[0:05] Mr clerk, have you please call the roll.

[0:07] Yes, sir. Mayor Johnson present.

[0:10] Unmute me. I think the mayor pro Tim in district

[0:13] five, Alderwoman Dr. Estella, Edward Shabazz, present chairman and.

[0:18] District four alderman Nick Palumbo present.

[0:21] Vice chair and district three Alder woman, Linda Wilder, Bryant. Ready?

[0:24] Let's go.

[0:25] Post one Alder woman, Carolyn H. Bell present post two Alder woman,

[0:29] Alicia Miller Blakely.

[0:31] Present district one, Alder woman Burnett B Lanier present.

[0:36] District two alderman Dietrich legged here, and district six, alderman

[0:40] Curtis purty present. Mr. Mayor, you have a quorum. Thank

[0:43] you.

[0:45] All rise.

[0:49] I call this meeting of the Savannah city council to

[0:52] order.

[0:53] Today is Thursday, September the 26th, 2004. The time is

[0:57] 2 0 4.

[0:59] PM. We would like to welcome all of the folks

[1:01] that are here in our temporary home at the board

[1:05] of education's facilities.

[1:07] And for those that are joining us, not only on

[1:10] our award-winning SG T V but also.

[1:13] On our social media channels, Savannah will be a safe

[1:16] environmentally healthy.

[1:18] And economically thriving community for all of its citizens and

[1:22] all means all.

[1:24] I advocate all today will be introduced.

[1:26] By fifth district, all the women and mayor pro tem,

[1:29] Dr. Stella, Edward Shabazz.

[1:31] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[1:36] And come to the podium.

[1:38] Today.

[1:40] Our invocate

[1:42] is a native of Savannah.

[1:45] And even more for me.

[1:47] She's a constituent.

[1:49] Of the fifth district.

[1:52] She is

[1:54] has been educated.

[1:56] In the public schools of Chatham county.

[1:59] A graduate of Savannah high school.

[2:02] She attended and graduated from.

[2:05] Savannah technical college.

[2:07] And further her education.

[2:09] By graduating with a master of divinity degree.

[2:13] From covenant, theological seminary.

[2:17] She is also

[2:18] a business owner businesswoman here in our city.

[2:23] And has been a businesswoman in our city for over.

[2:27] 20 years.

[2:30] The name for a business is left me and hugged

[2:32] me.

[2:33] Childcare center.

[2:37] Is also the co-pastor.

[2:40] Of thankful missionary.

[2:42] Baptist church and also preaches all over this city. And

[2:46] if you want to hear a word from the Lord,

[2:49] find Reverend butts somewhere.

[2:52] She is the mother of four children. I'll invocate her

[2:54] today.

[2:55] Is none other than the.

[2:58] Reverend Janice Swan.

[3:00] Butts good afternoon.

[3:03] Good afternoon, afternoon. Good afternoon. One of the most.

[3:06] Remarkable characters in the Bible.

[3:09] Was that of Solomon

[3:11] out of all the things.

[3:14] Solomon could ask the Lord for.

[3:17] He asks the Lord.

[3:19] For wisdom, let us pray.

[3:22] We ask for your wisdom.

[3:25] As we begin this meeting, dear Lord.

[3:28] We acknowledge that we need your wisdom.

[3:31] And insights and we welcome your presence among us.

[3:36] Guide us in our discussions and decisions.

[3:40] Helping us to seek.

[3:42] What is best for all involved.

[3:45] We trust in your perfect wi and ask that you

[3:49] direct this meeting.

[3:50] According to your will.

[3:53] And James chapter one.

[3:55] Fifth verse. It says

[3:57] if any one of you lacks wisdom.

[4:01] Let him or her ask God.

[4:03] Who gives generously to all.

[4:06] Without reproach and it will.

[4:09] Be given to him or her.

[4:12] We clean this promise.

[4:14] We start this meeting and trust.

[4:17] In your provision. Thank you.

[4:20] God for loving us and being with us always.

[4:25] Now, let the people say.

[4:27] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you. We will now

[4:30] honor our country.

[4:33] Our pledge allegiance to the flag.

[4:35] Of the United States of America.

[4:38] And to the Republic for which you're saying.

[4:41] One nation under God.

[4:43] Indivisible with the Liberty.

[4:45] And justice for all before we see it, I, I

[4:49] want to offer.

[4:51] An opportunity for us. We lost a great civilian.

[4:55] And the person of Mr. James Putney and everybody who

[4:59] knows him, particularly when you do the pledge of allegiance.

[5:03] You know what he meant to this community. And so

[5:06] he went from labor to award as a good soldier.

[5:09] Should.

[5:10] And we want to make sure we honor him. So

[5:12] let's honor a moment of silence. If you don't mind.

[5:24] It May's memory. Be a blessing. Thank you very much.

[5:33] Thank you. Repping butts.

[5:34] Thank you, Reverend butts. Thank you for always.

[5:37] Being everywhere all the time, always doing stuff. We appreciate

[5:40] you and appreciate your ministry.

[5:43] To our city.

[5:45] Thank you. Thank you.

[5:47] Afternoon, Mr. Mayor. Good afternoon. Are you ready, sir?

[5:51] I am want to add.

[5:54] A proclamation.

[5:57] To recognize the month of September, 2024 is brain aneurysm awareness

[6:02] month.

[6:05] So go ahead with that addition being added to our

[6:08] agenda.

[6:09] I would like to make a motion.

[6:11] For the adoption of the regular.

[6:14] Meeting agenda for September 26th, 2024, taking a motion and probably moved

[6:19] and seconded for the adoption of the regular.

[6:22] Meeting agenda with the addition for September 26th, 2024. You've heard the

[6:27] motion all in favor, indicate by saying aye. Aye.

[6:29] Aye opposed motion passes. I'd like to make a motion

[6:33] for the approval.

[6:34] Of the minutes for the work session and city manager's

[6:37] briefing.

[6:38] Held on September 12th, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

[6:44] And for the approval of the minutes for the regular

[6:47] meeting held on September 12th, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

[6:52] Then probably moved in seconded.

[6:55] That we approved the minutes for the work session and

[6:57] the city manager's briefing held on September the 12th at

[7:00] 11:00 AM and approval of the minutes of the regular.

[7:02] Meeting held on September the 12th at 2:00 PM.

[7:05] All in favor, indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed.

[7:09] Motion passes now, ladies and gentlemen.

[7:13] There's a storm out on the ocean and it's moving

[7:16] this whole way. See it, Mr. Mayor. And we're not

[7:19] gonna be here long today.

[7:20] Council. We wanna make sure that.

[7:23] In as much as we've taken care of our young

[7:25] people.

[7:26] We wanna make sure that our residents.

[7:29] And our employees get off of these Savannah streets. So

[7:33] if you all would indulge with me in that today,

[7:35] I'm sure everyone will appreciate.

[7:37] It, we wanna make sure you get home safely as

[7:40] well.

[7:41] That being said under organizational items.

[7:44] And looking at the schedule as we forecasted.

[7:47] Last year, there was gonna be a need to amend

[7:50] the 2024 city council, regular meeting agenda.

[7:53] To accommodate the national league of city city summit.

[7:57] On November the 13th and the 16th. And we're recommending,

[8:00] changing that November 14th.

[8:03] Meeting to November 7th at 2:00 PM. Mr. Mayor? Yes, sir. I

[8:06] moved to amend the in 2024 city council calendar meeting

[8:09] scheduled to accommodate the national league of city.

[8:11] City summit, thereby changing then November 14th meeting to no November 7th

[8:15] at 2:00 PM. Second second in motion and probably moved in.

[8:18] Seconded all in favor, Cape by.

[8:19] Aye opposed motion passes.

[8:26] Now we have a

[8:29] proclamation.

[8:31] Declaring October the 15th through.

[8:33] October 19th as literacy.

[8:36] Week in the city.

[8:38] Of Savannah, Georgia. And I have a proclamation to that

[8:42] effect.

[8:43] And I'll just bring them all.

[8:59] Someone here to receive this proclamation.

[9:05] Okay, well,

[9:07] you all this literacy week .

[9:11] It's it is relatively short, so I, I will read

[9:13] it.

[9:15] Whereas national literacy week has been celebrated.

[9:18] In the United States since 1998.

[9:21] And whereas literacy embarks us on an exciting journey that

[9:24] inspires knowledge and comprehensive tension.

[9:27] And whereas a well-functioning democracy.

[9:30] Requires a high level of literacy among its voters.

[9:34] And whereas ending generational poverty requires illiterate workforce.

[9:38] And where the goal of the Savannah Chatham public school

[9:41] system is to have 100% literacy among its third grade

[9:45] students. The.

[9:47] Savannah Chatham county public school system is implementing curricula based

[9:51] on the science of reading to achieve this goal.

[9:54] And whereas achieving this goal requires support from the entire.

[9:58] Savannah community now, therefore be it resolved that Ivan or

[10:01] R Johnson, the second.

[10:02] II mayor of the city of Savannah do hereby proclaim.

[10:06] October 12th through 18th.

[10:09] As literacy week.

[10:11] In the city of Savannah, Georgia.

[10:14] And I remind our residents that public education.

[10:17] Is a public responsibility.

[10:20] And we ask and encourage all of our.

[10:23] Citizens to do what they can to be a part

[10:25] of this effort. And when it's wherever I've set my

[10:29] hand and caused a seal of the city of SAV.

[10:31] To be affixed on this day.

[10:33] Let's give a round of applause for literacy.

[10:44] I have number six as recognition.

[10:47] Of the inaugural cohort of the city of Savannah's launch.

[10:51] Savannah minority business accelerator.

[10:54] We've been very, very excited.

[10:56] About this city.

[10:59] Project because for us

[11:01] as we make equity, our goal, the goal is to

[11:04] create ways to deal with the particular, rather than the

[11:07] general.

[11:08] And create ways of

[11:10] helping to create more minority led businesses in this city,

[11:14] which we know there is a deficit.

[11:16] And so the city of Savannah has taken leadership of

[11:19] creating.

[11:20] These opportunities along with some community partners. And so Mrs.

[11:25] Watson.

[11:28] Thank you, sir. Mm-hmm .

[11:32] As a point of privilege, may I invite Dr. Otis

[11:35] Johnson up? Absolutely.

[11:37] Dr. Johnson. Can you join us?

[11:44] You all can clap for my Merry y'all.

[11:59] Mayor counsel.

[12:00] It is with extreme delight.

[12:03] That I advise and report.

[12:07] That the city of Savannah's department of economic development.

[12:10] Has held its inaugural class for launch Savannah, which is

[12:14] a new minority business accelerator program.

[12:18] Developed by economic development.

[12:21] As well as in partnership with.

[12:23] The creative coast and S B a C small business

[12:26] assistance corporation.

[12:28] Lawrence Savannah is a 12 week.

[12:31] Intensive in-person only series designed to increase the participation of

[12:36] the participants.

[12:37] In business knowledge, increase their business acumen.

[12:40] And expand their business' capacity.

[12:44] They have shown

[12:45] true fortitude, an tenacity.

[12:48] By doing what is required doing the necessary work to

[12:52] successfully complete this program.

[12:54] And we are so excited.

[12:57] To report that this program.

[13:00] Which was created as a.

[13:02] Direct result of the work of the real task force.

[13:07] The racial equity and leadership task force, they made a

[13:10] recommendation in their initial report to create such a business

[13:14] accelerator for minor.

[13:15] Minorities and small businesses in our community.

[13:18] And so we did that. And so now,

[13:20] we are at the point by which.

[13:23] The first cohort is prepared to graduate.

[13:26] On October 8th.

[13:27] 2024 at the Savannah cultural arts center.

[13:33] Here in our community.

[13:35] So a few of our graduates.

[13:37] Have joined us this Mor this afternoon.

[13:40] And if, if you would allow, may I introduce them?

[13:43] Yes, please. But Dr. Johnson, do you wanna say anything?

[13:45] No. okay.

[13:49] Mahogany Bowers owner of the Y bar.

[13:57] Omar at bar.

[13:58] Swerve and serve express services.

[14:03] Amber Emerson.

[14:05] The centered vine Cherise, McCoy hall.

[14:08] Sweets and treats

[14:14] Jennifer Gogo.

[14:15] Just safety training.

[14:20] Justin Baard

[14:22] sports mode, mobile detailing.

[14:27] Todd Rhodes Royal Rhodes lawn service.

[14:34] Andrea Flowers.

[14:35] Pamper and kids play spa.

[14:41] Global groove, dance and fitness.

[14:47] Deborah Brown pulling staging by design.

[14:54] Tamika lemon Agapi and Trinity health systems.

[15:01] Will Hornsby KA

[15:06] Dr. Jamal Lawrence MD harvest health MD.

[15:13] And last, but certainly not least.

[15:16] Shea, Katherine McKee vibe check.

[15:23] These individuals have, like, as I said earlier, these individuals

[15:26] have worked truly.

[15:27] Hard to get to this point.

[15:29] And their time, dedication and fortitude to do what is

[15:32] required.

[15:34] To complete the program cannot be understated their investment of

[15:37] time in them, in themselves.

[15:40] Is remarkable. And for that, we celebrate them in this

[15:43] milestone of the first cohort.

[15:45] Of the Savannah launch, Savannah? No, of the, of the

[15:49] launch Savannah business accelerator.

[15:53] To complete its work.

[15:56] Thank you.

[16:01] So

[16:02] Mr. Nick Palumbo is the executive director of the creative

[16:06] coast.

[16:07] Which was one of our partners in this. So Mr.

[16:09] Palumbo.

[16:10] Thank you. Mayor Johnson. Thank you to the founders of

[16:13] this inaugural class. Truly. It was an experience of a

[16:17] lifetime. My first week on the job was the mayor.

[16:18] Mayor's small business conference and the very next week we

[16:22] launched this.

[16:24] Historic inaugural program and is so exciting. Now I know

[16:28] that we have a busy agenda ahead of us.

[16:30] I know we have a lot of things to cover,

[16:32] but I'd be remiss if I didn't hype and highlight

[16:34] the incredible efforts of these founders to come and see

[16:37] them at the Ben tuck.

[16:38] Tucker theater, the future to be named.

[16:40] Johnson cultural arts center.

[16:43] On October 8th at 5:30 PM, that you'll see a high energy

[16:48] showcase of the very best small businesses that are coming

[16:51] up.

[16:51] Coming out, showing up and showing out.

[16:54] Right here in Savannah, Georgia. You gotta come and see

[16:56] him. Thank you.

[17:02] Thank you so much, I think. And, and we tell

[17:05] you, we really appreciate you.

[17:07] We've learned that preparation plus opportunity equals success. That's right.

[17:13] Many people prepare, but if they don't ever have the

[17:15] opportunity.

[17:16] They can't be successful and many people.

[17:19] Have the opportunity, but they're not prepared.

[17:21] And so we charged you.

[17:24] To get prepared and be prepared.

[17:26] And we'll provide the opportunity, ladies and gentlemen, the work

[17:29] of the real task force.

[17:31] Challenged me challenged this city to do better.

[17:35] And to be able to create opportunities.

[17:37] And do it in big, exciting ways.

[17:39] And the launch initiative was proof positive of that.

[17:43] We knew that if we were created.

[17:45] That prepare people would step up. And these folks did

[17:48] now, ladies and gentlemen.

[17:50] Their business means nothing. If we don't support 'em that's

[17:52] right.

[17:54] And so we all have opportunities.

[17:56] With the monies that we have to find ways to

[17:59] now, I don't do yoga.

[18:01] I

[18:03] think about yoga, but I don't do yoga.

[18:05] But we'll, we'll find ways to really highlight them and

[18:08] lift them. And again, congratulations on this effort. We appreciate

[18:12] you and we're looking.

[18:13] Forward to hearing about your high-flying efforts.

[18:17] Coming soon. And so thank you. And congratulations. Thank you.

[18:26] Also to, to Mrs. Watson.

[18:28] Latson. Thank you for your work again. The city of

[18:31] Savannah.

[18:32] Quarterback this, it took a lot of working coordination cuz

[18:36] we hadn't done it before, but we're looking forward to

[18:39] greater.

[18:39] And bigger things. So thank you so much as well.

[18:41] My pleasure. Thank you.

[18:50] I'm number seven is something I'm very happy about. So

[18:52] I'm gonna stay up here so I can celebrate myself.

[18:55] it's an appearance by the city of Savannah's amazing

[18:58] human resources staff in recognition of human resources.

[19:03] Professional day.

[19:06] And as they come up.

[19:18] One of the greatest

[19:20] achievements in my professional life is being a human resources

[19:25] professional.

[19:27] And in the 30 years that I've served in this,

[19:30] I'm now.

[19:31] Well, still

[19:33] internationally certified.

[19:36] Through Sherm.

[19:38] As a SCP as a S P H R what?

[19:42] H R I C and.

[19:46] And the international personal management association, which changed their name

[19:50] to something else. Right.

[19:53] And I'm a SCP certified senior.

[19:56] Something with them.

[20:00] Thank you certified.

[20:02] Let me tell you that you can judge an organization

[20:06] by the strength of its human resource department, right? Yeah.

[20:08] Human resources department.

[20:10] They are the people, people, they are the people who

[20:13] take care of the people who take care of us.

[20:16] They're the people who see you when you come. And

[20:18] they're the people who see you.

[20:20] When you go and it's important about how they treat

[20:23] you when you go.

[20:25] And so I've had the ability to be affiliated with

[20:29] this department through my years on council and as a

[20:32] colleague, even.

[20:32] Before. And so we're very excited about the work that

[20:36] our human resources department continues to do.

[20:39] To be, to make sure that we have the best

[20:41] we are doing the best, not only for our employees,

[20:43] but also advancing the profession. So I don't know. Who's

[20:46] first, Mr. Melder.

[20:47] But you're not a HR person. I might let Mr.

[20:50] Durango's first .

[20:53] I'm not an HR person.

[20:56] But you're I mayor you know, everything that we do

[20:58] in this organization is driven by people.

[21:01] And what do we say? Great public.

[21:03] Service begins with great public servants. Right. And.

[21:06] This is the team that makes sure that we go

[21:09] on and recruit and retain and promote and train.

[21:12] Our great public servants and they're a wonderful.

[21:15] Group and I'm gonna let.

[21:18] Jeff do the talking and I just wanted to congratulate.

[21:21] Jeff and the human resources team and our organizational development

[21:25] team, cuz this week was what I effectionately call the

[21:28] city manager prom.

[21:30] ICMA. It was annual event. It happened this year in

[21:34] Pittsburgh and Jeff and team gave a wonderful presentation. It

[21:38] was.

[21:38] Just about the city of Savannah's.

[21:41] HR program and professional development program.

[21:43] Programs attended by about a hundred folks and was well

[21:46] received and they did a wonderful job.

[21:48] Representing our city and talking about the story that we

[21:51] do every day. So great job, Jeff. Great job.

[21:54] Team. And let me hand it over to Jeff Grant. Absolutely.

[21:59] Thank you.

[22:02] Good afternoon. Good afternoon, mayor afternoon and Alder women Alder

[22:06] men.

[22:07] Jeffrey Grant human resources, director, city of Savannah.

[22:10] As you all know today is.

[22:12] HR professional day, I've been in.

[22:20] And the fortunate thing is it falls on a council

[22:22] meeting day. So I think this is the first time.

[22:25] Since I've, I've been here, but.

[22:27] Just to say a few words.

[22:29] You know, this day, the city of Savannah, we, we

[22:33] honor our office of human resources.

[22:35] For the important work that they do.

[22:37] To support all city employees and retirees.

[22:42] HR professionals, help employees adapt to an ever-changing and competitive

[22:45] environment.

[22:46] While responding to workplace needs and economic challenges.

[22:51] These professionals.

[22:53] Our professionals.

[22:55] Enable positive organizational development.

[22:58] Serve as strategic partners.

[23:01] To meet public service goals by recruiting.

[23:04] And retaining qualified diverse candidates for employment.

[23:08] Recognizing our standing employee achievements.

[23:12] Projecting trends in the market.

[23:14] Providing work for workforce planning.

[23:17] And developing equitable compensation and benefit structures.

[23:22] We also facilitate change management.

[23:25] And preserve the integrity of the organization.

[23:28] By ensuring compliance.

[23:30] With our state and federal laws.

[23:33] Our professionals are HR professionals.

[23:35] Serve as leaders, business strategists.

[23:39] Problem solvers, talent developers, culture, cur curators.

[23:46] Advocates while displaying integrity.

[23:49] And dedication.

[23:51] To foster an environment where all employees can grow.

[23:54] And contribute meaningfully.

[23:57] These professionals live their mission. This is our mission.

[24:01] That we live every day that we talk about in

[24:03] our staff meetings that we, that we talk about.

[24:06] Amongst each other.

[24:08] Is that we live a mission daily by enhancing organizational

[24:11] decisions.

[24:12] That depend on and impact people.

[24:15] By listening.

[24:17] Engaging attracting.

[24:20] Developing and supporting

[24:22] one public servant.

[24:24] At a time.

[24:27] At this time, I am deeply grateful for my team.

[24:30] For their dedication and the impact.

[24:33] They have on our success as team Savannah.

[24:37] So today we all administrative team myself.

[24:42] Proudly recognize my team.

[24:45] And the invaluable contributions.

[24:47] To the city of Savannah.

[24:49] Their work enables us to meet our public service goals.

[24:52] By fostering a dynamic and diverse.

[24:55] Workforce it's for this reason.

[24:58] We call this human resources.

[25:00] Professional day. Thank you.

[25:08] And just some real quick stats in the last three

[25:12] and a half years.

[25:14] My team has sourced and facilitated.

[25:17] Nearly 45,000.

[25:19] Applications to team Savannah. Awesome. Yeah.

[25:28] My, my team is facilitated.

[25:31] Nearly 38,000 training hours across the organization.

[25:42] They've processed.

[25:43] Nearly 25.

[25:46] Over 25,000 actions. That's how you get paid. That's how

[25:49] you get that money.

[25:52] And then last but not least, certainly more things I

[25:54] could say, but they have hired.

[25:57] Over 1600 individuals in the last three and a half.

[26:01] Years in teen, Savannah.

[26:07] So real quick, I'm gonna introduce my team here.

[26:12] I have Ms. Brittany Norman, as you all know. Yes.

[26:16] Ms. Brittany Norman is our learning and development.

[26:20] Manager. And then we have Ms. LaMeisha Estelle.

[26:24] Yes.

[26:27] Miss LaMeisha is our HR business partner.

[26:30] And then we have miss Lynette major who is new

[26:33] to our team.

[26:37] Miss, miss Lynette is my, my right hand. She's my

[26:40] senior administrative assistant.

[26:42] And then we have miss miss Lana Shava.

[26:50] Ms. Smith. Lana is our project.

[26:51] Manager. And then we have Ms. Toy Duncan.

[26:58] Toy is our employee relations coordinator.

[27:02] And they Ms. Christina Chandler. Yay, Christina.

[27:08] And you all probably wondering cuz miss Christina was my

[27:10] senior administrative assistant, but Christina was just promoted.

[27:13] Yes. Yes.

[27:17] So Christina's our learning and learning coordinator in learning and

[27:22] development.

[27:24] And then we have miss Tanya Jones.

[27:29] Who's serving. Who's serving as our interim assistant director and

[27:33] been with the city nearly 20.

[27:34] Years. Wow.

[27:38] And then we have Ms. Tiffany Martin.

[27:44] Tiffany Martin was recently promoted to.

[27:48] Assistant director of human resources. Hi.

[27:51] Congratulations.

[27:54] And we have Ms. Adetra Ortiz.

[28:00] Many of you all know Cadera from human human services,

[28:03] but Cadera is actually the first ever city of Savannah.

[28:07] Recruiter for human resources.

[28:14] And we have miss Kay king. Yeah.

[28:20] I came and serves as our HR technician.

[28:23] And then we have Mr. Matt Nichols.

[28:25] Yes.

[28:29] Matt serves as our acting.

[28:31] Compensation and data manager.

[28:34] And then we have miss Tanisha Perry.

[28:40] And miss Tanisha is serving as our acting.

[28:43] Talent manager.

[28:45] And then we have Ms. Stephanie Levert.

[28:53] And Stephanie serves as our HR technician. You all give

[28:57] a hand, this.

[28:57] Is the officer human. I say resources. Yes.

[29:08] Mr. Grant. Thank you. And.

[29:10] To T M H R. Thank you for yes, your

[29:13] leadership. The other thing that I wanted to.

[29:15] Highlight about a good HR department is that you tell

[29:20] them about how many fires they put out that you

[29:21] never see. Mm. And so thank you.

[29:24] All for your work in being able to do that.

[29:27] Thank you, Mr. Mayor? Yes.

[29:30] Where where's Porter does she still work?

[29:33] In HR.

[29:36] I don't know.

[29:39] Trail Porter.

[29:40] You still in here? Oh, yes.

[29:43] We wanna mention her name too. Then I have a

[29:45] proclamation that I'm going to read just into the record

[29:48] regarding.

[29:49] A brain aneurysm awareness month.

[29:52] And just reads and I'll read it.

[29:54] In part, whereas a brain aneurysm is an abnormals or

[29:58] fusiform bulging of artery, the brain, whereas it's estimated.

[30:02] One out of every 50 individuals in the United States has

[30:06] a brain aneurysm.

[30:07] Brain aneurysms are most likely to occur in individuals between

[30:11] the ages of 35 and 60.

[30:14] Brain aneurysms are more likely to occur in women.

[30:17] Than in men by a three to two ratio.

[30:20] And whereas young and middle-aged African-Americans have a higher risk.

[30:24] A brain aneurysm growth rupture compared to Caucasians in the

[30:28] United States.

[30:30] And whereas various risk factors contribute, contribute to the formation

[30:34] of a brain aneurysm, including smoking.

[30:36] Hypertension and a family history of brain aneurysms.

[30:41] A hemorrhage can lead to brain damage, stroke and death.

[30:45] Each year, more than 30,000 individuals in the United States suffer

[30:49] from ruptured brain aneurysms, 50% whom die as a result.

[30:54] And whereas early detection of brain aneurysms can save lives.

[30:57] Various research.

[30:59] Studies are currently being conducted in the United States.

[31:02] In order to understand better prevent and treat brain aneurysms.

[31:06] And whereas the brain aneurysm foundation, a non-profit organization.

[31:11] Remains a globally recognized leader in brain aneurysm awareness.

[31:15] Education support advocacy and research funding.

[31:18] Now, therefore be it resolved at Ivan R Johnson. The

[31:22] second mayor of the city of Savannah do hereby proclaim

[31:24] the month of September, 2024.

[31:27] As brain aneurysm awareness month in the city of Savannah,

[31:30] Georgia.

[31:31] And urge all citizens in Savannah, Georgia.

[31:34] To take conce of this event and participate filling in

[31:37] its observance.

[31:38] And witness where I've set my hand and caused the

[31:41] seal of the city of Savannah to be affixed on

[31:43] the first day of, of September.

[31:46] Thank you very much for that.

[31:49] Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me.

[31:51] Absolutely pleasure. I'm going to move some things around in

[31:53] the agenda.

[31:57] Just because it's probably more appropriate now.

[32:01] I wanna move to item number 26.

[32:04] We have sitting in here has already been recognized.

[32:08] One of the most accomplished.

[32:10] Lives and service that our city has ever known.

[32:13] And that is in the person of Dr. Otis, Samuel Johnson.

[32:17] Yeah.

[32:19] Native savannahian through and through.

[32:21] 1960 graduate of AE beach high school.

[32:25] After attending Savannah state university, he speaks about it in

[32:29] his book.

[32:31] There was a move to go to.

[32:33] Integrate Armstrong. And when he turned around,

[32:37] he was the only one that was there.

[32:40] Yet. He was the first.

[32:42] Black graduate of Armstrong.

[32:45] State college now, Georgia Southern university.

[32:52] Also served in

[32:54] our nation's armed services.

[32:56] Earned degrees from Armstrong state college or university of Georgia.

[33:01] He was the first African-American the black African-American from Savannah

[33:05] to graduate from there.

[33:07] Earned a masters from Clark, Atlanta, and a PhD from

[33:11] Brandeis university, his dedicated his.

[33:16] Entire life to addressing the issues of the lease, the

[33:20] last, the loss, the lockdown, and the lockdown and our.

[33:23] Society. I came upon him.

[33:26] As a young person attending the Savannah state.

[33:30] College at the time where he was a professor.

[33:34] Training social workers and social scientists to go out and

[33:37] be great in the world and make the world greater.

[33:41] Later on we reconnected.

[33:43] Through his time as he worked with me, I worked

[33:46] for him at the.

[33:48] Savannah Chatham, Savannah youth futures authority.

[33:51] Where he took over this massive project by the Annie

[33:55] Casey foundation.

[33:56] To be able to improve outcomes in an area that

[33:59] was known as area C.

[34:02] He took this project on.

[34:04] And I had the pleasure of working with him as

[34:07] a youth advocate for a few years before he fired

[34:10] me. but.

[34:12] No, he didn't fire me. I was laid off. There

[34:14] was a reduction in size. I was the last hired.

[34:17] I'm not mad about it.

[34:20] Not right now. Anyway, you read about that in my

[34:22] book.

[34:23] But then

[34:26] he is one of the few individuals in our community

[34:29] that has had the.

[34:31] Pleasure of serving not only.

[34:34] As city hall, but also serving as a member of

[34:37] the board of education. He served as the second district

[34:41] alderman.

[34:41] He served as a second district school board member and

[34:44] he has served as Savannah 64th mayor.

[34:48] As we've talked about before. And as I said, publicly,

[34:51] I'm tired of waiting until people pass away to give

[34:53] them their roses.

[34:55] I'm tired of us waiting as a community to say,

[34:58] Ash is the ashes. When we should say roses to

[35:00] roses, there are people in our community.

[35:03] That have met a lot. I will tell you as

[35:05] being the first district Baldwin.

[35:07] In in 2004, I would not be the mayor today,

[35:11] if it was not for his leadership, for his mentoring

[35:14] and certainly for his tutelage.

[35:16] So therefore myself and then alderman Dietrich, Leggett pushed to

[35:21] be able to name.

[35:23] One of our precious city buildings.

[35:26] After our 64th mayor.

[35:28] We've named the Adams center after Floyd Adams.

[35:32] That was important because of his place in our community.

[35:36] But we needed to do something for him. And more

[35:38] importantly, do it when he could see it done.

[35:41] So ladies and German, I move and you not don't

[35:44] do it often. I'm gonna move on this one that

[35:46] we name.

[35:48] The cultural arts center or the aforementioned cultural.

[35:53] Arts center as

[35:56] the

[35:58] Dr. Otis S Johnson cultural arts center. Second, second.

[36:04] Yeah, it's been properly moved and seconded.

[36:10] Would you like, say something doc, before we move this,

[36:12] you might as well come on. Let's come on, come

[36:14] on, come on, come on. Come I'm.

[36:15] Abstaining needs to carry the money. It has been properly

[36:18] moved and seconded. You have something to say question. Pardon

[36:22] me? You already did it.

[36:23] You made the motion. I made the motion. It was

[36:25] seconded. Second. It was already seconded. You weren't her to

[36:27] carry through the, no, I'm gonna carry it and done.

[36:30] I'm carrying this.

[36:31] Some things you just gotta do yourself. It's been properly

[36:34] moved and seconded that we named the Savannah cultural arts

[36:38] center.

[36:39] In honor of this great sedan, certainly.

[36:42] Who will go down as one of the greatest soans

[36:45] who has ever lived.

[36:47] Is with all in favoring, the Cape by saying aye.

[36:50] Aye. Opposed? Abstain. All right. Motion passes.

[36:54] Eight to eight to zero one abstention.

[36:57] Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much.

[36:59] Dr. Otis S Johnson.

[37:17] There is a saying

[37:21] to whom much is given.

[37:24] Much is required. That's right, sir.

[37:28] And I'm a product.

[37:30] Of this community.

[37:32] And I've done my best to serve this community.

[37:36] All of my life.

[37:38] And this is a great honor today.

[37:42] And I appreciate the support.

[37:44] Of the city council.

[37:46] Especially my friend, the mayor who.

[37:50] Came to me and said, would you.

[37:52] Accept this, if it was given.

[37:55] And what was I going to say? .

[37:58] And then to have

[38:01] second district alderman Liggett.

[38:04] Be a part of this and the rest of the

[38:06] council.

[38:07] I thank you for your vote.

[38:09] Or even thank you for your.

[38:14] Sustaining extension mm-hmm because I've done the best I

[38:18] could.

[38:18] I'm still trying and the old man ain't done yet.

[38:37] Good job, Jay mm-hmm . I want to thank Mr

[38:39] manager. Thank you. So.

[38:41] Much Mr. Joe, she thank you.

[38:43] And to the sites and monuments commission.

[38:46] Thank you for your work on this. We will let

[38:48] the entire community know we're going to have a major

[38:51] celebration when we actually have the formal.

[38:55] Naming of it. We have some, it's a lot of

[38:57] letters we have to add into that building. So we

[38:59] will be doing that. And we recognize us. We recognize

[39:02] Ms. Chev.

[39:02] Chevon Johnson. Good to see you, man. Thank you.

[39:09] Item.

[39:10] Number 27 is another opp great opportunity to recognize.

[39:15] A great savannahian someone who has served.

[39:19] Long in anybody. I know mm-hmm .

[39:22] Someone who has meant the world.

[39:26] To children for decades.

[39:29] And decades and decades.

[39:33] With Mr. Earl Etheridge.

[39:36] Administrator for recreation and Legion services.

[39:54] This is Superman here. Okay.

[39:58] Whereas Earl Etheridge was born and raised in Attmore.

[40:02] Alabama mm-hmm and attended Acaia county high school.

[40:07] Excelling in multiple sports.

[40:09] And earning a football scholarship to Auburn university.

[40:14] And later a baseball scholarship to the university of Southern

[40:17] Mississippi.

[40:18] Where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1962.

[40:22] And whereas Earl Etheridge began his teaching and coaching career

[40:25] in 1963.

[40:27] At Savannah high school, teaching coaching and mentoring Savannah youth.

[40:31] And whereas his baseball teams won regional championships.

[40:35] Each of the four years he coached.

[40:38] And where he received several coach of the year awards.

[40:40] Winning multiple regional titles.

[40:43] And whereas Earl Etheridge was hired as the athletic administrator

[40:47] for the city of Savannah's park and recreation department.

[40:50] In 1995.

[40:52] Overseeing all athletic programs for the city of Savannah.

[40:57] Including managing youth and adult sports leagues.

[41:00] Sports tournaments and clinics and working with athletic staff volunteers.

[41:05] Officials associations, coaches and parents.

[41:09] And whereas Earl Etheridge served as the city of Savannah's

[41:11] liaison.

[41:13] Coordinating area sports programs and events within the district and

[41:17] state.

[41:17] And wherever he is recognized throughout Savannah.

[41:20] And the state of Georgia and this nation for its

[41:23] leadership.

[41:24] Commitment and strong advocacy for youth sports.

[41:27] And whereas Earl Etheridge has served as athletic.

[41:31] Administrator for the city of Savannah for 29 years.

[41:35] Where he has demonstrated unwavering dedication.

[41:38] Leadership and commitment to the athletic department.

[41:40] And where he has impacted the lives of countless individuals.

[41:45] And therefore we celebrate Earl Etheridge years of outstanding service

[41:49] to the city of Savannah.

[41:50] And thank him for his countless contributions to the youth

[41:53] and families, to this of the Savannah community, where he

[41:57] will always be known everybody.

[41:59] Say as coach Etheridge, coach Etheridge and witness thereof.

[42:04] I van R Johnson, the second mayor of the city

[42:06] of Savannah, if adhered to set my hand and cause

[42:08] a seal of the city of Savannah.

[42:10] Georgia to be a fake, sir. It is my absolute

[42:13] honor.

[42:14] To thank you to celebrate you and to congratulate you

[42:17] for all you've done for all of us.

[42:27] Thank you.

[42:29] I hope that I do a deserve get this award.

[42:33] But my wife and I crossed the.

[42:35] Georgia line 61 years ago.

[42:38] And we never went back.

[42:40] And I appreciate the, the privilege of being able to

[42:44] work in the city of Savannah.

[42:46] Thank you very much. So coach yes. Blue jackets.

[42:53] Blue jackets.

[42:55] I just want to say.

[42:58] The city manager said earlier, great public service begins with

[43:01] great public servants.

[43:04] It has been my privilege. And honor to know you.

[43:07] I want to thank you for.

[43:09] Every single child.

[43:12] Every parent, every spectator, every coach.

[43:15] Every cheerleader, every staff person.

[43:19] That you have touched.

[43:23] And their parents that you have touched as well. Cuz

[43:27] I know you've been here as long as I've been

[43:28] here. Just, just about.

[43:31] You've done a tr a tremendous amount of work.

[43:34] For the city of Savannah for the community.

[43:37] And it's so important that we honor you and I

[43:39] hope you feel.

[43:41] The love and the respect.

[43:43] And the gratitude that we truly feel for you.

[43:46] Coach Etheridge. Yeah. Enjoy your retirement. I know that you

[43:51] are going to be hanging out with your wife. Now

[43:52] we're giving you back to her.

[43:54] oh yeah, she's gonna have to get used to

[43:57] you being around, but remember now,

[43:59] we still have that big old volunteer program that you

[44:01] created. So .

[44:03] We're happy to have you come back. .

[44:06] All right. Thank you so much. And thanks to your

[44:08] team as well.

[44:13] Thank you all so much.

[44:18] Go Kevin. .

[44:20] Gotcha.

[44:35] Okay. We will now move to alcohol.

[44:39] License hearings.

[44:41] And I have some comments.

[44:43] And I want to be very clear about, I will

[44:45] take the first two first and then we'll deal with

[44:47] the third.

[44:49] First to deal with.

[44:51] A is approval of a class G complimentary beer.

[44:55] And wine by the drink, alcohol license.

[44:58] To Parma una for fire tea, clothing store located at

[45:03] 1 0 9 east Broon street. Located.

[45:06] Between west Broughton, I mean, sorry, Whitaker and Barnton streets

[45:09] and automatic district two.

[45:11] And item number nine is approval of a class C

[45:13] beer and wine by the drinking class E beer and

[45:15] wine by the package alcohol license with Sunday sales to

[45:18] Keith.

[45:19] Butts for Thompson, Savannah.

[45:22] Steve adore bakery, a restaurant located at 4 0 2 passageway in

[45:26] district two. This is a public hearing regarding these items.

[45:29] Does anyone have anything against these licenses?

[45:34] Specific to these licenses, Mr. Mayor, going once.

[45:40] Going twice.

[45:42] Speaking now of a hold that piece, Mr. Mayor. Yes,

[45:45] sir. Actually we close the hearing second, second, and probably

[45:47] moved in seconded.

[45:49] All in favoring the gate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed?

[45:52] Motion passes. IEM number eight, alderman legged. Yes, sir. Mr.

[45:55] May I ask that we approve the class G Compli.

[45:57] Complimentary beer and wine by the drink, alcohol license for

[46:01] PERMA.

[46:02] And the closing store clothing store located at 1 0 9 west

[46:05] broad street, second, and probably moved in second, all in

[46:08] favor in the Cape by sang. Aye. Aye. Aye. Oppose.

[46:11] Motion passes. I am number nine. Alderman Leggett. Yes, sir.

[46:14] Accident. We approve the class C beer and wine by

[46:16] the drink.

[46:17] And a class E beer and wine by the package.

[46:20] Alcohol license was Sunday sale to Keith butts for Thompson

[46:25] Savannah. Second second, and probably move the second. All the

[46:27] favor in the KPAC Sangai aye. Aye. Oppos.

[46:29] Motion passes. I am. Number 10 is approve of a

[46:32] class E.

[46:33] Beer and wine by the drink, alcohol license.

[46:37] To Britney Claude for Aldi. Number eight, nine number 84

[46:40] grocery store located at 1651 east victory drive.

[46:44] This establishment is located between Wicklow street and Dixie avenue.

[46:47] In automatic district three, we have a couple of people

[46:50] that wanted to make comments. Let me be very clear

[46:53] upfront.

[46:54] So there are no misgivings or misunderstandings. This is regarding.

[46:58] This particular establishment.

[47:00] And, and this is particular establishment.

[47:03] And it must be relevant to this particular establishment.

[47:06] So I'm just letting you all know now. So everybody's

[47:08] real clear.

[47:09] So that being said, there's public hearing is open. Mr.

[47:13] Clerk, you have two minutes.

[47:15] I can't well, okay. I can, oh, I can set.

[47:17] Okay. I have one as well. So there you go.

[47:19] Thank you. So we have Cherice Williams then follow.

[47:23] Followed by Rashida Edwards.

[47:31] You would just say your name and then your address.

[47:34] And then we would start the clock. Okay. I'm good

[47:36] afternoon. My name is Cher.

[47:38] Charice Williams. My address is 29 0 7.

[47:40] Steven street, Savannah, Georgia, 31,405.

[47:44] And my question to the council was how is it

[47:46] that.

[47:47] Audis is being granted this particular license in their place

[47:52] directly next to an establishment. An African-American.

[47:55] Establishment that it's owned by somebody in Savannah and they

[47:59] weren't able to get any kind of licensure to.

[48:01] Further their revenue and sales for their company.

[48:04] And ALDs, which is an outside source is able to

[48:06] come into our community and do the same. And what

[48:08] do we say into the future?

[48:11] Persons who want to open an establishment and they may

[48:13] need this type of licensing and they're a minority and

[48:15] they're not a multi-billion dollar company. And then we just

[48:18] granted one.

[48:19] To a clothing store that's located right down west.

[48:21] Was Martin street. I just need an explanation as a

[48:24] citizen of Savannah.

[48:25] Well, I, I, that, that your comments ma'am. Yes, sir.

[48:29] Okay. Well, each use is different. This is a different

[48:32] use. A grocery store is different than a.

[48:34] Bar is different than a clothing store. So relative to

[48:37] this, each license stands on its own and not compared

[48:40] to another one. So this is the grocery.

[48:42] Store the use is found to be appropriate for what

[48:46] it is, is brought to council. Council has the opportunity

[48:49] to vote. They might vote up or they might.

[48:50] Vote down. Thank you very much.

[48:55] Rashid.

[48:56] Rashida Edward.

[49:06] Good evening.

[49:07] Good afternoon. My name is afternoon. My name is Rashida

[49:11] Edwards. My address is 1901 Mitchell street.

[49:14] I'm gonna be reading this again. Good, good evening. Marion

[49:18] counsel.

[49:18] My name is Rashida Edwards, as most of you know,

[49:20] I'm the owner of vintage special event center and also

[49:23] a tax paying citizen of the city of Savannah. I

[49:26] would like to bring to your.

[49:27] Attention, the unfair and discriminatory, discriminatory practice.

[49:30] Mandatory practice by this council when it comes to granny

[49:33] alcohol licenses to black-owned businesses.

[49:36] And personally engaging with other business owners.

[49:39] I've gotten a lot of feedback.

[49:43] That they've had to go through extenuating.

[49:47] Situations with councilmen.

[49:48] And directors to try to get to where all these

[49:52] is right now.

[49:53] On that strip of victory drive, we have three other

[49:56] grocery stores that sell produce.

[49:58] And alcohol. My question is in one district.

[50:01] Why do we need another, a half mile down the

[50:04] road? There's food lion that does the same thing.

[50:07] How many times are we going to continue to grant

[50:08] these licenses?

[50:10] In districts where other first of all, the first district

[50:12] doesn't even have a grocery store due to outdated ordinances

[50:16] and modern day redlining.

[50:18] Tactics, but anyway,

[50:21] but the residents of that area, when I spoke to

[50:23] them,

[50:24] they've asked for fine dining restaurants. They've asked for things

[50:28] like that in that area.

[50:30] But we are here again with the, just as a

[50:32] young lady before me established the business next door.

[50:35] Has been denied multiple times, but we're looking at adding

[50:38] another grocery store.

[50:40] To that strip to sell alcohol. Why is that needed?

[50:44] I mean, how many grocery stores do we need in

[50:46] one district to sell alcohol and produce?

[50:50] Thank you. Thank you.

[50:52] Oh, that was a question. Well, I mean, as many

[50:54] as people want to invest money and invest their money

[50:57] in, well, as far as council approving license.

[51:00] How many licenses are we going to approve in one

[51:02] district?

[51:03] For the same type of business? Well, I, I think

[51:04] if you look at it, the, the victory drivers at

[51:07] major strip.

[51:08] A major corridor, their businesses, all type. They run the

[51:12] gamut of victory drive.

[51:14] So, thank you very much. The council is within the

[51:16] council's purview. Thank you very much.

[51:18] Mr mayor. One second. Ma'am.

[51:22] Hollis Mitchell.

[51:25] I didn't know it was another one.

[51:32] I need name. My name is Hollis Mitchell. I live

[51:34] 1 0 9.

[51:34] Square five court. My question to you, Mr. Mayor and

[51:38] counsel.

[51:39] Just nine months ago.

[51:41] You guys say that y'all went to the community, which

[51:45] alderman Bryant said she went to the community and the

[51:47] community did not want no more alcohol.

[51:49] In that community. So beating Nicole, couldn't get the alcohol

[51:53] license.

[51:53] Now nine months later, we went back to the community

[51:56] and they, they agreed. Cause I want to know how

[51:58] they get the alcohol license. When you just said the

[52:00] community didn't want it.

[52:04] City council.

[52:06] Mr mill.

[52:08] Did y'all say y'all didn't want it. The community didn't

[52:10] want it. Now they getting alcohol license.

[52:13] That's the spread that come to blacks, we just push

[52:15] the gold line back.

[52:20] Engine comments, sir, I guess there's no comment. Eh, pretty

[52:23] much. Thank, thank you very much, everybody. See.

[52:25] You all the time. All right. Thank you very much.

[52:31] I believe we have one more, one more.

[52:35] Andre Coney Coney.

[52:45] Is my hi. I'm Andre Coney. Hello, miss Coney. How

[52:48] you doing? Yeah, it's my brother said just a second

[52:50] ago.

[52:50] You know,

[52:53] about beating a cold, not having a license in the

[52:55] oldies. Yeah. With liquor store right on the corner.

[52:58] You have Krogers and you have whole foods.

[53:01] Why is it? Why is it the same thing when

[53:03] it come to us?

[53:07] I'm sorry, sir.

[53:09] What, what is it when it come to us?

[53:13] Because, you know, they all show us every day.

[53:16] Y'all show us every day.

[53:19] And you, you, you're not gonna tell us that it's

[53:20] not about race. It's about race because being the cold

[53:23] is black.

[53:24] They're different uses, sir.

[53:26] Excuse me. There's a difference between a grocery store. Alcohol

[53:29] is alcohol. No, sir. No, sir. The law, the law,

[53:32] the law.

[53:34] Makes different distinctions between the types of uses. Oh, is

[53:36] it? Yes, sir. Okay. Then.

[53:38] Thank you. Thank you.

[53:41] Any other comments, motion to close. Yes, sir. I make

[53:44] a motion that we close the hearing, please. Second.

[53:46] And probably moved them second. All in favor of the

[53:48] Cape. Aye. Aye. Oppose.

[53:50] Motion passes comments from counsel.

[53:55] Mr mayor. Yes, ma'am.

[53:57] We pride ourselves.

[54:00] On equity in the city.

[54:03] But where is the equity?

[54:06] For that small black business right next door.

[54:10] To Aldi.

[54:12] Those people spent.

[54:16] Hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[54:19] To get their business up.

[54:21] And now here we have a grocery store.

[54:24] That's coming into our city. That's already here.

[54:27] Built from the ground up.

[54:30] And they got a liquor license.

[54:32] A alcohol license.

[54:34] With no problems.

[54:37] They're gonna get it today. Y'all can bet y'all can

[54:40] bank on. They're gonna get that license today because you

[54:42] got five people up here. That's gonna vote for 'em.

[54:45] But when are we going to give the equity?

[54:47] To the small black businesses.

[54:50] Such as be Nicole.

[54:52] Such as the vintage.

[54:54] That's in a overlay that we have been asking about.

[54:58] For months.

[55:00] To lift the overlay so that these black businesses could

[55:03] have the opportunity to have that economic driver.

[55:07] That other

[55:09] establishments have in the city and I'm talking to the

[55:11] council now.

[55:13] When we going to do what we need to do

[55:15] as a council.

[55:16] When you look at this city.

[55:19] Out of almost 600.

[55:22] 600.

[55:24] Liquor licenses in this city.

[55:28] I have a question city manager.

[55:31] How many of them

[55:33] are owned by African Americans.

[55:35] African-Americans African. Could you answer that question for me right

[55:38] now? I don't believe I can answer that question for

[55:41] you right now. I don't think you've sent some data.

[55:43] Judy Jones is here. She should be.

[55:44] Able to answer that question. I believe.

[55:46] I'll ask Judy Ford. And if I can get it before

[55:49] this discussion's over, I'll relay that information to you. It's

[55:52] less than 20 out of 600.

[55:56] That's ridiculous. That's sad.

[55:58] In a city.

[56:00] That is 53.9% African American.

[56:04] We are the majority in this city.

[56:06] And we don't have the economic drivers.

[56:08] That other businesses.

[56:11] Ethnicities and races have

[56:15] it's ridiculous council.

[56:18] We have to do better.

[56:20] Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else?

[56:24] Oh, I have something, Mr. Amir. Yes, ma'am.

[56:29] And sitting here listening to these procedures.

[56:33] And listening to the people in the community.

[56:37] Around this subject matter and the com the ongoing conversations

[56:41] that we've had.

[56:42] And the point I continue to bring up about this

[56:45] procedure, I think is so apparent in this room today.

[56:48] Black people in this city are upset by this procedure.

[56:52] They don't feel like it's fair. They feel like there's

[56:54] no equity. There's disparity.

[56:56] This is a, a prime example of us showing systemic

[57:00] and structural racism.

[57:01] And we have a problem. So I recommended that we

[57:03] remove this from the political process and make it an

[57:06] administrative one, because there are so many pros. I did

[57:09] some research.

[57:10] Around the country to look at other.

[57:12] Cities that had

[57:15] administrative procedures in Portland.

[57:18] And was, was one of the main one and a

[57:21] city of North Carolina.

[57:22] And they went to this procedure because they wanted to

[57:26] reduce political influence what we are seeing here today.

[57:29] They wanted more transparency.

[57:32] And it was

[57:33] a prime example of disparity.

[57:36] So we keep revisiting this and revisiting this and it's

[57:38] bubbling up in this city.

[57:40] And when people look at us,

[57:42] they do not like what they're seeing, because they see

[57:46] a system in place that is continuing.

[57:49] To work against African Americans in this city. We could

[57:51] put on these.

[57:52] Horse and pony and dog shows. And we are doing

[57:54] this and doing that with small businesses and the people

[57:56] who are really trying to do things like the black

[57:58] chamber, getting pushed to the side and other.

[58:00] And, and we wanna see the results of all of

[58:03] this little.

[58:04] Pointy shows that we are doing, but today.

[58:08] Public today's citizens of Savannah. You see your city council

[58:11] once again? Yes. Being.

[58:14] Showing racism.

[58:17] In our policies and we could fix this.

[58:19] With a policy solution.

[58:22] But we know what has happened in the past.

[58:25] So let's recognize that, but where are we going from

[58:26] here? Do we wanna continue down this road? Do we

[58:29] wanna continue to deny people and show this disparity?

[58:33] In this city, do we want to continue to have

[58:35] gentrification of retail?

[58:37] So that's what we are seeing here today is so

[58:39] apparent.

[58:41] So, if you all want to continue this way, look

[58:43] at the people, look at your representatives that you are

[58:45] ascending. That is.

[58:47] Personifying, this that is, that is insisting that we continue

[58:51] this despair.

[58:53] I'm not a part of it. And I won't be

[58:54] a part of it because this is not good for

[58:56] public policies. This is not good for the African American

[58:59] community in this city.

[59:00] Of Savannah. So y'all just keep doing what you're doing.

[59:03] And I think people are waking up to see.

[59:06] Where the real culprits lie I'm done. Thank you. Yes,

[59:09] ma'am.

[59:11] Woman it's closed in which city in North Carolina, you referring

[59:16] to.

[59:17] I'll send it to your camera. Got so much going

[59:19] on right here. I'm looking at it right here. Oh,

[59:21] that's my home state. Yes. Ma'am they have a lot.

[59:23] I've studied y'all policies in that area.

[59:25] A lot, matter of fact, the small business.

[59:28] And the M w B E that a lot in

[59:30] our policy. Now I did that research back in 2003.

[59:33] And you can see a lot of that now, and

[59:34] we use Jacksonville and.

[59:37] One of the cities in North Carolina, I'll send you that

[59:38] information. All right. Thank you very much. So.

[59:42] It's been, is there a motion on the floor? Yes,

[59:44] sir. Well, let me, let me go back.

[59:46] So the issue

[59:48] at on the floor, regardless of all this other stuff.

[59:51] Is about this grocery store, regardless of other stuff, y'all

[59:54] hear that they, we, the grocery store the issue on

[59:57] the agenda.

[59:58] Is a grocery store.

[1:00:01] That has gone through the process.

[1:00:03] And is asking counsel.

[1:00:05] Can they have a liquor license, be a codes, did

[1:00:08] the same thing. That is the issue.

[1:00:11] That this council is addressing.

[1:00:13] Nothing else. Everything else has to live on its own

[1:00:17] merits.

[1:00:19] You are, if you're in a overlay district.

[1:00:22] Then you don't get a license cuz you're in the

[1:00:24] overlay district. Well, why do we do the order? We

[1:00:28] just voted on one last week.

[1:00:30] In the fifth district, let's be clear.

[1:00:33] Let's be clear because, because if the law says, if

[1:00:35] you do it within.

[1:00:36] A 12 months then you're allowed it. Mr. Attorney, am

[1:00:39] I correct? Thank you very much. Moving on's law on.

[1:00:43] I wanna make a motion health J JP.

[1:00:45] He could not get his license, the other issue, the

[1:00:47] older woman, the other issue, all the women, all the

[1:00:51] woman I'm changed, changed the rules, all the women outta

[1:00:53] order.

[1:00:53] Back. Okay. Let's see how this work outta order appear

[1:00:57] in all. So.

[1:01:00] Let me go back.

[1:01:02] Now, I like this over here.

[1:01:07] Yes.

[1:01:08] So the other issue sitting there, man deals with.

[1:01:12] A different use. It is not a grocery store.

[1:01:17] It is a CLO it's a bar that's sought a

[1:01:19] liquor license, but listen, it was a restaurant, whatever, whatever,

[1:01:24] not a bar. The.

[1:01:25] Reality is the count they went through.

[1:01:30] The process.

[1:01:32] They came to council council.

[1:01:35] Deliberated and they voted

[1:01:38] I voted for it. It was voted down. Well, it

[1:01:42] was voted down. So the council.

[1:01:46] Acted.

[1:01:48] What we are addressing today.

[1:01:50] Is this

[1:01:52] grocery store.

[1:01:54] And that is the matter. All the women. Do you

[1:01:57] have a motion?

[1:01:58] On this matter. Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, won't be just

[1:02:01] short and brief.

[1:02:02] About this older woman, I wanna make an motion to

[1:02:05] approve class E beer and wine by the package.

[1:02:10] Alcohol license.

[1:02:12] To Britney clause for ALD.

[1:02:14] Number 84, a grocery store located at 1651 victory drive.

[1:02:19] Second been probably moved in second. All the FK by

[1:02:22] Sangai. Aye. Opposed, opposed. Aye. Motion passe opposed. Seven two.

[1:02:26] Thank you very much.

[1:02:28] No more comments on this matter when we.

[1:02:31] No more comments on this matter. I have item number

[1:02:33] 11. Talk about this item. Number 11. Thank you, sir.

[1:02:36] Thank you. Item number 11. The chair is.

[1:02:39] Not recognize you, Mr. Ramirez approval of the annexation.

[1:02:43] Of 7.2, one acres.

[1:02:46] Located at 25 0 5.

[1:02:48] And 2 5, 2, 1 Fort Argo road.

[1:02:53] The property owned desires to connect the city utilities.

[1:02:56] At inside city rates. Mr. Mayor, would you like to

[1:02:59] take off of them at one time, sir? Let's let's

[1:03:02] do 'em individually. All right, sir. I'd like to make

[1:03:04] a.

[1:03:04] Motion for the approval of the item that has been

[1:03:08] said, as it is written on the agenda. Second, second,

[1:03:11] then properly moved in, seconded all the.

[1:03:12] Family came by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, motion passes. I

[1:03:16] am number 12, petition of Donald dykes on behalf of

[1:03:19] Fort EOW.

[1:03:20] Igal storage, LLC and Fort Aral, LLC, for an amendment

[1:03:24] to the future land use map.

[1:03:27] Category from residential suburban, single family to commercial suburban at

[1:03:31] 25 0 5 and 25 21 Fort AGA.

[1:03:35] Road Mr. Mayor? Yes, I move to.

[1:03:38] Adopt the agenda item as written.

[1:03:40] Second been properly moved in, seconded all in favor in

[1:03:43] indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, opposed, opposed. Aye. Motion

[1:03:47] passes. 72. Thank you very much.

[1:03:49] I number 13 petition.

[1:03:51] Of Donald dykes on behalf of Ft, Argo L L

[1:03:53] C and Fort Aral storage, LLC, to zone approximately 7.21

[1:03:58] acres located.

[1:03:59] 25 0 5 and 25 21 fart agar road, zoning district to the

[1:04:04] B N C O neighborhood business county zoning district.

[1:04:08] Mr mayor. Yes. I moved to adopt the agenda item

[1:04:11] as written second, second, and probably moved in. Seconded all

[1:04:14] in favor, indicate by saying aye. Aye. Aye.

[1:04:16] Oppose oppose oppose oppos motion passes. Seven two. Thank you

[1:04:19] very much. I, number 14 through 20.

[1:04:21] Please peruse your 14 to 19 pulling 14.

[1:04:25] And pulling 19 Mr. Mayor, if there are new other

[1:04:27] items, I'd like to make the motion for the approval

[1:04:31] of the purchasing items.

[1:04:32] Items number 15, 16, 17, 18, and 22nd, and probably moved in second

[1:04:38] that we approve number.

[1:04:39] 15 authorized city magic executed contract for generator maintenance with

[1:04:44] WW Williams company, LLC. Local.

[1:04:47] And at mountain not to exceed $247,770. I am number

[1:04:52] 16, authorized city magic. Execute a.

[1:04:55] Contract phase one B for the I and D water

[1:04:57] treatment, plant optimization.

[1:05:00] Upgrade and expansion project with hussy gay bell local in

[1:05:03] the amount of $12,567,600.

[1:05:08] Item number 17.

[1:05:10] Authorized the city manager to execute a contract for actuators

[1:05:13] from Georgia Weston, LLC, and then Mount not to exceed

[1:05:16] 82,862.

[1:05:19] Thousand dollars. IEM number 18 authorized city manager, execute a

[1:05:23] contract for one non CDL. Leave vacuum truck with.

[1:05:26] Environmental products group and the amount of 212,000.

[1:05:30] $800.

[1:05:33] And I am number 20. Yes, sir. Authorized city manager

[1:05:36] to execute a contract for two Ford explorers from Santi

[1:05:39] automotive in the amount not to exceed.

[1:05:41] $87,952. I have a question about that.

[1:05:46] Santi, South Carolina, Mr. Manager.

[1:06:00] Sir, we buy

[1:06:02] police cruisers where we can find them when we need

[1:06:03] them. Okay.

[1:06:05] Okay. It's not state contract then.

[1:06:23] It wasn't. Yes, it is a statement. It's a contract.

[1:06:25] Okay. Yes, sir. All right. All in favor, indicate by

[1:06:27] saying aye. Aye. Oppose motion passes. I am.

[1:06:30] Number 19 authorized the city manager here to contract.

[1:06:34] For design of the Todd, the town middle ground trail

[1:06:37] with Kimley horn and the amount of 2 920 $9,000 used

[1:06:41] for design.

[1:06:42] Services for the middle ground trail, which will extend approximately

[1:06:45] three.

[1:06:46] Miles along the middle ground road, connecting Abacor Montgomery crossroads.

[1:06:52] Although millionaire.

[1:06:53] Yes. I'm concerned about this item here because in the

[1:06:56] last round of.

[1:06:58] Contractors coming in, working with this project, supposedly engaging residents.

[1:07:02] It was a big fail.

[1:07:04] These three meetings they had.

[1:07:06] On the west side, the east side of the south

[1:07:08] side, there were a big fail.

[1:07:10] There was a handful of residents and there were more

[1:07:14] staff at each meeting.

[1:07:16] Than the residents. So I don't know how we are

[1:07:19] accomplishing. This goes back to the point I'm making about,

[1:07:22] we're not hiring people or working with people.

[1:07:24] That are sensitized to how you work with marginalized people.

[1:07:28] And here again, this is an example of the systemic

[1:07:31] and the structural racism.

[1:07:33] Because with the people in the west side corridor, that's

[1:07:36] going to be negatively impacted by the trail, including Ms.

[1:07:39] Mori, that they plan to take her dream.

[1:07:41] Make a home hurt her special needs son to run

[1:07:43] the, the, the trail on the side of the Springfield

[1:07:46] canal. They didn't even have the audacity to come into

[1:07:49] the area.

[1:07:49] To have a meeting so that people wouldn't have to

[1:07:51] travel. The marginalized people would have to travel all the

[1:07:54] way to this engagement meeting in an area, nowhere near

[1:07:57] them.

[1:07:58] So until we get some people in place and they

[1:08:00] understand how this thing need to move. So we could

[1:08:02] be in support of it. I cannot support this, or

[1:08:04] if someone else want to make this motion, you're.

[1:08:06] Welcome. Thank you very much, Mr. City manager.

[1:08:09] You had anything you wanna offer to this? I believe

[1:08:12] the meetings that the Alder woman is referring to is

[1:08:14] meetings regarding the equitable growth.

[1:08:17] Contract that this council approved.

[1:08:21] Several months ago, which is an earnest.

[1:08:23] Attempt at community.

[1:08:26] Engagement regarding the

[1:08:28] impacts of large capital projects specifically.

[1:08:32] Tied to town so that it.

[1:08:35] Remains a community asset.

[1:08:39] The

[1:08:41] the the

[1:08:42] I've heard the concerns from council members regarding the meetings.

[1:08:46] We've offered to do more meetings.

[1:08:48] Specifically in the neighborhoods that council would like to have

[1:08:51] those meetings.

[1:08:53] At we've tried to largely publicize.

[1:08:56] Those meetings. We have a.

[1:08:59] Consultant. Who's working with local partners as well, who are

[1:09:03] embedded in the community. And we're trying to provide an

[1:09:07] a.

[1:09:07] Authentic and meaningful.

[1:09:10] Engagement program with our residents and communities regarding.

[1:09:14] The tide to town project and what it means for

[1:09:16] communities.

[1:09:19] It's my understanding that

[1:09:21] our engagement teams, both consulted and staff.

[1:09:27] Soft fit to use.

[1:09:29] School systems and school buildings for these public engagements because

[1:09:32] the tide of town.

[1:09:33] Trail connects most of the schools.

[1:09:36] In Savannah to one another through the trail system and

[1:09:39] they wanted to use.

[1:09:41] Schools where the tied to town trail, the concept.

[1:09:44] Plan that those trails would come through to connect those

[1:09:46] schools.

[1:09:47] So that it was a little more place-based we recognize

[1:09:50] that there are other communities.

[1:09:53] That

[1:09:54] are going to be impacted by the tide to town

[1:09:56] trail and will benefit from the tide to town trail

[1:09:59] more than three.

[1:10:01] It's our attempt to have a, you know, a reasonable

[1:10:04] scale and scope to being able to do public engagement.

[1:10:08] But of course, these three meeting.

[1:10:09] Meetings. Aren't the only three meetings that we'll have and,

[1:10:12] and public meetings are not the only.

[1:10:14] Vehicle by which we try to do authentic community engagement

[1:10:17] with this project or any other. Oh, thank you. Go

[1:10:21] on that Alder.

[1:10:22] Alderman Columbo. Oh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'd like to

[1:10:25] thank the city staff for bringing this one forward in

[1:10:27] particularly for this portion of the trail.

[1:10:29] Which stretches on a very treacherous.

[1:10:32] Stretch of the right of way we place these investments

[1:10:35] where they're needed most in the spirit of equity and

[1:10:38] spirit of safety and saving lives.

[1:10:40] I think it's really important for the Savannah city council.

[1:10:43] To be honest, arbiter in play with a full deck.

[1:10:47] We can't talk out of both sides. We can't both

[1:10:49] encourage people not to go to the public meetings and

[1:10:52] then complain when they don't in their excuse.

[1:10:55] Neighborhood that's right. Excuse me. No. How out outta water.

[1:10:57] Let 'em finish his comment, please.

[1:10:58] Because to have it both ways. Isn't fair to the

[1:11:01] people that we serve. We should be champions of these

[1:11:05] investments because we know the good that they can.

[1:11:07] Provide to the community. Savannah faces 22 traffic deaths a

[1:11:11] year on average, and those traffic deaths are preventable. They're.

[1:11:15] Better design and investments in our community.

[1:11:18] The tied to town network.

[1:11:20] Is one of the methods that we can save lives.

[1:11:23] Reconnect communities together and be that silo Buster that we

[1:11:27] need.

[1:11:28] Particularly on the south side of our city where these

[1:11:31] mobility investments are needed the most.

[1:11:34] For the equity growth management plan. I too would love

[1:11:36] to see more public engagement. I too would love to

[1:11:38] see more meetings and the subcontracted team.

[1:11:42] Has a significant experience working in communities throughout our city

[1:11:46] and a deeply local network.

[1:11:49] That was unanimously approved by this council.

[1:11:52] I would love to see more engagement. Let's play with

[1:11:54] a full deck. Let's have more public engagement meetings. Let's

[1:11:58] have more input. Let's have more.

[1:12:00] Ma'am ma'am where the trail is going to go.

[1:12:03] But for this portion of the trail, which is incredibly

[1:12:06] dangerous just beyond hunter army airfield in a very speedy

[1:12:10] right of way.

[1:12:11] I know that this one's going to make a huge

[1:12:13] difference. It brings together.

[1:12:15] Communities like kingdom life, happy birthday, pastor Roberson. Mm-hmm

[1:12:19] it brings together, connects the fifth district to the fourth

[1:12:22] district to the sixth district.

[1:12:24] To places like lake mayor to destinations like Georgia Southern

[1:12:27] university. And that's what this investment's all about.

[1:12:31] So it would give me a, a great pleasure to

[1:12:33] make this motion.

[1:12:34] But it's not in my district. And I would like

[1:12:37] to give the honor to the fifth district Alderwoman if

[1:12:40] she would like to, oh, to make this motion. Thank

[1:12:41] you so much. I.

[1:12:42] I'd like to make a motion. I see. She make,

[1:12:44] let make a motion. I recognize make a motion for.

[1:12:48] Item number 19 as it is written. Second, second, and

[1:12:50] probably moved in seconded. .

[1:12:54] Mr. City manager, back to your comments.

[1:12:58] Is it possible or would it delay your schedule?

[1:13:03] If we had

[1:13:04] a forum, a public engagement forum.

[1:13:08] On the west side of the city, they, they.

[1:13:10] Meeting for that section of the city was at beach

[1:13:14] high school. And that is quite a distance from.

[1:13:17] The Woodville

[1:13:21] areas. Yes. West Savannah, that she was that all the

[1:13:23] women was referring to.

[1:13:26] I would say, and I've I said it earlier in

[1:13:29] the workshop.

[1:13:31] That in some of those meetings, there were more staff.

[1:13:33] There seemed to be more staff members.

[1:13:36] Then citizens. And I think this is a, it's a

[1:13:40] very important.

[1:13:42] Project. It's a very important way to connect the entire

[1:13:46] city from south side to river street. So I would

[1:13:49] love.

[1:13:50] To engage members.

[1:13:52] Of that particular section of the city.

[1:13:55] Who perhaps may not have had.

[1:13:57] Transportation to beach high school. I don't know, but I

[1:14:00] mean, if it really, if we can do that, can

[1:14:03] we just do yes. Ma'am we can, and I've offered

[1:14:05] that.

[1:14:06] As well when that thank you. When that concern came

[1:14:09] and we of course, would love to be outnumbered at

[1:14:11] our public meetings.

[1:14:14] However, wherever we can engage, obviously.

[1:14:18] We should be encouraging people to attend meetings. And so,

[1:14:21] however, however we can, if we can have more meetings.

[1:14:25] Mr manager, I'll leave that to your discretion. But I

[1:14:29] think that the council is clear whenever we can engage,

[1:14:31] we should engage. And whenever we.

[1:14:33] Can engage more. We should. So misdemeanor. Thank you. I

[1:14:36] believe Mr. Altman Leggett. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[1:14:40] Mr city manager. I attended the meeting at Jenkins high

[1:14:44] school the other night.

[1:14:45] And I also had a conversation with Bridget Liddy about

[1:14:49] having a meeting in the second district.

[1:14:51] Which I was sent by the Thomas square and the

[1:14:53] Victorian neighborhood association, both.

[1:14:55] To gather some information so that we can bring it

[1:14:58] back to.

[1:14:59] Our neighborhood associations and we wanted to.

[1:15:02] Also offer the neighborhood Association's meeting date. If we could

[1:15:07] to be a part of that conversation, even if we

[1:15:10] have city staff.

[1:15:11] It doesn't even have to be the.

[1:15:13] Someone from, from that company, but we just have to

[1:15:16] have somebody to give out.

[1:15:18] Factual information so that they, they can answer the questions.

[1:15:22] To the neighborhood associations at, at that given time. But

[1:15:25] we do have a, a space over at the Delaware

[1:15:28] center that we can have both neighborhood associations.

[1:15:32] To be addressed at the same time. That's that's a

[1:15:34] good idea. We can do that. Absolutely.

[1:15:36] All right. Thank you. Al woman. Linaire.

[1:15:39] Yes. So I was very clear on my advocacy.

[1:15:44] And on my leadership.

[1:15:45] When it came to this issue with the people in

[1:15:47] my district, some people don't have not one issue in

[1:15:49] their district. They don't even understand fighting for equity.

[1:15:52] They just know how to say it. So when I

[1:15:55] told people who were scurrying around for a ride that

[1:15:58] stopped trying to participate in their.

[1:16:00] Own marginalization. They understood that.

[1:16:04] We you are. We are you're. We are being called

[1:16:06] marginalized, low wealth, underserved, vulnerable people.

[1:16:10] For a reason, and these are the people that should

[1:16:14] not have to.

[1:16:15] Travel to these meetings.

[1:16:17] Then we mentioned vision zero.

[1:16:20] Because we place the people in my district.

[1:16:23] One of the top concerns on the list is traffic

[1:16:26] calming. So now we sweep.

[1:16:29] Traffic calming under vision zero.

[1:16:32] And if we take some of those red cups out

[1:16:34] of those folks' hands and walking in front of cars

[1:16:36] downtown, they might stop some of these, all the women.

[1:16:39] Oh, all the women? No, all the women. No. I'm

[1:16:41] making point. I'm making a valid point. Okay. Because I

[1:16:43] experienced this daily. Okay. But of these intoxicated and all

[1:16:47] these people, the.

[1:16:48] People with earphones on and walking in front of cars

[1:16:50] and not adhering. See, we learned, look both ways and

[1:16:53] across the street, but privileged people just walk.

[1:16:56] And you better stop, but they also told me a

[1:16:59] car will bust you behind. And I guess a lot

[1:17:00] of people are finding that out. So now we swept

[1:17:03] traffic coming under.

[1:17:04] Division zero. And, and going after all of this and

[1:17:07] the people, now we want to expand the red Cub

[1:17:09] zone. Go figure. Well, we have not all the.

[1:17:13] Motions properly moved in. Seconded. All of favor. Aye. Aye.

[1:17:16] Oppose opposed. Opposed motion passed. Seven two. Thank you very

[1:17:19] much. Amir Johnson. Yes, ma.

[1:17:21] Ma'am didn't someone pull item number 14. I'm going back

[1:17:23] to 14 now. Thank you. Authorized city magic executed contract

[1:17:27] for the replacement of decking.

[1:17:29] At Grayson stadium with Dan Clayton corporation in the amount

[1:17:32] of 630, $1,600.

[1:17:36] New powder coating aluminum decking, railing and stairs will replace

[1:17:39] the three tiers of old wood decking that have exceeded

[1:17:42] their useful life.

[1:17:44] Hood pulled this one. I did. Yes. Ma'am.

[1:17:46] Yes for, for the sake of the public.

[1:17:48] Earlier this year, we spent a, a very large amount

[1:17:52] of money. I don't have the exact figure now more

[1:17:54] than what we're spending here on Grayson stadium.

[1:17:56] So here we are now spending 631.

[1:18:00] Thousand $600 to remove wood.

[1:18:05] Railings or some deck for aluminum.

[1:18:07] Now it, the city manager explained to me this was

[1:18:10] alos project and its earmark. I understand that. So we

[1:18:13] didn't screw up on this, somebody earlier than us.

[1:18:15] Another council put this deal in place because here is

[1:18:18] another example.

[1:18:20] Yet again, it's all throughout.

[1:18:23] Systemic racism, structured racism, picking winners and losers. A lot

[1:18:26] of people I know, would love to have this, this,

[1:18:28] this opportunity.

[1:18:29] Where we are renting them a facility and we are

[1:18:33] putting all this money into it to keep it at

[1:18:36] a certain level where they could go.

[1:18:38] In and make money on it. So we, we are

[1:18:40] helping this private.

[1:18:42] Organization, and, and we are paying for all of this.

[1:18:44] The citizens are paying for all of this and something

[1:18:47] just isn't right about this whole deal. But I do

[1:18:49] understand.

[1:18:50] Mr city manager, that we are having to deal with

[1:18:52] something that we were, we inherited here, but I just

[1:18:55] want to show in every chance when.

[1:18:58] When you're looking for these problems and why some people

[1:19:01] win and why some people lose it's in the policy

[1:19:04] and it's in our money. It's in the community chess.

[1:19:06] But at this time, I'd like to authorize the city

[1:19:09] manager to execute a contract for the replacement of decking

[1:19:12] at Grayson stadium, with Dan clay.

[1:19:14] Clayton corporation in the Mount of 631602nd. .

[1:19:22] That probably more the second half, all the pav Cape

[1:19:27] by saying aye. Ah, oppose motion.

[1:19:29] Most passive mayor Johnson for, for, for the record. The

[1:19:32] gracious damn is, is a, a city of Savannah.

[1:19:35] Asset. So thank you very much for that Mia Johnson.

[1:19:38] Yes. Ma'am. I just wanna let the community know that.

[1:19:42] The Savannah bananas. They're doing really, really great things.

[1:19:47] Across the country, but the Savannah bananas only pay.

[1:19:52] The city of Savannah for that facility.

[1:19:56] Mr city manager. Could you let the public know how

[1:19:58] much they're paying? No. Don't well, first of all, we're

[1:20:00] not talking about that right now. Well, I just want

[1:20:02] that to know.

[1:20:02] I believe it's 25,000 a year. Whatev whatever it is

[1:20:05] is what the council approved.

[1:20:07] But I'm moving on to, that was a bad deal.

[1:20:10] I am number 21 and 22. Well, 21 is approved

[1:20:13] of award and sewer agreement with God.

[1:20:15] Godly station enterprises, LLC, for Brookline subdivision phase two for

[1:20:20] the development of 47 single family homes in godly west.

[1:20:23] Service area, all the women in Lanier. Yes, sir. Mr.

[1:20:26] Mayor moved that for the approval of number 21 as

[1:20:28] red. Second, second, probably moved in second and all in

[1:20:31] favoring the Cape by saying aye.

[1:20:32] Aye. Oppose motion passes. I am number 22 as approval

[1:20:36] of a memorandum by understanding.

[1:20:38] Between John Hopkins university on behalf of his Bloomberg center for

[1:20:42] public in innovation.

[1:20:43] B C P I and the city of Savannah under

[1:20:46] the Bloomberg American.

[1:20:47] Sustainable cities initiative that we're very proud of. Mr. Mayor

[1:20:50] move for approval. Second, it's been probably moved in, seconded

[1:20:53] all in favor, indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed.

[1:20:56] Mr. Mayor motion passe. Yes ma'am. And I hope you

[1:20:59] all paid attention to what the mayor just read about

[1:21:01] this Bloomberg.

[1:21:03] Grant that we have here. Yes. And this is a

[1:21:05] good thing. This is a good opportunity. It's written well,

[1:21:08] and it has the right intent. Keep your eyes on

[1:21:10] it because a lot.

[1:21:11] Of things come to us, have the right intent, but

[1:21:13] something happens and rolling them out.

[1:21:16] That we don't move the needle. So I think this

[1:21:17] is another opportunity.

[1:21:19] It's all about equity for us to try to straighten

[1:21:21] out some of this systemic stuff and get it right.

[1:21:23] So I appreciate us embarking upon this Mr. Manager. Thank

[1:21:26] you. Thank you. I number.

[1:21:27] 23 and it prob perhaps Mr. Manager, Alderman's.

[1:21:32] Blakely's question might be best answered here.

[1:21:35] But authorizing city magic execute amendment to the lease and

[1:21:39] operating agreement with fans. First entertainment, LLC.

[1:21:42] To govern proposed renovations improvements and associated funds at Grayson

[1:21:47] stadium.

[1:21:48] Mr manager. I think you also.

[1:21:51] Discuss this with council individually.

[1:21:54] But if you want to just give a high level

[1:21:57] overview for the public's sake.

[1:22:01] So this agreement

[1:22:03] amendment is really governing.

[1:22:06] As we've discussed earlier, there was a first tranche of

[1:22:10] spa, seven funds.

[1:22:12] Earmarked for Grayson stadium. There's a second tranche.

[1:22:16] Of spa seven funds earmarked for Grayson stadium, $3 million.

[1:22:21] Which is being collected now, or which has been collected

[1:22:25] and which we will spend purse plus seven.

[1:22:28] On improvements to Grayson stadium.

[1:22:31] A facility that the city of Spana owns.

[1:22:34] We have an amendment and an operation agreement with fan

[1:22:39] first entertainment, better known as the Savannah.

[1:22:42] Bananas this a amendment to the agreement.

[1:22:47] Puts in place and governs.

[1:22:49] How the $3 million will be procured using public.

[1:22:52] Procurement in our public procurement.

[1:22:55] Standards as well as governs the.

[1:22:58] Responsibility of both fans, first entertainment and the city of

[1:23:02] Savannah as relates to.

[1:23:04] The new capital improvements being made at Grayson stadium.

[1:23:08] It outlines the responsibilities fans first.

[1:23:11] Entertainment. And as it relates to warranties on new capital.

[1:23:18] Amenities put into

[1:23:20] the facility as well as moves away, costly.

[1:23:25] Operations and maintenance from the field away from the city

[1:23:28] and to.

[1:23:29] Fans first entertainment, which will save.

[1:23:32] The city upwards of $150,000.

[1:23:35] A year. So I think this is a very.

[1:23:40] Good amendment for the city of Savannah. It protects our

[1:23:43] asset.

[1:23:44] It also allows FFE.

[1:23:47] Who is very successful tenant.

[1:23:50] And Grayson stadium to continue to work with the city

[1:23:53] to make capital improvements.

[1:23:55] On our asset and we hope that Grayson stadium will

[1:24:00] be sold out and used.

[1:24:03] As much as it can be for our residents.

[1:24:06] And we're happy to have a tenant in there that

[1:24:09] fills the seats from my perspective. And we're happy that

[1:24:12] we have a tenant there.

[1:24:14] Who can partner with us on capital investments for our

[1:24:16] asset. So.

[1:24:19] You know if they're, you know, if, if there is

[1:24:22] ever a day when.

[1:24:24] The bananas are no longer playing.

[1:24:27] Home games at Grayson stadium that, you know, they leave

[1:24:30] us with a facility that's better.

[1:24:32] Than when they found it. Thank you. Altman perk, Mr.

[1:24:36] Mayor move to approve. The item is read on the

[1:24:38] agenda. Second, second property moved in the second. All favoring,

[1:24:40] the.

[1:24:42] Oppose.

[1:24:43] Motion passes, IEM number 24 authorized city manager. Execute the

[1:24:47] second amendment.

[1:24:47] To the coffee bluff marina lease alderman peri, Mr. Mayor

[1:24:51] move to approve the second amendment.

[1:24:52] Second, the second and properly moved and seconded all in

[1:24:55] favoring indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed.

[1:24:58] Motion passes item number 25, approve of a major subdivision

[1:25:02] Edgewater new Hamstead.

[1:25:04] Phase one C this proposed property totals, 55.717 acres will

[1:25:11] consist of one.

[1:25:12] Hundred 11, lots or varying lots sizes located little neck

[1:25:16] road and new Hamstead Parkway located automatic district five. Mr.

[1:25:20] Mayor. Yes, I.

[1:25:21] Moved to adopt the agenda item as written second. Okay.

[1:25:24] We're properly moved and seconded all in favor. Indicate by

[1:25:27] saying aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed. Aye. Motion.

[1:25:29] Passes a need need to amend the agenda for another

[1:25:35] important item. I forgot to add. Mm-hmm .

[1:25:38] So if I could get a motion to add.

[1:25:41] This item, Mr. Mayor? Yes, I move that. We add

[1:25:44] this particular item to our agenda.

[1:25:47] Second second been probably moving the second. All of fame

[1:25:49] came by saying aye. Aye. Aye. All right. Oppose.

[1:25:52] Pose, just go. What an announcement. And then I have

[1:25:55] to add this item. All the women car bell, Carle,

[1:25:59] happy birthday, Al the woman.

[1:26:01] Miller Blakely. Happy birthday today.

[1:26:04] Right. Thank you. All right, alderman 6 64. All right, alderman.

[1:26:08] Proud legged. Thank you. Happy birthday.

[1:26:11] And Mr. Managers for the added item, I would like

[1:26:14] for you to ask Mr. Wayne Knicks to come out.

[1:26:18] Front, please. . Thank you.

[1:26:20] Mr. Wayne Nicks. Oh, come on down.

[1:26:31] Ladies and gentlemen

[1:26:34] the, the man often behind the camera, rarely in front.

[1:26:38] Is one of the greatest faces and folks at Savannah

[1:26:42] city hall. So I get to run into him. He

[1:26:45] actually has on.

[1:26:46] A pretty mundane shirt on today usually is, is pretty

[1:26:50] flowery or.

[1:26:51] Watery or Lighty or whatever he has going on.

[1:26:55] But Mr. Wayne, this is his last meeting with us.

[1:26:58] No, he is retiring. Oh. Going to live his best

[1:27:02] life. He said he.

[1:27:03] Going outside. .

[1:27:05] And Mr. Wayne, thank you so much.

[1:27:09] You know, we have an award-winning TV.

[1:27:12] Station. And that's a lot because of you.

[1:27:15] The fact is we have a 24 hour.

[1:27:19] A 24-hour programming platform in which we can do all

[1:27:23] things Savannah, you, and I just want you to.

[1:27:25] Know how much I'm going to miss you just being

[1:27:28] so chill. I, I really want just see you one

[1:27:30] day. Like just cuss somebody out because I mean, just,

[1:27:33] and nothing really just gets him.

[1:27:34] So would it, if Nick hear any members of his

[1:27:38] team here, come on out.

[1:27:40] Wow. Come and join him. Yeah. Come on out.

[1:27:45] And let me tell you one thing and miss mange,

[1:27:48] if you join him.

[1:27:50] Mr Wayne, you could retire if you work for the

[1:27:52] school board or the county I'm gonna come get

[1:27:54] you myself.

[1:27:57] To jump in Mr. Wayne Knicks. Yeah.

[1:28:11] Would you like to say anything, sir? I mean, this

[1:28:13] is your chance in front of the camera. say

[1:28:15] something.

[1:28:16] Please something. Thank you.

[1:28:20] That's yes. Go ahead.

[1:28:22] Wayne. Thank you for all the you've done for the

[1:28:25] city of Savannah. I knew you as an employee.

[1:28:28] Work with you. Didn't you come from? W T C.

[1:28:31] Cable come cable company. Yeah, the Savannah from the cable

[1:28:34] company, I knew you came from TV.

[1:28:38] But thank you for just being you, such a kind

[1:28:42] sweet spirit as the mayor indicated.

[1:28:45] Your feathers were having, I've not seen them ruffled.

[1:28:48] So thanks for knowing you and thanks for all that

[1:28:50] you've meant to the city of Savannah.

[1:28:53] Wayne.

[1:28:54] Thank you so much, you know, you, you gave me

[1:28:57] something and I actually have it here with me today.

[1:29:00] And I just want to say, thank you so much

[1:29:02] for your.

[1:29:03] Your temperance for your, your kindness, you know?

[1:29:07] I know some days you would look and say, good

[1:29:09] Lord, that lady right there. And you still.

[1:29:12] You know, spoken. I just, I'm gonna really, really miss

[1:29:16] you.

[1:29:17] In city hall, I'm gonna miss you at our meetings

[1:29:19] and all of that, but I wanna say this to

[1:29:22] you.

[1:29:23] You, you can always come back. all right. I

[1:29:26] know a lot of people, they retire.

[1:29:28] But they still come back. So.

[1:29:30] Think about it. I, I did ask him, he

[1:29:33] was like, nah, .

[1:29:36] Anybody else, Mr. Nicks? Yes, sir.

[1:29:41] How many years

[1:29:42] 2323 years.

[1:29:45] Great. I just want to congratulate you on this.

[1:29:49] Milestone of retirement.

[1:29:54] And thank you for all of your professionalism.

[1:29:58] And just, just the awesome.

[1:30:01] The awesome work of

[1:30:03] making Savannah great. And putting us out in the world.

[1:30:08] In a great fashion. Thank you so much.

[1:30:12] Thank you. Anyone else? Yeah. Mr. Wayne, you know what

[1:30:16] it is? We're gonna miss you. You have a good

[1:30:17] time. Don't get don't. Don't don't.

[1:30:19] Get caught up cuz when you volunteer and you retire,

[1:30:22] you actually make less than what you get paid for.

[1:30:26] thank you so much.

[1:30:28] Yes. Go ahead. Mr. And Mr. Nick's in your typical

[1:30:31] laconic style.

[1:30:33] I just want to tell you, we'll miss you.

[1:30:35] Yes, but we won't forget you and we're gonna see

[1:30:37] you again soon.

[1:30:38] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[1:30:39] Mr makes congratulations on your retirement. Don't go back. Go

[1:30:43] forward.

[1:30:44] Enjoy your retirement. Thank you for being a breath of

[1:30:47] fresh air around city hall and always such a kind

[1:30:50] demeanor.

[1:30:51] And you just don't don't fit there, but you, you

[1:30:53] made it so much better there. Thank you so much.

[1:30:55] Congratulations. Thank you. And bass trouts and.

[1:30:59] Bass

[1:31:02] all right, ladies and gentlemen, again, that ends our agenda.

[1:31:05] We we're under a storm alert. So we're gonna ask.

[1:31:09] People to get where they're going to get.

[1:31:11] Make sure we have flooding throughout the city. That will

[1:31:14] be rolling. So make sure don't drive and water turnaround.

[1:31:18] Don't drown. Don't try it. Don't.

[1:31:20] Don't don't try to beat the odds. You will often

[1:31:23] lose.

[1:31:24] That being said, miss mange, anything? Mr. Attorney, Mr. Clerk?

[1:31:28] No, sir. All right. Anything counsel, sir? Yes, sir. Yes,

[1:31:31] raisins and myself.

[1:31:32] Ramirez. I want to the mic as well. We're we're

[1:31:37] on right.

[1:31:38] Yeah, go ahead, Ms. Mayor, I want to congratulate pastor

[1:31:41] hall.

[1:31:42] In his church. He celebrated last Sunday. Yes. His church

[1:31:45] anniversary. Yes. And I also wanna make, mention that on

[1:31:48] October the fifth, we're gonna be celebrating.

[1:31:50] With 155 women from this city elected officials.

[1:31:54] Women clergy law education, community action, and nonprofits. And we'll

[1:31:57] also be doing something next Tuesday at the park for

[1:32:00] our senior babies.

[1:32:02] Thank you. Anything else, Mr. Mayor? Yes, ma'am. I just

[1:32:05] want to thank personally. Thank the city.

[1:32:09] Civic center staff.

[1:32:11] For a phenomenal job that they did. I got married

[1:32:14] on Saturday.

[1:32:15] Oh, and it was awesome.

[1:32:19] And I also

[1:32:20] I also want to is my mic on. Thank you.

[1:32:23] Yes. I also want to thank, I don't know who

[1:32:25] gave this to me.

[1:32:27] But thank you for my birthday gift. .

[1:32:31] Clerk's office and congratulations on your new produces. Thank you.

[1:32:34] Dub shoes. Thank you. Oh, thank you. All right, ladies

[1:32:36] and gentlemen, just for one, please. Yes, ma'am. I wanna

[1:32:38] send out.

[1:32:39] Condolences to the Bowers family. So many Bowers through Hudson

[1:32:43] hill, west . Yes, my family.

[1:32:45] Because my aunt passed away on Friday at 105 years

[1:32:49] of age, her birthday is the weeping time. March the

[1:32:52] third. She would've been 106.

[1:32:54] So she lives such a wholesome, like such a beautiful

[1:32:56] person.

[1:32:57] And we she'll be missed, but she was had her

[1:33:00] right mind up until the end. That's amazing. Thank you.

[1:33:02] Thank God. Said it is her ma'am memory. Be a

[1:33:05] blessing, ladies and gentlemen.

[1:33:05] Be safe. Peace, Savannah strong.

[1:33:08] Mr attorney.

Savannah City Council 9/26/24

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