City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA October 18, 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 Tony Caldwell, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, 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 Acting City Manager Stephanie S. Cutter City Attorneys James B. Blackburn, Sr. and W. Brooks Stillwell Assistant City Attorney William W. Shearouse 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 October 4, 2012; and Approval of the summary/final minutes of the Special Meeting of October 4, 2012; and Approval of the summary/final minutes of the Special Meeting of September 26, 2012. Approval was given for the Mayor to sign an affidavit and resolution for an Executive Session held on October 18, 2012, upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. PRESENTATIONS City Attorney James Blackburn, Sr. was recognized by Council and everyone present for his 87th birthday and for being employed over 50 years with the City of Savannah. He received a cake and a song from all. Representatives from Live Oak Public Libraries and the Library Foundation Board invited the Mayor and Aldermen and the citizens of Savannah to attend the Savannah Children’s Book Festival at Forsyth Park on Saturday, November 10 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Christy Devine, Marketing and Development Director gave a list of events for the festival. It started out with approximately 1,500 visitors, now has over 40,000, and is the largest children’s book festival in the country. Mayor Jackson stated the City would continue to support the festival Bonita Bradley and LaSonya Stovall, Savannah State University Homecoming Committee Co-Chairs, came before Council to request a permit for the Homecoming Parade on October 20, 2012. Savannah State’s 13th President Dr. Cheryl D. Dozier introduced alumnae National President of the Alumni Association Roy Jackson, President of the Savannah Chapter Tony Wright, Chairman of the University Foundation, Charles Young, Chairperson Emeritus Dr. Jimmy Jackson, Vice President of Advancement Phillip Adams, Attorney Joe Stephan, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Reynold Verret, Athletic Director Sterling Stewart, and Acting City Manager Stephanie Cutter. She also invited the citizens of Savannah to visit the newly renovated campus. They will celebrate 122 years in November, 2012. Alderman Johnson jokingly said he needed a guarantee of a winning football game before agreeing to the permit. Alderman Osborne thanked the University for putting Council at the front of the parade. Mayor Jackson stated the football team played hard and the games were much enjoyed, but Savannah State had always been an institution that stressed academics. Alderman Shabazz said they often tell students, “You still can get anywhere from Savannah State University.” Mayor Jackson pointed out that Alderman Carol Bell taught at SSU. Upon a motion by Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried the permit was granted. Mike Brady, Adjutant for the Veteran's Day Parade and others on behalf of the Veteran’s Council of Chatham County requested a permit for the Veteran’s Day Parade on Saturday, November 10, 2012. Jimmy Ray stated they represented the US Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. He introduced Billy Quinine, Doug Andrews, John Parker, Enos Garvin, Tom Freeman and Jim Vaughn, the Veteran of the Year. In past years Council was out of town at the Nation League of Cities; however, Mayor Jackson stated they would be in the parade this year. Upon a motion by Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried, the parade permit was granted. 1 Vicki Weeks, Kristin Russell, and Bret Hulme were present to urge approval of a resolution to support federal and state legislative actions, including a constitutional amendment ensuring corporations are not entitled to all of the protections or rights of human beings, specifically so that the expenditure of corporate money to influence the electoral process is no longer a form of constitutionally protected speech. Mayor Jackson thanked them and expressed her appreciation for their actions in supporting the community. She said the City attorneys are working to format a resolution for Council and have a work session to discuss the issues. LEGISLATIVE REPORTS ALCOHOL BEVERAGES LICENSE HEARING As advertised, the following alcoholic license petitions were heard. No one appeared in objection to the issuance of these licenses and upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson, and unanimously carried, they were approved: Thomas E. Dennard, III for Savannah Bee Company, Inc. t/a Savannah Bee Company requested a wine (package with tasting) license at 104 W. Broughton Street, which is a new location between Whitaker and Barnard Streets in District 1 (Continued from August 23, 2012). Christina Knight for Red Lobster #0173, requesting to transfer liquor, beer and wine (drink) Sunday sales license from Jetta Serikawa, which is located at 11 W. Montgomery Cross Road. Billy Mack Mobley for MTC Carriers Management, LLC t/a The Guitar Bar, requesting liquor, beer and wine (drink) license at 348 Martin Luther King Boulevard, which is located between Jones and Charlton Streets. (New owner) Jerry Wayne Floyd for Piggly Wiggly Retail Stores, Inc t/a Piggly Wiggly #100, requesting to transfer beer and wine (package) license from Bill Hammontree at 2142 East Victory Drive, which is located between Skidaway Road and East 43rd Street. (New manager) Carl H. Jones for Apple Georgia, LLC t/a Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, requesting to transfer liquor, beer and wine (drink) Sunday sales license from Jeff Schroeder at 11120 Abercorn Street, which is located between Deerfield Road and Dana Avenue. (New ownership/manager) William C. Brown for Ellis Eats, LLC t/a Moe’s Southwest Grill, requesting liquor, beer and wine (package) Sunday sales license at 150 West Saint Julian Street, which is located between Barnard and Bryan Streets. (New owner/manager) Jennifer M. Jenkins for The Coffee Fox, LLC t/a The Coffee Fox, requesting beer and wine (drink) license at 102 West Broughton Street, which is located between Whitaker and Barnard Streets. (New owner) *********************************** The-Hide-A-Way. Recommend authorizing the City Attorney to notify Justin Love to appear at the November 1, 2012 Council meeting to show cause why the liquor, beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales at 13051 Abercorn Street, which is located between Apache Avenue and Middleground Road in District 6, should not be suspended or revoked for violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance. Upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried the Show Cause Hearing is scheduled for November 1, 2012. ZONING As advertised, Harold B. Yellin, Agent for Lissner Alfred 205, LLC, Owner (Z-120522-50248-2), requested to rezone a portion of 205 Lissner Avenue, which is located in District 1, from I-H (Heavy Industrial), R-4 (Four-Family Residential) and R-6 (One-Family Residential) to P-I-H (Planned Heavy Industrial) with conditions. MPC recommended approval of the request and approval of an amendment to the Future Land Use Map to change this property from the Residential Suburban Single-Family and Residential Single Family classification to the Industrial classification. This property was annexed into the City in 2002 and has continuously served various industrial uses over the last 43 years. The current owner purchased the property in 2010 and has operated a tank trailer cleaning business since then. A portion of the property is legally nonconforming as it is zoned for residential use. The portion of the property being used in conjunction with the business and zoned for industrial use is conforming. The Chatham County-Savannah Comprehensive Plan Future Development Map designates the subject properties as Residential Single Family and Residential General. This designation was established in an effort to allow the property to convert to a use compatible with the existing residential at some point in the future. Based on the significant number of existing vacant lots zoned for residential use, a change from industrial to residential seems unlikely. The subject property and others along Lissner Avenue do have impacts on adjacent residential uses. These impacts are primarily due to truck traffic and the noise that can be associated with industrial uses. However, the relationship between these incompatible uses has existed for many years. When evaluating this proposed rezoning, it is important to consider the mitigation of negative impacts to the extent possible. Acting City Manager recommended approval. Marcus Lotson presented the MPC’s recommendations. He stated the petitioner had met with surrounding neighbors 2 before approaching Council. Alderman Johnson stated this was one of the examples Council had worked hard to exemplify, was going to the community and working with them beforehand. He asked Mr. Yellin to come forward to show the level of corporation that had brought them there. Mr. Yellin said the owner discovered, after purchasing the property that it was split zoned and it had been zoned industrial for over 40 years. After filing the petition they attended 2 neighborhood meetings where Aldermen Johnson and Thomas were in attendance. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried, the public hearing was closed. Upon a motion by Alderman Sprague, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried, the request was granted. Adrienne Dickerson, Owner (12-0000126-ZA), requested to rezone 608-610 Abercorn Street, which is located in District 2, from RIP-A (Residential- Medium Density) to RIP-D (Residential-Medium Density). MPC recommended approval. The change in zoning district consolidates the block face, which is presently divided between RIP-A and RIP-D, is in keeping with the Future Land Use Map designation for the area, and is the least intensive district that will allow the property owner the intended use (restaurant, serving beer and wine with meals). Acting City Manager recommended approval. Marcus Lotson presented the MPC’s recommendations. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried the public hearing was closed. Upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried the request was granted. Metropolitan Planning Commission (Z-110322-89661-2), Requested approval of an amendment to Section 8-3133(d) of the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance, Limitations on use of land or building by non-conforming uses. Within the last three to five years there has been an increase in the number of requests to rezone properties presently occupied by a single family residential non-conforming use. The primary reason for the increase is due to mortgage limitations. Lenders are increasingly reluctant to create a long term mortgage with the uncertainty of whether the existing use will be allowed to continue in unforeseen circumstances. The proposed amendment, if approved, would allow existing single family residential structures to continue as a nonconforming use in all zoning districts. This would solve an ongoing problem while maintaining the intent and purpose of the Zoning Ordinance. Acting City Manager recommended approval. Marcus Lotson presented the MPC’s recommendations, stating that banks were reluctant to approve loans on properties that can’t rebuild. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried the public hearing was closed. Upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried the request was granted. PETITIONS Phillip McCorkle, Attorney for One West Victory Drive LP (Developer) – Petition 120271, requested the City declare surplus a portion of W. 44th Street right-of-way in order to sell it to the adjoining property owners. One West Victory Drive LP is in the final planning stages of their development project of an apartment building and parking garage on Victory Drive. As part of their plans, they would like to locate a trash compactor and recycling container within the 44th Street right-of-way as it dead ends into the Atlantic Coastline Railroad Company right-of-way. This portion of the street is not used for general traffic and the adjoining property owner (Guerry Lumber) is also willing to see this property declared surplus. One West Victory Drive LP is also asking that the City accept dedication of a one hundred seventy (170’) square foot portion of their property, to allow for the developer to construct a public sidewalk, in exchange for one hundred seventy (170’) square feet of the aforementioned 44th Street right- of-way lying adjacent to Atlantic Coastline Railroad Company’s right-of-way. The property to be dedicated is located along the southern property line of Parcel 1. A staff review has been completed by Sanitation, Development Services, and Public Works and Water Resources. There is an existing water line and sewer line that run in the proximity of the area requested to be surplus. The developer must be agreeable to providing a permanent maintenance easement or relocating the public utilities at their own expense. Acting City Manager recommended approval of Philip McCorkle’s request that the City declare surplus a portion of West 44th Street right-of-way in order to sell it to the adjoining property owners, subject to a recorded easement or agreement to relocate the existing public utilities at their own expense. Acting City Manager recommended approval also that the City accept the dedication of 170’ of private property, to allow for the installation of a public sidewalk by the developer, in exchange for 170’ of public right-of-way that will be sold as part of the surplus property. Upon a motion by Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried the request was granted. Phillip McCorkle, Attorney for One West Victory Drive LP (Developer) – Petition 120211, requested the City to waive any interest and quit claim a strip of land approximately twenty (20’) feet in width by one hundred eighty (180’) feet in length bounded by Victory Drive on the north, 44th Street on the south, parcel 2-0074 -26-004 on the west and parcel 2-0074 -26-005 on the east (also referred to as Barnard Lane). Quit-claiming of the property would allow One West Victory Drive LP to continue plans for the One West Victory Drive Development Project. The subject property will be used as a pedestrian plaza within the project. One West Victory Drive LP is the owner of the two adjoining parcels. The request has been reviewed by Water Resources and Public Works, Sanitation, Development Services, Fire and Police with no objections to quit claiming the lane. An estimated market value was determined by the petitioner at $3.40 per square foot. This figure is based on values of the adjoining properties at $6.80 per square foot less fifty (50%) percent due to unresolved title issues. Further supporting the value is the sale of a portion of Barrington Street (on the other side of the railroad tracks near Bull Street) in May 2006 for $3.00 per square foot. There is approximately 3,420 square feet in consideration which would equal a total value of $11,628.00. Acting City Manager recommended approval of Phillip McCorkle’s petition that the City 3 waive any interest and quit-claim Barnard Lane to One West Victory Drive LP for $3.40 per square foot, in order to continue plans for the One West Victory Drive Development Project. Acting City Manager also recommended approval of the resolution for authorization to sign the quit-claim deed transferring the property for the sum of $11,628.00 to One West Victory Drive LP. Upon a motion by Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried the request was granted. ORDINANCES First and Second Readings Ordinances read for the first time in Council October 18, 2012, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time October 18, 2012, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM ITS PRESENT I-H, P-B-G, PUD-B-R ZONING CLASSIFICATION TO AN I-H 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 I-H, P-B-G, PUD-B- R zoning classification to an I-H zoning classification: Legal description: \Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines of U.S. Hwy 17 [Ogeechee Road] and Gamble Road, thence proceeding along the centerline of U.S. Hwy 17 [Ogeechee Road] in a Southwesterly S 75-13-1 W direction for a distance of approximately 1,663.8 feet to a point thence proceeding along a line in a Northwesterly direction N 14-2-47 W for a distance of approximately 144.957 feet to a point, said point being the POINT OF BEGINNING: thence proceeding along a line: Direction: N 15-47-0 E approximate Distance: 442.989 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: N 15-47-0 E approximate Distance: 386.2 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: N 15-47-0 E approximate Distance: 1536.82 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: N 3-12-51 E approximate Distance: 811.503 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 65-11-48 E approximate Distance: 331.15 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: N 34-54-52 E approximate Distance: 499.87 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: N 34-54-52 E approximate Distance: 395 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: N 73-45-51 E approximate Distance: 25.845 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 15-8-42 W approximate Distance: 3058.78 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 16-32-54 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 19-16-18 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 21-59-44 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 24-43-9 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 27-26-35 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 30-10-0 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 32-53-26 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 35-36-51 W approximate Distance: 47.65 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 38-20-17 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 41-3-42 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 43-47-7 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 46-30-32 W approximate Distance: 47.651 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 47-49-45 W approximate Distance: 288.16 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 75-16-9 W approximate Distance: 192.13 ft. to a point, thence proceeding along a line: Direction: S 67-56-13 W approximate Distance: 35.738 ft. to a point, said point being the POINT OF BEGINNING. The property is further identified by the Property Identification Number as follows: 2-0711 -01-002 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 13th day of March, 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 OCTOBER 18, 2012. ************************************* 4 Text Amendment – Minor and Major Automobile Repair and Service (12-000309-ZA). An 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. Alderman Osborne was concerned about major repair work done outside of a service bays and cars stored on the properties. Mr. Lotson stated minor automobile repair shops were not allowed to have outside storage and major automobile repair shops could store vehicles, but they had to be fully enclosed. Ordinances read for the first time in Council October 18, 2012, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time October 18, 2012, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. RESOLUTIONS A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE GRANTING OF A DEED TO ONE WEST VICTORY DRIVE L.P., FOR THE PORTIONS OF UNOPENED BARNARD LANE LYING BETWEEN VICTORY DRIVE AND W. 44TH STREET. WHEREAS, the within described property was declared surplus to the City’s needs on October 18, 2012; and WHEREAS, under O.C.G.A. § 32-7-4, the City of Savannah may offer such property for sale to the adjacent owners; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah have approved the conveyance of the property to the adjoining property owners at a $3.40 value; and WHEREAS, ONE WEST VICTORY DRIVE L.P. is the owner of the adjacent properties on both sides of said right-of-way; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Alderman of the City of Savannah in regular meeting of Council assembled, that the Acting City Manager is authorized to execute a Quit Claim Deed to ONE WEST VICTORY DRIVE L.P. to the property described herein, and the Clerk of Council to attest said Deed and affix the City’s seal. All that certain lot, tract or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the City of Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, and being a private lane approximately twenty feet (20’) in width in Kingsville Subdivision, Norwood Ward, and bounded as follows: On the North by the southern right of way of Victory Drive; on the East by Parcel 2 as described in the Warranty Deed from Victory Commons, LLC to One West Victory, L.P., recorded in Deed Book 313-X, Page 353; on the South by the northern right of way of 44th Street; and on the West by Parcel 2 as described in the Warranty Deed from Victory Commons, LLC to One West Victory, L.P., recorded in Deed Book 313-X, Page 353. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 18TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2012, UPON A MOTION BY ALDERMAN SHABAZZ, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN HALL AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. ********************************************************* MISCELLANEOUS Final Plat – Rivermoor Villas Phase 2. Received approval of the final plat for Rivermoor Villas Phase 2, being a portion of Tract B, Highlands Subdivision, located at Highlands and Benton Boulevards in District 1. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried the request was granted. Stephanie Cutter, Acting City Manager. Received approval of adjusted salary for Stephanie Cutter in the interim position as Acting City Manager. Mayor Jackson stated Ms. Cutter graciously accepted the position of Acting City Manager and the Council needed to adjust her salary. Upon a motion by Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried Ms. Cutter received a salary adjustment of $187,500, retroactive to October 4, 2012. Stephanie Cutter, Acting City Manager. Appointment of Stephanie Cutter to fill the following positions on boards, commissions and authorities, replacing the former City Manager as the City of Savannah representative: Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Landbank Authority, Youth Futures Authority, Pension Board, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Resource Recovery. Upon a motion by Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried Ms. Cutter was appointed to the various boards and commissions. BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS 5 As advertised, per the Acting 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: Request to Declare Former Fire Station No. 9 (Pennsylvania Avenue) Surplus. Staff received approval for the property located at 1943 Capital Street be declared surplus in order to offer it for sale to the public via a Request for Proposal (RFP). The subject property, located at the southwest corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Capital Street, PIN 2-0036-03-008, is the former site of a fire station which was replaced by the new station at 2235 Capital Street behind Savannah High School. The building was turned over to Public Facilities, Events, and Services (formerly Leisure Services) and has served primarily to store props and costumes used by Cultural Affairs. The City has received several inquiries regarding the plans for the building as well as requests by community groups and churches for temporary use. Most recently, a non- profit organization requested a long-term lease of the building as a production space/media center. Since the building is in poor condition and would require major rehabilitation the Public Facilities, Events, and Services Bureau Chief recommends selling rather than leasing the property, relieving the City of any renovation expense and/or associated liability. Staff therefore recommends offering to sell the property to the public via a RFP. Successful proposals would present a rehabilitation plan which is compatible with surrounding structures and supports the overall development plan of the neighborhood. Moreover, the proposed use must meet zoning requirements. Memorandum of Agreement for Installation of 10 Pedestrian Light Fixtures on State Route 26/US 80. The City will install 10 new light fixtures along Victory Drive in Daffin Park. The fixtures have been purchased and a contract has been awarded for the installation, but before installation can begin the City must execute the Memorandum of Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to install the fixtures on the State Route. In the agreement the City will be responsible for installation, operation and maintenance of the fixtures. The installation of these fixtures will complete the retrofits of the perimeter lighting for Daffin Park. Lighting improvements to the interior portion of the park will be completed in 2013. Bull Street Fire Station No. 5 (PB423) - Contract Modification No. 4 – Bid No. 11.123. Approval of Contract Modification No. 4 from Dabbs-Williams General Contractors, LLC in the amount of $14,939.73. The original contract was for the construction of a two story fire station with apparatus bay and off-street parking area. This contract modification covers additional heavy duty concrete at the front and back driveways as well as at the dumpster loading area for $6,035.73 and additional structural steel members required for rigid structural connections for $8,904.00 for a grand total modification of $14,939.73. These modifications were requested by the City. Due to the weight of fire apparatus, heavy duty concrete is required for long-term durability. The additional structural steel is needed due to seismic design constraints. The contract provided for 7 adverse weather days. To date, the schedule has been delayed a total of 37 days, due to rain. This modification also requests approval of a contract extension of 30 calendar days. The cumulative total of the agreement requires Council approval of this modification. The original contract was $2,593,000. The total of all contract modifications to date including this modification is $33,468.85 making the contract total price $2,626,468.85. Approval of Contract Modification No. 4 and a contract extension of 30 calendar days. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget. Funding is available in Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvements Projects/Other Costs/New Fire Stations (Account No.311-9207-52842-PB423). Intersection Improvements Engineering and Design – Event No. 535. Approval to award a consultant contract to Wolverton & Associates in the amount of $69,900.00. This project includes the preparation of construction plans and specifications for intersection improvements at LaRoche Avenue at Tompkins Road; Waters Avenue at Montgomery Cross Road and Oglethorpe Avenue at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. 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 qualifications, experience, schedule and fees. Seven proposals were received and evaluated. The reason for not awarding to the lowest proposer was because their qualifications and experience with signal design and the public involvement process were not as strong as the recommended proposer. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/LaRoche-Delesseps Design (Account No. 311-9207- 52842-TE708). Dental Insurance Benefits for City Employees – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 751. Renewed an annual contract to procure voluntary employee dental insurance from United Concordia (UCCI). The UCCI plan met all of the specifications and continues to offer the most comprehensive plans with the most favorable combination of out-of-pocket expenses, premium rates, and services covered. They provide excellent customer service and a broad network, allowing for wide access to cost effective, high quality providers. Employees have a choice of a high option preferred provider organization (PPO) plan and a low option PPO plan. United Concordia has been an excellent partner with a history of fair renewals. The rates were guaranteed for the first two years of the plan and in fact there has not been an increase since January 1, 2010. For 2013, there will be an increase of 6.2%. The negotiated increase is modest, and is well below the rate action substantiated by the experience. There is no cost to the City for dental insurance since premiums are paid by employees. The City will agree to provide for payroll deductions. The dental insurance company provides employee education and enrollment service. This is the second of four renewal options available. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, General Fund/Payroll Withholding- Dental (Account No. 101-0000-21320). 6 Natural Gas (Firm Accounts) – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 752. Renewed an annual contact to supply natural gas (firm accounts) from Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas in the amount of $269,873.61. The services are needed to furnish natural gas to sixty-one (61) meters located at various facilities. Coweta-Fayette EMC will provide the City's total firm natural gas requirements based on the market-driven NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) price. The formula for payment is the NYMEX price per therm plus Atlanta Gas Light Company's base charge, plus a customer service charge per meter. The City’s natural gas consumption has increased 27% since the inception of this contract due to additional facilities being added. This is the last renewal option available. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Various Funds & Departments/Natural Gas (Account No. 51206). Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System Annual Maintenance Agreement – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 753. Approval to award an annual maintenance service agreement for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System from Emerson Process Management Power Water & Solutions in the amount of $61,740.00. The contract is needed to maintain the SCADA equipment at various wells, lift stations, treatment plants and stormwater pumping stations. The reason why a sole source vendor is required is that this maintenance must be provided by the equipment manufacturer. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Water Supply & Treatment/Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 521- 2502-51250), Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Lift Station Maintenance/Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 521-2552-51250), Water & Sewer Operating Fund/President Street Plant/Equipment Maintenance (Account No. (521-2553-51250), and I & D Operating Fund/I & D Water Operation Maintenance/ Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 531-2581- 51250). Trash Compactors – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 754. Renewed an annual contract to procure trash compactors from Stribling Systems in the amount of $141,000.00. The trash compactors will be used by the Commercial Refuse Department to replace worn out units. Although several solicitations were made, only one bidder was able to meet the specifications requiring 110V AC power with self- contained hydraulics. This is the last renewal option available. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Sanitation Operating Fund/Commercial Refuse/Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 511-7105-51250). Towing of Abandoned Vehicles – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 705. Renewed an annual contract for towing of abandoned vehicles to S & S Towing, Inc. in the estimated revenue amount of $87,230.00. The contract is utilized by Property Maintenance for the removal and storage of abandoned and derelict vehicles. The contract is also used by Parking Services to remove booted and illegally parked vehicles. This contract provides revenue to the City. The towing companies pay the City a flat fee for each vehicle towed and stored and receives compensation from the owner or through sale of the vehicles. This is the first of two renewal options available. Terms: Net-30 Days. Regulatory Markings for Parking Spaces – Sole Source – Event No. 708. Approval to procure regulatory markings for on-street parking spaces from Flint Trading Company in the amount of $44,410.59. The material will be utilized by Mobility and Parking Services to replace pay and display parking meters with pay by space parking meters. Each parking space will have a unique number that requires the customer to enter the space number into the meter to pay for parking. The reason for the sole source is that this company is the only known supplier of this item and was recommended by Traffic Engineering. Funds are available in the 2012 Budget, Parking and Enforcement Administration/Equipment Repair Parts (Account No. 561-1113-51335). Traffic Signal Installation on Airways Avenue at Gulfstream Road – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval of funding for Traffic Signal Installation on Airways Avenue at Gulfstream Road in the amount of $80,365.00. Due to accident history and increased traffic volume, a traffic signal is needed at the intersection of Airways Avenue and Gulfstream Road. Gulfstream is installing traffic signals at their new entrance and will have their consultant design and the contractor install the traffic signal at Airways Avenue with the Airport Commission paying the associated costs. Rental Car Service Center Upgrades – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission received approval to enter into a contract with John Ruth and Associates, LLC in the amount of $181,800.00 for the Rental Car Service Center Upgrades. All rental car service center facilities are going to be upgraded to “as new condition”. The upgrades will include replacement of roofs, air conditioning, wash racks, repaving of parking lots, exterior painting, etc. and will be paid for with funding from Customer Facility Charges (CFCs) currently collected by the rental car companies. The current balance of this fund is $950,000.00. The Airport Commission’s staff estimates the total project cost to be $2 million. The Commission will fund the remaining balance which will be paid back within two years through future CFC collection. John Ruth is the Airport Commission’s architect of record and will prepare all plans and specifications and monitor completion of all the upgrades. Inter-Governmental Agreement for Cloverdale Community Center. Approval of an inter-governmental agreement between the City of Savannah, Chatham County, and the Board of Public Education for the construction, maintenance, and use of the Cloverdale Community Center. The Center will be built on Board of Education property at Butler Elementary School. Chatham County will pay for the construction of the center from SPLOST. The City of Savannah will be responsible for the cost of operating the center. Alderman Johnson stated he wanted to highlight something that was the epitome of Inter-Governmental cooperation as it relates to the residents in the Cloverdale area. The Mayor and Aldermen were aware 7 that Commissioner Dr. Pricilla Thomas, of the 8th District of Chatham County, appropriated one million dollars for the building of the Cloverdale Community Center at the last SPLOST meeting. This is something that residents have been inquiring about for a long time. There were some challenges as to where to locate the center. After meeting with the residents, they decided it would go on the campus of the new Butler Elementary School. School Board Member Ruby Jones worked to acquire and designate a spot on the north side of the campus to be used for the center. Now that this has happened the County will be building the structure and the City would maintain it and provide programs as in other community centers. He thanked Mayor Jackson for her support when she was Alderman at large. Upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried the agreement was approved. *************************** Alderman Hall stated there was an article in the past week’s paper about Chatham County and the Skidaway Road Project. He formally asked the Council to have the City Attorney start the process of talking to the County about moving the project forward, as it was long overdue and people were anxiously awaiting some improvements. Mayor Jackson stated she whole-heartedly agreed with him. Alderman Sprague made a motion to have the City attorneys review the project and move forward, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. Mayor Jackson stated the City had been invited to attend the 100th anniversary for the Girl Scouts of America, which was founded in Savannah. Alderman Sprague was once a Girl Scout and she would go to Atlanta to represent Savannah. The Council was saddened by the loss of Senator Lester Jackson’s father and expressed condolences. Alderman Bell recognized Tom Wilpong from the Graduate Dean’s Office of the University of Georgia. Alderman Thomas stated there was an article in the paper about Georgia’s EPD Office withdrawing the permit for King America Finishing. There seems to be extra notice given to the Ogeechee River since Council passed a resolution. Ms. Cutter announced the appointments of City staff: Taffanye Young, to Bureau Chief of Community and Economic Development, Cam Mathis, to IT Director and Dick Evans, to Acting Assistant City Manager. These employees have over 75 years of organizational knowledge and are a great asset to the operations of the City of Savannah. Ms. Cutter also stated the City had been undergoing a conversion to the new financial system that deals with human resources, payroll, purchasing, budgeting and other areas. The conversion was successful and she thanked the team who worked on the Lawson Project. Mayor Jackson stated the Council and the City Attorneys had been meeting with the surrounding municipalities regarding the LOST negotiations and unfortunately they were going into arbitration and a judge would make a decision. They had hoped it would not get to that point and that they, as elected officials would be able to negotiate and reach an agreement because it would cause them to raise property taxes if they are not able to work it out. She said all of the municipalities have come together and worked together very effectively as a team to try and get the County to work with them. She thanked Alderman Sprague and the City Attorneys for working diligently. There being no further business, Mayor Jackson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council 8