[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6303921,"mediaKeyId","2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b","parentId",2469884,"title","Council approves amended agreement to use school board chambers while City Hall is restored; return to city hall targeted for July","audioSeconds",370,"startMs",5160000,"endMs",5530000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b&start=5160&end=5530","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b/thumbnail_5160000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6303921/Savannah-City/Chatham-County/Georgia/Council-approves-amended-agreement-to-use-school-board-chambers-while-City-Hall-is-restored-return-to-city-hall-targeted-for-July","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303921-555d9bdafa47a6d6368fe7a450747168/orig.mp4?Expires=1770399236&Signature=Tl87djGWEaQTJ82r3G8rdVaUS9DIaVkU~geI1zWhKS2SR-OEYElQLIJcJ-~VERP-OMsphFrKj2oM6JBV~OgUYPldZwkDrMcRcQL4V9S6o2wUZPQpnMrg3ErG9TpQwqGz0-hgHsKUO8Q3LQUZ5J6Krj3FyYJ67YuQ1MuMncK6bUOOAYe4W0h0msO0Z0fojCniB6ChyyO4KlBhdSFKkRoulxoF0JXIJV1jtXe8nQ2GO2xpv7wC7su7-ekGUz5og5gDzSs6eW4OksXF4UeI7AOimkYYvlhEhYQF~dN25FZSfcs-pKv8o8mZS1lG5~~qXJUPLSHt4xtB79A0FudSv8Ap0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Savannah","date","2025-02-28T00:00:00Z","article","Savannah City Council voted Thursday to amend an intergovernmental agreement with the Savannah–Chatham Board of Education to continue using the board’s meeting space while City Hall undergoes a multi-phase restoration.

City staff described the restoration as one of the most extensive in the building’s 119-year history and said work is being done in two phases. Phase 1 — restoration of council chambers, the Council Media Room and first-floor municipal archives — is nearing completion, officials said. Phase 2, which began recently, focuses on the lobby, the city clerk’s office expansion and a new security entrance.

Council members thanked the Board of Education for hosting meetings and agreed to schedule hard-hat tours for council to view progress in the renovated spaces. City staff said they expect to return to City Hall by July 2025 but cautioned that restoration projects can have unpredictable schedules.

Alderman Curtis Perti recused himself from the vote due to work-related reasons; the amendment passed on the record as 8–0. Council members said the updated chambers will include modern dais technology and an interpretive municipal archive for public access.

City staff said the project funding includes SPLOST dollars and that an open house is planned when the restoration is completed so the public can tour the renovated spaces.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Savannah City Council Workshop 2/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a first amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with the Savannah–Chatham Board of Education to continue using board meeting space during an extensive City Hall restoration; staff said council chambers should be ready before the building's front entrance work is complete and projected a July return to City Hall.","taxTitle","Savannah City, Chatham County, Georgia","taxId",12640,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303925,"Council approves procurement, licenses and resolutions in unanimous voice votes; key items summarized",283,3447000,3730000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b&start=3447&end=3730","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b/thumbnail_3447000.jpg","/articles/6303925/Savannah-City/Chatham-County/Georgia/Council-approves-procurement-licenses-and-resolutions-in-unanimous-voice-votes-key-items-summarized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303925-098da59b3ab36a69969b4968408b7b00/orig.mp4?Expires=1770399236&Signature=bzt8-bfytVhS7df9Tl5yFpx0mc1tG7mZDnNxCthlFigcHtCB2fmoCdU2omFqGzBrAvxU6c7HRb2z9nDYUBxSDC7c3BMcpO6Di2Xgr3rJc3gQ6EVaBuIJ5Hd3y87h7dgyg04~xNK4EivAQYD1Ygb5TBJ3ImOyTk4l06gaGtrEPO8HqNJzQU7Eabdsi3QmYXhT~tqB5pw8nsLiouynPyHbqgdTEbu-NLNZ3nCNZgTWpYuAu-XzQUH6UEyfhCwN6TUetTqhAKcgDfpFZHbtb3gLY-Xku4McveT01tTeMargsvbgeP67vwNE6QYCE3JydQNF05wUWpWTsrttZNjgtK4mfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Savannah City Council on Thursday approved a series of procurement items, alcohol licenses and resolutions in a string of motions that the mayor grouped for efficiency.

Airport and vehicle procurements: The council approved agenda items 22–30 for the Savannah Airport Commission, authorizing purchases that include a 4x4 crew cab truck from Hardy Family Ford for $50,546; three midsize SUVs from Beckford Lincoln for $130,566; a 6,000-pound lift truck for $33,619; a Thomas vacuum for $35,675; a Thomas floor scrubber for $42,500; a one-year preventative maintenance agreement with Brooks Building Solutions for $46,400; ratification of an emergency fire pump purchase for $48,989; an 11,000-pound lift truck for $49,962; and a self-serve portal subscription extension with Thanks Boomerang for $60,000. Council voted to adopt the grouped items by voice vote.

Other purchasing and capital contracts: The council approved authorization to execute a contract to rebuild two primary clarifiers with Brentwood Industries not to exceed $104,316 and ratified program-management assistance with Atlas Technical Consultants for up to $3,500,000 annually for SPLOST and related grants. The council also approved extensions and lease actions, including a fourth amendment to extend a lease at 602 East Lathrop Avenue.

Alcohol licenses: During the public hearing on alcohol licenses, the council approved multiple new or amended licenses by voice vote. Approvals included class C beer-and-wine or class C liquor licenses with Sunday sales for businesses such as Sweet Potatoes of Lash (531 Stevens Ave.), The Anne Savannah hotel (110 Anne St.), Strange Bird (1220 Warner St.), Bubba Garcia’s (7 E. Bay St.), Yitang Noodle Hot Pot (41 Whitaker St.), Broughton Street Bowl and Brew (129 E. Broughton St.), West Broad Bandshell (514 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) and Rome’s Restaurant (2310 Montgomery St.). One application (item 11) was withdrawn by the applicant. For one license (item 8, West Broad Bandshell), council noted a neighborhood good-neighbor agreement would be filed and the city will not execute the license until staff confirms that agreement.

Resolutions and other actions: The council adopted a special-events resolution authorizing dates for major events March 14–17, 2025, and approved a resolution supporting local legislative acts aimed at combating homelessness. Council approved an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement with the Savannah–Chatham Board of Education for continued use of the board’s meeting space and discussed the City Hall restoration timeline, with staff projecting a return to city hall by July 2025.

Settlements and subdivision: The meeting approved settlement authorizations for three claims (amounts: $321,346.25; $26,000; $35,000) and approved a major subdivision, Oakwood at New Hampstead Phase 2B (60 single-family lots on 22.04 acres).

Votes: Most items were adopted by voice vote or unanimous roll call as noted on the record. Several items were moved and seconded with no recorded opposition.","Savannah City Council approved airport purchases, multiple alcohol licenses, public-safety and capital contracts, and a slate of resolutions and agreements in voice votes and roll calls during the Feb. 27 meeting. Several items were adopted together with limited discussion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303932,"Savannah council re-awards real-time crime center platform to Axon after FUSIS acquisition",118,4770000,4888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b&start=4770&end=4888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b/thumbnail_4770000.jpg","/articles/6303932/Savannah-City/Chatham-County/Georgia/Savannah-council-re-awards-real-time-crime-center-platform-to-Axon-after-FUSIS-acquisition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303932-0b008ddfe3053a0ac86a4f7715fa1e2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770399236&Signature=k0NvHldP3IBdyKAs0bozAkV1M8ITq0u9BKSAJlSEcHFZBrE5-GwCzQ06GRNfsAnSC2Un5-sW79AnXX7~r6DULnEOR47IW-swV1JaSVwdtcWTALCDPKCwNlahF3U0J6BwYpDTMzkQB~0UtduQO9vxcXsdh9eSJ-7smwEN-vsMOaC4ujJmhw0E~FsRQWUvNKmED9mEo9WCiD~xX5acox4t6ucfwuf3X300H7zREn1rrJI4uEUtX19MBOZQgQzTHOss8X1ccRjF2g2ql0yb9kzSM2jeLz9J5j23VXqAKQD5CeIb0PhVD2gxBBjDB8OQurTxkvE1AFDyZyXdrJH2nx9b5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Savannah City Council on Thursday authorized the city manager to rescind a prior award to FUSIS Corporation and re-award the contract for a real-time crime center public-safety platform to Axon Enterprises Inc., following FUSIS’s acquisition by Axon, city officials said.

Alderman Dietrich Leggett spoke in favor of the procurement, saying the technology will assist the Savannah Police Department and help protect officers while the department continues to handle public-safety challenges. \"This is a great thing,\" Leggett said, adding that the system will give the department real-time tools to respond and allocate resources.

City staff described the platform as a unifying tool that brings SPD data and operations into a single system, broadening the reach of the city’s camera network and supporting public–private camera partnerships. The police sergeant noted the center will allow staff to \"put cops on dots\" — meaning to locate officers and incidents more efficiently on a display — and to access residential and commercial camera feeds when owners grant access.

Officials said the authorization will allow the city to continue using integrated features that connect body-worn cameras, in-car systems and fixed cameras, and that the system will be used for upcoming large events including Saint Patrick’s Day. The council moved and passed the authorization by voice vote.

Council members encouraged residents and businesses to register private cameras through the Savannah Police Department app to enable police to tap live feeds that focus on public spaces and support investigations.

The measure authorizes up to $150,000 for the award to Axon; staff characterized the action as a contractual correction after corporate consolidation rather than a new strategic procurement.

The council approved the motion by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion carried with the ayes after the motion was moved and seconded.","Council authorized the city manager to rescind a previous award and re-award a real-time crime center public-safety platform to Axon Enterprises following a corporate acquisition; officials said the platform will unify camera feeds and expand SPD's capabilities for events such as Saint Patrick's Day.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303936,"Savannah holds public hearing on state homestead-exemption opt-out as council signals intent to keep local benefit",218,4088000,4306000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b&start=4088&end=4306","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b/thumbnail_4088000.jpg","/articles/6303936/Savannah-City/Chatham-County/Georgia/Savannah-holds-public-hearing-on-state-homestead-exemption-opt-out-as-council-signals-intent-to-keep-local-benefit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303936-3473ed6ea6fb0d2453bd4e1682a7875c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770399236&Signature=F3am54JrkZl~UngfqwNKmGJ-IlRyhDSVoM424YPSLeiG2pzRLrWseut3vnqgw5Nl-x0s-bqPaD16BR3U5g-eGwSuQdaQEip~toStMjiNravcQA4eEY71mAuGQiRAqmgcv3jyzFu4ciI7YvkBSNC-uXEhSE9loLurXaMuMOcyLcSW9hRIxD9g9R0KCqyWf7IXQ2ln5wWNu3D2Ea3qGhsYcZGNIIk7lR3paAIGtQUB6uZf8X~DYRIlFCempJMbVf~5HVhEcFYfrPWZ6uCC8A02Lo0EG~COrJCKH9ITDeyYT3wkykOuH0mxLOLsB3639ey-UZpCsTouJEQcnBZ-1h7X8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Savannah City Council opened a public hearing Thursday on whether the city should opt out of a recently enacted, statewide homestead-exemption law and preserve the city’s existing local exemption.

Mayor Van R. Johnson II said the state legislation has continued to change since passage and described the council’s action as a required step to consider whether to opt out. He told attendees the city would hold two further hearings later the same day, at 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., to comply with state law.

Resident Keyshawn Houssey spoke during the hearing and said his family has benefited from Savannah’s current exemption. Houssey urged the council to preserve the local program, noting uncertainty about how the state law may be ultimately interpreted. \"I will say, even to all the flaws Savannah has, this is 1 thing Savannah has gotten right,\" he said.

Council members framed the discussion as responsive to ongoing changes at the state Capitol. The mayor noted that because the state referendum had to be statewide, local governments must decide whether to opt out, and that the city’s longstanding exemption — in place since 1999 — has been the \"gold standard,\" according to council remarks.

No final vote on opting out was recorded during the session. Council members said the public hearings scheduled later that day and subsequent meetings will provide additional public input and allow staff and council to respond to changes at the General Assembly.

Councilors also stated on the record that they expect to pursue an opt-out consistent with preserving the existing relief for local homeowners; one council member said a speaker’s public comment aligned with the council’s intent. City staff cautioned that the state law remains subject to revisions in Atlanta and that decisions could be adjusted later if needed.

The council closed the hearing after the scheduled comments and said it would reopen the record for the two additional hearings to be held that day.","Council opened a public hearing on whether to opt out of the state’s new homestead exemption law; residents urged keeping Savannah’s existing local exemption and officials said staff will hold two additional hearings later the same day.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303941,"Savannah wins What Works Cities silver certification for data-driven governance",581,2779000,3360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b&start=2779&end=3360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469884-1315d6101384bfeafe43db523700855b/thumbnail_2779000.jpg","/articles/6303941/Savannah-City/Chatham-County/Georgia/Savannah-wins-What-Works-Cities-silver-certification-for-data-driven-governance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303941-bd609fb27d81430c1dd2d45001503e0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770399236&Signature=FnxieM~vXLPcBCnQVLtyboN0xWqZ~YKSa8oi1kTJ2mIe9qk-3~LlZ5tqWOdXff35j33UheCqIqCXRjyTlL99efQq-CZROqdYp2AZnvvMwmuxFb-MVzf6cMftfcQVZCgw4iZ5u97E4M~odf~7JXOL3xzminkFI6Vv3gQYwxKHzuVd155avwjOQJwrL7NnpIc96voa4Q7U3ApBTyl0miHzIN4H31LO1Gi5hANnfQoit1FiNEh1BhCwP1QOXzcs4EMf7OGeNajzZxOvXjVAwphhjE-w4XPRjIYEBbSpqk9OMtw3at8Iz4nMkqObxXD~ixouTcb8UPBepT-fBJDtM~qcLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Savannah officials on Thursday announced the city has achieved What Works Cities silver certification from Bloomberg Philanthropies, recognizing the city for establishing data practices to inform policy, allocate funding and evaluate programs.

Mayor Van R. Johnson II said the recognition follows a multi-year, staff-led effort and celebrated the work of the city’s data team. \"This was hard. It was labor intensive,\" the mayor said during the meeting, praising the city manager and the staff who prepared for the evaluation. \"We are just celebrating this city's achievement.\"

The certification process began after a panel conversation in Washington, D.C., that prompted the city to pursue What Works City status. City officials said the formal assessment and subsequent certification tested the city’s foundational data practices, governance structure and use of data across areas that include housing, recreation, crime and urban forestry.

Joe Schierals, chief of information and public affairs, described the initiative as a two-year internal effort driven by a cross-departmental team. He acknowledged the certification process was \"very rigorous and challenging\" and thanked team members who continued daily duties while preparing documentation and policies. Schierals listed staff who contributed to the effort and said the city will continue to pursue higher certification levels.

City leaders framed the certification as part of a broader push to tie decisions to evidence rather than politics or emotion. The mayor said Savannah had made measurable progress in citywide data leadership, adoption of a data strategy and implementation of data-driven approaches to service delivery. The proclamation read at the meeting noted Savannah achieved What Works Cities silver certification for 2024.

Officials said the certification does not immediately change policies; instead, it recognizes internal changes — such as a citywide data leadership team and a formal data strategy — that make evidence-based decision-making more likely. City staff said they intend to use the tools and processes developed during the certification work to measure program performance and guide future investments.

Mayor Johnson and Schierals both said Savannah aims to continue improving and to pursue gold and platinum levels of certification in coming years. The city will continue public reporting and roll out further data-driven initiatives as staff move from establishing governance to demonstrating outcomes.

The mayor and city manager invited the public and the council to a celebratory presentation to acknowledge staff who led the process.","Savannah announced it achieved What Works Cities silver certification from Bloomberg Philanthropies, a multi-year effort led by city staff to strengthen data practices used to guide policy and services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves amended agreement to use school board chambers while City Hall is restored; return to city hall targeted for July

Council approves procurement, licenses and resolutions in unanimous voice votes; key items summarized

Savannah council re-awards real-time crime center platform to Axon after FUSIS acquisition

Savannah holds public hearing on state homestead-exemption opt-out as council signals intent to keep local benefit

Savannah wins What Works Cities silver certification for data-driven governance