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OCTOBER 9, 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 2:10 p.m., in Council Chambers. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order. He then recognized Ald. Bernetta B. Lanier who introduced Pastor Pastor Tony E. Reddick, New Shiloh Missionary Bapist Church to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was recited in unison. Mayor Johnson recognized that it was the 246-year anniversary of the Siege of Savannah which occurred in 1779.
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 9, 2025 | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve item # 1 as amended thereby adding a presentation as requested by Mayor Johnson, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on September 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. | |
| Agenda Plus - RM DRAFT MINUTES_September 25, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting_watermark.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #2, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. *Mayor Johnson entertained a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign an affidavit/resolution that an executive session regarding litigation and personnel was held following the work session (October 09, 2025), for which no action was taken. All members, except Ald. Purtee, were present for the executive session, including the City Manager, City Attorney, Clerk of Council, and outside legal counsel Mathew McCoy with McCorkle, Johnson, and McCoy. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve as stated above, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 3. Proclamation declaring October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month | |
Mayor Johnson presented to Safe Shelter CEO Shannon Bates, 4 the Jewel N U CEO/President Karen Denise Alston, board members and staff, proclaiming October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. |
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| 4. Proclamation declaring October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month | |
Mayor Johnson proclaimed October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and presented to WSAV-TV News Anchor Tina Tyus-Shaw, survivors, and advocates. Ms. Tyus-Shaw, Ms. Tasha Brooks, Ms. Karen Evans, Ms. Sha'Barbara Everett-Best, and Ms. Farrah Lawrence each spoke and shared their story, expressing the importance of breast cancer awareness. Mayor Johnson added a presentation proclaiming Savannah, Georgia as the StoryCon Capital of the World. He presented to Dr. Bertice Berry and StoryCon supporters who were present and also spoke. |
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| 5. Appearance and Recognition of Inaugural 2025 Girls Youth Flag Football League Champions | |
Mayor Johnson recognized and presented the Inaugural 2025 Girls Youth Flag Football League Champions-- The Savannah Storm. He presented to the Senior Director of Recreation & Leisure Services Nick Roberts, Savannah Storm Head Coach Ebony Robinson, other coaches, and players. |
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| ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 6. Approval to Add a Class C (Liquor) (By the Drink) Alcohol License to the existing Class C (Beer, Wine) Alcohol License to Christina Pirovits for 208 Wine Bar, a Bar located at 208 West Bay Street. The establishment is located between Abercorn Street and Lincoln Street Ramps in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - 208 Wine Bar | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - 208 Wine Bar | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Report - 208 Wine Bar | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - 208 Wine Bar | |
| Exhibit 5: Safety Plan - 208 Wine Bar | |
Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz was away from the dais during the vote. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #6, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| 7. Approval to Add a Class C (Liquor) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to the existing Class C (Beer) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Christopher Emerick for Squealing Hog BBQ, a Restaurant at 206 East Bay St. in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Squealing Hog BBQ | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Squealing Hog BBQ | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Report - Squealing Hog BBQ | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Squealing Hog BBQ | |
| Exhibit 5: Safety Plan - Squealing Hog BBQ | |
Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz was away from the dais during the vote. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #7, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| 8. Approval of a Class C (Beer, Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Amy Stafford for The Palace Diner, a Restaurant at 7202 Abercorn Street. The establishment is located between Eisenhower Drive and Stephenson Avenue in Aldermanic District 4. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - The Palace Diner | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - The Palace Diner | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - The Palace Diner | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - The Palace Diner | |
| Exhibit 5: Safety Plan - The Palace Diner | |
Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz was away from the dais during the vote. b. Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #8, seconded by Ald. Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| 9. Approval of a Class E (Beer, Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License to Viral Patadiya for Marathon at 329 East Montgomery Crossroads, a Convenience Store. The establishment is located between Edgewater Road and Aegean Avenue in Aldermanic District 4. | |
| Exhibit 1: Checklist - Marathon | |
| Exhibit 2: Density Map - Marathon | |
| Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - Marathon | |
| Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - Marathon | |
| Exhibit 5: Safety Plan - Marathon | |
Mayor Johnson declared the hearings open for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Palumbo moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #6, #7, #8, and #9, seconded by Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz was away from the dais during the vote. b. Ald. Palumbo moved to approve agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Purtee. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| PUBLIC HEARINGS | |
| 10. Second Public Hearing to Receive Comments Concerning the City’s 2026 One Year Action Plan | |
| Exhibit 1: FY2026 Proposed One Year Action Plan Budget Recommendations.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the hearing open for agenda item #10. See related agenda item #26. No speaker(s). Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the public hearing for agenda item #10, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Leggett was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| ZONING HEARINGS | |
| 11. Petition for Joshua Yellin on behalf of Christopher Woods, LLC for a Zoning Map Amendment from B-C (Community Business) and OI-E (Office and Institutional- Expanded) to RMF-2-25 (Residential Multi-family 2-25 units per acre) for 1.45-acres at 11965 Apache Avenue (20845 01013) in Aldermanic District 6 (25-004180-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet (25-004180-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Maps (25-004180-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Draft Ordinance (25-004180-ZA).pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearing open for agenda item #11. See related agenda item #12. Speaker(s):
Ald. Purtee moved to close the zoning hearing for agenda item #11, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Written Comment(s):
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| ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 12. Petition for Joshua Yellin on behalf of Christopher Woods, LLC for a Zoning Map Amendment from B-C (Community Business) and OI-E (Office and Institutional- Expanded) to RMF-2-25 (Residential Multi-family 2-25 units per acre) for 1.45-acres at 11965 Apache Avenue (20845 01013) in Aldermanic District 6 (25-004180-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet (25-004180-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Maps (25-004180-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Draft Ordinance (25-004180-ZA).pdf | |
Ald. Purtee moved (to approve #12) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| ORDINANCES - SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 13. Petition to Annex ~66.05 acres Located at 5 W Gateway Blvd (PIN 11034 01031) and 0 Fort Argyle Road (PIN 11034 01035) from Chatham County to the City of Savannah. | |
| Exhibit 1: Draft Ordinance to Annex 5 W Gateway and 0 Ft. Argley.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Maps for 5 W Gateway and 0 Ft. Argyle Road.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Concept Plan for 5 W Gateway and 0 Ft Argyle (25-002523-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Annexation Petition for 5 W. Gateway and 0 Ft. Argyle.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #13, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 14. Petition of Wesley Green on behalf of Blue Heron Development, Inc. to Amend the Future Land Use Map Amendment from Planned Development to Commercial-Regional for 0 Ft. Argyle Road (11034 01035) (25-002523-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 0 Ft. Argyle (25-002523-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: FLUM Map for 5 W Gateway and 0 Ft Argyle (25-002523-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Concept Plan for 5 W Gateway and 0 Ft Argyle (25-002523-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Draft FLUM Ordinance for 0 Ft. Argyle (25-002523-ZA).pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #14, seconded by Ald. Lanier and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 15. Petition of Wesley Green on behalf of Blue Heron Development, Inc. to Amend the Zoning Map from P-B-C (Planned Community Business-County) to B-C (Community Business-City) with Conditions to Support the Annexation of 66.05 Acres at 5 West Gateway Blvd and 0 Ft. Argyle Rd (11034 01035 and 11034 01031) (25-000359-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet to Rezone 5 W Gateway and 0 Ft. Argyle (25-000359-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Zoning Map for 5 W Gateway and 0 Ft. Argyle (25-000359-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Concept Plan for 5 W Gateway and 0 Ft Argyle (25-002523-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 4: Draft Ordinance to Rezone 5 W Gateway and 0 Ft Argyle (25-000359-ZA).pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #15, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier. 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) | |
| 16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Tree and Stump Removal Services from ArborNature, LLC in an Amount not to Exceed $670,000. The Park & Tree Urban Forestry Division will utilize this contract to provide hazard tree and stump removal services on various City properties and in the public right-of-ways throughout the City of Savannah. (Park & Tree) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Tree & Stump Removal.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Tree and Stump Removal.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #16, #17, #18, #19, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 17. Notification of an Emergency Purchase for Demolition Services at 925 East President Street with Masterful Enterprises, LLC (LOCAL) in the Amount of $410,610. (Code Compliance) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Emergency East President Street Demolition FV.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Emergency East President Street Demolition.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #16, #17, #18, #19, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for "As-Needed" or "On-Call" Geotechnical Engineering Services to Whitaker Laboratory (LOCAL) in an Amount not to Exceed $250,000 to provide geotechnical engineering services for City projects across multiple departments. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Geotechnical Engineering Services.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #16, #17, #18, #19, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 19. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a contract for a roofing application with MetalCrafts (LOCAL) in an amount not to exceed $165,100. The Facilities Maintenance Department will utilize this contract for labor, and materials for a silicone roof coating at City Hall . (Facilites Maintenance) | |
| Exhbit 1: Funding Verification - City Hall Roof | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note - City Hall Roof | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #16, #17, #18, #19, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for (1) 55 – Ton Lowboy Trailer from Yancey Bros., c/o Trail King, in an Amount not to Exceed $111,556. Stormwater Management Division will utilize this contract to transport various types of medium and compact equipment. (Fleet Services) (Item Withdrawn by the Request of Staff) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - 55 Ton Lowboy Trailer.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - 55 Ton Lowboy Trailer .pdf | |
WITHDRAWN as requested by staff. |
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| 21. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for (3) 30-Ton Equipment Trailers and (1) 24-Ton Equipment Trailer from Yancey Bros., c/o Towmaster Trailers, in an Amount not to Exceed $167,359. Stormwater Management Division will utilize the new trailers to transport various types of medium and compact equipment. (Fleet Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - 30 Ton & 24 Ton Equipment Trailers.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - 30 Ton & 24 Ton Equipment Trailers.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #16, #17, #18, #19, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 22. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for portable radios from Motorola, in an amount not to exceed $247,330. Innovation + Technology Services Department will utilize the contract to replace Savannah Fire Department's aging, obsolete radios, and add to the New Hampstead Location. (ITS) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Portable Radios.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Portable Radios.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #16, #17, #18, #19, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 23. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Reeves Young, LLC for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) pre-construction services for the Civic Legacy - Arena Removal Project in the Amount of $15,000. The Civic Legacy - Arena Removal Project will include the careful demolition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena at the Savannah Civic Center. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Purchasing Notes - Civic Legacy - Arena Removal.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #16, #17, #18, #19, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 24. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Garbutt Construction Company for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Pre-Construction Services for the Water Works Stabilization Project in the Amount of $0. The project will involve the extensive stabilization of the historic Water Works building located at the corner of Gwinnett Street and Stiles Avenue. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Purchasing Notes - CMAR Water Works Stabilization.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #16, #17, #18, #19, #21, #22, #23, and #24, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Ald. Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder to explain this agenda item. City Manager Melder provided an explanation of the contract and the use of CMAR (Construction Manager At Risk) procurement. |
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| RESOLUTIONS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 25. Approval of Common Ground: The Master Plan for Savannah’s Canal District and Action Playbook: Collective Implementation of the Canal District Master Plan | |
| Exhibit 1: Common Ground: The Master Plan for Savannah's Canal District | |
| Exhibit 2: Action Playbook: Collective Implementation of the Canal District Master Plan | |
| Exhibit 3: Canal District Resolution.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve agenda item #25, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Leggett, Ald. Wilder-Bryan, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Ald. Lanier stated that this is a great day for Savannah, especially for the westside of Savannah. She stated we are working to adopt the Canal District plan, and move forward with this plan. And we would have the opportunity as leaders of the city to do two things, two goals, and that is to uplift those Westside communities and to accommodate the downtown expansion. |
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| 26. Approval of a Resolution Adopting the City's 2026 One Year Action Plan. | |
| Exhibit 1: Resolution 2026 OYA Plan.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan, Ald. Lanier, and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Leggett was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| 27. Resolution Authorizing the Adoption of the 2025 Capital Improvements Element (CIE) Annual Update following the approval of the draft report by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to comply with the Georgia Development Impact Fee Act and to maintain the City of Savannah’s qualified local government certification. | |
| Exhibit 1: Resolution to Transmit CIE Resolution.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: 2025 Capital Improvements Element Annual Update.pdf | |
Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve agenda item #27, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| REAL ESTATE ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 28. Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Lease Agreement for Thomas Gamble Ground Floor Lease Space with Galaxy Cafe, commonly known as Olympia Cafe. | |
| Exhibit 1 - Map Attachment - Thomas Gamble Event 11622.pdf | |
Ald. Bell moved to approve agenda item #28, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Mayor Johnson read the item and explained this was a legal and public process that had to occur. We have done that and the bids were received in accordance with the law. A blue ribbon panel of personnel designated by the City Manager reviewed the proposals, and they came back with what they felt was the best proposal. City Council vote will allow the City Manager to negotiate and execute a lease agreement for city-owned space, whereupon there was applause and a group/chorus of voices saying "Opa!" Mayor Johnson acknowledged the passing and memory of Mr. Nicolas (Nick) Pappas, former co-owner of Olympia Cafe. Speaker(s):
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| CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS | |
| 29. Settlement #1 | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda item #29, authorizing the City Attorney's Office to settle the (worker's compensation) claim of Darrell Scott for $77,000.00. 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 3:43.
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: |
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