City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA March 8, 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 given by Father John Lyons; 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 Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council Aldermen Mary Ellen Sprague, John Hall, Carol Bell, Estella Shabazz and Tom Bordeaux (arrived at 2:30 pm; left at 3:25 pm) City Manager Rochelle D. Small-Toney City Attorney James B. Blackburn Asst. City Attorneys William W. Shearouse and Lester B. Johnson, III The Minutes of the following meetings were approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas; seconded by Alderman Sprague carried: The minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 23, 2012, The summary minutes of the City Council Workshop/City Manager's briefing of February 23, 2012. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas; seconded by Alderman Sprague approval was given for the Mayor to sign an affidavit and resolution for an Executive Session held this date to discuss real estate and personnel, where no votes were taken. (SEE RESOLUTIONS). PRESENTATIONS Mayor Jackson gave recognition of the high school juniors and seniors who are participating in the Law & Government Explorer Post to further their interest in pursuing legal, governmental or public safety careers. Learning For Life Executive Barbara Foley introduce the students: From Jenkins High School Xavier Lampley and Adam Weiss; from Johnson High School Yakira Sadler and Christara Solomon; from Savannah Arts Maya Fritts and Jessica Maharaj; and from Windsor Forest Justis Archbold and Richard McCabe, IV. Kayne Lanahan announced the Savannah Stopover Music Festival scheduled for March 7-10, 2012. The kick-off was Wednesday night February 29th and there would be 85- bands as well as 20-local bands participating. Executive Director of The Voice Experience Foundation Maria Zouves, announced two voice workshops in Savannah on March 11th and March 15th. Their mission was to bring opera and classical music to the communities and allowing everyone to engage in what the human voice can do. Most festivities will take place at Christ Church and in the schools and community for special events. At that time the singers burst out with a two beautiful operatic for the Council. William J. Kehoe, III, current president of the Hibernian Society of Savannah made a presentation and Walter B. Murphy, III, past president along with other Society representatives were present to receive a proclamation designating March 17, 2012 as “Hibernian Society of Savannah 200th Anniversary Day. Alderman Sprague read the proclamation and Mayor Jackson presented it. They thanked the City Manager and City Police Chief for their assistance and support. Mayor Jackson stated Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson would represent the City at their annual banquet. 1 The St. Patrick‘s Day Parade Committee requested a permit for the 188th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 2012. Present were: Grand Marshall Tim Ansley; General Chairman of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Michael A. Foran; Vice Chairman Brendan T. Sheehan; Secretary Kevin C. Halligan; Treasurer Michael J. Hogan, Jr.; Adjutant Michael A. Kenny, Sr.; Membership Secretary Brian M. Counihan, Sr., Assistant Secretary Patrick J. Burke, Financial Secretary Lawrence E. Edgerly, Counselor Thomas J. Mahoney, III; Executive Board Officers T. Frank Baker, J. Patrick Beytagh, Jr., Mark Corrigan, Sr., John Patrick Fogarty, Joseph F. Ireland, III, Pete Liakakis, Charles McAuliffe, III, Ashley M. Norris, and James Blackburn, Jr. For the first time a woman would be serving as an aid to Marshal Tim Ansley who selected his sister. Michael Foran stated the Hibernian Society started the parade years ago. He thanked the City Manager and Chief of Police for opening their doors and assisting in every way possible. Don Sellers with Savannah Pipe and Drum played the bag pipe for Council. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson; seconded by Alderman Osborne and carried, the permit was granted. 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 Osborne, and carried, they were approved: ALCOHOL BEVERAGES LICENSE HEARING Craig Biszick for CBZ Partners, LLC t/a Sage, requesting a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales at 43 Whitaker Street, which is located between Broughton and Congress Streets in District 1. (New owner/manager) William Damron for Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill, requesting to transfer a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales at 11215 Abercorn Street., which is located between Largo Drive and Deerfield Road in District 6. (New owner/manager) Matthew Jording for Subdog Hotdoggery, Inc. t/a Subdog Hotdoggery, at 5 W. Broughton Street, requesting to add Sunday sales to an existing beer and wine (drink) license which is located between Bull and Whitaker Streets in District 1. (Adding Sunday sales permit) Anthony Pizzo for Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, Inc t/a Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, requesting a beer and wine (drink) license at 41 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, which is a new location between Bryan and Fahm Streets in District 1. (New owner/location) Loan Tran for Fire Restaurant, Inc t/a Fire Restaurant, requesting a beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales at 13 E. Perry Street, which is located between Bull and Drayton Streets in District 1. (New owner/location). PUBLIC HEARINGS 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. (Continued from February 23, 2012.) Jim Hansen with the Metropolitan Planning Commission as present to answer any questions from Council. Upon motion by Alderman Thomas; seconded by Alderman Sprague and carried, the amendment was approved. Alderman Johnson asked if the Public Hearing and the Zoning Hearing could be held at the same time or if they needed to be heard separately. Mr. Hansen referred the question to City Attorney Blackburn. Mr. Blackburn stated a public hearing was not required to amend the Comprehensive Plan; it is not subject to the Zoning Procedures Law. However, since they were handled together it was put on the agenda as a public hearing; but it is not needed legally. The Council went to the zoning hearing. 2  ZONING HEARINGS 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 23, 2012.) Mr. Blackburn stated this was a continued hearing that they have heard twice. He stated they should conclude the hearing and take action to close the hearing and/or accept the MPC recommendations. Ms. Carolyn Gould spoke for Restoration Praise and Worship Ministries stating: “The church is located at 3910 Waters Avenue; the proposed sanctuary will be 11,758 square feet; the purpose is to improve existing property and accommodate ministry needs. The building, parking, and development requirements are in accordance with the City of Savannah’s ordinance and the members of the church spent a great amount of time with the City staff reviewing the proposal. The economic impact would be a capital investment of 1.5 million dollars and temporary construction of 45 jobs created. The proposed zoning is down grading while the existing ordinance that would permit the church to move forward is in conflict with the federal law, as indicated by the City staff and MPC. Restoration Praise and Worship Ministries has continued to work with the City in an effort to support the overall goals. This position has placed an increasing burden on the ministry. The conflict with the federal law was stated in the December minutes of the MPC meeting. Restoration Praise and Worship Ministries have been highly recognized in the fields of education, in working with citizens throughout the City. Their efforts are far-reaching with countless case studies of promoting academic excellence fostering character and good citizenship. Restoration Praise and Worship Ministries has served over 2,500 children in their Helping Young People Excel Program (HYPE). In addition to wholesome recreation, the ministry has a rich tradition of producing supportive services to the elderly population. It has been a integral part of crime prevention strategies and has collaborated with numerous civic and religious organizations to improve the quality of life for all citizens. Restoration Praise and Worship Ministries has facilitated ongoing community-wide meetings and communications since the inception of the project; obtained 500+ signatures in support of the project including businesses, neighborhoods, and organizations; and they provided the City with pre-development briefings. In closing members of the church live in all district of the City, not just district 3.” County Commissioner Patrick Shay stated he had the opportunity to get involved with the church 7-8 months earlier. He showed Council a rendering of the project. He said they had met on numerous occasions with neighbors to help them understand the project. Alderman Sprague asked about the location of the trees/vegetation in the picture and Mr. Shay stated it was the City’s regulations; the engineer and developer go through a rigorous process to make sure the standards are met. Alderman Shabazz stated in reference to the size of the parking lots, the lay-out of the parcels on the street are almost equal. She also stated that each parking space is designed to represent 8-seats in the church. Alderman Bordeaux asked how many parking spaces were available and Commissioner Shay stated a total of 57. He asked if the parking requirement changed with the zoning classification and Commissioner Shay stated the parking requirement is driven by the use; in this case it is determined by the number of seats in the sanctuary. Alderman Hall stated on the previous Thursday he and the City Manager attended a meeting with Restoration Praise and Worship Ministries and the neighborhood association. Everything presented to Council this date was presented to them on that Thursday night. The additional parking was met by the church purchasing the property across the street. He also stated they needed to be more aggressive with the property owner directly behind the church’s property and he was apologizing for his fellow Council members for referring to a “store-front” church. By no means was it a store- 3 front; it will be a beautiful structure that the neighborhood will be proud to embrace. He stated he thought they had reached some consensus with the neighborhood in going forward. Alderman Thomas stated in clarification, parking spaces with 8-seats per space would be 450 capacity; and 8-people will not arrive in one vehicle and although he wished the church the greatest success, he said they were dealing with a growing church and 57 parking spaces will not be enough at some point and it will cause a spill-out into the neighborhoods. Ms. Gould stated it was not a “mega” ministry; it was a small congregation with less than 150-members. The growth rate is less than 5%, and that is aggressive. Over 60% of the attendees are young people. They are looking at additional, adjacent property and more property within the area of the church. Alderman Thomas stated they had answered his question on the parking and growth. He stated he did not mean to offend anyone; he was speaking of churches in general. His concern was, in other district there were churches with no parking; store-front, glass-plated window churches. The Council deals with parking on many properties, not just churches. He also stated he was well aware of the blight in the area. He stated he stood by the issue he has with store-front churches. He was willing to provide people photos of what a store-front church looked like. We all want more God and more higher-being in our lives that get us and children involved. At the same time, the Council has to be sensitive to the rights of the people who live around these facilities and the issues of their quality of life. He stated he commended and support them; he just wanted to make sure the parking was in line. Alderman Osborne stated she invited anyone, on a Sunday, to drive down Paulsen and Washington Avenue and see the cars parked everywhere within the neighborhoods. Alderman Bell asked the current seating capacity and Dr. Tanksley stated about 130 to 150; and if expanded it would be 392 to 400. Alderman Bells said she and her husband visited the property the previous Sunday and got a tour from Dr. Tanksley and an explanation of what the project involved. She commended them for the work they were doing in the neighborhood, especially with young people and seniors; and stated she was very much in favor of the project. Reverend Samuel Williams and Jenita Robinson Nelson spoke in favor of the church and the project. Alderman Bordeaux stated it was not about the church and from everything he had heard they are doing a wonderful job in the community helping people and serving God and he thought it was wonderful because he was married to a minister and he was happy about it. He stated the issue was how the change in zoning impacts the neighborhood and if the parking is sufficient; it is not about the good that the church does. Syrita Monroe with the neighborhood association thanked Alderman Hall and City Manager Toney for being present for the meeting the previous week. They were welcomed by the church to meet and see the plans of the church’s expansion and see how it would impact the neighbors. One of the neighborhood association’s goals is to limit further encroachment of commercial businesses. Also there is a concern for the traffic. Another goal is reducing crime and they believe the church has helped with this. She stated they are not opposed to the project but asked that the Council take into consideration their goals and concerns as a neighborhood. Alderman Shabazz thanked the church for their efforts and presentations to City Council. She also commended their HYPE program because her 2 children were members of the program. Alderman Johnson stated he had the opportunity to worship in the church and he wanted to be clear it was not about the church, it was about the land use. He pointed out the Council was charged with being stewards of public property. He stated the church has done everything asked of them; and he was supportive of them. Mayor Jackson stated she had asked the church to meet with the neighborhoods and they have. She said she had attended the church and spoke in the church and has seen the kind of work they do. She did not announce any of this prior to the meetings, allowing Council to make their decisions based on the information presented. One of the concerns she had heard is of parking and on Sunday mornings there are several churches allowed double parking. She believed the church would be a benefit to the community. She agreed with Alderman Johnson the project was something the Council had to look at from a legal point of view. In listening to the young lady who attends the church, she then 4 knew that someone is doing something right in the church; especially with the youth. Upon motion by Alderman Osborne; seconded by Alderman Shabazz and carried the hearing was closed. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson; seconded by Alderman Hall can carried the request was granted. (SEE ORDINANCES) PETITIONS Billy Nelson of Art2go LLC for Property Owners Robin & Helen Cooper – Petition 13665, requesting an encroachment over the sidewalk at 427 Habersham Street in order to construct a new fence to enclose the owner’s courtyard from the sidewalk and street. The subject property is located on Habersham Street, with the encroachment specifically located along Wayne Street, just west of Whitfield Square. The fence design incorporates a 1’-0” projection over the sidewalk at 9’-0” vertical height. The petitioner has provided a property owner’s agreement letter stating the Cooper’s knowledge and acceptance of liability for said encroachment. The petition request has been reviewed by Development Services, which recommended approval. All City construction guidelines must be followed, and the fence installation must meet all federal, state and local codes. Recommend approval of Petition 13665 requesting to encroach over City right-of-way at 427 Habersham Street for the installation of a fence. The petitioner and the property owners should be advised that such encroachment grants no ownership rights to the property and that, if ever required, the fence must be removed at petitioner’s or property owner’s expense. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson; seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried the petition request was granted. 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 23, 2012) Upon motion by Alderman Thomas; seconded by Alderman Sprague and carried the ordinance was continued until the April 5, 2012 meeting. Stormwater Ordinance Revisions. An ordinance to amend the Stormwater Management Ordinance to adopt the required provisions of the Georgia Coastal Stormwater Supplement. The City of Savannah is required to adopt the provisions of the Coastal Stormwater Supplement to the Georgia Stormwater Design Manual as a condition of its Municipal Stormwater Discharge Permit. Our current ordinance was developed to reduce flooding by requiring developers to control the rate of stormwater discharge from their sites. Post-development discharge rates had to be less than or equal to predevelopment rates up to the 25-year 24-hour storm event. The new requirements that must be adopted will require the City to address stormwater quality by controlling the discharge of potential pollutants from a site. A Local Design Manual has been developed to help the design community understand and comply with the new ordinance requirements. We are proposing that the new ordinance take effect on April 1st. The main changes to the ordinance are as follows: • Added Coastal Stormwater Supplement definitions and minimum standards; • Added clarification of enforcement process; • Added applicability exemption for projects consisting of 5,000 square feet or less of impervious surface or less than one acre of disturbance; • Added exclusions for active development permits; • Updated permit review process to Coastal Stormwater Supplement guidance; and Added watercourse protection provisions. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Municipal Stormwater Discharge permit issued to the City by the State of Georgia requires adoption of the model ordinance contained within the Coastal Stormwater Supplement or its equal on or before April 13, 2012. 5  First and Second Readings Ordinance read for the first and second time in Council March 8, 2102, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon motion of Alderman Hall, seconded by Alderman Osborne and carried: 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 23, 2012) Upon motion by Alderman Hall; seconded by Alderman Osborne and carried the following ordinance was granted: AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM ITS PRESENT BN and RIP ZONING CLASSIFICATION TO A BN-1 ZONING CLASSIFICATION; TO REPEAL ALL OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES: BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in a regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: The following described property be rezoned from its present BN and RIP zoning classification to BN-1 zoning classification: Legal description: Beginning at a point located at the intersection of the centerlines of Waters Avenue and East 56th Street, thence proceeding along the centerline of East 56th Street in a Southeasterly direction [S 73-56-43 E] for a distance of approximately 259.1 feet to a point thence proceeding along a line in a Southwesterly direction S 16-5-3 W for a distance of approximately 130.6 feet to a point, thence proceeding along the centerline of East 56th Street Lane in a Northwesterly direction [N 73-47-21 W] for a distance of approximately 260.9 feet to a point, a point located on the centerline of Waters Avenue, thence proceeding along the centerline of Waters Avenue in a Northeasterly direction [N 16-52-40 E] for a distance of approximately 129.9 feet to a point, said point being, the point of beginning. The property is further identified by the Property Identification Number as follows: P.I.N.: 2-00097-22-001 SECTION 2: That the requirement of Section 8-3182(f)(2) of said Code and the law in such cases made and provided has been satisfied. That an opportunity for a public hearing was afforded anyone having an interest or property right which may have been affected by this zoning amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News, on the 24th day of January, 2012 a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof. SECTION 3: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 8TH DAY OF MARCH, 2012. RESOLUTIONS 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 8th day of March, the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel and 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: 6 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 8TH DAY OF UPON MOTION OF ALDERMAN THOMAS, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN SPRAGUE AND CARRIED. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Personnel: Alderman Shabazz made a motion that Rochelle Small-Toney be reappointed as City Manager. This will be a continuation of her current agreement with the City with a same two-percent (2%) increase in salary received on January 1, 2012 by all other City employees. This was seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried. Alderman Sprague pointed out it would be retro-active to January 1, 2012. Ms. Toney stated certainly, she was very humbled and very gracious of their offer and she did not have to hesitate at all to accept the agreement that they will put in writing to her. She said it had been a very productive year and she looked forward to working with each and every one of them and still leading the organization and the countless number of exemplary employees that work every day to serve the citizens of the City. She thanked them very kindly. Mayor Jackson thanked her and the staff for all that they do to make the Council look good and working with the residents of the community. Alderman Osborne moved that the Council reappoint the Clerk of Council Ms. Dyanne Reese by continuing her services to the City and to include the two-percent (2%) increase to retroactive to January 1, 2012. This was seconded by Alderman Hall. Alderman Johnson added the recommendation that will be coming forth by Council. A vote was taken on the motion and it unanimously carried. Mayor Jackson thanked Ms. Reese and stated people sometimes don’t realize all that she does as Clerk of Council. She was happy that Council re-affirmed her and an agreement would be forthcoming. Ms. Reese thanked the Council. Mayor Jackson stated the Executive Committee of Council will be getting together so that they will be making their next recommendation on the third appointment and that is the City Attorney. Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Authorities: Recommended appointing Stephanie Cutter, Assistant City Manager, Administrative and Community Services, to the Chatham County/City of Savannah Landbank Authority Board. Board member requirements include Chatham County residency and being an employee or elected official of Chatham County and/ or the City of Savannah. Board members must also have demonstrated special interest, experience or education in urban planning, real estate, community development, finance or related matters. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson; seconded by Alderman Osborne and carried Ms. Cutter was appointed. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REPORTS Time-Controlled Parking – 500 Block of W. Charlton Street. The owner of the residence at 535 W. Charlton Street has petitioned the City (Petition 13654) for one-hour parking. Traffic Engineering investigated the situation along the 500 block of W. Charlton Street and found that occupancy exceeds capacity; vehicles park long term on both sides of the street and residents are unable to utilize on street parking due to the lack of parking restrictions. Since this is an unmetered area, Parking Services and Traffic Engineering recommend time controlled zone and issuance of residential decals to allow for parking turnover and enforcement and provide relief for the residents. Recommend that parking be restricted to two hours once per day on the south side of the west end of the 500 block 7 of W. Charlton Street across from the hotel’s on-street parallel parking in order to maintain two-way traffic. Upon motion by Alderman Thomas; seconded by Alderman Sprague and carried, the petition was granted. Ordinance to cover will be presented at the next meeting of Council. BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved: Operating Agreement for Tricentennial Park. Authorized for the City Manager to execute an “Operating Agreement” between the City of Savannah and the Coastal Heritage Society (CHS) with regard to the operation and uses of City-owned property located at 301-303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, 655 Louisville Road, 650 W. Jones Street and 604 W. Jones Street referred to as the Tricentennial Park. The agreement outlines responsibilities of CHS relating to record keeping, reports and meetings, operating policies and procedures, financial policies and procedures and responsibilities of the City for compliance monitoring and dispensing of funding in the amount of $688,907. Visitor’s information Center Phase 2 HVAC - Contract Modification No. 1 (PB130) - Bid No. 11.165. Approval of Contract Modification No. 1 with Waters Mechanical in the amount of $40,427.25. The original contract was for the removal and replacement of two 30 ton HVAC chilled water units that serve the east end of the Train Shed and one 7.5 ton and one 10 Ton split system unit serving portions of the Head House. The work also includes associated electrical and duct additions and modifications. It has since been determined the building code requires a fire rated HVAC shaft to conceal ducts being installed from the basement to the attic which was not included in the original scope of work. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Capital Improvement Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Visitor’s Center Renovations (Account No. 311-9207- 52842-PB130). Manufactured Home – Event No. 174. Approval to procure a manufactured home from Sylvania Manufactured Homes in the amount of $45,800.00. The City owns property and operates a pump station at Abercorn Creek in Effingham County which provides incoming water for the Industrial and Domestic Water treatment plant. This pump station requires a full time operator to be present 24 hours a day to prevent the possibility of a shutdown of the station due to the critical need to maintain continuous flow of water to the City's industrial and residential customers. Two residences are located on this property in order to house the required staff around the clock. One of these residences has degraded into such a condition it now requires extensive repairs and renovations. It has been determined by staff that it is more cost effective to purchase a manufactured home instead of completing the extensive repairs. Although 44 bidders were solicited, only one bid was received. This bid has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, I & D Operating Fund/I & D Operations/Office/Furniture/Building & Equipment (Account No. 531-2581- 51520). A Pre-Bid Conference was conducted. Motorola Six Month Service Agreement – Sole Source – Event No. 287. Approval to renew a six month Motorola service agreement from Motorola Solutions Inc. in the amount of $92,538.96. The 6 months service contract will be used by the IT Mobile Shop to provide infrastructure repair, technical support services and on-site response for police dispatch and operator positions. Motorola is the sole provider of this radio system equipment and service. Chatham County pays half of the cost. The bid was opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Internal Service Fund/Information Services/Data Processing Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 611-1140-51251). Bioxide – Annual Contract – Event No. 291. Approval to award an annual contract for bioxide odor control product from Siemens Water Technologies in the amount of $50,500.00. This product is in use at lift stations at the corner of 42nd and Habersham, near the Savannah Mall andnear Armstrong Atlantic State University to eliminate odor. After thorough testing, bioxide is the only product found to eliminate the odor problem at these locations. The price has been negotiated with the supplier. The reason for the sole source is that this product is only available from this supplier at this time. The patent for the material is expiring and staff expects to be able to competitively bid this product on 8 the open market soon. The bid was opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Water & Sewer Fund/Lift Station Maintenance/Chemicals (Account No. 521-2552-51323). Ammunition for Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department – One Time Purchase – Event No. 294. Approval to procure 311,000 rounds of various ammunition from Smyrna Police Distributors in the amount of $102,690.00. The ammunition will be used by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department for police training. The original solicitation (Q11.011) was approved by City Council on March10, 2011. The vendor has offered to hold the same unit price. Bids were received February 9, 2011. This bid has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, General Fund/SCMPD Support Services/ Operating Expenses (Account No. 101-4240-51320). A Pre-Bid Conference was not conducted. Low Voltage Cabling Services – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 285. Approval to renew an annual contract for installation of low voltage cable from NetPlanner Systems in the estimated amount of $100,000.00. The work will include underground low voltage cable installation for planned construction and renovation projects and emergency repairs in the case of accidents, storms, hurricanes, or equipment failures and will be used by the Information Technology Department. Projects planned for 2012 include the Critical Workforce Shelter, SCMPD Administrative Services Center and the Bull Street Fire Station 5 as well as other projects as they become known and needed. This is the first of two renewal options available. The reason for not awarding to the lowest proposer was that proposer only had 3-4 technicians available locally to complete cabling projects and provided no local references. The recommended proposer has a staff of 13 technicians available and has completed much work in the Savannah-Chatham County area. The second low proposer did not have office located within a 25 mile radius of Savannah and could not meet the required 2 hour service response time. This bid has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The proposers were: Pricing shown is based on original proposals submitted. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvements Projects/Other Costs/Various Projects (Account No. 311-9207-52842-Various). A Pre- Bid Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. Wireless Services – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 286. Renewed an annual contract to procure wireless services from Verizon Wireless in the estimated amount of $535,385.00. This is the third of four renewal options available. Proposals were originally received May 22, 2007. The proposal has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Various Departments/Communications (Account No Various 51211). A Pre-Proposal Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. Insurance Broker Consultant Services – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 292. Renewed an annual contract for consulting services from Wells Fargo Insurance Services in the amount of $250,000.00. The services are needed to perform a full range of consulting services related to the design, implementation, maintenance, communication, and improvement of the City of Savannah benefit programs. Benefits include the health plan, life insurance, disability insurance, dental insurance, and pharmacy plan. The City received thirteen (13) proposals and staff narrowed the list of respondents to four finalists. Each finalist was interviewed and evaluated on experience and expertise, responsiveness to the requirements of the RFP, procedures, techniques and methods to be used, proposal price, and references. Wells Fargo has committed to local MWBE participation of 5% in the areas of printing services and wellness coaching. Fee proposals varied in accordance with staff time and services proposed by the consultant. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Risk Management Fund/Life Insurance/Purchased Insurance Premiums (Account No. 621-9803-52225). A Pre- Proposal conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. Water and Sewer Agreement – JHC Butler Elementary School. The Board of Public Education for the City of Savannah and the County of Chatham has received a water and sewer agreement for JHC Elementary School. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 61.67- equivalent residential unit development located at 1909 Cynthia Street. The agreement is consistent with policy directives given by the Mayor and Aldermen and has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney for legal 9 format. Water and Sewer Agreement – North Godley K-8. The Board of Public Education for the City of Savannah and the County of Chatham has received a water and sewer agreement for North Godley K-8. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 100-equivalent residential unit development located off Spring lakes Drive and Benton Boulevard. The agreement is consistent with policy directives given by the Mayor and Aldermen and has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney for legal format. Water and Sewer Agreement – Pulaski Elementary School. The Board of Public Education for the City of Savannah and the County of Chatham has Received a water and sewer agreement for Pulaski Elementary School. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 50.33-equivalent residential unit development located off Tibet Avenue. The agreement is consistent with policy directives given by the Mayor and Aldermen and has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney for legal format. LOST Consulting Services. Authorized the City Manager to sign an agreement with Brown Pelican LLC for LOST (Local Option Sales Tax) consulting services in the amount of $22,000, and to enter into inter-local agreements with the other municipalities in Chatham County for their share of said services. Alderman Shabazz recused herself from this discussion and left the room. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson; seconded by Alderman Bell and carried the following contract was renewed: Transportation Services for Golden Age Centers – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 150. Renewed 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. This is the second of two renewal options available on this contract. Bids were originally received January 12, 2010. This bid had been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Senior Citizen/Other Contractual Services (Account No. 101-6117-51295). A Pre-Bid Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. ************************************************* Alderman Johnson stated he had recently returned from Washington, DC with the Youth Council and they had visited the National Portrait Gallery and there is a picture there of Julia Gordon Lowe and it mentions Savannah. USA Today has an article mentioning Ms. Lowe and it mentions Savannah also. City Manager Toney noted the Centennial Celebration of the Girl Scouts of America. Alderman Shabazz stated her girls started at the age of 3 in the Girl Scouts. Savannah Fire Fighters Local 574 will be having their annual gala March 16th at the Charles Morris Center. The gala raises money for the Second Harvest Food Bank. The annual Legislative Session of the National League of Cities will be in Washington, DC. The Mayor and Council will attend the meeting. During the Mayor’s absence Alderman Sprague will attend all activities and represent the City. There being no further business, Mayor Johnson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese Clerk of Council 10