City Council

Summary/Final Minutes – Work Session – September 5, 2013 Savannah City Government SUMMARY/FINAL MINUTES MAYOR and ALDERMEN WORK SESSION CITY MANAGER’S BRIEFING September 5, 2013 – 10:00 am PRESENT: Mayor Edna B. Jackson, Presiding Alderman Van R. Johnson, II Mayor Pro-Tem Alderman Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council Aldermen John Hall, Mary Ellen Sprague, Tom Bordeaux and Estella Shabazz City Manager Stephanie S. Cutter City Attorney W. Brooks Stillwell (arrived at 11:30) Asst. City Attorney William W. Shearouse ABSENT: Alderman Carol Bell (attending a funeral) Alderman Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council called the meeting to order. City Manager Cutter requested Council amend the agenda to allow for the presentation from Chief Lovett and staff. SCMPD Policing Strategies and Year to Date Update on Crime Stats (Presentation on file) Willie Lovett, Metro Police Chief introduced Brian Renner who presented a PowerPoint presentation which provided statistics on crime and the precincts from 2006 to 2013 through August 31 each year. Alderman Osborne asked about the homicides which occurred on the Eastside and wanted to know if it will be reflected on an upcoming slide. Chief Lovett responded yes it will. Chief Lovett introduced Captain John Best, Islands Precinct 5 who briefly discussed the four Priority Neighborhoods: Cuyler Brownsville, Metropolitan, Midtown and Windsor Forest. He stated there has been a significant decrease in crime throughout the neighborhoods and overall it has been a pretty good year. Major Richard Zapal discussed the Juvenile Officer Program, one of the current initiatives within the SCMPD. He stated one Juvenile Officer is assigned to each precinct to proactively work with youth to deter them from criminal ways. A Youth Summer Camp for ages 8-13 was held where 24 young people participated and took field trips to the Chatham County Detention Center, Chatham County Courthouse, Georgia Southern University and Frames and Games. Because of the success of that program a subsequent program was held for girls from July 22-26. 1  Summary/Final Minutes – Work Session – September 5, 2013 Terry Enoch, Director of Operation Iron Triangle discussed Smart Policing which is intelligence through research/identification of chronic violent crime areas and hot spot analysis. Operational strategies are formulated from the indicator data collected to address crime trends, target and apprehend (repeat) offenders, suppress crime through the use of focused enforcement, and assist efforts in neighborhood problem solving. Captain Dean Fagerstorm, Southside Precinct 4 discussed Crime Prevention and the “Lock It or Lose It” program which prevents thefts from automobiles. In 2013, over half (52%) of the thefts from automobiles were from vehicles that were unlocked. A large percentage (40%) had items stolen that were in plain view. In response, the Kensington Park Neighborhood Association, via Pam Miller, took it upon themselves to start a “Lock It or Lose It” campaign; because of the huge success it expanded to other neighborhoods. Crime Prevention Officers will continue to encourage citizens to lock their car and take their keys with them. Captain Devonn Adams, Central Precinct 3 discussed the Roll Call in the Streets, which is an initiative where offices go out into the communities to show citizens that they are people too. He provided a list of the dates when officers went into the community and has received assistance and participation from many of the Aldermen. All Hands on Deck is another program within Roll Call in the Streets which officers commit to 90 days from June 1-August 31 to attempt to reduce crime in the neighborhoods throughout Precinct 3. The graffiti project has been initiated, along with Savannah Impact and 311, and is doing well. 75 places have been identified and currently 65% of the graffiti has been cleaned up. Captain Adams thanked the Mayor and Aldermen on behalf of the Police Department for the patrol bikes which are currently being used. Upcoming initiatives for Central Precinct: September - Officer Appreciation Day is an opportunity to give back to the officers for their commitment during the Summer months; October - Halloween presentation for children where they receive Safe Kits; November – the officers have decided to nominate 3 needy families for Thanksgiving dinner; and December – Christmas edition of Roll Call in the Streets where anonymous donors will donate 150 pairs of shoes, tops and pants. Alderman Osborne stated she was very impressed with the children’s summer programs and wanted to know if there are plans to continue it or is it a possibility it will be increased. Chief Lovett stated there are plans to continue it but is unsure if more will be done at this time; it will continue to be a top priority. Captain Terry Shoop, Special Operations discussed the various divisions within the program such as Mounted Patrol, Marine Patrol, Traffic Unit, K-9 Unit, Recruiting Unit and the Crime Free Housing Unit. All resources from each unit are used as best as possible. All units participate in community events and are well accepted by the citizens. Marine Patrol also teaches boater safety courses so far this year seven have been done. The Traffic Unit has been going out to school zones to help monitor the flow of traffic near schools. The latest seizure by Officer Tucker and his canine recovered $4,400 in drug money. Mayor Jackson asked Captain Shoop where the drug seized money goes. He referred to Chief Lovett, who stated it goes through condemnation and once rewarded to the City, goes into the General Fund. City Manager Cutter asked the Chief to expound on what the funds can be and are 2  Summary/Final Minutes – Work Session – September 5, 2013 used for. He stated it would be easier to state what it can’t be used for which is to pay salaries, but it can be used for any type of equipment for the department and there is a process involved. Alderman Sprague asked what the Recruiting Unit does. Captain Shoop replied they attend job fairs, military bases, high schools, colleges and universities, currently working on getting information out on social media networks. Alderman Sprague stated one of the concerns she has is officers coming to the City of Savannah and not staying, she is unsure if that is an issue that Human Resources needs to address or the Police Department. Chief Lovett replied it’s an issue for both departments and because there are many perks that are offered by the City which is one of the reasons officers do not stay. The City offers an education allowance to officers and he believes that is one of the major reasons individuals come to work for the department and leave. He stated they stay for the amount of time their education is lacking and use that to go to another City. Mayor Jackson suggested the City Manager look into that issue and make necessary changes. Alderman Johnson stated there is a significant amount of time and money invested in officers before they go on the streets. He stated the County has a policy in place. If an officer leaves within 2-3 years, they have to reimburse the department for the training. Another issue for law enforcement personnel he has noticed is people come in pass probation and go join the military. Chief Lovett stated the City has a similar policy in place. If an officer leaves within 2 years of receiving training and go to another law enforcement agency, the agency has to reimburse the City for the training and that is a state law. Alderman Thomas asked Chief Lovett if the department has adequate resources to implement Operation Iron Triangle, and will Council and citizens see a significant reduction in crime. Chief Lovett responded he believes some reduction will occur they do not have all necessary resources to see a significant decline. Alderman Thomas thanked him for his honesty and stated citizens and Council needed to hear that. He believes Operation Iron Triangle is a great program and he would like to know how Council can help create a strategy to assist. Chief Lovett responded he’s not saying the department is going to stop arresting people, but feels there has to be another method of enforcement that teaches individuals other than arresting, them such as life skills and job training. City Manager Cutter stated the Public Safety Summit was recently held. During the Summit commitment was made to collaborate on preventive programs and work closely with one another to make a difference. A follow up Summit will be held in late October early November to bring back initiatives on how to move forward as one. Alderman Shabazz thanked the Chief and his staff for coming to the meeting and giving Council an update on the initiatives currently going on. She then asked what the residents can do to help themselves with their property being taken away and the shoplifting that occurs in the areas near the Family Dollar on 52nd and Montgomery Streets and the one on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. 3  Summary/Final Minutes – Work Session – September 5, 2013 Chief Lovett asked Capt. Adams to come up and address the concerns of Alderman Shabazz. He stated her questions are valid, but the stores were placed in neighborhoods where there is a great deal of foot traffic where juveniles and teens, experiencing economical issues, go into the stores and see it as an opportunity to get what they want. The department is using a holistic approach and taking the initiative to find out what makes them want to commit these crimes. Chief Lovett briefly discussed Project CeaseFire which he stated is the most successful project within the department. Since the beginning of 2012, a total of 93 cases were presented for federal prosecution. The U.S. Attorney accepted 41 of those cases, and as a result, 41 of the most serious violent offenders have been removed from the streets for a long time. SPLOST Update (Presentation on file) City Manager Cutter presented a PowerPoint presentation which discussed the Projects by Council Priority. The proposed projects list includes the following: Public Safety (Fire Stations and Police Headquarters, Traffic Control Upgrades, and Public Safety equipment and infrastructure upgrades); Culture & Recreation (Community Centers and Park Upgrades); Economic Growth (Citywide infrastructure Improvements and Corridor Improvements); High Performing Government (Drainage Improvements); and Neighborhood Vitality (Sidewalks). It also included the Proposed SPLOST funding Plan by Council Priority which totals $190M. She stated an agreement was made with the County; if there is any overage in SPLOST revenue (over $385M) the City will receive an additional $15M to help fund the arena. Anything over $410M will be divided among all municipalities which is a projected $5M or a little over for the City of Savannah. City Manager Cutter stated she will challenge Council to give her guidance on how they would like her to proceed after the presentation is complete. Alderman Sprague asked will $120M fund the arena. City Manager Cutter stated once a decision is made on the arena project it will provide a better idea. Further study of the project will tell what the projected cost will be. If it is more than what the City currently has, Council will have to make a decision whether they want to downsize or if they’re willing to issue bonds to cover the additional costs. Alderman Sprague then stated her biggest concern is what happened during the last SPLOST. The public doesn’t understand partial funding, why the arena isn’t completed and why there is no funding for it right now. She believes if Council decides to ask for funding for the arena all of it needs to be asked for. If the arena isn’t built within the next 6 years they will never be able to go to their constituents and ask for it again and the credibility of Council will be lost. City Manager Cutter stated a decision Council will have to make is whether or not they are committed to the project. Alderman Thomas stated he agrees with the concerns of Alderman Sprague and is bothered by not having the statistical data and facts for the arena. He believes the amount will be more than $120M and feels like Council is being rushed to make a decision to go to the County Commission. He commended the City Manager and her staff and everyone involved for a job well done and wants Council to be sure to get all information and a clear understanding of how much it will cost to maintain and operate the arena over the years. 4  Summary/Final Minutes – Work Session – September 5, 2013 Mayor Jackson stated what happened in the past, happened in the past. It came from a recommendation from the previous City Manager and the funds were used for the benefit of the community. Mayor Jackson then stated her word is her bond and as long as she is Mayor of the City of Savannah all monies allocated for the arena will stay in the arena account and draw interest. It will be done because a commitment was made to the citizens and hopes she it’s done during the current administration. Attorney Stillwell stated every project does not have to be voted on at this meeting. The Intergovernmental Agreement must be passed at this meeting to meet the County deadline; if not it will not be on the election ballot. The Intergovernmental Agreement does not specify how much money will be spent on the various projects. What it does state is the City of Savannah will receive $190M of the first $370M based on a percentage (51%) of the revenue. Alderman Thomas stated he understands what the City Attorney is saying but he is concerned about public transparency. He doesn’t want to vote unless he knows exactly what he is voting on. If he votes for the list they have previously received and it gets shuffled around, he will not be pleased. He feels the list should be republished so the public can see where and what their money is going towards and he hopes that’s what Council is stating. City Manager Cutter stated because of what has happened in the past she agreed with Alderman Thomas and feels Council needs to decide on the list of projects, but she encouraged them not to hold up the Intergovernmental Agreement. 2014 Housing and Community Development One Year Action Plan (Presentation on file) Taffanye Young, Bureau Chief introduced Kerri Reid, Director of Community Planning and Development who presented a PowerPoint presentation on the 2014 One-Year Action Plan and Budget Recommendations. The One-Year action plan serves two purposes: identify the eligible activities the City will undertake in the upcoming program year; and identify the City proposed budget for use of annual federal grant awards. Alderman Osborne expressed her concern about infill housing only getting completed in the Savannah Gardens neighborhood and asked if other areas will receive services. Mayor Jackson stated as Council moves forward other areas will get developed throughout the community. City Manager Cutter stated banks are not lending money like they have in the past to complete projects. Alderman Shabazz suggested looking for developers. Alderman Thomas stated he agrees with Alderman Osborne and believes she brings up great points. There isn’t an area or district in the City that doesn’t have citizens that need housing. Council should begin looking to create partnerships to make things happen. Ms. Reid reminded Council of the important upcoming dates for the next steps in the allocation process. Rescheduling of Council meetings for November and December Alderman Sprague met with Clerk of Council, Dyanne Reese to reschedule the Council meetings for the months of November and December. Mrs. Reese reminded Council that changing the meeting of November 14, 2013 to Tuesday, November 19, 2013 due to the National League of 5  Summary/Final Minutes – Work Session – September 5, 2013 Cities runs them directly into the Budget workshop. Council agreed to reschedule the meeting to Tuesday, November 19, 2013. The meeting of November 28, 2013 was rescheduled to Tuesday, November 26, 2013 due to Thanksgiving; and the meeting of December 26, 2013 was rescheduled to Monday, December 23, 2013 due to Christmas. Council agreed on the dates. Council broke for lunch City Manager Stephanie Cutter presented the City Manager’s Briefing of the agenda items for the Council Meeting of September 5, 2013. The agenda is attached and made a part of the permanent record. Mayor Jackson adjourned this meeting. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC, Clerk of Council 6