City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA October 4, 2012 The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Jackie Gilbert-Grant, the founder and pastor of Sanctuary of Praise rendered the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: Mayor Edna Jackson, Presiding Alderman Van Johnson, II Mayor ProTem Aldermen Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council Alderman Tom Bordeaux, John Hall, Estella Shabazz, Mary Ellen Sprague and Carol Bell (left at 3:10 pm) Acting City Manager Stephanie S. Cutter City Attorneys James B. Blackburn, Sr. and W. Brooks Stillwell Assistant City Attorneys William W. Shearouse and Lester B. Johnson The Minutes of the following meetings were approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried: Approval of the Council Minutes of September 20, 2012, with corrections by Alderman Bordeaux; Final amended wording: In terms of compensation, Mr. Stillwell as City Attorney would have an annual base salary of $180,000. He would be billed for his time at the rate of $165.00 per hour, up to a total of $220,000. The salary will be applied against hourly fees on a monthly basis. Mr. Stillwell would be a City employee, and would receive employee benefits subject to the same terms as City employees. He also served as a City Alderman for 17.3 years with great distinction. Under the City’s retirement plan he would be legally entitled to combine his 17.3 years with the time he will serve as City Attorney; however, he has agreed to only count 5 years of his 17.3 years towards retirement. Mr. Stillwell is currently a member of the Law Firm Hunter-Maclean and as part of the employment agreement he will resign from his partnership with the law firm. He would be permitted to continue working with private clients on matters which they do not have a conflict with the City of Savannah. The City is in the process of locating an office for Mr. Stillwell and his staff, and the position of City Attorney will serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and Council. Approval of the summary/final minutes of the City Council Work Session/City Manager’s Briefing of September 20, 2012; and Approval of the summary/final minutes of the City Council 2012 Financial Update and 2013 Five-Year Capital Project Planning Retreat on September 24-25, 2012; and Approval of the Council Minutes of a Special Council Meeting of September 26, 2012. Approval was given for the Mayor to sign two affidavits and resolutions for Executive Sessions held on September 26, and October 4, 2012, upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. PRESENTATIONS Johan Thorsell, Business Support Manager of the City of Vaxjo, Sweden, was present to bring greetings to Savannah City Council. Mr. Thorsell was visiting Savannah through October 6, 2012 to advance the objectives of their friendship agreement, which was based on partnerships of sustainable development, planning, education, economic development, and sports. The Savannah and Armstrong Atlantic State University delegation went to Vaxjo during the signing of the cooperation between the Linnaeus University and Armstrong University. Mr. Thorsell believed that their visit gave fire to new ideas and new areas of cooperation. The University operation represented a small step into broader city to city collaborations; therefore, the city of Vaxjo is intensifying the contacts with Savannah and is committed to a long term relationship with Savannah. He also invited the City representatives to visit Vaxjo and continue the dialogue. Mayor Jackson thanked MarRonde Lotson for her assistance in helping to build the international relationships. Melody Rodriguez, Director of CAMINO, was present to inform City Council of a new collaborative that was working to double the number of Latino students who matriculate in and graduate with a post- secondary degree from Savannah State University, Armstrong Atlantic State University, and Savannah 1 Technical College by the year 2015. Alderman Sprague stated they were seeing more and more collaborations with the universities and she complimented them for their efforts. Mayor Jackson stated when the university presidents met, there were opportunities to discuss the collaborations and it shows what could be done when everyone works together. Joe Shearouse, Director of Public Facilities, Events, and Services introduced Eileen Baker from the Department of Cultural Affairs to receive a proclamation designating October, 2012 as National Arts and Humanities Month in Savannah. Ms. Baker introduced the staff – Erin Seals, Legina Jackson, Spence White, III, and Tony Center and board members Harriett Meyerhoff and Peggy Blood were also present. Ms. Baker stated Savannah was known for her arts for over 20-years and she thanked the Council for taking the lead. Alderman Thomas read the proclamation and Mayor Jackson presented it. ZONING As advertised, David W. Thorne, Petitioner and Property Owner (Z-120504-39852-2), requested to rezone 4219 Bull Street from B-G-1 (General Business – Transition) to B-G (General Business). The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) recommends denial. The proposed zoning is not consistent with the Traditional Commercial designation depicted on the Tri-Centennial Comprehensive Plan Future Development Map. The B-G zoning district is intended to accommodate large scale, intense commercial and industrial development. This portion of Bull Street was specifically rezoned to B-G-1 in order to prevent the types of uses permitted in B-G. The establishment of the B-G zoning district on this property would allow for land uses that are not compatible with the adjacent low density residential development. Recommend denial. Alderman Sprague stated the area was primarily residential and asked if it was “spot zoning.” Mr. Lotson stated the argument could be made but the petitioner was more concerned with the proposed use. Mr. Lotson stated the neighborhood was evaluated in 1986 and people were able to give their opinions; however, no community meetings were held in regards to this petition. Owner and petitioner David W. Thorne stated he also owned a bar in City Market. He said he was interested in a neighborhood style bar, where people in the neighborhood could stop by for a drink. As drinking and driving laws are getting tighter, people are looking for places closer to home to avoid the issues that impact a community. He said he would open at 4:00 pm and close at 11:00 pm and he was not looking to have a boisterous bar with loud music. Mayor Jackson suggested he meet with the residents in the area and go to some neighborhood associations to get feedback. Alderman Sprague asked why MPC denied the request and Mr. Lotson said it was based on the 1986 survey. She said she would like to see a community meeting with their input. Alderman Sprague commended him for operating a bar, successfully for 19 years. Alderman Shabazz said the community was very active in that particular area and she suggested he contact the neighborhood associations for a meeting. Alderman Osborne suggested he ask for a continuance until he could talk with the neighborhood representatives. She said it appeared he was trying to establish a quite neighborhood business but unless the neighbors know that, they could be difficult to work with. Alderman Bordeaux asked Mr. Lotson to help him understand the B-G zoning. He said he understands that Mr. Thorne visions a quite, Cheers type bar and that was fine, but does B-G provide for quite bars but not boisterous bars? Mr. Lotson stated it does not, the use of B-G allows for bars and taverns and there are other code enforcements for noise. When the Planning Commission reviewed the petition they found that a bar was not an appropriate use at that location, and that was the primary reason for denial. Also, the ownership could change which could change use at the location and it left the area open for potential problems. Alderman Bordeaux stated he wanted to follow up and ask if once it was zoned to enable Mr. Thorne to have a quite bar for several years and then he sells his operation to someone who has a boisterous bar, not an upscale bar but a low-scale bar, and the zoning would be an upscale low-scale bar – correct? Mr. Lotson stated that was correct, once the zoning changes, all the uses go along with it. Mr. Thorne stated he had to reapply for a liquor license yearly, so the City ultimately had control over the location. Mayor Jackson told him if they voted on it this date he would lose, without going to the residents first. Alderman Bell asked what had changed in that area since 1986 and did it constitute spot zoning. Mr. Lotson stated from the planning standpoint there had not been significant changes, the intent of the change was to minimize the commercial uses as they abutted the residential area, and there were still a number of residential homes in the immediate vicinity. Alderman Thomas asked Mr. Thorne if he planned to sell food, and Mr. Thorne stated the initial investment did not allow for it, but hopefully in the future. Alderman Hall suggested he ask for a continuance because he seemed to be a good businessman and neighbors could be his worst nightmare and he should seek their blessings. Mr. Thorne stated if he did not get the neighborhood support he wouldn’t have a business. Alderman Shabazz asked if he was looking for walk-up and bicycle traffic and he stated he was. She said her concern for this type of business in this location was a lot of people were walking around in that area trying to get their lives together, and having more establishments that served alcoholic beverages and things of that nature, would make it bad in that area. Alderman Shabazz suggested he contact the people in leadership of the neighborhood associations in that area. Alderman Johnson stated he thought 30 days was ample time to give him a chance to coordinate with the neighborhood associations because he was involving 2 districts. He asked Mr. Lotson if it could be approved for a non-conforming use and if it was sold they would have to go before Council for the rezoning. Mr. Lotson stated the only way it would work, under the current regulations was for Mr. Thorne to establish a bar at that location was to rezone the property to a zoning district that would allow a tavern. Alderman Johnson asked for the least intensive use that would allow a bar-tavern establishment. Mr. Lotson stated the Planning Commission had looked at other zoning districts, however they allowed for other unfavorable establishments also. Alderman Bordeaux asked if 2 liquor stores were allowed under the current B-G-1 or under the proposed B-G. Mr. Lotson stated non under the B-G-1 but yes under the B-G. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried the public hearing was closed. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried the petition was continued until November 1, 2012. As advertised, Chun Bao Zheng, Petitioner and Owner (Z-120806-58447), requested to rezone 2711 Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard from R-6 (Single Family Residential) to R-4 (Four Family Residential). MPC recommends denial. The requested R-4 zoning classification is not consistent with the residential development pattern of the neighborhood. The current R-6 zoning is more appropriate for this site given the adjacent residential development pattern. A number of the allowed uses within the requested zoning classification, including Single Room Occupancy and Transitional Shelters for Homeless Persons, conflict with the character of the neighborhood. These uses are not allowed under the existing zoning. Marcus Lotson presented MPC’s recommendations. He stated although the petitioner was proposing a duplex, with the rezoning anyone would be allowed to establish a boarding house. Alderman Johnson stated this had been discussed in Council before, it is a safe-way into rooming houses, and the City had difficulty regulating them and the activities within. Mr. Lotson stated the petitioner would have to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals if he proposed a boarding house. Alderman Shabazz asked if it was the Toomer property to which Mr. Lotson said it was. She stated it was a beautiful piece of property and was in complete agreement with MPC denying the request. Alderman Osborne stated that most of the rooming houses in Savannah did not get approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and she agreed with her fellow Council members and the Planning Commission that it should be denied. Paul Bush was present to speak for Mr. Zheng. He said Mr. Zheng was planning to sub-divide the property into two apartments and he was not trying to establish a rooming house. Mayor Jackson asked for a site plan and he did not have one, therefore she stated he had no plan to show Council how he plans to sub-divide the house. Alderman Hall asked if they could give him an opportunity to go back before Council in thirty days and Mayor Jackson stated it would be up to Council. Alderman Shabazz suggested Council deny the request. Mayor Jackson asked Mr. Lotson if Council denied the plan, at what time could he go back before MPC with a plan. Mr. Lotson stated if the petitioner was denied he could not request rezoning at this location for one year. Alderman Osborne stated the Council had seen these attempts before and her concern was it was not limited to a duplex but continued to sub-divide to the point that it became a rooming house. She and Alderman Thomas have fought for years for property registration and it was always met with resistance. Mr. Lotson said any work done within the home, without a permit, could not be inspected. Peter Shonka stated if the zoning was changed to an R-4 and the owner wanted to change it to 4 dwellings, the City could not deny the permit. Alderman Shabazz said the other issue was the parking and extra cars, and that changes the atmosphere of the community. Alderman Johnson said, in the final analysis whatever occurs can’t be seen from the street. Alderman Johnson made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. Alderman Shabazz made a motion to deny the petitioner’s request, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried. As advertised, Zoning Ordinance to amend Sections 8-3002, 8-3025(b), 8-3028(d), 8-3112(i)(5) and 8- 3089 to amend definitions for minor and major automobile repair and service uses and use conditions relating to those uses. MPC recommends approval. The proposed amendment is an effort to ensure consistency in terminology throughout the ordinance, define uses that currently exist and which have never been defined, consolidate similar uses and remove definitions from the use table. Each of these actions helps to ensure that the Zoning Ordinance is more easily understood and will be consistently interpreted. Marcus Lotson was present to give the MPC recommendations. Alderman Osborne expressed her concern for “minor” repair shops because most of the repairs are done on the outside, which is an eye-sore for the neighborhood. She wanted to make sure the language of the ordinance was specific. Alderman Thomas asked if the language change and text amendment open up the possibility of mobile care repair services in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Lotson stated it did not address mobile auto repair. Alderman Thomas pointed out that it stated no establishment could be closer than 150 feet from a resident, asked Mr. Lotson to clarify that it would not be allowed, and Mr. Lotson said that was correct no use would be allowed near a house. Alderman Hall asked who enforces the ordinance and Mr. Lotson stated the City’s Zoning Administrator and the Inspection Department. Alderman Hall said he had this problem in his district now, with the “minor” repair shops. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried the public hearing was closed. Upon a motion by Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and carried the text amendment was approved – with Aldermen Bordeaux, Osborne, Thomas, Johnson, Sprague, Shabazz and Mayor Jackson voting in favor and Alderman Hall opposing. PETITIONS Bill Norton of SignMart, Representing Taco Abajo LLC (Business Tenant) and West Broughton Street LLC (Property Owner) – Petition 120165, requested approval for a wall-mounted sign over the sidewalk at 217 ½ W. Broughton Street. The subject property is located on the south side of Broughton Street between Jefferson and Barnard Streets. The sign, approximately 3’ high x 4’ wide, installed on the front façade of the building, provides a minimum of ten (10’) foot vertical clearance. The request has been reviewed by Public Works and Water Resources and Development Services with no objections found. All City permitting and construction guidelines must be followed, meeting all federal, state and local codes. A signed letter from the property owner (West Broughton Street LLC) states their knowledge of said petition and acceptance of all responsibility and associated liability of the encroachment. The Historic 3 District Board of Review has approved the plans and issued a Certificate of Appropriateness. Recommend approval of Petition 120165 to allow a wall-mounted sign to be installed over the sidewalk at 217 ½ W. Broughton Street. 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. The City is held harmless for maintenance and liability of the proposed sign. Upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Sprague and unanimously carried the petition was approved. Amy Howell of Coastal Canvas, Representing Jamie Durrence/The Public Kitchen & Bar (Tenant/Business Owner) and Stephen George/The Columbian Club (Property Owner) – Petition 120259, requested the City allow an encroachment at 1 W. Liberty Street for an after-the-fact installation of storefront awnings. The subject property is located on the southwest corner of Bull and W. Liberty Streets. The encroachment request is for ten (10) awnings that range in width from 64” to 86” extending over the sidewalk approximately 6’-0” providing 8’-0” vertical clearance. The request has been reviewed by Public Works and Water Resources and Development Services with no notable objections. A signed letter from the property owner (Stephen George of The Columbian Club) states their knowledge of said petition and acceptance of all responsibility and associated liability of the encroachments. All City permitting and construction guidelines must be followed and the petitioner is responsible for all maintenance of all items within the encroachment request. MPC approval was obtained. Approval of Petition 120259 in which Amy Howell requests granting of encroachment onto City right-of-way for an after-the-fact installation of storefront awnings at 1 W. Liberty Street. Petitioner should be advised that such encroachment grants no ownership rights to the property and that if ever required the structure(s) must be removed at the property owner’s expense. Upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Sprague and unanimously carried the petition was approved. Amy Howell of Coastal Canvas, Representing Satisfied (Tenant/Business Owner) and 301 West Broughton Street LLC (Property Owner) – Petition 120236, requested the City allow an encroachment at 301 W. Broughton Street for the installation of storefront awnings. The subject property is located on the southwest corner of Broughton and Jefferson Streets. The encroachment request is for two (2) awnings 22’-0” and 22’-6” respectively which will extend over the sidewalk 18 inches with 9’-10” vertical clearance. The petition has been reviewed by Public Works and Water Resources, Development Services, and Park and Tree with no notable objections. A signed letter from the property owner (Cory Jones of 301 West Broughton Street LLC) states their knowledge of said petition and acceptance of all responsibility and associated liability of the encroachments. All City permitting and construction guidelines must be followed and the petitioner is responsible for all maintenance of all items within encroachment request. The Historic District Board of Review has approved the plans and issued a Certificate of Appropriateness. Recommend approval of PetitiCertificate of Appropriateness. Recommend approval of Petition 120236 in which Amy Howell, representing Satisfied and 301 West Broughton Street LLC, requests granting of encroachment onto City right-of-way for the installation of storefront awnings at 301 W. Broughton Street. Petitioner should be advised that such encroachment grants no ownership rights to the property and that if ever required the structure(s) must be removed at the property owner’s expense. The City is held harmless for maintenance and liability of the encroachment. Upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Sprague and unanimously carried the petition was approved. ORDINANCES First and Second Readings Ordinances read for the first time in Council October 4, 2012, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time October 4, 2012, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried and approved. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 224 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-l094 OF SAID CODE, ANGLE PARKING; 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 l: That Appendix I, Section 224 of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), pertaining to Section 7-l094 of said Code, as amended, shall be amended as follows: AMEND SECTION 224, ANGLE PARKING PARK AVENUE Delete On the north side of Park Avenue between Bull Street and Drayton Street. 4 Section 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 4TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2012. *********************************** AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 224 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-l094 OF SAID CODE, ANGLE PARKING; 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 l: That Appendix I, Section 224 of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), pertaining to Section 7-l094 of said Code, as amended, shall be amended as follows: AMEND SECTION 224, ANGLE PARKING PARK AVENUE Enact On the north side of Park Avenue between Whitaker Street and Drayton Street. Section 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 4TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2012. ************************************* RESOLUTIONS Alderman Osborne read the resolution to the family and citizens. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried the resolution was approved. A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LEO E. CENTER, FORMER ALDERMAN AND MAYOR PRO TEM FOR THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, WHO PASSED AWAY ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2012. Whereas: Leo E. Center was a native Savannahian, born September 11, 1918, to Henry and Hannah Ehrenrich Center. He was a loving father, devoted husband, outstanding athlete, successful businessman, and elected public servant, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice Savannah, September 30, 2012; and Whereas: He attended Savannah High School and Miami Military Academy on a football scholarship. He became an amateur and professional boxer, twice receiving the Southern Golden Gloves light heavyweight title and compiling a record of 14 wins and 1 loss. He enlisted in the Navy after the US was attacked at Pearl Harbor, and was assigned to Norfolk, VA. He fought and won many Naval Relief fundraising matches in Norfolk before being shipped to the Pacific Theater to join to PT Boat Squadron 17 in the Philippine Islands. He was inducted into the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame in 1971 and later served on its Board of Trustees and as its President in 1979. He was also inducted into the Jewish Educational Alliance Athletic Hall of Fame; and Whereas: After his discharge from the Navy in December 1945, he started working as a traveling salesman. In June 1947 he bought a company then known as the Linoleum and Shade Shop which became Center Brothers, Inc. in 1950, when his brother Irvin joined him in business. He served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company for over 60 years until his retirement in 2008; and Whereas: Leo was a founding director of AmeriBank, which became BB&T. He was a member of the Contractors Advisory Board of Simpson Timber Company of Shelton, Washington, a Charter Member of Owens Corning Fiberglass Interior Contractors Advisory Board, a director on the Board of the Ceiling Interior Systems Contractors Association, an international organization of interior contractors, serving as vice president from 1976 through 1978. He was one of the organizers and founders of the Savannah Chapter of Subcontractors, serving three years on its board and a member of The Executive Association of Savannah, the CEO Council of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, and the board of the Savannah Economic Development Authority; and Whereas: He was deeply involved in Savannah's religious, political and cultural affairs. In addition to being a member of the B'Nai Brith Jacob Synagogue and the Jewish Educational Alliance, he was a 5 charter member of the United States Holocaust Museum. In 1981, he was Secretary of the Savannah Jewish Council and a member of the Community Relations Committee. In 1982, he was the general chairman of Savannah's Russian Resettlement Committee to settle and secure employment for emigrating Soviet Jews. He participated in the Councils Presidents Mission to Israel, and was a founder of Savannah's AIPAC organization, where he served as liaison and fundraiser for many years. In 2002, Leo was featured in a film documentary, Shalom Y'all, about the Jewish experience in the American South; and Whereas: Leo was elected five times to Savannah City Council, serving as Alderman for twenty-three years, including eight as Mayor Pro-Tem under Mayor John P. Rousakis. He was chairman for the Sister City Program for the National League of Cities, served on the following: finance and budget committee of the Georgia Municipal Association, a statewide task force on the GMA on federal revenue sharing, the Coastal Area Planning Commission, the Board of Directors of the Southeast Georgia Health System Agency, 2003 recipient of the Chatham County Democratic Committee's Arthur M. Gignilliat Public Service Award, a member of the Savannah Golf Club, The Landings Club, and a founding member of the First City Club of Savannah, the first dining club in the city to welcome all faiths and races with open arms; and Whereas: Leo is survived by his wife of 28 years, Simone K. Center, sons Tony Center and Scott Center (Tatsiana Shakmuts) stepchildren Eric Robinson (Jennifer) of Berkley, CA, Lisa Robinson (Ken Rosenthal) of Phoenix, AZ, and Lori Robinson of Sea Ranch, CA, grandchildren Dr. Kristy Center, Jeff Center, and Sofia Center, three step-grandchildren, Liv and Anni Robinson and Harper Rosenthal, one great-grandchild, Caden Center, several nieces, a nephew and many cousins. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, celebrate the life and accomplishments of Leo E. Center and we offer our appreciation for his service and the impact his life contributed to the greater Savannah community. We further resolved that a copy of this resolution be delivered to his family and made a part of the permanent records of the Savannah City Council meeting minutes of October 4, 2012. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 4TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2012. MISCELLANEOUS Tour Stand – 500 Block of E. Huntington Street. A request for a new stand was submitted to the City for the 500 block of E. Huntington Street to support the King-Tisdell Cottage. Parking is currently allowed on both sides of the street, and directly opposite of the proposed trolley stop is a fire hydrant. Since no parking is allowed in front of a hydrant, the trolley stop will not block through traffic. The street is neither metered nor time restricted. King-Tisdell Cottage is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing the residents to park at the stop after hours. There has been no opposition by residents in the area. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Thomas and unanimously carried the petition was approved. BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS As advertised, per the City Manager’s recommendation - upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved: Financial Audit Services – Annual Contract Renewal. Renewed an annual contract to procure financial audit services from Karp, Ronning & Tindol. The 2012 audit fee is not to exceed $128,050.00 which includes a minimal price increase of 1.25% from 2011. It is recommended that the contract be extended an additional year with the same firm because of the implementation of the new financial software system and the need for experienced auditors in that process. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal (RFP) which evaluates criteria in addition to costs. The criteria evaluated as part of this RFP were skills and experience, completeness of audit plan, experience with government audits and fees. Proposals were originally received August 29, 2006. The proposal has been advertised, opened and reviewed. The proposers were: Funds will be available in the 2013 Budget, General Fund/Finance/Professional Purchased Service (Account No. 101-1105-51238). Savannah Garden Phase I Playground – Event No. 614. Approval to procure Phase I playground construction for the Housing Department from Landscape Structures, Inc. in the amount of $29,515.00. The new playground will be built in a provided footprint and designed for children ages 2-12. Proposers were required to submit a design for playground equipment, safety surface and a border that fit the footprint established on the Savannah Gardens property. The lowest proposer was not selected because their submitted design did not include as much play equipment as the recommended proposer. The recommended proposer has a superior design layout, includes more play equipment and has provided outstanding performance on other City projects. Delivery: As Required Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, SPLOST-V Fund (Account No. 311-9207-52842-PD400). 6 Savannah Garden Phase IIA Playground – Event No. 615. Approval to procure Phase IIA playground construction for the Housing Department from GameTime, Inc. in the amount of $49,993.75. The new playgrounds will be built in two provided footprints with one site designed for children ages 2-5 and the other for ages 5-12. Proposers were required to submit a design for playground equipment, safety surface and a border that fit the footprint established on the Savannah Gardens property. The lowest proposer was not selected because their submitted design did not include as much play equipment as the recommended proposer. The recommended proposer has a superior design layout, includes more play equipment and has provided outstanding performance on other City projects. Delivery: As Required. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, SPLOST-V (Account No. 311-9207-52842-PD400). Gwinnett, Culver, Wheaton Streets Storm Drainage Improvements – Phase I – Contract Modification No. 2 – Event No. 734. Approval of Contract Modification No. 2 from Southern Champion in the amount of $90,000.00. This contract modification is an increase in quantity and decrease in price for mucking due to unforeseen poor quality soils excavated during the installation of the new storm water infrastructure and is necessary for compacted trench backfill within the roadway for $89,500.00. An additional work item was encountered during the start of construction which required coring of a pre-cast concrete box for $500.00. Contract Modification No. 2 is in the total amount of $90,000.00. The cumulative total of the contract requires Council approval of this modification. The new contract price will now be $981,773.00. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvements Projects/Other Costs/Bilbo N. Casey Drainage (Account No. 311-9207-52842-DR215). Moses Jackson West Wing Roof Replacement - Event No. 566. Approval to procure consultant services from Kern-Coleman & Company, LLC in the amount of $35,500.00. The consultant will assist the City in developing design documents to construct a new standing seam roof to replace the existing built-up roof over the west end of the Moses Jackson Center, matching the existing metal seam roof on the Lady Bamford Center and the Youth Center. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal (RFP), which evaluates criteria in addition to costs. The criteria used to evaluate this RFP were methodology, qualifications and experience, references, schedule and fees. Five proposers responded to the RFP. One proposer did not meet minimum qualifications and was not considered. Four proposers were further evaluated The low proposer was not recommended for award because they had less project- specific experience than the other proposers. The proposal also did not adequately describe the firm’s methodology for Budget and Cost Control. Their overall score for qualification-based points, including schedule and references, was significantly lower than the selected firm. Delivery: 3 Months. Terms: Net- 30 Days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvements Projects/Other Costs/Moses Jackson Center Roof (Account No. 311-9207-52842-PB634). **************************** Alderman Hall congratulated Acting City Manager Stephanie Cutter on the wonderful job she did, echoed by Alderman Shabazz. Alderman Sprague announced October-Fest and Alderman Thomas announced Picnic-N-the-Park. There being no further business, Mayor Jackson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council 7