SAVANNAH CITY GOVERNMENT

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

OCTOBER 8, 2020 – 2:00 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held via Zoom video communications at 2:00 p.m. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnson introduced Rt. Reverend Frank Logue, Bishop of Georgia Episcopal Church, who provided 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, Chairman

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

OTHERS PRESENT:

City Manager Pat Monahan

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as amended to add Item #35, Announcement of the Acting City Manager, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #2, #3 and #4, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #5, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson read and presented the Proclamation for October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Attorney Jennifer Davenport, SAFE Shelter Board Vice President thanked the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen for their support and sent regrets for not being able to attend the meeting. 

Mayor Johnson advised citizens of the signs and dangers of domestic violence.  With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in domestic violence.  Love should never hurt, he encouraged residents to notify the police, organizations, 911, or call the SAFE Shelter help line 629-8888 to get help.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed their concerns and support to organizations dedicated to providing assistance to domestic violence victims.  They encouraged any resident in a domestic violence situation, physical or mental, to seek help at one of the many organizations in Savannah, call 911, or use the SAFE Shelter help line.

Mayor Johnson asked Alderwoman Gibson-Carter to present the Proclamation Recognizing October as Code Compliance Month.

Mayor Johnson sent congratulations to the Savannah Code Compliance Department for their service.

City Manager Monahan expressed how code compliance is a thankless job by enforcing the City's Ordinances.  He reported the entire code compliance staff is now certified in both property and zoning.  The office has started to move toward an automated platform, bringing the department to a higher level of efficiency and responsiveness.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely gave special recognition to Mr. Michael Chaney, a long-time staff member (25 years), of code compliance, and to any other long-time staff members of the department.    

Mayor Johnson asked Alderwoman Lanier to speak concerning recognition of Dr. Grim's selection as One of Georgia Trends' 40 Under 40.

Alderwoman Lanier gave an in depth description of all the community work Dr. Grim currently provides to all the residents of Savannah.  Because of the State's recognition, Alderwoman Lanier wanted to present Dr. Grim with a proclamation, but Mayor Johnson recommended a "Letter of Recognition" for Dr. Grim's outstanding accomplishments.

Mayor Johnson congratulated Dr. Grim.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter congratulated Dr. Grim and acknowledged Dr. Grim for delivering meals to homebound individuals at the onset of COVID-19 Shelter-In-Place.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely offered congratulations to Dr. Grim for her work in Savannah.  City Manager Monahan acknowledged Matt West for being another Savannah resident recognized as One of Georgia Trends' 40 Under 40.  

Dr. Grim thanked the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen for the Letter of Recognition and stated it means so much more to receive recognition from your home base.  She offered her assistance wherever needed on the Food Desert program. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #9, #10 and #11, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passes unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #9, #10 and #11, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passes unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #9, #10 and #11, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passes unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12, #13, #15 and #16 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12, #13, #15 and #16 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier described the traffic issues near The Highlands at Benton Blvd. and Springlakes.  There is a problem with The Highlands residents to ingress and egress during working hours as the area continues to grow.  She wanted the residents to know there is concern and focus on the area for road improvements.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #14 per the City Manager's recommendation, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12, #13, #15 and #16 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12, #13, #15 and #16 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderman Purtee seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Monahan since this facility is not used for public or multi-use gatherings, will this expense be for the upcoming Ethics Board Meeting.  Mr. Monahan responded this is for enhancements to the existing systems not for any specific event.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #17, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier described the state-of-the-art improvements for the Fire Station and invited everyone out to view the progress and visit the Station when completed.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #18, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearing for Items #19 and #20.

Clerk of Council reported there were no comments received from the public for Items #19 and #20.

No speakers.

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearing for Items #19 and #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Items #19 and #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearing for Items #19 and #20.

Clerk of Council reported there were no comments received from the public for Items #19 and #20.

No speaker.

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol license hearing for Items #19 and #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Items #19 and #20, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Leggett seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing for Item #21, second public hearing concerning the City's 2021 One Year Action Plan.

Speaker(s):

1. Ms. Katoria Chanyasubkit – regarding Economic Development plan with respect to a film. The City Manager will follow-up with the speaker.

Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing for Item #21, concerning the City's 2021 One Year Action Plan.

City Manager Monahan introduced the Amended Animal Services Ordinance adopted by Chatham County.  He read the proposed amendments by the County.  Mayor Johnson explained the City of Savannah does not provide any animal control services.  The Chatham County Ordinance is used by the City.  Mr. Monahan stated all municipalities within Chatham County will amend their Animal Control Ordinances to be consistent with the County's.

Alderman Purtee stated that's the problem, the County is not consistent with animal services within the City.  He has received numerous complaints on a regular basis from residents of the 6th District.  The County's Ordinance is less restrictive than the City's.  By adopting the County's Ordinance how will that affect the City's Ordinance.  He suggest the City look at providing their own animal control services or talk to the County to resolve some of the negative issues.  The City Manager will pass Council's concerns to the County and ask or request 0.the County attend a City work session to provide Council with animal services information.

Speaking to Mayor Johnson and City Manager Monahan, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan expressed her dissatisfaction with the animal control services.  She is overwhelmed with calls from citizens in the 3rd District with animal services issues that should be addressed.  She agrees with Alderman Purtee, the City is not getting value for their money from the County.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan suggests delaying any decision on Item #22 until the City has input into the services provided in Savannah by the County for animal services.  Possibly, the City Attorney could draft an Ordinance to address animal control issues suitable for the County as well as the City.

Alderman Palumbo agreed with Alderman Purtee and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  There are actionable policy changes to be made to the City's animal control policies.  Most of those changes are normal and have been used across the State of Georgia for some time.  There is quite a bit of work that needs to be done and he welcomes the opportunity to work with the County to resolve the issues.

Mayor Johnson suggested the City set aside some time at a work session in two weeks to have the Animal Services Director to provide a presentation to Council.

Alderwoman Lanier went on record stressing the same problems with animals in the 1st District.  It is a Citywide problem and needs to be addressed.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter discussed the correlation between domestic violence and animals.  When domestic violence occurs, pets may be abused or used by the perpetrator to punish the victim.  When/if the victim leaves the home with children and pets, some consideration needs to be given to housing the pets at a separate location from the safe house.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz made a similar statement, concerning animal services to the constituents of the 5th District.      

No action taken. The City Manager was requested to have County representatives present information at the next Work Session.

City Manager Monahan gave a brief synopsis of the first of many proposals to come before Council over the next year as recommended by the City's Noise Ordinance Task Force.  This particular Ordinance could weave the requirements of State Law into a lot of the complaints City Council has received relating to fireworks.  Certain times of the year are allowable by State Law.  This Ordinance will provide a greater tool for City's enforcement.

Alderman Palumbo stated the overhaul of the City's Noise Ordinance began in March 2020, but the pandemic started and delayed progress.  Moving forward now, the State Law allows for fireworks at certain times through the City's Noise Ordinance.  This will allow residents to still celebrate on New Years Day, the 3rd and 4th of July and a couple more holidays throughout the year as stated in the Law.  On off days, this will allow some relief for residents.  He thanked City staff, Savannah Fire for allowing the measurement of the noise decimal, and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan for making sure he did not catch fire at the fire training facility.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan agreed with Alderman Palumbo and thanked him for all his hard work including using his personal money to purchase the materials for testing.  She also thanked City staff and the Fire Department for all the information.

Alderwoman Lanier stated all of the neighborhoods will see some relief given the City will manage the fireworks issue better, but in working with the Noise Ordinance she wanted to share a recent incident with industrial noise which turned out to be a bad situation.  They are currently working to resolve the issue and she wants to thank Mr. Monahan, Mr. Shearouse, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, County Commissioner Ellis of the 8th District and Commissioner-Elect Adams for coming out with other neighborhood presidents to assist the residents of Hudson Hill to resolve the issue of industrial noise 24/7.  Alderwoman Lanier thanked all involved in working with Colonial Oil's management to help resolve the problem by November timeline.

Mayor Johnson stressed the importance of having the noise ordinance, but enforcement is critical to the residents of the City.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter spoke to the enforcement stressed by Mayor Johnson.  She addressed City Manager Monahan and City Attorney Lovett concerning calls from Parkside neighborhood residents experiencing fireworks issues from the stadium where Savannah Bananas plays.  Also calls from residents across the City complaining about fireworks having an adverse affect on their pets in June.  With this change, citizens need to realize the restrictions do not apply to State Law recognized dates.  Enforcing these restrictions become problematic because when police are called the offenders have left the area.             

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #23, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson requested the City Manager to prepare an intensive educational flyer for the residents.

City Manager Monahan described the restriction along Factors Walk.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked the City Manager for the location and if the City needed to restrict the parking in that area.  The location is somewhere close to the Boar's Head restaurant and the City does not need to restrict the parking in that location.  

After the first reading was considered the second and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #24, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Item #25 was heard immediately following Item #21, public hearing regarding the City's 2021 One Year Action Plan.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #25, Alderman Palumbo seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

City Manager Monahan added there will be no cost of the Program to the City for any users of City Water.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely thanked Mayor Johnson for bringing the Program to the City for consideration.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan expressed the benefits of the Program to residents of the City especially senior citizens.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #26, Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson stated John Finney was an extraordinary citizen of the City of Savannah.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and other Aldermen/Alderwomen presented the Resolution at the funeral services Saturday.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #27, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz read into the record a Resolution recognizing Georgia Cities Week.  Mayor Johnson announced this is also Customer Service Week and gave a shout-out to all employees of the City.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely gave a special recognition to the 311 Call Center and their outstanding customer service.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #28, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson read into the record the agencies receiving the $2.7 million ESG funds for COVID-19 response.  City Manager Monahan added this was an important component for reaching out to the homeless in the community.

Alderwoman Lanier expressed gratitude to the City for receiving the ESG funds because the end users are in desperate need of the funds.  She has concerns with the management of the funds due to the incident with the SBA funds distribution.  In administering and distributing the funds, she asked if there was a tracking or reporting mechanism in place (yes).  She attended a meeting concerning the Bartow property in West Savannah where individuals, not residents, had a plan to develop the land at a purchase price of $500,000.  Alderwoman Lanier wants to make sure the ESG funds would not be used for this property purchase.  Mayor Johnson confirmed, the ESG funds have specific instructions and can only be used for emergency temporary shelter, food, transportation, case management, and central services.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely has concerns for the $2.7 million going to homeless shelter services and she wanted to know why the Savannah Authority for the Homeless received only $100,000.  She also wanted to know if there is a program in place for individuals who are not homeless but need assistance.  She received several calls from citizens who called United Way, Family Promise, and other programs without any assistance.  The person answering the phone is very discourteous and unprofessional.  Consequently, they do not receive the assistance they need.  So what is the City doing to make sure this money is disbursed to the agencies.  Not only the homeless, but the people who need assistance with rent or utilities receive it.  Mayor Johnson answered the Savannah Authority for the Homeless received $100,000 because that was the amount they requested, and he stated the ESG funds have specific instructions on how the money can be used.  The City Manager will send out a listing of how the funds were disbursed to Council tomorrow.  The City Manager will speak to the United Way about the discourteous behavior.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked if Greenbriar and EOA was informed about the funds (they are not part of the City's continuum of care providers), and did Savannah Authority for the Homeless know they could ask for more than the $100,000. (HMIS System had eligible costs associated with the request and that was the maximum amount).

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mayor Johnson about the continuum of care providers and what criteria was used: how were the agencies notified of the available funds; and what was the RFP process.  The Office of Community Services reached out to the eligible agencies to discuss the availability of funds.  She asked what was the process for preparing those agencies without the required software to get them approved.  The software has been distributed and used by all the agencies.  After working twenty-five years as an Executive Director of a non profit agency, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter has concerns with the available funds being distributed to all the agencies so that services can reach more residents.  She wanted to make sure these agencies were not hand picked like those agencies that received the SBA funds. (City Manager Monahan answered, no).

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter has major concerns for homeless children living in hotels or on the street, and those children living with grandparents.  These funds should be available for use by this segment of the population.  She feels the allocation of funds was not used wisely by distributing funds to agencies that have limited capacity.  She asked Mr. Monahan how other agencies can be included to receive some of the funding allocated to serve more people.  Mr. Monahan cited how many individuals the CARES Act funding has helped in this region, he will send the report to Council tomorrow.  The City has the obligation to follow the guidelines of the federal mandates on disbursing the funds to COVID-19 related cases.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated the benefits of the COVID-19 funds allow for municipalities to design what the relief will look like within the parameters of those guidelines.  This is an opportunity for the City to 'step outside the box' and design a program to help those children that need assistance.

Mayor Johnson asked Ms. Kerri Reid, Director of Human Services, to provide clarification to Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's concerns.  Ms. Reid explained the RFP process was on the City's web page and shared with the City's partner agencies who are a member of the continuum of care.  The agencies provided a project description, cost, use of funds, and overall expansion as it relates to how they prepare and response to COVID-19.  Other agencies had the opportunity to apply.  Ms. Reid spoke with a couple of those agencies who decided not to respond to the RFP.    Alderwoman Gibson-Carter feels the City continues to do business only with those agencies they previously had relationships with and now the City can extend an opportunity to other agencies offering the similar service or additional service to those citizens in need of help.

Mayor Johnson expressed the City's due diligence in providing the RFP via the City's web page and indicated agencies have responsibilities to reach out and seek opportunities to apply for additional funding.  Ms. Reid reached out to some of those agencies and they chose not to respond, given whatever reason.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter did not imply to put the responsibility on Ms. Reid; however, she does feel the City's staff/administration should take the responsibility to reach out to a broader reach of other agencies that can provide services.  There are agencies that do not have the benefit of an IT department, a grant writer, or additional staff to reply to the RFP, so the City should do a better job of advocating to include those agencies in the process of applying for additional funds and the web page should not be the only avenue to notify the agencies of opportunities (there is instagram, Facebook, social media, to mention a few).  The ideal approach would be to identify the City's greater needs of the homeless population, rather than cherry pick the agencies to receive funding.  She is asking the City to consider utilizing other agencies to fill service delivery gaps.

Mayor Johnson indicated Ms. Reid followed the correct process and did not cherry pick the agencies.  Nine (9) agencies applied and nine (9) agencies received funding, some of which deal specifically with children.  He asked Ms. Reid to supply the City Manager with the names of all the agencies contacted including those agencies she spoke with that decided not to respond to the RFP.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely has spoken with other cities that recommend using a system where texting and emails are used to notify agencies.  She asked the City Manager to check with the City of Hinesville who used this system and see if it's something Savannah could use.  The City needs to do a better job of educating our businesses and agencies on the RFP process.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan grew up in Savannah and worked under Mayor Jackson in the 1980's.  She has over forty years experience serving the City and working with communities.  Ms. Reid did not cherry pick the agencies, she did her due diligence.  While twenty-five years of experience working with agencies is noteworthy, forty years is still fifteen years more.      

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #29, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to amend Item #29, to include the pieces related to having the agencies receiving funding to adjust whatever was written in their RFP and include outreach or identify other partner agencies like EOA and Greenbriar, who also need assistance with childcare and individuals who are homeless and their children are in hotels learning virtually.  At least give consideration to making modifications where we can have those individuals considered, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded.  No vote was taken.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter relinquished/withdrew her amendment.

Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Monahan to weigh in given this is a modification to a contract.  Mr. Monahan stated there may not be a need to amend the contract these service agencies already reach those groups.  The Office of Community Services did an extensive outreach to contact all service providers so if one hundred percent of the universe is contacted, he does not understand what is the issue.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter invited the City Manager to go over to Stephenson Avenue at the Motel 6 and ask those families what are the real issues.  She is not casting a negative shadow on an individual or department, she is just asking for the City to consider the deficiencies that are not currently met.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz is for outreach and asked Mayor Johnson if the amendment to Item #29 could be made.  Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager for his recommendation and the City Manager did not feel there needed to be an amendment to the motion.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Mayor Johnson if there were nine agencies.  Mayor Johnson responded, there were six agencies and nine requests.  She agrees that Alderwoman Gibson-Carter is making a lot of sense.  Can we go back and see if something can be adjusted so that EOA, Greenbriar and other agencies can be looked at to be included.  Mayor Johnson informed Council EOA was contacted and chose not to apply and other agencies Ms. Reid contacted chose not to apply.  Mayor Johnson asked Ms. Reid if she spoke to EOA.  She indicated yes and they were sent an email but chose not to apply.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Ms. Reid if she was specific concerning the funds.  Ms. Reid replied, she couldn't say, they said no, but the discussion was concerning other federal dollars and she mentioned there was an RFP out for the current dollars.  Mayor Johnson added Park Place Outreach does services specifically for young people as it relates to meals, clothing, toiletries, and transportation.

Alderwoman Lanier asked Ms. Reid how long the RFP was on the street.  Ms. Reid replied, it was open for five days.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Ms. Reid, in regards to the allocations, what percentage of administrative cost are these agencies able to recoup.  Ms. Reid replied, she believes the amount is up to ten percent with the new waivers under the CARES Act (formerly seven percent).

Mayor Johnson asked Alderwoman Gibson-Carter to restate her amendment to include outreach.  The amendment has to be able to quantify the outreach has occurred.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter is certain Ms. Reid and Ms. Young's Community Services staff would understand what she is asking.  She would like the agencies to have the allocation to extend some of these funds to other agencies as a partner, recipient or as a co-sponsor of the grant funds, whereby these agencies can identify where child care needs are and virtual learning.  Even partnering with the Board of Education through their McKinney Act.  They have a special homeless service program for reaching out to homeless students in the community.

Mayor Johnson asked Ms. Reid if child care was part of the program.  Ms. Reid answered, some of the programs do provide child care and transportation for children to get to sites for virtual learning.  She will take at look at how agencies can partner together in the future or for other rounds of CARES Act funding.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter is not asking to change the process, just to sit with the agencies to have conversations to have a better cross section of services.

Mayor Johnson concurred with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter but feels an amendment would not be necessary to accomplish those conversations.  You won't need a formal amendment, he can instruct the City Manager to have the Community Services staff to implement conversations.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter yielded her amendment as long as the City Manager carries out Mayor Johnson's instructions for the Community Services staff to implement conversations with agencies to partner and provide the cross section of services needed in the community.

City Council and City Manager Monahan concurred to expand and find ways to achieve the outcomes requested by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  Mayor Johnson requested the City Manager to report back on any progress relative to the grant recipient’s ability to utilize other agencies and/or fill service delivery gaps, as requested by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.      

Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #30, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Lanier seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked for the correct address of Item #31.  Mayor Johnson corrected the address to 421 Jefferson Street.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #31, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #32 per the City Manager's recommendation, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #33, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

FIRST READING ONLY.  No action taken.

Mayor Johnson gave a brief description of the issuance of the Bonds.  The City could pay for this out of the Parking Fund but wants to preserve/protect the Parking Fund by issuing Bonds.

Alderwoman Lanier asked the City Manager if using the Downtown Savannah Authority (DSA) to issue the Bonds, what relationship will they have with the parking garage.  City Manager Monahan answered, DSA will serve only as the conduit to issue the Bonds the City will maintain ownership.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked the City Manager if the RFP has been issued for the $8.6 million parking garage.  The City Manager wanted to get the financing in place first and then staff will make recommendations to Council about the structured parking.  She wants to make sure the local businesses including WBE's, MBE's, and DBE's have an opportunity to respond to the RFP.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter is mindful of the pre-existing issues in Cloverdale, Carver Village, and Brick Yard with regard to drainage.  She is mindful of the $10 million already expended to brick and mortar for the parking garage.  She has concerns with shortfalls of the Parking Fund.  Mayor Johnson indicated, this is why the issuance of bonds is being used.  She spoke to the philosophy of the City to build a new Arena when during heavy storms, residents are experiencing flooding issues due to infrastructure.  Mayor Johnson, who resides in the new Arena area, stated this is a transitional project the residents of the community endorsed.  It will provide employment and get rid of blight, bringing about a positive community transformation.  The new Arena is a twenty year project finally becoming a reality when Council authorized the guaranteed maximum price.  The parking garage is essential for the project and the issuance of bonds is the mechanism the City Manager recommended for the protection of the Parking Fund.  If Council chooses not to issue bonds, then the parking fund monies will be used for the garage but the bonds are a responsible use of the City's credit while preserving the Parking Fund.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter said it can still be debated as to how many residents actually want the project in the neighborhood.  It is one thing for the residents to want the project in their neighborhood but are they really getting what was promised.  The project has taken on many other elements that will not directly benefit the neighborhood.  In her very recent interaction with the residents who feel they have been ignored for decades and feel this project along with the new sanitation grounds are slated, are encroachments and do not enhance their lifestyle.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter is asking in the midst of allocating funds, if the City could give the neighborhood something to show the City has not forgotten the community.  Since becoming an Alderwoman, she has yet to see the City issue a bond to directly benefit the lifestyle of the most vulnerable segment of the population.  The City Manager responded asking what money would pay the debt service if bonds were issued.

Alderwoman Lanier lives in the new Arena area and expressed the residents have advocated for this economic engine (new Arena) project for the last twenty years to attract private money and they still want this project to happen.  The pandemic will not be here forever, the City needs to plan ahead and move forward.  This Council has work to do in policy areas to make sure benefits are going back to the community.  She announced, they are currently working on a Community Benefits Agreement, Tax Allocation District (TAD), and historic and cultural assets to benefit the communities.  The community benefits process is soliciting citizens to come out to discuss zoning, so no adverse affects happen.  The work is being done but it won't happen within the first ten months of the new Council.  Speaking for the residents of the 1st District, they do want the economic engine, but she agrees with Alderwoman Gibson-Carter there is more work to be done to transform the blighted communities.

City Manager Monahan reminded Council on this Agenda $6.8 million was approved for housing and services specifically for the underserved in the City of Savannah.  Council should be proud of the accomplishments afforded to these communities.  Alderman Palumbo agreed with City Manager Monahan that Council should celebrate their victories.  No other City in America gave eighty percent of it's CARES Act funding back to the residents.  He is proud to represent the City of Savannah and serve the residents.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Monahan about the possibility of getting bonds issued for the Katen Homes Gym.  It has been out of service for some time and she would like to see the Gym up and running again.  Possible arrangements can be made with the Housing Authority to get the gym restored.

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35.  Announcement of Acting City Manager.

NO ACTION/VOTE taken.

Mayor Johnson announced the Mayor and Aldermen’s intention to appoint Michael Brown, former City Manager, as the Acting City Manager effective November 2, 2020. The Mayor and Aldermen will consider confirmation of the appointment and vote publicly in two weeks.

Mr. Brown thanked the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen for their confidence in appointing him as Interim City Manager.  He is pleased to come back to the City and work with Council and staff to bring Savannah to the next level of development.

Mayor Johnson and each Aldermen/Alderwomen welcomed Mr. Brown and offered words of encouragement for his Interim City Manager appointment.  

CLOSING:

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz announced the Federal Highway Administration in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Transportation and the City of Savannah has prepared a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the DeRenne Avenue Project between I-516 and Harry Truman Parkway.  The Notice of Availability for the public comment period begins on tomorrow, October 9, 2020 and will conclude on November 23, 2020 for a period of 45 days.  An electronic draft of the Environmental Impact Statement can be  viewed by the public at https://0008358-gdot.hub.arcgis.com/.  She is asking the public to save the date of November 10, 2020 for the open house for the public to view the EIS and make comments.  There will be a hard copy of the EIS for the public to view in Mayor Johnson's office and the City Manager's office.  City Manager Monahan informed the public of an aggressive campaign starting with a public notice in the Savannah Morning News, the display of yard signs throughout the City, and letters to the public for support of the EIS in the coming months.  If the EIS is approved, the City will start working on the plans for improvements sometime next Summer.  The Project will take 2-3 years for completion.  Mayor Johnson asked Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz to place her copy in the Clerk of Council's office for public viewing.

Alderwoman Lanier announced the 2020 Census deadline was extended to the end of October, she encouraged citizens go to the web page and complete their information, www.my2020census.gov.  She reported the West Side and District 1 has an October clean-up campaign called 'West Side Fights Dirty'.  This weekend the dumpsters will be at Stiles and Gwinnett Streets in the parking lot near the Church.  She encourages all the residents in Carver Village and Cloverdale to get their items together and utilize this great opportunity.

Alderwoman Blakely asked the public to wear masks and continue to social distance in an effort to protect themselves and their loved ones.  She sent out condolences to the family of a 15 year old who recently lost a battle with COVID-19.  We have to do better in our City when it comes to our children.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan reminded the public, early voting starts October 12, 2020.

Mayor Johnson thanked the public and all in ZOOM attendance.

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.

The audio recording of the Council Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the below link in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=yU5SWpedOHBc

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved: October 22, 2020

Initials:  mm