Agenda Plus - September 11, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting

SEPTEMBER 11, 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 2:13 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order and called for the colors presented by Savannah’s Police Department Color Guard. He then recognized Ald. Carolyn H. Bell, who introduced Rabbi Zalman Refson, founder of Chabad of Savannah, to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was recited in unison. Mayor Johnson asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11, followed by a rendition of “God Bless America” by Ms. Huxsie Scott.

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

Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, District 5 - Mayor Pro Tem

Alderman Kurtis Purtee, District 6

ABSENT:

Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4 - Chairman

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Jay Melder

Assistant City Manager Taffanye Young

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Deputy Clerk of Council Gwendolyn Jones

Assistant to the Clerk of Council Renee Osborne

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for September 11, 2025.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve item # 1, seconded by Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Palumbo was absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session/Executive Session Held on August 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

Agenda Plus - WS DRAFT MINUTES_August 28, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting_watermark.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items # 2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Palumbo was absent.

3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on August 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Agenda Plus - RM DRAFT MINUTES_August 28, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting_watermark.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items # 2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Palumbo was absent.

Mayor Johnson entertained a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign an affidavit/resolution that an executive session regarding litigation was held earlier, following the work session on September 11, 2025, for which no action was taken. All members, except Ald. Palumbo, were present for the executive session, including the City Manager, City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney, Deputy Clerk of Council, and Chief of Water Resources.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve as stated above, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Byran and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Palumbo was absent.

PRESENTATIONS

4. An appearance by the members of the 912 Day Steering Committee in honor of Savannah Day 2025 on September 12, 2025.

Mayor Johnson stated we were celebrating 912 Day on September 12, 2025, and he wanted to recognize the 912 Day Steering Committee by asking the committee, along with City Manager Melder, to join him at the podium. Mayor Johnson stated three to four years ago he wanted the opportunity to show some self-love for what we call the greatest city on earth, and the best time to do that was on a day that God gave us 912, September 12, which is our unofficial day. The day has now grown into a very intense week--every single day there has been something going on. Committee member Aurelle Ross, Office of Marketing and Communications Strategic Communications Manager, provided remarks and appreciation followed by the introduction of the 912 Steering Committee members and partners.

5. An appearance by Hispanic Outreach Leadership and Advocacy (HOLA) Savannah Task Force Members in observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15, 2025, honoring the contributions of Hispanic Americans throughout our nation’s history and recognizing their continued service and impact within the Savannah community.

Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation to the Savannah Hispanic Outreach Leadership and Advocacy (HOLA) Taskforce and members of the Hispanic community proclaiming September 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025, National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Savannah. Mayor Johnson was joined at the podium by HOLA Taskforce Chairperson Myriam Baker, members of the Latin American Motorcycle Association, Pastor Samuel Rodriguez of First Hispanic Baptist Church, Eddie with Migrant Equity Southeast, Migrant Equity Southeast Labor Rights Organizer Jenny Miron, and Daisy Hernandez representing the Hispanic Network group under Mary's Place.

ZONING HEARINGS

6. Petition of Robert McCorkle on behalf of 1800 East 63rd, Property Owner, LLC for a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Amendment of 14.28 acres from Conservation and Residential General to Residential General at 1800 East 63rd Street (PIN 20104 30014) in Aldermanic District 3 (25-002852-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 1800 E. 63rd Street FLUM (25-002852-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Maps of 1800 E. 63rd Street.pdf

Exhibit 3: Draft Ordinance FLUM (25-002852-ZA).pdf

Mayor Johnson declared the zoning hearings open for agenda items #6 and #7. See related items #8 and #9.

Speaker(s):

Edward Morrow, MPC Representative
Robert McCorkle, representing the petitioner
Robin Wright Gunn – Conditional support
Whitney Shepard joined by Rabbi Robert Haas—IN SUPPORT
Oliver Casson-Gary – Concerned with Flood Risk

Written comments:

Memorial Health University Center -- SUPPORTS
Calia Brown -- SUPPORTS
Kinte Taylor -- SUPPORTS
Sue Adler -- SUPPORTS
Jeff Kole -- SUPPORTS
Brent Watts -- SUPPORTS
Matt Kuykendall -- SUPPORTS
Stephen Rilee -- SUPPORTS
Dr. Ryan Fulchi -- SUPPORTS
Colin Edelstein -- SUPPORTS

Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the zoning hearings for agenda items #6 and #7, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Palumbo was absent.

Mayor Johnson thanked the partners for sticking through it, working through the challenges that were presented, and Ald. Wilder-Bryan for her leadership in this.

Ald. Miller Blakely thanked Mr. Casson-Gray for inviting her to their meetings and showing her what it was that they were concerned with. She stated that she was glad that they came to a consensus, and she would be supporting this.

Mayor Johnson stated this was hard and that he remembered the fierce division. He stated that when you have fierce division, you do better when you communicate and meet. Mayor Johnson stated from the points where he was informed and watched adjacently how you heard, listened, made changes, came back, and communicated. He stated he thinks that is how you solve hard things. Mayor Johnson stated everyone agreed that we have to have housing here. He also stated he thinks that workforce housing is particularly important, and in the area of Memorial, as it continues to grow and to be a teaching hospital, that it is. Mayor Johnson expressed to the City Manager that there will be other opportunities that we might be able to do some big bold things as it relates to housing.

Ald. Lanier stated we have watched this project for a few years, going back and forth. She stated she had the opportunity to attend MPC to watch the work that was being done by the staff. Ald. Lanier stated she wanted to applaud the developers for doing the right thing, for getting with the leadership, and getting with the community, and finally coming up with something that could work for the residents who were already there. She stated that based on the conditions that were placed in this proposal, we finally got something that we could support.

Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated that when Mr. McCorkle came before the council in 2023, we understood, from the community, they needed better and more. She stated we have had over 30 meetings, about 20 of them she has attended, in two years. Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated that while we understand that the FLUM (Future Land Use Map) has to be in sync with the zoning city ordinance, she just wants people to understand that the future land use map is a big thing here in Savannah and just because we need housing does not mean that we are going to change the quality of living for people who live there. Ald. Wilder-Bryan addressed Mr. Dylan Baynes by asking him to come to the podium. Ald. Wilder-Bryan thanked Mr. Baynes for staying engaged. She stated that when you have to stand up here and we tell you no, that does not mean it is over. It means that you have to come back and really be a community partner. Ald. Wilder-Bryan stated that it is a first of its kind, and it took us two years to get there. She stated she was appreciative of the agreements.

7. Petition of Robert McCorkle on behalf of 1800 East 63rd Property Owner LLC for a Zoning Map Amendment of 14.28 acres from RSF-6 (Residential Single Family-6) to RMF-2-16 (Residential Multifamily-2-16) with Conditions at 1800 East 63rd Street (PIN 20104 30014) in Aldermanic District 3 (25-002851-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 1800 E. 63rd Street Rezoning (25-002851-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Maps for 1800 E. 63rd Street.pdf

Exhibit 3: Survey of 1800 E. 63rd Street.pdf

Exhibit 4: Multifamily Concept Plan for 1800 E. 63rd Street (07.2025).pdf

Exhibit 5: Draft Ordinance for Rezoning (25-002851-ZA).pdf

See agenda item #6.

ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)

8. Petition of Robert McCorkle on behalf of 1800 East 63rd Property Owner LLC for a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Amendment of 14.28 acres from Conservation and Residential General to Residential General at 1800 East 63rd Street (PIN 20104 30014) in Aldermanic District 3 (25-002852-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 1800 E. 63rd Street FLUM (25-002852-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Maps for 1800 E. 63rd Street.pdf

Exhibit 3: Draft Ordinance FLUM (25-002852-ZA).pdf

Ald. Wilder-Byran moved (to approve #8) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Palumbo was absent.

9. Petition of Robert McCorkle on behalf of 1800 East 63rd Property Owner LLC for a Zoning Map Amendment of 14.28 acres from RSF-6 (Residential Single Family-6) to RMF-2-16 (Residential Multifamily-2-16) with Conditions at 1800 East 63rd Street (PIN 20104 30014) in Aldermanic District 3 (25-002851-ZA).

Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet for 1800 E. 63rd Street Rezoning (25-002851-ZA).pdf

Exhibit 2: Maps of 1800 E. 63rd Street.pdf

Exhibit 3: Survey for 1800 E. 63rd Street.pdf

Exhibit 4: Multifamily Concept Plan for 1800 E. 63rd Street (07.2025).pdf

Exhibit 5: Draft Ordinance for Rezoning (25-002851-ZA).pdf

Ald. Wilder-Byran moved (to approve #9) that the first reading be considered the second and the ordinance placed upon its passage and passed, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely. The motion passed unanimously, 8-0-0. Ald. Palumbo was absent.

PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)

10. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Piping for Lift Stations 193 and 194 with Mersino Dewatering, LLC in an Amount Not to Exceed $58,591. (Sewer Maintenance)

Exhibit1: Funding Verification - Piping.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Note - Piping.pdf

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve agenda items #10 through #16, seconded by Ald. Leggett and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0-0. Ald. Wilder-Bryan was away from the dais during the vote, and Ald. Palumbo was absent.

11. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Delinquent Fee Collections for Code Compliance with Midwest Municipal Services, LLC in an Amount not to Exceed $77,400. (Code Compliance)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Delinquent Code Compliance Fee Collections.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Delinquent Code Compliance Fee Collections.pdf

12. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract for Ready-Mix Concrete to Diamond Construction and Renovation in an Amount not to Exceed $190,000. (Transportation Services)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Ready Mix Concrete.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Ready Mix Concrete.pdf

13. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract for Concrete & Asphalt Crushing Services to United Grounds Maintenance Services in an Amount not to Exceed $85,000. (Transportation Services)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Concrete and Asphalt Crushing Services.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Concrete and Asphalt Crushing Services.pdf

14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for (2) Combination Sewer Cleaner trucks and (2) Sewer Jetter trucks, in the amount of $1,793,644. (Fleet Services)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Combination Sewer Cleaner and Jetter Trucks.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Combination Sewer Cleaner Trucks & Sewer Jetter Trucks.pdf

15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Annual Contract with Delinquent Tax Service, Inc., for the collection of Delinquent Property Tax, in an amount not to Exceed $162,000. (Revenue)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Delinquent Property Tax Collection.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Delinquent Property Tax Collection.pdf

16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Dredging of Alum Sludge Pond with D and DJ Carrier Group, LLC (LOCAL)(DBE) in the Amount of $2,370,000. (Industrial & Domestic Water Plant)

Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Dredging of Alum Sludge Pond.pdf

Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Dredging of Alum Sludge Pond.pdf

SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION

17. Approval of a Corporate Partnership with Georgia Southern University for the Three-Year Period of 2025-2028, in the Amount of $157,500.