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CITY GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison followed by the Invocation by Alderman Carol Bell.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows:
At the meeting held on the 28th day of September, 2017 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing Litigation and Real Estate. At the close of the discussions upon this subject, the Council reentered into open session and herewith takes the following action in open session:
- The actions of Council and the discussions of the same regarding the matter set forth for the closed session purposes are hereby ratified;
- Each member of this body does hereby confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge, the subject matter of the closed session was devoted to matters within the specific relevant exception(s) as set forth above;
- The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17
- The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
Upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried the agenda was amended to add item 70, the appointment of four Recorder's Court Pro-Tem Judges.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
Dr. Cheryl Dozier and staff appeared to receive the 2017 Savannah State Homecoming Parade permit.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
A Good Neighbor Agreement was signed by the petitioner and Neighborhood Association. It has been entered into the official records of Council.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman , seconded by Alderman , and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman , seconded by Alderman , and unanimously carried.
A Good Neighbor Agreement was signed by the petitioner and Neighborhood Association. It has been entered into the official records of Council.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Marcus Lotson, Metropolitan Planning Commission appeared to briefly describe the petitioner's request.
Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Ordinance read for the first time in Council September 28, 2017, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.
Ordinance read for the first time in Council September 28, 2017, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Summary discussion on Short Term Vacation Rentals of Agenda Items 15 and 16.
The Following spoke on this item:
Bridget Lidy, Tourism Ambassadorship Director
Robert McCorkle
Patrick Connell
Mike Vacquer, representing Expedia
Walt Freeman
Corey Jones, Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals
Bates Lovett
Alderman Durrence had a question about Section 10012 (d) of the revisions which reads, “For purposes of clarification, in calculating the per-ward short-term vacation rental use percentages as set forth in the zoning ordinance for the City of Savannah, all parcels with short-term rental certificate(s) which are non-owner occupied and have a Conservation, Residential, 1-R, 2-R or 3-R zoning district, including such parcels with Pre-Existing Certificates, shall be counted in determining the percentage then existing in each ward.”
Alderman Durrence questioned how we determine if pre-existing certificates are owner-occupied. Staff can identify properties with homestead exemption, not those which are owner occupied. If we are going to say not found at this time which is owner occupied, that x number of properties because person has a homestead exemption, we are automatically calling them owner occupied. We are not giving the property owners a choice and telling them they are owner occupied and that it would not count under percentage cap
If we do this that if this property owner should move, sell or come back some years later and still claim exemption from cap even though they had not been counted in cap this period of time. The cap may have been achieved during that interim period. Is the person still going to have an exemption from cap if they become a non-owner property?
Jen Herman Assistant City Attorney stated that provided the certificate is received within the six months grandfathering period, they would be subject to the cap.
Alderman Durrence said that is the problem he has with this. If we are not going to count them, they should not get exemptions. My suggestion is to change the language to say “all” parcels with pre-existing certificates count against the cap. But, any property owner who chooses can declare themselves as an owner occupied property and get an exemption from the cap. I don’t see how we can offer an exemption somewhere down the road indefinitely when not counting them as the accumulation of percentages as happening. It is essentially double dipping. We are not going to count you now, but anytime in the future, if you want to switch to non-owner occupied, you are exempt from the cap. This is not fair to the residents.
Alderman Durrence’s proposal is to change one word “such” to “all” parcels. It will be up to the property owners to request to be owner occupied and exempt from the cap. A vote was taken on this motion and it was seconded by Alderman Miller and carried as follows "voting in favor of Alderman Durrence, Miller, Johnson, Foster, and Mayor Deloach".
Voting against a motion was Alderman Thomas, Shabazz, and Bell.
A motion was made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence to approve the amended ordinance and it unanimously carried with all council members voting in favor.
Section 10012 (d): “For purposes of clarification, in calculating the per-ward short-term vacation rental use percentages as set forth in the zoning ordinance for the City of Savannah, all parcels with short-term rental certificate(s) which are non-owner occupied and have a Conservation, Residential, 1-R, 2-R or 3-R zoning district, including such all parcels with Pre-Existing Certificates, shall be counted in determining the percentage then existing in each ward.”
Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Bell, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Continued to October 26, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Johnson, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.
Alderman Thomas thanked the City Manager and staff for moving this forward. This location on Rio road has no business or resident addresses fronting it. This is the area of Rio road that when troops are deployed from Hunter or Ft Stewart they use to turn onto hwy 204 because soldiers use this road for deployment, it would be nice.
Alderman Miller stated he supports the recommendation but wanted to know the difference in his request to change the name of a small park in the Parkside neighborhood from Freeman to Mr. Delorme who was very instrumental in using this park and is now deceased. He was told by staff that it couldn't be done and he wanted to know what was the difference in this request and his request.
City Manager Hernandez stated that staff has been working on this for quite some time and it is less complicated than Alderman Miller's request. There are questions of historical significance and it cost to rename parks, squares, and streets. There is an alternative to having a separate signage that says where we honor someone on a street. He is working on a policy to include all requests and that he would bring it forth to Council by October 12th.
Alderman Johnson said he supports the recommendation and he is the other Alderman that made a similar request on 38th street. He understands the need for a comprehensive policy and look forward to the City Managers recommendation on October 12th.
Alderman Shabazz stated she supports the recommendation. She thanked Alderman Thomas and added that Hunter Army Airfield also sits in the 5th district.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.
Mayor DeLoach made the following comments:
Several weeks ago, I told you we must not just be on the right side of history, we must write the right version of history. Since them I have spoken to many citizens, attended a forum with hundreds from our community, and looked to scripture for guidance. On this issue, scripture lead me to Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1-8 which reads
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
This scripture reminds us, the seasons change, and as they change our core foundation must, and can change with the season. We must remember what follows war is peace, and while we mourn we will once again laugh. We will move forward as a city away from what divides us, to what unites us. We will drive over the iconic bridge that leads to our city that will no longer be named for a man that divided us, but for the city that we are all proud to call our home. I ask Council to join in with me to pass, and send the resolution to the General assembly, Gov. Deal, and the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Former Mayor Otis Johnson came forward to express his appreciation the Mayor and Council for advancing this resolution. He is proud of this move forward as it takes a lot of courage to stand up for what is right. He asked council for a unanimous and unified vote to send a message to our County Commissioner and our State Legislative delegation.
Alderman Foster stated in 1991 a request was made for a new name to the bridge in celebration of the growth of our city and our ports. Savannah is an international city with an international ports and travelers from South Carolina and all other states. He ask, as a council that we support this resolution which is good for our city and our state.
Alderman Johnson also thanked the Mayor and Council for advancing this resolution forward as we look not backwards but toward the future. He asked Mr. Christopher to come up to make comments.
Mr Christopher stated that he represents Span the Gap whose purpose has been geared toward the bridge renaming. He is pleased with the example the city is demonstrating today in light of what's happening around the company. It is a symbolic move and he thanked the city and those who worked on it.
Alderman Johnson said several years ago under Mayor Jackson a resolution was forwarded to our Legislative delegation. Hopefully this resolution can become a part of our 2018 Legislative Agenda.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Bell, and unanimously carried.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendtion.
Continued to October 12, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Continued to October 12, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Continued to October 12, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Upon motion of Alderman Foster, seconded by Alderman Miller and unanimously carried the Thursday, November 23, 2017 meeting was rescheduled to Tuesday, November 21, 2017 and the Thursday, February 15, 2018 meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, February 14, 2018.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendtion.
Mr. Bill Gross and Mr. Robbie Cheek of Thomas and Hutton appeared in reference to this request.
Mr John Sawyer the City Water and Sewer Director stated they are recommending approval of the petition to close Henry lane to create a single campus. The safety issue is for the city to retain an easement for the sanitary sewer line and determine the necessary width for garbage collection and emergency vehicles.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Bell, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendtion.
City Manager Hernandez made the follwoing comments:
While DBE reserves have been used in other jurisdictions to increase participation, such programs have been legally challenged in the past. Staff is recommending that Council strike the indicated language in the two sections below before approving the SBO program. DBE reserves are a small component of the proposed program, so this removal will not have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the initiative nor will it change the Savannah Business Enterprise (SBE) program that creates a sheltered market for small local firms to compete on contracts below $100,000.
The following language should be removed from the SBO Program Policy:
Section V.4
- Remove “AND RESERVES” from section title.
- Remove subsection V.4.h
- Remove subsection V.4.i
Section V.5
- Section V.5.b – Remove “In the event that no SBE responds… a DBE reserve should be established for any new solicitation.”
Section V.5.c – Remove “either” and “, or reject the response(s) and request that OBO determine whether a DBE reserve should be established for any new solicitation”
Alderman Johnson expressed concerns about the previous study and recommendation on this program and felt that we now have the ability to raise the 2% minority cap to 10%. Alderman Bell thanked staff naming Taffanye Young, Manny Dominguez, and MarRonde Lotson for their work on this project and she added that there are ways built into the program to reach small businesses to benefit them especially with the continual assistance of staff.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Bell, and carried per the City Manager's recommendation for a 2 year pilot program with the changes he outlined. Only Alderman Johnson voted No.
Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Bell, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendtion.
Withdrawn per the City Manager's recommendtion
Approved upon motion of Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Miller and carried with the following voting in favor: Mayor DeLoach, Aldermen Bell, Miller, Foster, Durrence, Thomas, Hall and Shabazz; Alderman Johnson voted against the motion.
Upon mpotion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Johnson, and unanimously carried the following were appointed as Recorder's Court Pro-Tem Judges: Attorney Willie Yancy, Attorney Chris Middleton, Attorney Bill Broker and Attorney Wendy Williamson.
Announcements
Alderman Bell invited the public to attend the annual Picnic in the Park which will take place Sunday, October 8 in Forsyth Park from 3:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Alderman Shabazz announced that she will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 in the Liberty Center Community Center at 6:30 p.m.
There being no further business, Mayor DeLoach declared this meeting of Council adjourned.
The recorded City Council Meeting is located on the City of Savannah website.
