City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA November 10, 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 Minister Howard Adams, Jr., Second Arnold Baptist Church followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: Mayor Edna Jackson, Presiding Mayor Pro-Tem Van Johnson, II Alderman Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council Aldermen Mary Ellen Sprague, Estella Shabazz, Tom Bordeaux John Hall City Manager Stephanie Cutter City Attorney W. Brooks Stillwell Assistant City Attorney William Shearouse ABSENT: Alderman Carol Bell – out of town Assistant City Attorney Lester B. Johnson, III MINUTES Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson, and unanimously carried the Summary/Final minutes of the City Manager’s briefing of October 30, 2014 were approved. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson, and unanimously carried the summary/final minutes of the City Council meeting of October 30, 2014 were approved. PRESENTATIONS Marilyn Winn, Organizer of 9 to 5 Georgia and other representatives appeared concerning the “Ban the Box” campaign to help former inmates find jobs. Ms. Winn stated she’s requesting Council to adopt the fair hiring policy by banning the box on employment applications which ask about a person’s criminal history, not to hide the background but to better the chances of individuals that have not been previously arrested. Alderman Shabazz thanked Ms. Winn and other representatives for coming to Council she stated a national conversation is being held on this issue which she and Alderman Osborne are attending. Alderman Johnson thanked Ms. Winn for her presentation and stated the City of Savannah hires individuals that have had those times in their lives and the City hires for potential not an individual’s past. Alderman Bordeaux asked Ms. Winn what the difference is between answering the question after the employer has gone through the expense of having a background check and the person saying they have something on their history upfront. Ms. Winn stated the employer does not incur an expense until after the process starts, she stated by removing the box it takes away the intimidating feelings of formerly 1  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 incarcerated individuals. Mayor Jackson suggested Ms. Winn contact the local State delegation. Christian Kruse, Library Director and Christy Divine, Marketing and Development Director appeared from Live Oak Public Libraries and the Library Foundation Board to invite the Mayor and Aldermen and the citizens of Savannah to attend the Savannah Children’s Book Festival at Forsyth Park on Saturday, November 15, 2014 beginning at 10:00 a.m. ZONING HEARINGS Montressa Powell, Agent for Georgia District Council Assemblies of God, Owner (File No. 14-004580-ZA), requesting to rezone 8511 Waters Avenue from R-6 (Single Family Residential) to O-I (Office Institutional). The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) recommends approval of the request to rezone the property to an O-I zoning classification. With limited uses, the O-I district is a compatible non-residential district for the subject property. Other uses permitted by the district, including medical and general offices, childcare centers, and cultural facilities would not be out of character or incompatible with the existing uses in the area. (An ordinance on First Reading is also on the agenda.) Recommend approval. Marcus Lotson, Metropolitan Planning Commission presented the petition to Council. Alderman Sprague stated this is her district and she looked at the area and she doesn’t have an issue with it. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Bordeaux and unanimously carried. Alderman Johnson moved to approve the license and it was seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried. Robert Brannen, Agent for Polestar Development, LLC, Petitioner, (File No. 14-004130- ZA) Abercorn at Wilshire Grocery Store, requesting an amendment to a conceptual master plan, including conditions, approved in 2001 for a proposed development that was not built. The master plan was approved in conjunction with the rezoning of multiple properties to a Planned- Community-Business (P-B-C) district applying the "extraordinary and unusual" provision of Sec. 8-3031(D)(1)(a). The petitioner seeks to amend the master plan to change the permitted uses and layout of the development as shown on an amended Zoning Master Plan, and, with respect to Phase 1, Development Area #1 and #2, a General Development Plan. MPC recommends approval of the amended Zoning Master Plan and General Development Plan, subject to the conditions attached to the agenda. (A petition to close Redwood Circle and an ordinance requested for First and Second reading are also on the agenda.) Recommend approval of the MPC recommendation. Charlotte Moore, Metropolitan Planning Commission presented the petition to Council. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried. Alderman Thomas moved to approve the license and it was seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried. PETITIONS Robert Brannen, Agent for Polestar Development, LLC – Petition 140376, requesting that the City declare the right-of-way known as Redwood Circle as no longer conforming to the plan of the City as originally laid out, and thus be abandoned and declared surplus. Polestar is under contract to acquire all the properties abutting Redwood Circle. It is the intent of Polestar to 2  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 assemble these lots and recombine them along with an abandoned Redwood Circle into one parcel for a planned commercial re-development project. The subject right-of-way is located north of Wilshire Boulevard between Abercorn Street and White Bluff Road. This petition has been reviewed by Real Property Services, Public Works and Water Resources, Sanitation, Development Services, Fire and Emergency Services, and Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department with conditions, but no objections. Approval is recommended subject to the petitioner satisfying the following conditions: 1. Acquiring/closing on all of the properties abutting Redwood Circle. If Polestar is not able to gain ownership of all properties needed, the request will be considered null and Redwood Circle will remain as public right-of-way; 2. Submitting an acceptable plan to the City’s Water and Sewer Planning and Engineering Department, showing how the existing water and sewer lines within the area requested will be abandoned; 3. Submitting a plan to the City’s Stormwater Department, showing how the existing stormwater drainage will be maintained within the area requested; 4. Providing the City non-obstructive maintenance easements for any public utility lines located on the property or agreement that the lines are relocated at the petitioner/property owner’s expense; 5. If the request to abandon and declare the property surplus is approved, fair market value of the property will be determined as the basis of a price to convey the surplus right-of-way to the abutting landowner - Polestar. Petitioner has provided an appraisal and Real Property Services will retain a Review Appraisal to determine fair market value of the property. The petitioner has already gained a recommendation from MPC for approval with conditions of the General Development Plan. Also, Sanitation notes that if approved, 0.70 cubic miles of pavement will be removed from the current sweeping schedule. Recommend approval of the request to abandon and declare surplus the right-of-way known as Redwood Circle, as requested by Robert Brannen, representing Polestar Development, LLC, through Petition 140376, subject to the conditions noted. Recommend approval with conditions. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. Ashely Mosley of SCE Engineering (Applicant) on behalf of ME Viers Associates LLC (Owner) – Petition 140397, requesting that the City allow encroachment within the W. Waldburg and Barnard Street rights-of-way for the construction of entry porch and steps related to the construction of proposed residential units. The two-story triplex facing Waldburg Street is designed with the building façade set back from the property line with the addition of the entry porch/steps encroaching past the property line. The two-story duplex facing Barnard Street is designed with the building façade located on the property line with the addition of the entry porch/steps encroaching past the property line. The 3  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 petitioner has received a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Board of Review. This request has been reviewed by Real Property Services, Public Works and Water Resources, Park and Tree, and Development Services. Approval is recommended, subject to the following conditions: 1. The contractor should erect tree protection per City specifications prior to the start of construction; 2. The contractor should change the proposed sidewalk materials to brick on sand, and require that a certified arborist be consulted to recommend pre-construction pruning near existing trees; 3. All sidewalk improvements, additions, and/or modifications must meet the latest ADA standards; and 4. The owner shall enter into the City’s standard Revocable License Encroachment Agreement. Recommend approval to allow encroachment within the W. Waldburg and Barnard Street rights- of-way for the construction of entry porch and steps related to the construction of the proposed residential units as requested by Ashely Mosley of SCE Engineering through Petition 140397, subject to the conditions noted. Recommend approval with conditions. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. Joshua Beckler of Coastal Canvas (Applicant) on behalf of Aurash Kheradmand (Tenant) with consent of Kevin Finley (Owner) – Petition 140281, requesting that the City allow encroachment within the E. Liberty Street right-of-way for the installation of three (3) awnings. The property is located at 300 Drayton Street; more specifically at the southeast corner of the Liberty and Drayton Street intersection. The awnings will be associated with the new Granite Bar and Restaurant scheduled to open soon. The awnings will only encroach upon the Liberty Street right-of-way. The awnings will provide eight feet of clearance above the sidewalk and not obstruct pedestrian use of the sidewalk. They will have closed sides and be covered with Sunbrella, black canvas. The sidewalk along Liberty Street is 25 feet deep. The petitioner has received a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Board of Review. This request has been reviewed by Real Property Services, Public Works and Water Resources, and Development Services. Recommend approval subject to the following conditions: 1. The owner shall enter into the City’s standard Revocable License Encroachment Agreement. 2. The owner shall obtain all applicable building permits. Recommend approval to allow encroachment within the E. Liberty Street right-of-way for the installation of three (3) awnings on the E. Liberty Street façade as requested by Joshua Beckler through Petition 140281, subject to the conditions noted. Recommend approval with conditions. 4  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Johnson and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. ORDINANCES Second Readings Ordinance read for the first time in Council October 30, 2014, read a second time in Council November 10, 2014, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried. Alderman Osborne stated she believes 6 months is too long to wait to review the terms of the ordinance. Alderman Johnson amended his motion to add a 90 day review. Alderman Thomas seconded the amendment to the original motion. SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTAL (MPC FILE NO. 14-003621-ZA). An ordinance to establish short-term residential rental as a land use in the zoning ordinance, to include a definition, zoning districts where permitted, use conditions and parking standards by amending the following sections of the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance: Article B (Zoning Districts)  Sec. 8-3002 (Definitions);  Sec. 8-3025(a) (Provisions Regarding Uses in the C Districts and R Districts);  Sec. 8-3025(b) (Provisions Regarding Uses in the B Districts and I Districts)  Sec. 8-3028(9) (Victorian Planned Neighborhood Conservation District, Permitted Uses)  Sec. 8-3046(b)(1)(d) (Planned Unit Development-Mixed Use) Article B (Zoning Districts)  Sec. 8-3002 (Definitions);  Sec. 8-3025(a) (Provisions Regarding Uses in the C Districts and R Districts);  Sec. 8-3025(b) (Provisions Regarding Uses in the B Districts and I Districts)  Sec. 8-3028(9) (Victorian Planned Neighborhood Conservation District, Permitted Uses)  Sec. 8-3046(b)(1)(d) (Planned Unit Development-Mixed Use) Article K (Mid-City District)  Sec. 8-3216(2)(a), Traditional Commercial Districts, Principal Uses Article D (Off-street Parking and Service Requirements)  Sec. 8-3089(1)c., Minimum space requirements for off-street parking areas Recommend approval with the name of the use changed to Short-Term Vacation Rental and the removal of Mid-City District TN-2 interior lot and corner lot from the zoning districts where the use is permitted. Recommend approval. 5  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 8-3025(b) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003), PERTAINING TO USE NO. 9d, SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL IN B-DISTRICTS AND I-DISTRICTS; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND FOR ALL 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 8-3025(b) of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), hereinafter referenced as "Code", be amended as follows: ENACT Article B . (Zoning D i s t r i c t s ), S e c . 8-3025(b) ( Provisions regarding uses in the B districts and the I districts) Index for Business (“B”) and Industrial (“I”) Districts Use Schedule Use Use No. Short-term Vacation Rental 9d P-IL-T R-B-C RB-C-1 List of Uses R-B RB-1 B-H B-N BN-1 B-C BC-1 B-G BG-1 BG-2 B-B I-L IL-B I-H O-I Lodging Facilities (9d) - - X - - X X X - - X - - - X X - Short-term - - - - - - - - - - - Residential - Rental a. The number of occupants shall not exceed two (2) adults per bedroom plus two (2) adults for each dwelling, subject to the verification of building code compliance by the Zoning Administrator. b. There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of the dwelling and premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of a short term vacation rental. 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 1st day of September, 2014, a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof. 6  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 SECTION 3: EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2015. SECTION 4: Upon the effective date of the ordinance all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: NOVEMBER 10, 2014 AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 8-3025(a) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO USE NUMBER 14a, SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL USE IN C DISTRICTS AND R DISTRICTS; 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 8-3025(a) of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003) hereinafter referenced as "Code," be amended as follows: Article B.( Zoning Districts), Sec. 8-3025(a) (Provisions regarding uses in the C districts and the R districts) ENACT Index for Conservation (“C”) and Residential (“R”) Districts Use Schedule Use Use No. Short-term Vacation Rental Use 14a List of RMH-1 RIP-A RIP-A-1 RIP-B RIP-B-1 RIP-C RIP-D R-M-H Uses C-A C-M C-R R-20 R-10 R-6 R-6-A R-6-B R-6-C R-4 R-M RIP I-P R-D Lodging Facilities (14a) Short- -- - - - - - - - - - - X X X X X X X X - - X term - - - - - - - - - - - - Vacation Rental 7  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 a. The number of occupants shall not exceed two (2) adults per bedroom plus two (2) adults for each dwelling, subject to the verification of building code compliance by the Zoning Administrator. b. There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of the dwelling and premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of a short term vacation rental. SECTION 2: That the requirement of Section 8-3182(f)(2) of said Code and the law in such cases made and provided has been satisfied. That an opportunity for a public hearing was afforded anyone having an interest or property right which may have been affected by this zoning amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News, on the 1st day of September, 2014, a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof. SECTION 3: EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2015. SECTION 4: Upon the effective date of the ordinance all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: NOVEMBER 10, 2014 AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 8-3046(b)(1)(d) PERTAINING TO PERMITTED USES IN PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT-MIXED USE DISTRICTS; 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 8-3046(b)(1)(d) of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), hereafter referenced as "Code," be amended as follows: ENACT Article B. (Zoning Districts), Sec. 8-3046(b)(1)(d). (Planned Unit Development-Mixed Use District) (14) Short-term Vacation Rental Provided the following conditions are met: 8  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 i. The number of occupants shall not exceed two (2) adults per bedroom plus two (2) adults for each dwelling, subject to the verification of building code compliance by the Zoning Administrator. ii. There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of the dwelling and premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of a short term vacation rental. SECTION 2: That the requirement of Section 8-3182(f)(2) of said Code and the law in such cases made and provided has been satisfied. That an opportunity for a public hearing was afforded anyone having an interest or property right which may have been affected by this zoning amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News, on the 1st day of September, 2014, a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof. SECTION 3: EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2015. SECTION 4: Upon the effective date of the ordinance all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: NOVEMBER 10, 2014 AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 8-3028(d) PERTAINING TOPERMITTED USES WITHIN THE VICTORIAN P-N-C 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, Georgia, 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: ENACT Article B.( Zoning Districts), Sec. 8-3028(d) (Victorian Planned Neighborhood Conservation District, Permitted Uses) 9 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 List of Uses 1-R 2-R 3-R 1-B 2-B 3-B Lodging Facilities (8a) Short-term Vacation Rental B B B X X X a. The number of occupants shall not exceed two (2) adults per bedroom plus two (2) adults for each dwelling, subject to the verification of building code compliance by the Zoning Administrator. b. There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of the dwelling and premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of a short term vacation rental. 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 1st day of September, 2014, a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof. SECTION 3: EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2015. SECTION 4: Upon the effective date of the ordinance all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: NOVEMBER 10, 2014 AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE K, MID-CITY DISTRICT, SECTION 8-3217(5) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO RESIDENTIAL USE STANDARDS; TO REPEAL ALL OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES: BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in a regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: That Section 8-3217(5) of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003) hereinafter referenced as “Code”, be amended as follows: ENACT 10  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 Article K.( Mid-City District) B. Sec. 8-3217(5) (Residential Use Standards) (5) Short-term Vacation Rental (a) The number of occupants shall not exceed two (2) adults per bedroom plus two (2) adults for each dwelling, subject to the verification of building code compliance by the Zoning Administrator. (b) There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of the dwelling and premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of a short term vacation rental. SECTION 2: That the requirement of Section 8-3182(f)(2) of said Code and the law in such cases made and provided has been satisfied. That an opportunity for a public hearing was afforded anyone having an interest or property right which may have been affected by this zoning amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News, on the 1st day of September, 2014, a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof. SECTION 3: EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2015. SECTION 4: Upon the effective date of the ordinance all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: NOVEMBER 10, 2014 Ordinance read for the first time in Council October 30, 2014, read a second time in Council November 10, 2014, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS REGULATORY ORDINANCE. (MPC File No. 14-003621-ZA). AN ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTALS THROUGH A CERTIFICATE PROCESS INCLUDING THE PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN BUSINESS APPROVAL, PAYMENT OF TAXES AND VIOLATIONS. THIS REGULATORY ORDINANCE COMPLEMENTS THE SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTALS ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS Part 8 Planning and Regulation of Development Chapter 11. - Short-Term Vacation Rentals Sec. 8-10009. Intent; Purpose. It is the purpose of this Chapter to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of individuals and the community at large; to monitor and provide reasonable means for citizens to 11  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 mitigate impacts created by occupancy of short-term vacation units; and to implement rationally based, reasonably tailored regulations to protect the integrity of the City’s neighborhoods. Sec. 8-10010. Definitions; General Provisions. (a) “Code Compliance Verification Form” is a document executed by a short-term vacation owner certifying that the short-term vacation unit complies with applicable zoning, building, health and life safety code provisions. No person shall allow occupancy or possession of any short-term vacation rental unit if the premises is in violation of any applicable zoning, building, health or life safety code provisions. (b) “Short-term Vacation Rental Occupants” means guests, tourists, lessees, vacationers or any other person who, in exchange for compensation, occupy a dwelling unit for lodging for a period of time not to exceed thirty consecutive days. (c) “Short-term Vacation Rental” means an accommodation for transient guests where, in exchange for compensation, a residential dwelling unit is provided for lodging for a period of time not to exceed thirty consecutive days. Such use may or may not include an on-site manager. For the purposes of this definition, a residential dwelling shall include all housing types and shall exclude group living or other lodging uses, as defined in Division II, Code of General Ordinances, Part 8, Planning and Regulation of Development, Chapter 3, Zoning, as amended. (d) “Short-term Vacation Rental Agent” means a natural person designated by the owner of a Short-term Vacation Rental on the short-term vacation rental certificate application. Such person shall be available for and responsive to contact at all times and someone who is customarily present at a location within the City for purposes of transacting business. Sec. 8-10011. Short-term Vacation Rental Certificate. No person shall rent, lease or otherwise exchange for compensation all or any portion of a dwelling unit as short-term vacation rental, as defined in Sec. 8-10010, without first obtaining a business tax certificate from the Revenue Director and complying with the regulations contained in this section. No certificate issued under this Chapter may be transferred or assigned or used by any person other than the one to whom it is issued, or at any location other than the one for which it is issued. Sec. 8-10012. Application for Short-term Vacation Rental Certificate. (a) Applicants for a short-term vacation rental certificate shall submit, on an annual basis, an application for a short-term vacation rental certificate to the Tourism Management and Ambassadorship Director of the City of Savannah. The application shall be furnished under oath on a form specified by the City 12  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 Manager, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee as set forth in the City’s annual Revenue Ordinance. Such application should include: (1) The name, address, telephone and email address of the owner(s) of record of the dwelling unit for which a certificate is sought. If such owner is not a natural person, the application shall identify all partners, officers and/or directors of any such entity, including personal contact information; (2) The address of the unit to be used as a short-term vacation rental; (3) The name, address, telephone number and email address of the short-term vacation rental agent, which shall constitute his or her twenty-four hour contact information; (4) The owner’s sworn acknowledgement that he or she has received a copy of this section, has reviewed it and understands its requirements; (5) The number and location of parking spaces allotted to the premises; (6) The owner’s agreement to use his or her best efforts to assure that use of the premises by short-term vacation rental occupants will not disrupt the neighborhood, and will not interfere with the rights of neighboring property owners to the quiet enjoyment of their properties; and (7) Any other information that this Chapter requires the owner to provide to the City as part of an application for a short-term vacation rental certificate. The City Manager or his or her designee shall have the authority to obtain additional information from the applicant as necessary to achieve the objectives of this Chapter. (b) Attached to and concurrent with submission of the application described in this section, the owner shall provide: (1) The owner’s sworn code compliance verification form; (2) A written exemplar agreement, which shall consist of the form of document to be executed between the owner and occupant(s) and which shall contain the following provisions: (A) The occupant(s)’ agreement to abide by all of the requirements of this Chapter, any other City of Savannah ordinances, state and federal law and acknowledgement that his or her rights under the agreement may not be transferred or assigned to anyone else; 13  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 (B) The occupant(s)’ acknowledgement that it shall be unlawful to allow or make any noise or sound that exceeds the limits set forth in the City’s noise ordinance; and (C) The occupant(s)’ acknowledgement and agreement that violation of the agreement or this Chapter may result in immediate termination of the agreement and eviction from the short-term vacation rental unit by the owner or agent, as well as the potential liability for payments of fines levied by the City. (3) Proof of the owner’s current ownership of the short-term vacation rental unit; (4) Proof of insurance; and (5) A written certification from the short-term vacation agent that he or she agrees to perform the duties specified in Sec. 8-10013(b). (c) Certificate holder shall publish a short-term vacation rental certificate number in every print, digital, or internet advertisement and any property listing in which the short- term vacation rental is advertised. Sec. 8-10013. Short-term Vacation Rental Agent. (a) The owner of a short-term vacation rental shall designate a short-term vacation rental agent on its application for a short-term vacation rental certificate. A property owner may serve as the short-term vacation rental agent. Alternatively, the owner may designate a natural person as his or her agent who is over age 18. (b) The duties of the short-term vacation rental agent are to: (1) Be reasonably available to handle any problems arising from use of the short-term vacation rental unit; (2) Appear on the premises of any short-term vacation rental unit within two hours following notification from the City of issues related to the use or occupancy of the premises. This includes, but is not limited to, notification that occupants of the short-term vacation rental unit have created unreasonable noise or disturbances, engaged in disorderly conduct or committed violations of the City of Savannah Code of Ordinances or other applicable law pertaining to noise, disorderly conduct, overcrowding, consumption of alcohol or use of illegal drugs. Failure of the agent to timely appear to two or more complaints regarding violations may be grounds for penalties as set forth in this Chapter. This is not intended to impose a duty to act as a peace officer or otherwise require the agent to place himself or herself in a perilous situation; 14  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 (3) Receive and accept service of any notice of violation related to the use or occupancy of the premises; and (4) Monitor the short-term vacation rental unit for compliance with this Chapter. (c) An owner may change his or her designation of a short-term vacation rental agent temporarily or permanently; however there shall only be one such agent for a property at any given time. To change the designated agent, the owner shall notify the Tourism Management and Ambassadorship Director in writing of the new agent’s identity, together with all information regarding such person as required by the applicable provisions of Sec. 8-10012. Sec. 8-10014. Grant or Denial of Application. Review of an application shall be conducted in accordance with due process principles and shall be granted unless the applicant fails to meet the conditions and requirements of this Chapter, or otherwise fails to demonstrate the ability to comply with local, state or federal law. Any false statements or information provided in the application are grounds for revocation, suspension and/or imposition of penalties, including denial of future applications. Sec. 8-10015. Short-term Vacation Rental Units. (a) A legible copy of the short-term vacation rental unit certificate shall be posted within the unit and include all of the following information: (1) The name, address, telephone number and email address of the short-term vacation rental agent: (2) The Business Tax Certificate Number; (3) The maximum occupancy of the unit; (4) The maximum number of vehicles that may be parked at the unit; and (b) Short-term vacation rental units must be properly maintained and regularly inspected by the owner to ensure continued compliance with applicable zoning, building, health and life safety code provisions. Sec. 8-10016. Short-term Vacation Regulation Procedure. (a) To ensure the continued application of the intent and purpose of this Chapter, the Tourism Management and Ambassadorship Director of the City shall notify the owner of a short-term vacation rental unit of all instances in which nuisance behavior of the rental guest or the conduct of his or her short-term vacation rental unit agent results in a citation for a code violation or other legal infraction. 15 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 (b) The Tourism Management and Ambassadorship Director shall maintain in each short-term vacation rental location file a record of all code violation charges, founded accusations and convictions occurring at or relating to a short-term vacation rental unit. When a property owner has accumulated three code violations for a particular property within a period of twelve consecutive months, the City shall revoke any pending certificates and reject all applications for the subject premises for a period of twelve consecutive months. (c) If a short-term vacation rental unit owner has been cited and found to be in violation of any zoning, building, health or life safety code provision, the owner must demonstrate compliance with the applicable code prior to being eligible to receive a short-term vacation rental certificate. (d) Citations for code violations and any other violation of the City Code may be heard by a Short-term Vacation Rental staff board or the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County. The staff board shall be comprised of full-time city employees as appointed by the City Manager or his/her designee and shall include at least one staff member selected from Revenue, Zoning, Tourism and the Savannah- Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. The staff board will receive evidence; however, the official rules of evidence will not govern the proceeding. The staff board will issue a written finding as to each alleged infraction, specifically identifying each founded accusation, which shall constitute a violation. (e) Violations of this Chapter are subject to the following fines, which may not be waived or reduced and which may be combined with any other legal remedy available to the City: (1) First violation: $500 (2) Second violation within the preceding 12 months: $750 (3) Third violation within the preceding 12 months: $1,000 (f) A person aggrieved by the City’s decision to revoke, suspend or deny a short-term vacation rental certificate may appeal the decision to the City Manager. The appeal must be filed with the City Manager’s Office in writing, within thirty calendar days after the adverse action and it shall contain a concise statement of the reasons for the appeal. Timely filing of an appeal shall stay the revocation, suspension or denial pending a decision by the City Manager. (g) The City Manager or appointed designee shall consider the appeal within thirty days after receipt by the City Manager of a request unless otherwise agreed in writing by the City and aggrieved party. All interested parties shall have the right to be represented by counsel, to present testimony and evidence, and to cross- examine witnesses. The City Manager shall render a determination, which will constitute a final ruling on the application. 16  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 (h) Nothing in this section shall limit the City from enforcement of its code, state or federal law by any other legal remedy available to the City. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or supplant the power of any City inspector, deputy marshal or other duly empowered officer under the City’s ordinances, rules and regulations and the authority granted under state law, as amended, to take necessary action, consistent with the law, to protect the public from property which constitutes a public nuisance or to abate a nuisance by any other lawful means of proceedings. Sec. 8-10017. Taxes. (a) Short-term vacation rental unit owners are subject to state sales tax, City taxes, including but not limited to the hotel/motel tax, and are liable for payment thereof as established by state law and the City Code. The City may seek to enforce payment of all applicable taxes to the extent provided by law, including injunctive relief. ADOPTED AND APPROVED: NOVEMBER 10, 2014 FIRST and SECOND READINGS Ordinance read for the first time in Council November 10, 2014, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Sprague, seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried. REZONE 8511 WATERS AVENUE (FILE NO. 14-004580-ZA). An ordinance to rezone 8511 Waters Avenue from R-6 (Single Family Residential) to O-I (Office Institutional). AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM ITS PRESENT R-6 ZONING CLASSIFICATION TO AN O-I 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, in a regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: The following described property be rezoned from its present R-6 zoning classification to an O-I zoning classification: 17  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION Beginning at a point [X: 985129.8673 Y: 725578.979263], located at the approximate intersection of the centerlines of Waters Avenue and Gohler Avenue, said point being, THE POINT OF BEGINNING, Thence proceeding along the centerline of Waters Avenue in a Southeasterly direction for approximately 616.839 ft. to a point [X: 985316.77987 Y: 724991.808838], Thence proceeding along a line in a Northwesterly direction [N 81-27-3 W] for approximately 55.521 ft. to a point [ X: 985261.875313 Y: 725000.062552], Thence proceeding in a Southeasterly direction [S 6-52-50 E] along a line for an approximate distance of 56.344 ft. to a point, [X: 985268.625316 Y: 724944.124549], Thence proceeding in a Northwesterly direction [N 75-43-31 W] along a line for an approximate distance of 684.381 ft. to a point [ X: 984605.375323 Y: 725112.873567], Thence proceeding in a Northeasterly direction [N 13-6-23 E] along a line for an approximate distance of 538.017 ft. to a point [X: 984727.375289 Y:725636.875565], Thence proceeding in a Southeasterly direction [S 73-43-14 E] along a line for an approximate distance of 182.83 ft. to a point [X:984902.875309 Y:725585.624544], Thence proceeding in a Northeasterly direction [N 30-14-18 E] along a line for an approximate distance of 287.506 ft. to a point, a point located on the approximate centerline of Waters Avenue, Thence proceeding along the centerline of Waters Avenue in a Southeasterly direction for an approximate distance of 268.020 ft. to a point [X: 985129.8673 Y: 725578.979263], said point being, THE POINT OF BEGINNING, The property is further identified by the Property Identification Number as follows: P.I.N.: 2-0496 -01-001A SECTION 2: That the requirement of Section 8-3182(f)(2) of said Code and the law in such cases made and provided has been satisfied. That an opportunity for a public hearing was afforded anyone having an interest or property right which may have been affected by this zoning amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News, on the 22nd day of October, 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: NOVEMBER 10, 2014 Ordinance read for the first time in Council November 10, 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. REZONING/MAP AMENDMENT (FILE NO. 14-004130-ZA). (The Master Plan and General Development Plan are on file in the Office of the Clerk of Council) 18  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE APPROVED MASTER ZONING PLAN OF CERTAIN PROPERTY ZONED P-B-C IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8-3031(D)(1)(a) OF THE CODE; TO APPROVE A GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8-3031(D)(1)(a) OF THE CODE; TO REPEAL ALL OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES: BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in a regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: The zoning master plan for the following described property is amended and, with respect to Phase 1, Development Area #1 and Phase 1, Development Area #2, the general development plan is approved: Starting at a point [X: 976708.371348 Y: 722999.877794], located at the approximate intersection of the centerlines of the Wilshire Boulevard & Abercorn Street, Thence continuing along the approximate centerline of Wilshire Boulevard in a Southeasterly direction for an approximate distance of 20.993 ft. to a point, [X: 976727.936077 Y: 722992.267167] a point located on the approximate centerline of the right-of-way of Abercorn Street, which is also located along the approximate centerline of the median that separates the north and south bound lanes of Abercorn Street, and also known as, THE POINT OF BEGINNING. Thence proceeding in a Northeasterly direction along the approximate centerline of the right-of-way of Abercorn Street for an approximate distance of 444.661 ft. to a point [X: 976852.059778 Y: 723419.2527], Thence proceeding in a Southeasterly direction [S 78-27-30 E] along a line for an approximate distance of 795.58 ft. to a point, [X: 977631.5525 Y: 723260.072698] a point located on the approximate centerline of the right-of-way of White Bluff Road. Thence proceeding in a Southwesterly direction [S 11-19-58 W] along the approximate centerline of the right-of-way of White Bluff Road, for an approximate distance of 885.838 ft. to a point [ X: 977457.479722 Y: 722391.506296], Thence proceeding in a Northwesterly direction [N 78-38-25 W] along a line for an approximate distance of 222.717 ft. to a point, Thence proceeding in a Northeasterly direction [N 8-7-48 E] along a line for an approximate distance of 19.445 ft. to a point, Thence proceeding in a Northwesterly direction [N 69-34-14 W] along a line for an approximate distance of 159.002 ft. to a point, Thence proceeding in a Northeasterly direction [N 17-42-8 E] along a line for an approximate distance of 179.237 ft. to a point, Thence proceeding in a Northwesterly direction [N 69-34-2 W] along a line for an approximate distance of 491.023 ft. to a point, a point located on the approximate centerline of the right-of-way Abercorn Street, which is also located along the approximate centerline of the median that separates the north and south bound lanes of Abercorn Street, Thence proceeding in a Northeasterly direction along the approximate centerline of the right-of-way of Abercorn Street for an approximate distance of 145.767 ft. to a [X: 976708.371348 Y: 722999.877794], said point being, THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SECTION 2: The amended zoning master plan entitled, “Zoning Master Plan for the 19  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 Rezoning of Wilshire Blvd & Redwood Circ. Area between Abercorn Street and White Bluff Road”, dated October 10, 2014, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by this reference, is hereby approved, and, with respect to Phase 1, Development Area #1 and Phase 1, Development Area #2, the general development plan entitled “Polestar Development, LLC, Abercorn at Wilshire Grocery Store, General Development Plan, Savannah, Georgia” dated October 10, 2014, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by this reference is approved upon recommendation of the Metropolitan Planning Commission and after a public hearing and findings in accordance with Section 8-3031(D)(1)(a) of the Zoning Ordinance, subject to the following conditions: 1. Uses shall be allowed as follows: All uses allowed in a BN zone, provided that uses requiring ZBA approval will still require ZBA approval unless provided otherwise below. In addition, the following uses allowed in a B-C zone, including applicable use standards, shall also be permitted: 1) Churches and Places of Worship; 2) The Sale of Seasonal Plants and/or Produce; 3) Department Stores; 4) Sit-down Restaurants which serve alcoholic beverages, including service from a bar. 2. The number of required parking spaces to be provided will be based on proposed uses. a. Phase I Development Area #1 (Food Store (Grocery): 1 space for each 250 square feet of leasable area. b. Phase I Development Area #2 (Fuel Station): 1 space for each gasoline pump fixture. c. All Other Uses: Per Sec. 8-3089 of the City of Savannah Zoning Code of Ordinances as revised 9/14/1995. 3. Freestanding signage, including directory signs, shall be limited to monument signage. Height and sign area shall be restricted as shown below. For directory signage, sign area may be doubled but does not include the sign area for a readerboard. Freestanding signage locations will be determined during the specific development plan review process. Principal Use Freestanding Monument Sign Maximums Street Height Sign Area Readerboard Abercorn 20 feet 60 square feet 32 square feet White Bluff 15 feet 45 square feet 24 square feet Wilshire 15 feet 45 square feet 24 square feet Facia signage shall be limited to the standards of the B-N district. 4. Any subsequent desired change in land use for the property that is not consistent with the Zoning Master Plan or the General Development Plan shall be resubmitted in the same 20  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 manner as the Zoning Master Plan and General Development Plan, and shall require review and a recommendation by the MPC and review and approval by the Mayor and Aldermen. At such time as the Future Development Area #1 and Future Development Area #2 are developed, a general development plan for the parcels being developed shall be submitted and shall require review and a recommendation by the MPC, and review and approval by the Mayor and Aldermen. Any other changes to the General Development Plan, the Specific Development Plan and Plans submittals for future development on Phase 1 Development Area #1 and Phase 1 Development Area #2 will not require review by the Mayor and Aldermen. SECTION 3: That the requirements of Section 8-3182(f)(2) of said Code and the law in such cases made and provided has been satisfied. 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 22nd day of October, 2014, and the 5th day of November, 2014, a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof. SECTION 4: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be effective as of the date hereof. ADOPTED AND APPROVED November 10, 2014 MISCELLANEOUS Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Authorities. CHATHAM-SAVANNAH AUTHORITY FOR THE HOMELESS George P. Lee CHATHAM-SAVANNAH YOUTH FUTURES AUTHORITY Paul Fisher Dr. Andrew J. Young, II CIVIL SERVICE BOARD Jenni Fallin Swan COASTAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD City Manager Stephanie Cutter Denise P. Kelly Kathy S. Love Larry E. Moore Rudolph V. Quarterman, Jr. 21  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 CODE ENFORCEMENT APPEALS BOARD Matthew Deacon Kathy Ledvina CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION Alexis L. Alexander Jamie Lyn Andersen – filling unexpired term Rebecca Gaston-Dawson Linda J. Evans Alix Laincy – filling unexpired term Kim Manigault Mary Raines Tanet U. Taharka Lisa White ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AUTHORITY Kim Jackson-Allen Gloria S. Brown Gertrude Jennings HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD OF REVIEW Keith E. Howington Zena E. McClain, Esq. Stephen Glenn Merriman, Jr. KEEP SAVANNAH BEAUTIFUL Jamie Lyn Andersen Katelin Vanlandingham METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION Timothy S. Mackey Lacy Manigault Tanya Milton George L. Woods PARK AND TREE COMMISSION Sean Mannion SAVANNAH/CHATHAM COUNTY HISTORIC SITES AND MONUMENTS COMMISSION (HS&M) Kristopher Monroe SAVANNAH DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL AUTHORITY (SDRA) John R. Bennett 22  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 Barbara I. Cortese Tom Kohler SAVANNAH DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL AUTHORITY (SDRA) cont. Dawn Morgan Kris Patel Dorothy Strong Christine Wacta SAVANNAH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SEDA) Gregory M. Parker SAVANNAH RECREATION COMMISSION JoAnn R. James Scott Joseph Stanley J. Mosley SAVANNAH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Howard Dawson, Sr. Timothy S. Mackey TOURISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mark Dana - Hotelier filing unexpired term Katherine Knapp Keena – Historic District Museum/Attraction William H. Lovett – Downtown Neighborhood Association Eric Meyerhoff – Historic Savannah Foundation Adam L. Wilkins – Tour Company TRAFFIC CALMING COMMITTEE Danielle S. Paul UNITED WAY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Alderman Carol Bell David Maxwell  Chatham County Landbank Authority (appointed)  Pension Board (appointed)  Savannah Resource Recovery Development Authority (contact person) Approved upon a motion by Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. Mayor Jackson thanked citizens for applying to the Boards, Commissions and Authorities. Final Plat – Crawford Square Townhomes, Phase 2. Recommend approval of a major subdivision plat of Crawford Square Townhomes, Phase 2, being Lot 34 and the western portion of Lot 33 located in the Crawford Ward, 3rd. G.M District, Savannah, Chatham County, 23  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 Georgia, within Aldermanic District 2. The subdivision is comprised of 0.172 acres creating five single family lots. Recommend approval. Approved upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried, per the City Manager’s recommendation. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REPORTS Ogeechee Road at Stiles Avenue. In an effort to improve safety and to address increasing traffic volumes at the intersection of Ogeechee Road and Stiles Avenue, Traffic Engineering has installed a stop and go signal to control all traffic at this intersection. The realignment of the travel lanes in this area limits sight distance for drivers at the intersection. Traffic Engineering has determined that motorists can no longer safely make right turns on red from Stiles Avenue onto Ogeechee Road. The inability to observe vehicles approaching the signal on Ogeechee Road has prompted this determination by Traffic Engineering. Recommend that right turns on red be prohibited for the southbound approach on Stiles Avenue at Ogeechee Road. In order to provide enforcement of the new traffic signal and the prohibition of right turns from Stiles Avenue southbound onto Ogeechee Road, it is necessary to place this location in Sections 201 (Traffic control signals at the following intersections) and 212 (No right turns on stop signals) of the City Code’s Traffic Regulations Appendix. Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. 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: Promotional Testing – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 2648. Recommend renewing an annual contract to procure promotional testing and assessment services from Industrial Organizational Solutions in the amount of $61,360.00. The services are needed to provide testing and assessment services for the promotion process for police sergeant, police lieutenant and police captain. The contractor will conduct a job analysis for each position, write the promotional exam, and assist in the administration of the exam in conjunction with Human Resources. The services will be used by the Savannah – Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. This is the last renewal option available. The City received 12 responses with 9 proposers meeting the minimum requirements of the proposal document. Proposals were originally received February 23, 2010. The proposal was advertised, opened, and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net-30 Days. The proposer was: 24  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 B.P. Industrial Organizational Solutions (Westchester, IL) (D) $ 61,360.00 Morris & McDaniel $ 80,770.00 CPS Human Resources Services $ 79,000.00 Carl Vinson Institute of Government $ 70,428.00 EB Jacobs, LLC $ 112,000.00 LJ Craig & Associates $ 68,605.00 GenForce Personnel Services $ 79,692.00 Resource Management Association $ 154,400.00 AUM Center – Business and Economics $ 144,500.00 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, General Fund/Control and Special Operations/Professional Services (Account No.101-4210-51238). A Pre-Proposal Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. (D) Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Dental Insurance Benefits for City Employees – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 2699. Recommend approval to renew a contract for voluntary employee dental insurance from United Concordia (UCCI). The City received eight responses to the original RFP. The UCCI proposal met all of the original specifications and continues to offer the most comprehensive benefit plans with the most favorable combination of out-of-pocket expenses, premium rates, and services covered. Employees have a choice of a high option preferred provider organization (PPO) plan and a low option PPO plan. The rates were guaranteed for the first two years of the plan. Although we are out of the rate guarantee period, UCCI has agreed to not increase pricing for the 2015 renewal. This is the last renewal option available. There is no cost to the City for dental insurance since premiums are paid by employees. The City will agree to provide for payroll deductions. The dental insurance company provides employee education and enrollment services. Proposals were originally received August 27, 2010. The request for proposal was advertised, opened, and reviewed. The proposers were: B.P. United Concordia (Harrisburg, PA) (D) Ameritas (D) Cigna (D) Metife (D) Delta Dental (D) United Health (D) Dearborn (D) Humana (D) Funds are available in the Proposed Budget, General/Fund/Payroll Withholding-Dental (Account No. 101-0000-21320). A Pre-Proposal Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. (D)Indicates non-local non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. 25  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits for City Retirees – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 2700. Recommend approval to renew an annual contract with Humana, Inc. to provide group Medicare Advantage Plan benefits for City retirees and their spouses who are Medicare primary. The contract will be effective January 1, 2015. Changes to governmental accounting standards require recognizing the cost of other post-employment benefits over the working career of an employee. In order to reduce this liability while maintaining retiree medical benefits, the best solution is a group sponsored fully insured Medicare Advantage Plan. Based upon 100% enrollment, the annual cost for the approximately 540 covered retirees and spouses is $1,663,428.00, of which the City will pay approximately 52% of the premium. This premium is reflective of an increase of 4% from last year. This is the last renewal option available. This is a sole source because the City's benefits consultant, Wells Fargo, identified Humana, Inc. as a partner in 2008. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. S.S. Humana, Inc. (Atlanta, GA) (D) Funds are available in the 2015 Proposed Budget, Risk Management Fund/Risk Management Medical Insurance/Medicare Advantage Costs (Account No. 621-9805-52294). A Pre-Proposal Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. (D) Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Self-Funded Health Plan Third Party Administration Services – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 2701. Recommend approval to renew an annual contract to procure self-funded health plan third party administrator (TPA) services from HealthSCOPE Benefits for the City of Savannah. The City offers a self-funded health plan for eligible active employees, pre-65 retirees, and eligible dependents. The plan covers approximately 2,400 employees and retirees. HealthSCOPE Benefits currently provides claims administration for the City and began providing this service in January 2013. The City received 15 responses with 5 proposers meeting the minimum requirements of the proposal document. Of those five, three were short-listed and fully evaluated. HealthSCOPE Benefits was the recommended TPA. They are the 4th largest TPA in the nation, providing self- funded health plan administration for the last 20 years. They provide administrative services to 165 clients and 350,000 members. Their focus is on the middle market sector and public entity clients represent 12% of their client base. At the time it was evaluated, HSB had a 99% client retention rate and an outstanding record for timely and accurate claims management and member services. This is the third year of a three year rate guarantee. 26  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 Proposals were originally received June 19, 2012. This proposal was advertised, opened, and reviewed. The proposers were: B.P. HealthSCOPE Benefits (Little Rock, AR) (D) Primary Physician Care (D) Health Plans, Inc. (D) Funds are available in the 2015 Proposed Budget, Risk Management Fund/Risk Management Medical Insurance/Administrative Charges/Expenses (Account No. 621-9805-52239). A Pre- Proposal Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. (D) Indicates non- local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Palo Alto Firewall Module – Event No. 2704. Recommend approval to procure a Palo Alto firewall module from Layer 3 Communications, Inc. in the amount of $59,350.00. The Palo Alto firewall module will be utilized by the Information Technology Department to provide a mobile device management solution and security solution and additionally will augment the City’s virtual private network solution. The reason this is a sole source procurement is because this is an additional item that will be used with existing equipment available only from this source. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The vendor is: S.S. Layer 3 Communications, Inc. (Norcross, GA) (D) $59,350.00 Funds are available in the 2014 Budget, Internal Service Fund/Information Technology/Computer Hardware/Software (Account No. 611-1140-51510) and Technical Purchased Services (Account No. 611-1140-51239). A Pre-Proposal Conference was not conducted as this is a sole source procurement. (D) Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Carpet Replacement – Ticket Lobby – City of Savannah Event No. 2549 – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission requests approval of a contract with National Office Systems in the amount of $230,969.00 for the Carpet Replacement – Ticket Lobby project. This project includes providing all labor and materials to remove existing carpet and install new carpet within the limits shown on the drawings to include the second floor ticket lobby and two airline ticket offices, stairwell, security checkpoint entrance, and ten boarding bridges. The bidders were: L.B. National Office Systems (B) (Savannah, GA) $230,969.00 Carpet Studio, Inc. (D) $234,626.00 United Grounds Maintenance Services (D) $351,780.00 27  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 (B) Indicates local non-minority owned business. (D) Indicates non-local non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Remove and Replace Thermoplastic Markings – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission requests approval of a contract with Hi-Lite Airfield Services, LLC in the amount of $35,500.00 to remove and replace thermoplastic markings. There are seven (7) markings that need to be replaced due to loss of adhesion to the pavement surface. The warranty on this job expired two (2) years ago. A representative from the vendor, Ennis-Flint, recently inspected the markings and offered to provide the replacement material free of charge if the Airport Commission will cover the removal/installation cost. Recommend approval. Design a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Telephone System – Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah Airport Commission requests approval of Task Order No. 8 with URS Corporation in the amount of $38,860.00 to design a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Telephone System. URS will develop a RFP (Request for Proposal) for an expanded and improved VOIP telephone system to replace the Airport’s existing obsolete analog telephone system. The scope of work will include: preparing construction documents, documenting the as- built conditions of the fiber optic cabling including new network electronics recently installed throughout the Airport, attending pre-proposal conference and assisting with answering bidder questions, evaluating the proposals and assisting in the selection process, advising the Airport during system installation and testing, and attending final system testing and acceptance for the new telephone installation. Recommend approval. Water and Sewer Agreement – The Hue. University Housing Services has requested a water and sewer agreement for The Hue. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 130-equivalent residential unit development located on Warner Street and W. Bay Street. 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. Water and Sewer Agreement – Spring Lakes – Phase III. North Godley Industrial Park, LLC has requested a water and sewer agreement for Spring Lakes – Phase III. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 37-equivalent residential unit development located off Benton Boulevard. 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. Water and Sewer Agreement – Waverly – Phase 3A. Simcoe@Waverly has requested a water and sewer agreement for Waverly – Phase 3a. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 37-equivalent residential unit development located off Highlands Boulevard. 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: 28  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2014 City Manager Cutter thanked Council for their show of support at the swearing in ceremony for Chief Joseph Lumpkin. Alderman Sprague announced she will not host the Muffins with Mary Ellen this week as she will be attending the Budget Retreat. Alderman Johnson thanked the many employees that volunteered for the Rock n Roll Marathon and asked with Mayor Jackson’s approval they be invited to come to the next Council meeting to be recognized for all their hard work and dedication. Marty Johnston came forward and reiterated his sentiments and also thanked the staff that volunteered for the event. She stated the City of Savannah was blessed this year as everyone made it to the end of the race healthy. Alderman Bordeaux stated his wife participated in the Rock n Roll Marathon and the City of Savannah looked beautiful. Alderman Bordeaux also acknowledged that tomorrow is Veteran’s Day and stated we should all be thankful for the efforts of the men and women that have served this country and nation. Alderman Shabazz thanked the public for coming to the 2 meetings held by the MPO held on November 6th. She stated as the process and planning continues she wants everyone to stay on board so all requests can hopefully be honored. Mayor Jackson announced Council will participate in the Veteran’s Day parade tomorrow and will be at St. Simon’s Island on Wednesday, November 12-Thursday, November 13 for the 2015 Budget Retreat. She stated it is something that has been done for as long as she has been on Council, the purpose of going to an offsite location is to keep Council focused. Alderman Johnson wished Alderman Shabazz a Happy Birthday. Mayor Jackson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council 29