City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA December 29, 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 Minutes of the meeting of the December 15, 2011 City Council Meeting and the December 15, 2011 Summary/Final Minutes of the City Council Workshop and City Manager’s Briefing were approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Jackson and carried. The November 14 – 16, 2011 Summary/Final Minutes of the City Council Budget Retreat were approved upon motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Jones and carried. PRESENT: Mayor Otis S. Johnson, Presiding Mayor Pro-Tem Edna B. Jackson Alderman Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Aldermen Larry Stuber, Clifton Jones, Jeff Felser, and Mary Osborne City Manager Rochelle D. Small-Toney City Attorney James B. Blackburn Asst. City Attorneys William W. Shearouse and Lester B. Johnson, III ABSENT: Alderman Van Johnson II, Vice-Chairman of Council and Alderman Mary Ellen Sprague (Both Aldermen were out of town) ZONING HEARINGS Ryan Thompson of Thomas and Hutton Engineering, Agent for 57th Street Properties, LLC, Owner (Z-111103-42758-2), requesting to rezone 13 W. 57th Street from R-4 (Four-Family Residential) to BG-1 (General Business-Transition). The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) recommends approval. This parcel is currently developed with two multi-family residential structures. The petitioner is seeking to rezone the parcel to a commercial classification in order to expand the adjacent building supply business which fronts Bull Street. Although the proposed use is inconsistent with the existing land use designation on the Future Development Map, a separate amendment application to the Map has been filed. The change in land use designation and the zoning request is supported by area residents and is not inconsistent with the development pattern in the immediate area. In addition to the required 25 foot side yard setback, the parcel is separated from the residential uses to the north by the right-of-way of 57th Street. Residential uses to the west will be protected by a 25 foot setback which includes 20 feet of buffering and fencing. Recommend approval. Jack Butler with the Metropolitan Planning Commission gave a report. Upon motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Stuber and carried, the request was granted. RESOLUTIONS Easement – Georgia Power Company. A resolution to authorize the execution of an easement to Georgia Power for the installation of an anchor and guy wire on the City- owned property located at the Stiles Avenue entrance to City Lot (0 Stiles Avenue, PIN 2-0046-02-001), and authorize the City Manager to execute the easement document. Georgia Power is installing several new anchors and guy wires along the eastern right-of- way of Stiles Avenue between W. Gwinnett Street and Louisville Road to service the Carver Heights area. The request has been reviewed by the Public Works and Water Resources Bureau. A sanitary sewer force main and a storm sewer line in the vicinity of the requested easement must be field verified to ensure that there will be no conflict with proposed pole location. Recommend approval to grant Georgia Power the requested easement and authorization for the City Manager to sign the easement document. Upon 1 motion by Alderman Thomas; seconded by Alderman Felser and carried the resolution was passed. A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN EASEMENT TO GEORGIA POWER FOR THE INSTALLATION OF AN ANCHOR AND GUY WIRE ON THE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 0 STILES AVENUE, PIN 2-0046-02-001 (CITY LOT) 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 Georgia Power in allowing the installation of anchors and guy wires to support additional or replacement power lines associated with improving service in the area; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah find that the request for an easement to allow a transmission line across the property at 0 Stiles Avenue (City Lot) is in the interest of the community at large; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that said lines will not interfere with the operation of the adjacent City facilities; NOW, THEREFORE, 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. **************************** Comprehensive Plan Short Term Work Program (2011 – 2016). A resolution to adopt the Short Term Work Program (2011 – 2016) and authorize the City Manager to transmit the resolution and Short Term Work Program to the Coastal Regional Commission as required by the Georgia Planning Act. On October 20, 2011, City Council authorized the City Manager to transmit the Short Term Work Program of Accomplishments and the new Short Term Work Program (2011 – 2016) to the Coastal Regional Commission for review and submittal to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). DCA has approved the Short Term Work Program (2011 – 2016) and requires written notice of its adoption prior to extending the City’s Qualified Local Government status. Upon motion by Alderman Thomas; seconded by Alderman Felser and carried, the resolution was passed. RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan for Chatham County and the City of Savannah, Georgia, was adopted in November 2006; and WHEREAS, the Minimum Planning Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning established by the Georgia Planning Act of 1989 require that Chatham County and the City of Savannah submit a Short Term Work Program Report of Accomplishments and updated Short Term Work Program at either one-year or five-year intervals; and WHEREAS, Chatham County and the City of Savannah, Georgia, have elected to submit the Short Term Work Program Report of Accomplishments and Updated Short Term Work Program at a five-year interval; and WHEREAS, a Short Term Work Program Report of Accomplishments and updated Short Term Work Program for the next five-year interval was submitted on October 31, 20011; and WHEREAS, the Department of Community Affairs found that the Short Term Work Program update adequately addressed Local Planning Requirements; and WHEREAS, the Department of Community Affairs requires written notice that the Short Term Work Program update was adopted; 2 BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Savannah City Council does hereby adopt the Short Term Work Program (2011- 2016) and authorizes the City Manager to transmit the Resolution of Adoption and the Short Term Work Program (2011-2016) to the Coastal Regional Commission as required by the Georgia Planning Act of 1989. MISCELLANEOUS Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Authorities. Appointments to the Savannah Housing Fund Advisory Board. The following people were recommended to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund Advisory Committee: Robin Haddock (RLH Development); Tyrone Ware (Woodville Neighborhood Association); Suzanne Donovan (Step Up Savannah); David Douse (Carver State Bank); City Staff, Assistant City Manager of Public Development Stephanie Cutter; Georgia Legal Services Program, Edward (Ted) O. Henneman, partner with Hunter Maclean, whose practice focuses on affordable housing and financing. Upon motion by Alderman Thomas; seconded by Alderman Jones and carried, the appointments were approved. *************************************** BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Stuber and carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved: Savannah Gardens Vertical Demolition – Contract Modification No. 8 (PD400) – Bid No. 10.108. Approval of Contract Modification No. 8 in the amount of $75,152.30 with McLendon Enterprises. The original contract was for the demolition of 45 buildings which allowed the construction of the infrastructure for Phase 1. This proposed Contract Modification seeks authorization to begin asbestos abatement of the 24 apartment buildings in Phase-2B in order for the City’s infrastructure contractor to install new infrastructure in this Phase without costly delay. CHSA Development, Inc. has given the City permission to demolish vacant structures within Phase-2B to avoid infrastructure installation delays. The cleared site is also expected to facilitate Mercy Housings 2011 application for additional affordable housing tax credits. The abatement cost for the 24 Phase-2B structures is based on pricing in the contractor’s original bid approved by City Council on June 3, 2010. At that time, Council awarded a demolition contract that resulted in the demolition of Phase-1 structures with the expectation that additional units would have to be demolished as new City infrastructure progressed. The City cannot proceed with the Phase 2B construction until these structures are removed. Approval of Contract Modification No. 8 in the amount of $75,152.30. Funds are available in Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Savannah Gardens Phase II (Account No. 311- 9207-52842-PD400). Tatemville Traffic Noise Wall Design and Construction Services – Contract Modification No. 1 (TE612). Approval of Contract Modification No. 1 with Kimley-Horn, Associates in the amount of $46,661.00. The original contract was for design and construction services for a traffic noise wall on the north side of I-516 from Montgomery Street to Mildred Street. This contract modification includes additional services required for the easement acquisition process, changes to the wall design from pre-cast to masonry, the addition of entry monumentation at the Mildred Street entrance and increased consultant services for qualification of bidders evaluation. Approval of Contract Modification No. 1 to Kimley-Horn Associates in the amount of $46,661.00. Funds are available in Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects Other Costs/Tatemville Sound Barrier (311-9207-52842-TE613). - EZ Valves – Sole Source – Event No. 102. Approval to procure various sizes of EZ valves in the amount of $75,667.20 from Ferguson Enterprises. The valves will be used by Water Distribution to allow repairs to leaks and for water main installation without interruption of service on W. 32nd Street for the Fire Station 5 project; on water lines serving Bartow School to assure the school will not be shut off during work on the water main; on the water line/system serving Hess Elementary School on Whitfield Avenue; on the water line on Anderson/Whitaker Streets to avoid long water shut offs; and on the water line on a long section of Whitaker Street. Also included in this purchase are valves to maintain in inventory for emergency needs. The reason for the sole source is that the 3 vendor is the only authorized local dealer for this specialized type valve used with the valve insertion system. Delivery: 30 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). Software Maintenance for MS Govern Software – Sole Source – Event No. 103. Approval to procure software maintenance and support from MS Govern in the amount of $36,441.00. The software maintenance will be used to maintain the software application that controls property tax, central cashiering and property control functions within the Revenue Department. The reason for the sole source is that this maintenance is only available from the software publisher. Funds are available in the 2011 Account, Internal Service Fund/Information Technology/Data Processing Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 611- 1140-51251). Lift Station Wet Well coating Services – Emergency purchase – Event No. 105. Approval to procure emergency protective coating services for the rehabilitation of the wet well structure at Lift Station 131 from Dun-Right Services in the amount of $70,914.00. The work to be completed will include labor, materials and all necessary equipment to rehabilitate the wet well structure at Lift Station 131 located on Whitemarsh Island. The lift station is responsible for conveying wastewater from both Wilmington and Whitemarsh Islands to the President Street plant and is subject to extremely corrosive conditions. An emergency repair of the mechanical system required by-passing the structure to complete the repairs and clean the structure. During the repair it was discovered that the structure’s walls and ceilings extensive corrosion compromising structural integrity. The decision was made to coat the structure at this point due to the expense of reestablishing the by-pass and re-cleaning the structure. The bidder was selected based on a prior contract approved by Council for similar work in December 2010 and because the contractor's performance on past work of similar magnitude have been completed successfully. The unit price charged per square foot for this work is the same as the prior contract and the bidder is immediately available to begin work. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Lift Station Rehabilitation (Account No. 311-9207-52842-SW423.) Wireless Equipment for Emergency Remote Offices – Event Wireless Equipment for Emergency Remote Offices – Event No. 107. Approval to procure Aruba wireless equipment from Layer 3 in the amount of $67,863.50. The equipment will be installed by Information Technology (IT) to provide connectivity for emergency remote offices for public safety staff. This equipment will provide five field offices with remote connectivity in the event of an emergency. A backup controller is also included to provide redundancy in the event of a failure of the primary. These are a part of the requirements for one of the Public Safety Grants. The reason for the sole source is that the pricing for the purchase of this equipment is from a bid approved by Council in August of 2008 and the IT Department wishes to standardize on this manufacturer. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Other Federal Grants/DHS GA Tech Port SEC Grants/Office Furniture/Equipment/DHS-GA Tech PSGP Project 1 (Account No. 212- 3118-51520-GT018.) Ground Penetrating Radar – Event No. 46. Approval to procure a ground penetrating radar unit from HD Supply in the amount of $25,055.00. The GPR unit will be used by Water Distribution to identify buried utility lines and other unseen obstructions and identify unknown conditions prior to water, sewer or storm line repair or replacement. The reason for not awarding to the low bidder is that Roper Laser did not meet the specifications for providing post-processing mapping software, offered equipment much larger and heavier than the specified equipment, and did not provide its environmental rating of the data logger and antenna which is critical for working in inclement weather. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Water Distribution/Office/Furniture/Building/Equipment (Account No. 521- 2503-51520.) Street Sweepers – One Time Purchase – Requisition No. R11LAW7161. Approval to procure two Elgin Street Sweepers from Environmental Products of Georgia in the amount of $303,740.00. The street sweepers will be used by the Street Cleaning Department to beautify the streets of Savannah and replaces units 7743 and 7744 which are economical to maintain or operate. This purchase is being made from a bid issued and awarded by the City of Macon in order to complete the purchase in 2011. Vehicle Maintenance staff recently learned new emission requirements will go into effect in 2012 4 and the City could not issue and award a bid in time to avoid the $10,000 per vehicle increase that will occur with these new requirements. The reason for not awarding to the first three low bidders is that Mark C. Pope Associates, Inc., Tractor & Equipment Co., and Cherokee Truck Equipment did not submit bids on a three-wheeled model which is a requirement for maneuverability in Savannah's narrow downtown streets. The recommended bidder was the only vendor that met specifications requiring a three wheel configuration, belt conveyor, 3.6 cubic yard front high dumping hopper, hydrostatic transmission, and right and left side broom capability. Delivery: 70-84 Days. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Vehicle Purchase/Vehicular Equipment Fund (Account No. 613-9230-51515). Portable Gas and Vapor Chemical Identifier – Sole Source – Event No. 109. Aapproval to procure one portable gas and vapor chemical identifier from Smith Detection in the amount of $67,500.00. The GasID provides initial determinations of an unknown gas or vapor in the field. The Savannah Fire and Emergency Services Haz-Mat Response Team does not currently have the capability to detect, identify and quantify an unknown chemical gas or vapor properly. Quickly identifying an unknown hazardous gas or vapor would allow the Haz-Mat Team to quickly secure the scene, stabilize the situation, help medical personnel determine definitive care for patients and accurately monitor the atmosphere after an incident. The GasID device was recommended by hazardous materials experts throughout the United States and meets the allowed equipment purchase list requirements in the Port Security Grant. The device is provided solely by the manufacturer, Smith Detection. The Haz-Mat Team currently has other equipment manufactured by Smith Detection and is very satisfied with the performance. The GasID will integrate with the current equipment. The funds for the GasID Monitor are being provided through a Port Security The funds for the GasID Monitor are being provided through a Port Security Grant received by the Fire Bureau in 2011. This grant award was intended to build out the Haz-Mat Team capabilities in the Port of Savannah. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Fire Grant-Office/Bldg Furniture/Equipment - Port Security Grant (Account No. 212-3117-51520- GT0147). Radiation Alert Monitors and Accessories – Sole Source – Event No. 110. Approval to procure 20 radiation alert monitors and accessories from Canberra Industries in the amount of $27,500.00. The Haz-Mat Response Team’s radiation monitoring equipment has limited and aging technology. The new monitors will provide the capability to detect and locate radiation and/or radiological material. This will allow identification of illicit use of radiological/nuclear material and initiation of protocols to ensure the health and safety of responders and the public. The requested devices were recommended by hazardous materials experts throughout the United States. The Rad-Alert device is provided solely by the manufacturer, Canberra Industries. Funds are available in the 2011 Budget, Hazardous Materials Team/Small Fixed Assets (Account No. 101-5155- 51321). Delinquent Tax Collection Services – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 104. Renewed an annual contract for delinquent tax collection services from Delinquent Tax Services, Inc. The services will include the initial pursuit of delinquent taxes via standard collection notices, secondary pursuit of delinquent taxes via filing of tax executions and all legally required notices pertaining to such executions, searches for bankruptcy filings and for all entities with an interest in the property and the preparation of all legal notices, advertisements and abstracts required throughout the levy process. The collection process is cost neutral to the City. All costs for processing, materials, postage and services are at the expense of the contractor and recovered by a flat fee from the taxpayer when delinquent accounts are paid to the City. The flat fee is $30.00 per collection with a balance of less than $50.00 and $50.00 per collection with a balance of more than $50.00. For Stage Two collections (accounts at levy and tax sale status), fees will be $170.00 per collection. It is estimated for planning purposes only, that 3600 accounts are processed annually with an average value of $500 per account. Using those estimates, the total annual fees collected are estimated to be $356,400.00. The method used to procure these services was the Request for Proposal (RFP) which evaluates other criteria in addition to price. The criteria evaluated as part of this RFP was experience and qualifications, the methodology proposed for the collection process, references from previous clients, capacity to manage the volume of accounts, and fees. Proposals were received from 6 proposers and evaluated initially on the Proposals were received from 6 proposers and evaluated initially on the basis of qualifications, methodology, references and capacity. Three proposers were found to be qualified and selected for further consideration. The 5 lowest cost proposer was eliminated because they did not have experience with real or personal property tax collections in Georgia and could not provide the requested training of staff. Following presentations to City staff, the second lowest cost proposer was eliminated because when they were utilized by the City from 2002-2006 they were unable to achieve volumes of more than 250 accounts a month; failed to meet the training needs of City staff; and returned City records and documentation in a disorganized and unsecured condition. In addition, requested standardized reports were not provided in their RFP response and there was also a concern about whether they could handle the City’s contract plus the County’s contract which they had been awarded. The recommended proposer has the ability and expertise to assist with personal property tax collection, bankruptcy administration, and excess funds administration; maintains an attorney on staff; and provided superior staff experience to oversee the City account. This is the first of four renewal options available. Proposals were originally received November 9, 2010. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Flygt Pump Repair – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 106. Renewed an annual contract to procure equipment, repair parts and services for Flygt pumps from Xylem Water Solutions (formerly ITT/Flygt) in the estimated amount of $150,000.00. The contract is needed to maintain Flygt pumps in the waste water collection and stormwater systems. A sole source vendor is required because Xylem Water Solutions is the only vendor authorized to service Flygt pumps for this area. Prices were negotiated with the vendor and are based on a 15% discount off list price for equipment, 10% discount off list price for parts and 5% discount for labor. This is the fourth renewal option of this contract. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Various CIP's (Account Nos. 311-9207- 52842-various CIP’s and 521-2551-51250) Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Lift Station Maintenance/Equipment Maintenance. ************************************* Alderman Jackson stated the City Council wanted to make some presentations. She thanked the residents for their presents. She also stated that some of the Council Members and the Mayor will be leaving; and it had been a delight to have served with all that are leaving. When people render service to the community, they make it look easy at times; however, at times it is a difficult task. As public servants, they are not being paid for what they actually do, because they are giving back to the community. Members of City Council and staff wanted to show their appreciation for what the out-going members had done for Savannah. Credit was given to Alderman Sprague for working with the Clerk of Council’s Office, the City Manager’s Office, and the Public Information Office. Alderman Jackson read a letter from Alderman Van Johnson (for the record) stating his appreciation and respect to the Mayor and out-going members of Council, due to the fact he was out of town: I apologize that I am unable to be with you during this milestone meeting, but I could not let the occasion pass without offering my appreciation and respect for my colleagues that I had the pleasure of serving with over the last two terms. To Alderman Larry Stuber - I have learned a lot about engineering and business from you. Thank you for being a gentlemen and a statesman over the last 4 years. To Alderman Jeff Felser - We have sat next to each other for the last 8 years through some very good and very challenging times. Thank you for your passion to serve our citizens and your support on some very critical issues affecting our district. To Alderman Clifton Jones - As the Dean of the Savannah City Council, you have been a man of conviction and resolve. You have been a tireless advocate for the citizens of the 5th District and I will miss your friendship on Council. Last, but certainly not least, to Mayor Otis Johnson - I believe that history will say that Otis Johnson was the greatest threat to the status quo in Savannah since W.W. Law. You troubled the comfortable and comforted the troubled in our community. Your thoughtful, measured social policy approach to governance will be taught by social and political scientists in the years to come. Most importantly, 6  you cared about the least, the last and the lost - that live on the same streets you frequented as a child. Savannah is better now that we found it in 2003 and you have earned your retirement (for real)! We carry on the legacies of all of you and our work continues on your shoulders. God bless all of you and may God continue to bless Savannah! Alderman Van Johnson, II District 1 Alderman Thomas stated he had the pleasure of presenting a resolution on behalf of Mayor Johnson to Alderman Stuber. He also presented a plaque for his years of service along with a photo booklet of a very handsome booklet with this guy on the front, showing photos taken during his years of office, which were excellent. He was also presented a photo of City Hall to hang in his office here or in NC. Alderman Stuber stated it has been his pleasure to serve with the City Council the past four year and it had been quite an awarding experience; he was certainly a better person for having served with this Council and he wished the new Council great success in the future; and again it had been his pleasure serving with all of them. LARRY STUBER WHEREAS, the City of Savannah is fortunate to have among its citizenry a select number of individuals who dedicate themselves to making our community a better place in which to live, and today we recognize Larry Stuber for his public service to Savannah; and WHEREAS, Larry Stuber was elected to represent Savannah’s 3rd District on City Council in November 2007, and served admirably through December 2011; and WHEREAS, Alderman Stuber used his considerable technical expertise to help develop drainage improvements throughout Savannah, and bring curb and gutter improvements to the Edgemere/Sackville neighborhood; and WHEREAS, Alderman Stuber was at the forefront of international economic development efforts, and helped create the Greater Savannah International Alliance; and WHEREAS, Alderman Stuber was a strong proponent of curbside recycling and other efforts to increase the environmental sustainability of Savannah; and WHEREAS, Alderman Stuber was a passionate advocate for the redevelopment of Strathmore Estates into the Savannah Gardens affordable housing community, which is using sustainable building practices to transform the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor; WHEREAS, this commitment and dedication has helped make Savannah a better place; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Savannah City Council, desiring to express their official and personal appreciation to Larry Stuber, do hereby commend him on this day and wish him every success in the future. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this commendation be entered in the Minutes of Savannah City Council and that a copy of this commendation be presented to Larry Stuber. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 29TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011. ********************************* Alderman Osborne stated she had the pleasure of honoring her brother/former brother Alderman Jeff Felser. She presented him with a resolution and a picture of City Hall and a photo booklet with a “handsome picture on it,’ minus the beard – with many, many photo ops they took together. She told him they would certainly miss him. 7 Alderman Felser thanked the Mayor and members of Council, the citizens of Savannah, Boards, Commissions, and neighborhoods. He stated he always tried to make the City better. As the door closes a new one will open. It had been a pleasure work Mayor Johnson and the members of Council. JEFF FELSER WHEREAS, the City of Savannah is fortunate to have among its citizenry a select number of individuals who dedicate themselves to making our community a better place in which to live, and today we recognize Jeff Felser for his public service to Savannah; and WHEREAS, Jeff Felser was elected to the Post 1 Alderman-at-Large seat on Savannah City Council in November 2003, serving the entire community admirably through December 2011; and WHEREAS, Alderman Felser was a champion of small business, a passionate crusader for blight eradication, and lent a strong voice to Savannah’s underserved population; and WHEREAS, Alderman Felser was an advocate of fiscal accountability, and transparency in City Government; and WHEREAS, during Alderman Felser’s tenure, Savannah embarked on the most aggressive capital improvement campaign in its history, completing nearly $100 million in drainage improvements, redevelopment of Ellis Square, construction of the underground Whitaker Street Garage, and renovation of the Fort at Forsyth Park; and WHEREAS, Alderman Felser supported the development of high-quality, environmentally sustainable, affordable housing, transforming whole neighborhoods in the process, including creation of Sustainable Fellwood on the west side and Savannah Gardens on the east side; and WHEREAS, this commitment and dedication to all of Savannah has helped make Savannah a better place; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Savannah City Council, desiring to express their official and personal appreciation to Jeff Felser, do hereby commend him on this day and wish him every success in the future. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this commendation be entered in the Minutes of Savannah City Council and that a copy of this commendation be presented to Jeff Felser. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 29TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011. ************************************* Alderman Osborne stated she had the pleasure of honoring her brother Alderman Clifton Jones. She presented him with a resolution and a picture of City Hall and a photo booklet Alderman Jones introduced his family in the audience. He thanked everyone and felt they had all achieved a lot. He considered himself to be a servant of the people. He stated 16-years later, he feels it’s his time to leave. He said he would miss the staff of the City of Savannah. He thanked everyone for all they did for him. CLIFTON JONES WHEREAS, the City of Savannah is fortunate to have among its citizenry a select number of individuals who dedicate themselves to making our community a better place in which to live, and today we recognize Clifton Jones for his public service to Savannah; and WHEREAS, Clifton Jones was elected to represent Savannah’s 5th District on City Council in November 1995, and served admirably through December 2011; and 8 WHEREAS, Alderman Jones was a powerful advocate for infrastructure development on Savannah’s west side, pushing for roads and drainage improvements in areas that had historically been under served; and WHEREAS, Alderman Jones’ influence was particularly felt in the Liberty City neighborhood, where he successfully helped build a new community center and recreation lake; and WHEREAS, Alderman Jones’ strong advocacy for protection of the Tatemville neighborhood from Interstate traffic led to plans for a new sound wall; and WHEREAS, during Alderman Jones' tenure, Savannah embarked on the most aggressive capital improvement campaign in its history, completing nearly $100 million in drainage improvements, redevelopment of Ellis Square, construction of the underground Whitaker Street Garage, and renovation of the Fort at Forsyth Park; and WHEREAS, Alderman Jones brought a strong, no-nonsense, measured approach to policy-making that helped make Savannah a better community; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Savannah City Council, desiring to express their official and personal appreciation to Clifton Jones, do hereby commend him on this day and wish him every success in the future. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this commendation be entered in the Minutes of Savannah City Council and that a copy of this commendation be presented to Clifton Jones. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 29TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011. ********************************* She said Mayor Johnson will be missed and she read the resolution; she also gave the Mayor a photo booklet and a picture of City Hall. Mayor Johnson thanked everyone and read a few quotations; he also quoted the Serenity Prayer. He talked about what he and the Council had done over the past 8-years; the struggles and the accomplishments. He thanked the people of Savannah for giving him the opportunity of a life-time. MAYOR JOHNSON WHEREAS, the City of Savannah is fortunate to have among its citizenry a select number of individuals who dedicate themselves to making our community a better place in which to live, and today we recognize Otis Johnson for his public service to Savannah; and WHEREAS, Otis Johnson became Mayor in January 2004, and served admirably through December 2011; and WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson brought a new level of academic discipline to Savannah City Government, focusing its work plan around a set of priorities and emphasizing process, results, and accountability; and WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson was a tireless advocate for Savannah’s poor, creating initiatives such as Step-Up Savannah to bring the entire community together to collectively combat poverty; and WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson was a champion of healthy living, creating programs such as Healthy Savannah to address the chronic problems of diabetes and obesity; and WHEREAS, under Mayor Johnson’s tenure, Savannah embarked on the most aggressive capital improvement campaign in its history, completing nearly $100 million in drainage 9 improvements, redevelopment of Ellis Square, construction of the underground Whitaker Street Garage, and restoration of the Fort at Forsyth Park; and WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson oversaw the development of high-quality, environmentally sustainable, affordable housing, transforming whole neighborhoods in the process, including creation of Sustainable Fellwood on the west side and Savannah Gardens on the east side; and WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson expanded Savannah’s reach beyond its borders, forging new economic, technological, educational, and political relationships abroad for the benefit of our community; and WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson increased government transparency and gave greater voice to our citizens, including fulfilling a pledge to hold Town Hall Meetings every quarter while in office; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Savannah City Council, desiring to express their official and personal appreciation to Otis Johnson, do hereby commend him on this day and wish him every success in the future. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this commendation be entered in the Minutes of Savannah City Council and that a copy of this commendation be presented to Otis Johnson. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 29TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011. ******************************** City Manager Toney stated it had been her pleasure working with the out-going Mayor and Council. City Attorney Blackburn commended those who served and he thanked them. Mayor Johnson commended the staff of the City of Savannah; and thanked them for making the Council look good. There being no further business, Mayor Johnson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese Clerk of Council 10