotel use.  She is against the rezoning of this property to RIP - B.  Mr. Lotson stated that hotels are allowed in RIP - B.

Mr. David Mkovitz of CBT Commercial Real Estate stated he's known Mr. Young for over 15 years and he has owned several restaurants and property in the downtown area.  Drayton and Oglethorpe should be approved for his restaurant.

Mr. Harold Yellin representing the Petitioner stated he live at 410 Oglethorpe Ave.  He stated that RIP - A / RIP - B are virtually the same for exception of restaurant use.  There is already several intense uses in the RIP - A. RIP districts are mixed uses.  All the neighbors are not against this use.  He added that 10 years ago he came to council in reference to rezoning for the Fire Fly restaurant on Habersham St.  Many negative comments were made then in reference to crime, noise, and traffic.  Fire Fly wanted to be a good neighbor and they are and so does Mr. Young.

Alderman Johnson moved to close the hearing, and it was Seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried.  Alderman Hall made a Motion to Approve the Petition, this was Seconded by Alderman Durrence and carried with Aldermen Hall, Durrence, Miller, Foster, Shabazz, and the Mayor voting in favor.  And Aldermen Johnson, Thomas, and Bell voting No.

Mr. Marcus Lotson outlined the MPC recommendation that is requesting consistent language changes on new construction and exterior work.

Alderman Johnson moved to close the hearing, Seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried.  Alderman Johnson moved to approve the MPC recommendation, Seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried.

This Ordinance was placed on First and Second Reading.

Upon Motion of Alderman Bell Seconded by, Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried.  The first reading of this ordinance was considered, the second and the Ordinance placed upon its passage and passed.

Upon Motion of Alderman Jonhson Seconded by, Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried.  The first reading of this ordinance was considered the second and the Ordinance placed upon its passage and passed.

Upon Motion of Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried.  This Ordinance was approved.

Deferred to December 9, 2017.

Resolution approved under Presentations.

Upon Motion of Alderman Shabazz, Seconded by Alderman Bell.  This Resolution was unanimously approved.

Alderman Johnson asked the City Manager if the delivery of services  requested at the last meeting provided. He then asked for a 90 day report back to Council on the reward of this contract.  City Manager Hernandez said it would be done.

Upon Motion of Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Durrence.  The contract was unanimously approved.

Upon Motion of Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Durrence and unanimously carried. Bids and Contracts 24-35 were approved.

Upon Motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried.  Approval was given to award this contract.

Upon Motion of Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Durrence and unanimously carried. Bids and Contracts 37-40 were approved.

Upon Motion of Alderman Shabazz, Seconded by Alderman Thomas.  Approval was given to this contract for $40,610.45 for a rubberized track next to the existing walking trail.

Alderman Thomas asked if this was part of the original design before considering modification.  He believes that additionally work with a modification might give an unfair advantage to who won the bid.

Marty Johnston Chief Operating Officer, stated that this is not a part of the original design.  The goal is to design that 2 block are on Montgomery street in a way to allow for a drop off of children at the Cultural Arts location at the corner of Oglethorpe Ave and Montgomery St.  This is beyond the scope of the original work but felt like it should be included in the design and should be performed the same time as the Cultural Arts Center.  This contingency is that of the owner/city funds and it will take care of the curving situation on the east side of MLK at the southwest corner of Oglethorpe and Montgomery Street.  The goal is to eventually make Montgomery Street two way.

Upon Motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried.  This contract amendment was approved.

Upon Motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Durrence unanimously carried.  This lease agreement was approved.

Upon Motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Hall unanimously carried.  This lease agreement was approved.

Upon Motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Durrence unanimously carried.  This lease agreement was approved.

Upon Motion of Alderman Hall, Seconded by Alderman Johnson unanimously carried.  This lease agreement was approved.

Upon Motion of Alderman Johnson, Seconded by Alderman Durrence unanimously carried.  This lease agreement was approved.

Upon Motion of  Alderman Bell, Seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried.  The following appointments to boards, commissions and authorities were approved.

Park and Tree Commission

Kenneth H. Barthels, Jr.

Cealan Clifford

G. Randy Tate

Mary Todesea

Savannah Zoning Board if Appeals

Thomas Edison Branch III & Zoning Board Representative on MPC

Savannah Economic Development Authority

Kalpesh Patel

Willie J. Seymore

Housing Authority of Savannah

Kay Ford

Comments

Alderman Thomas stated he wanted to express his condolences to the family of George Adkins Jr. who at 15 was murdered by a 16 year old last weekend in the McDonalds parking lot coming from the movies.  All indications report that he was a innocent bystander.  His concern is the continued crime in the streets of savannah which have become alarming.  The Chief of Police and the police department under the City Manager is doing a monumental job but the reality is that crime has increased in his district at levels he has never seen before.  He's not taking anything away from other districts but he volunteered to serve this district and there has been numerous crimes involving young people, senior citizens, crime in apartment complexes, Walgreens, the carnival at the mall, and Georgetown which now requires some type of taskforce to focus on the best practices to combat this type of behavior.  The capture and release program for juvenile justice need to be more aggressive and he's concerned about citizens arming themselves against this kind of behavior.  He asked that the City Manager direct the staff and especially the police department to reign in resources, trends, and patterns that other communities are using to help us with crime.  He appreciates all members of council and he recognize that it is a problem through out the city but his district is overwhelmed with this kind of behavior.

Mayor Deloach thanked Alderman Thomas and he speaks for everybody up here.

Alderman Hall agreed and stated that crime spikes in all districts and that the police department is doing the best with what they have and we should give the chief all resources necessary to curve violent crime.

Alderman Johnson stated it's a societal issue, it's bigger than the police department, and what we need is  radical and unconditional methods to deal with young people behavior, parenting, and the school system.  Crime is fluent and it moves all around the city.

Alderman Bell stated it is a community problem and it is the responsibility of each and every member of council and the savannah citizens at large. We need to engage the community with support of the churches, ministers, clubs, and organizations to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens.

Alderman Bell introduced and welcomed Mrs. Cynthia Deloach wife of Mayor Deloach who was visiting with us today.

There being no further business, Mayor DeLoach declared this meeting of Council adjourned. 

The recorded City Council Meeting is located on the City of Savannah website.