City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA April 30, 2015 The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Invocation was given by Dyanne C. Reese, Clerk of Council followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: Mayor Edna Jackson, Presiding Alderman Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council Aldermen, Mary Ellen Sprague, John Hall, Estella Shabazz Tom Bordeaux, Carol Bell Assistant City Manager Pete Shonka City Attorney W. Brooks Stillwell Assistant City Attorney Lester B. Johnson, III ABSENT: Mayor Pro-Tem Van Johnson, II (out of town) City Manager Stephanie Cutter (out due to mother’s illness) Assistant City Attorney William Shearouse (out of town) MINUTES Upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried the summary/final minutes for the City Manager’s briefing of April 16, 2015. Upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried the summary/final minutes for the City Council meeting of April 16, 2015. Upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, unanimous approval was given for the Mayor to sign an affidavit and resolution on Litigation and Personnel for an Executive Session held today where no votes were taken. (SEE RESOLUTIONS) APPEARANCES Downtown Savannah Authority Intent to Issue Bonds on behalf of the City of Savannah. The Downtown Savannah Authority (DSA) intends to issue bonds to assist the City of Savannah to re-finance the Series 2005 bonds at lower interest rates to achieve debt service savings for the City and finance contractually required payments to the Savannah-Chatham Board of Education and construct improvements to the Bilbo Canal. This is an announcement only; no Council action is required for this agenda item. (The first reading of the Authority’s application to the City to issue the bonds is elsewhere on this agenda.) 1  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 Stratton Leopold appeared for the reading of the winning poems and presentation of awards in the 5th Annual Leopold’s Creative Writing Challenge presented by Leopold’s Ice Cream and the Live Oak Public Libraries. One hundred ninety poems celebrating the rivers of Savannah were submitted by Savannah Chatham County students, 12 winners were selected in the four categories as follows K-2: Winner: Carson Mosley age 8, Marshpoint Elementary; finalists: Caroline Russell, 5, Homeschooled and Josephine Clark, 8, Marshpoint Elementary; 3-5: Winner: Reese Whelen, 11, St. Peter the Apostle School; finalist: Deseray Kinslow, 10, Gould Elementary and Keyanna Crosby, 11, Thunderbolt Elementary; 6-8 Winner: Tino Pirro, 11, Charles Ellis Montessori School; finalist: Adam Davis, 13, Ester F. Garrison and Benny Kenney, 12, Ester F. Garrison; 9-12 Winner: Sarah Gonzalez, 17, First Presbyterian Christian Academy (not present); Andrew Berg, 15, Homeschooled and Mary Aupperle, 15, Savannah Arts Academy (not present). Michael T. Owens, President and CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council along with Molly Swagler, Vice President, Brianna Manion, Executive Assistant and other representatives of the Travel and Tourism industry appeared to receive a proclamation designating May 2-10, 2015 as “National Travel and Tourism Week” in Savannah, one of the largest economic impacts not on ly for the City of Savannah but he State of Georgia and the United States. Alderman Sprague read and presented the proclamation. Brett Hulme, President of the Savannah Regional Central Labor Council, and Robert Vazzi, OSHA Area Director appeared to receive a proclamation designating April 28, 2015 as “Workers Memorial Day” in Savannah. Alderman Osborne read and presented the proclamation. Mr. Vazzi recognized 11 individuals from the Savannah area offices coverage area that passed due to fatalities in calendar year 2014. Nikki Carangelo, Julia Williams and Johnnie Brannen of the Eastside Alliance of Savannah appeared to address Council in reference to the crime on the Eastside in Districts 2 and 3. Ms. Carangelo read a stated and asked that the City of Savannah hire 100 Police Officers within the next month, find a building to house a Precinct on the Eastside within the next 6 months, they asked for Officers to be on the ground, walking the neighborhoods and requested that the hire of the 100 police officers takes precedence over any and all frivolous spending. In addition, they requested a Town Hall meeting with the Mayor and Council. In closing she asked for a written request addressing the four points. Mayor Jackson sympathized with Ms. Carangelo stating Council has always taken crime seriously, there has never been a time when the police have asked for anything and it wasn’t provided. She continued stating they want Savannah to be the safe place, where seniors can sit on their porches and young people can walk the streets without being harmed. She asked Ms. Carangelo to contact her office in reference to setting up the meeting and asked Chief Lumpkin to address Ms. Carangelo’s concerns. Chief Lumpkin stated he spoke with Ms. Carangelo before the meeting additionally, he spoke with the Officers and they agreed a meeting should be held in the area to reassure the residents of the area. Alderman Hall thanked the Eastside Alliance members for coming and speaking up, he assured them they are not alone and stated the entire Council supports public safety. Alderman Osborne stated she hosted a District 2 Town Hall meeting and wished they were present. She stated Chief Lumpkin presented a wonderful presentation to the residents. She asked them to join the mailing list and if possible to join the Eastside Concerned Citizens. 2  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 Alderman Sprague stated she appreciates their passion to come before Council and speak, public safety is the number one priority for the citizens throughout the community. She agreed having a Town Hall meeting would be a wonderful idea not just for District 3 but the entire City. Alderman Bordeaux asked what neighborhoods and Neighborhood Associations are involved in the Eastside Alliance. Ms. Carangelo replied Twickenham, Victory Heights, Gordonston, Pine Gardens, Parkside and others. She stated the members are finding them as they are not actively going on seeking membership. Alderman Bordeaux stated she made great points, he continued stating he thinks it was an excellent move in hiring Chief Lumpkin. He doesn’t think the City is doing everything they must do. He ended stating the hard issues need to be discussed by Council. Alderman Bell thanked them for coming and stated as a Council they will avail themselves and commit to doing everything they can. Alderman Thomas thanked them for coming he stated his mother lives in the area. He stated he agrees with them but funding, strategic planning and hiring will take time but the City is headed in the right direction. He stated this is the benchmark where the measuring can begin to see what the Police Officers are doing and what this Council will do. Alderman Shabazz commended them for what they are doing stating she is an advocate of community residents coming together to solve the problems in the neighborhoods. She stated the situation is not isolated it is a citywide problem that she knows Chief Lumpkin and staff is working on. Mayor Jackson suggested they get on the regular meeting schedule that comes out monthly. Chief Lumpkin stated he is going to try to meet with them next week. PETITIONS George Cohen (Petitioner) on behalf of Harry Rosenzweig, Trustee (Adjoining Property Owner) – Petition 140150, requesting a non-exclusive access easement over and across City real property located between Capital and Iowa Streets, directly east of Savannah High School property (PIN 2-0038-01- 016). Rosenzweig owns property on either side of the City parcel (to the north and south). An access easement would allow Rosenzweig to avoid taking a circuitous route all the way around Savannah High School and other properties in order to go from one part of his property to the other part. In exchange for this grant of a non-exclusive access, Rosenzweig has agreed to grant the City easements for existing sewer and storm-water lines over and across his property (PIN 1-0279-01- 001), along with associated access rights. The sewer and storm-water lines are already in-place. Though prescriptive rights may be present, no formal easements were ever obtained. The grant of easements will cure any potential title issues. The land area associated with the access easement to be granted Rosenzweig over City property is approximately 6,250 square feet (10 feet wide by 625 feet). The land area associated with the sewer easement (15 feet by 325 feet) and the stormwater easement (25 feet by 165 feet) across the Rosenzweig property is approximately 9,000 square feet. Therefore, the easement land area being granted to the City is greater than the easement land area being granted to Rosenzweig. The request has been reviewed by Real Property Services, the Public Works and Water Resources Bureau, and the Assistant City Attorney. 3  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 Recommend granting a non-exclusive access easement across City-owned property (PIN 2-0038- 01-016) to Rosenzweig, and acceptance of grant of easements from Rosenzweig to the City for sewer lines, storm-water lines, and associated access across the property known as PIN 1-0279- 01-001; and authorization for the City Manager to execute final easement and associated closing documents. (An aerial map is attached.) Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. ORDINANCES SECOND READINGS Article J, Sections 8-3197 – 8-3197, Wireless Telecommunications Facilities (File No. 15- 001141-ZA). An ordinance to amend Article J, Sections 8-3197 through 8-3197 as amended, in order to correct definitions, standards and processes dealing with changes in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, and to establish a Master Planning process for Distributive Antenna Systems (DAS) and Small Cell networks. Recommend approval. A motion to approve was made by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Bordeaux. Alderman Thomas stated he contends this decision is an inappropriate decision that creates an unfair advantage for competition in this industry. He feels it was railroaded through Council and was not how representative and deliberative government should be especially when it commits the City to a 35 year commitment and agreement with no research, details or comparative information for what this could have been sold to other companies in the market. He continued stating in the two meetings prior to today he requested information from Verizon and staff and he is concerned that there is still confusion that Council doesn’t understand. He stated it is his understanding that every pole and site would come before Council for approval of site and design. Pete Shonka, Assistant City Manager replied the ordinance is set up to master plan the network, but yes each site will be approved by Council which was the commitment of City Manager Cutter at the last meeting. Alderman Thomas stated he is referring to each site, as there may be someone in a particular area that does not want the pole in their neighborhood for whatever reason, will they be contacted. Mr. Shonka replied the City will approve each site that is on City property it will be an encroachment permit. Alderman Thomas stated he will not be voting in favor of this as he still feels this was a decision made by staff without Council’s input. Jack Butler, MPC Planner stated these are not poles, they are extremely disguised and would be virtually indistinguishable from a regular light pole or telephone pole. They are going on public property and Council will have control over each one. The purpose is to have supplementary cell communication to allow cell phones to act properly to function normally during periods of very heavy use such as parades and festivals. Alderman Bordeaux asked in terms of posting the notices will they be placed on each pole at the specified location or sent to residents within for example 500 feet of the location. Mr. Butler replied the sign will be posted at each of the 28 locations, the hearing for the network will be advertised generally. Alderman Sprague stated her concern is that when the previous engineers came forward she asked how much digging would be done which still has not been answered, another concern was the huge grey box or ancillary structures associated with the poles, she stated Council should have to dig for the right questions to ask they should be given the information upfront. Mr. Butler replied the system has not been 4  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 designed as of yet therefore the answer to if there are going to be ancillary structures associatedwith the poles cannot be answered. All equipment associated with the system will go through a review process separate from the network itself through the Historic Review Board, the actual deign of any poles or pertinent boxes, cabling will go through the Historic Review Board because it is in our sensitive Historic District extraordinary pains will be taken to ensure this has no negative impact on the Downtown area. Alderman Shabazz stated she is still not comfortable with this, and stated one of her concerns is that this will interfere with the local small business owners. Alderman Thomas stated it bothers him that Council is being forced to pass something and they have no clue as to how it will look or what it will encompass. He stated Alderman Sprague raised a question and Mr. Butler doesn’t have the answer and there isn’t anyone present that knows and there are so many unanswered questions but Council is choosing to vote for it anyway. He continued stating what greatly bothers him is that it commits the City of Savannah to an agreement that expires in 2050 when no one currently sitting on Council will be here. Alderman Thomas asked Mr. Shonka if he compared the revenue the City of Savannah would be getting from this to other cities that are implementing this. Mr. Shonka replied he believes David Keating, Real Property Services Director looked at what they were paying in New Orleans. Mr. Keating replied he believes the IT Department did the research. Cam Mathis, IT Director stated they did not look at other cities. Alderman Thomas stated no comparison has been done with other cities to see what they get for this exact same right to do this. He continued stating this is a big advantage for this company, under the law there are co-location laws which state once Verizon puts the pole up any carrier that wants to service the area would have to co-locate on that pole or not locate at all. Mr. Butler replied he is a trifle concerned because what is before Council today is not the franchise agreement and has nothing to do with Verizon. It is an ordinance that began over 2 years before Verizon approached the City. This is an ordinance that would affect any DAS system and further brings the City’s Wireless ordinance into accordance. Alderman Thomas asked if this has nothing to do with Verizon why it is on the schedule at the same time as Verizon if it happened years ago. Mr. Butler replied this ordinance development began 2 years ago when staff first became aware of the technology of DAS and small cell, at that time they had no idea that Verizon would come forward with a plan to implement such a network. A draft was circulated among all wireless industry representatives in February 2014. When Verizon approached the City of Savannah about a franchise agreement it became apparent the ordinance would be needed. Alderman Thomas replied he understands Verizon can’t proceed with plans without the ordinance so this is a “cart before the horse” scenario however, it does have a relationship to the franchise agreement that this Council never got full understanding of. Alderman Osborne asked where are the Verizon representatives that can answer the questions as far as design is concerned, she feels it should be continued until the proper questions can be asked. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Shabazz a substitute motion was made to table the issue for two weeks, in order to have questions answered that are specific to the discussion held today. Alderman Bordeaux asked for a point of order stating he doesn’t believe it’s a substitute motion it is just a motion to table. Alderman Thomas changed the wording of his motion to continue the issue, until May 14, 2015, in order to have the questions answered that are specific to the discussion held today, it was seconded by Alderman Shabazz. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Shabazz and carried the ordinance was continued to the meeting of May 14, 2015 with the following voting in favor: Mayor Jackson, Aldermen Thomas, Osborne, Bell, Sprague, Hall and Shabazz; Alderman Bordeaux 5  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 opposed. Alderman Osborne stated it is fine to continue the discussion until May 14 however she would like someone present that can answer the questions. Mr. Shonka requested Council submit all questions to him. Mayor Jackson asked Attorney Yellin to come forward and asked him if Council submits their questions in writing can he have the representatives present to respond to the question. Attorney Yellin replied yes. Mayor Jackson asked Council to submit their questions to Mr. Shonka by Tuesday, May 5 and informed Attorney Yellin that Mr. Shonka will contact him. ORDINANCES FIRST READINGS Revisions to the Tour Service for Hire Ordinance. An ordinance to amend Part 6, Licensing and Regulation, Chapter 1, Business and Occupations, Article R. Tour Service for Hire, of the City Code to remove the review of tapes or recorded messages to ensure the information is true and factual. Recommend approval. Alderman Thomas asked for the item to be explained. Attorney Stillwell stated as Council is aware there is a lawsuit pending that has to do with the Tour Service ordinance they offered to meet with the party that brought the lawsuit against the City however, they did not want to do that instead they wanted to throw it out altogether as they were trying to prove it was illegal to regulate tours. During the review of one of the revisions it was pointed out there is a provision that has never been enforced. It is the recommendation of the legal staff that that portion is repealed. Alderman Thomas stated his concern is that the issue is on First and Second Reading while the City is in an active lawsuit and wanted to know if it was wise. Attorney Stillwell replied he recommends Council does it because by the time the case gets to court whatever is in the ordinance that the City has a reasonable complaint about will be fixed. Alderman Bordeaux began making suggestions, Attorney Stillwell suggested placing the item on First Reading. Mayor Jackson asked when the ordinance is brought back to Council that the original ordinance with strikethroughs is provided as well so they can see the changes that are being made. Alderman Shabazz asked if tour guide agencies are assisting with the revisions to the ordinance. Attorney Stillwell replied yes. Alderman Thomas asked if a Pedicab is considered a tour vehicle. Bridget Lidy, Tourism and Ambassadorship Director replied the Pedicab is a separate ordinance that is not regulated by the one currently being discussed. 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 16th day of April, 2015 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing Litigation, Personnel and 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; 6  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 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 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. OPPOSITION TO SEISMIC TESTING AND OFFSHORE DRILLING ACTIVITIES. A resolution of opposition to seismic testing and offshore drilling activities along the South Atlantic Coast. The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is currently trying to open the mid and south Atlantic coastal areas to exploration and development of offshore drilling. The BOEM estimates that the potential oil located along the Georgia and South Carolina coast is equivalent to less than two months of domestic oil demand. However, the impact of risks associated with drilling, extraction and transportation would last significantly longer. This resolution opposes BOEM’s current efforts and identifies these primary concerns: 1) there is no transparency regarding the costs, benefits, and risks of BOEM’s offshore oil and gas proposal to the Atlantic Coast, the City of Savannah or the public, 2) the full impact of seismic testing and offshore drilling on the Atlantic Ocean are not fully known or understood, and 3) the potential risks related to drilling, extraction and transportation of offshore oil and gas could have large negative impacts on our city’s economy, quality of life, natural coast, historical environment, and future economic development. This resolution is consistent with those already passed by cities along the South Atlantic Coast including Charleston, Beaufort, Hilton Head, Tybee Island and St. Mary’s. Recommend approval. Mayor Jackson stated Council needs to also be concerned about the pipeline. She is asking staff to present information to Council and keep them aware of what is going on. A RESOLUTION: EXPRESSING THE CITY OF SAVANNAH’S OPPOSITION TO SEISMIC TESTING AND OFFSHORE DRILLING ACTIVITIES. WHEREAS, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is currently in the process of trying to open the mid and south Atlantic planning areas to exploration and development of offshore oil and gas which will include the utilization of methods, such as seismic blasting; and, WHEREAS, the seismic data collected during any exploration activities will be proprietary and will not be available for review by the State of Georgia, the City of Savannah, or members of the public; and, WHEREAS, it will be impossible for the City of Savannah to give adequate consideration to the costs, benefits, and risks of BOEM’s offshore oil and gas proposal due to the lack of transparency of this process; and, WHEREAS, the City of Savannah cannot fully participate in the BOEM planning process without appropriate access to the resource studies conducted off our coast; and, 7  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 WHEREAS, the full impacts of seismic testing and offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean are not yet fully understood by scientists, or the Federal Government, and lower-impact alternative technologies may be available for exploration in the near future; and, WHEREAS, exploratory and commercial drilling, extraction, and transportation of offshore oil and gas resources pose a risk of a spill; and, WHEREAS, eventual offshore drilling may require onshore infrastructure, such as pipelines or refineries, which may compromise the character of our coast; and, WHEREAS, the City of Savannah is concerned about the potential impacts of offshore drilling activities on our coast; and, WHEREAS, the City of Savannah is a Georgia municipality where a major economic force is tourism related to the appreciation of our natural coastal and historical environment, which are also the primary factors contributing to the high quality of life the City’s residents enjoy, enabling business recruitment, economic growth, and attracting new residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Savannah endeavors to be a good steward of its coastal environment and its resources; and, WHEREAS, the City of Savannah believes that more research should be done to fully understand and to better address the impacts of seismic testing, and any testing should be done in a transparent manner and the options for mitigating those impacts explored before exploration begins. IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT: The City Council of the City of Savannah, representing the City of Savannah, opposes the current BOEM proposal for seismic testing and offshore oil and gas development off of the Georgia Coast. ADOPTED AND APPROVED, April 30, 2015 upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation MISCELLANEOUS Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Authorities. Upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Bordeaux and unanimously carried appointments were continued to May 14, 2015. First Reading of Downtown Savannah Authority (DSA) Application on behalf of the City of Savannah. The City of Savannah has requested the assistance of the Downtown Savannah Authority by the issuance of bonds to: 1) re-finance the outstanding maturities of the Downtown Savannah Authority (Georgia) Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds (Ellis Square Parking Garage), Series 2005 at lower interest rates to achieve debt service savings for the City and, 2) finance contractually required payments to the Savannah-Chatham Board of Education and 8  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 construct improvements to the Bilbo Canal. The City will enter into a contract with the DSA under which it will pledge to pay all interest and principal for the bonds. As required by state statue, the Authority in turn has made application to the City requesting the City Council’s express approval for the issuance of such bonds. The approximate amount of the new bond issue is $43 million. Under state statue, the Authority’s application to the City to issue such bonds must receive two readings before City Council. The first reading is scheduled for the meeting of April 30, 2015. The second reading has been advertised for the meeting of May 14, 2015. No action is required on this first reading. Sale of Surplus Property at Jim Benton Court and Benton Boulevard. Stephen Friedman of Hallex Holdings LLC requested via Petition 140226 that the City declare property located at 102 Jim Benton Court surplus and available for sale to the public. The vacant property (PIN 2-1016- 02-069) is located at the corner of Benton Boulevard and Jim Benton Court, between the Highlands and Godley Station areas within the Benton Business Park. The site was originally purchased by the City of Savannah in August of 2007 for development as a fire station site. The City paid $545,000 for the property in 2007. However, due to changes in flood mapping and changes in standards for emergency services (response time modeling) the site was deemed no longer suitable for its original intended purpose. The parcel is a total of 3.3 acres, including approximately one acre of wetlands, and is situated within an “AE” designation on the flood maps. The site was declared surplus to the City’s needs by City Council on July 24, 2014. An appraisal of the property dated September 22, 2014 completed by David Leggett, MAI and State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser, reported the Market Value of the property at $350,000. The property was placed on the market for sale via Request for Proposal (RFP) Event No. 2739. The RFP opened on November 3, 2014 and closed on January 6, 2015. One bid was received. It was submitted by the petitioner at a price of $226,000. The petitioner was informed of the appraisal price of $350,000. The petitioner/bidder agreed to purchase the property at the appraised value of $350,000. Recommend award of the sale of the surplus real property located at 102 Jim Benton Court to the highest and most responsive bidder, Hallex Holdings LLC, at a price of $350,000; authorization for the City Manager to execute a contract to sell this property based on these negotiated terms; and authorization for the City Manager to sign a Quit Claim deed at closing. Recommend approval. Alderman Thomas stated West Chatham is coming back and everywhere you look development is occurring in the area. He stated he’s not sure he’s in favor of selling the property at such a loss when it could be sold for more a few years from now. Mr. Shonka stated since the property was purchased the flood plain map has changed, formally the property was not in the flood plain area and now it is which affects its value even moving forward in the future. It will be more costly to develop the property in the future. Alderman Bell asked is there a real reason to sell the property at this point. Curtis Wallace, Assistant Chief of Logistics came forward and stated Savannah Fire will be looking for a location in the area. When they modeled it, it was 9  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 presented as a cost savings. The old model required two new stations in addition, with the new ISO rating only one station is now required. Alderman Thomas stated he believes the cost of the property will increase within the next few years and the City should hold off on selling at this point. Mayor Jackson stated since the property is now in a flood plain what can be developed on the property. Mr. Shonka replied anytime type of Public Safety facility would not be appropriate. Mayor Jackson asked what the intentions of the developer. Steven Friedman, property owner came forward and gave a brief history of the property he stated his hope is to do a commercial development. Mayor Jackson asked if the property is in a flood plain can it be developed into a commercial property. Mr. Friedman replied the parcel the City owns is just under 4 acres of which 2 is wetland and nothing can be done with it, he owns 27 acres of that 27 acres 6.5 is buildable and the other 20 isn’t. Alderman Thomas asked Mr. Friedman what if the City of Savannah grants him an option if it’s legal to assemble the property with his 27 acres to create the office park or whatever he chooses to market and sell, once sold the City of Savannah agrees to sell him the property for the amount originally paid. Mr. Friedman stated he has been working with the City playing by the rules he’s been told the City has, he continued stating he may not be able to develop the property for years. Alderman Thomas replied for him the City would get their monies worth and the tax payer’s dollars would be whole. Mr. Keating stated this went through the petition process, in an RFP you’re able to negotiate. Mr. Friedman stated he would be very happy to be willing to take a 5 year option. Upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Bordeaux and unanimously carried the item was continued to the meeting of May 14, 2015 to give staff and Mr. Friedman time to discuss other options so there is no loss to the City of Savannah. Electric Power Distribution Easement across Horseshoe Canal for Georgia Power Company. Georgia Power Company is requesting an easement across a City drainage right-of- way (Horseshoe Canal) to provide electric service to a new apartment complex under construction (The Legends of Chatham). This new apartment complex is located along the east side of Chatham Parkway, between I-16 and U.S. 17. The new electric service will generate income to the City via the existing franchise agreement between the City and Georgia Power. The requested easement has been reviewed by Real Property Services and the Bureau of Public Works and Water Resources. Georgia Power has agreed to bore under the canal and place the electric service subterranean, as well as clearly mark the location of the easement, to provide safety and protection for City staff who maintain the canal and associated right-of-way. Recommend approval of the request of Georgia Power for an easement under and across a City- owned canal for the purpose of providing electrical service to a new apartment complex under construction, and for a resolution to be prepared for Council approval authorizing the City Manager to sign the final easement document. Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Osborne and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REPORTS Renaming of Fisk Street to Fisk Lane. The Traffic Engineering Department recommends 10  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 approval of a request to rename Fisk Street to Fisk Lane. The request is being made by residents of both Northeast and Southeast 36th Streets via Alderman Mary Osborne. Fisk Street is an unpaved single-lane facility one block in length that runs east/west between Waters Avenue and Live Oak Street. Fisk Street serves as a lane, in that it is utilized by Sanitation Services and serves as a rear access to the residences. Residents support the renaming so that it reflects the true nature of its function. The request was reviewed by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the City’s Traffic Engineering Department. Neither have objections to recommending the change in name to this short street. Based on the prevailing circumstances, it is recommended that the Mayor and Aldermen approve this request. Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. Reduction in Speed Limit on Ogeechee Road. In conjunction with a proposed safety improvement in the Tremont Road area, the Traffic Engineering Department is recommending that the speed limit on Ogeechee Road between Liberty Parkway and Victory Drive be reduced from 45 MPH to 35 MPH. This portion of Ogeechee Road runs concurrently with State Route 26 and US Highway 80 where it borders and traverses a number of neighborhoods including Chatham Parkway, Liberty City, Summerside, Tremont Park, and Ogeecheeton. In order for the speed limit to be enforced, the Ogeechee Road speed limit changes must be added to the radar permit through the Georgia Department of Transportation. Recommend that the speed limit on Ogeechee Road between Liberty Parkway and Victory Drive be reduced from 45 MPH to 35 MPH, and that a resolution requesting the Georgia Department of Transportation to amend the City’s radar permit be approved at the next Council meeting. (An aerial map is attached.) Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. BIDS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Upon a motion by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Hall and unanimously carried, the following bids, contracts and agreements were approved per the City Manager’s recommendations: Crossroads Water Pollution Control Plant – Event No. 3014. Recommend approval to procure professional engineering services for the study and preliminary design of treatment facilities at the Crossroads Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) from the best proposer, Hazen & Sawyer, PC, in the amount of $249,985.00. The Crossroads WPCP is currently receiving over 80% of the wastewater flow allowed by permit, and needs to be expanded to provide treatment capacity to new residential, commercial, and industrial development within the Crossroads service area. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal. Proposals were received and evaluated on the basis of project team and qualifications, related project experience, project approach, proposed schedule, local participation, fees, and MWBE participation. 11  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 No numerical MWBE goals were established for this project, but proposers were encouraged to achieve the highest possible MWBE participation and were allotted a maximum of 10 points in the evaluation criteria. The recommended proposer submitted 2% MBE participation at the sub- contractor level utilizing Coastline Consulting Services, Inc. and 3% WBE utilizing Clemmons Engineering. The RFP was advertised, opened, and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The proposers were: B.P Hazen & Sawyer, PC (Atlanta, GA) (D) $249,985.00 Chester Engineers(B) $262,296.00 Brown & Caldwell(D) $496,717.00 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Crossroads WPCP Expansion and Force Main (Account No. 311-9207- 52842-SW0524). A Pre-Proposal Conference was conducted and eight vendors attended. (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. SCMPD Training Facility Furniture – Event No. 3034. Recommend approval to procure furniture for the SCMPD Training Center from Office Services in the amount of $86,429.85, Contract Business Interiors in the amount of $46,616.33, and Georgia Correctional Industries in the amount of $18,690.00, for a total amount of $151,736.18. Each vendor selected was the lowest bidder for the group of related line items awarded. This bid was advertised, opened, and reviewed. Delivery: Bi-Weekly. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidders were: L.B. Georgia Correctional Industries (Decatur, GA) (D) $147,797.00* L.B. Office Services (Savannah, GA) (B) $171,129.77 L.B. Contract Business Interiors (East Point, GA)(C) $195,151.61 Total Office Solutions(D) $185,472.64 Center Office Systems(B) $210,221.64 *Indicates a partial bid. Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Costs/Savannah Public Safety Metroplex (Account No. 311-9207-52842- PB0836). A Pre-Proposal Conference was conducted and three vendors attended. (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business. (C)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Infor (Lawson) Annual Maintenance – Sole Source – Event No. 3178. Recommend approval to procure Infor (Lawson) annual maintenance and support from Infor Global Solutions in the amount of $187,472.86. These services will be used by the Information Technology Department 12  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 to provide maintenance and support for the City's ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system for finance, accounts payable, budgeting, human resources, and payroll functions. The reason for this sole source is that Infor is the original provider of this software system. It is critical to have ongoing maintenance and support from the original provider to ensure timely and knowledgeable response when it is necessary. Delivery: As Requested. Terms: Net 30 Days. The vendor is: S.S Infor Global Solutions (Alpharetta, GA) (D) $ 187,472.86 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Internal Service Fund/Information Technology/Data Processing Equipment Maintenance (Account No. 611-1140-51251). A Pre-Proposal Conference was not held as this is a sole source procurement. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Arena Switch Gear – Emergency Purchase – Event No. 3199. Notification of an emergency procurement of electrical services from Aiken-Harper Electrical in the amount of $38,789.00. These electrical services were used to upgrade the electrical switch gear for the Civic Center to meet code. The reason this was an emergency procurement is because the switch gear was found to be in need of repair and upgrading during an inspection by an insurance underwriter. The Civic Center was given limited time to repair the switch gear in order to be in compliance with the insurance requirements. Aiken-Harper Electrical was selected because it was the first vendor able to immediately respond. Delivery: Immediately. Terms: Net 30 Days. The vendor was: E.P. Aiken-Harper Electrical (Garden City, GA) (D) $38,789.00 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Capital Improvements Fund/Capital Improvement Projects/Other Expenses/Electrical Switch Gear Replacement (Account No. 311-9207-52812- CC0703). A Pre-Proposal Conference was not conducted as this was an emergency procurement. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Management Training Program – Amendment No. 1 - Event No. 2987. Recommend approval of Amendment No. 1 to the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute in the amount of a reduction of $3,400.00. The original contract was for high quality management training for those individuals who are or aspire to be in management positions within the City. A decrease in total amount of the contract is the result of a reduction in service hours needed due to City staff conducting applicant interviews. The cumulative total of the agreement requires Council approval of this amendment. The original contract amount was $37,400.00. The total of all contract amendments to date, including this amendment, is a reduction of $3,400.00, making the total contract price $34,000.00. 13  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 Recommend approval of Amendment No. 1 to the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute in the amount of a reduction of $3,400.00. Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, General Fund/Human Resources/Other Contractual Service (Account No. 101-1103-51295). A Pre- Proposal Conference was conducted and one vendor attended. (H)Indicates non-local, non-profit business. Recommend approval. Water and Sewer Agreement – Office Warehouse Facility – 540 Jimmy Deloach Parkway. Cross Roads Associates, LLC has requested a water and sewer agreement for Office Warehouse Facility 540 Jimmy Deloach Parkway. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 14.64-equivalent residential unit development located at 540 Jimmy Deloach Parkway. 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 – 202 West Waldburg Street Townhomes. ME Viers Associates, LLC has requested a water and sewer agreement for 202 West Waldburg Street Townhomes. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 5-equivalent residential unit development located at Waldburg and Barnard Streets. 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 – Legends at Chatham. Legends at Chatham, LLC has requested a water and sewer agreement for Legends at Chatham. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 153.9-equivalent residential unit development off Chatham Parkway. 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. Memorandum of Understanding with the Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization. Recommend approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (CORE MPO) and the City of Savannah. The CORE MPO is a comprehensive, cooperative regional transportation planning process. The 2010 Census expansion of the Savannah Urbanized Area necessitated the CORE MPO Reapportionment Process. Federal law requires that the CORE MPO’s Metropolitan Planning Area boundary expand to include parts of Bryan County and Effingham County. It is also necessary to update the MPO and advisory committee’s membership, the Bylaws and MOU to reflect the current requirements and the expanded planning area membership. The benefits of the programs include but are not limited to: access to the CORE MPO staff for technical support; access to CORE MPO funds to address planning needs, which can address regional or localized mobility issues; eligibility for federal funds for design, rights-of-way and construction projects; and continued access to federal funds. Most of the items related to jurisdictions are similar to the previous MOU. A new item in the MOU is to agree to share in the local cost of the planning program to match federal funding available for planning. The cost sharing formula for municipalities would be a base of $1,000 plus a proportional contribution based upon 75% of their population. 14  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 Recommend authorizing the execution of the MOU. Recommend approval. Alderman Sprague asked what the Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization does. Tom Thomson, Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, Executive Director came forward and gave an extensive overview of the organization. Aldermen Sprague and Shabazz asked that the minutes from the meetings and the agendas be sent to Council as they are both interested in what is going on with the organization. Approved upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. Data Storage – Sole Source – Event No. 3198. Recommend approval to procure data storage from Dell, Inc. in the amount of $121,134.98. These items will be used by the Information Technology Department to replace storage that has reached the end of its life. The new data storage equipment is the only equipment that is compatible with the current Equallogic storage system. The storage system is vital to the City’s day to day operations because it supports systems such as Lawson, email, CAD, and Energov. Delivery: As Requested. Terms: Net 30 Days. The vendor was: S.S. Dell, Inc. (Round Rock, TX) (D) $ 121,134.98 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Computer Replacement Fund/Computer Purchases/Computer Hardware-Software (Account No. 612-9240-51510). A Pre-Proposal Conference was not held as this is a sole source procurement. (D)Indicates non-local, non- minority owned business. Recommend approval. Alderman Sprague asked what this contract is for. Cam Mathis, IT Director stated this is to replace storage that is used in the production environment for all the data that is collected from all the systems. Approved upon motion of Alderman Sprague, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. The following announcements were made: Mayor Jackson made the following announcements: Alderman Johnson was in attendance along with another staff member at a conference in Philadelphia on Violence and the African American Male. She acknowledged the passing of Teinique Lynn Gadson, Executive Director of Neighborhood Improvement Association, she stated a resolution is being prepared. She congratulated Loretta Lynch, for being nominated as the 83rd Attorney General, stating she is the first African American female to hold the seat. A meeting was set up to discuss Odyssey Lounge on Skidaway, another meeting will be held and Chief Lumpkin will be asked to attend. The community and the owner are working together to resolve the issues. Alderman Bell stated she wanted to commended Mike Weiner, Streets Maintenance; Joe Shearouse and Gordon Deeney, Park & Tree and John Sawyer, Water & Sewer for making a 15  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 30, 2015 rapid response to an issue she called them in reference to earlier in the week. All problems were addressed and they began the next day after the call. Alderman Sprague announced “Muffins with Mary Ellen” every Wednesday morning from 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at Coffee.Deli in the Habersham Village Shopping Center. Alderman Osborne thanked Mayor Jackson, Aldermen Bell and Hall for attending her District 2 Town Hall meeting. She stated the citizens very much appreciated their presence and Chief Lumpkin did a wonderful job. There being no further business, Mayor Jackson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council 16