City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA JULY 24, 2014 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 Dyanne C. Reese, Clerk of Council followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: Mayor Edna Jackson, Presiding Alderman Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council Aldermen Mary Ellen Sprague, Estella Shabazz, Tom Bordeaux and Carol Bell City Manager Stephanie Cutter City Attorney W. Brooks Stillwell Assistant City Attorney William Shearouse ABSENT: Mayor Pro-Tem Van Johnson, II (out of town) Alderman John Hall (out of town) Assistant City Attorney Lester B. Johnson, III MINUTES Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried the Summary/Final minutes of the City Manager’s briefing of July 10, 2014 were approved. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried the Summary/Final minutes of the City Council meeting of July 10, 2014 were approved. Upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Thomas, unanimous approval was given for the Mayor to sign an affidavit and resolution on real estate for an Executive Session held today where no votes were taken. (SEE RESOLUTIONS) PRESENTATIONS Head Coach Reggie Greene of the Ravens baseball team appeared to be recognized for winning the Mite Division (10 and Under Machine Pitch) of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) State Youth Baseball Tournaments. The City of Savannah’s Recreation Services Department hosted the GRPA tournaments July 8-12, 2014. Mr. Greene thanked Council for allowing them to come. He gave a brief history of the team and stated their record is 36-12. This year they finished 4th out of twenty teams. He also thanked the parents of the young men, and all the coaches that assist him with the team. Mayor Jackson asked the parents to stand to be recognized. She commended the parents and coaches for all their hard work. She stated her grandson plays on the team. Council presented the team with City of Savannah lapel pins and made them ambassadors of the City of Savannah stating they can only where the pins when they 1  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 are good. Mayor Jackson stated Council is honored to have James Blackburn, City Attorney Emeritus in Council. He was present representing the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Mr. Blackburn stated he was present with George Fiddler, Engineer Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport who has successfully extended a project with an additional grant of $3.7M which has to be approved by the Airport Commission and the City of Savannah. Mr. Fiddler stated this is for the work completed to expand the airport part of the master plan. The Airport was able to put together the funding to build the improvements. AIP Grant No. 3-13-0100-055-2014 – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission requests authorization to accept Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Offer No. 3-13-0100-55-2014 in the amount of $3,756,562 for the following development: North Aviation Development: Phase VIII-B Construct Taxiway H – Construction Approved upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. Mayor Jackson thanked Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Fiddler for coming. LEGISLATIVE REPORTS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE HEARINGS As advertised, the following alcoholic license petitions were heard. No one appeared in objection to the issuance of these licenses. Steven M. Buckner for The Whitman, LLC t/a The Whitman, requesting a beer and wine (drink) license at 611 Whitaker Street. This location is between W. Huntingdon Street and W. Hall Street in District 2. The applicant plans to operate a rental facility. The location previously operated as a bed and breakfast inn from 1997 until 2000. (Existing business/new request) Recommend approval. The RIP-A (Residential, Medium Density) zoning permits the sale of beer, wine, or alcoholic beverages served by the drink solely to occupants of a hotel and their guests for consumption only on the premises; provided there is no exterior sign of any type advertising or calling attention to the sale of beer, wine or alcoholic beverages on such premises. In addition, last November the “Inn” uses were amended to allow “Assembly Hall” as an accessory use in the RIP-A, RIP-B, RIP-B-1, RIP-C and RIP-D districts with such accessory use limited to no more than six times a year with ending times by 10:00 pm. Bob Vardzel appeared for Mr. Buckner. Alderman Osborne asked Mr. Vardzel if he understood having an alcohol license is a privilege and not a right and comes with certain rules and regulations that he must abide by; if he doesn’t abide by those rules and regulations the license can be revoked; if he promised to comply with those rules and regulations. Mr. Vardzel responded yes to all questions. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. Alderman Osborne moved to approve the license and it was seconded by 2  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. Janine Y. Finn for Lulucakes, LLC t/a Lulucakes, requesting a wine (package) license at 7060 Hodgson Memorial Drive. This location is between Stephenson Avenue and Eisenhower Drive in District 4. The applicant plans to operate a bakery with retail sales. The location previously operated as a bakery from 2005 until 2013. (Existing business/new request) (The applicant has withdrawn the application.) Jay L. Womble for Garrison All Suites GA, LLC t/a Homewood Suites Sav, requesting to transfer a beer and wine (drink) license at 5820 White Bluff Road. This location is between Johnston Street and Lee Boulevard in District 4. The applicant plans to continue to operate as a hotel. (New management/existing business) Alderman Bordeaux asked Mr. Womble if he was correct that this was simply a transfer to him from whoever held the license previously; if he worked at Homewood Suites and what is his position. Mr. Womble replied correct, yes he is the Sales Manager. Alderman Bordeaux also asked if he understood having an alcohol license is a privilege and not a right and comes with certain rules and regulations that he must abide by; if he doesn’t abide by those rules and regulations the license can be revoked; if he promised to comply with those rules and regulations. Mr. Womble responded yes to all questions. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Osborne, and unanimously carried. Alderman Thomas moved to approve the license and it was seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried. Ashley M. Blaine for Blaine Management Company, LLC t/a Cohen’s Retreat, requesting a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license at 5715 Skidaway Road. This location is between Bacon Park Drive and Bonna Bella Avenue in District 3. The applicant plans to operate as a full-service restaurant. The location previously operated as a personal care facility. (New management/request) (The applicant has withdrawn the liquor license application and requests continuing the hearing on the beer and wine license application to August 7, 2014.) Upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried the hearing was continued to August 7, 2014. PETITIONS Betty Roane (Owner of 511 Tattnall Street) and Alan Levin (Owner of 509 Tattnall Street) – Petition 140160, requesting that the City approve vacating and declaring surplus a portion of Gaston Lane, and further granting ownership of the lane to the adjacent property owners. Said portion of Gaston Lane, approximately 21’ wide by 70’ long, runs from Jefferson Street, east to Tattnall Street and between the two petitioners’ properties. The petitioners would like to divide the property equally, and use it for off-street parking adjacent to their homes. The lane is not currently used by City services, however there is an abandoned 24” diameter storm main buried within the lane. This request has been reviewed by Real Property Services, Public Works and Water Resources, Sanitation, Development Services, Fire and Emergency Services, and Police with no objections offered, provided that the petitioners agree to the following: the petitioners shall agree to fill or remove the abandoned 24” storm line in a manner approved by the City’s Stormwater Maintenance Department, they shall verify the existence of any and all non-City utilities that 3  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 may exist within the lane under the City’s franchise agreements, and they shall assume access/easement rights regarding the utilities from the City to their private ownership. The petitioners will be required to provide recombination plats of their existing properties, indicating the addition of the portion of Gaston Lane within their legal descriptions. Upon determination that the lane has been declared surplus to the City’s needs, the property will be offered for sale based on current value. The petitioners will be responsible for any and all costs associated with transfer of the property, surveying work, title work, appraisal, and any other associated expenses necessary to relocate, adjust, or otherwise remove the abandoned storm line and any other utilities. Recommend approval of the request that the City vacate and declare surplus a portion of Gaston Lane in order to sell it to the adjoining property owners, as requested by Betty Roane and Alan Levin through petitions 140160 and 140175 respectively, subject to the conditions noted. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. Joshua Beckler of Coastal Canvas (Applicant), on behalf of News Place Developers, LLC (Property Owner) – Petition 140199, requesting that the City allow encroachment within the W. Bryan Street right-of-way for the installation of a metal canopy over the sidewalk. The subject property is addressed as 100 W. Bryan Street; located more specifically on the north side of Bryan Street between Barnard and Whitaker Streets. The aluminum canopy as designed is approximately 11’-4” wide x 12” high, projecting 6’-4” from the building facade and will provide approximately 10’-0” of vertical clearance above the sidewalk. This canopy is designed in a similar size and fashion to other canopies lining the north side of the 100 Block of W. Bryan Street. This request has been reviewed by Real Property Services, Public Works and Water Resources, and Development Services with no objections offered. Approval is subject to the property owner: 1) entering into the City’s standard Revocable License Encroachment Agreement, 2) obtaining all applicable building permits, and 3) receiving a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Board of Review. Recommend approval to allow encroachment within the W. Bryan Street right-of-way for the installation of a metal canopy over the sidewalk as requested by Joshua Beckler through Petition 140199, subject to the conditions noted. Alderman Osborne asked City Manager Cutter with the high winds associated with the weather will a metal awning create a liability for the City of Savannah if someone were injured. City Manager Cutter stated the awning will have to go through the permitting process to make sure it meets the standards and the property owner will be held responsible for any liability. City Attorney Stillwell stated there is a document the property owner has to sign which is recorded and they agree to assume all liability connected with the encroachment and indemnify the City against anything that may happen. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. 4  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 Stephen Friedman of Hallex Holdings LLC – Petition 140226, requesting that the City declare surplus the property located at 102 Jim Benton Court, in order that it may be available for sale to the public. The property is more specifically located at the corner of Benton Boulevard and Jim Benton Court, and known as “Lot A Benton Business Park” (PIN 2-1016-02-069). It was purchased by the City in August of 2007 for $545,000 for a potential fire station site; however, due to changes in flood mapping and standards for emergency services response time the site is no longer suitable for its original intended use. The parcel is a total of 3.3 acres, partially composed of wetlands, and within an “AE” designation on the flood maps. Mr. Friedman is interested in acquiring this property, as it was his father, Ernie Friedman, who originally sold the property to the City. The surrounding properties in the business park are still in the Friedman name, and Stephen Friedman has an interest in the development of the business park as a whole. This request has been reviewed by Real Property Services, Public Works and Water Resources, Sanitation, Development Services, Fire and Emergency Services, and Police. It is noted that water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer lines exist along Benton Boulevard and Jim Benton Court. Easements shall be retained on subject property that provides for not less than ten (10) feet from the edge of any utility to subject property to be conveyed. These public utilities will be field located and verified at no cost to the City and the petitioner must agree to provide said easements for the existing utilities. Upon determination that the property has been declared surplus to the City’s needs, the property will be offered for sale through request for proposals, based on the current appraised value. Recommend approval of the request that the City declare surplus the property located at 102 Jim Benton Court, and offer it for sale to the public as requested by Stephen Friedman through Petition 140226, subject to the conditions noted. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. Kevin Finley of Morley Investment Group, LLC (Applicant and Property Owner) – Petition 140248, requesting that the City allow encroachment within the Casey Canal right-of- way for a paved curb cut and driveway apron. The subject property is addressed as 1800 E. Victory Drive; located more specifically on the north side of E. Victory, and to the west of the Truman Parkway exit ramp (at Victory Drive). The paved curb cut and driveway apron is an existing condition at the northeast corner of the property. The property recently sold to be redeveloped, and as there is no record of the encroachment; staff is treating this as a new request. The paved curb cut and apron was installed to allow trucks accessing the rear of the building to make their turn radius around the back corner. The petitioner notes that it is cost prohibitive to plan modifications to the existing building, and instead requests approval for the paved curb cut and apron to remain. The portion of paved area with the right-of-way is approximately 6.14’ deep x 75’ long and equaling a total of 468 square feet. This request has been reviewed by Real Property Services, Public Works and Water Resources, and Development Services with no objections offered. Approval however is subject to the property owner: 1) entering into the City’s standard Revocable License Encroachment Agreement, 2) obtaining all applicable permits, and 3) providing fencing outside of, but within three (3) feet of the back of the curb, connected to the existing fencing at each end of existing 5  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 paved curb cut and apron. Said new fencing shall include a double gate to provide for a clear opening of not less than twelve (12) feet. Recommend approval to allow encroachment within the Casey Canal right-of-way for a paved curb cut and driveway apron as requested by Kevin Finley through Petition 140248, subject to the conditions noted. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. ORDINANCES SECOND READING Ordinance read for the first time in Council July 10, 2014, then read a second time in Council July 24, 2014, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SEC. 8-3028(D), VICTORIAN PLANNED NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT, TO PERMIT USE 6, INNS (NOT TO EXCEED 5 BEDROOMS) IN THE 1-R ZONING DISTRICT AS A USE REQUIRING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS APPROVAL WITH CERTAIN CONDITIONS. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 8-3028(d) PERTAINING TO DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR DISTRICTS WITHIN THE VICTORIAN DISTRICT; 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 in regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: That Section 8-3028(d) of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), hereinafter referenced as "Code", be amended as follows: DELETE List of Uses 1-R 2-R 3-R 1-B 2-B 3-B (6) Inns or apartment hotel (not to - B B B X X exceed 15 units) 6  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 ENACT Sec. 8-3028(d) Victorian District Permitted Uses 1-R 2-R 3-R 1-B 2-B 3-B (6) Inns (not to exceed 5 bedrooms) In the 1-R district, the following conditions shall apply: a. The rental of individual bedrooms within a dwelling unit shall be restricted to an owner- occupied one-family detached dwelling which may include use of a garage apartment dwelling if located on the same lot. No more than five (5) bedrooms shall be rented. b. The rental of an entire dwelling structure for B B B B X X less than 30 days shall be limited to a one- family detached dwelling or a garage apartment dwelling if located on the same lot as the one-family dwelling. In the case that both dwelling types exist on the same lot, only one dwelling is permitted to be rented. c. Use of the rented dwelling unit and its premises for assembly activities, such as meetings and receptions that would include non-lodged guests is not permitted. SECTION 2: That the requirements 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 2nd day of May, 2014, 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: July 24, 2014. 7  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 ORDINANCES FIRST AND SECOND READINGS Ordinance read for the first time in Council July 24, 2014, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE 215 W. LIBERTY STREET FROM R-I-P-A (RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY) TO R-I-P-B (RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY). AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM ITS PRESENT R-I-P-A ZONING CLASSIFICATION TO A R-I-P-B 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 regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: The following described property be rezoned from its present R-I-P-A zoning classification to a R-I-P-B zoning classification: BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION Commencing from a point [ X: 987614.203211 Y: 756493.486331], located at the approximate intersection of the centerlines of West Liberty Street and Tattnall Street, and proceeding in a Southeasterly direction [S 74-18-32 E] along the approximate centerline of West Liberty Street for an approximate distance of 62.64 Ft. to a point, said point being, THE POINT OF BEGINNING thence continuing from said point, in a Southeasterly direction [S 74-18-32 E] along the approximate centerline of West Liberty Street for an approximate distance of 100.94 Ft. to a point thence proceeding in a Southwesterly direction [S 15-48-46 W] along a line for an approximate distance of 146.90 Ft. to a point, said point being located on the approximate centerline of West Liberty Lane, thence proceeding in a Northwesterly direction [N 73-36-15 W] along the approximate centerline of West Liberty Lane for approximately 101.24 Ft. to a point, thence proceeding in a Northeasterly direction [N 15-55-42 E] along a line for an approximate distance of 145.65 Ft. to a point, [ X: 987614.203211 Y: 756493.486331],said point being, THE POINT OF BEGINNING. 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 8  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 zoning amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News, on the 13th day of June, 2014, 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: July 24, 2014. Ordinance read for the first time in Council July 24, 2014, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried. AN ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT PARKING ALONG TATTNALL STREET BETWEEN W. HALL STREET AND W. GWINNETT STREET. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 219 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-1091 OF SAID CODE TO PROVIDE THAT THE STREET NAMED HEREIN SHALL PROHIBIT STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING AT ALL TIMES; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: That Appendix I, Section 219 of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), pertaining to Section 7-1091 of said Code, as amended, shall be amended by adding thereto the following: AMEND SECTION 219: STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES TO INCLUDE TATTNALL STREET On both sides of Tattnall Street between Hall Street and West Gwinnett Street. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed ADOPTED AND APPROVED: July 24, 2014. Ordinance read for the first time in Council July 24, 2014, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried. 9  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY CODE TO ADD TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS TO CONTROL ALL TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION OF E. 65TH STREET AND WATERS AVENUE, AND TO REMOVE THE PEDESTRIAN ACTUATED CROSSWALK TRAFFIC SIGNALS FROM THE INTERSECTION. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 203 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-1009(e) OF SAID CODE, PEDESTRIAN-ACTUATED CROSSWALK TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES: BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: That Appendix I, Section 203 of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), pertaining to Section 7-1009(e) of said Code, be amended as follows: AMEND SECTION 203: PEDESTRIAN-ACTUATED CROSSWALK TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS DELETE Waters Avenue at East 65th Street. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: July 24, 2014. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 201 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-1009(a) OF SAID CODE, TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS; 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: 10  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 SECTION 1: That Appendix I, Section 201 of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), pertaining to Section 7-1009(a) of said Code, as amended, shall be amended by adding thereto the following: ENACT Intersection of East 65th Street and Waters Avenue. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: July 24, 2014. Alderman Sprague stated she noticed this was already going up however; Council is approving it today and also stated a memorandum was sent to Council listing other signals Council never voted on and asked for clarification. City Manager Cutter referred to Peter Shonka, Assistant City Manager who stated he will check on it and report back to Council. He stated he will follow up with Traffic Engineering they try to keep up but some have slipped through he will investigate. Alderman Shabazz stated the letter references code changes and amendments to traffic signals. Mr. Shonka stated they add the lights to the traffic codes. Alderman Sprague stated she doesn’t know if Council voted on the signal at Bull and 63rd Streets and stated she was a little surprised. She asked is it the practice when adding signals it comes before Council for approval. Mr. Shonka stated they have to amend the code it’s not so much that Council has to approve the signal as they have to amend the code so the traffic laws associated with that signal can be enforced. Alderman Sprague asked what if Council would have decided they didn’t want that particular signal, it would be too late as it was already being put up before Council voted on it. Mr. Shonka replied he thinks they have a very good process in place now and stated he is unsure of the one in question today but he will get clarification on it and report back to Council. He stated it’s a very expensive process and difficult to get funded and unless there is traffic which warrants it to go up he is unaware of any going up without coming before Council. Alderman Osborne asked Mr. Shonka is she correct in stating when the Department of Transportation (DOT) decides they are going to put a light up they don’t have to come before Council. Mr. Shonka replied if it is on the DOT right of way that is correct. She stated the point she is trying to make is that they don’t all come before Council. City Manager Cutter stated she wanted to remind Council that oftentimes this may be clean up because the Traffic Engineer has been out due to illness. Staff has been filling in for him while he was out and Council may see some things coming in after the fact but the Aldermen are always kept in the loop as to what’s going on in the district. RESOLUTIONS A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION. BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows: 11  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 At the meeting held on the 24th day of July, 2014 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing real estate. At the close of the discussions upon this subject, the Council reentered into open session and herewith takes the following action in open session: 1. The actions of Council and the discussions of the same regarding the matter set forth for the closed session purposes are hereby ratified; 2. Each member of this body does hereby confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge, the subject matter of the closed session was devoted to matters within the specific relevant exception(s) as set forth above; 3. The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17 4. The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute. Georgia Power Company is requesting an easement across City property at 1205 Bradley Boulevard to provide electrical service to the Bradley Point Fire Station. The easement will provide the right to install underground wiring for the Fire Station which is under construction. The easement request has been reviewed and processed by Real Property Services based on consultation with Fire and Emergency Services, Public Works and Water Resources, and Development Services; all of which recommended approval. The easement document will be submitted to the City Attorney for review and approval. Recommend approval of the request of Georgia Power for the granting of an easement across the City property located at 1205 Bradley Boulevard for the purpose of installing electrical service to the building, and approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign the final easement document. Alderman Thomas stated this is in the harshly fought out 5th and 6th Districts. Alderman Shabazz stated the Fire Station will be opening at the end of the year. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CONVEYANCE OF AN EASEMENT TO GEORGIA POWER COMPANY ON AND ACROSS CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1205 BRADLEY BOULEVARD, PIN 2-1030 -01-005, FOR THE BRADLEY POINTE FIRE STATION AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE EASEMENT DOCUMENTS. WHEREAS, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah are authorized by Georgia law to grant easements across municipal property for the benefit of the public; and WHEREAS, an easement has been requested by the Georgia Power Company for the installation of underground electrical services to serve the Bradley Point Fire Station, currently under construction; enhancing public safety services in the area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah in regular meeting of City Council, granting of said easement is approved and authorization is hereby granted for the City Manager to execute the easement document in 12  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 conformance with this Resolution. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 24th day of July 2014. Shelter Plus Care Program. The grant provides for $40,219 in project sponsor administrative expenses and $596,520 for tenant-based rental subsidies and supportive services which addresses both the residential and treatment needs of the homeless substance abuse and disabled population. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AND UNION MISSION, INC. FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $636,739 TO IMPLEMENT THE SHELTER PLUS CARE PROGRAM. WHEREAS the City of Savannah received $636,739 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Shelter Plus Care program funds to implement supportive housing programs; WHEREAS Union Mission, Inc. is a nonprofit organization who proposes to provide housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless persons with disabilities, and their families who are living in places not intended for human habitation; WHEREAS it is necessary for the City Council to authorize the execution of an agreement for federal assistance from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); WHEREAS it is also necessary for the City Council to authorize an agreement between the City of Savannah and Union Mission for federal assistance, in the amount of $636,739 to implement the supportive housing program known as the Shelter Plus Care Program (54 Unit). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, hereby resolve and authorize Stephanie S. Cutter, City Manager, to execute the grant agreements with HUD and Union Mission, Inc. for the delivery of the Shelter Plus Care supportive housing program. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: July 24, 2014 MISCELLANEOUS Reschedule Three 2014 Council Meetings. Reschedule the November 13 meeting to Monday, November 10; the November 27 meeting to Tuesday, November 25; and the December 25 meeting to Tuesday, December 23. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried. 13  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REPORTS Parking Prohibition on West Side of Laurel Street and South Side of Alton Street. Traffic Engineering has observed that when trucks unload on Laurel Street or cars double park, the street is essentially closed to traffic because vehicles cannot pass. With the proposed development of a new hotel at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and W. Oglethorpe Avenue, and the additional traffic anticipated on both Laurel and Alton streets, parking needs to be prohibited on both streets due to their narrow width. The new hotel, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, will have driveways to Alton Street and taxi and limousine services will use Alton Street to pick up and drop off passengers. Eliminating parking on both streets will improve access for hotel- oriented traffic and emergency vehicles while at the same time providing room for dumpsters and loading/unloading operations on Laurel Street. In order to provide proper traffic circulation and emergency vehicle access, Traffic Engineering is recommending that parking be prohibited along the west side of Laurel Street from Zubley Street to Alton Street, and along the south side of Alton Street from Laurel Street to Ann Street. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. Ordinance to cover will be drawn up for presentation at the next meeting of Council. White Bluff Road at Truman Parkway – Prohibit U-Turns. As a result of the citizen concerns, Traffic Engineering has investigated turning movements on White Bluff Road at the intersection of the Truman Parkway exit ramp/Abercorn -White Bluff Connector. Drivers southbound on White Bluff are making U-turns from the through lane on the northern side of the Truman Parkway interchange. Because the exit ramp from the Truman Parkway is for westbound traffic only, there is neither a left-turn lane nor a protected left-turn traffic signal phase. Drivers making U-turns at this intersection violate the expectations of other motorists, leading to near-miss situations. There is a left-turn lane accompanied by a protected left-turn traffic signal phase on the south side of the interchange, at the eastbound entrance ramp to the parkway. Traffic Engineering recommends the prohibition of U-turns for southbound traffic on White Bluff Road at the intersection of the westbound Truman Parkway exit ramp/Abercorn-White Bluff Connector. In order for the prohibition to be enforceable, the City Code of Ordinances must be updated to reflect the change. Recommend that U-turns be prohibited for southbound traffic on White Bluff Road at the White Bluff-Abercorn Connector. Alderman Thomas stated he is happy to see this happening because he travels down the road daily and always sees near misses in that intersection. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. Ordinance to cover will be drawn up for presentation at the next meeting of Council. City Manager Cutter introduced Jennifer Larson, Acting Purchasing Director to Council. 14  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved per the City Manager’s recommendations: Emergency Pump and Generator Rental – Annual Contract – Event No. 2286. Recommend approval for an annual contract for the emergency rental of pumps and generators to Cummins Power South in the amount of $81,292.12. This recommendation includes 60 KW portable generator rentals, 100 KW portable generator rentals and transportation costs. The lowest bidder, United Rental, was not selected because they did not meet the insurance requirements. The generator rentals will be used by various city departments in case of emergencies such as power outages or storms to augment city equipment. The pump rentals will be re-bid due to vendors not meeting the insurance requirements. This bid was advertised, opened and reviewed. The bidders were: L.B. Cummins Power South (Savannah, GA) (B) $ 81,292.12 United Rental (D) $ 51,026.00 Sunbelt Rental (D) $ 115,705.76 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Water and Sewer Fund/Lift Station Maintenance/Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 521-2552-51250). A Pre-Bid Conference was conducted and seven vendors attended. (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business, (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Tree Pruning – Annual Contract – Event No. 2289. Recommend approval to award an annual contract for tree pruning to McAllister Tree Service in the estimated amount of $100,000.00. This service will be used for various street tree maintenance needed throughout the City. Bidders were pre-qualified based upon the following criteria: company qualifications and experience, staff that includes a certified arborist, references, proper insurance and necessary equipment. McAllister Tree Service is an addition to the pre-qualified list of tree pruners which already includes Bartlett Tree Experts and McKinnon, Inc. This event is on-going and does not have a closing date. Other vendors may submit proposals throughout the year to be added to the list of pre-qualified vendors. This bid has been advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidders were: L.B. McAllister Tree Service (Cornelia, GA) (D) Bartlett Tree Experts (D) McKinnon, Inc. (D) 15  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, General Fund/Park & Tree/Other Contractual Services (Account No. 101-6122-51295). (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Tompkins Community Center – Event No. 2325. Recommend approval to award a contract for design services for the Tompkins Community Center additions to Kern & Co., LLC in the amount of $154,000.00. The project includes renovations and an addition to the Tompkins Community Center. The design will include demolition of approximately 4,000 square feet of the building, an addition of approximately 7,300 square feet, finish updates to the existing gymnasium, and site improvements. The consultant will provide design services and construction administration from schematic design through construction administration and project close-out. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal (RFP) which evaluates other criteria in addition to fees. The criteria evaluated for this RFP were qualifications and experience, methodology, references, M/WBE participation and fees. Three proposals were received and initially evaluated against the minimum qualification requirements. Two proposals were considered qualified and were further evaluated. It is recommended that the contract be awarded to the highest scoring firm. The project includes a Minority and Woman Business Enterprise (M/WBE) total goal of 4% -- 2% MBE and 2% WBE, respectively. Based on the proposed schedule of M/WBE participation submitted by the recommended proposer, the overall M/WBE participation will be 9% with 6% MBE utilizing Sykes Consulting Inc. (Savannah, GA) and 3% WBE utilizing Collins Construction Services, Inc. (Thunderbolt, GA). *Experience includes 5 points for local participation. Proposals were received June 10, 2014. The RFP was advertised, opened and evaluated. Delivery: 6 Months. Terms: Net 30 Days. The proposers were: B.P. Kern & Co., LLC (Savannah, GA) (B) $ 154,000.00 Epstein Group, Inc. (F) $ 340,000.00 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Tompkins Center Renovation and Expansion (Account No. 311-9207-52842-PB0842). A Pre-Bid Conference was conducted and five vendors attended. (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business; (F)Indicates non-local, woman owned business. Recommend approval. Security for City Lot – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 2347. Recommend approval to renew an annual contract for security services to AP Security in the amount of $163,375.00. The services will be used to provide security at the City Lot at 706 Stiles Avenue. The services include two guards to cover two posts on Monday through Friday between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and 24 hours per day on Saturdays, Sundays, and City holidays. This is the first of two renewal options available. 16  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 Bids were originally received 1/29/2013. The bid was advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidders were: L.B. AP Security (Savannah, GA) (B) $ 163,375.00 Norred & Associates (D) $ 164,500.00 Saber Security (E) $ 169,750.00 Vescom (D) $ 176,937.35 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, General Fund/Customer & Employee Service Center/Professional Purchased Services (Account No. 101-2111-51241). A Pre-Bid Meeting was not conducted as this an annual contract renewal. (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business, (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business, (E)Indicates local, woman- owned business. Recommend approval. Small Sedans – Event No. 2424. Recommend approval to procure five small sedans from J.C. Lewis Ford in the amount of $72,550.00. The small sedans will be utilized by Utility Services, Development Services, Community Services, and the Citizens Office to replace units which are no longer economical to repair. J.C. Lewis Ford, whose original bid was $73,315.00, has agreed to match the low bidder's price because it is within the 2% local preference threshold. This bid was advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: August 25, 2014. Terms: Net-30 Days. The bidders were: L.B. J.C. Lewis Ford (Savannah, GA) (B) $ 72,550.00 Family Ford (D) $ 72,550.00 Wade Ford (D) $ 73,325.00 OC Welch Ford Lincoln (D) $ 77,074.60 Alan Vigil Ford (D) $ 77,585.00 Dan Vaden Chevrolet (B) $ 80,100.00 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Vehicle Purchases/Vehicular Equipment (613-9230- 51515). A Pre-Bid Conference was conducted and zero attended. (B)Indicates local, non- minority owned business. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Parts to Repair and Rebuild Centrifuge – Event No. 2456. Recommend approval to procure parts and labor to rebuild the centrifuge at the I&D water plant from GEA Westfalia Separator in the amount of $38,553.17. The reason for the sole source is that this company is the only known supplier of these items. The I & D Plant’s centrifuge is used for dewatering of sludge from the plant’s treatment processes, which consists of raw water coagulation, sedimentation and filtration. Sludge is generated and removed from the process and the centrifuge dewaters the sludge for hauling and disposal at the landfill. As such, the centrifuge is an integral part of the treatment process. 17  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 The bidder was: S.S. GEA Westfalia Separator (Northvale, NJ) (D) $ 38,553.17 Funds are available in the 2014 budget, I & D Water Fund-Operating/I&D Water Operation/Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 531-2581-51250). A Pre-Bid Conference was not conducted as this is a sole source procurement. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Fleet Management Software Renewal – Event No. 2467. Recommend approval to procure an annual software maintenance agreement renewal from Assetworks in the amount of $27,708.50. The annual software maintenance agreement renewal will be utilized by Vehicle Maintenance to provide uninterrupted software maintenance coverage for the department's fleet management software. The reason for the sole source is that maintenance is only available from the software publisher. Delivery: As Requested. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidder was: S.S. Assetworks (Dallas, TX) (D) $ 27,708.50 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Fleet Management/Data Processing Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 611-1131-51251). A Pre-Bid Conference was not conducted as this is a sole source procurement. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. The following announcements were made: Mayor Jackson stated Aldermen Johnson and Hall were out of town attending a Board Meeting as a part of the City of Savannah’s involvement with the National League of Cities. She also invited all prime contractors in Savannah to a special meeting which will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2014 in the Bryan Room of the Savannah Civic Center at 6 p.m. The meeting will give the contractors an opportunity to learn and ask questions about doing business with the City, changes to the Minority-and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program, as well as expectations regarding performance. This meeting with prime contractors follows two previous meetings on the same topic held earlier this year for MWBE subcontractors. It’s part of a broader effort to revamp the City’s MWBE process and increase the City’s outreach, education and communication with those wishing to do business with the City of Savannah. Alderman Osborne announced the District 2 Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 622 East 37th Street at 6:00 p.m. she stated it will be very interesting and informative. City Manager Cutter will be there with updates on the Waters Avenue Revitalization; John Sawyer will be there to discuss the drainage project and responses will be given to the questions from the Ask an Alderman event held last month. She also announced upon completion of the drainage project there will be a celebratory party in Baldwin Park. 18  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 24, 2014 Alderman Thomas announced the Coffee Bluff Marina will have the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. it is a great new addition to the City of Savannah’s Park system and the only municipal marina in the state of Georgia. Alderman Thomas asked for a point of personal privilege and stated the elections are behind us. Local Congressman Jack Kingston did not win his desire to serve in the U.S. Senate but wanted to personally thank Mr. Kingston for 22 years of service to the 1st District and especially City of Savannah. He has helped and benefited the citiz3ens of the City and 22 years of service should be noted. Mayor Jackson thanked Alderman Thomas for reminding Council of that and stated on several occasions they have had to speak with Mr. Kingston and she also wanted to thank him for the service he rendered to the City of Savannah. Mayor Jackson asked Carliss Bates to announce the sessions the City of Savannah is planning. Ms. Bates stated currently there are two Youth Initiatives with the Mayor’s Office. The first one is Grad Nation Summit Initiative which is part of America’s Promise. They will give various local communities a grant to focus on trying to increase the graduation rate within their community. The Mayor has signed on and the City of Savannah will be hosting an event on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at the Savannah Civic Center from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. the event will be similar to the Youth Summit held last year. She stated the focus will be on the middle school students in grades 6-8. The City of Savannah will receive $15,000 from America’s Promise and the City of Savannah will have to match it with $10,000 in kind. The second initiative is through the National League of Cities who has partnered with the U.S. Department of Education. The Mayor has decided to focus on after school initiatives in Savannah. A community conversation will be held with local business leaders, neighborhood leaders, and faith based organizations to come together to focus on how to improve the current after school initiatives in Savannah. That event will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. Alderman Osborne stated she isn’t laying the burden solely on the shoulders of Eric Curl, Savannah Morning News but it was very unfortunate that no news media was in attendance at the State of the School System address. She stated she would like to encourage him to meet with Dr. Lockamy to get the handout because it is worthy to be in the papers. She continued stating bad news is reported but the good news doesn’t make the headlines. Alderman Bell volunteered on behalf of the Council to utilize them as participants versus observers. She stated she’s sure they will be there and don’t mind helping. Mayor Jackson also stated organizations throughout the community should volunteer to assist as well. Alderman Shabazz asked Ms. Bates for the time of the event on Tuesday, September 16. Ms. Bates stated they are still working on the details for the event as some representatives from the U.S. Department of Education will be coming. Ms. Bates thanked Council for volunteering to assist with the events and stated as more details are finalized she will keep them informed. Mayor Jackson stated Reverend Gertrude Mitchell is heading this initiative on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education. There being no further business, Mayor Jackson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council 19