Savannah City Government

SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES

COUNCIL WORK SESSION 

September 14, 2017 – 11:00 a.m.

City Manager Hernandez made the following attached comments in reference to Tropical Storm Irma

Mayor DeLoach asked Council to give everyone a round of applause for their hard work.

Alderman Miller stated he received calls from many citizens commending staff and the Police Department for all their efforts before, during and after the storm. He asked that the Chatham County Health Department be added to the list of people that should be present during major events as such in the future. He also stated if the City of Savannah is going to be a major financial contributor to the Homeless Authority someone should be present and able to answer questions as there were many homeless individuals that showed up to the Civic Center not knowing what to do or where to go. He concluded by commending Georgia Power and Comcast for their expedient responses.

Alderman  Thomas commended the Police and Fire Departments for all their hard work stating if police presence was this good when there isn't a major event Council would probably never here complaints. He stated his district was one that received a great deal of flood damage. He is amazed at the number of people already in their yards cleaning up and working to get things back to a sense of normalcy. He commended them as well as the people he saw raking and cleaning up the City median. He concluded stating he thinks Georgia Power has done a great job considering the amount of work they've been doing and helping with in the other areas affected by hurricanes however, he wasn't pleased with the response he received form them. He stated there are still 800 people in one neighborhood without power and as he was riding around he didn't see any trucks in the neighborhood.

Alderman Johnson commended everyone for their work stating no one complained everyone simply helped. He suggested that the City purchase some cots to have on hand in situations like such in the future. He concluded commending the Savannah Chatham County Public School System and Chatham Area Transit bus drivers, as well as the Salvation Army for all their efforts. 

Alderman Shabazz thanked Mayor DeLoach for keeping him connected, she stated she stayed for Matthew but left during this storm. Her concern were the citizens that left their trash cans at the curbs and suggested that maybe a skeleton crew collect the trash or something. She concluded discussing her concerns about the power being out and informed the City Manager that one constituent stating Georgia Power was waiting on the City to come move a tree before they could restore services. 

Alderman Thomas stated many of the power trucks that are seen are contracted workers and they are giving false information to the citizens. 

Alderman Durrence added comments about the Medical Registry as well as there is still a substantial amount of citizens that still don't know it is available.

City Manager Hernandez suggested possibly putting an insert in the utility billing mail outs.

Alderman Bell commended staff as well and said there was a sense of safeness and calmness throughout the City. She stated one of her concerns are the people and the post traumatic effects this could have on them and suggested that social service agencies stay close and available for individuals that may need someone to talk to.

Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence and unanimously carried the Council meeting scheduled for today at 2:00 p.m. in Council Chambers was continued to September 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. due to logistical issues related to Tropical Storm Irma.

Mayor DeLoach adjourned this meeting.