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SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 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 2:02 p.m., in the SCCPSS Board of Education Room located at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura Avenue, Building G. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, then recognized Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz who introduced Minister Janice Swan-Butts, Co-Pastor of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church to offer the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. Mayor Johnson asked everyone to observe a moment of silence in honor of Mr. James William Putney, Jr., a local veteran who passed away on Sunday. 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 Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams City Attorney Bates Lovett Clerk of Council Mark Massey Assistant to Clerk of Council Renee Osborne |
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| APPROVAL OF AGENDA | |
| 1. Adoption of the Regular Meeting Agenda for September 26, 2024. | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as amended to add a Proclamation recognizing the month of September 2024 as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month in the City of Savannah, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| 2. Approval of the Minutes for the Work Session and City Manager's Briefing Held on September 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. | |
| Agenda Plus-WS MINUTES_September 12, 2024, City Council Workshop.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 3. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on September 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. | |
| Agenda Plus- RM MINUTES_September 12, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #2 and #3, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS | |
| 4. Amend the 2024 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule to Accommodate the NLC City Summit (Nov 13-16), Thereby Changing the November 14 Meeting to November 7 at 2pm. | |
| 2024_REVISED ON 9-23-2024_COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE.pdf | |
Ald. Palumbo moved to approve #4, seconded by Ald. Purtee and Ald. Lanier. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| PRESENTATIONS | |
| 5. A Proclamation Declaring October 15 Through October 19 as Literacy Week in the City of Savannah, Georgia. | |
| 20240926_Proclamation declaring Literacy Week in Savannah, Georgia.pdf | |
Read into the record by Mayor Johnson. |
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| 6. Recognition of the Inaugural Cohort of the City of Savannah's "Lauch Savannah Minority Business Accelerator". | |
Mayor Johnson invited Economic Development Senior Director MarRonde Lumpkin-Lotson and the minority businesses present to join him at the podium. At Mrs. Lumpkin-Lotson's request, she invited former mayor Dr. Otis Johnson to join them. She then described the 12 week program created by the department. She introduced the program participants/businesses who were present. Due to Ald. Palumbo's work as a partner and the Executive Director of Creative Coast, Mayor Johnson invited him to the podium. Ald. Palumbo highlighted the ceremony being held on Tuesday, October 8th at 5:30 p.m., in celebration for the inaugural class of LAUNCH Savannah at the soon-to-be-named Johnson Cultural Arts Center, Ben Tucker Theater. Mayor Johnson spoke about the work of the REAL Taskforce which challenged everyone to be better, which the LAUNCH initiative proved to be proof positive. He also encouraged everyone to support these businesses. |
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| 7. Appearance by the City of Savannah Human Resources Staff in Recognition of Human Resources Professional Day. | |
Mayor Johnson stated he is a credentialed human resources professional with various designations. He invited members of the City's Human Resources (HR) Department to the podium in recognition of Human Resources Professional Day. Mayor Johnson invited City Manager Melder to introduce HR Director Jeff Grant and his team. Mr. Melder acknowledged the great job the HR Team recently did presenting their professional development program at the ICMA annual conference in Pittsburgh. Mr. Grant provided an overview of the work performed by the HR Department and he introduced their team members. Ald. Wilder-Bryan asked to include Latrelle Porter's name in the acknowledgements, although she could not be present.
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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 G (Complimentary) (Beer, and Wine) (By the Drink) Alcohol License to Purima Boahirunya for Faherty, a clothing store located at 109 West Broughton Street. The establishment is located between Whitaker and Barnard Streets in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1-Checklist- Faherty.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2-Density Map - Faherty.pdf | |
| Exhibit 3-Alcohol Reports - Faherty.pdf | |
| Exhibit 4- Measurements- Faherty.pdf | |
| Exhibit 5-Security Plan - Faherty.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the public hearings open for items #8 and #9. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearings for items #8 and #9, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve item #8, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 9. Approval of a Class C (Beer and Wine) (By the Drink) and Class E (Beer and Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License with Sunday Sales to Keith Butz for Thompson Savannah (Stevedore Bakery), a restaurant located at 402 Passage Way. The establishment is located between Altamaha and Port Streets in Aldermanic District 2. | |
| Exhibit 1-Checklist- Thompson Savannah (Stevedore Bakery).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2-Density Map - Thompson Savannah (Stevedore Bakery).pdf | |
| Exhibit 3-Alcohol Reports - Thompson Savannah (Stevedore Bakery).pdf | |
| Exhibit 4-Measurements- Thompson Savannah (Stevedore Bakery).pdf | |
| Exhibit 5-Security Plan - Thompson Savannah (Stevedore Bakery).pdf | |
Mayor Johnson declared the public hearings open for items #8 and #9. No speaker(s). a. Ald. Leggett moved to close the hearings for items #8 and #9, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Ald. Leggett moved to approve item #9, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 10. Approval of a Class E (Beer and Wine) (By the Package) Alcohol License to Brittani Claus for Aldi # 84 a grocery store located at 1651 East Victory Drive. The establishment is located between Wicklow Street and Dixie Avenue in Aldermanic District 3. | |
| Exhibit 1-Checklist- Aldi#84 | |
| Exhibit 2-Density Map- Aldi #84 | |
| Exhibit 3- Alcohol Reports - Aldi # 84 | |
| Exhibit 4- Measurements- Aldi # 84 | |
| ALDI'S Security Plan | |
Mayor Johnson declared the public hearing open for item #10. Speaker(s):
a. Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to close the hearing for item #10, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. b. Ald. Wilder-Bryan moved to approve item #10, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no. Ald. Miller Blakely stated we pride ourselves on equity in this city, but where is the equity for the small black business next door to Aldi who could not get a liquor license. She expressed concern regarding other black businesses such as B. NiCole's and the Vintage who is in the overlay. She stated she has asked for the overlay to be lifted for months. She asked the City Manager how many black business have liquor licenses out of all licenses issued by the city. She urged the Council to do better. Ald. Lanier expressed that black people in the city are upset regarding this particular procedure, namely they do not feel the procedure is fair nor equitable. This is a prime example of showing systemic and structural racism. She has recommended that the Council remove this procedure from the political process and make it an administrative one. She stated she has done research around the country, including Portland and a city in North Carolina, who has made this process an administrative procedure to reduce political influence, increase transparency, and decrease disparity. To avoid this racism, disparity, and gentrification of retail in our policies, she urged fixing this issue with a policy solution. Ald. Bell asked Ald. Lanier which city in North Carolina she spoke about. Ald. Lanier stated she will send it to her. Mayor Johnson stated the issue on the floor is a grocery store who has gone through the process and they are asking Council if they can have a liquor license, nothing else. If you are in an overlay district, you do not get a license. If you request a license within 12 months, you are allowed a license within an overlay district. The other issue deals with a different use, given that it is not a grocery store, but it is a club or a bar or a restaurant that sought a liquor license. When the business went through the process they came to Council, then Council deliberated and voted. He stated he voted for it, but the request was voted down. So the Council acted. |
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| ORDINANCES - SECOND READING - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 11. Approval for the Annexation of 7.21 Acres Located at 2505 and 2521 Fort Argyle Road. The property owner desires to connect to City utilities at inside city rates. | |
| Exhibit 1: Annexation Petition - Fort Argyle Road.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Annexation Ordinance - Fort Argyle Road.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #11, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 12. Petition of Donald Dyches on Behalf of Fort Argyle Storage, LLC and Fort Argyle, LLC for an Amendment to the Future Land Use Map Category from Residential - Suburban Single-Family to Commercial – Suburban at 2505 and 2521 Ft. Argyle Road (11048B01022 and 11048B01023). Item supports annexation request (File No. 24-003509-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: MPC Recommendation for 2505 and 2521 Ft. Argyle Road FLUM (File No. 24-003509-ZA) .pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Maps for 2505 and 2521 Ft. Argyle Road FLUM (File No. 24-003509-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Draft Ordinance for 2505 and 2521 Ft. Argyle Road FLUM (File No. 24-003509-ZA).pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #12, seconded by Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no. |
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| 13. Petition of Donald Dyches on Behalf of Fort Argyle, LLC and Fort Argyle Storage, LLC to Zone Approximately 7.21 Acres Located at 2505 and 2521 Ft. Argyle Road (11048B01022 and 11048B01023) from B-N (Neighborhood-Business) Zoning District to the B-N-CO (Neighborhood Business-County) Zoning District. Item supports annexation request (File No. 24-002255-ZA). | |
| Exhibit 1: Staff Report for 2505 and 2521 Ft. Argyle Road (File No. 24-002255-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Maps for 2505 and 2521 Ft. Argyle Road Rezoning (File No. 24-002255-ZA).pdf | |
| Exhibit 3: Draft Ordinance for 2505 and 2521 Ft. Argyle Road (File No. 24-002255-ZA).pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #13, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no. |
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| PURCHASING ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 14. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Replacement of Decking at Grayson Stadium with Dant Clayton Corporation in the Amount of $631,600. New powder-coated aluminum decking, railing, and stairs will replace three tiers of old wood decking that have exceeded their useful life. (Facilities Maintenance) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Grayson Stadium Decking.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Grayson Stadium Decking.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve item #14, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Ald. Lanier stated we spent a large amount of money earlier in the year on Grayson Stadium. The City Manager explained to her this is a SPLOST project that was earmarked. She stated that this project is another example of systemic and structural racism, picking winners and losers. We are renting them the facility and putting all of this money into it, in order to keep it at a certain level while making them money. The citizens are paying for all of this. Something is just not right about this deal, but she does understand we are having to deal with something that we inherited from a previous administration. This is why some people win and others lose. Mayor Johnson advised that Grayson Stadium is a City of Savannah asset. Ald. Miller Blakely stated the Savannah Bananas are doing some really good things across the country, and only pay the City of Savannah $25,000.00 a year. Bad deal.
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| 15. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Generator Maintenance with W. W. Williams Company, LLC (LOCAL) in an Amount Not to Exceed $247,770. This service will provide maintenance for the emergency standby generator equipment city wide. (Lift Station) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Generator Maintenance City Wide.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Generator Maintenance City Wide.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #15, #16, #17, #18, and #20, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 16. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Phase 1B for the I&D Water Treatment Plant Optimization, Upgrade and Expansion Project with Hussey, Gay, Bell (LOCAL) in the Amount of $12,567,600. This will enable the City to proceed with capital improvements to the I&D Water Treatment Plant and associated water distribution infrastructure, ensuring the City of Savannah's water supply meets current and future demands as well as applicable regulatory compliance requirements (Water Resources). | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - I&D Plant Optimization.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - I&D Plant Optimization.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #15, #16, #17, #18, and #20, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 17. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Actuators from Georgia Western, LLC in an Amount Not to Exceed $82,862. The actuators help operate the gates that manage water flow at the President Street Plant, ensuring better control of the water movement in the tanks. (Water Reclamation) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification- Actuators for Water Reclamation.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes -Actuators for Water Reclamation.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #15, #16, #17, #18, and #20, seconded by Ald. Palumbo 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 One Non-CDL Leaf Vacuum Truck with Environmental Products Group, in the Amount of $212,800. The new leaf vacuum truck will be used by the Park and Tree Department’s City Cemeteries Division to replace unit 4633, which has been deemed inoperable and removed from service. This new truck will enhance efficiency in the removal of leaves, grass clippings, and other waste from cemetery grounds. (Fleet) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Leaf Vacuum Truck.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Leaf Vacuum Truck.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #15, #16, #17, #18, and #20, seconded by Ald. Palumbo 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 Design of Tide to Town Middleground Trail with Kimley-Horn in the Amount of $929,000. This will be used for design services for the Middleground Trail which will extend approximately three miles along Middleground Road, connecting Abercorn and Montgomery Crossroads. (Capital Projects) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - Middleground Design.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - Middleground Design.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #19, seconded by Ald. Purtee. The motion passed, 7-2-0. Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Lanier voted no. Ald. Lanier expressed concern regarding this item, due to previous meetings held in the community regarding this project which she stated failed to meet her expectations due to low attendance. Ald. Lanier indicated that people need to be hired that are sensitive to how you work with marginalized people. There needs to be an understanding of and sensitivity to people that are impacted by projects, as well as where meetings should be held for persons to be able to attend. Until this happens, she will not be able to support this item. The City Manager responded as requested by Mayor Johnson by describing/detailing past community meetings held regarding the Tide to Town trail. Ald. Palumbo thanked the city staff for bringing this item forward, and particularly for this portion of the trail which stretches on a very treacherous stretch of the right-of-way, in the spirit of equity and safety. He stated we cannot encourage people to not attend community meetings, then complain when not enough people attend them. To have it both ways is not fair to the people we serve. We should be champions of these investments, because we know the good it can provide to the community. Savannah faces 22 traffic deaths a year, on average, and those traffic deaths are preventable through better design and investments within the community. The Tide to Town network is one of the methods that we can use to save lives, reconnect communities together, and be the silo buster that we need, particularly on the southside of the city. Ald. Palumbo stated for the equity growth management plan, he too would like to see more public engagement and community meetings. This portion of the trail is incredibly dangerous, just beyond Hunter Army Airfield. It brings together communities like Kingdom Life, the fifth district, the fourth district, and the sixth district. And it connects to places like Lake Mayer and Georgia Southern University. Ald. Bell asked the City Manager if it would be possible, without delay, to hold a public engagement forum closer to West Savannah areas, given that Beach HS is a considerable distance from the areas mentioned by Ald. Lanier. She also observed more staff present at the community meetings than residents. City Manager Melder responded yes. Mayor Johnson stated we should be encouraging people to attend our meetings. Whenever we can, we should engage more. Ald. Leggett advised the City Manager he attended the community meeting held at Jenkins HS on the other night, and he communicated with Bridget Lidy about a meeting in the second district. He offered piggybacking off of the Thomas Square and Victorian neighborhood association meetings, and suggested using the Delaware Center as a convenient meeting location. Ald. Lanier indicated her clarity in representing her district and fighting for equity. She told residents not to participate in their own marginalization by scurrying around to get a ride outside of their neighborhood to attend a meeting, and they understood. Traffic calming was one of the top concerns in her community which has now been swept under Vision Zero, while expanding the red cup zone. |
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| 20. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Two Ford Explorers from Santee Automotive in the Amount Not to Exceed $87,952. The police department will use these vehicles for the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU). These vehicles meet the BHU's requirements and are crucial for continuing health-focused services. (SPD) | |
| Exhibit 1: Funding Verification - BHU Vehicles.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: Purchasing Notes - BHU Vehicles.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve items #15, #16, #17, #18, and #20, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager to confirm that the contractor was procured through a statewide contract, given its location in South Carolina. |
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| AGREEMENTS | |
| 21. Approval of a Water & Sewer Agreement with Godley Station Enterprises, LLC for Brookline Subdivision Phase 2. This is for a development of 47-single family homes in the Godley West service area in Aldermanic District 1. | |
| Exhibit 1: Water & Sewer Agreement - Brookline Subdivision Phase 2.pdf | |
Ald. Lanier moved to approve item #21, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 22. Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Johns Hopkins University (JHU), on behalf of its Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation (BCPI), and the City of Savannah under the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities Initiative. | |
Ald. Palumbo moved to approve item #22, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Ald. Lanier stated this is a good thing, but keep your eyes on this initiative. A lot of things have the right intent, but something happens in rolling them out that we don't move the needle. She told the City Manager she appreciates the city embarking on this. |
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| REAL ESTATE ITEMS - (CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) | |
| 23. Authorize City Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Lease and Operating Agreement with Fans First Entertainment, LLC (FFE) to govern proposed renovations/improvements and associated use of funds at Grayson Stadium. | |
| Exhibit 1 - Fans_First_-_Amendment_to_Lease_-_Approved_Draft_Jesse_Cole-signed.pdf | |
Ald. Purtee moved to approve item #23, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager to give a high-level review of this item for the public's sake, given that he individually briefed each member of Council. City Manager Melder identified two separate tranche of SPLOST VII funds earmarked for Grayson Stadium improvements which have already been collected, and he explained an amendment to the operation agreement with Fans First Entertainment for the Savannah Bananas. They are a partner with the city for asset investments. |
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| 24. Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to the Coffee Bluff Marina Lease. | |
| Exhibit 1 - Map - Coffee Bluff Marina - Street Maps.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2 - Second Amendment to Operating Agreement -.pdf | |
Ald. Purtee moved to approve item #24, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Palumbo. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| MISCELLANEOUS | |
| 25. Approval of a Major Subdivision: Edgewater New Hampstead Phase 1C. This proposed property totals 55.717 acres and will consist of 111 lots with varying lot sizes. The property is located at Little Neck Road and New Hampstead Parkway located in Alderman District 5. | |
| Exhibit 1: Plat: Major Subdivision Edgewater New Hampstead Phase 1C .pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: MPC Decision.pdf | |
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve item #25, seconded by Ald. Miller Blakely and Ald. Wilder-Bryan. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. |
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| 26. Approval of Renaming of the Savannah Cultural Arts Center at 201 Montgomery Street to the Dr. Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center in honor of former Savannah Mayor Otis S. Johnson. | |
| Exhibit 1: SIGNED HSMC Recommendation - 24-004336 - Cultural Arts Center Renaming.pdf | |
| Exhibit 2: HSMC Submittal Packet - Dr. Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center 2024.pdf | |
Mayor Johnson detailed a brief biography of former Savannah mayor Dr. Otis S. Johnson, and how they became acquainted over the years professionally and personally. Then he advised that Ald. Leggett and him pushed to name one of the city facilities after him. Mayor Johnson moved to approve item #26, seconded by Ald. Wilder-Bryan and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed, 8-0-1. Ald. Miller Blakely abstained from voting. Mayor Johnson invited Dr. Johnson to the podium. Dr. Johnson received the recognition stating he has done his best to serve this community, and he appreciated the support of the City Council. Mayor Johnson also thanked the City Manager, Joe Shearouse, and the Historic Sites & Monuments Commission. He then acknowledged the presence of Ms. Shevon (Carr) Johnson. |
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| 27. Added Item: Recognition of Earl Etheridge, Administrator for the Recreation and Leisure Services Department, for 30 Plus Years of Outstanding Service to Our Community and the Youth and Adult Athletic Program. | |
Mayor Johnson read a proclamation to recognize Mr. Etheridge for his years of outstanding service to the City of Savannah. Mr. Etheridge accepted the recognition, and Chief Community Services Officer Taffanye Young thanked him and his team for their service. |
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| 28. Added Item: Proclamation of September as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. | |
| 20240926_Proclamation in honor of Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month.pdf | |
Read into the record by Mayor Johnson. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Johnson asked the members of the City Council to entertain a motion to amend the agenda and add "this item" which he forgot to add earlier. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to add the item to the agenda, seconded by Ald. Palumbo and Ald. Leggett. The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0. Mayor Johnson then acknowledged the birthdays of Ald. Bell, Ald. Miller Blakely, and Ald. Leggett. For the added item, Mayor Johnson asked City Manager Melder to invite Mr. Wayne Nix up front on the occasion of his retirement, given this was his last City Council Meeting as the Television & Video Manager. Mayor Johnson announced that we have an award winning television station and much is attributed to Mr. Nix, whereupon there was a standing ovation and commendations extended by City Council members. Mayor Johnson announced we are under a storm alert He asked everyone to get to a safe place and avoid flooding areas. Ald. Wilder-Bryan congratulated Pastor Hall and his church who celebrated their church anniversary last Sunday. And she mentioned that on October 5th, they will be celebrating with 155 women in this city, including elected officials, clergy, law, education, community action, and nonprofits. There will also be something held at the PARC for our senior babies next Tuesday. Ald. Miller Blakely personally thanked the Civic Center staff for a phenomenal job they did on the occasion of her marriage last Saturday. She also thanked the Clerk's office for her birthday gift. Ald. Lanier extended condolences to the Bowers (her) family, so many of whom are from Hudson Hill and West Savannah. Her aunt passed away on last Friday at 105 years of age, and her birthday is the same day as the Weeping Time, March 3rd. Mayor Johnson stated Be Safe and Be Savannah Strong, then he adjourned the Regular Meeting at 3:35 p.m.
The video recording of the Regular Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url: https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=a93tZBSWoJCowCgy
Mark Massey, Clerk of Council Date Minutes Approved: ______________________ Signature: |
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