Savannah City Council Sets Priorities for 2010

The Savannah City Council is starting the year off with some planning...
Not very glamorous, but the council members want to make sure they're all on the same page and for the most part agree on what this year's priorities will be.
"3 On Your Side" Community Reporter Alice Massimi listened to every detail for you today.

Unlike most of council's other meetings there was no staff there... allowing council to... as they say, “talk frankly with each other”.
One of the ideas they brought up might shock you... an occupation tax... mind you not all of council was in favor of this.... it would tax those of you who travel into Chatham County to work.
It was part of *civil* day long meeting. Council also discussed the strengths and weaknesses of their priorities and then each laid out what they see as the priorities for the districts they represent. Those ranged from economic growth to drainage and being a leader in global participation.
“It gives us a chance to just sort of lay it all out and to step back and say how can we be a better council. How can we be a stronger team and get more done for the citizens,” explains Mayor Otis Johnson.
One thing this council has been working on improving... the Saint Patrick's Day Festival.
Some say last year was a mess, as last minute changes were suggested by council and city businesses.
To prevent that from happening again this year, a task force was created... charged with looking into improvements... but as Councilman Jeff Felser pointed out at today’s meeting - with less than 60 days till the big day, no one has heard from the group.
“Public safety, the zone for the festival as well as the gating, how successful it had been coming down and the violations that come out of the festival. Was it healthier and a more family friendly festival?” Questions Felser and members of the council thought would have been answered by now.
The Mayor made it clear today that unless the task force gets something to the council within the next 10 days... he will not entertain any changes...a sentiment echoed by many of the council members.