SEPTEMBER 28, 2023, 6:30 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 6:30 p.m. Mayor Johnson recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz to offer 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

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 

Chief of Staff Daphanie Williams

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Deputy Clerk of Council Margaret Fox

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda for Thursday, September 28, 2023, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was not present for the vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #2, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter was not present for the vote.

Mayor Johnson offered his apologies and indicated the Proclamation recognizing September as Hunger Action Month was originally scheduled for two (2) weeks ago, but was omitted from the agenda.

READ by Mayor Johnson and PRESENTED to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Executive Director Mary Jane Crouch.

Ms. Crouch thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and for realizing that hunger is an issue in Savannah.  She indicated the goal of America's Second Harvest is to make sure all children do not experience hunger or worry about their next meal. 

READ by Mayor Johnson and Alderman Palumbo and PRESENTED to Mediation Center Executive Director Jill Cheeks.

Ms. Cheeks announced the second annual 'Peace in the Park', Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Daffin Park from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  She thanked Mayor and City Council for the recognition and proclamation.  Ms. Cheeks announced/acknowledged the seven (7) 2022 Peace Builders Ambassadors:  Mayor Van Johnson; Ms. Lizann Roberts; Reverend Da'Henri Thurmond; Ms. Beatrice Severson; Ms. Eshanti Walker; Ms. Brittney Curry; and Reverend John Ruhl.  Each Peace Builder Ambassador received the Peace Builders Ambassador Pin.  The 2023 Peace Builders Ambassadors for 2023 will receive their Pins on Sunday at the presentation in Daffin Park, on stage, at 2:00 p.m.  Ms. Cheeks announced the elected official receiving the 2023 Peace Builder of the year is Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.

PRESENTATION by Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) Planner Anna B. McQuarrie on the findings of the Coastal Georgia Network for Regional Resilience.

Mayor Johnson thanked MPC for the outstanding work on the Findings and indicated resiliency will be equated with mankind's survival.  We need to be prepared to recognize and be prepared for the change and we need to know how to mitigate or prevent the change.

City Manager Melder thanked the MPC for their work on the Findings.

The PowerPoint presentation is on file for viewing in the Office of the Clerk of Council.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 through #12, and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 through #12, and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 through #12, and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 through #12, and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 through #12, and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 through #12, and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 through #12, and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern for several pools being closed this Summer and asked City Manager Melder if the pools will be repaired.  City Manager Melder stated the City owns four (4) pools: Daffin Park Pool; W.W. Law Pool; Tompkins Pool; and Bowles Ford Pool.  The School Board owns an additional four pools.  The City is negotiating with the School Board for an agreement to program and have life guards at the additional four pools.  The School Board recently completed a pool maintenance program for their four pools.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern for the pool located near or in Tatemville (near Staley Avenue) that was closed for the summer.  City Manager Melder indicated that pool is owned by the Board of Education and the City is negotiating now with the School Board for an agreement.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter recommended the City recruit and train staff for the pools/parks/centers before the summer months.  City Manager Melder indicated, most of the life guards transitioned from the City's swimming program to serving as a life guard at one of the City's pools.

Alderman Leggett asked City Manager Melder if the $614,829. was an estimate.  City Manager Melder answered, that figure is the precise number.  The work/repairs have been noted.  Alderman Leggett thanked Chief Young for the detailed information on keeping Council updated on the progress of the pools.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked City Manager Melder where the four (4) School Board pools are located.  City Manager Melder answered:  Jenkins High School Pool; Shuman Elementary School Pool; Brock Elementary School Pool; and Staley Avenue Pool (Haven Elementary School).

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #13, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderman Leggett, and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked City Manager Melder if the signs and meeting for the residents of Ogeecheeton and Tremont Park with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) have taken place as requested at a prior City Council meeting.  City Manger Melder indicated staff is working on scheduling a meeting and the signs will be replaced once the project is completed.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter indicated the residents of Ogeecheeton and Tremont Park are requesting temporary signs during the construction process.

Mayor Johnson indicated the project is owned by the State and permanent signs will be erected at the finish of the project.  The rights of way along the project are State-owned, temporary signs would be in the construction zone and would most likely not be allowed.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter expressed concern that the residents of the two communities should have signage for any visitors coming to the neighborhoods, since the location is adjacent to a highly traveled roadway.  Mayor Johnson indicated the residents were aware of the projects and the removal of signs prior to the beginning of construction.  The rights of way is owned by the State and  GDOT will provide the necessary signage for residents and visitors that will be safe for traffic flow.

Alderwoman Lanier acknowledged receipt from residents for temporary signage during construction.  The City should have its rights of way to place temporary signs, similar to the GDOT rights of way.  Alderwoman Lanier requested a report from traffic engineering on the amount of accidents in that area during the construction process.  

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter moved to approve Item #14, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #6 through #12, and #15, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.

Mayor Johnson discussed the issue of public safety as it relates to lighting in the City.  He explained the agreement/partnership with Georgia Power to provide an audit for lighting in the City of Savannah.

City Manager Melder indicated the agreement is necessary for the City to make continued progress for safety and quality of life goals for the residents of the City.  The audit will provide data for the City to have information where lighting is needed for safety, traffic, and crime issues.  The expense is included in the budget for now and the future.  Mr. Melder introduced Georgia Power Regional Vice President Audrey King.

Ms. King introduced two Georgia Power colleagues, Accountant Nealy Scott and Solutions Sales Manager J. Cameron Hardin.  She discussed the benefits of the lighting audit for Savannah residents and thanked Mayor and Council for the opportunity to discuss the agreement.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter requested the budgeted amount for the audit.  City Manager Melder indicated the amount is $700,000, over two years.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked how long will the audit take and what area of the City will the audit cover.  Ms. King answered, the audit will take approximately three months to complete and will cover the entire City of Savannah.

Alderman Leggett thanked Ms. King, Mr. Scott, and Mr. Hardin for the partnership and assistance during Hurricane Idalia.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan thanked Ms. King and her team for providing consistent service to the residents of Savannah.

Alderwoman Lanier asked if there will be real time reporting during the audit process.  Ms. King indicated Georgia Power is willing to provide update during the audit. 

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to approve Item #16, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously, 9-0-0.   

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Alderwoman Miller Blakely announced the Circus will be in Savannah tomorrow, hosted by Casual Cal.  The first African-American touring circus with Ring Master.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter will be the guest Ring Master.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely states she had tickets to share.  Anyone interested in the tickets can contact her or meet her at the front door at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow.  The Circus will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz invited all seniors to Seniors Night Out at Liberty City Community Center on Saturday, at 7:00 p.m., hosted by the men of Liberty City.  The cost is $10.00 per person.

Alderwoman Lanier announced Coach Ronald Booker's  dedication at 12:00 noon on Saturday at the corner of Hopkins Street & Victory Drive.  All are welcome to attend, including Beach High School Alumni and the many girls he coached at Beach High School.

Mayor Johnson thanked Assistant City Manager Heath Lloyd for working on the Lighting Up Savannah project.

After being contacted by family members, Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked for the status of street naming for Pastor Matthew Southall Brown.  Mayor Johnson indicated, right now it does not meet the requirements to be presented before Council.  The family has been notified by staff members.

Mayor Johnson wished Alderman Leggett a Happy Birthday.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter wished Alderwoman Miller Blakely a Happy Birthday, which was celebrated on Tuesday, September 26th.

Alderman Purtee announced this Saturday is the Great Savannah Day Cleanup.  Each community will have their own programs, but he invited all citizens to come out to keep Savannah beautiful.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan thanked Chief Taffanye Young, Housing Director Martin Fretty, Mayor Johnson, CHSA Director Anita Smith-Dixon, and Sherry Butler from Wells Fargo for the $100,000 check for down payment assistance and housing repairs.  There is a joint program to move children off the floor and into beds, with the Savannah Housing Authority, Earlene Davis, Executive Director; Pastor Hubbard; Livinggood's Furniture Store; and the YMCA.  There were twenty-one beds donated for the program, and the Lion's Club in Pooler donated crocheted blankets.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan announced Mayor Johnson will celebrate a birthday on October 3rd.    

Mayor Johnson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:31 p.m.

The video recordings of the Regular Meeting can be found by copying and inserting the link below in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=F3BaFjk8tUWwbyjK

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:     October 12, 2023 

Signature:   MM