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Savannah council suspends contract and asks staff to verify Griffin and Davis’ local DBE status
Summary
After aldermembers raised questions about Griffin and Davis’ asserted Savannah office and 2020 business license, the City Council suspended execution of a June 25 contract award and voted against rescinding the prior vote, sending the matter back for staff verification.
The Savannah City Council on July 9 voted not to rescind its June 25 action on a contract involving Griffin and Davis but directed the city manager to suspend execution of the contract and investigate whether the firm qualifies as a local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).
Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely told colleagues she visited the firm’s listed address, 35 Bernard Street, and "did not see his business listed. There was no office and none of the individuals on site knew of his existence," and said she had similar results calling the Norcross, Georgia office. Kenton Griffin, appearing by Zoom, said he used the Bernard Street space "as needed" and agreed to meet with the mayor and aldermen and to check his business-license status for 2020.
City Manager Pat Monahan described Griffin and Davis as an existing DBE with a 35 Bernard Street address and said staff would verify whether the company’s Savannah business license and presence meet the city’s requirements. Alderman Nick Palumbo noted the Georgia Secretary of State lists Griffin’s company as active; Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter pressed staff to scrutinize DBE and MWBE qualifications more closely.
The council first voted to reconsider and then to rescind the June 25 motion. The rescind motion failed 4–5. Mayor Van R. Johnson asked Monahan to complete due diligence and report back, possibly in a work session; Monahan said he would not execute the contract and would suspend it until Council takes further action.
City Attorney Bates Lovett disclosed family ties when discussing communications with the prime contractor; he said he could consult with Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung about holding or tabling the decision and noted personal family connections to the firm during that comment.
Next steps: City Manager Monahan will investigate Griffin and Davis’ 2020 Savannah business-license status and physical presence and report to Council; the item may return to the agenda for final action.
