SEPTEMBER 9, 2021, 2:00 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 2:13 p.m., via Zoom video communications. Mayor Johnson recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz to introduce Bishop Dorothy M Tanksley, Senior Pastor of Restoration Praise and Worship Ministries, 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:

Acting City Manager Health Lloyd

City Attorney Bates Lovett

Clerk of Council Mark Massey

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to adopt/approve the agenda as amended to add an appearance of David Singleton, Executive Director of Live Oak Public Libraries in honor of National Literacy Month and Library Card/Account Month, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson welcomed Mr. David Singleton who explained the reasoning and benefits of National Literacy Month.  He encouraged citizens to obtain a library card/account during the month by various options including a library card in person or a digital account on line.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan inquired about the possibility of Bookmobiles in the neighborhoods.  Mr. Singleton explained, at this time, the cost to maintain and operate Bookmobiles makes it impossible to reestablish the service.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan offered assistance in pursuing grants for literacy program in an effort to reinstate Bookmobiles back in the communities. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #2, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Inspired by an idea from a young person, Mayor Johnson presented and read the Proclamation outlining the founding of the City of Savannah and declared September 12th annually, as Savannah Day.  He encouraged all citizens to show love, enjoy and celebrate this Sunday as Savannah Day. 

Mayor Johnson presented and read the Proclamation.  Ms. Courtney Rawlins, President of Buy Local Savannah received the Proclamation, along with other Buy Local representatives Liz Saxton, Kristen Harkleroad, and Tiffany Ringle.

Ms. Rawlins thanked the Mayor and Council on behalf of Buy Local Savannah and it's Board of Directors.  Local businesses will find information and can apply for membership by going to www.buylocalsavannah.com to complete an application.   

Presented and read by Mayor Johnson.  He offered a moment of silence for those who suffered and lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  He asked all citizens to commemorate the day at 8:46 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2002 with a moment of silence and all houses of faith to ring their bells twenty consecutive times.

As a Public Service Announcement, Mayor Johnson recognized September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  He encouraged any citizen with suicidal thoughts or if you know someone suffering with suicidal thoughts to call the suicidal hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearing for Items #6, #7, #8 and #9.

No Speaker(s):

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #6 and #8, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Leggett moved to approve Item #6, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The  motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearing for Items #6, #7, #8 and #9.

Speaker(s) present:

• Vinay Patel, applicant – SUPPORTED
• Lucille Jackson, Vice President, Hudson Hill Neighbor Association – SUPPORTED
• Deidra L. – SUPPORTED
• Jason T. Whipple – SUPPORTED
• Joseph Polite – SUPPORTED
• Justin Maines – SUPPORTED

Written comment(s) received by:

• Tonia Miller - SUPPORTED

a.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #7, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #7 as conditioned upon a Good Neighbor Agreement, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The  motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearing for Items #6, #7, #8 and #9.

No Speaker(s):

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the alcohol hearing for Items #6 and #8, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #8, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The  motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the alcohol hearing for Items #6, #7, #8 and #9.

No Speaker(s):

a.  Alderman Palumbo moved to close the alcohol hearing for Item #9, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #9, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The  motion passed unanimously.

Alderman Purtee moved to continue/postpone Item #10 to the September 23, 2021 City Council Meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson asked if the citizens who were unable to speak at the August 26, 2021 zoning hearing in reference to a Special Use Permit for 348 Whitaker Street were in attendance or present via Zoom for comment.  After inquiring, the young lady was not available for comment; however, Clerk of Council Massey indicated her written comment was made part of the permanent record of the previous meeting.

No action taken.  Acting City Manager Lloyd stated the petitioner requested to continue Item #11 to the September 23, 2021 Meeting.

Alderman Leggett moved to continue/postpone Item #11 to the September 23, 2021 City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing for Item #12.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked if Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz would agree to continue Item #12 to the next Council Meeting to allow time to secure additional information and due diligence on the Little Neck Road impact when/if passed.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz agreed to continue Item #12 but wanted to allow any residents in chambers and via Zoom an opportunity to make comments.

Speaker(s):

• Kerrie Bieber – OPPOSED - read a list of questions.  Mayor Johnson requested the list of questions be made a part of the permanent record of the Mayor and Aldermen.
• Diane Brannen – OPPOSED
• Patrick Welsh – OPPOSED
• Commissioner Tanya Milton - OPPOSED
• Travis Burke, representing applicant – SUPPORTED
• Harold Yellin, agent - SUPPORTED

Acting City Manager Lloyd indicated staff has started and continues due diligence on the issues related to stormwater, traffic and canal access in and around Little Neck Road and Little Ogeechee Canal.  He stated thirty continuous days would be enough to complete their studies.  Mayor Johnson requested Mr. Lloyd to send proof positive to Council and Chatham County information related to the portion of the canal that bisects on Bush Road is definitively the responsibility of Chatham County.

Mayor, Council Members, Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Yellin had open discussions concerning community benefits for the residents, timing of a City Impact Fee Ordinance, current and prior campaign contributions, and the timing for continuing the vote for Item #12.

a.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #12, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.  No action taken.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to continue/postpone Items #12 and #15 to the October 14, 2021 City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted yea.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  

c.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter amended the motion to delay Items #12 and #15 until the City has established an Impact Fee Ordinance in September 2022, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted yea.  Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted no.  The motion failed, 1-8-0.  

d.  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan called for the vote.

e.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely amended the motion to continue Items #12 and #15 for sixty (60) days to allow for additional information to consider the needs and concerns of the area residents, seconded by Alderwoman Gibson-Carter.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter, Alderwoman Miller Blakely, Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Leggett voted yea.  Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz,  Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted no.  The motion failed, 4-5-0.        

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing for Item #13.

Speaker(s) present:

• Marcus Lotson, MPC representative - described the project.  MPC recommended approval.
• Nathan Pollard - Agent for Petitioner - SUPPORTED 

Written comment(s) received:

• Richard Mackin – OPPOSED

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to continue/postpone Items #13 and #16 to the September 23, 2021 City Council Meeting in order to canvas the area for resident input, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson opened the zoning hearing for Item #14.

Speaker(s):

• Heath Lloyd, Acting City Manager - described the property to be annexed from Chatham County into the City, this will bring revenue to the City from a tractor supply store currently existing on the property.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked if the owners were affiliated with Thomas & Hutton Engineering.  Mr. Lloyd indicated he was not familiar with F & A Savannah, LLC being associated with Thomas & Hutton.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to close the zoning hearing for Item #14, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

No action taken.  Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to continue/postpone Items #12 and #15 to the October 14, 2021 City Council Meeting, seconded by Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  Mayor Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Lanier, Alderman Leggett, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan, Alderman Palumbo and Alderman Purtee voted yea.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan moved to continue/postpone Items #13 and #16 to the September 23, 2021 City Council Meeting in order to canvass the area for resident input, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Johnson indicated Items #17 zoning hearing was held on August 12, 2021.  He stated the MPC recommended approval.

Alderman Leggett shared a letter from the neighborhood association with Council Members indicating no other type business can exist at this location without submitting a new special use permit for approval before Council.  Marcus Lotson, MPC Representative stated MPC is in agreement with Alderman Leggett's conditions for approval as a condition upon the motion today or as a First Reading Only today and the second reading at the next Council Meeting to allow time for MPC to formulate the language for the conditions of the special use permit.

Alderman Leggett requested Item #17 be heard as a First Reading Only. 

Alderman Leggett requested Item #18 be heard as a First Reading Only. 

After the first reading was considered the second reading and a request that an ordinance be placed and passed upon its adoption, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #19, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

No action taken.

Heard/Read for the First Reading only.

Mayor Johnson indicated the developer has signed a payment in lieu of taxes agreement with the City to help pay for the debt service on the bonds issued for the project.

Acting City Manager Lloyd indicated he provided a memo to Council based on requested information.  He explained it is a three part agreement with SEDA, Rockingham Farms, LLC and City of Savannah.  He attended a meeting with Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Miller Blakely and Director of Planning & Urban Design Bridget Lidy, and the property owners to discuss this project.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter also attended the meeting via telephone.  She indicated some residents have concerns with the project infringing on their quality of life.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked what the payments in lieu of taxes would be.  Mr. Lloyd cited examples.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #22, seconded by Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan.  The motion was approved, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #23, seconded by Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed, 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter has concerns that residents recycling items are not being collected.  Acting City Manager Lloyd explained there are some challenges with recycling pick-ups, but the City staff is working to alleviate those hurdles.  Mayor Johnson requested a larger print schedule and Mr. Lloyd informed Mayor Johnson the schedule has been enlarged from 5-1/2 "x8-1/2" to 8-1/2"x11" and doorknockers will be finalized within the week. 

Alderman Palumbo moved to approve Item #24, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz and Alderman Purtee.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Alderwoman Lanier thanked the residents of West Savannah for being patience in waiting for the New Grant Center facility.  Mayor Johnson indicated SPLOST dollars were used for the project and a listing of SPLOST unused funds will be sent to Council Members.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Acting City Manager Lloyd which SPLOST funds were used for renovations of the Mayor's office.  Mr. Lloyd informed Alderwoman Gibson-Carter he did not have the information readily available, but would provide her the information before the end of today's meeting.  Mayor Johnson indicated SPLOST V dollars were used for the renovations of City Hall.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter stated Council Chambers on the second floor and the first floor of City Hall need to be renovated.

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #25, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

Acting City Manager Lloyd confirmed Johnson-Laux Construction was a local DBE. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #26, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed 7-2-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter and Alderwoman Miller Blakely voted no.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27 through #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27 through #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27 through #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27 through #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #27 through #31, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Purtee requested a work session to review and discuss the FEMA Floodplain Mitigation Plan and the Repetitive Loss Area Analysis in more detail before a vote.  Mayor Johnson's concerns are, without approval, the City would jeopardize FEMA funding if a major event occurred (hurricane).  Acting City Manager Lloyd explained the FEMA Plan is the document the City must submit to receive the 25% discount on flood insurance for the residents.  Mr. Lloyd will answer any questions or concerns of Council Members, but stated this is the City's five-year FEMA Plan and there are no substantial changes from the previous Plan.  He recommends approval today.

There was consensus with Council Members to have a work session to further discuss the FEMA Floodplain Mitigation Plan.  

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #32, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #36, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter did not vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #36, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter did not vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Items #33 through #36, seconded by Alderwoman Lanier.  The motion passed, 8-0-1.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter did not vote.

Mayor Johnson moved to reconsider Item #36, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz, Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan and Alderman Palumbo.  The motion passed unanimously.

Acting City Manager Lloyd provided a brief overview of the fourth 2021 budget appropriation.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan asked if the City received the $65 million could those funds have assisted with paying for some of the renovation projects.  Mr. Lloyd answered any additional funds received would assist the City in renovations and capital projects.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely questioned pricing of some of the projects.  Mr. Lloyd explained some of the renovations in greater detail and the cost associated with the repairs.  Mayor Johnson indicated, some of the cost of repairs are due to the historical restorations by specific companies that specialize in historical restorations.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely stated the $65 million was not approved because they were not willing to give $7.5 million to improvised communities.

Alderwoman Lanier asked if the approved projects will be listed on the agenda for Council's approval.  Acting City Manager Lloyd stated each project will be put out for bid and then placed on the agenda with the awarded vendor for Council's approval.   

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz moved to approve Item #36, seconded by Alderman Leggett.  The motion passed, 8-1-0.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter voted no.

Alderwoman Gibson-Carter asked Mr. Lloyd which SPLOST funds were used for the second floor renovations.  He did not identify the funds, but requested additional time.

Mayor Johnson briefly described the new complex at Interchange Court and the City departments that will be relocated in the facility.

On the 25th anniversary of Mayor Floyd Adams taking office, Mayor Johnson indicated how the City will honor and remember Mayor Adams.  The new complex will be named the "Floyd Adams, Jr. City Services Complex" in memory of and to honor the first African-American Mayor of the City of Savannah.  Mayor Adams was a visionary who was dedicated and committed to serving the residents of the City.  He championed concerns of the residents such as homelessness, affordable housing, and blight, just to name a few.  He was loved and respected by the employees, who still talk about him.  He was loved and respected by all and will be remembered as a tireless and dedicated servant of the public.

Mayor Johnson thanked Pastor Marsha Buford and the West Savannah Community Association for yielding when they learned the City planned to name the new complex after Mayor Floyd Adams and withdrew naming a park after him.

Council Members offered praises and accolades to Mayor Adams for his dedicated service to residents and staff of the City of Savannah and joined Mayor Johnson in honoring Mayor Adams by naming the new City complex after the first African-American Mayor in Savannah. 

Alderwoman Lanier moved to approve Item #37, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz.  The motion passed unanimously.

Acting City Manager Lloyd responded to Alderwoman Gibson-Carter's request for additional information on SPLOST funds.  The 3rd floor renovations were done with general fund maintenance of facilities line item.  There is $5 million designated/allocated in SPLOST VII for City renovations, ($3 million in the initial SPLOST and $2 million if the SPLOST exceeds the anticipation).  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter indicated, this did not answer her questions.  She requested information concerning the renovations in the Mayor's office on the 2nd floor.

Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Lloyd to explain for the public the renovations on the 3rd and 2nd floors of City Hall.  Mr. Lloyd stated renovations were done on the 3rd floor of City Hall in an effort of move staff to alleviate outside rental/lease expenses.  There were modifications on the 2nd floor, painting, carpet, etc. similar to the 3rd floor which were paid from the general fund.  Mr. Lloyd agreed to prepare complete information on the renovations and distribute to Council Members.  Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Lloyd to include the renovations and moving of staff on the 4th floor.   

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Shabazz thanked the Guerry Lumber Company for the gift of reusable water bottles to Mayor and Council on pushing for a more sustainable City.

Alderwoman Wilder-Bryan spoke to "Free Lunch Baby" and offered to wear tee shirts for "Mother's Against Murdered Sons".

Alderman Leggett congratulated Mr. Jack Patterson on his 90th birthday and Ms. Rue Mack on her 70th birthday.  He asked everyone to pray for those Souls who we have loss in the last couple of weeks, especially, Daniel Frazier, Mr. Sidney Johnson, Ms. Elizabeth, Ms. Ben Levy, Ms. Claire T. James, and a host of others.  Black Voters Matters will sponsor COVID-19 vaccines outside at 37th & Waters Avenue, It's Amazing, Friday afternoon, September 10th. 

Alderwoman Lanier announced starting this weekend, the "Westside Fights Dirty Clean-up Campaign" will have dumpster available for residents to place tires and yard waste.

Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked all residents to be safe and mask-up.  She sends condolences to the family of Ms. Sheila Smalls who lost her battle to COVID.

Mayor and Council thanked Heath Lloyd on his last day as Acting City Manager and congratulated him on receiving his Manager designation credentials from ICMA.  Alderwoman Miller Blakely asked Mayor Johnson when Mr. Lloyd will have a ceremony to have his picture on the wall in City Hall.  Mayor Johnson indicated Mr. Lloyd was interim.  Alderwoman Gibson-Carter personally thanked Acting City Manager Lloyd for assisting her on several projects.      

Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 5:32 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=Wwa7pcLCtrtt

Mark Massey, Clerk of Council

Date Minutes Approved:   September 23, 2021  

Signature:  mm