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SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 - 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 2:15 p.m., in Council Chambers. Mayor Van R. Johnson, II called the meeting to order. He then recognized Ald. Linda Wilder, who read an invocation written by Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Ervin of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. Due to court, Rev. Dr. Ervin was unable to attend.
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, 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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| PRESENTATION OF COLORS | |
| 1. A.E. Beach High School JROTC | |
The A.E. Beach High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors, followed by the pledge of allegiance, which was recited in unison. Then the National Anthem was sung by Cate Wright, a fourth grader from Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. |
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 2. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for September 10, 2026. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve item #2 as amended by Mayor Johnson, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Wilder was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 3. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on August 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. | |
| Agenda Plus - WS DRAFT MINUTES August 27, 2026 City Council Workshop-watermark.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #3, #4, and #5, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Wilder was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| 4. Approval of the Minutes and to Authorize the Mayor to Sign a Related Affidavit and Resolution for the August 27, 2026, Executive Session Held Regarding Litigation and Real Estate. | |
| Signed August 27, 2026 Executive Session Affidavit.pdf | |
| Signed August 27, 2026 Executive Session Resolution.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #3, #4, and #5, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Wilder was away from the dais during the vote. * Mayor Johnson entertained a motion that an executive session regarding real estate and litigation was held earlier following the mobile tour workshop presentation for which no action was taken. All members were present, including the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the Clerk of Council. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to authorize the Mayor to sign a related affidavit and resolution, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Wilder was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| 5. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on August 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. | |
| Agenda Plus - RM DRAFT MINUTES_August 27, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting-watermark.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #3, #4, and #5, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Wilder was away from the dais during the vote. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 6. An Appearance by Hispanic Outreach Leadership and Advocacy (HOLA) Savannah Task Force Members in Observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15, 2026, Honoring the Contributions of Hispanic Americans Throughout Our Nation’s History and Recognizing Their Continued Service and Impact within the Savannah Community. | |
*ADD-ONs, upon the adoption of the agenda:
Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to members of the Hispanic Outreach Leadership and Advocacy (HOLA), proclaiming September 15, 2026 through October 15, 2026, as National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Savannah and encouraging all residents to celebrate the rich heritage, culture, history, achievements, and continuing contributions of Hispanic Americans to the country and to our nation. |
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| 7. Recognition of City of Savannah's Procurement and Contracts Division Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award. (Purchasing Department) | |
Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder recognized the City of Savannah's Procument and Contracts Division for earning the National Procurement Institute's Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award. Senior Director of Purchasing Johnnie Coker gave remarks acknowledging his staff's dedication, professionalism, and hard work. |
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| ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 8. Approval of a Class E (Beer and Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License to Yash Patel for Bull Smoke Market at 137 Bull Street. The Establishment is Located between West York Street and West Oglethorpe Ave Located in Aldermanic District 2. The Applicant Plans to Continue to Operate as a Convenience Store. (New Applicant/Existing Business) | |
| Exhibit 1 - Checklist - 38 Rocks LLC.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2 - Density Map - 38 Rocks LLC | |
| Exhibit 3 - Alcohol Reports - 38 Rocks LLC | |
| Exhibit 4 - Measurement Report - 38 Rocks LLC | |
| Exhibit 5 - Safety Plan - 38 Rocks LLC | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #8, #10, and #11. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Purtee moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Leggett, Ald. Miller Blakely, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #8, seconded by Ald. Wilder and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Ald. Lanier voted no. |
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| 9. Approval of a Class G (Beer and Wine) (Complimentary) Alcohol License to Joi Walker for Parts of Joi Wellness and Beauty, a Beauty Salon Located at 526 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The Establishment is Located between Minis Street and West Huntingdon Street in Aldermanic District 2. The Applicant Plans to Operate as a Beauty Salon. (New Applicant/Existing Business) | |
| Exhibit 1 - Checklist - Parts of Joi Wellness and Beauty | |
| Exhibit 2 - Density Map - Parts of Joi Wellness and Beauty | |
| Exhibit 3 - Alcohol Reports - Parts of Joi Wellness and Beauty | |
| Exhibit 4 - Measurement Report - Parts of Joi Wellness and Beauty | |
| Exhibit 5 - Safety Plan - Parts of Joi Wellness and Beauty | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearing open for agenda item #9. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the alcohol license hearing for agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #9, seconded by Ald. Wilder and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 10. Approval of a Class C (Liquor, Berr and Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Sean Sassano for Olde Harbour Inn at 508 East Factors Walk. The Establishment is Located between East Lincoln Ramp and East Broad Ramp in Aldermanic District 2. The Applicant Plans to Continue to Operate as a Hotel. (New Applicant/Existing Business) | |
| Exhibit 1 - Checklist - Olde Harbour Inn | |
| Exhibit 2 - Density Map - Olde Harbour Inn | |
| Exhibit 3 - Alcohol Reports - Olde Harbour Inn | |
| Exhibit 4 - Measurement Report - Olde Harbour Inn | |
| Exhibit 5 - Safety Plan - Olde Harbour Inn | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #8, #10, and #11. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Purtee moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Leggett, Ald. Miller Blakely, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #10, seconded by Ald. Wilder. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Ald. Lanier voted no. |
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| 11. Approval of a Class C (Liquor and Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Kelly Paslawski for Vicious Biscuit, a Restaurant Located at 7400 Abercorn Street, Suite 521. The Establishment is Located between Eisenhower Drive and Mall Boulevard in Aldermanic District 4. The Applicant Plans to Operate as a Restaurant. (New Applicant/New Business) | |
| Exhibit 1 - Checklist - Vicious Biscuit | |
| Exhibit 2 - Density Map - Vicious Biscuit | |
| Exhibit 3 - Alcohol Reports - Vicious Biscuit | |
| Exhibit 4 - Measurement Report - Vicious Biscuit | |
| Exhibit 5 - Safety Plan - Vicious Biscuit | |
Mayor Johnson declared the alcohol hearings open for agenda items #8, #10, and #11. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Purtee moved to close the alcohol license hearings for agenda items #8, #10, and #11, seconded by Ald. Leggett, Ald. Miller Blakely, and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve agenda item #11, seconded by Ald. Wilder and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Ald. Lanier voted no. |
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| PUBLIC HEARINGS | |
| 12. Public Hearing on Adoption of an Ordinance Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on Development or Conversion Activity Related to Large-scale Data Centers with an Electrical Capacity of (10) Megawatts or Greater and Prohibiting the Conversion of Warehouses and Large Industrial Buildings of 200,000 Square Feet or More to Data Center Use Within the Corporate Limits of The City Of Savannah. | |
| Exhibit 1: Savannah Data Center Moratorium Ordinance .docx | |
Mayor Johnson reminded the Council that they previously held a hearing regarding this item. Mayor Johnson stated that the Council was making sure that they were within the compliance of the law. Mayor Johnson then declared the public hearing open for agenda item #12. See related agenda item #14. No speaker(s). Ald. Wilder moved to close the public hearing for agenda item #12, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 13. Public Hearing on State-Mandated Annual Update to the Community Work Program Portion of the Capital Improvements Element (Adopted by City Council in February 2023) which Amended the Chatham County-Savannah Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040) and Transmittal to the Coastal Georgia Regional Commission for Regional and State Review | |
| Exihibit 1: FY25 Impact Fee Revenue by Public Service Facility.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Draft Five Year Community Work Program 09.03.2026 Redline.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Draft Five Year Community Work Program 09.03.2026 .pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing open for agenda item #13. See related agenda item #23. No speaker(s). Ald. Purtee moved to close the public hearing for agenda item #13, seconded by Ald. Lanier. 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) | |
| 14. Adoption of an Ordinance Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on Development or Conversion Activity Related to Large-scale Data Centers with an Electrical Capacity of 10 Megawatts or Greater and Prohibiting the Conversion of Warehouses and Large Industrial Buildings of 200,000 Square Feet or More to Data Center Use Within the Corporate Limits of the City Of Savannah. | |
| Exhibit 1: Savannah Data Center Moratorium Ordinance .docx | |
Ald. Purtee moved (to approve agenda item #14) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Wilder. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| ORDINANCES - FIRST READING | |
| 15. Approval to Amend Division II, Part 4, Public Services, Ch 7, International Airport, Article A | |
| Exhibit 1: Sav-Airport Ordinance)Purchasing)proposed revision [5-26] (00027745-2xAB0B1).pdf | |
Heard for First Reading Only. |
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| 16. Approval to Amend the Charter of the City of Savannah, Section 8-415, Rights in Airport Property. | |
| Exhibit 1: Sav-Charter)proposed rev)$1,000 approval remove leases [7-26] (00027746-2xAB0B1).pdf | |
Heard for First Reading Only. |
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| ORDINANCES - SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 17. Petition on behalf of The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia for a Zoning Text Amendment to Articles 2.0 Review Bodies and Administrators, 3.0 Application and Review Procedures, 6.0 Special 3 Purpose Districts, 7.0 Overlay Districts, 8.0 Use Standards, 9.0 General Site Standards, and 13.0 Abbreviations and Definitions to Facilitate the Transfer of Authority of Application Intake from the City of Savannah to the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) and to Provide a More Concise Process for the Public in the Processing of Development Applications (26-002369-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: Final Ordinance for Text Amendment for Articles 2.0, 3.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 and 13.0 (26-002369-ZA) 09.09.2026.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson asked the Council if they were ready to move forward on this item. The consensus was to wait until the Council was ready. No action was taken. Written Comment(s):
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| 18. Petition on behalf of The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia for a Zoning Text Amendment to Add Permitted Use and Associated Development Standards to Articles 5.0 Base Zoning Districts, 8.0 Use Standards, 9.0 General Site Standards, and 13.0 Abbreviations and Definitions, to permit several different housing types in multiple districts (26-002370-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: Final Ordinance for Housing Toolkit Text Amendment REVISED 09.03.2026.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson asked if the Council was ready to move forward regarding this agenda item. Ald. Palumbo moved to approve item #18, seconded by Ald. Purtee. The motion failed, 4-5-0. Mayor Johnson, Ald. Bell, Ald. Palumbo, and Ald. Purtee voted yes. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz, Ald. Miller Blakely, Ald. Lanier, Ald. Leggett, and Ald. Wilder voted no. Written Comment(s):
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| PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 19. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 2 with Garney Companies, Inc. for the I & D Water System Improvement Project's Phase 1C Construction Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in an Amount not to Exceed $65,526,494. (Water Resources Chief's Office) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - CMAR I&D Water System Improvements.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - CMAR I&D Water System Improvements .pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #19 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a One-Time Purchase for Grit Removal Equipment from OldCastle Infrastructure, Inc. dba Hydro International in an Amount not to Exceed $1,660,000. (Water Reclamation) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Onetime Purchase of Grit Removal Equipment.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Onetime Purchase of Grit Removal Equipment.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #19 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 21. Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Modification No. 1 with Rostan Solutions, LLC in the Amount of $45,000. (I&D Department) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Budget Increase Request for City Stormwater Masterplan.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Budget Increase Request for City Stormwater Masterplan.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #19 through #21, seconded by Ald. Wilder. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| RESOLUTIONS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 22. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Terminate and Replace Existing City of Savannah Affordable Housing Limited Warranty Deed Restrictions with State of Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Housing Affordability Deed Restrictions Associated with Properties at 1700 Drayton Street and 104 E. 34th Street Located in Aldermanic District 2. (Housing Services) | |
| Exhibit 1: Resolution_Replace Limited Warranty Deed w DCA Requirements 1700 Drayton Street.pdf | |
Ald. Leggett moved to approve item #22, seconded by Ald. Wilder. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 23. Resolution to Submit the State-Mandated Annual Update to the Community Work Program Portion of the Capital Improvements Element (Adopted by City Council in February 2023), which Amended the Chatham County-Savannah Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040). (Planning & Urban Design) | |
| Exhibit 1: Transmittal Resolution 2026.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #23, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| AGREEMENTS | |
| 24. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Ballantry PMC 30 Adlers LLC for a development consisting of 30 Townhomes in Eastern Wharf/Savannah River Landings Located in Aldermanic District 2. (WR-Planning and Engineering) | |
| Exhibit 1: Upper East River - Water & Sewer Agreement.pdf | |
Ald. Leggett moved to approve item #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder. The motion passed, 8-1-0. Ald. Miller Blakely voted no. |
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| 25. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a 12-Month Contract to Administer a Stormwater Utility Hardship Assistance Program, with the Option to Renew, with the Economic Opportunity Authority for Savannah Chatham County in the Amount of $100,000. (Water Resources) | |
| Exhibit 1: City Water EOA Contract_ApprovedToForm_08282026 (1).pdf | |
Ald. Wilder moved to approve item #25, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Ald. Wilder asked why we do not have (an assistance program) for water services. She stated that we have a lot of elderly people who are having problems with their water services. Ald. Wilder stated she would like to see the same thing for the utility water services for people who are having problems keeping water services. City Manager Melder responded. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz asked the City Manager to expound a little bit about the program. Mayor Johnson explained the need for the stormwater fee and how staff received a request to investigate a hardship fund to be able to address the hardships people might face in paying the additional $2 to $10 every two months. Ald. Bell stated that, in addition to the Mayor reciting the history of this particular item, she also pointed out that staff did an excellent job providing information to the public across the city. However, we initially failed to meet, specifically, with the ministers and the faith-based community across the city. Ald. Bell thanked the City Manager and staff for meeting with the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance and for realizing they were very concerned about the fee being a hardship on their parishioners.
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| REAL ESTATE ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 26. Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Sale of a Stormwater Easement on and across City-owned property at 137 Shellbark Way Located in Aldermanic District 1. (Real Estate) | |
| Exhibit 1; Highland Park Stormwater - Map.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2; Highland Park Stormwater - Easement.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve item #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder. 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 3:44 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: |
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