Jennifer L. Blalock

The City Council workshop agenda included an introduction of Ashley Marshall as the new Chief of Community Services, who has extensive experience in local government leadership, public health, and nonprofit partnerships from her previous roles in Charlottesville, Virginia. The session continued with a public safety update, focusing on the coordination between Recreation Leisure Services, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONES), and the Police Department (SPD) to address youth violence through prevention and engagement, rather than enforcement. The Recreation Department reported significant growth in youth program participation (athletics, summer camps, aquatics) since 2023, including expanded teen programs and youth workforce development initiatives like the lifeguard training program. The ONES update highlighted several key programs in 2025 aimed at reducing youth gun violence, such as 'Real Talk' sessions in schools, the 'Grow and Glow' program for young ladies, and the 'Path Forward' redirection program for young men. Outcome data showed a low recidivism rate (3%) among high-risk youth engaged by the response team. The session concluded with a review of community partnership outcomes from violence reduction grants and an overview of upcoming events.

The workshop meeting featured presentations and updates on two major items identified in the strategic plan: the Public Art Master Plan update and the Housing Development update. Key discussions centered on the draft Public Art Master Plan, which aims to ensure public art is accessible, high-quality, and equally distributed across all districts, reflecting Savannah's history and future. Recommendations included establishing a new commission specifically focused on public art to manage policy, implementation, and the maintenance of the art collection. The presentation detailed the plan's structure, including engagement results, administrative recommendations, and various art typologies such as murals, sculpture, and temporary art. The implementation of the housing development update was also highlighted.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and a quorum confirmation, followed by an invocation. Key agenda items included the adoption of the regular meeting agenda, which required continuing one item to a future date. The minutes from the prior work session/briefing and regular meeting held on January 8th, 2026, were approved. The council recognized the Savannah Book Festival, receiving an update on its upcoming dates and community engagement activities, including school visits and headline events. A proclamation was issued recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Savannah Economic Development Authority (CEDA) for its contributions to job creation and regional prosperity. Additionally, a proclamation was presented honoring WSAVTV on its 70th anniversary for its consistent delivery of local news and community partnership. Discussions also touched upon the ongoing concern of human trafficking in Savannah.

The workshop featured discussions regarding the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebration, identified as a major public safety special event with heightened security concerns rated by Homeland Security. Updates covered the parade, downtown festivities, and public safety preparations involving state and federal partners. Discussions focused on the festival ordinance zone, specifically the to-go cup zone parameters, and restrictions on outside alcohol dispensing and motor coach permits. Significant time was spent detailing food truck operations, including lottery processes, space allocations (27 spots), and prioritizing Savannah-based businesses for future events, leading to a council direction to codify this prioritization in ordinance. Furthermore, enforcement strategies for vendors operating without proper business licenses and general code compliance within the festival zone were reviewed, emphasizing the role of City Marshals and newly created Community Support Specialist positions.

The event was a memorial service honoring firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Key segments included opening statements from Interim Fire Chief Elsie Kitchen, thanks extended to local officials, and special appreciation for the families of fallen heroes Norman Simmons (died 1991), Terrell Nelson (died 2010, Brian County Firefighter), Michael Curry (died 2016), and Captain Michael McFadden (died 2018). The service included an invocation, posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and historical context regarding the 'Big Duke' alarm bell, which is now a firefighter memorial. Proclamations were read by Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, designating October 9, 2022, as Firefighter Memorial Day in Savannah, and by a representative for Chatham County. The event concluded with the reading of names of fallen firefighters and the playing of the last alarm. An additional segment recognized firefighters who succumbed to cancer, marked by the laying of white roses.