City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA September 22, 2011 The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Invocation was given by Alderman Jones followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The September 8, 2011 City Council Meeting Minutes and the September 8, 2011 Summary/Final Minutes of the City Council Workshop and City Manager‘s Briefing, and the September 1, 2011 Summary/Final Minutes of the Mayor and Aldermen‘s 2011 Financial Update and 2012-2016 Draft, Five-year Capital Planning retreat were approved upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Jones and carried. Upon motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Jones and carried, approval was given for the Mayor to sign an affidavit and resolution for the Executive Session held for the purpose of discussing litigation on September 8, 2011. PRESENT: Mayor Pro-Tem Edna B. Jackson, Presiding Alderman Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Van Johnson II, Vice-Chairman of Council Aldermen Larry Stuber, Clifton Jones, Jeff Felser, Mary Osborne, and Mary Ellen Sprague City Manager Rochelle D. Small-Toney City Attorney James B. Blackburn ABSENT: Mayor Otis S. Johnson (out of town) Asst. City Attorneys William W. Shearouse and Lester B. Johnson, III PRESENTATIONS Undine Truedell, Interim Cultural Affairs Director, announced the annual Picnic in the Park event which will have a "Rock and Run" theme and will be held in Forsyth Park on Sunday, October 2, 2011, from 3:00 – 9:00 pm. Eddie Wilson with Strings of the South will be back this year. His new song is: ―Savannah Takes Her Own Sweet Time.” Dennis Hutton, Chair of Healthy Savannah‘s Operations Board/Steering Committee along with Lizann Roberts of the Healthy Savannah Board and other Healthy Savannah community partners received a proclamation designating Saturday, September 24, 2011 as ―Worldwide Day of Play‖ in Savannah. Alderman Thomas read the proclamation. Mark Simons with the Y announced their fall programs. Dennis Blackburn, Honorary Consul to France and Germany and a member of Greater Savannah International Alliance, expressed his appreciation of the Mayor, Council, and the City‘s support of the twining agreement with Halle, Germany. He announced the Mayor of Halle, Germany will visit Savannah October 19 – 24, 2011. Public Information Director Bret Bell announced that the City‘s Public Information Office recently won the Silver Circle award from the City-County Communications and marketing Association for excellence in marketing. Mr. Bell introduced his staff: Events Coordinator Carol Lasell-Miller; PIO Administrator Sarajane Aures; Citizen Engagement Coordinator/Youth Council Director Carlis Bates; and Government Channel Coordinator Wayne Nix. Alderman Jackson thanked them for making the Council and the City look good. Alderman Osborne stated they also kept the citizens informed. 1  LEGISLATIVE REPORTS ALCOHOL BEVERAGES LICENSE HEARING As advertised, the following alcoholic license petitions were heard. No one appeared in objection to the issuance of the licenses and upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried, they were approved: Robert Hauft for Taco Abajo LLC, d/b/a Taco Abajo, requesting a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales at 217 ½ W. Broughton Street, which had a 2010 liquor, beer, and wine (drink) license with Sunday Sales and is located between Barnard Street and Jefferson Street in District 1. (New owner.) Darshana D. Patel t/a Bharat Enterprises, Inc., requesting to transfer a beer (package) license from Vikram K. Patel at 2511 Skidaway Road, which is located between 42nd and 43rd Streets in District 3. (New owner/manager.) Rashmikant Patel for Shiv Discount Corner, Inc. d/b/a S and S Convenience Store, requesting a beer and wine (package) license at 2016 Delesseps Avenue, which is located between Cuba Street and Honduras Street in District 3. (New location.) ZONING HEARINGS Sweepstakes Cafes. A public hearing on an ordinance requested by the Zoning Administrator to provide for the approval of a temporary, 180-day moratorium on accepting applications for zoning permits for Sweepstakes Cafes or variations thereof; to provide for severability; to bar the acceptance of any applications for zoning permits for Sweepstakes Cafés or variations thereof during the moratorium time period; to provide an effective date; to repeal all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith; and for other purposes. (See ―First and Second Readings.‖) Zoning Administrator Randolph Scott was present to answer any questions. City Attorney Blackburn stated the public hearing was for the purpose of letting the public provide input. The internet sweepstakes is under a great deal of confusion in the state. Georgia Municipal Association drafted a bill at the last session. The question is whether or not it meets Georgia law with reference to gambling. This issue needs more study. City Attorney Blackburn stated it is a zoning requirement and the public hearing was necessary. No one from the public spoke. Alderman Thomas thanked the staff for taking pro-active measures on this item. He stated he was deadly against the internet sweepstakes. They are several in the city now; this needs to be heavily regulated. Alderman Stuber moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried. ORDINANCES Ordinance read for the first and second time in Council September 22, 2011 placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon motion of Alderman, seconded by Alderman and carried. First and Second Readings Sweepstakes Cafes. An ordinance to provide for the approval of a temporary, 180-day moratorium on accepting applications for zoning permits for Sweepstakes Cafes or variations thereof; to provide for severability; to bar the acceptance of any applications for zoning permits for Sweepstakes Cafés or variations thereof during the moratorium time period; to provide an effective date; to repeal all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith; and for other purposes. MORATORIUM ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE BY THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN FOR THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPROVAL OF A TEMPORARY, 180 DAY MORATORIUM ON ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING PERMITS FOR SWEEPSTAKES CAFÉS OR VARIATIONS THEREOF; TO PROVIDE FOR SEVERABILITY; TO BAR THE ACCEPTANCE OF ANY APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING PERMITS FOR SWEEPSTAKES CAFÉS OR 2 VARIATIONS THEREOF DURING THE MORATORIUM TIME PERIOD; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, have been vested with substantial powers, rights and functions to generally regulate the practice, conduct or use of property for the purposes of maintaining health, morals, safety, security, peace, and the general welfare of the City of Savannah; and WHEREAS, there is a growing problem in communities throughout the country with businesses which are often classified as ―internet sweepstakes cafés‘ or ―phone card sweepstakes cafés,‖ whereby businesses circumvent state gaming laws by using advances in electronic, mechanical, and computer technology to allow customers to gamble using veiled schemes; and WHEREAS, the Georgia Supreme Court, in the case of DeKalb County v. Townsend, 243 Ga. 80 (1979), has held that, ―To justify a moratorium, it must appear first, that the interests of the public generally, as distinguished from those of a particular class, require such interference; and second, that the means are reasonably necessary for the accomplishment of the purpose, and not unduly oppressive upon individuals‖; and WHEREAS, these businesses often locate in high traffic areas such as shopping centers and strip malls as an attempt to thwart would-be robbers, using unaware patrons of neighboring stores as protection against potential violent crimes; and WHEREAS, these businesses create a strong public safety concern to the public generally and the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah wish to continue to review the City‘s ordinances pertaining to zoning; and WHEREAS, these businesses often require additional parking, often operate for extended hours, causing increased traffic at time periods that normally do not experience high volumes of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, which activities may be potentially injurious to health, safety, and the welfare of the citizens of the City of Savannah, and therefore, the Mayor and Aldermen find that in the interests of the public the enactment of a moratorium is justified to study the potential impact of such businesses; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah declare that their finding that the interests of the public necessitate the immediate enactment of a moratorium as set forth herein, for health, safety, morals, and general welfare purposes, and by means which are reasonable and not unduly oppressive; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah are aware that the City of Savannah‘s Zoning Code does not presently recognize ‗internet sweepstakes cafés‘ or ‗phone card sweepstakes cafés‘ or any variation thereof and does not specifically allow for the same in any zoning district; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah believe that a moratorium on the acceptance and processing of applications for zoning permit approvals for ‗internet sweepstakes cafés‘ or ‗phone card sweepstakes cafés‘ or any variation thereof will not deny property owners economically viable use of their property and will give City officials the time needed to determine the proper zoning for such businesses. NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Savannah hereby ordains: Section 1. (a) A 180 day moratorium starting from the effective date of this ordinance on the establishment or expansion of any ―internet sweepstakes cafés‖ or ―phone card sweepstakes cafés,‖ or any variation thereof, whether independent or incidental to or accessory to any other permitted use. As part of this moratorium the City shall not accept or process any applications for zoning permits, certificates of occupancy, occupational tax certificates, or any other City licensing for ‗internet sweepstakes cafés‘ or ‗phone card sweepstakes cafés‘ or any variation thereof. This moratorium shall apply to all applications currently pending or under review by the City of Savannah and staff as of the effective date of this ordinance. 3 (b) This moratorium shall be effective in the corporate and municipal boundaries of the City of Savannah. (c) The Mayor and Aldermen may extend the moratorium established by this ordinance 3 time(s) for a period not to exceed 90 day(s) upon a finding by the Mayor and Aldermen that the problems that gave rise to the original moratorium continue to exist and that progress is being made by the City but that additional time is necessary to adequately address the issues facing the City. Section 2. The devices used in ―internet sweepstakes cafés‘ or ‗phone card sweepstakes cafés‘ or any variation thereof which shall fall under this moratorium shall be labeled ―Sweepstakes Devices‖ and shall be defined, but not limited to, computers, mechanical devices or electronic devices which may be operated by the public generally for gaming purposes using no skill and include anything that uses energy and is capable of displaying information on a screen or other mechanism that can be viewed by a person in order to enter a sweepstakes, or like contest, and engage in any activity or process associated with the sweepstakes, or like contest, including viewing information which would notify the person that the person is eligible, will receive, or is entitled to receive a prize. Machines designated for use by the State Lottery Commission and machines falling under the definition of ―bona fide coin operated amusement machines‖ under state law shall not fall under the definition of ―Sweepstakes Devices.‖ Section 3. For purposes of this moratorium ―internet sweepstakes cafés‘ or ‗phone card sweepstakes cafés‘ or any variation thereof‖ is defined as any business premises upon which patrons may use Sweepstakes Devices which provide the ability of a player to win a cash or non- cash prize for participation in a no skill game after the payment of cash or other consideration or the payment for merchandise, including, but not limited to, phone cards or internet time or payment for time to use such Sweepstakes Devices, even if others can participate for free. Section 4. This moratorium has been placed into effect as an emergency measure by the Mayor and Aldermen as a reasonable measure deemed necessary for the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City and its residents and property owners. Section 5. (a) The Mayor and Aldermen may authorize exceptions to the moratorium imposed by this ordinance when it finds, based upon substantial competent evidence presented to it, that the deferral of action on an application for a zoning permit or any City issued license for the duration of the moratorium would impose an extraordinary hardship on a landowner or petitioner. (b) Any request for an exception from the moratorium imposed by this ordinance shall be filed in writing with the City Manager or designee and shall include the name of the requester, the name and address of the proposed location, the relationship of the requester to the proposed business and location, a recitation of the facts which are alleged to support a claim for an extraordinary hardship, any other information the City Manager deems necessary for the Mayor and Aldermen to be informed with respect to the request, and shall be signed and notarized. (c) At least one public hearing on any request for an exception for an extraordinary hardship under the moratorium shall be held by the Mayor and Aldermen before the Mayor and Aldermen may take action on such request. (d) When the Mayor and Aldermen are tasked with reviewing a written application for an exception from the moratorium imposed by this ordinance due to a claim of an extraordinary hardship they shall consider, at a minimum, the following criteria, but final discretion shall remain with the Mayor and Aldermen: (1) Whether, prior to the effective date of this ordinance, the applicant has received any permits or licenses from the City for such business location; and 4  (2) Whether, prior to the effective date of this ordinance, the applicant has made substantial expenditures of money or resources in reliance of those permits or licenses which may have been issued by the City; and (3) Whether, prior to the effective date of this ordinance, the applicant has contractual commitments in reliance of those permits or licenses which many have been issued by the City; and (4) Whether, prior to the effective date of this ordinance, the applicant has incurred any financial obligations to a lending institution which, despite a thorough review of alternative solutions, the applicant cannot meet those financial obligations unless granted an exemption and the opportunity to conduct business; and (5) Whether the moratorium will expose the applicant to substantial monetary liability to third parties or would leave the applicant unable to earn a reasonable return on any investment made on the real property affected by this ordinance; and (6) The history and location of the property, including past commercial business uses of the property, if any; and (7) Any staff report which may have been created based upon the application for an exemption from the moratorium imposed by this ordinance; and (8) Any other criteria the Mayor and Aldermen deems pertinent to deciding whether such exemption from the moratorium imposed by this ordinance should be granted. Section 6. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to legalize, license or authorize any operation of a device which is unlawful to operate under the laws of the State of Georgia. Section 7. This moratorium may be terminated by the Mayor and Aldermen prior to the expiration of 180 days upon the adoption by the City Council of appropriate zoning and licensing ordinances. Section 8. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 9. If any section, clause, sentence or phrase of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, then said holding shall in no way effect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 10. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption by the City Council this 22nd day of September, 2011 upon motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and carried. **************************************************** Alderman Felser recused himself on all discussion and voting of digital billboards. Second Readings Ordinance read for the first in Council August 25, 2011, and read a second time in Council September 22, 2011, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon motion of Alderman, seconded by Alderman and carried. Digital Billboards. An ordinance to further restrict digital billboards by requiring a 2,500 foot minimum distance between billboards on opposite sides of the street and by specifying how to determine the Aldermanic District from which the required 5 nonconforming billboard area shall be removed. This is the revised MPC and City staff recommendation. Section 8-3112 Sign Permits Required (C) Restricted Sign, (5), e. The message must not change displays over a period of not less than ten (10) seconds, with all moving parts or illumination moving or changing simultaneously; and the sign cannot display any illumination that moves, appears to move or changes in intensity during the static display period. No auditory message or mechanical sounds may be emitted from the sign. Further, any such sign shall contain a default design that will freeze the sign on one position if a malfunction occurs. 1. Such sign shall only be allowed within the B-C, B-G, B-G-1, B-H, I-L, and I-H zoning districts. 2. Each outdoor sign structure shall have no more than one (1) digital display per direction with a maximum of two (2) signs per structure. Further, no cut outs shall be permitted. Images shall be confined to the digital sign face. 3. All digital signs shall be modulated so that from dawn to dusk, the brightness shall not be no more than 7,500 NITS (Candles per square meter). From dusk to dawn, the brightness shall not be more than 350 NITS. 4. New locations for sign under this subsection (as opposed to conversions of existing signs) shall not be permitted within two hundred fifty (250) feet of a residential zone. Conversion of existing signs, whether conforming or nonconforming, to a sign permitted under this subsection shall not be permitted within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a residential zone. The minimum distance between digital billboards shall be five thousand (5,000) feet on the same side of the street and two thousand five hundred feet on the opposite side of the street. Distances shall be measured pursuant to the requirements of Section 8-3112(l)(8)(g) herein. 5. Such signs shall be permitted only along four lane or more arterial roadways as defined in Section 8-3112(l) herein. 6. Such signs shall not be permitted inside the boundaries of any locally designated Historic District or Property or any Historic District as defined by the National Historic Register. 7. Such signs shall not be permitted inside the boundaries of any urban redevelopment areas as defined by the City of Savannah. 8. Such signs may be order modified by the City Manager or his designee based solely on accident statistics and/or reports which demonstrate a causal connection between increased accident levels and signs permitted under this section. 9. One (1) new digital billboard face will be permitted within the corporate limits of the City of Savannah when a number of existing nonconforming billboards within the corporate limits of the City of Savannah that correspond to a ratio is removed. The ratio shall be 2.5 square feet of existing billboard face space for every 1 square foot of electronic/digital billboard face to be erected. Nonconformity shall be determined by applicable sections of the zoning ordinance. The required nonconforming billboard area shall first be removed within the same aldermanic district in which the digital billboard is located. If no nonconforming billboard area exists with such district, the removal of nonconforming billboard area shall occur on a rotating basis beginning with aldermanic district 1. For example, if the removal of nonconforming billboard area equals two (2) billboard faces and no nonconforming billboard area existed in the same district, the first billboard would be removed from District 1 and the second would be removed from District 2. Upon the approval of another digital billboard in a district where no nonconforming billboard area existed, nonconforming billboard area would be removed from District 3, and so on. Final approval for new billboard faces shall not be granted until 6  the number of nonconforming billboard faces is removed and certified by the City Manager or his/her designee. The petitioner shall be required to meet all other requirements of the City Code unless otherwise permitted herein. 10. Each digital billboard shall have information attached identifying the agent or agency responsible for its construction and maintenance and the permit number issued by the Zoning Administrator for such signs. Alderman Johnson stated this is to help the City do things procedurally right. Ardis Wood, Savannah Citizen – needs compromise and adjustment; don‘t compromise ugliness. Attorney Harold Yelling, representing Lamar Enterprises – they agree with the City Manager‘s recommendations. The distance requirements have doubled. Chris Disilvestro – General Manager of Lamar Enterprises - The new regulations are more intensifying and there will be fewer opportunities. He made a commitment on behalf of Lamar Enterprises, that they would not install no more than 3 additional sites in Savannah. Alderman Sprague asked if the City could hold him to this and City Manager Toney stated there were regulations they had to pass at each application for installment of new billboards. Alderman Thomas thanked Lamar Enterprises for being open to suggestions. He stated, because of the location Alderman Sprague and himself are impacted the most. Alderman Stuber pointed out that Lamar Enterprises and CEMA have an agreement to deliver public safety notices free. Alderman Stuber asked that the City Manager go back and review the 3-faces, the relocation issue, and the cost of removal and bring it back to Council as another amendment to the ordinance. Upon motion by Alderman Stuber, seconded by Alderman Johnson and carried the ordinance was passed. RESOLUTIONS Savannah Gardens Phase-III Financing Amendment. A resolution to approve amendment of the loan terms for the $500,000 CDBG loan Community Housing Services Agency, inc. (CHSA) is making Mercy Housing in support of its 2010 Savannah Gardens Phase- III Low Income Housing Tax Credit Project development. On August 24, 2011 the CHSA Loan Committee recommended to amend the terms. On August 31, 2011 the CHSA Board of Directors approved the amended loan terms. CHSA is now seeking City Council approval to amend its loan terms. The original loan terms approved by the Mayor and Aldermen included the following: $500,000 CDBG Loan; 0% interest during construction up to 18 months; 3% interest permanent loan, term concurrent with private financing; Annual interest payment; Annual principal payment to equal 90% of available cash flow; 1.5% loan servicing to CHSA, Inc. The amended loan terms requested by CHSA and Mercy Housing, and required by the primary lender and/or equity partner, include: $500,000 CDBG Loan; 0% interest during construction up to 18 months; 3% interest permanent loan, term concurrent with private financing; Annual principal and interest payment of $25,509.63 from available cash flow; any unpaid amount rolls over to the next year 1.5% loan servicing to CHSA, Inc. In both instances, annual payments are to be paid from available cash flow. Should there be insufficient cash flow to cover the full amount of the payment, the balance would be carried forward to the following year(s) and accrue interest. when construction is complete, the CHSA loan will be in a favorable second lien position behind a $2,626,000 loan from Bank of America and in front of a $9,358,726 equity investment by SunTrust—the project‘s Limited Partner. CHSA loan payments will be in front of all payments to Mercy Housing from available cash flow. Time is of the essence. Mercy Housing Southeast, Inc. has a September 30, 2011 construction start date. The State Department of Community Affairs (DCA) expects construction to begin on this date or shortly thereafter. At best, it will take at least one year to construct the 94 units of housing. Starting construction on this project any later than October 15 places the project at risk and may result in the recapture of tax credits 7 and/or cancellation of associated financing commitments. Mercy is prepared to request that DCA grant it a two week extension on the construction start date providing the City has agreed to the loan terms described above and previously approved by CHSA. Construction, however, cannot begin until the financing is closed. Savannah Gardens Phase-III must be completed and ready for occupancy by December 31, 2012 at the latest. This is an IRS required deadline that cannot be missed and, if it is, will result in the recapture of the $9.3+ million tax credit equity funding. Adopting the amended loan terms described above will enable Mercy Housing to close Financing, start construction and complete Savannah Gardens Phase-III as planned and on schedule. (Deferred from September 8, 2011.) Recommend approval. The City Manager thanked the City Attorney for working with the group; Alderman Stuber thanked the two contractors. Upon motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried the amendment was granted. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Johnny Mercer Plaque. The Savannah - Chatham County Historic Site and Monument Commission recommends approval of a request by the Johnny Mercer Centennial Committee to install a solid bronze plaque and additional pavers adjacent to the Johnny Mercer Statue in Ellis Square. The Commission also recommends that the band of curbing between the brick and the pavers be removed so that the pavers extend to the brick, because it is consistent with the Master Plan and Guidelines, and that the petitioner coordinate with City Departments to ensure no utilities are damaged during installation. The Johnny Mercer statue was approved in March 2009 and the statue installed shortly thereafter. Adjacent businesses and the Visitors Center have reported that visitors to Ellis Square frequently inquire as to the identity of the statue. Currently, the statue is surrounded by hexagonal pavers, one of which is inscribed "Johnny Mercer 1909-1976" but it is not differentiated from the other inscribed pavers. In response, Mayor Johnson formed a committee to facilitate the installation of a marker at the site. The location of the proposed plaque is adjacent to the statue. It is proposed that the plaque be located to the north of the statue to allow visitors to continue to take photographs with the statue while standing to the south. The estimated cost of the plaque, pavers, and installation is $4,000. Funding has been secured from the hotels and merchants around Ellis Square. Recommend approval. Alderman Thomas recognized Dianne Thurman for her efforts. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried the approval was given. Ardsley Park Chatham Crescent Markers. The Savannah - Chatham County Historic Site and Monument Commission recommends approval of a request by the Ardsley Park Chatham Crescent Neighborhood Association to install three solid bronze plaques on the pillars marking the entrances into the Ardsley Park – Chatham Crescent neighborhood. The pillars are located at: Southwest corner of Abercorn Street and Victory Drive; Northwest corner of Washington and Waters Avenues; and Southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Bull Street. The plaques will be 12‖ x 24‖ and will include the text ―Ardsley Park Chatham Crescent Established 1910.‖ The placement on the pillars, from the bottom of the plaques, will be 4 feet from the ground and 6 inches from the sides on the pillars at Washington Avenue and Bull Street and at Washington and Waters Avenues. The placement will be 3 feet from the bottom and 5 inches from the sides on the pillar at Abercorn Street and Victory Drive. This will provide optimal visibility for pedestrians and motorists, as well as appropriate aesthetic placement given individual pillar size and accoutrements. The plaques will cost approximately $2,500 and funds have been fully secured. Upon motion by Alderman Sprague, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried the request was granted. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REPORTS Price Street. Drew Wade, Chairman of the Savannah Bicycle Campaign, submitted a letter in December 2009 requesting that the City investigate the possibility of designating a southbound bicycle lane leading out of the Historic District, to complement the existing northbound bicycle lane on Lincoln Street. The Traffic Engineering Department along with Mobility and Parking Services investigated the feasibility of using Price Street one- way southbound facility as a bicycle facility. The proposal to convert Price Street to a southbound class II bicycle facility would provide these benefits: A one-way couplet to complement the bicycle facility on Lincoln Street; A safer route for cyclist that currently 8 uses Habersham Street, which is a class III bicycle facility (shared bicycle and motor vehicle lane). Price Street can be re-striped to provide approximately 80 on-street parking spaces on the west side of the street, a six-foot bicycle lane, and one twelve-foot vehicle travel lane. Due to the relatively low traffic volume (4000 to 6000 vehicles per day), this proposal will not create any significant traffic congestion and delay. The lane reduction could reduce the speeding problem on Price Street. Meetings were held with all the affected neighborhoods (Downtown, Victorian, Beach Institute, Dixon Park, Baldwin Park, and Thomas Square) during 2010 and 2011. These neighborhoods all expressed support for converting Price Street to incorporate on-street parking and a bicycle lane. A drop-in meeting held on August 16, 2011 was well attended by approximately fifty persons. The majority of the comments supported implementing this project. Recommend that Price Street from Bay Street to 42nd Street be modified from a two lane southbound facility to one lane with on-street parking on the west side of the street and a six-foot Type II bicycle lane. Recommend approval. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Osborne and carried the request was granted. ************************************************ Upon motion of Alderman Felser, seconded by Alderman Osborne and carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved: BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Machine Shop Services and Welding Repairs – Annual Contract – Bid No. 11.178. Awarded an annual contract for machine shop and welding services to P & O Machine Shop (Items 1 & 2) in the amount of $39,300.00 and to L & H Welding (Items 3 & 4) in the amount of $15,710.00 for a contract total of $55,010.00. The services will be used by various City departments for maintenance and repairs to equipment and machinery. This is the first of four available contract periods. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Water and Sewer Fund- Operating/President Street Plant/Other Contractual Services (Account No. 521-2553- 51295) and Water and Sewer Fund-Operating/Small Plants Operation and Maintenance/Other Contractual Services (Account No. 521-2554-51295). Manhole Rings and Covers – Annual Contract – Bid No. 11.183. Awarded an annual contract for manhole rings and covers from Ferguson Underground Water Works (Items 1 & 2) in the amount of $115,168.00 and to HD Supply (Items 3 & 4) in the amount of $6,816.00 for a grand total of $121,984.00. The rings and covers will be used by Sewer Conveyance and Water Distribution as replacements on water and sewer lines. Items 3 and 4 are maintained in inventory at the Central Warehouse. The low bidder meeting specifications was awarded for each item. This is the first of three available contract periods. Delivery: 1-30 Days. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Sewer Maintenance/Construction Supplies & Materials (Account No. 521-2553-51340) and Internal Service Fund/Central Stores Inventory (Account No. 611-0000-11330). Gate and Tapping Valves – Annual Contract – Bid No. 11.187. Awarded an annual contract to procure gate and tapping valves from HD Supply in the amount of $105,388.40. The parts will be maintained in inventory at the Central Warehouse and will be used by Water Distribution in the maintenance and repair of the City's water lines. This is the first of three available contact periods. Delivery: 1-14 Days. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Water Distribution/Construction Supplies & Materials (Account No. 521-2503-51340). Electrical Repairs – Annual Contract – Bid No. 11.073. Awarded an annual contract for electrical repairs to Aiken-Harper Electrical Services, Inc (Primary) and All Electric & Specialty Systems (Secondary) in the amount of $76,410.00. The contract will be used by various City departments for routine electrical repairs and projects under $25,000. this is the first of five available contract periods. Delivery: As Required. Terms: Net- 30 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Various Accounts. Amano McGann Exit Pay-In-Lane Machine W/Bill Dispenser – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval of an Amano McGann Exit Pay-In-Lane Machine with bill dispenser in the amount of $54,330.00 from Carolina Time. Carolina Time will provide and install an AMG-6800 9 ―Pay in Lane‖ machine which will dispense bills and coins for change. The system will be installed in lane 3 of the exit plaza to give customers the option to use credit card or cash in a fully automated lane when exiting the parking deck. This is a sole source purchase from Carolina Time, as they are the area provider of Amano McGann products. Adding this unit is the next step in the Airport‘s program to become as fully automated as possible which will help reduce operating costs and increase accountability. Recommend approval. Phase 1 of the PA System Upgrade with Alltel Systems Group Inc. – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval of Phase 1 of the PA System Upgrade with Alltel Systems Group, Inc. in the amount of $152,006.00. The Commission, as part of the Airport‘s life cycle program, has budgeted to upgrade the head end and amplifier network of the IED Terminal PA System this year. The existing components in this network are obsolete and no longer supported by the manufacturer. Additionally, the Airport has programmed as part of this project the addition of high quality Line Array speakers to improve the intelligibility of announcements in the main corridor of Savannah Square. This project is Phase 1 of the PA System Upgrade Program. Phase 2 will include a complete upgrade of all microphone stations and associated wiring and is scheduled for 2012. The Alltel Systems Group, Inc. is the IED vendor and contractor assigned to this area and as such, this is a sole source project. Recommend approval. Asphalt Crack Sealer – City of Savannah Bid No. 11.086 – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval to procure one (1) each Asphalt Crack Sealer from Road Products in the amount of $32,429.00. This unit will be an additional asset for the Savannah Airport Commission to be used in repairing and maintaining the asphalt paving located on the runways and ramp areas. This unit will also be available for needed repairs and maintaining additional asphalt surfaces located throughout other areas of the Savannah Airport Commission property. Overlay Ida J. Gadsden Drive – Bid No. 11.172-8-30, $69,885.00 – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received authorization to enter into a contract with Carroll & Carroll, Inc. in the amount of $69,885.00 to overlay Ida J. Gadsden Drive, rental car unloading lane, rental car entrance/exit drives, miscellaneous repairs to pavement sections, markings, and other associated items. Grant Offer Acceptance – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Notice has been received from the Federal Aviation Administration that the Savannah Airport Commission will receive additional discretionary funding for the North Aviation Development Project or potentially other discretionary funding under the Airport Improvement Project. The Savannah Airport Commission received authorization to accept the additional discretionary funding. Worksite Voluntary Benefits. Recommend approval to secure worksite voluntary benefits for City of Savannah employees in the following categories: permanent life, accident, critical illness, short term disability, and legal. Trustmark is the recommended provider for permanent life and critical illness, Humana is the recommended provider for accident, UNUM is the recommended provider for short term disability, and LegalEase is the recommended provider for legal services. As part of the services provided by our benefits consultant, Wells Fargo Insurance Services, an RFP was issued for worksite voluntary benefits. A comprehensive competitive evaluation was completed to support the selection of carriers proving the best products, contractual terms, underwriting requirements, and premiums for our employees. Each proposal was scored on benefit levels and terms, value proposition, and cost. Below is the final scoring for each benefit category. 10 Permanent Life Trustmark ING UNUM Allstate Colonial TOTAL 82 80 78 75 62 Accident Humana Boston Mutual CAIC Allstate Colonial TOTAL 75 73 68 67 59 Critical Illness Trustmark CAIC Allstate Colonial - Ind Colonial - Grp TOTAL 74 66 62 54 49 STD UNUM Colonial Trustmark TOTAL 75 74 N/A Legal LegalEASE Pre-Paid TOTAL 86 39 No City funding is required as the benefits will be paid entirely by the employee through payroll deductions to the various benefit providers. Alderman Johnson had some concerns about the vendors not being local. Alderman Thomas stated the City of Savannah cares about their employees and he commended the City Manager and her staff. Upon motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried, the request was granted. Alderman Thomas thanked City Manager Toney for informing them on the issue of Thomas Square. Also, Bob Scanlon met with the rail road owners, discussing their routes and hours of service. Alderman Thomas stated there were also issues with the rail road on Presidents Street blocking traffic for over 30-minutes at a time. Alderman Johnson stated there were areas in his district where the grass along the track is cut once a year. It is unfair that the citizens have to cut this. Alderman Stuber thanked City Manager Toney for honoring Alderman Thomas‘ request to not hang bras across Broughten Street. Alderman Sprague asked that the bid go out for the dog fencing, as soon as possible. Alderman Jackson reminded everyone the Savannah Jazz Festival is this week. There being no further business, Mayor Johnson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese Clerk of Council 11