City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA August 9, 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 Pastor Dyanne C. Reese, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: Mayor Edna Jackson, Presiding Van R. Johnson, II, Mayor ProTem Aldermen Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council Alderman John Hall, Carol Bell, Estella Shabazz, Mary Ellen Sprague and Tom Bordeaux Assistant City Manager Peter Shonka City Attorney James B. Blackburn, Sr. Assistant City Attorneys William W. Shearouse and Lester B. Johnson ABSENT: City Manager Rochelle D. Small-Toney (out of town at a conference) The Minutes of the following meetings were approved with corrections of a statement from Alderman Shabazz upon motion by Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried: Approval of the Council Minutes of July 26, 2012 Approval of the summary/final minutes of the City Council Work Session/City Manager’s Briefing of July 26, 2012. Alderman Johnson stated there was an Executive Session held earlier this date to discuss litigation, property acquisition and personnel, where no votes were taken. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried, approval was given for the Mayor to sign an affidavit and resolution. (SEE RESOLUTIONS). PRESENTATIONS The organizers of the N. S. Savannah 50th Anniversary Celebration were present to invite members of the Savannah City Council and citizens of Savannah to the August 22, 2012 Marker Dedication Ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the visit of the Nuclear Ship Savannah. Michael Jordan, President of Cosmos Mariner Productions stated the Georgia Historical Society Archives provided a picture from the newspaper of the day the ship sailed the Savannah River for the first time, 50 years earlier. Thousands of people lined the river front to watch. It shows that Savannah is not new to innovation or solutions of the ocean. They plan to unveil a historical marker on Hutchinson Island the same day, 50 years later, Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 5:00 pm. It would be a brief ceremony and a reception to follow funded by the Propeller Club. Alderman Johnson asked the whereabouts of the ship and Mr. Jordan stated it was in Baltimore. Luciana Spracher, Director of the City of Savannah’s Research and Library, pointed out the new additions to the Council Chambers. On one side was an exhibit of the Nuclear Ship Savannah. The showcases are the City’s continuing efforts to recognize the City’s history. The City partnered with several local organizations that would contribute items to showcase periodically. The Research Library will offer public tours of City Hall the first Tuesday of every month, starting in September. Harold Morrison thanked the Mayor, Council and all the partners for their role in helping to recognize the 50th anniversary celebration. For next year, he is working on the ship marker for the James Oglethorpe, the first Liberty ship built in Savannah and was sunk on St. Patrick’s Day, 1943. His interest is to connect visitors to Savannah’s history. Christy Chris with Georgia Historical Society thanked the Mayor and Council for their support. Tony Pizzo, the Director of the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum thanked everyone for their support. Cort Atkinson from Savannah Ocean Exchange stated they were all about celebrating and the solutions that have been created that have transformed how business is done and how people live today. Mayor Jackson thanked Ms. Atkinson for her earlier presentation to Council. Alderman Osborne stated she was grateful that the presentation was televised so that all of Savannah would be educated. She read and presented a proclamation designating that date as “N. S. Savannah Recognition Day.” LEGISLATIVE REPORTS ALCOHOL BEVERAGES LICENSE HEARING Thomas E. Dennard, III for Savannah Bee Company, Inc. t/a Savannah Bee Company, requesting a wine (package with tasting) license at 104 W. Broughton Street, which is a new location between Whitaker and 1 Barnard Streets in District 1. Per the City Manager’s recommendation this application was continued until August 23, 2012 – upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried and approved. PETITIONS Kevin Rose (Architect for Lominack, Kolman & Smith) for Brian Huskey of Gaslight Group Real Estate Holdings (Property Owner) – Petition 120147, requesting the City to allow an encroachment for the property located at 325 E. Bay Street, also known as B. Matthew’s Eatery. The petitioner wants permission to encroach onto the Habersham Street right-of-way in order to construct a new exterior staircase, a second story covered porch, and support columns. Said property is the northern one-half (½) of lot number four (4), Warren Ward, PIN number 2-0004-18-001. The plans are to remove an existing “non-historic” balcony and stair from the Habersham Street façade and construct a replacement. The new construction will consist of an exterior staircase leading up to a second story covered porch which is supported underneath by concrete block columns. At this location the total right-of-way from building façade to curb is approximately 17’-0” of which 7’-3” (closest to the curb line) is dedicated to green space. The remaining sidewalk located closest to the building façade is 9’-9” wide. The new staircase is shown to extend 4’-9” into the sidewalk leaving 5’-0” passable area. The covered porch is planned to extend over the sidewalk 5’-8” with a vertical clearance of 10’-0”. The design is similar in nature to the building south of said property. The request has been reviewed by Public Works and Water Resources and by Development Services with no objections found. It is noted, however, that the design of the stairwell must comply with all the latest Life Safety Codes (with GA amendment) and meet the latest ADA Standards. All City permitting and construction guidelines must be followed, meeting all federal, state and local codes. A letter stating the property owner’s acceptance of all maintenance and liability has been obtained. The Historic District Board of Review has approved the plans and issued a Certificate of Appropriateness. Approval of Petition 120147 in which Kevin Rose (architect for Lominack, Kolman & Smith), on behalf of Brian Huskey of Gaslight Group Real Estate Holdings (property owner), is requesting the City allow an encroachment onto the Habersham Street right-of-way in order to construct a new exterior staircase, a second story covered porch, and support columns. Petitioner and property owner alike should be advised that such encroachment grants no ownership rights to the property and that, if ever required, the structures must be removed at the property owner’s or petitioner’s expense. Per the City Manager’s recommendation - upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried and approved. ORDINANCES FIRST AND SECOND READING Ordinance read for the first time in Council August 9, 2012, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time August 9, 2012, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried and approved. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 210 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003), PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-1026 OF SAID CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STREETS NAMED HEREIN SHALL BE DESIGNATED YIELD RIGHT OF WAY INTERSECTIONS; 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: That Appendix I, Section 210 of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), pertaining to Section 7-1026 of said Code as amended shall be amended as follows: AMEND SECTION 210, YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY INTERSECTIONS TO INCLUDE: Gwinnett Street shall YIELD for the Georgia Central Railroad at Collat Avenue. Louisville Road shall YIELD for the Norfolk Southern Railroad at Rathborne Drive. Magazine Street shall YIELD for the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Stiles Avenue shall YIELD for the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Telfair Road shall YIELD for the Norfolk Southern Railroad north of West Gwinnett Street. Telfair Road shall YIELD for the Nexeo Solutions Railroad north of West Gwinnett Street. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 9TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2012. ************************ 2 Ordinance read for the first time in Council August 9, 2012, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time August 9, 2012, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried and approved. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 227 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-1121 OF SAID CODE TO PROVIDE THAT TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS SHALL BE ERECTED AT THE WITHIN INTERSECTIONS; 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: That Appendix I, Section 227 of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), pertaining to Section 7-1121 of said Code, as amended, shall be amended by adding thereto the following: ENACT AMEND SECTION 227, TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS TO INCLUDE King Street shall STOP for the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Spring Street shall STOP for the Norfolk Southern Railroad. East 33rd Street shall STOP at the Rail Link Railroad at Plant Street. East 35th Street shall STOP at the Rail Link Railroad at Plant Street. East 36th Street shall STOP at the Rail Link Railroad. East 38th Street shall STOP at the Rail Link Railroad at Lincoln Street. East 39th Street shall STOP at the Rail Link Railroad at Lincoln Street. East Bolton Street shall STOP at the Rail Link Railroad. Lincoln Street shall STOP at the Rail Link Railroad north of East 39th Street. East Park Avenue shall STOP at the Rail Link Railroad. East Waldburg Street shall STOP at the Rail Link Railroad. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 9TH DAY OF AUGUST, 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 9th day of August, 2012, the Council entered into a closed session for purpose of discussing litigation, property acquisition and 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 did hereby confirm 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 9TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2012, UPON A MOTION BY ALDERMAN JOHNSON, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN SHABAZZ AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. ****************************** 3  RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN ACCEPTANCE AND RELEASE OF A PRIOR UTILITY EASEMENT ACROSS PROPERTY LOCATED AT 504 E. RIVER STREET. WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah are authorized by Georgia law to release the City’s interest in previously acquired easements for such compensation as the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah deems reasonable, such easements no long conforming to the plan of the City of Savannah and which no longer serve the purpose for which these particular easements were originally established; and WHEREAS, the owner of the property located at 504 E. River Street, TM4, LLC, has granted to the City of Savannah a utility easement across the south 20’ of the subject property; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah find that the 20’ utility easement contained in the Easement and Indemnity recorded in Deed Book 90E, Page 398 and shown as “20’ Sewer Easement” on a plat dated March 18, 1966 and recorded in Plat Book R, Page 12 is no longer required as a result of the granting of the new easement; 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 termination and release of the above-referenced easement to TM4, LLC, the owner of record of the property. The Mayor and Aldermen further authorize the City Manager to execute the “Acceptance of Easement and Release of Prior Easement” in conformance with this Resolution. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: A Permanent Utility Easement across portions of the Northern part of Warf Lot Number 7 and on Eastern part of the Northern part of Warf Lot Number 6, East of Lincoln Street, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, as shown and delineated on a plat of said easement prepared for the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah by Thomas and Hutton Engineering Company on March 18, 1966, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Chatham Superior Court in Plat Record Book R folio 12, to which plat reference s hereby specifically made for the courses, distances and boundaries of said easement. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 9TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2012. ******************************************* RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT, RELATIVE TO PROJECT SCMSL-0008-00(690), P.I. 0008690. OR THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING OF THE CITY’S WATER DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES IN CHATHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA. Be it resolved by the City of Savannah, and it is hereby resolved, that the foregoing attached Agreement, relative to Project SCMSL-0008-00(690), P.I. 0008690, for the preliminary engineering of the City’s water distribution facilities in Chatham County, Georgia, be entered into by the City of Savannah and that Edna B. Jackson, as Mayor and Dyanne C. Reese, as Clerk of Council, be and they are, thereby authorized to execute the same for and in behalf of said City of Savannah. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 9TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2012. This agreement provides for the City to be reimbursed the cost of design for the 48” I & D Water Line Relocation due to the plan by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to extend Jimmy DeLoach Parkway up to SR 307. The engineering contract amounting to $67,500.00 was awarded by the City to Thomas and Hutton on June 14, 2012 of which $63,500.00 will be eligible for reimbursement and $4,000.00 will be the City’s cost. Based on the preliminary engineering cost estimate provided by the City to GDOT on February 21, 2012, the amount budgeted by GDOT for these services will be capped at $136,022.76. ******************************* RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM THE CITY OF SAVANNAH’S PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SAVANNAH BUSINESS GROUP AND ITS SELECTION OF ST. JOSEPH/CANDLER AS THE EXCLUSIVE HOSPITAL/NETWORK PROVIDER. WHEREAS, The City of Savannah has been a member of the Savannah Business Group (SBG) since 1984; and 4 WHEREAS, The Savannah Business Group (SBG) began the process of selecting a medical provider in August of 2011; and WHEREAS, The SBG evaluated proposals from both St. Josephs/Candler and Memorial Health; and WHEREAS, The SBG Board of Trustees selected the proposal from St. Josephs/Candler based on cost of care and the ability to meet the needs of employers; and WHEREAS, In the evaluation of both proposals the overall costs proposed by Memorial Health were 11.5 percent higher than the overall costs proposed by St. Joseph's/Candler; and WHEREAS, patients are able to access Memorial Health for specialized services that only they provide at in network rates. Be it now affirmed the following: The City of Savannah affirms its partnership with the Savannah Business Group and its selection of St. Josephs/Candler as the exclusive hospital/network provider. Adopted and approved this 9th day of August, 2012, upon a motion by Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Hall and carried, with Aldermen Bell, Bordeaux, Osborne, Johnson, Sprague, Hall, Shabazz and Mayor Jackson voting in favor and Alderman Thomas voting against. MISCELLANEOUS Easement Request – TM4, LLC. John Lientz, attorney for TM4, LLC, requested that the City accept a 20’ utility easement for water and sewer lines across the east 20.09 feet of Front Wharf Lot 6 and all of Front Wharf Lot 7 to replace an existing easement for a sanitary sewer line dated May 5, 1966, and recorded in Book 90E, page 209, Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Chatham County. In exchange, TM4 is requesting that the portion of the 1966 easement impacting the subject property be released by the City. The subject property is a portion of PIN 2-0004-06-001 identified as 504 E. River Street. TM4 is negotiating with a prospective tenant to develop a restaurant on the property, and the northerly extension of the existing 1966 easement will create problems with the location of the foundation for the proposed building. The new easement will relocate the northerly line two (2’) feet to the south to match up with the 1975 easement. The plat and easement documents have been reviewed by Water and Sewer Engineering and Planning and by the Public Works and Water Resources bureau chief. Approval of the request made by John Lientz on behalf of TM4, LLC, that the City accept the newly proposed easement and release the preexisting 1966 utility easement. Further, approval of the resolution would be authorizing the City Manager to sign the associated documents. Per the City Manager’s recommendation - upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried and approved. (SEE RESOLUTIONS) Final Plat – Bradley Point South, Phase III-B. Approval of the final plat for Bradley Point South, Phase III-B, a subdivision of a portion of Parcel 1-A of the Vallambrosa Plantation, located on Concordia Drive in District 5. Per the City Manager’s recommendation, upon a motion by Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried and approved. Settlement. Approved the settlement reached by Court ordered mediation for personal injury in at fault collision: Ronald Lowe and Sandi Lowe v. The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Superior Court of Chatham County, Civil Action No.: CV11-01136-FR, and Bridgefield Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. v. The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah (Workers Compensation carrier), Superior Court of Chatham County, Civil Action Number: CV11-0465-FR. Upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Bordeaux and unanimously carried and approved. Settlement. Approved the settlement reached by mediation for personal injury in at fault collision: Gwendolyn D. Smith v. City of Savannah, State Court of Chatham County, Civil Action Number: STCV1100286. Upon a motion by Alderman Hall, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried and approved. ******************************* BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS As advertised upon a motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved: Savannah Gardens Planned Unit Development – (PD400) Amendment No. 4. Approval of Amendment No. 4 to the Savannah Gardens Planned Unit Development (PUD) PD400 contract with Thomas & Hutton Engineering Company in the amount of $22,600.00. The services are needed to provide design development and construction management for the proposed Savannah Gardens Planned Unit Development (PUD). The design and construction of this new community must meet the requirements for the EarthCraft Coastal Communities program administered by the Southface Energy Institute. The EarthCraft Coastal Communities program incorporates many LEED and Smart Growth principals into both horizontal and vertical design and construction. The extra work is subject to the terms and conditions of the contract executed for this project dated August 20, 2009. (A request for proposal was issued in 5 March of 2009.) The additional services cover the following items: • Phase 2A Plaza Modifications: Design the east plaza to accommodate a spray pad, protective bollards, expanded paver area, sculpture seating area, future commercial/multifamily buildings as well as an 80 lineal foot hardscape stair and ramp system. Scope of work includes grading, drainage spray pad water & sewer services and structural details of the stair and ramp system. ($8,600.00). • Phase 2B Roadway Design Modifications: Redesign the road realignment of Crescent Drive from the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue to Edgelawn Circle to accommodate specimen trees and field conditions. Modifications also include the revised alignment of lane 4A, realignment of Mosley Street, realignment of driveway entry to multi-family parcel NF-2, single family lot configurations, sidewalks and related water, sewer and drainage infrastructure. ($ 7,500.00) • Pennsylvania Avenue Right-of-way Plat and Multi-use Path: Prepare a right-of-way plat to dedicate a 330 foot x 22 foot tract of land along Pennsylvania Avenue northeast of Elgin Street. Plat is proposed to encompass an existing natural gas main and existing mature trees. Task includes the design of a multi-use path around the existing mature trees along Pennsylvania Avenue. ($2,800.00). • Phase 2B Asbestos Survey Report: Original scope of work proposed asbestos survey work for Phase 1 and Phase 2 work to be performed concurrently followed by Phase 3. Residents were still present in Phase 2 at the time of the initial survey; therefore a complete survey could not be performed. An additional report shall be generated for units located within Phase 2B. ($ 1,700.00). Reimbursable expenses are in the amount of $2,000.00. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Capital Improvement Project/Other Cost/Savannah Gardens Phase I (Account No. 311-9207-52842-PD0400). Old Savannah Pharmacy (PD-601) – Amendment No. 2 – Event No. 140. Approval of amendment No. 2 from Wubbena Architects and Designers in the amount of $10,200.00. This amendment is for additional services to design a new stairwell, decorative block, storefront system, roof deck and ADA Restrooms. These areas of the existing building were in worse shape than originally anticipated. These modifications are required to provide a structurally sound facility for the City. All areas will meet the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The cumulative total of the contract requires Council approval of this amendment. The new contract price will now be $60,200.00. Recommend approval of Amendment No. 2 to Wubbena Architect and Designers in the amount of $10,200.00. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvements Projects/Other Costs/MLK Corridor/Savannah Pharmacy (Account No. 311-9207-52842-PD601). Authorization for City Manager to Sign and Administer through Sub-Grant Recipients PY2012 Adult and Dislocated Worker Grant Funds. The City of Savannah received “Statement of Grant Award” from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Adult Programs ($101,548) and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Dislocated Worker Programs ($204,875). These grant awards are for Program Year 2012, (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013). Funds will support “One-Stop” Career Centers that provide job training, preparation and placement services for adults and dislocated workers. Pursuant to the Coastal Workforce Services (CWS) Consortium Agreement, recommend approval to authorizing the City Manager to receive grant funding and enter into Grant Administration Agreements with sub-grant recipients in accordance with City of Savannah’s procurement policies and procedures. The grant awards totaling $306,423 provide funding for adult and dislocated workers programs within Region 12 (Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties). Water and Sewer Agreement – Waverly Station at the Highlands I. Paradigm Savannah I Apartments, LLC received a water and sewer agreement for Waverly Station at the Highlands I. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 106-equivalent residential unit development located off Highlands 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 – Waverly Station at the Highlands II. Paradigm Savannah II Apartments, LLC received a water and sewer agreement for Waverly Station at the Highlands II. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 106-equivalent residential unit development located off Highlands 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. Health Plan Third Party Administrator - Event No. 443. Approval to secure Health Plan Third Party Administrator (TPA) services from HealthSCOPE Benefits for the City of Savannah. The City offers a self-funded health plan for eligible active employees, pre-65 retirees and eligible dependents. The plan covers approximately 2,800 employees and retirees and 5,300 total participants. The new TPA will provide claims administration for the City beginning January 1, 2013. A search was conducted for the best partner to provide TPA service for the City’s health plan. The most important requirements to be met including: • Excellent track record on claim management and member services • Depth of experience in large group administration, with public sector experience preferable • Stable, flexible claim system with maximum automation • Excellent data management capabilities • Robust, insightful reporting • Demonstrated flexibility and focus on client needs • Competitive pricing • Strong performance guarantees Of the 15 TPAs considered, 10 either failed to pass the minimum requirements in the Request for Statement of Qualifications or declined to quote. Of the 5 proposals submitted, 2 were eliminated due to pricing during the short-listing process. Three proposals were fully evaluated to include HealthSCOPE Benefits, Primary Physician Care, and Health Plans, Inc. While all are capable of providing excellent service, HealthSCOPE Benefits (HSB) clearly rose to the top and is the recommended TPA. They are the 6 4th largest TPA in the nation, providing self-funded health plan administration for the last 20 years. They provide administrative services to 165 clients and 350,000 members. Their focus is on the middle market sector and public entity clients represent 12% of their client base. HSB had a 99% client retention rate in 2011, and has an outstanding record for timely and accurate claims management and member services. Of significant note is that the negotiated pricing will generate savings for the City of $67,000.00 per year in comparison to the current contract. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal (RFP), which evaluates other criteria in addition to cost. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Risk Management Medical Insurance - Administrative Charges/Expenses (Account Number 621-9805-52239). 2013-2014 Legislative Liaison Services. Georgia State legislation significantly affects Savannah. Jim Burgess has been a very capable advocate for the City and has agreed to continue his services on a two- year cycle to coincide with the General Assembly’s biennial sessions. The services include assisting in the preparation of the City’s annual legislative agenda; explaining and promoting the City’s legislative agenda to State elected officials and decision makers; being in the State Capitol each day when the General Assembly is in session; monitoring bills and submitting periodic reports to the City; informing City representatives of pending legislation that will have positive or negative consequences for the City; maintaining close contact with the Chatham County Legislative Delegation, other State legislators, and City officials concerning the City's legislative interests; assisting in the drafting of legislation; and lobbying the Governor’s staff, legislative leaders, and State agencies on a year-round basis. The contract began in 1997 and has greatly improved our ability to obtain funds and have a strong voice in legislation that affects Savannah. Renewed the contract in the amount of $50,264.00 for the first year (2013) of the biennial session and $51,771.92 for the second year (2014) of the biennial session. Per the City Manager’s recommendation, upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Osborne - carried and approved – with Aldermen Bordeaux, Osborne, Thomas, Johnson, Sprague, Hall, Shabazz, and Mayor Jackson voting in favor and Alderman Bell voting against it. Alderman Thomas stated for the record he had full confidence in Jim Burgess and he would be supporting this item. However, in the pre-Council session questions were asked regarding Savannah City Code 2- 4042(32) Services. The furnishing of labor, time or effort by a contractor, not involving the delivery of a specific end product other than reports which are merely incidental to the required performance. This term shall not include employment agreements. He stated he was in agreement with Alderman Johnson in concerns about the process. He wanted to see recommendations to Council about the process and how the City handles those types of contracts. The contract in question had been renewed since 1996 and to his knowledge had never gone back through the RFP process. Again, he pointed out that he was satisfied with Jim Burgess’ services, but his concerns were the process being fair and open. Aldermen Johnson stated he voted for the item because he did not want his dissatisfaction of the process to reflect on his satisfaction with Mr. Burgess and the very critical services he provides the City. He is well placed, well versed and he has done an admirable job representing the City at a statewide level. It is important to the City as they move forward to ensure that the processes are clear, predictable and consistent. He thanked the Mayor for honoring their request to address their concerns in a way that it does not reflect on Mr. Burgess. Alderman Bell stated her reason for voting against the agreement was the process and not the services that Mr. Burgess provides. She said she had full confidence in his services but thought the City should be consistent with the way they procure the services and the agreement should go back out for bid. Alderman Shabazz stated she thought items should be reviewed, such as situations, services, contracts, proposals, RFP’s, RFQ’s, and bids that are brought before Council that have been going on for centuries and decades. Everything should be reviewed ahead of time by the current staff and current administration. Mayor Jackson stated they had a committee charged with looking at the procurement procedures and hopefully these kinds of things can be addressed with the committee. These are concerns of the citizens as well as members of Council. *********************************************** Alderman Johnson stated the Council was excited about the Ocean Exchange and requested they be placed on the agenda for August 23, 2012. Mayor Jackson commented on the articles in the paper regarding the LOST negotiations. The municipalities in Chatham County, including Savannah, have asked to meet with the county government to determine how to handle the distribution of funds. The funds will go to Savannah as well as the other 8 municipalities. They are asking that the County Manager and Commission Chairman meet with them and continue the negotiations. She stated Alderman Sprague had worked extensively on this. It was very important that they continue the dialogue and to sit down together, verbally expressing their concerns is what negotiations was all about. She wanted the residents of the City of Savannah know that they have put in writing that they want to continue the negotiations and not necessarily have to take the next step to mediation. Alderman Osborne stated it was important to know that other Mayors in other municipalities want to continue the process. Alderman Osborne stated she attended the Jump Start Program – Job Readiness Training Expo at the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center, 801 East Gwinnett Street. The program and instructors were amazing and she announced 2 future training dates – Saturday, August 11th and Sunday, August 12, 2012. Alderman Shabazz stated the programs are free, part of economic development, and that job development 7 is job preparedness. She invited all of Savannah to attend so that they could be prepared for opportunities when it arises in the City. Mayor Jackson stated an appointment was made by Council to the Savannah/Chatham Board of Health. It was customary for the Mayor or a City Council Member to sit on the Board. She requested Mary Osborne serve on the Board because of her medical experience. She regretted rescinding the appointment of Denise Parker to this Board but invited her to apply to other City Boards, Commissions, and Authorities. Upon motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried, the appointment of Denise Parker was rescinded and Alderman Osborne was appointed to serve on the Savannah/Chatham Board of Health. Mayor Jackson thanked Assistant City Manager Peter Shonka for filling in for Ms. Rochelle Small-Toney in her absence and the support staff of the City for their assistance in making the Council meetings run smoothly. There being no further business, Mayor Jackson adjourned this meeting of Council. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council 8