City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA February 23, 2012 The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Invocation was a Moment of Silence, led by Alderman Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: Mayor Edna B. Jackson, Presiding Alderman Van R. Johnson, II, Mayor Pro-tem Aldermen Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Aldermen Mary Ellen Sprague, John Hall, Carol Bell, Tom Bordeaux and Estella Shabazz City Manager Rochelle D. Small-Toney City Attorney James B. Blackburn Asst. City Attorneys William W. Shearouse and Lester B. Johnson, III ABSENT: Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice Chair of Council (out of town, family emergency) The Minutes of the following meetings were approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried: Summary/final minutes of the City Council work session/City Manager’s briefing on February 9, 2012; City Council meeting minutes on February 9, 2012; Summary/final minutes of the City Council meetings wit the public concerning Comcast on February 6 – 9, 2012; and Summary/final minutes of the executive session on February 9, 2012. Upon motion of Alderman Johnson; seconded by Alderman Thomas approval was given for the Mayor to sign an affidavit and resolution for an Executive Session held for the purpose of discussing personnel on February 9, 2012. (See “RESOLUTIONS”) Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas, approval was given for the Mayor to sign affidavits and resolutions for two Executive Sessions held today to discuss real estate and personnel, where no votes were taken. (See “RESOLUTIONS”). PRESENTATIONS Stratton Leopold made an appearance to recognize the winners of the second annual Leopold's Ice Cream Writing Contest. The children had the challenge of writing poems on Georgia’s history. Winners were Ian Powell Freeman, Michael Roberts, and Patton Areola. Rob Gibson, Executive and Artistic Director of the Savannah Music Festival, made an appearance concerning the 2012 Festival. It is a 17-day event that has become Savannah’s largest event; and Georgia’s largest musical event in the last 10-years. A presentation and announcement by Rebecca Flaherty of Georgia Southern University and Maria Zouves of the V.O.I.C. Experience Foundation. No one appeared to speak on this item. Garrison Marr, the City’s Thrive Sustainability Committee Chair, presented the 2011 Greenie Awards to City employees Gordon Denney, Bill Rovolis, Deborah Stewart, and Alfred Bell, who were nominated by their peers for doing their part to cut down on waste and conserve resources. 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 Johnson, and carried, they were approved: 1  ALCOHOL BEVERAGES LICENSE HEARING Mark C. Bemis for Caraway Café & Market, Inc t/a Caraway Café, requesting a beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales at 202 E. Broughton Street, which had a 2010 beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales and is located between Abercorn and Lincoln Streets in District 1. (New request; alcohol license held previously by same owner) Jeffrey Scott Burcham for JJ Bonerz, LLC t/a JJ Bonerz, requesting the addition of a Sunday sales permit at 11 W. Bay Street, which has a 2012 liquor, beer and wine (drink) license and is located between Bull and Whitaker Streets in District 1. (Adding Sunday sales permit) Evelyn A. Ganem for Johnnie Ganem, Inc., requesting a wine (drink) license at 311 E. Gaston Street, which is a new location between Habersham and Lincoln Streets in District 1. (New owner/manager) Randolph Gosyne for SDBAGGS, LLC t/a Saddlebags, requesting a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license with hybrid and Sunday sales permits at 317 W. River Street, which had a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license and is located between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Barnard Ramp in District 1. (New owner/manager) Steven Brian Huskey for Blowin Smoke LLC t/a Blowin Smoke BBQ, requesting the addition of a liquor (drink) license with Sunday sales at 514 Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard, which has a 2012 beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales and is located between Gaston and Huntington Streets in District 1. (Adding liquor to beer and wine) Steven Brian Huskey for The Blue Turtle, LLC t/a Blue Turtle Bistro, requesting the addition of a liquor (drink) license with Sunday sales at 5002 Paulsen Street, which has a 2012 beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales and is located between 66th and 67th Streets in District 4. (Adding liquor to beer and wine) Darshana D. Patel for Bharat Enterprises, Inc, requesting the addition of a wine (package) license at 2511 Skidaway Road, which has a 2012 beer (package) license and is located between 41st and 42nd Streets in District 3. (Adding wine to beer) Naynaben Patel for Montgomery Market, Inc t/a Montgomery Market, requesting a beer and wine (package) license at 4305 Montgomery Street, which is a new location between 59th and 60th Streets in District 5. (New owner/location) Stephanie Brooks Sullivan-Moore for Bella B’s, LLC t/a Costanzo’s Pizza @ Eisenhower Square, requesting a beer and wine (drink) license at 1100 Eisenhower Drive, Suite 3, which is a new location between Waters Avenue and Seawright Drive in District 3. (New owner/manager) ********************* As advertised, hearing was held on a petition of Nital Patel for Trish Corporation t/a T & K Liquor, Beer and Wine, requesting liquor, beer and wine (package) license at 726 W. Oglethorpe Avenue, which is located between Highway 17 and Fahm Street in District 1. (New owner/manager) The recommendation was for approval. Ms. Patel was present. Judee Jones of the City’s Revenue Department stated this location had incidents in the past and at that time there had been complete investigation of the site. Ms. Patel had the Alcohol Awareness training and was in the process of purchasing a “scanner.” She had satisfied the requirements of the Revenue Department. Several Council members expressed their concerns about the incidents that had occurred there before and expressed to her if other incidents occurred, it was subject to her losing her license or them being suspended. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson; seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried the request was granted. ZONING HEARINGS Continued from the meeting of February 9, 2012 was a public hearing on the Future Land Use Map Amendment. A public hearing on the petition by Clifton Kennedy, Agent for Algene Tanksley, Owner, and Restoration Praise and Worship, Petitioner (Z-110831-63065-2) requesting an amendment to the Future Land Use Map to change the property at 3910 Waters Avenue from the Residential-Single Family classification to the Commercial Neighborhood classification. Jim Hansen with Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) was present to answer any questions Council had. Alderman Thomas asked if it constituted spot-zoning; to which Mr. Hansen stated it did not. Alderman Hall asked if the church would continue to operate if they were denied the request; to which Mr. Hansen stated they could. Mayor Jackson stated she attended the church and that it was a big congregation. Alderman Sprague reminded them it was a public hearing and anyone could speak. Alderman Hall stated the neighborhood association had no objection to the church; they wanted to know how it would impact an already-congested area. Alderman Shabazz stated she had also visited the church and the growth was a good thing and it was not a store-front church. Rosa Davis, East 58th Street and Jane Dukes, East 50th Street were present and represented the neighborhood association where the church is located. At this time the association opposed the rezoning because they wanted greater clarity on the church’s plans for the property. They 2 asked that members of the church and MPC attend their neighborhood association meeting and explain their plans. Clifton Kennedy, Agent for the church spoke in support of the good the church does for the neighborhood with their programs; particularly with the youth. Alderman Thomas asked if the church could expand without approval. Mr. Kennedy stated that the church is a pre-existing, non-conforming use at the present location. They were allowed to remain at that location and continue the use, but they were not allowed to expand. Alderman Thomas stated he needed the clarity because he was against spot zoning. He stated he was not against the church but he did think the issues of the surrounding neighborhoods must be taken into account. He stated he wanted the greatest level of protection for the neighborhoods; such as not being impacted by additional traffic issues. Mr. Kennedy stated they had indeed had a public hearing at the church last year; but was open for another one. Alderman Bordeaux asked why they had not been involved with the neighborhood association before now. Mr. Kennedy stated they did have a public hearing and got opinions from the neighborhoods, but he did not know if the associations were present. Alderman Bell asked Ms. Rosa Davis if the church had any negative impact on the neighborhoods to this point. Ms. Davis stated a lot would depend on the size of the expansion and the size of the parking lot. Alderman Hall stated as much as he wanted this to move forward, he had to respectfully decline action this date, until the church officials met with the neighborhood associations so that all the concerns could be addressed. Alderman Shabazz stated she understood it had been going on for six or more months; all MPC and Council Meetings have been televised. Therefore, she felt they should move ahead on the issue; and did not understand why the action should be prolonged. Alderman Johnson pointed out to Mr. Kennedy that the neighborhood associations were not opposed to the idea; they simply wanted more information. Mr. Kennedy stated he was not aware the neighborhood association had not been at the public hearing because there was a significant amount of people there at that time; he stated he and the church members would be glad to meet with them and show them the plans. Mayor Jackson stated she did not see it passing on the first and second reading this date; it would be 2-weeks later at the March 8, 2012 meeting. Alderman Johnson moved to close the public hearing and continue until March 8, 2012; seconded by Alderman Sprague and carried. Continued from the meeting of February 9, 2012 was a public hearing of Clifton Kennedy, Agent for Algene Tanksley, Owner, and Restoration Praise and Worship, Petitioner (Z-110831-63065-2), requesting to rezone 3910 Waters Avenue from BN (Neighborhood Business) and RIP (Residential-Institutional- Professional) to BN1 (Neighborhood Business). The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) recommends approval. The subject property is currently developed with and used as a church. Though listed as a legally non-conforming use, the church’s existence predates zoning. Because churches are not listed as an allowed use in the BN district, the use cannot be expanded under the present zoning classification. Churches are allowed in all other commercial classifications except Bayfront Business (BB), a district exclusive to downtown and the river. The recommended BN1 zoning is supportable given the surrounding uses and neighborhood character. (Continued from February 9, 2012). The rezoning ordinance also was placed on First and Second Reading. Jim Hansen with Municipal Planning Commission was present to answer any questions council may had Alderman Johnson moved to continue until March 8, 2012; seconded by Alderman Sprague and carried. ORDINANCES First Readings Alcoholic Beverages on Commercial Quadricycles. An ordinance to amend the Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance to prohibit alcoholic beverages on commercial quadricycles, establish an effective date, and repeal all ordinances in conflict. (Continued from February 9, 2012) Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague and carried, the City Manager’s recommendation to defer this ordinance on first reading until March 8, 2012 was approved. First and Second Readings Rezone 3910 Waters Avenue (Z-110831-63065-2). An ordinance to rezone 3910 Waters Avenue from BN (Neighborhood Business) and RIP (Residential-Institutional-Professional) to BN1 (Neighborhood Business). This item relates to the rezoning hearing. (Continued from February 9, 2012) Continued until the meeting of March 8, 2012. Future Land Use Map Amendment. – Waters Avenue (Z-110831-63065-2 Recommend approval of the MPC recommendation to amend the Future Land Use Map to change the property at 3010 Waters Avenue from Residential-Single Family classification to the Commercial Neighborhood classification. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson, this was deferred until the meeting of March 8, 2012. Ordinance read for the first and second time in Council February 23, 2012; placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon motion of Alderman Bordeaux, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and carried. 3  AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO APPOINT AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE OF THE RECORDER’S COURT; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in regular meeting of Council assembled, and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: Pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section IX of the Constitution of the State of Georgia (Ga. Laws 1972, Page 1493), HARRIS ODELL, JR. is hereby named and appointed as an Associate Judge of the Recorder’s Court. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED FEBRUARY 23, 2012. RESOLUTIONS A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE CHATHAM COUNTY RECORDER’S COURT JUDGE TAMMY STOKES ON HER ASCENSION TO THE POSITION OF CHIEF RECORDER’S COURT JUDGE WHEREAS the Mayor and Aldermen met in open meeting on February 23, 2012; and WHEREAS, at said public meeting of the Savannah City Council an agenda item was raised relating adopting a resolution recognizing and congratulating Recorder’s Court Judge Tammy Stokes on her ascension to the designation of the Chief Judge of the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County; WHEREAS, the local legislation set forth at Ga. Laws 1993 p.4326 provides that the “judge of the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County, Georgia, who has served for the longest period of continuous time as Recorder’s Court judge shall be designated as the Chief Judge of the Recorder’s Court”; WHEREAS, with the death of Chief Judge Larry Dillon, there is a vacancy in the office of Chief Judge of the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County; WHEREAS, Judge Tammy Stokes has served the longest period of continuous time as Recorder’s Court Judge, having been sworn in November 24, 2004, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah recognize that by operation of law, that Judge Stokes shall be designated as the Chief Judge of the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Savannah City Council in open meeting dated February 23, 2012, recognize that the Honorable Tammy Stokes, by operation of law, is designated Chief Judge of Recorder’s Court of Chatham County; ADOPTED AND APPROVED UPON MOTION OF ALDERMAN THOMAS; SECONDED BY ALDERMAN JOHNSON AND CARRIED. ************************************************ A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows: At the meeting held on the 9th day of February, 2012 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel. At the close of the discussions upon this subject, the Council reentered into open session and herewith takes the following action in open session: 1. The actions of Council and the discussions of the same regarding the matter set forth for the closed session purposes are hereby ratified; 2. Each member of this body does hereby confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge, the subject matter of the closed session was devoted to matters within the specific relevant exception(s) as set forth above; 3. The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17 4. The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 23rd DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2012 UPON MOTION OF ALDERMAN JOHNSON, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN THOMAS AND CARRIED. 4  ********************************** A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows: At the meeting held on the 23rd day of February, 2012 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing real estate. At the close of the discussions upon this subject, the Council reentered into open session and herewith takes the following action in open session: 1. The actions of Council and the discussions of the same regarding the matter set forth for the closed session purposes are hereby ratified; 2. Each member of this body does hereby confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge, the subject matter of the closed session was devoted to matters within the specific relevant exception(s) as set forth above; 3. The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17 4. The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 23rd DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2012 UPON MOTION OF ALDERMAN JOHNSON; SECONDED BY ALDERMAN THOMAS AND CARRIED. *************************************** A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows: At the meeting held on the 23rd day of February, 2012 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel. At the close of the discussions upon this subject, the Council reentered into open session and herewith takes the following action in open session: 1. The actions of Council and the discussions of the same regarding the matter set forth for the closed session purposes are hereby ratified; 2. Each member of this body does hereby confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge, the subject matter of the closed session was devoted to matters within the specific relevant exception(s) as set forth above; 3. The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17 4. The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 23rd DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2012 UPON MOTION OF ALDERMAN JOHNSON, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN THOMAS AND CARRIED. MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Jackson entertained a motion for nominations to fill the unexpired term of Judge Lawrence Dillon to the Chatham County’s Recorder's Court. Alderman Thomas’ contract with CAT Board and Alderman Johnson being a Chatham County employee; both recused themselves from voting of this motion and left the room. Alderman Bordeaux nominated Harris Odell; seconded by Alderman Shabazz and carried the Ordinance was then placed on first and second reading to be forwarded to the Chatham County Commissioners for their concurrence. (See “ORDINANCES”). A resolution to recognize and congratulate Chatham County Recorder’s Court Judge Tammy Stokes on her ascension to the position of Chief Recorder’s Court Judge was approved upon motion by Alderman Thomas; seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried. (See “RESOLUTIONS”). ******************************* Property Acquisition – 0 Grove Point Road. Recommend authorization for the purchase of property located at 0 Grove Point Road, PIN 2-1004-02-004. The property, legally described as Lot 3, recombination of a 180.02 acre tract, is a 3.88 acre parcel lying at the intersection of Sweetwater Station Drive and Grove Point Road. Savannah Fire and Emergency Services plans to construct a permanent fire station on the site in order to adequately serve the residents of Sweetwater Station as well as the surrounding community. 5  The proposed sales agreement will stipulate a 60 day due diligence (inspection) period to allow for adequate environmental and geotechnical testing of the property. Purchase will be conditioned on the absence of environmental contamination and evidence of suitability for the construction of a fire station. In addition, the City will require a letter from Georgia Power Company confirming the City’s ability to construct an access road (driveway) over the Georgia Power transmission line easement running across the subject property adjacent to Grove Point Road. Recommend authorizing the purchase of 0 Grove Point Road, PIN 2-1004-02-004, property located at the intersection of Sweetwater Station Drive and Grove Point Road for the sum of $215,000.00 for the location of a permanent fire station. The City Manager recommended approval. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson this was unanimously approved. Property Acquisition – 1020 East Broad Street. Recommend authorization for the purchase of property located at 1020 East Broad Street, PIN 2-0043-15-004. The property, legally described as Lots 99 through 105, 109 though 117, and part of Lots 106 though 108, Schley Ward, is a 1.63 acre parcel located on the east side of East Broad Street between Park Avenue and Waldburg Street. Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department has approved this site for the location/construction of a new Central Precinct facility. A previous effort to acquire this property was abandoned due to the presence of large quantities of construction debris. The seller has since cleaned up the site and placed the property back on the market. The contract for purchase will stipulate a minimum 60 day due diligence (inspection) period to allow for adequate environmental and geotechnical testing of the property. Purchase will be conditioned on the documented absence of environmental contamination and evidence of suitability for the construction of a fire station. In addition, as part of the sales agreement, the seller has agreed to demolish all remaining structures on the property and remediate any resulting negative environmental impact. Recommend authorizing the purchase of 1020 East Broad Street, PIN 2-0043-15-004, for the sum of $469,000.00 for the location of a police precinct facility. The City Manager recommended approval. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson this was unanimously approved. Property Acquisition – 620 Stiles Avenue. Recommend authorization for the purchase of property located at 620 Stiles Avenue, PIN 2-0030-08-003. The property is a 6.97 acre parcel lying north of and adjacent to the City Lot. The property, now owned by Argos USA, is the site of a former concrete company. Staff has been in negotiations with the owners (first Lafarge Building Materials and now Argos) for several years in an attempt to purchase the parcel. Acquisition of this tract is necessary for any future Westside Savannah development project. The seller is requesting a quick closing, within 30 days of the execution of the sales agreement. No additional due diligence (inspection) on the part of the City should be required since the City has already acquired an environmental site assessment and a copy of a recorded survey of the property. The City is buying the property “as is”, but the Seller will have 90 days to remove any equipment or other personal property remaining on the site. Recommend authorizing the purchase of 620 Stiles Avenue, PIN 2-0030-08-003, for the sum of $440,000.00. The City Manager recommended approval. Upon motion of Alderman Bell; seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried the property acquisition was unanimously approved. ****************************** BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Transportation Services for Golden Age Centers – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 150. The City has the option to renew an annual contract to procure transportation services for senior citizens from JLM Transport in the amount of $100,000.00. The services are needed to provide an estimated 10,250 trips for the elderly to various Golden Age Centers for participation in the Leisure Services Golden Age programs at various Golden Age Centers. This is the second of two renewal options available on this contract. Alderman Shabazz recused herself and left the meeting upon this discussion due to a conflict of interest. Upon motion of Alderman Johnson; seconded by Alderman Thomas, this item was deferred until the meeting of March 8, 2012. Road Grade Crossing Agreement. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Central of Georgia Railroad Company and McDonald Venture XXIV, LLC to allow the construction of an at grade rail crossing of the City’s right-of-way on Telfair Road. The agreement indemnifies the City against any liability associated with the crossing and requires that it be maintained at the expense of the 6 Central of Georgia Railroad Company and McDonald Venture XXIV, LLC. The rail crossing is needed to serve a warehouse. Due to a conflict of interest Alderman Sprague recused herself and left the meeting before discussion City Attorney Blackburn stated: “As a matter of public policy and public knowledge, he brought to the attention of Council the proposed rail road crossing agreement on Telfair Road. The City staff was approached 2 years earlier with a proposal by the owners on each side of Telfair. The McDonald Company were developing warehouses. In order to satisfy tenants who might locate in that property, they needed a rail spur. The City was not involved in the negotiations. Apparently, the rail road said they would enter into an agreement with the City if they built the spur and got permission to build the spur. This came to his attention, and based upon the statute governing rail crossings, and the regulations rail crossings, and rail lines by the state; the City raised the issue that under the statute the rail road would have to be responsible and they had the right to build it. So, McDonald and the rail road went into extensive negotiations on the cost of putting in the rail spur. The rail road requires a great deal of insurance and indemnification. Several drafts were worked on; none of which met the approval of everyone until recently. The City was able to get the rail road to acknowledge that if they ran trains on the crossing they would be liable under the state statute with reference to rail roads. At this point it appears that they have agreed with Central Georgia; although it is Northern Southern in Richmond and through their lawyers; they have had several different attorneys working on this. They have come up with a draft that recognizes the obligation of the rail road and the rail road will require the building to be done by the property owner; and they will not run trains on track unless there is rail road insurance to assure the rail road is taken care of. In the agreement, he insisted they put in that they would indemnify the safety and be responsible for it and the City could also hold the owner responsible for any repairs and if they did not make them the City; and if they didn’t do it the City could actually go in and require them to do it or do it and lien the property. It has been difficult to get there because there are no other private rail road spurs. There are others in the State of Georgia. Staff has worked on this during this period of time and they are reluctant to move in this direction; but apparently as a competitive thing to have the warehouse located, this may be a way of getting it done. He did not want it to come before Council without full public knowledge that it may be a deviation from past practices. There are somewhere between 30 and 50 rail crossings throughout the City; it can be a problem. This, he believed could work out if they go forward with it. There have been agreements submitted as sign that the City rejected; but the drafts have to be signed by staff and Council before they can get one.” Alderman Johnson stated this represented an exciting economic development opportunity that is in his district that will create some jobs and really help spur the economy in the City. There were some unique circumstances through this that required the City, through the City Attorney to assure that the City’s interest was protected. Therefore, he thanked Attorney Blackburn for the extensive work to assure that the City was protected against liability. There were some complex, legal issues that the City Attorney understands. The City should be on the lookout for some exciting opportunities from the approval of this. City Attorney Blackburn stated the motion and the agenda item is to authorize the City Manager to negotiate through her staff and legal department an agreement that meets these requirements.” Upon motion by Alderman Johnson; seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried the agreement was granted. ***************************************** BIDS, CONTRACTS, AND AGREEMENTS Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson and carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved: Emissions Testing for Water Reclamation – Event No. 82. Approval to award a contract for emissions testing for incinerators from O'Brien and Gere in the amount of $34,500.00. The testing will be performed on one of two multiple hearth sewage sludge incinerators at the President Street Water Reclamation Facility. This testing will establish benchmarks for new rules for sewage sludge incinerators published March 21, 2011. Although, 37 proposers were solicited, only one proposer chose to respond. The method used for this procurement was the request for proposal (RFP) which evaluates other criteria in addition to cost. The criteria evaluated were technical approach, qualifications and experience, and fees. Delivery: 60 Days. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Water & Sewer Operating Fund/ President Street Plant/Other Contractual Service (Account No. 521-2553-51295). Tractor for Building and Grounds – Event No. 212 Approval to procure two tractors with enclosed cabs from Hendrix Machinery in the amount of $53,006.00. The tractors will be used by Building and Grounds to replace unit 0235 and by Cemeteries to replace unit 6235 which are no longer economical to repair or operate. Low Country Machinery submitted a partial bid which did not include the optional price for the enclosed cabs. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Vehicle Purchases/Vehicular Equipment (Account No. 613-9230-51515). Dump Trucks – Event No. 217. Approval to procure one regular dump truck from Roberts International Trucks in the amount of $92,098.08. The regular dump will be used by Water Reclamation to replace a dump truck which is no longer economical to operate or repair. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Vehicle Replacement/Vehicular Equipment (Account No. 613-9230- 51515). 7 VMware Software Maintenance and Support – Sole Source - Event No. 240. Approval to procure VMware software maintenance and support from Technology Integration Group (TIG) in the amount of $31,442.00. The software is used by the Information Technology to manage server operation on the City's network. The software virtualizes the servers therefore allowing multiple servers to exist on one piece of equipment. This supplier is the current supplier for VMware and pricing submitted for this equipment is based on pricing discount schedules provided for in the original bid. The bid was opened and reviewed. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Internal Service Fund/Information Technology/Data Processing Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 611-1140-51251). First Defender Chemical Identification System – Sole Source – Event No. 247. Approval to procure a portable spectrometer system from Fisher Safety in the amount of $65,000.00. This equipment is used to identify unknown explosives and explosive compounds. This is the only portable spectrometer system that can be utilized with the current robots in the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCPMPD) inventory. This function was identified as a gap in the SCMPD Bomb Squad capabilities and will allow SCMPD to quickly and correctly identify commercial and homemade explosive compounds. This bid has been opened and reviewed. Delivery: 30 Days. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Homeland Security Office/ Building Furniture/Equipment/2010 Buffer Zone Protection GEMA Grant (Account No. 212-3114-51520-GT0009). Parking Meters Pay-By-Space – RFP No. 11.112. Approval to procure 60 pay-by-space parking meters from Parkeon Inc. in the amount of $545,040.00. The meters will replace most multi-space parking meters in the historic district that are more than 10 years old and must be changed out to comply with new Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards established to protect the consumer using debit, credit, and ATM cards. The standard was created to increase controls around cardholder data to reduce credit card fraud via its exposure. The purchase includes the trade-in of the old meters. Customers will enter a parking space number (visibly painted on the street or curb) into the new meters and pay for the length of time desired or allowed. An optional ticket receipt can be printed but the customer does not have to return to the vehicle to place a receipt in the vehicle. The meters are solar powered and transmit data via a cellular modem to a hosted website to collect payment information and sales data. The method used for this procurement was the request for proposal (RFP) which evaluates criteria in addition to costs. The criteria evaluated were qualifications and experience, technical capabilities, references and fees. Seven proposers submitted responses; four proposers were eliminated during initial evaluations and interviews due to costs and lack of experience with government applications and a short list of three proposers were accepted. The Parkeon meter performed as required with no solar power or CPU issues. Proposals were received June 21, 2011. This proposal has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: 30 Days. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvements/ Other Costs/Replacement of Multi-meter. (Account No. 311-9207-52842-OP650). Website Redesign – RFP No. 11.023. Approval to procure website redesign services from Civic Plus in the amount of $44,655.00. The redesign services include development, testing, training and full implementation of a new site, as well as hosting and support and includes the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department sub-site as well. The City's website receives more than 3 million visits per year and provides access to many City services. Now over 14 years old, the website is outdated in technology and is cumbersome to maintain and update. The web site redesign will allow for coordinated updating and maintenance of information on savannahga.gov, while improving the usability, functionality and aesthetics of the City’s website for citizens and businesses. The solution encompasses numerous modules and tools to provide new services not provided on the City's current platform. Public safety is improved by providing for hosting on third-party servers, which allows for continuous operation during times of an emergency such as a hurricane. New services will include improvements in citizen engagement by providing citizen subscription to email newsletters, opportunity for online community feedback forums, and allowing for online citizen registration of programs and reservation of public spaces. This solution will also provide for presentation of the web site for use on mobile devices and integration with social media services to further improve the City’s outreach efforts. The method used for this procurement was the request for proposal (RFP) which evaluates criteria in addition to costs. The criteria evaluated were qualifications and experience in developing government, specifically municipal, websites, web design capabilities, references and fees. Twenty-six responses were received. A shortlist of two proposers met all of the requirements and demonstrated significant experience with public agencies and websites of comparable size. The shortlisted proposers provided on-site demonstrations of available services and following demonstrations, best and final offers were received from both proposers. The recommend proposer specializes in government websites and has over 1,000 city and county clients nationwide, including Athens-Clarke County, GA. Proposers were received March 8, 2011. The proposal has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: 60-90 Days. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, General Fund/ Public Information/ Professional Purchased Services (Account No. 101-0123-51238). Bacon Park Water Reclamation Facility Engineering Services – Event No. 58. Approval to procure engineering consultant services for the Bacon Park Reuse Water Reclamation Facility from Hussey, Gay, Bell and DeYoung in the amount of $394,750.00. The work to be completed as part of this project includes surveying, engineering, and construction management services for the design of a water reclamation facility with the treated effluent used to irrigate the adjacent golf course. Long range plans are to irrigate numerous recreation and sports complexes with this reuse water as well. The method used 8 for this procurement was the request for proposal (RFP) that evaluates criteria in addition to costs. The criteria evaluated were experience with design of similar projects, project approach, project team, proposed schedule, MWBE goal, local vendor and fees. Five proposers responded and were independently reviewed and evaluated by a team of City staff for qualifications and technical merits. This evaluation and rating is accomplished without knowledge of the price to provide a best value approach to the RFP process. Technical evaluations and fees resulted in very close ratings of two proposers, Hussey, Gay, Bell and DeYoung and Thomas & Hutton with Thomas & Hutton scoring higher. However, Hussey, Gay, Bell and DeYoung's proposal fees were significantly lower and have been confirmed by the consultant firm to be accurate. Therefore it is recommended to award to the second highest scoring proposer, Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung as being in the best interest of the City. The Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) goal for this project was 7%; 5% MBE and 2% WBE. The recommended proposer submitted participation of 7% MWBE, 5% MBE utilizing Coastline Consulting and 2% WBE utilizing Clemmons Engineers. Proposals were received January 17, 2012. This proposal has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: 270 Days. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/ Bacon Park Reuse Water Reclamation Facility (Account No. 311-9207-52842-SW623). Concrete and Asphalt Crushing Services – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 248. Renewed an annual contract for surplus concrete and asphalt crushing services to ADRS Services, Inc. in the amount of $52,500.00. The services will be used by Streets Maintenance to process concrete and asphalt spoils from the demolition of various street and sidewalk projects into suitable material to be recycled for use as fill on new projects. n July 2011, Council awarded Bid 11.152 for one time crushing of asphalt and concrete spoils. The contractor has offered to hold pricing for an additional year to make this an annual contract and allow for crushing of materials as they become available rather than stockpiling materials for one time crushing. This would ensure a continuous supply of fill material. Bids were originally received July 5, 2011. This bid has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Various General Fund/Streets Maintenance/Construction Supplies and Materials (Account No. 101-2105- 51340 Portable Toilet Rental for Tara Feis and St. Patrick’s Day Festival – Annual Contract Renewal - Event No. 237. Renewed an annual contract to procure portable toilet rentals from United Site Services in the amount of $29,731.20. The 373 portable toilets will be used by the public during the Tara Feis (12 units) and St. Patrick's Day (361 units) events. The Savannah Waterfront Association will reimburse the City once invoiced by Park and Tree for 81 units located on River Street. This is the second of two renewal options available. Bids were originally received February 3, 2010. This bid has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Park and Tree/Rentals (Account No. 101-6122- 51230). Shortel Annual Maintenance Agreement – Annual Contract – Event No. 241. Renewed an annual contract to procure Shoretel Maintenance from Stormwood, Inc. in the amount of $35,998.80. The maintenance will be used by the Information Technology to maintain the Shoretel software and switches and provide on-site technical support. The amount requested for approval is for maintenance and support only. The original proposals included the cost of purchase of equipment as well. This is the second of four renewal options available under the contract. The reason for not originally selecting the lowest cost proposer is that Alterra Network did not have the required certification and did not include telephone support in the cost proposal. Proposals were originally received January 19, 2010. This proposal has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Internal Service Fund/Information Technology/Equipment (Account No. 611-1140-51251). Internet Service Provider – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 246. Approval to renew an annual contract for an Internet service provider to US Carrier Telecom as primary in the amount of $34,560.00 and to Seimitsu as secondary in the amount of $12,000.00. Internet service is used to provide public access to the City's website for the collection of revenue, access for public safety functions (mobile data terminals), and access for remote locations such as fire stations and community centers. The City's current bandwidth for day to day operations is inadequately sized; this contract renewal includes an additional cost of $9,960.00 to double the bandwidth to 100 megabytes which will drastically improve the speed of connection. A secondary provider is being recommended that can be utilized in the event of interruption of service on the City's primary connection. This is the third of four renewal options available. The low proposer, Semitsu, is not a tier 1 provider and purchases its access to the Internet through a tier 1 provider. While that is adequate for a backup provider, having a tier 1 provider provides that most reliable and efficient access to the Internet. A tier 1 provider owns its own transmission lines and has built in redundancy and reliability and will provide the City the best value. Proposals were originally received August 18, 2009. The proposal has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Internal Service Fund/Information Technology/Communications (Account No. 611-1140-51210). 9 Alderman Johnson stated he sadly learned this date that the postal service in his area would close. He stated there would be a drastic change in the mail delivery service system. He thanked the City of Savannah and the neighboring cities and counties who did all that they could do to keep the post office open. Some people will lose their jobs and he was saddened and disappointed. Alderman Thomas thanked Alderman Johnson for his efforts in this issue; stating the whole dynamics of the postal service will change. Alderman Shabazz concurred with her fellow Council members. Mayor Jackson stated they tried and failed; but they did try. Mayor Jackson spoke at the Downtown Neighborhood Association the past week and they pledged $5,000 to the City for lighting in the neighborhood squares. Alderman Thomas stated this was an encouragement for other neighborhoods to get involved. Alderman Shabazz encouraged more residents to get more involved in their neighborhoods. There being no further business, Mayor Jackson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese Clerk of Council 10