City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA November 17, 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-Elect Dr. Estella Edwards-Shabazz followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Minutes of the meeting of November 3, 2011 City Council Meeting and the Summary/Final Minutes of the City Council Workshop and City Manager’s Briefing of November 3, 2011; and the Summary/Final Minutes of the October 26, 2011 minutes, with corrections were approved upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried. PRESENT: Mayor Otis S. Johnson, Presiding Mayor Pro-Tem Edna B. Jackson Alderman Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Van Johnson II, Vice-Chairman of Council Aldermen Clifton Jones, Jeff Felser, Mary Osborne and Mary Ellen Sprague City Manager Rochelle D. Small-Toney City Attorney James B. Blackburn Asst. City Attorneys William W. Shearouse, and Lester B. Johnson, III ABSENT: Aldermen Larry Stuber PRESENTATIONS Library Director Christian Kruse and Foundation Director Christy Divine were present to invite the Mayor, Aldermen, and citizens of Savannah to attend the Savannah Children’s Book Festival at Forsyth Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2011. This is the largest children’s festival in the country. Golden tickets were given to children who read over 45 hours of books this summer. Over 40, 000 people were expected to attend the book walk and charter parade. Beth Robinson of the City’s Human Resources Department introduced Heather Hilderbrand who introduced Captain Gregory Smedley, Daniel O’Grady and Pricilla Davis of the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Youth Success Program to announce the establishment of a new partnership between the Army and City that exposes soldiers being honorably discharged to job opportunities in the City organization. LEGISLATIVE REPORTS 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 Jones, seconded by Alderman Jackson, and carried, they were approved: ALCOHOL BEVERAGES LICENSE HEARING Stephen Douglas Barnhill, Jr. for Intelligent Aromas, LLC d/b/a The Boiler Room, requesting a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license at 302 Williamson Street, which had a 2011 liquor, beer and wine (drink) license and is located between Barnard Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in District 1. (New business at location) Lisa Ann Dellert for 3127 LLC d/b/a Crystal Beer Parlor, requesting to transfer a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales from Phillip S. Nichols at 301 W. Jones Street, which is located between Jefferson and Montgomery Streets in District 1. (New ownership/manager) 1 Stephanie C. Lindley for Byrd Cookie Company of Savannah d/b/a Byrd Cookie Company, requesting a wine (package) with tasting license at 6700 Waters Avenue, which had a 2004 wine (package) license and is located between Eisenhower and Seawright Drives in District 3. (New ownership) City Manger Toney stated the applicant was approved for the wine tasting; the applicant has been informed of this recommendation. The applicant must also comply with all state regulations. Larry McPherson for Mutual Benevolent Society d/b/a The Mutual House, requesting to transfer a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales at 3030 Barnard Street, which is located between Pearl and W. 44th Streets in District 5. (Transfer) PUBLIC HEARINGS Budget Hearing. A hearing to present information and receive comments concerning the proposed 2012 Service Program and Budget. Alderman Johnson stated they had been historically very conservative when it came to balancing the budget and that was what has allowed them to be in a favorable position. He stated he was concerned about a much more aggressive approach. The budget appears to be predicated upon the assumption that property tax will remain flat. He asked about the vacancy adjustment beyond the usual conservative budget at 100% vacancy. Forecasting a savings based upon a vacancy rate is risky. He did not want to put the Council in a position, where 2 – ¾ of next year they had to go back to the people and raise the taxes, or make cuts just to be able to balance the budget. The budget clearly has significant increases for the police and fire; plus a 2% cost of living increase and he was concerned about where the money was coming from for these things. He stated he did not feel they could move forward on 1st reading until they have the figures. Alderman Felser stated he agreed with Alderman Johnson’s statement adding they went through 2 ½ of budget hearings at the civic center. Some of what they heard was good but he too felt the budget for next year was overly optimistic. There were some changes made to make the budget more business-friendly. He said he too agreed that the revenue projections this time were far too aggressive as far as property taxes; and they did not want to be stuck with a budget that needed a mid-year correction that would not be in the best interest of the people. In addition there were a number of big notebooks presented to them at the budget hearing and on the second day the biggest one was the PowerPoint presentations and they got away from the 1st notebook with all the particular numbers. They still have some questions regarding some of those numbers as Alderman Johnson had pointed out. He stated he was not ready for a 1st reading on the budget. Alderman Jackson asked the City Manager when she thought she would have the answers requested this date; particularly on the personnel services and the pension plans. She stated last year they went back to the people in time, to tell them about the .5% millage increase; as a result of that they made a commitment to the residents of the City. There were 3-meetings left this year, with ample time to pass the budget; however, she wanted to know if it was possible to have the information requested by the December 1, 2011 meeting so that they can move forward. The trend across this Country is that the end to the poor economy has not been seen yet. City Manager Toney stated, for the record, she would never put the Council, the City, or the Community in a financial jeopardy. The budget was prepared by a very seasoned staff; a very experience staff. She did not want to leave the impression with the Council or the Community that somehow this administration, for this year in particular, did something rash or without due regard for all budgeting principals. There is a difference, in a sense that in the years past, the City has always budgeted 100% of the 2,500 positions being filled at all times January 1st through December 31st. This budget contemplates that 98% of the time those positions would be filled; even thought the City carries a vacancy rate fluctuating form 10 -11%. This year was different because of the TRIP and the additional savings that went into the reserve fund. She cautioned that the City should not use the reserve fund to support on-going operations; which is why she would not recommend that the Council used those funds for anything moving forward into next years’ budget. The requested information will be given to Council quickly. 2 Alderman Jones stated a lot of the questions asked this date was discussed in the budget hearings. A specific question related to the 4.7 million that is supposed to be moved over to the reserve. He stated he had a concern last year when they went to the people and asked for a raise in the millage rate. This year there are funds available that could be allocated back to the citizens and that would be his recommendation. Not enough time was put into studying the budget, by Council, and some of the previously mentioned questions need to be answered. Alderman Thomas thanked the City Manager and staff; they prepared a wonderful budget and there were still some questions that need to be answered. He stated the questions that Alderman Johnson had were “right on target” and some of them were concerns that he had. He stated he did not want the City Manager to think there is criticism, because she had delivered in a very difficult time, a budget that has revenue in it that they can place in a reserve fund for the citizens. He disagreed, somewhat with Alderman Jones in returning the money to the citizens. When the digest came in and they raised the millage rate by .5%, they went back and reduced the millage rate. To imply that it has not been reduced is a disservice. He again thanked the City Manager and the City staff; including the “seasoned staff” Finance Director Dick Evans for the budget they have presented. Alderman Sprague agreed with Alderman Johnson stating she too had questions during the budget process and that she had requested information on the pensions and she has not received it and is not comfortable voting at this time. Another item she wanted to add to the list was the fact that the whole budget was predicated on a flat property rate. Her feelings were strongly that they should budget for the assessment to go down and that the City Manager could justify to Council why she felt the property assessments were going to stay the same rather than going through further reductions. The past two years there was a property tax income reduction. Also a lot of the increases in this budget was predicated on the sales taxes increasing which is risky because sales taxes fluctuate so much. Council needs to understand the rational and reasoning’s in order to vote on the budget. Mayor Johnson stated they had advertised this for a first reading of the budget; there is no decision on the first reading. The public hearing has been advertised and the budget is available for public review. The action will come at the second reading which will give the City Manager and staff time to answer the questions of Council. The budget must be adopted before the first of the New Year. Reed Brendon and Mark Conner spoke in opposition of the development fee increases. Mayor Johnson told them the City will hold a public hearing and meetings with them before any increases are made. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried, the public hearing was closed. ZONING HEARINGS Metropolitan Planning Commission (Z-110505-51311-2), recommending a text amendment to the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance, Article J, Sections 2.0, 6.6 and 7.0, to add definitions and to require aircraft hazard lighting and reflective tape wrapping on wireless telecommunications facilities between 100 and 199 feet in height. As technologies have evolved, more and more wireless telecommunications facilities will be needed to provide the communications, data and entertainment services of the public. Lighting systems and reflective tape are a comparatively low-cost and low impact measure that helps mitigate the dangers of operating aircraft at low altitudes. The proposed amendments would require lighting and reflective taping on all new towers, and where towers are structurally modified under the terms of the ordinance. (Continued from October 6, 2011) Recommend approval. This amendment was requested for safety reasons by Chatham County Mosquito Control and has been approved by the County Commission. Alderman Johnson recused himself from discussion. Jack Butler, Planner with MPC made the above mentioned recommendations and was present to answer any questions by Council. County Chairman Pete Liakakis stressed the importance and the need for the public safety of the military personnel and the mosquito 3 patrol team. Alderman Osborne and Thomas thanked the team. Upon motion by Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried, the public hearing was closed. Upon motion by Alderman Felser, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried the request was granted. **************************************** Clifton Kennedy (Z-110831-63065-2), requesting an amendment to Section 8-3025(b) of the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance to allow a church or other place of worship as a permitted use in the B-N (Neighborhood Business) district. The B-N district is designed to provide neighborhood-scale services to areas of from 3,000 to 5,000 people. It is unknown why churches and other places of worship were excluded from the B-N classification, since such uses as clubs or lodges, schools and libraries, and assembly halls are permitted. An amendment to allow churches and other places of worship in the B-N district, consistent with nearly all other commercial classifications in the city, would appear to have no adverse impacts beyond those which may be associated with other places of public assembly. All uses within the district, including churches or other places of worship, are and would be subject to the appropriate development standards of the district and the required review procedures identified in the Ordinance. Inclusion of churches and other places of worship as a permitted use in the B-N district would also remove a restriction which may be at odds with the Federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000. Recommend approval. Marcus Lotson with MPC and Clifton Kennedy, Petitioner were present to answer any questions. Alderman Osborne asked if the church already exist and what they wanted to do. Mr. Lotson stated it was an existing church and they wanted to expand. Alderman Osborne stated she was against the store-front churches with only 1 or 2 church members because they obstruct business. Mr. Lotson stated the church was extending the sanctuary and parking lot. Mayor Johnson stated he sympathized with Alderman Osborne because churches have been allowed on properties on Waters Avenue with no requirements, especially parking requirements and it had an adverse impact on Waters Avenue towards Victory Drive and the Council did not want the same thing to happen on Waters Avenue “south” of Victory Drive. He stated this was not anti-church, but to make sure the activities fit within the general district. The church is already there, so they were not prohibited; but now they want to get bigger. Alderman Johnson stated for the record, he liked churches and he liked church folks. Alderman Osborne stated her previous comment was not against churches and she appreciated the Mayor’s clarification because the suffering was seen on Waters Avenue with the 2 and 3 people churches. They have adversely impacted the development on Waters Avenue and she wanted everyone to be conscious of it and aware of it and do the right thing. Alderman Jones asked if granting this would impact any other businesses. Mr. Lotson stated that it would impact all churches and businesses city-wide. Any where BN classification is in the City, if this is passed, churches would be allowed to establish themselves in that classification. Alderman Jackson stated if this was granted it would impact all of the corridors in the City as well as the south side. Mr. Kennedy stated originally they had planned to ask for a zoning map amendment so that the church could be a conforming use; however, the MPC staff and Commission felt the text amendment was more appropriate, for a number of reasons, but mostly because it may disagree with Federal laws. The church wants to build a larger sanctuary, which will have 400 seats, and they have acquired property behind the existing building on 56th Street; they have also acquired adjacent property for parking. They do plan for the parking to meet the requirements of the City ordinance. Alderman Thomas stated years ago the Council had the same issue and he asked at that time, “what is a church.” No one could answer that. Today they were faced with the same situation; there are vital corridors that the Council was trying to economically infuse throughout the City. A text amendment on a BN district would limit the uses of those properties. The store-front churches have the ability to become tax-free and come off the tax rolls; they limit uses of other businesses such as restaurants offering alcoholic drinks with their meals. If they were within 200 or 300 feet of the church they would be prevented from doing so. He stated he was not against churches; he believed in them, and that they were good for the community and more people should attend. However, he was concerned that some churches have limited members yet restricts an entire block from revitalizing with different uses as seen in the Waters Avenue, north of Victory Drive area. Other corridors, including the ones in his district would be negatively impacted. He stated he understood that Mr. Kennedy was there to push for his client, and that was great, but he wanted a answer as to what a church was; and when a church sets 4 up in one of the strip centers, a store-front, what does it do to the ability of restaurants to offer beer and wine and even convenience stores to sell beer and wine. Mayor Johnson stated he wished they had come with an amendment that did not impact the entire City; and the discussion of Council this date was not about this church but about the broader implications. Mr. Kennedy stated he originally asked for an amendment and MPC wanted the change. Alderman Sprague stated it was a nice church and well taken care of and that she had never had any complainants about parking or other issues. What they were asking for does not impact the businesses across the street; it impacts the entire City. She asked MPC if the church could be granted their request without changing the entire City. Mr. Lotson stated it could be done. Ms. Carol Gould from the church approached Council. She explained again this was not their original request. Upon motion by Alderman Felser, seconded by Alderman Jackson and carried the request was referred back to MPC. ORDINANCES Budget Ordinance. An ordinance to adopt the 2012 Service Program and Budget proposed by the City Manager with certain changes. Revenue Ordinance. An ordinance to raise revenue for the City of Savannah the same as was adopted and amended for 2011 with certain changes. No action was taken. *************************************************** Ordinance read for the first time and second time in Council November 17, 2011, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried. Historic Building Map Amendment (Z-111012-3403-2). An ordinance to amend the Historic Building Map established in Section 8-3030(f), Historic District, Classification of structures, of the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance to remove the “Historic” classification from the property located at 720-722 Habersham Street. Recommend approval. ********************************* One Hour Time Zone Request – 0 Block of West Brady, 0 Block of East 34th Street, 100 Block of East 36th Street. An ordinance to authorize one hour time zones on the 0 block of West Brady, 0 block of East 34th Street, and 100 block of East 36th Street. This action has been requested by residents via petition. Mobility and Parking Services conducted a six month trial of the time zones and they were effective in reducing student overcrowding and allowing residents to park on their blocks. Approval of this ordinance would make the trial permanent. (Deferred from October 6, 2011) Recommend deferring to December 1, 2011. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried, the ordinance was continued until December 1, 2011. ***************************************** 90-Minute Time Zone Request – Bull Street Library/Thomas Square Parking Area. An ordinance to authorize 90-minute time zones for all spaces in the Bull Street Library/Thomas Square parking area. The parking lot is fronted by Bull Street, 35th Street, and Drayton Street. Because of the opening of Arnold Hall parking in this parking area was unavailable for library patrons. At the library’s request the spaces were converted to 90-minute zones for a six-month trial. The time zones have proven effective in allowing enough turn over for library patrons to use the lot. (Deferred from October 6, 2011) Recommend deferring to December 1, 2011. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried, the ordinance was continued until December 1, 2011. RESOLUTIONS A resolution authorizing the creation of an Affordable Housing Fund. Alderman Johnson stated this was another monumental achievement for the City, to meet the unique needs of those individuals in the community. Almost 25% of the citizens are able to handle these conditions for themselves. He spoke with the City Attorney and he is on-board with it. Alderman Johnson stated this assist the least, the last, and lost. Daniel Dodd, Executive Director of Step Up Savannah stated this was an important first 5 step in creating a housing trust fund and create affordable housing for the community. Attorney Broker thanked the Council for their support and cooperation. Mayor Johnson was present a resolution from Step Up Savannah. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SAVANNAH AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND WHEREAS, Affordable Housing Funds are established by elected government bodies - City, County, State or Federal - when a source of public revenue is dedicated, by ordinance or law, to a distinct fund with the articulated and limited purpose of addressing critical housing needs; WHEREAS, There is a need in the City of Savannah for affordable housing as Savannahians pay a higher share of their income for rent than anywhere else in Georgia; Savannah’s low-income families spend 48% or more of their income for housing; 88% of those with less than $20,000 in annual income live in housing that is not affordable; and 56% of owner-occupied households with less than $20,000 live in housing that is not affordable; WHEREAS, “Inadequate housing” is cited in more than 20% in cases resulting in the removal of children from their homes for placement in foster care; WHEREAS, 34% of housing units in low-income neighborhoods are in need of rehabilitation and, based upon estimates by this City’s Affordable Housing Task Force, 25,000 units of housing will be needed by 2018; WHEREAS, the establishment of a local housing fund has been suggested by the City of Savannah Housing Plan (2002), Housing & Community Development Plan (2003-2007), Gentrification Task Force Report (2004), this City’s Poverty Reduction Action Plan (2005), Step Up Savannah’s Housing Action Team (2006), Affordable Housing & Regulatory Reform Task Force Report (2009), and the Chatham-Savannah Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Strategic Plan/Short Term Work Program (2011); WHEREAS, the City has worked hard to revitalize neighborhoods, attracting national attention for its work and its use of public funds to leverage substantial and necessary private investment for affordable and workforce housing; AND WHEREAS, the City seeks to develop an Affordable Housing Fund that will serve as a complementary financing tool allowing for maximum flexibility and local control, leveraging private and other investment, attract investors, fund construction and rehabilitation of housing, provide technical assistance to and provide capacity building for local developers, and provide a revolving loan fund; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah hereby establish a designated Affordable Housing Fund for the purpose of constructing and rehabilitating affordable and workforce housing; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah have instructed the City Manager and the City Attorney to assist an advisory committee consisting of representatives from the Community Housing Services Agency, Inc. (CHSA), Step Up Savannah, and Georgia Legal Services, and other appropriate parties appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen to develop policies and procedures for the governance and administration of the Fund, determining who might be an eligible applicant and what might be an eligible activity, and securing additional funding; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah have instructed said “Advisory Committee” to immediately begin working with the local delegation of the State Legislature to research, develop, and authorize establishment of a Savannah Affordable Housing Fund through required legislation, and identify a long term source of local funding for the Savannah Housing Fund, integrating the Savannah Housing Fund legislation, where feasible, with the agendas of this City, Chatham County, the Chamber of Commerce, the Savannah Chatham County Public Schools, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, and Step Up Savannah. 6 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah desire to place in a designated, distinct, and separate fund, to be used for the purposes set forth herein, $150,000 of local revenue from the 2012 City of Savannah budget to initially capitalize the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund, and with the expressed hope that future City Councils will provide an additional $150,000 to the Fund in 2013 and additional $150,000 to the Fund in 2014 for a total contribution of $450,000 over the initial three years of the Fund. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 17th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2011 UPON MOTION OF ALDERMAN OSBORNE, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN FELSER, AND CARRIED. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Appointment to Boards, Commissions, and Authorities: CHATHAM / SAVANNAH - YOUTH FUTURES AUTHORITY: Rochelle D. Small- Toney - re-appointed; COASTAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD Eric S. Fulcher, Jamie Linstroth, Cynthia H. Grant, Nina B. Eidell – fill unexpired term until July 2012; CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION: Harriet Meyerhoff, Gerra JE Harmon; ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AUTHORITY: Kwajalein E. Harmon; ELECTRICAL APPEALS AND ADVISORY BOARD: Steve Crout; GREATER SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE: Mohamed H. Mukhtar (Re- appointment), Brynn Grant (Re-appoint) , Cristina Piva (Re-appointment); HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD OF REVIEWS: Reed L. Engle (Re-appointment), Zena E. McClain; HOUSING AUTHORITY OF SAVANNAH: Daniel Rowe; KEEP SAVANNAH BEAUTIFUL: Thomas Johnson, Melanie Lauren Casner, Olivia Kathryn McIntosh, Ellie Love Covington; METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION: Lacy Manigault (Re- appointment), Jonathan B. Pannell (Re-appointment); PARK AND TREE COMMISSION: Rebecca Gaston-Dawson; PENSION BOARD: Gwendolyn Glover SAVANNAH/CHATHAM COUNCIL OF DISABILITY NEEDS: Patrina Moss Johnson; SAVANNAH / CHATHAM COUNTY HISTORIC SITES AND MONUMENTS: Ryan Madson, Thomas Gensheimer; SAVANNAH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Shevon Carr; SAVANNAH FILM COMMISSION Beth Nelson, Francis Allen, James M. Reed; SAVANNAH RECREATION COMMISSION; Vincent J. DelMonte (Re-appointment), JoAnn R. James, Stanley J. Mosley; SAVANNAH RESOURCE RECOVERY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Re-appointed Rochelle D. Small-Toney, Richard Evans, Stephanie Cutter; SAVANNAH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS: Sidney J. Johnson (Re-appointment), Timothy S. Mackey (Re-appointment); TOURISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE HISTORIC SAVANNAH FOUNDATION: Eric Meyerhoff (Re-appointment); HISTORIC DISTRICT MUSEUM: David F. Richards, Jr. (Re-appointment): LODGING INDUSTRY: James B. Caskey, and RESIDENT AT-LARGE: Adam L. Wilkins Upon motion by Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried the appointments were approved. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REPORTS West Jefferson Street at Gaston Street. The intersection of Jefferson Street at W. Gaston Street was evaluated for multi-way stop control, and meets the Criteria B (Crash Experience) warrant. Currently W. Gaston Street stops for Jefferson Street, and there are marked crosswalks across all four legs of the intersection. Sight distance is limited in all directions which is created by a fence on the northeast corner, off-street parking on the southeast corner, a building on the southwest corner, and metered parking on the northwest corner. The crash criterion for a multi-way stop control is five crashes within a twelve month period. There have been six crashes reported at the intersection for the period from September 1, 2010 thru August 30, 2011. Five of these crashes were “angle” crashes, correctable by traffic control. Recommend that multi-way stop control be installed at Jefferson Street at W. Gaston Street. In addition, recommend that one metered parking space on the northeast corner be removed to provide a safer line of sight for motorists stopping on Jefferson Street and traveling south. Recommend approval. 7 Upon motion by Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried, the request was continued until the December 1, 2011 Council meeting. ************************************************* Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved: BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Vehicle Batteries – Annual Contract – Bid No. 11.208. Awarded an annual contract to procure vehicle batteries from Interstate Battery System of Savannah in the amount of $37,331.17. The batteries will be used by the Vehicle Maintenance Department. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Internal Service Fund/Inventory Vehicle Parts (Account No. 611-0000-11325). Deptford Tract Cleanup and Cost Share Agreement. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Greenfield Environmental Savannah Trust LLC (Trust) to implement a Corrective Action Plan approved by Georgia EPD (Environmental Protection Division) for remediation of the Deptford Tract (former municipal landfill) Site HSI No. 10179 under Georgia’s Hazardous Site Response Act. The agreement will also amend a June 2003 Cost Share Agreement with the Trust formerly known as Kerr McGee Pigments (Savannah) Inc. Approved authorization for City Manager to Sign and Administer through Sub-Grant Recipients FY2012 Adult And Dislocated Worker Grant Funds. The City of Savannah has received a “Statement of Grant Award” from the Georgia Department of Labor for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Adult Programs ($1,043,083) and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Dislocated Worker Programs ($1,066,501). These funds will support “One-Stop” Career Centers that provide job training, preparation and placement services. The grant program year is October 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013. Pursuant to the Coastal Workforce Services (CWS) Consortium Agreement, recommend approval to authorize the City Manager to receive grant funding and enter into Grant Administration Agreements with sub-grant recipients in accordance with City of Savannah procurement policies and procedures. The grant awards totaling $2,109,884 provide funding for adult and dislocated workers programs within the nine counties of Service Delivery Region 12: Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh. SCADA Annual Maintenance Service Agreement, Sole Source, Requisition No. 1111LAW3182. Awarded an annual maintenance service agreement for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System from Emerson Process Management Power Water & Solutions in the amount of $58,800.00. The contract is needed to maintain the SCADA equipment at various wells, lift stations, treatment plants and storm water pumping stations. The reason why a sole source vendor is required is that this Maintenance must be provided by the equipment manufacturer. Delivery: As Needed. The bidder was: S.S.(D) Emerson Process Management $ 58,800.00 Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Water Supply & Treatment/Equipment Maintenance, Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Lift Station Maintenance/Equipment Maintenance, Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Small Plant Operation/Equipment Maintenance, I & D Operating Fund/I & D Water Operation Maintenance/Equipment Maintenance (Account Nos. 521-2502-51250, 521-2552-51250, 521-2554-51250 and 531- 2581-51250). Retrofit of Bar Screen Carriages – Sole Source – Requisition No. 11LAW2737. Approval of a contract to retrofit the bar screen carriages from Infilco Degremont in the amount of $275,878.39. The bar screens are used in the wastewater treatment process to remove large objects from the waste stream entering the treatment plant. The screens reduce the amount of damage that large debris causes to valves, pumps and other process equipment. The large debris removed also increases the capacity in the biological treatment process. The bar screens currently in use were installed as an upgrade to the original equipment in 1994 and were manufactured by Infilco Degremont. Since their initial installation, the manufacturer has upgraded technology for these screens with the resulting effect being obsolescence of repair parts. The carriage mechanism now requires continuous maintenance because of the harsh environment it operates in. Many parts now 8 have to be fabricated because of obsolescence. After researching options for upgrading or replacing the bar screens, it was determined that replacement of the carriages was the most critical and necessary of all bar screen components. Other bar screen manufacturers have been solicited to see if alternative carriages would work within the track and framework of the bar screen but no other manufacturer's equipment is compatible. Therefore this purchase must be made as a sole source from the manufacturer of the bar screen, Infilco Degremont. Delivery: 2-4 Weeks. Terms: Net- 30 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Treatment Plant Capital Maintenance (Account No. 311-9207- 52842-SW319). Occupational Health Services – Annual Contract – RFP No. 11.132A. Approval to terminate a contract with Docu Family Medicine Center and award a new contract to Substance Abuse Testing d/b/a Health Awareness for occupational health services in the amount of $39,750.00. The contract with Docu Family Medicine Center is being terminated because the center and staff have failed to meet the required turnaround time of 24 hours of providing reports of potential/current employees examination; the center is not open all of the required hours specified within the RFP and the physician has failed to communicate with the City's Employee Health and Wellness Coordinator regarding fitness for duty examinations. The occupational health services include but are not limited to: pre-employment physicals, disability evaluations, and medical records review. These services are provided to City of Savannah applicants and current employees. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal which evaluates criteria in addition to the costs. The criteria evaluated as part of this RFP were Qualifications and references, evaluation of the program as well as fees. Substance Abuse Testing d/b/a Health Awareness was the second highest ranked proposer and is willing to maintain their pricing as submitted in the original response. Proposals were received July 12, 2011. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, General Fund/Human Resources/Medical Costs (Account No.101-1103-51290). Two Midsize 4WD SUV's – Bid No. 11.213 – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received authorization to purchase two midsize 4-wheel drive SUV’s from OC Welch in the amount of $57,432.70. The units will be used primarily by the Security Coordinator and Assistant Director of Operations and will replace unit 5 - 2002 Ford Explorer and unit 10 - 2004 Dodge Durango. Amendment No. 1 to Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with URS Corporation Southern – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval of Amendment No. 1 to Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with URS Corporation Southern in the amount of $56,370.00. The scope of services includes the preparation of construction plans, specifications, reports and related services, and bid, award and construction phase services for installing a Midfield Runway Visual Range (RVR) Visibility Sensor. The midfield RVR will reduce takeoff minimums for the airlines which will help reduce departure delays due to fog. This is a Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funded project. Supplemental Agreement No. 11 with URS Corporation Southern for the Gulfstream Site Access Improvements from Airways Avenue – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval of Supplemental Agreement No. 11 with URS Corporation Southern in a not to exceed amount of $38,940.00 for the Gulfstream Site Access Improvements from Airways Avenue. The services include the preparation of construction plans, specifications, reports, and related services, and also bid, award, and construction phase services for Gulfstream Site Access Improvements on Airways Avenue. A left turn/deceleration lane will be added in the median of Airways Avenue eastbound to facilitate turning into the main entrance into Gulfstream’s new facilities. The connector will be constructed across the median between the eastbound and westbound lanes of Airways Avenue opposite the entrance to be constructed for the new Gulfstream facilities, and will provide site access from the west and departure to the east. Recommend Supplemental Agreement No. 12 with URS Corporation Southern for SAV Master Plan Update – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval of Supplemental Agreement No. 12 with URS Corporation Southern in the not to exceed amount of $646,495 for SAV Master Plan Update. On January 28, 2010, City Council approved a supplemental agreement with 9 URS/RS&H/Ricondo team for an amount not to exceed $898,855 to update the Airport’s Master Plan for FAA approval. Activities were to include: public involvement; description of existing conditions; aviation forecasts; facility requirements; alternatives development and evaluation; airport layout plan update; a facilities implementation plan; a financial feasibility analysis; energy studies; and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) database development. Based on new discussions with and new guidance received from FAA, the Airport has revised the scope of the Master Plan Update and reduced the cost. Some of the requirements of a full master plan (such as alternatives development and evaluation) are not as intensive for the update of a Master Plan. The Airport has also decided that outside financial assistance is not needed at this point, Ricondo will not be needed, and the energy studies have been scaled back. The other activities remain. The master plan update will address the need for future improvements to the airfield, passenger terminal and aircraft apron, ground access and parking, land use, and airport support facilities. It will detail the need for expansion of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities on the basis of increases in passenger enplanements. Future annual passenger enplanement levels will be planned for and the Master Plan Update will indicate the various improvements required. A goal of the plan will be to validate how many aircraft operations or passenger enplanements existing facilities can accommodate before reaching capacity or unacceptable levels of delay. Additionally, the study will reassess the operational need for a third runway. Conceptual cost estimates will be prepared for each proposed project. Deliverables will include: working papers and reports; presentation materials; and an executive summary. This is an AIP project. R Building 1224 Parking Lot Repairs and Overlay, City of Savannah Bid No. 11.211-10-15, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received authorization to enter into a contract with Carroll & Carroll, Inc. in the amount of $122,164 for the Building 1224 Parking Lot Repairs and Overlay. This project consists of milling, miscellaneous pavement repairs, asphalt overlay, marking, and associated ditch grading and grassing on Building 1224 Parking Lot and drives. Additional PFC Services – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval for additional Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) services by Ricondo & Associates, Inc., in the total amount of $29,600.00. Ricondo & Associates, Inc. will further prepare PFC Application No. 9 ($12,600.00) with an airline consultation meeting to increase the PFC collections amounts on the North Aviation Development (NAD) Projects. Ricondo & Associates, Inc. will also prepare a new PFC Application No. 10 ($17,000.00) for reimbursements of eligible portions of the Airport’s modernization projects. The PFC service costs are 100% PFC eligible. The PFC No. 9 and No. 10 applications will be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Cooling Tower Piping Upgrade – Bid No. 11.189-9-27 – Savannah/Hilton Head Iternational Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval to enter into a contract with Mock Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc. in the amount of $259,900 for the Cooling Tower Piping Upgrade project. The Maintenance Department has programmed to refurbish Cooling Tower No. 2 and to replace the riser pipes on all cooling towers as part of the lifecycle upgrade program. The 2011 combined budget amount is $190,000. As the bid deadline approached, it was determined that additional valves such as the 12" tower isolation butterfly valves and actuators, and 12" 3-way cooling tower bypass valves and actuators also needed to be replaced. These valves were at first thought to be in good condition; however, upon further investigation it was determined that the valves were allowing bypass which reduced the efficiency of the towers and would require they be replaced. It is more cost efficient to replace the valves, etc., while the riser pipes are being installed to prevent additional future costs in the event a valve failed. While installing these additional valves, all controls, including the additional valves, for each of the cooling towers will be interfaced with the existing automated control system. This interface requires National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rated control panels with controllers, relays, transformers, and current switches. Adding the additional items to the original project will result in better pricing as opposed to bidding it separately and waiting until next year. Funds are available to absorb the non-budgeted portion of this project. Mock Plumbing and Mechanical of Savannah was the low bidder at $259,900. 10 Fernwood Curb & Gutter Improvements – Summary Contract Modification No. 2 – Bid No. 08.327 (SP115). Approval of a Summary Contract Modification No. 2 to E & D Contracting Services in the amount of a deduction of $53,442.51. The original contract was for the improvement of local drainage by removing roadside ditches, adding curb and gutter, adding a new stormwater system, replacing the road surface and replacing the water mains. This contract modification includes adjustments made in the field that caused changes to the final quantities. Also included in the modification is an amount of a settlement of a claim between the contractor and the City. Approval of Summary Contract Modification No. 2 to E & D Contracting Services in the amount of a deduction of $53,442.51. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Fernwood Curb & Gutter Improvements (Account No. 311- 9207-52842-SP115). Alderman Jackson complimented the staff; stating they had been working on this a long time. She also gave recognition to he contractors for their work and also coming in under budget of $53,442.51. Upon motion by Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried, the modification was granted. ************************************************** Alderman Thomas complimented Alderman Johnson for his appointment to National League of Cities as Chairman of Human Development. Alderman Sprague thanked everyone. Alderman Osborne wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. There being no further business, Mayor Johnson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried, the meeting was reconvened. Citizen David K. Gignilliant of the Starland District spoke to Council on the recent break-in at his residence. There being no further business, Mayor Johnson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council 11