City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA December 1, 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 Stuber followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Minutes of the meeting of November 17, 2011 City Council Meeting and the November 17, 2011 Summary/Final Minutes of the City Council Workshop and City Manager’s Briefing were approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson , seconded by Alderman Jones 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 Larry Stuber, 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 PRESENTATIONS Mark Douglas, Executive Director of My Brothaz HOME was present concerning HIV/AIDS in Savannah and World AIDS Day which is observed each year on December 1ST. Savannah is the second highest in Georgia, with Atlanta being number one. He invited Council to a candle light vigil. Mr. Douglas stated the Mayor has supported their efforts throughout the years. Alderman Osborne stated the best defense is educating school students about sexually transmitted diseases. Alderman Felser stated this organization was the hardest working in small numbers but the largest in love. He said they should push Healthy Savannah for assistance. Alderman Johnson stated ignorance is still killing; especially people under the age of 24. 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 Thomas, seconded by Alderman Felser, and carried, they were approved: ALCOHOL BEVERAGES LICENSE HEARING Graclynn Ruth Burgess for Litecoast, LLC d/b/a Red Light Tobacco, requesting a beer and wine (package) license at 123 E. Congress Street, which is a new location between Drayton and Abercorn Streets in District 1. (New location) Thomas E. Mitchell for Kmart Corporation d/b/a Big Kmart No. 4189, requesting a beer and wine (package) license at 33 W. Montgomery Cross Road, which had a 2006 beer and wine (package) license and is located between Abercorn Street and White Bluff Road in District 4. (Packaged beer and wine at established business) Hiren C. Patel t/a Milan Food Mart, requesting to transfer a beer and wine (package) license from Chandrakant B. Patel at 2401 Montgomery Street, which is located between 40th and 41st Streets in District 1. (Ownership change) Barbara Rose t/a Saya Lounge, requesting to transfer a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license from Jovencio Mercado at 109 W. Broughton Street, which is located between Whitaker and Barnard Streets in District 1. (Management change) 1 Dorothy Strong for Yatta Yatta’s LLC d/b/a Yatta Yatta’s Bar & Lounge, requesting a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license at 348 Martin Luther King Boulevard, which had a 2009 liquor, beer and wine (drink) license and is located between Charlton and Jones Streets in District 2. (New owner/location) PUBLIC HEARINGS Budget Hearing. A hearing was held to present information and receive comments concerning the proposed 2012 Service Program and Budget. John Brendon was present to thank the City for meeting with the developers; and especially Peter Shonka. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Osborne and carried, the public hearing was closed. PETITIONS Matthew Allan – Petition 13520, requesting to encroach onto the City sidewalk at the 400 block of E. Perry Street, located between Habersham and Price Streets, for the construction of entry stoops. The petitioner owns two vacant parcels on the south side of E. Perry Street (at Price Street) and plans to construct four new single-family residences numbering 409 – 415. The encroachment is requested in order to provide the necessary entry stairs and landings from the sidewalk elevation to the first floor of the homes. The petitioner has agreed to work with the City in providing the required access around the stoops which he will show on the final design drawings and obtain approval from the City site plan review board prior to construction. The design has already been reviewed and is recommended by the Historic Review Board to be consistent with the neighboring structures. The petition has been reviewed by Water Resources and Public Works, Sanitation, and Development Services. Recommend advising the petitioner that the stoops must be sized such that the farthest outer surface of the stoop is set back a minimum of 48 inches from the back of the curb; the minimum City’s design standards and ADA requirements per Traffic Engineering and Streets Maintenance must be met; all City permitting and construction guidelines must be followed; and the entry stoops must meet all federal, state and local codes. Recommend also advising the petitioner that the encroachment grants no ownership rights to the property and that, if ever required, the structures must be removed at the petitioner’s expense. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried the request was granted. ORDINANCES First Readings The following ordinances placed on the First Reading in caption form only: 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. First and Second Readings Ordinance read for the first and a second time in Council December 1, 2011 placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon motion of Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried. Text Amendment (Z-110505-51311-2). An ordinance to amend 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. 2 Ordinance read for the first and a second time in Council December 1, 2011 placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon motion of Alderman Jones, seconded by Alderman Felser and carried. Multi-Way Stop Control – West Jefferson Street at Gaston Street. An ordinance to authorize that multi-way stop control be installed at the intersection of Jefferson and Gaston Streets based on the Criteria B (Crash Experience) warrant having been met; and to authorize that one metered parking space on the northwest corner be removed to provide a safer line of sight for motorists stopping on Jefferson Street and traveling south. (Traffic Engineering Report approved November 17, 2011.) *************************** Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Jackson and carried the following ordinances were continued until December 15, 2011: 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 November 17, 2011) Recommend deferring to December 15, 2011. A public meeting has been scheduled for 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 8, 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 November 17, 2011) Recommend deferring to December 15, 2011. A public meeting has been scheduled for 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 8, 2011. RESOLUTIONS Savannah Gardens Single Family House Lot Release Loan. A resolution authorizing a loan to CHSA Development, Inc. using $400,000 in HOME Investment Partnership funds and $75,000 in NSP funds to secure the release of 19 single family Savannah Gardens building lots from Regions Bank and to reduce the Regions Bank acquisition loan as planned. CHSA Development, Inc. has requested that the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah authorize it to receive a $475,000, 0% interest, HOME and NSP funded loan from the City for the purpose of acquiring 19 Savannah Gardens single family house lot releases from Regions Bank. This is the first step in the process of having affordable, workforce, and EarthCraft houses developed on these 19 lots and sold to qualified home buyers. The 19 lots are west of Pennsylvania Avenue along Crescent, Elgin, and Greencottage Streets. Development of these lots will compliment the new public infrastructure, multifamily housing under construction by Mercy Housing, and single family houses along Greenville and Vinson Streets that will begin construction in December. Approval of this loan from City HOME and NSP funds will also enable CHSA Development, Inc. to pay down its initial Regions Bank acquisition loan as planned and scheduled. This is extremely important as payments on the Regions Bank loan from Strathmore Estates apartment rental income are declining, as planned, as Strathmore apartments east of Pennsylvania Avenue have been demolished to make way for additional Savannah Gardens development. 3 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. 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 4 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 1ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011 UPON MOTION OF ALDERMAN FELSER, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN JACKSON AND CARRIED. ************************************** U.S. Postal Service Savannah Processing and Distribution Center. A resolution to protest the closing of the U.S. Postal Service Processing and Distribution Center in Savannah. Alderman Johnson thanked the Mayor for allowing the resolution to be introduced; Members of Council have been concerned about this situation. On September 15 th the Postal Service did a study that was of significant issue to Savannah and Pooler. Last year they handled more than 475-million pieces of mail. They were trying to see if any redundant operations were used or if any efficiency could be achieved by combining Savannah operations with those of Macon, GA, Jacksonville, Fl, or South Carolina. The reality is the Savannah Office would close; at least 120 jobs would be impacted by this proposed closure. These employees live in the community; buy property, spend money and pay taxes in the community. On a more practical note, Savannah would lose its next- day mail. The public comment area ends December 17th. This resolution is a way to support the employees and community and have it sent to the US Postal Service for their review. Mr. James Green, Jr., President of the Savannah Union thanked the Mayor and Council for the resolution and reiterated Alderman Johnson’s concerns. The decision will not be made until 2012; but they were going to continue to fight. Alderman Felser asked about the t-shirts; to buy and wear in support. Alderman Jackson stated she was so thankful the resolution has come around. She said she had been on the picket line with them and this was the community’s concern. She commended them for their efforts. Alderman Johnson stated it is a political decision and the communities who say nothing, get closed. Alderman Osborne invited them to attend the Chatham County Municipal Association and get on their agenda. Alderman Jones, a fellow postal employee, stated he had seen many constant efforts to change the postal service, even eliminating it. As a community everyone needs to rally behind the local office. Michael Poloksi from New Hampshire stated Savannah’s postal service is impeccable; and this closure will impact the employees and the community and this resolution was of critical importance. A RESOLUTION BY THE SAVANNAH, GEORGIA CITY COUNCIL OPPOSING THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE PROPOSED CLOSING OF THE SAVANNAH PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY. WHEREAS, a study was begun on September 15, 2011 at the Savannah Processing and Distribution Facility to determine the feasibility of consolidating redundant operations to see if any efficiencies and cost savings would be achieved by closing the Savannah facility and consolidating Savannah operations with those in Macon, GA, Jacksonville, FL or Charleston, SC; and WHEREAS, the distribution center is at 210 Bourne Boulevard, a street that is the boundary between the City of Pooler and the City of Savannah. Last year, the center handled more than 479 million pieces of mail, 1 million of these pieces consisting of 1st Class mail; and WHEREAS, the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is one of the fastest growing areas of the State of Georgia and the Savannah facility also serves the low country of South Carolina; and WHEREAS, it is estimated that 120 jobs will be impacted by the proposed closure of the Savannah facility; and WHEREAS, it is estimated that mail would be delayed by at least 1-2 days if it is transported to other areas to be processed. Overnight local delivery will be eliminated, which could also impact medications, sensitive financial transactions, passports and valuable personal items being delivered in a timely manner to Savannah’s residents; and 5 WHEREAS, Savannah, GA as Georgia’s First City and Capitol and a major tourist attraction would lose our postal identity if there are no processing cancellations in this area; and WHEREAS, the affected postal employees live in Savannah and surrounding communities and they are a key component of the local economy; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Savannah, GA City Council opposes any action to close the Savannah Processing and Distribution Facility and urges the United States Postal Service to thoroughly investigate other alternatives to lower operating costs and improve efficiencies. We ask for the support of the Members of Congress who serve Savannah, GA, the Chatham Legislative Delegation, the Chatham County Commission and the City Councils of the neighboring municipalities. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 1ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011 UPON MOTION BY ALDERMAN JONES, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN FELSER AND CARRIED. ***************************************** E-911 Telephone, Wireless and VoIP Fees. A resolution to authorize continued collection of $1.50 per month fees for enhanced emergency telephone service (E-911) from landline, cellular, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscribers whose billing address is in Savannah or whose exchange access facilities and access lines are in areas served by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. State law allows up to $1.50 per month in E-911 fees and requires an annual reaffirmation of need. The fees do not cover the total cost for public safety communications but they do reduce reliance on property taxes. RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMAN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, TO REAUTHORIZE THE COLLECTION OF AN E- 911 FEE FOR LANDLINE, CELLULAR, AND VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE BY SERVICE PROVIDERS AND TO AUTHORIZE COLLECTION OF MAINTENANCE FEES FOR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEMS DIRECTLY FROM SUBSCRIBERS WHOSE BILLING ADDRESS IS WITHIN THE CITY OF SAVANNAH OR WHOSE EXCHANGE ACCESS FACILITIES AND ACCESS LINES ARE IN AREAS SERVED BY THE CITY OF SAVANNAH. WHEREAS, E-911 emergency telephone services provides a life saving link between City residents and emergency services; and WHEREAS, The City of Savannah now provides this valuable service to promote the safety, health and well-being of residents and of the many visitors each year; and WHEREAS, it remains in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Savannah to continue the service, and the Savannah City Council desires to authorize and reaffirm a method of funding the service that does not rely entirely on property taxes or other taxes; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah previously adopted resolutions to provide for collection of E911 fees by landline, wireless, and Voice Over Internet Protocol telecommunications service providers. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah reaffirms the necessity for collection of a monthly E-911 charge of $1.50 from each exchange access facility subscribed to by telephone subscribers whose exchange access lines are in the geographic areas of the City of Savannah served by the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department; reaffirms the necessity for a monthly charge of $1.50 per month per wireless connection subscribed to by wireless telephone subscribers whose billing address is within the geographic area of the City of Savannah for subscribers; and reaffirms the necessity for collection of a monthly E-911 fee of $1.50 upon each Voice Over Internet Protocol exchange access facility subscriber whose exchange to access lines are in areas within the City of Savannah service area. 6 ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 1ST DAY OF DECEMBER UPON MOTION BY ALDERMAN JACKSON, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN SPRAGUE AND CARRIED. ***************************************** Easement – Georgia Power Company. A resolution to authorize the execution of an easement to Georgia Power for the installation of underground distribution lines on and across City-owned property at 1601 Bull Street, PIN 2-0053-29-002 thru -008. Georgia Power is requesting a 20-foot easement across City property for the installation of underground distribution lines to provide service to the Bull Street Fire Station under construction. The easement documents have been reviewed by Public Works and Water Resources, Savannah Fire and Emergency Services, and by Development Services which is overseeing the construction of the new fire station. At the City’s request, modifications were made to the original plans regarding the location of the lines, and these changes are reflected in the exhibit which is part of the easement document. approval of the request made by Georgia Power for the granting of an easement across the City’s property located at 1601 Bull Street and authorization for the City Manager to sign the easement document. A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN EASEMENT TO GEORGIA POWER FOR THE INSTALLATION OF UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION LINES ON AND ACROSS CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1601 BULL STREET, PIN 2-0053-29-002 THRU -008. WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah are authorized by Georgia law to grant easements across municipal property for the benefit of the public and for such compensation as deemed reasonable; and WHEREAS, this request will serve the interests of the City of Savannah by allowing the relocation of a transformer and installation of underground distribution lines on the subject property as required for proposed site improvements; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Aldermen in regular meeting assembled, with more than two-thirds of the Aldermen present and voting in the affirmative; approve the granting of said easement and authorize the City Manager to execute the easement document in conformance with this Resolution. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 1ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011 UPON MOTION BY ALDERMAN FELSER, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN OSBORNE AND CARRIED. *********************************** Easement – Georgia Power Company. A resolution to authorize the execution of an easement to Georgia Power Company for the installation of underground distribution lines on and across City-owned property located at 333 Coleman Street, PIN 2-0109-08- 001. Georgia Power is requesting a 20-foot easement across City property for the relocation and installation of underground distribution lines, transformer and associated equipment. The easement is needed so that Georgia Power can provide improved service to the Tatemville Community Center. The request has been reviewed by Public Works and Water Resources, The request has been reviewed by Public Works and Water Resources, Public Facilities, Events and Services, and Park and Tree. Public Facilities, Events and Services expressed concerns regarding how the new lines might impact existing facilities and future improvements, including proposed handicapped access to the basketball court and playground. Georgia Power has assured staff that the new line will not interfere with the existing facilities and that, in the event of future improvements, the City will not need permission to construct a sidewalk or access ramp across the easement. Approval of the request made by Georgia Power for the granting of an easement across the City’s property located at 333 Coleman Street and authorization for the City Manager to sign the easement document 7 A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN EASEMENT TO GEORGIA POWER FOR THE INSTALLATION OF UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION LINES ON AND ACROSS CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 333 COLEMAN STREET, PIN 2-0109-08-001. WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah are authorized by Georgia law to grant easements across municipal property for the benefit of the public and for such compensation as deemed reasonable; and WHEREAS, this request will serve the interests of the City of Savannah by allowing the relocation of a transformer and installation of underground distribution lines on the subject property as required for proposed site improvements; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Aldermen in regular meeting assembled, with more than two-thirds of the Aldermen present and voting in the affirmative, approve the granting of said easement and authorize the City Manager to execute the easement document in conformance with this Resolution. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 1ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011 UPON MOTION BY ALDERMAN FELSER, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN OSBORNE AND CARRIED. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Authorities. Upon motion by Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Sprague and carried; Eli P. Karatassos and William L. Ronning were appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Reschedule January 26, 2012 City Council Meeting to Wednesday, January 25, 2012 to allow City Council participation in Savannah Chatham Day in Atlanta on January 26, 2012. Rescheduling the meeting now will allow ample time to meet public notice requirements for the meeting as well as for scheduling, posting and advertising any alcohol and zoning hearings. Mayor Johnson stated this was the 4th year in a row the Chamber had scheduled Savannah Day on a Council Meeting day and Council has had to reschedule. Upon motion by Alderman Felser, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried, the meeting was rescheduled. ***************************** Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved: BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Interactive Play Fountain – Request for Proposal – Event No. 8. Approval to procure design and construction services for an Interactive Play Fountain from Fountains 'n' Such in the amount of $96,300.00. The fountain will be constructed as part of the master plan for the Savannah Gardens Phase 2 construction. The project will include the design of the fountain as well as its construction and all required materials and equipment. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal (RFP) which evaluates criteria in addition to costs. The criteria evaluated as part of this RFP were: qualifications and experience, conceptual design, references and fees. Delivery: 60 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Savannah Gardens Phase 2 (Account No. 311-9207-52842-PD400). Crossroads Force Main and Pump Station Improvements – Request for Proposal - Event No. 9. Approval to award a contract for consultant services for Crossroads Force Main and Pump Station Improvements to Hussey, Gay, Bell and DeYoung in the amount of $132,975.00. This project includes design and construction services to upgrade two 8 existing sewage lift stations (Nos. 158 and 159) and force main systems within the Crossroads Water Reclamation Service Area. The Crossroads area flow was originally designed to flow to the decommissioned Travis Field Water Reclamation facility and now requires a more efficient route to take the flow to the Crossroads Water Reclamation facility. The existing route has caused problems at two lift stations that were not designed to accommodate the heavy flows they now process due to development in the area. This project will include planning and conceptual design to verify peak incoming flow rates to determine minimum required pumping capacity and considerations for future station upgrades. It is anticipated that these stations will become major regional lift stations. The consultant will also review upstream and downstream. The consultant will also review upstream and downstream sewage conveyance systems and pump stations to determine impact to the system based on planned improvements and provide recommendations for additional upgrades. The project will also include detailed design of pump station upgrades to wet-well structures, pump systems, and controls as well as detailed design of force main upgrades and extensions. Consultant services will also include planning, design, bidding, permitting, easement platting, preparation of construction plans and specifications. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal (RFP) which evaluates criteria in addition to costs. Criteria evaluated as part of the RFP are: experience with similar projects, the project approach, the project team and schedule, location of the proposer, MWBE participation and fees. Delivery: 140 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Lift Station Rehabilitation (Account No. 311-9207-52842-SW620). Grayson Stadium Structural Repairs – Event No. 16. Approval to procure construction services for Grayson Stadium structural repairs from RL Construction in the amount of $62,500.00. The work to be completed as part of this project includes structural repairs of the stadium’s existing steel columns, crawl space support beams and perimeter areas. Delivery: 30 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Funds/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Grayson Stadium Renovations (Account No. 311-9207-52842-PB227). Construction Management Services for Cay Building – Sole Source – Event No. 51. Approval to procure construction management and coordination services from DMS Construction Services in the amount of $45,000.00. The services are needed to assist the City with coordination of construction activities for the Cay Building being constructed on top of the Whitaker Street Garage. Since the contractor was the City's construction manager for both the Whitaker Street Garage and Ellis Square, its principal is uniquely qualified to provide these services. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Ellis Square Parking Garage (Account No. (311-9207-52842-PB621). Acting Assistant City Manager Marty Johnston stated the company was putting in an elevator and air venting and other design work. ********************************** Alderman Thomas Requested information on Comcast: rates and fees. He stated the City needed open cable competitiveness. Comcast was a public supported monopoly; they gave poor serve and continuous rate increases. He asked what agreement the City had with them to use the right-of-ways. There being no further business, Mayor Johnson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese Clerk of Council 9