City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA AUGUST 7, 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 Pastor Barbara Hebron, Savannah Christian Revival Center followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: Mayor Edna Jackson, Presiding Mayor Pro-Tem Van Johnson, II (left 3:40 p.m. returned 5:15 p.m.) Alderman Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council Aldermen Mary Ellen Sprague, Estella Shabazz, Tom Bordeaux John Hall and Carol Bell City Manager Stephanie Cutter City Attorney W. Brooks Stillwell Assistant City Attorney William Shearouse ABSENT: Assistant City Attorney Lester B. Johnson, III MINUTES Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Osborne, and unanimously carried the Summary/Final minutes of the City Manager’s briefing of July 24, 2014 were approved. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Osborne, and unanimously carried the Summary/Final minutes of the City Council meeting of July 24, 2014 were approved. Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, 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 Barbara Foley, Outreach Director for the Coastal Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America, appeared to make several announcements. Ms. Foley introduced Matt Spencer and Fran Gilbert with Troop 47 in Savannah. She stated today is the kickoff of the Popcorn fundraiser the money is used to help the boys in scouting rank up to eagle scout and earn merit badges which also helps them rank up to eagle scout. Mr. Spencer stated Mayor Jackson is the first person to donate towards the fundraiser and thanked her for her support. He stated last year they earned over $200,000 and hopes to double the amount this year. He informed Council of another fundraiser they have called “Over the Edge” where people are being thrown over the edge of the Manger Building to raise funds for the Boy Scouts in the area and at-risk youth throughout Coastal Georgia Council. The event will take place October 31, 2014. 1  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Lisa Grove, Director/Chief Executive Officer of Telfair Museums, appeared to inform Council of the programs held at the Telfair Museum that many people don’t hear or know about. Each year the museum serves over 25,000 youth with free programming such as free family days which are held the first Saturday of each month. In addition, 140 separate outreach sessions are held to 57 different sites such as the parks and playgrounds throughout the community. She invited Council to the VIP reception for the opening celebration of artist Whitfield Lovell’s Deep River exhibition at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14. Ms. Grove stated the program is free and open to the public. The exhibition will be up for 6 months. Mayor Jackson thanked Ms. Grove for introducing the programs at the Telfair Museum that the community is unaware of. She encouraged everyone to go out and participate. Amanda Hollowell, Education Specialist with LifeLink of Georgia, appeared to invite the public to Music for Life, a free concert in Forsyth Park on Saturday, August 16, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mayor Jackson encouraged everyone to attend the event. Alderman Bell introduced two young ladies visiting Council Courtney and Lauren Williamson from Dallas, TX. Mayor Jackson welcomed the young ladies and stated Council likes young people to attend the meetings to see how local government operates as they are our future. 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. Rajesh Patel for NITU Management, LLC t/a Parkway Shell, requesting to transfer a beer and wine (package) license at 4 Park of Commerce Boulevard from Dharmendra Patel. This location is between Chatham Parkway and Park of Commerce Way in District 1. The applicant plans to continue to operate as a convenience store. (New management/existing business) Recommend approval. Alderman Johnson asked Mr. Patel 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. Patel responded yes to all questions. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried. Alderman Johnson moved to approve the license and it was seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried. Adam Exas for Low Country Nightlife Group, Corp. t/a Murphy’s Law Irish Pub, requesting to transfer a liquor, beer and wine (drink) license at 307 W. River Street from Deborah Carroll. This location is between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Barnard Street Ramp in District 1. The applicant plans to continue to operate as a bar/lounge. (New management/existing business) Recommend approval. Alderman Johnson asked Mr. Exas 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. Exas responded yes to all questions. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by 2  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried. Alderman Johnson moved to approve the license and it was seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried. John P. Collins for JP & LC Collins, LLC t/a The Roastery Café, requesting a beer and wine (drink) license with Sunday sales at 215 W. Liberty Street. This location is between Tattnall Street and Barnard Street in District 2. The applicant plans to operate as a coffee shop. (Existing business/new request) Recommend approval. Alderman Osborne asked Mr. Collins 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. Collins responded yes to all questions. Alderman Bordeaux asked Mr. Collins if he was currently operating as a coffee shop and was requesting the license to expand sales to beer and wine. Mr. Collins replied correct. Alderman Bordeaux asked Mr. Collins if they sell something other than coffee. Mr. Collins replied yes, they sell pastries, quiche, sandwiches, soups and salads. Alderman Bordeaux asked Mr. Collins if the majority of the sales would be in food versus coffee. Mr. Collins replied yes food and coffee would be primary beer and wine would round things off. Alderman Hall stated Mr. Collins took the old store and turned it into a very nice upscale establishment. 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 Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. Ashley M. Blaine for Blaine Management Company, LLC t/a Cohen’s Retreat, requesting a 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 (Continued from July 24, 2014). The applicant has requested continuing the hearing to August 21, 2014. Alderman Johnson moved to approve the continuance to August 21, 2014 and it was seconded by Alderman Bordeaux and unanimously carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS Adoption of the 2014 Millage Rate. This is the last of three public hearings that must be held prior to the adoption of the 2014 millage rate. The proposed millage rate of 12.48 mills on the dollar or $12.48 per $1,000 in assessed value, which is the same as last year’s rate, is higher than the rollback rate of 12.178 mills. When the proposed rate is higher than the rollback rate, the levying authority must notify the public that taxes are being increased and hold three public hearings. City Manager Cutter stated she wanted to reiterate that the millage rate for the City of Savannah 12.48 is the same millage rate adopted within the 2014 budget and is the same as 2013. Mayor Jackson stated she thinks that is important because the public was under the impression the millage rate was being raised. Approved per the City Manager’s recommendation upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. ZONING HEARINGS Jan Fox, Agent (MPC File No. 14-002209-CPA), requesting an amendment to the Future Land Use Map to change 199-201 East Lathrop Avenue from the Residential Single Family 3  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 classification to the Commercial Neighborhood classification. The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) recommends approval. The current classification is inconsistent with the type of uses that have existed at the site over the years and inconsistent with City Council’s recent rezoning of the property from R-4 (Four-Family Residential) to O-I (Office Institutional). The recent rezoning and the requested Land Use Map Amendment will allow renovating the existing structure to accommodate an office use. Recommend approval. Marcus Lotson, MPC stated this property was rezoned on July 10, 2014 to the O-I zoning classification and it is being requested today that the Future Land Use Map be changed as well. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. Approved per the City Manager’s recommendation upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried. Harold Yellin, Agent (MPC File No. 14-002980-ZA), requesting to rezone 660 E. Broughton Street; 10 E. Broad Street and 88 Randolph Street from the RIP-B (Residential Institution Professional) and I-L (Light Industrial) zoning classification to an R-B-C (Residential Business Conservation) zoning classification. The MPC recommends approval of the request to rezone 660 E. Broughton Street, 10 East Broad Street and 88 Randolph Street from an RIP-B and I-L classification to an R-B-C classification. The proposed zoning is consistent with the Tricentennial Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map, which designates these properties as Traditional Commercial and Downtown Expansion. The requested R-B-C zoning classification is an urban district that allows for commercial and noncommercial uses to exist cohesively. The existing I-L zoning, in particular, is no longer compatible with the area and is not an appropriate classification for the Randolph Street property if it were to redevelop. In consideration of the existing R-B-C zoning on the east and south sides of the subject properties, a rezoning to that district for the subject properties would allow the development pattern to be extended in this portion of the Landmark District. Recommend approval. Alderman Sprague asked if this request was related to another on the agenda. Mr. Lotson replied yes, the petitioner is requesting to rezone the properties and upon approval requesting to add a use. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried. Approved per the City Manager’s recommendation upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried. Ordinance to cover will be drawn up for presentation at the next meeting of Council. Harold Yellin, Agent (MPC File No. 14-002983-ZA), requesting a text amendment to Section 8-3025(b) to add amphitheater to the list of examples of Cultural Facilities in Use 19 with conditions. The MPC recommends approval of the request to add amphitheater to the list of examples of Cultural Facilities in Use 19 with conditions. Currently there is no reference to amphitheater as a use in the Savannah Zoning Ordinance. Although there are examples of similar uses in the city, they are civic in nature and not private developments. The MPC finds it appropriate to amend Use 19 of the Zoning Ordinance to add amphitheater as an example of a cultural facility with the condition that a site development plan be submitted and approved prior to the establishment of the use. Recommend approval. Alderman Thomas asked with the addition of an amphitheater would there be an addition of parking requirements. Mr. Lotson replied yes the parking requirements as it is the case in a number of uses within the zoning ordinance will be determined by the Zoning Administrator at the time a plan is brought forth, therefore the establishment of the parking will be done in conjunction with the specific development plan. 4  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Alderman Thomas asked is there an idea of the seating capacity of the amphitheater being requested. Mr. Lotson replied currently there is no site plan for an amphitheater at this time this is just an attempt to establish it as a use in the event it comes forth in the future with a proposed development. Alderman Thomas stated the reason he asked the question is because if someone builds an amphitheater to hold thousands of people there would be a potential need for parking for thousands of cars in that area. With parking already very limited in some areas of downtown he wanted to ensure that if a big development of such wee to come to the area there would be ample parking that does not infringe on the neighbors that live around that area and also any public safety needs that would be needed to get vehicles through. Alderman Osborne asked Mr. Lotson if plans for an amphitheater were to come forth they would have to go before the MPC with a site plan and at that time capacity can be discussed. Mr. Lotson replied that is correct if the site plan comes forward in the future the applicant would have to meet all associated development standards prior to the use being established. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried. Approved per the City Manager’s recommendation upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. Ordinance to cover will be drawn up for presentation at the next meeting of Council. Harold Yellin, Agent, SRD, LLC d/b/a The Kessler Corporation, Petitioner 200-500 River Street (MPC File No. 14-002976-ZA), requesting approval of the request as submitted to amend the Historic District Height Map referenced in Section 8-3030(n)(2), Historic District, Design Standards, Height, to modify the height zones in the northwest quadrant of the Historic District. The MPC recommends approval. Recommend approval. Attorney Stillwell stated there was some litigation that arose in reference to this matter one of which was that he had not been advertised correctly because it was a map amendment instead of a text amendment. In the opinion of the legal department and the MPC staff the text amendment was the correct way to handle it but they wanted to resolve the possible questions about it therefore, this is duplicative in some ways but it is to resolve any doubt. Alderman Bordeaux asked for clarification and stated he understands what is being done and why it is being done but is there any difference in the issues between this text amendment versus the map amendment that was voted on in previous weeks. Mr. Lotson replied no this is identical in reference to what would be allowed in an approval so there are no changes in that. The only change is the format in which the petition was brought forth. Alderman Bordeaux asked if it is limited to only the Kessler property. Mr. Lotson replied yes. Alderman Bordeaux asked if it needed to go through MPC, what was the vote and staff recommendation. Mr. Lotson replied it did, the vote was for approval and the staff recommendation was the same as before. Alderman Bordeaux stated the staff recommendation the people who have the degrees behind their names recommended against this is that correct. Mr. Lotson replied yes during the initial review as a text amendment that is correct. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. Approved per the City Manager’s recommendation upon motion of Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Osborne and carried. A board vote was taken and the following voted in favor: Mayor Jackson, Aldermen Johnson, Bell, Osborne, Thomas, Hall, Shabazz and Aldermen Bordeaux and Sprague voted against. Attorney Stillwell stated the ordinance has already been prepared since it was duplicative and he would like to recommend it to be placed on the agenda under First and Second Readings. 5  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried the agenda was amended to include item 18.1 Historic District Height Map under Ordinances per the City Attorney’s recommendation. Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC File No. 13-005418-ZA), requesting a text amendment to Article K (Savannah Mid-City District), Section 8-3214(5) (TN-2 District Development Standards); and, Section 8-3216(5) (TC-1 District Development Standards). The existing Lot Frontage requirements for the TN-2 and TC-1 districts of the Savannah Mid-City Rezoning (Article K) require minimum 70% lot frontage coverage and minimum side yard setbacks of five feet. In narrower lots in the district, the remaining “30 percent” of the lot width does not permit five-foot side yard setbacks on both sides of the lot (for unattached structures). This frequently results in those attempting infill development being forced to seek variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals before obtaining design approval or building permits. The requested text amendment would require new construction on lots narrower than 31 feet to meet either the minimum 70% building frontage or the 5-foot side yard setback requirements. This would permit development of narrower lots without variance, while retaining the intent of the standard to minimize building separation on the block face. Building permit review and design review, both still required for new construction in the Mid-City District, would ensure that new construction meets minimum standards in the city. Recommend approval. Alderman Shabazz stated she thinks this is a good thing especially for the Historic District because of the congestion, there is land available to build on and she believes it is good for agencies such as Habitat for Humanity for building homes for people that are less fortunate. Mr. Lotson stated infill development has been a priority of the City of Savannah and he feels this will “grease the track” for potential builders to be able to go through the process easier. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. Approved per the City Manager’s recommendation upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. Ordinance to cover will be drawn up for presentation at the next meeting of Council. PETITIONS Arthur Ruzensky of AA Graphics (Petitioner), representing the Holiday Inn (Tenant) and Historic Savannah LLC (Property Owner) – Petition 140274, requesting that the City allow encroachment within the Bryan Street right-of-way for the installation of a sign over the sidewalk. The subject property is addressed as 520 W. Bryan Street; located more specifically at the northwest corner of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Bryan Street intersection (formerly the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel). The sign is planned for installation on the Bryan Street façade, and is designed as approximately 2’-11” high x 4’-1” wide x 2.25” thick hung from a bracket, and will provide 8’ of vertical clearance above the sidewalk. This request has been reviewed by 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, and 2) obtaining all applicable building permits. The petitioner has already received a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Board of Review. 6  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Recommend approval to allow encroachment within the Bryan Street right-of-way for the installation of a sign over the sidewalk as requested by Arthur Ruzensky through Petition 140274, subject to the conditions noted. (An aerial map, photo, and rendering are attached.) Recommend approval. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. ORDINANCES FIRST AND SECOND READINGS Ordinance read for the first time in Council August 7, 2014, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried. Property Tax Millage Rate for 2014. AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REVENUE ORDINANCE OF 2014, ARTICLE B, ENTITLED "PROPERTY TAXES"; TO ADOPT A PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE FOR 2014; TO ADOPT A SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT TAX RATE FOR THE WATER TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT; TO ESTABLISH AN EFFECTIVE DATE; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES CONNECTED WITH TAXES AND REVENUES OF SAID CITY. 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, that: Section 1. The Revenue Ordinance of 2014, Article B, entitled "Property Taxes," Section 4, "Tax Rate," shall be amended by substituting the following sentence in place of the first sentence of the second paragraph of said section: The tax rate on real and personal property shall be 12.48 mills on the dollar (.01248) or $12.48 per $1,000.00 in assessed value. Section 2. The Revenue Ordinance of 2014, Article B, entitled “Property Taxes,” Section 11, “Water Transportation District Tax,” shall be amended by substituting the following sentence in place of the third sentence of the first paragraph of said section: The tax rate on real and personal property for the Water Transportation District Tax for 2014 shall be .2 mills on the dollar (.0002) or $.20 per $1,000.00 in assessed value. 7  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Section 3. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Section 4 . This ordinance shall become effective for the calendar year 2014 upon approval by the Mayor and Aldermen. Be IT ORDAINED this 7th day of August, 2014, by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia. Ordinance read for the first time in Council August 7, 2014, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried. Parking Prohibition on West Side of Laurel Street and South Side of Alton Street. An ordinance to prohibit parking 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. 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 as follows: AMEND SECTION 219: STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES TO INCLUDE DELETE ALTON STREET On the west side of Alton Street starting at a point 54 feet south of the southern property line of Zubly Street and extending 25 feet southward. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: August 7, 2014. 8  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 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 as follows: AMEND SECTION 219: STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES TO INCLUDE DELETE ALTON STREET On the north curb of Alton Street from its intersection with Ann Street eastward. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: August 7, 2014. 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: 9  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 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 as follows: AMEND SECTION 219: STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES TO INCLUDE DELETE LAUREL STREET On the east side of Laurel Street from Zubly Street to Alton Street SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: August 7, 2014. 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 ENACT ALTON STREET On both sides of Alton Street from Ann Street to Zubly Street. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: August 7, 2014. 10  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 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 ENACT LAUREL STREET On both sides of Laurel Street from Zubly Street to Alton Street. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: August 7, 2014. Ordinance read for the first time in Council August 7, 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. White Bluff Road at Truman Parkway – Prohibit U-Turns. 11  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 213(2) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-1030 OF SAID CODE TO PROVIDE THAT REVERSE OR U-TURNS BE PROHIBITED AT WHITE BLUFF ROAD AND THE WHITE BLUFF/ABERCORN CONNECTOR FOR SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON WHITE BLUFF ROAD: 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 213(2) of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003); pertaining to Section 7-1030 of said Code, as amended, shall be amended by adding thereto the following: AMEND SECTION 213(2): NO REVERSE OR U-TURNS Intersection Director of Travel Effective Hours White Bluff Road and The White Bluff/Abercorn Southbound All Connector SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: August 7, 2014 Ordinance read for the first time in Council August 7, 2014, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and carried with the following voting in favor: Mayor Jackson, Aldermen Johnson, Bell, Osborne, Thomas, Hall, Shabazz and Aldermen Bordeaux and Sprague voted against. Historic District Height Map (MPC File No. 14-002976-ZA). 12  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE B (ZONING DISTRICTS), SEC. 8-3030 (HISTORIC DISTRICT), (N) (12) DESIGN STANDARDS, HEIGHT TO ALLOW A MAXIMUM OF THREE STORIES OR 45 FEET ABOVE BAY STREET (APPROXIMATELY SIX STORIES) EXTENDING (I) APPROXIMATELY 190 FEET WEST OF THE WESTERN RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD. ALONG THE SAVANNAH RIVER; AND (II) APPROXIMATELY 555 FEET EAST OF THE EASTERN RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD. ALONG THE SAVANNAH RIVER (“POWER PLANT SITE”); AND A MAXIMUM OF ONE STORY ABOVE BAY STREET (APPROXIMATELY FOUR STORIES) SHALL BE ALLOWED IN THE NORTHWESTERN CORNER OF THE SAVANNAH HISTORIC DISTRICT EXTENDING APPROXIMATELY 250 FEET ALONG THE SAVANNAH RIVER TO THE EAST OF THE POWER PLANT SITE. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 8-3030(n)(2)(b) AND THE HISTORIC DISTRICT HEIGHT MAP, PERTAINING TO THE HISTROIC ZONING DISTRICT-HISTORIC BUILDINGS MAP; 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: That Section 8-3030(n)(2)(b) of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003); hereafter referenced as “Code,” and the Historic District Height Map as defined in the Ordinance adopted and approved December 3, 2009, the official map being on file in the Office of the clerk of council, be amended as follows: ENACT b. Stories are further clarified as follows: A maximum of three stories or 45 feet above Bay Street (approximately six stories) shall be allowed in the northwestern corner of the Savannah Historic District extending (i) approximately 190 feet west of the western right-of-way line of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. along the Savannah River; and (ii) approximately 555 feet east of the eastern right-of-way line of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. along the Savannah River (“Power Plant Site”); and a maximum of one story above Bay Street (approximately four stories) shall be allowed in the northwestern corner of the Savannah Historic District extending approximately 250 feet along the Savannah River to the east of the Power Plant Site. The stories as described herein are illustrated in the Historic District height map. SECTION 2: That Section 8-3030(n)(18)(a) of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), hereafter referenced as “Code,” be amended as follows: 13  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 ENACT v. New construction north of River Street shall be placed perpendicular to the river and shall not exceed two stories in height except as indicated on the height Map as amended August 2014. SECTION 3: 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 map amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News, on the 22nd day of July, 2014 a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereto. SECTION 4: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: August 7, 2014 Alderman Bordeaux stated he doesn’t want the viewers to think the issue hasn’t been discussed because it has been discussed at some length and he and Alderman Sprague are against it. Each Council member has made their position known previously which is why Council is moving forward without debate. Attorney Stillwell stated the litigation has been resolved between the private parties and will allow the parties to go forward with site plans. RESOLUTIONS A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION. BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows: At the meeting held on the 7th day of August, 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. 14  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REPORTS Parking Restriction on Germain Drive. Traffic Engineering received complaints from residents regarding tractor trailers utilizing Brentwood Drive rather than Germain Drive to access the Food Lion loading dock, located at 2208 DeRenne Drive. Staff investigated residents’ concerns and found that heavy trucks are prohibited on Brentwood Drive and signs on both ends of the street indicate such. However, tractor trailers cannot use Germain Drive when vehicles are parked on both sides of the street and therefore detour onto Brentwood, on which all homes utilize off-street parking. Based on their findings, staff has determined that there is a need to prohibit parking along the north side of Germain Drive, east of Skidaway Road, in order to facilitate vehicular flow. Recommend that parking be prohibited along the north side of Germain Drive from Skidaway Road east to the dead end. Recommend approval. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. Alderman Hall stated the residents of Brentwood Drive appreciate this change as it will prevent tractor trailers to enter the street. Ordinance to cover will be drawn up for presentation at the next meeting of Council. Jacob G. Smith Elementary School New Traffic Management Plan. The Traffic Engineering Department has reviewed a proposal, presented by the school administration, to convert Lamara Drive to a one-way facility during school hours (7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.) and (2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) between Sussex Place and Reynolds Street. This proposal will allow buses to drop-off and pick-up students on the western part of Lamara Drive just east of Sussex Place. Parents will start queueing on Lafayette Circle and drop-off and pick-up students on Lamara Drive east of Battey Street, where the school will designate a passenger/vehicle loading zone. A new school entrance will be developed for prime time parents that drop-off students before school in the morning and pick-up students later in the afternoon after school. Parents will be directed to make a left turn from Lamara Drive onto Battey Street to reduce the vehicular traffic on the western end of Lamara Drive and its intersection with Habersham. The Traffic Engineering Department reviewed this proposal and recommends approval designating Lamara Drive as a one-way westbound facility during the morning and afternoon hours to facilitate the school traffic flow during these heavy school hours. Recommend approval. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. Alderman Sprague stated she has been working with the City of Savannah and Jacob G. Smith and the school has come up with a plan they would like to try, it has been an ongoing issue with the traffic going down the alley. There has been a great deal of confusion as it relates to it she stated she hopes it works but if not she may be back asking for another change. Ordinance to cover will be drawn up for presentation at the next meeting of Council. 15  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved per the City Manager’s recommendations: Structural Engineering Services – Annual Contract – Event No. 2108. Recommend approval to award an annual contract for Structural Engineering Services to Collins Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $28,925.00. The services will include limited-scope structural engineering services that will assess the condition and capacity of existing facilities (entire buildings, or portions thereof), and a number of critical City facilities requiring assessment for emergency management use. It is expected that most assessments will cost under $5,000.00. The method of procurement used was the Request for Proposal (RFP), which evaluates criteria in addition to cost, such as qualifications, methodology and references. While four vendors responded, only one, Collins Engineering Inc., met all of the requirements and qualifications outlined in the RFP. Collins Structural Consulting, PLLC was deemed unable to meet the qualification of a one hour response time. Kern & Co. was deemed unable to meet the requested Minimum Qualifications. Thrifty Supply was deemed non-responsive as their proposal failed to include the non-discrimination statement, proposed schedule of M/WBE participation, Statement of Qualifications and Relevant Project Table. Proposals were received April 29, 2014. This RFP was advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The proposers were: B.P. Thrifty Supply (B) $ 15,725.00 Collins Structural Consulting, PLLC (D) $ 23,625.00 Kern & Co. (B) $ 27,225.00 Collins Engineering, Inc. (Garden City, GA) (D) $ 28,925.00 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvements Projects/Other Costs/various projects (Account No. 311-9207-52842-various). A Pre-Bid Conference was conducted and four vendors attended. (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority. Recommend approval. Ground Maintenance for Laurel Grove South Cemetery – Annual Contract – Event No. 2411. Recommend approval to award an annual contract for grounds maintenance to Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire in the amount of $49,400.00. This contract will be used by the Cemeteries Department for the grounds maintenance of Laurel Grove South Cemetery. The bid was advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidders were: L.B. Goodwill Industries (Savannah, GA) (G) $ 49,400.00* Complete Lawn Care (D) $ 49,400.00 Charlie’s Lawn Care (D) $ 50,700.00 Coastal Consolidation Group (B) $ 52,624.00 Moss Construction (D) $ 70,018.00 16  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 The Greenery, Inc. (D) $ 103,870.00 *Goodwill Industries was the second lowest bidder. They are a local vendor and their bid fell within 2% of the lowest bid. They were given the opportunity to meet the lowest bid price and agreed to it. Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, General Fund/City Cemeteries/Other Contractual Service (Account No. 101-6124-51295). A Pre-Bid Conference was conducted and six vendors attended. (B) Indicates local, non-minority. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority. (G)Indicates local, non-profit, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Pest Control – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 2468. Recommend approval to renew an annual contract for pest control services to Allgood Pest Solutions in the amount of $33,198.00. The pest control services will be used for insect and rodent control at various City locations. This is the first of two renewal options available. Bids were originally received April 9, 2013. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidders were: L.B. Allgood Pest Solutions (Dublin, GA) (D) $ 33,198.00 Yates Astro Pest Control (B) $ 41,160.00 Cox Termite & Pest Control (D) $ 47,160.00 Orkin, LLC (B) $ 65,820.00 Terminix International (D) $ 70,500.00 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Building Maintenance (Account No. 51244). A Pre-Bid Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. (B)Indicates local, non- minority owned business. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Traffic Signal Hardware – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 2485. Recommend approval to renew annual contracts with Nijsha Enterprises and Rainbow Distributors in the amounts of $1,721.00 and $26,740.00, respectively. The two contracts recommended for approval total $28,461.00. The items provided by these vendors include traffic signal hardware and wire to be utilized by Traffic Engineering for installation of City traffic signal devices. Nijsha Enterprise and Rainbow Distributors were the lowest qualified and complete bidders for the items they were awarded. This bid was advertised, opened and reviewed. Delivery: As Requested. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidders were: L.B. Nijisha Enterprises (Jonesboro, GA) (C) (Partial Bid) $ 1,721.00 Rainbow Distributors (Lake Mary, FL) (D) (Partial Bid) $ 26,740.00 17  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, General Fund/Traffic Engineering/Equipment Repair Parts (Account No. 101-2103-51335). A Pre-Bid Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. (C)Indicates non-local, minority owned business. (D)Indicates non- local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Materials for Electrical Rehab of Lift Station 35 – Event No. 2437. Recommend approval to procure electrical materials from Graybar Electrical in the amount of $32,676.95. These materials are needed for the electrical rehab of Lift Station 35 (Largo Drive and Windsor Road) and include numerous types of transformers, conduit fittings, and fuses. Notifications were sent to all registered vendors and responses were received from two vendors. This bid was advertised, opened and reviewed. The bidders were: L.B. Graybar Electric (Savannah, GA) (B) $ 32,676.95 Hagemeyer (Garden City, GA) (D) $ 60,482.57 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvements Projects/Other Costs/Lift Station Rehabilitation (Account No. 311-9207-52842-SW0813). (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Materials for Electrical Rehab of Lift Station 131 – Event No. 2404. Recommend approval to procure electrical materials from Graybar Electric in the amount of $33,463.61. These materials are needed for the electrical rehab of Lift Station 131 (East US Hwy 80 and Mapmaker) and include numerous types of transformers, conduit fittings, and fuses. Notifications were sent to all registered vendors and responses were received from only one vendor. This bid was advertised, opened and reviewed. The bidder was: L.B. Graybar Electric (Savannah, GA) (B) $ 33,463.61 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvements Projects/Other Costs/Lift Station Rehabilitation (Account No. 311-9207-52842-SW0813). (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Coffee Bluff Marina Engineering – Contract Modification No. 2 - Bid No.11-104. Recommend approval of Contract Modification No. 2 to EMC Engineering Services, Inc. in the amount of $21,108.00. Additional services were required from the consultant to resolve a stop work order issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The stop work order was issued in connection with concerns about the possible impacts of the fishing pier construction. Specifics related to the increase in the scope of the project and the additional work performed are as follows: 1. Additional design work – fishing pier $ 9,273.00 18  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 2. Additional design work – lighting $ 1,207.00 3. Additional construction management $ 10,628.00 More specifically, the scope of work was increased to include additional design and surveying services, preparation of remediation plans and revised lighting drawings. The original contract was in the amount of $190,665.00. The total of all contract modifications to date, including this modification is $84,108.00 making the total contract price $274,773.00. The second low bidder was Kern Coleman & Associates for $272,155.00. Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Coffee Bluff Marina (Account No. 311-9207-52842-RE0309). Recommend approval. Alderman Johnson asked City Manager Cutter if this was the last modification related to the Coffee Bluff Marina. City Manage Cutter replied as of today she estimates this is the last change. Alderman Bordeaux asked what the additional work is for. Alderman Thomas stated it is for Additional design work for the fishing pier, Additional design work – lighting, and Additional construction management. In addition there was a stop work order issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the concerns needed to be addressed. City Manager Cutter stated DNR had some concerns when they visited the site and placed a stop work order requiring additional design wok to be done and the change orders are a result of that. Alderman Bordeaux asked why these changes were not foreseen by the contractor. City Manager Cutter replied a portion of what DNR found was not foreseen because when you deal with the water and begin to dig or with construction there can be unforeseen conditions. As it relates to the lighting and fishing pier yes however, it was not covered in the original scope of work and required the change order. Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Tybee Island. Recommend approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Savannah and the City of Tybee Island regarding the part-time employment of Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department officers by the Tybee Island Police Department. Recommend approval. First Lease Amendment Agreement – Police Sub-Station at 1900 E. Victory Drive. On March 25, 2013, the City of Savannah entered into a lease for 3,600 square feet in the McAlpin Square shopping center located at the northwest quadrant of Victory Drive and Wallin Street. The purpose of the lease was to facilitate a police sub-station for the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD) and provide public safety services in the area. The SCMPD continues to occupy the space on a month-to-month basis, though the City does not pay rent for the space. SCMPD requests the opportunity to continue to operate a sub-station at the location. The landlord has agreed and provided a First Lease Amendment granting a three year extension until July 31, 2017. The same terms of rent, use, maintenance, and utilities apply. Recommend approval and authorization for the City Manager to execute the lease with Equity One, Inc., subject to lease review and approval by the City Attorney. Recommend approval. 19  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Office Space Lease for YouthBuild Savannah at 6555 Abercorn Street. YouthBuild Savannah is a full-time, comprehensive youth and community development program. Eligible young men and women, who have not yet completed high school, spend nine months participating in GED instruction, construction training, leadership training, community involvement, life skills training, supportive services and counseling. Participating youth use their construction skills to improve their community by building affordable housing for eligible families. Each trainee receives above minimum wage for their work on the construction site. Each participant may be eligible to receive pay raises, based upon performance in the program. Graduates are assisted with job placement and/or advanced training opportunities. The City received an initial implementation grant for the program in FY2004 from the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. The City has since received three consecutive three-year competitive grant awards in 2006, 2009, and 2012 to continue the program. The program was housed at the St. Pius community center until May 2011. It has been operating out of temporary facilities during the past three years while Coastal Workforce Services (CWS), administrator of the program, has been seeking a facility that can jointly house both the program and associated staff. The YouthBuild FY2012 Program Design for GED Instruction, Leadership Activities, Case Management, and Professional Counseling commits to providing a dedicated space where the comprehensive program will be housed and administered. YouthBuild has been without this space since May of 2011, and needs the space to be compliant. Office space located at Abercorn Center, 6555 Abercorn Street, Suites 222 and 224, has been identified as the location that best meets the facility criteria for the program. The proposed space offers classroom space, staff offices, and a break room. The ADA compliant building also offers on-site parking, convenient access along Abercorn Street at a signalized intersection with Jackson Boulevard, a CAT bus stop within one block, and a full-service lease rate. The proposed suites contain 2,275 square feet with a 13% load factor, equating to an effective area of 2,570 square feet. The proposed lease is for a term of approximately four years, from September 15, 2014 thru December 31, 2018. The contract rental rate follows: Year 1: $14.94/SF $3,200/Month Year 2: $16.25/SF $3,480/Month Year 3: $17.25/SF $3,695/Month Year 4: $18.26/SF $3,910/Month According to information provided, the YouthBuild program has sufficient program revenue to pay the contract rent during the current program grant cycle. CWS has applied for continued funding in the next grant cycle to begin in early 2015. If so funded, CWS would continue to lease the office space through 2018. If funding is not awarded, then the lease provides the option to terminate on December 31, 2015. However, an early termination fee of $10,500 would apply for unamortized tenant improvements; the YouthBuild grant would absorb the cost as an allowable expense. 20  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Recommend approval and authorization for City Manager to execute the lease. Execution of the lease will be subject to review and approval of the lease agreement by the City Attorney as well as a third party appraisal of the market rent of the space indicating the contract rent is equal to or less than the estimated market rent for the space. Recommend approval. City Manager Cutter stated this item is for YouthBuild to lease office space. At the time of the agenda they had not received notification that we had received a continuation grant. We have received a grant for the next 3 years and will have ample funding to cover the lease arrangements for the YouthBuild program. Mayor Jackson asked if the City of Savannah received the revenue from the selling of the St. Pius building to Youth Futures. City Manager Cutter replied it is still in the custody of Youth Futures. Mayor Jackson asked shouldn’t it be in the custody of the City of Savannah. City Manager Cutter replied that was an issue that came up at the last Budget Retreat however, it is still in the custody of Youth Futures. They indicated they would use the funds for educational programs for youth. Mayor Jackson requested an update on whether they are using the money and if so how it’s being used and what kind of youth programs are they doing since last year. Alderman Johnson stated he thought the caveat that was stipulated for the contract was that the money could not be used without gaining approval from the City Manager. City Manager Cutter stated she has received quarterly reports from YFA as we release the allocation that was approved by Council and thus far they are in compliance with the contractual agreement. Mayor Jackson stated we are embarking on a number of youth and family activities and they are not engaged in the projects and she feels they should be on the front line of what the City of Savannah is trying to do with the amount of money the City contributes to their program. City Manager Cuter stated we have been redirecting youth initiatives to YFA to stand out in front in coordinating that and it is a part of the contractual document and she will send a report to Council as to their progress to date. Alderman Osborne stated she appreciates that YFA has been communication with the City Manager but she feels it is time for YFA to come before Council and give a presentation and she thinks the money should be sent back to the City of Savannah and then reallocated to the appropriate programs. Water and Sewer Agreement – McDonald’s Restaurant. McDonald’s has requested a water and sewer agreement for McDonald’s Restaurant. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 9.31 equivalent residential unit development located on Montgomery Cross Road in Sandfly. The agreement is consistent with policy directives given by the Mayor and Aldermen and has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney for legal format. Recommend approval. The following announcements were made: Alderman Hall thanked the following volunteers in District 3 that helped with the National Night Out and Back to School giveaways: Baker’s Pride, Bi-Lo Grocers, Chick-Fil-A, Northern Chicken Express, Walgreens Overtime Lounge who provided uniform supplies and school uniforms and GQ Barber Shop who provided free haircuts all free. He stated it was a very exciting weekend in the 3rd District. Alderman Shabazz announced the City of Savannah is seeking help from the public to identify areas of the City that flood as part of a process to update the Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan. The final meeting will be held today Thursday, August 7, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Windsor Forest Community Center, 414 Briarcliff Circle. 21  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Alderman Sprague stated none of the meetings were held near her district and wanted to know if there was a way that citizens unable to attend the meeting could site their concerns. City Manager Cutter stated citizens unable to attend the meetings can contact Mr. McDonald in Development Services. Alderman Sprague asked for his email address. City Manager Cutter provided her with the information requested tmcdonald@savannahga.gov Alderman Johnson announced Tuesday, August 5th was a very important day in the City of Savannah as it was City Manager Cutter’s birthday and he wanted to wish her a very happy birthday. Mayor Jackson stated Council sent her some flowers. Council sang Happy Birthday to her and wished her well. Alderman Thomas announced the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Coffee Bluff Marina will be held Friday, August 8th at 10 a.m. after years of building. He stated if you have not been out to see the recent improvements you will be in awe tomorrow. It is an amazing Capital Improvement made in the City. It’s not just district located but is something the entire city can be proud of. It is the only City and Municipal Marina on the coast of Georgia. It is a first for Georgia and for the City of Savannah. Alderman Osborne announced at the District 2 Town Hall meeting held on Wednesday, August 6th City Manager Cutter presented an update on the Waters Avenue corridor with pictures showing all the details. Because it was a detailed presentation with a great deal of information to digest arrangements have been made to display the information at the WW Law Center from August 11th-15th. If additional citizen input would like to be submitted a pad will be available for you to do so which will be submitted to the City Manager. Alderman Bell announced the passing of a retired City of Savannah employee Erastus Gibson who was an Internal Auditor for many years. She extended condolences to his family. Mayor Jackson asked when Council hears of the passing of former or current employees she would like them to pass it on to her office to be acknowledged. Mayor Jackson stated she wanted to update Council briefly before going back into session. She met with the City Manager on Tuesday, July 29th to discuss the police merger. The City Manager put together a team and recommended that we work together to bring back suggestions and recommendations to the two bodies. At that meeting a document was given to the Mayor and City Manager which was written by the legal staff of the county which they had no knowledge of because they were working on the premise that they would continue working as they had been when he first meeting was held. She suggested that the City be given a strike lined copy of the document which was promised to the City the next day which was not received until Friday, August 1st around noon. A letter was sent to the county Manager stating they had not received the letter and in her document she put some of Council’s concerns to include the unpaid balance over several years. She continued stating this has been going on for too long and the City has been working under what she thought was the spirit of cooperation but it seems as if it is going away. She doesn’t feel the City’s time should continually be wasted if results or conversations are not held. At this time she asked the Council what do they think should happen? Alderman Johnson stated for purposes that are well known he recused himself from the remainder of the discussion and left the room. Alderman Osborne stated she looked at the documents sent to 22  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 Council and it looks as if there was communication dating back to 2012 and there doesn’t seem to be a spirit of cooperation with the present chair or commission that they are willing to work with the City or do the right thing. She stated they owe the City of Savannah over $1M and most of the city is in the county. She asked what is the problem and why are they not being cooperative and willing to work with us? Mayor Jackson replied when looking at the documents and the cost analysis and what it is calculated on an agreement cannot be reached on what is owed. They City Manager has been meeting with the County Manager and she has been meeting with the County Chairman on this and there are some differences on the merger but also in the selection of the Police Chief. City Manager Cutter presented everything to Council as well as to the Policy Committee as to the procedures that would be used moving forward. She feels the people of the City of Savannah need to be thought about. Mayor Jackson asked what percentage the City pays to the County in taxes. Attorney Stillwell replied they are working on those numbers and will get the report to Council through the City Manager, he stated they have preliminary numbers but wants to ensure they are correct. Mayor Jackson stated she hopes so because she doesn’t think people understand what the City is going through. Alderman Bordeaux stated it would be a shame if the Police Merger is reversed and disintegrates because Savannah/Chatham County would be moving backwards. If you look at other large cities in Georgia they have found ways to consolidate and have joint ventures between city and county and are moving forward because it is the way to deliver government services and Savannah hasn’t been able to find that. He stated he is a big believer in paying bills and if someone owes him he expects them to pay him and vise versus, the City and County shouldn’t be different a pass has been given for many years if they owe the money they need to pay if they don’t then the City should move on but from everything he has looked at the County does owe the City. Alderman Osborne stated the citizens need to hear this information because the City is often criticized of their actions but very little is heard of the negative actions of other governmental bodies. Alderman Hall stated he read the letter to the County Chairman and he supports her bargaining position 100% and stated he feels she should do what is best for the citizens of Savannah. Alderman Bell stated she feels all discussions held that are relevant to the matter should be looked at up to this point related to this incident and recognize that the City has been trying to resolve the issue. Mayor Jackson asked if Council is recommending that she and the City Manager continue with what they’re doing they will keep Council updated on what is going on. Dyanne Reese, Clerk of Council stated to Mayor Jackson if a decision is being made the agenda will need to be amended to include this discussion. Mayor Jackson stated she is not asking for Council to vote she is informing them of what is going on and giving them the opportunity to voice their opinion. Alderman Shabazz stated she agrees the City of Savannah needs to continue to work to try to reach a resolution. Alderman Osborne stated she agrees the City should continue to work but only in the spirit of cooperation from both sides but there needs to be some next steps. Mayor Jackson stated if something cannot be done in the near future even if an emergency meeting of City Council needs to be held to see where to go from here it will be done because this cannot continue. The City Manager and staff is working very diligently, both the City of Savannah and the County’s Human Resource Departments are working together because a new Police Chief needs to be selected. Alderman Osborne asked is it possible for Council and the County Commissioners to have a joint meeting to hear the real story, she can’t believe the Commissioners wouldn’t feel the same way if the shoes were reversed. Alderman Thomas asked the same question in reference to a joint meeting. Mayor Jackson replied not to her knowledge. Alderman Thomas stated he knows in years past when the merger was discussed 23  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 2014 a joint meeting was held with Council and Commissioners and he thinks they met at the County. Mrs. Reese stated the meeting did occur and it was at the County. Alderman Thomas stated he feels this needs to occur again so all the misconceptions and rumors can be in the same room and addressed at the same time amongst all members. Attorney Stillwell stated it is certainly legal to have a discussion the action would have to be by the two separate bodies. Alderman Thomas stated he believes they can get further along by meeting face to face and discussing the critical issues together versus them running back to one side and us running back to the other side. He recommended a joint meeting of the two bodies to the City Manager and Mayor. City Manager Cutter suggested Council delay a joint meeting until a proposal is brought back from the City’s perspective for your consideration. Alderman Thomas stated his feelings will not get hurt on any recommendation they have as far as he is concerned personally the Mayor and City Manager are the two that negotiate for Council and bring back the information but there comes a point and he feels they are very close to it, where you’re not getting anywhere and he feels they are getting dangerous to an agreement that could jeopardize Public Safety or the best Public Safety in this county from happening and he thinks it would be wise upon them when she feels and the Mayor feels that they’re at that level it is time for it to happen. The public needs to hear where their elected officials, the people they pull the lever for every four years stand on public safety how critical and how important it is to those individuals. He continued stating if they can’t get along in public safety for this County and City, all the aspiring dreams of consolidation and other things can go out the window because the number one responsibility that this Council and the County Commissioners have is to protect the residents. If an agreement cannot be found on that the other stuff can be forgotten. Mayor Jackson thanked Council for their comments and accepted the recommendation coming from the City Manager, City Attorney and staff that she continue working on the document she is preparing which will be presented to Council and from that move forward. An agenda and timeframe will be brought to Council. She stated she will continue to keep the door of communication open to the County Chairman and the City Manager will keep the door open of communication open for the County Manager. There being no further business, Mayor Jackson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council 24