SEPTEMBER 23, 2021, 6:30 p.m. -  CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

 

CITY GOVERNMENT

 

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN

 

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

 

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the regular meeting of the City Council was held at 6:30 p.m., via Zoom video communications. Mayor Johnson recognized Alderman Purtee to introduce Pastor Andre Kicklighter of Mount Herman Baptist Church in Coffee Bluff, who offered 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

ALSO, PRESENT:

City Manager Joseph A. Melder

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for September 23, 2021.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve/adopt the agenda, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion was not carried.  

b.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve/adopt the agenda as amended to add the following as presented by Mayor Johnson, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

  • Acknowledgement of a perpetual Proclamation designating the City of Savannah as an International City of Peace; and,
  • A Resolution honoring the life of employee, Mr. Harold Robinson, Jr.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Approval of Minutes for the Work Session & City Manager's Briefing held on September 9, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - September 9, 2021 City Council Workshop.pdf

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

3. Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting held on September 9, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - September 9, 2021 City Council Regular Meeting.pdf

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

4. Approval of Minutes for the Special Meeting held on September 13, 2021 at 11:30 a.m.
Exhibit 1: Draft Minutes - September 13, 2021 City Council Special Called Meeting.pdf

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

PRESENTATIONS
5. Appearance by SAFE Shelter Representatives to Receive a Proclamation Designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Mayor Johnson read and presented the SAFE Shelter Proclamation to Chairperson of the Board Ms. Toni Marwitz.  Ms. Marwitz thanked the City for its support and gave an open invitation to the October 1, 2021, Vigil at the Fountain in Forsyth Park.  Mayor Johnson recognized Major Robert Gavin of the Savannah Police Department as a member of the SAFE Shelter Board.

Other Council Members recognized and thanked Ms. Marwitz along with Executive Director Ms. Cheryl Branch and Program Director Doretha Rice, for the outstanding work SAFE Shelter has provided to the residents of Savannah.

Alderwoman Gibson Carter recognized a local ministry, 4 The Jewel N U, providing support for domestic violence victims.  4 The Jewel N U will host their inaugural 'Walk Run As One' on October 2, 2021 at Lake Mayer at 8:30 a.m.  Ms. Karen Alston is Founder and CEO of 4 The Jewel N U.     

6. A Proclamation Recognizing September 15, 2021 - October 15, 2021 as Hispanic Heritage Month
Exhibit 1: National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation.docx

Presented by Mayor Johnson, and received by Hola Savannah Task Force members City employee Myriam Baker, Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, Daniela Rodriguez, Alfonso Ribot, Elizabeth Galarza, Iris Sarria, and Daisy Figueroa.  The various flags of spanish speaking nations will hang in the City's rotunda during Hispanic Hertiage Month.  Members of the Hola Savannah Task Force expressed their gratitude to the Council and the recognition of the hispanic population.

 

6a.  Acknowledgement of Perpetual Proclamation designating the City of Savannah as an International City of Peace.

Read and presented by Mayor Johnson.  An International City of Peace banner will hang in the City's rotunda through the end of the month.

 

6b.  A Resolution honoring the life of Mr. Harold Robinson, Jr.

Read and presented by Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve and transmit the Resolution to the family of Mr. Harold Robinson, Jr., seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

There was a moment of silence observed for Mr. Robinson.   

ALCOHOL LICENSE HEARINGS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
7. Approval of a Class C (Beer, Wine)(By the Drink) Alcohol License to Seshu Kotcherlakota for The Hideaway Cafe, a Cafe at 105 Tibet Avenue, Between Abercorn Street and LaBrea Boulevard in District 6. No Concerns by Police or Issues with Littering or Loitering. Distance Measurement Met. (Existing Business/New Request) (Continued from September 9, 2021)
Exhibit 1: Checklist - The Hideaway20210825_17242286.pdf
Exhibit 2: Density Map - The Hideaway20210825_17250239.pdf
Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports - The Hideaway Cafe20210923_09060005.pdf
Exhibit 4: Measurement Report - The Hideaway20210825_17360333.pdf
Exhibit 5: Neighborhood Agreement - The Hideaway20210825_17345644.pdf
Exhibit 6: Security Plan - The Hideaway Cafe20210826_16461965.pdf

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #7 and #8.

No Speaker(s):

a.  Alderman Purtee moved to close the alcohol license hearings for Items #7 and #8, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Purtee moved to approve Item #7, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

8. Approval of a Class C (Wine)(By the Drink) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Margurite Seckman for Superbloom, A Coffee Shop at 2418 Desoto Ave., Between W. 40th St. and W. 41st St. in District 2. No Concerns by Police or Issues with Littering or Loitering. Distance Measurement Met. (Existing Business/New Request)
Exhibit 1: Checklist - Superbloom.pdf
Exhibit 2: Density Map- Superbloom.pdf
Exhibit 3: Alcohol Reports- Superbloom.pdf
Exhibit 4: Measurement Report- Superbloom.pdf
Exhibit 5: Security Plan - Superbloom.pdf

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol license hearings for Items #7 and #8.

Speaker(s) present:

  • Marguerite Seckman, petitioner - SUPPORT (did not speak)

Written comment(s) received by:

  • Marguerite Seckman – provided 15 letters of SUPPORT

a.  Alderman Purtee moved to close the alcohol license hearings for Items #7 and #8, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson Carter voted no.

ZONING HEARINGS
9. Petition of Phillip R. McCorkle from McCorkle, Johnson & McCoy, LLP (Petitioner) on Behalf of Whitaker @ Charlton Lane, LLC (Owner) for a Special Use Permit with Conditions to Have a Restaurant at 348 Whitaker Street (PIN 20032 05001). Aldermanic District 2. File No. 21-002772-ZA (Public Hearing Closed on August 26, 2021) [Continued from September 9, 2021 by Petitioner]
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation Packet - 348 Whitaker Street.pdf
Exhihibt 2: Good Neighborhood Agreement - 348 Whitaker Street.pdf
Exhibit 3: Signed Good Neighborhood Agreement and Conditions of Special Use Permit 09.17.2021.pdf

Mayor Johnson advised the hearing for Item #9 was closed at the previous meeting, September 9, 2021.

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #9 as conditioned upon the signed September 17, 2021 Good Neighborhood Agreement and Conditions of Special Use Permit, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

10. Petition of Nathan Pollard on Behalf of Linda B. Morgan and Charles D. Broometo to Amend the Zoning Map with Conditions for 1103 East 69th Street (PIN 20114 19002) from RSF-6 (Residential Single Family-6) to O-I (Office Institutional) (File No. 21-003122-ZA). Aldermanic District 3. (Continued from September 9, 2021)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendations - 1103 E 69th Street.pdf
Exhibit 2: Draft Ordinance with Conditions - 1103 E 69th Street.pdf
Exhibit 3: Proposed Conceptual Layout - 1103 E 69th Street.pdf

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing for Item #10.

Speaker(s):

  • Marcus Lotson, MPC Representative
  • Nathan Pollard, architect representing petitioner – SUPPORT
  • Richard Mackin – OPPOSE
  • Alderwoman Wilder Bryan would like additional time for due diligence to meet and discuss the petition with the business owners and area residents before Council votes. 

Written comment(s):

  • Mr. Greg Durkin - SUPPORT 

Alderwoman Wilder Bryan moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #10, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder Bryan requested to postpone/continue Items #10 and #11 to the October 14, 2021 City Council Meeting.

ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
11. Petition of Nathan Pollard on Behalf of Linda B. Morgan and Charles D. Broometo to Amend the Zoning Map with Conditions for 1103 East 69th Street (PIN 20114 19002) from RSF-6 (Residential Single Family-6) to O-I (Office Institutional) (File No. 21-003122-ZA). Aldermanic District 3. (Public Hearing Held on August 12, 2021 and Item Continued from September 9, 2021)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendations - 1103 E 69th Street.pdf
Exhibit 2: Draft Ordinance with Conditions - 1103 E 69th Street.pdf
Exhibit 3: Proposed Conceptual Layout - 1103 E 69th Street.pdf

HEARD Item #11 for First Reading Only, as requested by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.

ORDINANCES - SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE)
12. Approval for the Annexation of 5.019 Acres Located off Ogeechee Road near Canebrake Road. Property has been Developed as a Tractor Supply Company Store (Opened in July 202)
Exhibit 1 - Petition - Tract A-1 Ogeechee Road
Exhibit 2 - Annexation Ordinance - Tract A-1 Ogeechee Road

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12 and #13, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

13. Approval to Amend the Zoning Map for 6078 Ogeechee Road (PIN 11029 05004) Owned by F & A of Savannah, LLC from B-N (Neighborhood Business) to B-N-CO (Neighborhood Business-County) to Support Annexation (File No. 21-004509-ZA) (Tractor Supply Company Store; Opened in July 2021)
Exhibit 1: Map - 6078 Ogeechee Road
Exhibit 2: Annexation Petition - 6708 Ogeechee Road.pdf
Exhibit 3: Map - 6078 Ogeechee Road

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #12 and #13, seconded by Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

14. Petition of Bob Isaacson (Agent) on Behalf of Savannah Core (Owner) to Amend the Zoning Map for 527 E. 39th Street (PIN 20075 05010) from TN-2 (Traditional Neighborhood-2) to East Broad Market Lofts Planned Unit Development (PUD). Aldermanic District 2. (File No. 21-002411-ZA)
Exhibit 1 MPC Recommendations - 527 E 39th Street.pdf
Exhibit 2 Draft-Ordinance - 527 E 39th Street.pdf
Exhibit 3 Map - 527 E 39th Street.pdf

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Items #14 and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

15. Petition of Bob Isaacson (Agent) on Behalf of Savannah Core (Owner) to Amend East Broad Market Lofts Planned Unit Development (PUD) to Include 527 E. 39th Street (PIN 20075 05010) with a Special Use Permit Condition for All Uses Except Residential. Located in Aldermanic District 2. (File No. 21-002377-ZA)
Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendations - 527 E 39th Street.pdf
Exhibit 2: Map - 527 E 39th Street.pdf
Exhibit 3: Baldwin Park Letter - 527 E 39th Street.pdf
Exhibit 4: Draft PD Ordinance Revised as of 09.17.2021

Alderman Leggett moved to approve Items #14 and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

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 Consulting Services for an Impact Fee Program with Ross + Associates in the Amount of $92,800. Services will Include: Preparation of an Impact Fee Methodology Report, Capital Improvements Element, Final Impact Fee Schedule and Ordinance for Council Approval, Assistance with Program Implementation, etc. (Approx. 10 Months)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Impact Fees
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Impact Fees
Exhibit 3: Proposal Letter - Impact Fees
Exhibit 4: Scope of Work - Impact Fees
Exhibit 5: Statement of Qualifications - Impact Fees
Exhibit 6: Example of an Impact Fee Schedule - Impact Fees
Exhibit 7: Development Impact Fees Executive Summary Memo 07.16.2021 - Impact Fees
Exhibit 8: Henry County Matrix - Impact Fees
Exhibit 9: Ross Proposal - Impact Fees
Exhibit 10: Henry County RFP - Impact Fees

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

17. Notification of an Emergency Procurement for the Repair of a Fire Truck with Williams Fire Apparatus in the Amount of $41,663. Fire Pumper Unit # 4518 Incurred Extensive Damage Due to an Accident. To Avoid Service Disruption, Immediate Repair is Necessary.
Exhibit 1- Funding Verification - Fire Pumper

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

18. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for a Fuel Monitoring System with MECO of Savannah, Inc. (Local) in the Amount of $38,157. System will Serve Approx. 38 Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles Dispatching from the Interim Sanitation Headquarters at 1809 West Highway 80. Facility will be Used by Various Departments During the Design and Construction of the Permanent Facility on Dean Forest Road.
Exhibit 1- Funding Verification - Fuel Master
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Fuel Master

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

19. Authorize the City Manager to Issue a Payment to S2K Consulting in the Amount of $75,569.93 for Completion of an Organization-wide Telecom Audit. Company Performed a Comprehensive Audit of the City's Telecommunications Billing Structure to Identify Services No Longer Needed. An Estimated Annual Savings of $203,350 was Identified.
Exhibit 1- Funding Verification - Audit of Telecom Bills

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Other Post Employee Benefits with United Healthcare in the Amount of $1,379,297. Contract will be Used by the Human Resources Department to Provide Group Medicare Advantage Plan with Part D Coverage for Retirees (65 and Older) and Spouses Who are Medicare Primary. Annual Cost is for Approximately 775 Covered Individuals.
Exhibit 1- Funding Verification - Other Post Employee Benefits
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Other Post Employee Benefits

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

21. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for East Bay Street Stair Repairs with E & D Contracting Services, Inc. (Local,DBE) in the Amount of $65,540. Contract will be Used to Repair Factors Walk Wall Stairwell Near 316 East Bay Street in Emmet Park. Stairwell has been Closed to the Public Since February 2020.
Exhibit 1- Funding Verification - Factors Walk Stairwell
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Summary - .Factors Walk Stairwell

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

22. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Modification for Grounds Maintenance for Public Rights of Way with Samjay Services (Local) in the Amount of $85,000. Contract is Used to Maintain Grounds on Approximately 70 Miles of Medians and Street Rights of Ways (i.e. Abercorn St., White Bluff Rd., Middleground Rd., W. Bay Street, Derenne Avenue and Ogeechee Road).
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes

Alderwoman Lanier has concerns with levels of maintenance in different areas of the City and would like to see a more equitable manner of carrying out maintenance throughout the City.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely wanted the citizens to know that Samjay Services is a local DBE and does exceptional work.  Mayor Johnson and City Manager Melder verified that Samjay Services is not a DBE but is a local vendor.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

23. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Installation of the Foundation and Substructure along with the Assembly of the Pedestrian Bridge at the Enmarket Arena with Johnson-Laux (Local, DBE) in the Amount of $749,931. The Enmarket Arena is Expected to Open in 2022. (Cost Included in Project Budget, SPLOST VI Funds)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Arena Pedestrian Bridge
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Arena Pedestrian Bridge

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

24. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Two Electric Forklifts & Charging Stations (Internal Use) at the Enmarket Arena with Thompson Lift Truck in the Amount of $70,188. Equipment will be Used for Heavy Equipment and Materials. Due to Supply Chain Shortages, Expediting Purchase will Ensure Equipment is in Place for Arena Opening. (Cost Included in Project Budget)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Arena Forklifts
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Arena Forklifts

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

25. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Removal of Diesel and Gasoline Fuel Pumps and Tanks (Including Potential Remediation) at the Old City Lot with Central Industries, Inc. in an Amount not to Exceed $80,000. Equipment is no Longer Needed at this Location Since Departments Have Relocated Operations to the New Floyd Adams Jr. Complex. (Cost Included in Project Budget)
Exhibit 1: Purchasing Notes - Removal of Fuel Tank

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

26. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for The Purchase and Installation of a Portable Basketball Floor System at the New Enmarket Arena with Connor Sports in the Amount of $165,612. (Cost Included in Project Budget)
Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Arena Basketball Flooring
Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Arena Basketball Flooring

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #16 through #21, and Items #23 through #26, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson Carter and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS
27. Appointment of City Manager Jay Melder to Serve on the Following Boards in his Official Capacity: Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC); Pension Board; Visit Savannah; and Savannah Resource Recovery Development Authority.
Board Positions for Mayor and Alderman_20210923.pdf

Alderwoman Miller Blakely moved to approve Item #27, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The Motion passed unanimously.

CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
28. Settlement #1

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to authorize the City Attorney to settle a Worker’s Compensation claim/matter of John “Corey” Polite, a former employee, in the amount of $40,000.00, Alderwoman Miller Blakely seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mayor Johnson issued the City’s sincere condolences on the passing of former Georgia State Representative Anne Mueller who was 91 years old. Alderman Purtee offered prayers and condolences to her family in recognition of her service on the Southside, where her legacy will live on. The Forest River Bridge is named in her honor.

Alderman Leggett offered condolences on behalf of City Council to Sara Williams, a member of the Clerk of Council’s office, and her family who lost her mother in the last couple of days. She also lost her father recently. Mayor Johnson asked the Clerk of Council to extend condolences on behalf of the City Council.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely offered condolences to the family of Sheila Smalls. She thanked the City Manager for meeting with them to discuss the agenda prior to the meeting.

Alderwoman Lanier advised the public of activities they will see around the Arena. Work will begin on the bridge which is going to connect to the parking lot, and it will extend across the Springfield Canal. Also, on today’s agenda was a purchase of two forklifts which will extend the City’s work and movement toward a clean, green, carbon-neutral and sustainable energy. Lastly, clearing and burning of trees for parking will be happening, so do not be alarmed. The Fire Department will be managing it.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan stated they are still doing free vaccinations on the corner of Pennsylvania and Gwinnett. She encouraged employees from the City, CAT and the Board of Education to go, since there was still about thirty more minutes left today.  She advised she is wearing a shirt due to an incident which happened on May 5, 2017 involving Clarence Fleming and Desmond Lanier who were ambushed and shot down in the third district. This is a cold case, so she encouraged anyone who may have information or have seen something to say something.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz announced a continuation of events on Saturday, October 30th and Sunday, October 31st, with Ms. Shameka Simmons. The 5th District is having a Fall Festival on Sunday in the parking lot of End Time Commission Church across the street from the Liberty City Community Center, and a call-to-action to cleanup the Fifth District on Saturday. She asked everyone to save-the-date since more information will be coming in October, but there will be vaccinations, flu-shots, get-out-the-vote activities, environmental justice information, and activities for young people through the Fire and Police departments, as well as “Trunk-or-Treat.”

Alderman Purtee announced, in conjunction with Alderman Palumbo, they will be hosting a joint Town Hall meeting on September 30th at 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Also, on September 24th they will both be honored by Georgia Southern University for the 40 Under 40 award and celebration.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced the vigil for SAFE Shelter is on October 1st but is there a time. Mayor Johnson replied at 6:00 p.m. by the fountain at Forsyth Park. She reminded citizens of an upcoming election for House Seat 165. If they are not registered to vote, she asked them to go to the Voter Registration office on Eisenhower Drive to avoid any issues. Get registered and make sure you vote. COVID is real, make sure you protect yourself, sanitize, social distance and wear your mask.

Mayor Johnson asked everyone to get vaccinated. He asked to lift-up the names of Angela Sistrunk and Dr. Frederico Foster, educators who passed away due to COVID. Ms. Sistrunk came out of retirement to help out and Mr. Foster was a 40-year-old, band director.

 

 Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:41 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=8wSwvPAeo7NZ

 

 

 

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:  October 14, 2021

Signature:  mm

Agenda Plus