City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA August 6, 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 Pastor Jim Dunn, Harvest Church of the Nazarene 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 Aldermen Carol Bell, John Hall, Mary Ellen Sprague, Tom Bordeaux City Manager Stephanie Cutter City Attorney W. Brooks Stillwell Assistant City Attorney William Shearouse ABSENT: Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council (NBC-Leo Conference) Alderman Estella Shabazz (out of town) (NBC-Leo Conference) MINUTES Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague, and unanimously carried the summary/final minutes for the City Manager’s briefing of July 23, 2015. Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague, and unanimously carried the summary/final minutes for the City Council meeting of July 23, 2015. APPEARANCES Alderman Sprague introduced Jusak Yang and Bernhard Jeff Manley of TailSpin who appeared to speak about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars. Mr. Yang and Manley requested the City of Savannah adopt an ordinance as it relates to pets being left in hot cars. They provided Council with a sample ordinance from California. Mayor Jackson asked that the ordinance be given to staff for them to review. Alderman Johnson suggested while looking at an ordinance from a local standpoint looking at it as a State law so it can have more teeth and provide for immunity for someone who is trying rescue an animal. Alderman Sprague thanked Mr. Yang and Manley for coming educating Council and citizens on animal safety. Chief Joseph Lumpkin, Assistant Chief Julie Tolbert, and Sgt. Flannery of the Savannah- Chatham Metropolitan Police appeared to announce that the Department has earned reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Chief Lumpkin commended Sgt. Flannery and Assistant Chief Lumpkin for all their hard work during the reaccreditation period and presented the award to Council. 1  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 LEGISLATIVE REPORTS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE HEARINGS As advertised, the following alcoholic license petitions were heard. No one appeared in objection to the issuance of these licenses. David W. Thorne for Aqua Vitae, LLC t/a Aqua Vitae Lounge, requesting liquor, beer and wine (drink) license at 719 East 65th Street, which is located between Frederick Street and Paulsen Street in District 4. The applicant plans to operate as a bar/lounge. (New business/ownership) Recommend approval. Alderman Sprague asked if he understood having an alcohol license is a privilege and not a right and comes with certain rules and regulations that he must abide by; if he doesn’t abide by those rules and regulations the license can be revoked; if he promised to comply with those rules and regulations. Mr. Thorne responded yes to all questions. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Hall, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried. Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. Mayor Jackson made a special presentation to City Manager Cutter in recognition of her birthday on August 5th she asked everyone to stand and sing Happy Birthday to her. City Manager Cutter thanked everyone. PUBLIC HEARINGS Adoption of the 2015 Millage Rate. This is the last of three required public hearings that must be held prior to the adoption of the 2015 millage rate. The proposed rate of 12.48 mills on the dollar or $12.48 per $1,000 in assessed value, which is the same as last year’s rate, is higher than the rollback rate of 11.65 mills. When the proposed rate is higher than the rollback rate, the levying authority must notify the public that taxes are being increased and hold three public hearings. Donald Hodges, Coastal Steel Buildings came forward and asked if the taxes will increase by $1248 on a $100,000 property? Alderman Thomas replied you are assessed on a $100,000 property 40% and on a $100,000 house you would pay 12.48 times 40 which is approximately $550. Alderman Johnson stated for purposes of clarification there are other bodies that tax other than the City of Savannah, the City’s will not change but that has nothing to do with other entities. Debbie Broderick who resides at 2329 Shirley Drive asked if this is something that has to happen now. Alderman Johnson replied there will not be a change. City Manager Cutter stated the millage rate as set by the City of Savannah is not increasing. Where the increase comes is the increase in property values, if the amount being assessed is higher than the tax will be higher. Property owners concerned about the increase in property values have the right to appeal to the Board of Assessors. Jason Combs who resides at 508 East 37th Street asked how much more money will be coming to the City of Savannah by leaving the millage rate the same. City Manager Cutter replied she doesn’t have the exact projections but it is estimated at a couple million. Mr. Combs asked if any of those funds will be going to the Firefighters for pay raises. Alderman Sprague responded yes. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Bell, and unanimously carried. 2  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 Mayor Jackson acknowledged the Firefighters that were present in Council Chambers and gave them an opportunity to speak for informational purposes only. The following statement was read by Robert L. Millie. I am humbled and proud to speak before you today and on such a vital and imperative issue with regard to your Savannah Professional Fire Fighters and the efficient operations of the City and Bureau alike with the highest of importance placed on the citizens we proudly serve. Our contract is between you the Mayor, Aldermen and women and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 574 (Sav. Prof. FF). The contract is negotiated by the Union and the City Manager and his or her designee. Contract negotiations started in June of 2012 to which we reached mutually declared impasse in December of 2014. All steps that we and the city followed with regard to impasse were per the contract that guides our wages, benefits and working conditions. With the declaration of impasse your fire fighters still believed it most beneficial to reach a mutually beneficial resolve with City Administration and continually extended our hand with regard to meetings and patience awaiting results of the Evergreen Solutions compensation study understanding the credibility this would add to our joint cause. With most of the data in regarding public safety pay, moreover the Bureau of Fire we again pushed forward with bargaining in good faith. Please note that all of our ranges for pay are below that of results of the compensation study and as a bargaining unit that believes in good faith practices we keep our numbers firm knowing that it provides a fair compensation for a hard day’s work. We also took into account the City’s priority of acknowledging the need to additionally compensate employees for specific academic degrees, performance, skill set or certification. We have also reached a joint disagreement on representation of Fire Captains within the ranks of the Union. When I look to Council I do not see a philosophical difference with our organization and you all, but currently a procedural hurdle, a procedural hurdle that you here today can rectify. The reason I see us as colleagues in public service is you have all answered a call to action. You Mayor Jackson and the rest of Council has chosen to be a voice and change agent for the public. It is communities on the eastside, west side, south side and downtown, but it is the citizens and visitors of Savannah. Those same citizens and visitors are the people we reference proudly as our customers. The same people we have been injured or killed trying to save, the same customers we have seen traumatic injuries or fatalities that we take home mentally shift after shift and on an hour of rest with an attempted smile on our faces, we pick up our children as they ask “how was work?” to which we respond “pretty quiet”. As I stated, this procedural issue in in your control. You are empowered to bring about resolve to any and all issues within your scope and this matter is within your sphere of control. In the last meeting had with the City manager in an attempt to resolve our outstanding impasse issues, so that we could jointly as Labor and Management present a contract that codified a positive and progressive relationship for the wages and working conditions of your fire fighters, it was here I learned that City Administration had a different intent. It was at this meeting when I was informed that for the first time since 1973 our contract would not go to council as the previous had 30 or so, that there would be no impasse resolution and the pay and remainder of the issues would not be presented by both sides or in our earnest hope jointly before you. We were advised 3  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 that city administration did not need permission to move forward with the pay scale modifications present a final budget to you all excluding the contract guidelines to you. Not only is this unacceptable as it is a breach of a mutually agreed upon contract between you all and the Local and the decision taken from you, but four of you individually signed off on this matter in 2008 (Mayor Jackson, Mayor pro tem Johnson, Alderman Thomas and Alderwoman Osborne). As I stated before, you all have chosen to serve the public, and even in your respective professions some of you perform similar representative functions be it Union affiliation, human resources, clergy or the law that chooses to speak up for victims, you all have made a choice and that does not differ from what we are attempting to perform. No the power to understand representation, employee organization and the comprehension, that you also serve and represent comes to this sweeping conclusion. You all as the employer of three, the City Attorney, Clerk of Council and the City Manager make a firm and united decision by vote to recognize the contract and adhere to the resolution proceedings and hear our impasse. And I say OUR impasse speaking for you all and the Local as designated units contained with the contract. I appeal to you all to amend the meeting agenda and then call a vote to recognize the contract and all its entity and put the power to resolve mutually declared impasse with you all. You will decide after acknowledging the properness of the contract as to how the organization at your charge, the City of Savannah is directed with regard to management and labor conditions. We urge you to call the Vote. Allow no one to take your authority. Call the Vote. Respectfully, Fraternally & Gratefully, Every member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Affiliate Local #0574 Proudly your Savannah Professional Fire Fighters Association! Mayor Jackson asked Mr. Millie to provide Council with a copy of the document which will be given to leadership and decided upon. City Manager Cutter stated the City Attorney’s office gave a legal opinion on this matter and for the record would like it entered into the minutes. Attorney Stillwell stated he will send it to Council and the Clerk’s office to be entered into the minutes. Alderman Bordeaux asked if it is a legal opinion as to where we are procedurally. Attorney Stillwell replied he was out of town when this occurred and he is unaware as to what the discussion was because Jennifer Herman, Assistant City Attorney handled the issue therefore, he would prefer to send a report in writing to Council. Alderman Bordeaux asked Mr. Millie for clarification stating he asked Council to amend the agenda and make a decision which does not seem like a very responsible thing to do. He asked him if he seriously expects Council to act and resolve the impasse that he indicated exists today. Mr. Millie replied In the last meeting had with the City manager in an attempt to resolve our outstanding impasse issues, so that we could jointly as Labor and Management present a contract that codified a positive and progressive relationship for the wages and working conditions of your fire fighters, it was here I learned that City Administration had a different intent. Alderman Johnson stated since Council is just hearing about this he would want from the City Manager a status of where the negotiations lie. City Manager Cutter stated she would rather the City Attorney respond to that as her actions were governed by the opinion from the City Attorney’s office. 4  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 Mayor Jackson thanked the Firefighters for coming, she stated she was unaware everyone would be in attendance. She was under the impression he wanted to schedule a meeting with Council as they do not make impromptu decisions. Alderman Hall asked how long has the impasse been. Mr. Millie replied in December 2014, it was mutually agreed upon that they were at an impasse and could resolve no further at the table. Part of which was an agreement with management that the Evergreen Compensation Study had to be in whose numbers were higher, but as a bargaining and good faith unit they maintained their numbers which were lower. Mr. Millie continued stating there is no reason why Council or City management should make a decision without being fully informed therefore, they waited patiently which is why at the last meeting with the majority of the numbers for public safety being in they attempted to move forward which is where he was advised would not be the case. Attorney Stillwell stated as Council is well aware the way things are handled procedurally is for the City Manager to investigate on the request of Council or a petition of the public, who then makes a recommendation and brings it to Council to consider and act upon. He stated he nor the City Manager were aware until the very last minute that there would be anything to do with Firefighters salaries on today’s agenda, they have not prepared to discuss this with Council today a written report will be provided to Council and they will be prepared to discuss the matter a meeting to be held soon. City Manager Cuter stated for a point of clarity the contractual agreement reference was for a period of 2008 to 2012, we are now in 2015. Council is aware that a consultant was hired to perform a comprehensive pay and compensation study all information and factors were taken into consideration that came in whether it was for police, fire or general employees. The consultant was directed that the City wanted to be a little ahead of the market and they proceeded accordingly, in her opinion she believes a very good recommendation was presented which takes into consideration multiple factors. Alderman Thomas stated he understands the City Attorney was out and has asked that he be given an opportunity to meet with the City Manager in reference to it but what bothers him is that there has been an impasse since December 2014. He asked when Council can expect that the two sides sit down to discuss the issue and bring a recommendation. City Manager Cutter replied she thinks Council is being misled as the Fire Chief, Human Resources Director have spent great amounts of time sitting sown talking with Union Representatives they sent the recommendations to her office. What they have recommended is where they are, she doesn’t want anyone to think the appropriate staff has not sat down with Union Representatives as they have. Alderman Thomas replied this is not adversarial to her or her office whatsoever, but there is a large contingent of firefighters present that are obviously have not been working under a contract since 2012. For three almost four years, the issue hasn’t been resolved, he continued stating he agrees with her about the wage study as he wants to see the City of Savannah with the highest paid public services sector in the state and in the Southeast. He stated in his opinion they should not be working without some type of agreement between them and the City. He asked when Council can expect City Manager Cutter and Attorney Stillwell to have the information they need, so they can come back and make a recommendation to Council for consideration to move forward to resolve the issue. City Manager Cutter replied it is out of the hands of the administration at this point and is with legal to render a legal opinion on the matter which is what the City Attorney has stated. Attorney Stillwell replied he will give Council an interim report if not a final report by the next Council meeting as he is unaware what the question is at this point. Alderman Johnson stated in an employment at will state as Georgia, Savannah remains a labor friendly city as is Council. He thanked the firefighters for coming and sharing the information with Council and stated they will be awaiting the report from Attorney Stillwell. He thanked the 5  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 firefighters present for coming and putting their lives on the line day in and day out for the City of Savannah. Mr. Millie thanked Council for the opportunity and stated they did not mislead Council in any form or fashion, and he believes the attempt to state the contract was from 2008 to 2012 was a brief attempt to suggest it is an expired contract which has successor agreements written into it to which they operated under until now. He asked that Council not allow the opinion of someone else to do their bidding and hide behind a possible grey area as it relates to labor relations on their behalf. Alderman Thomas stated he doesn’t want his comments to be misconstrued, as a detriment to the firefighters. His concern is that there hasn’t been an agreement made since December 2014. Mayor Jackson stated Council works with the City Manager and City Attorney, when information is brought to them they in turn make recommendations to Council for a decision to be made so everyone can be on the same page. She stated she will not go above their heads before a recommendation is brought to Council. Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague, and unanimously carried the agenda was amended to reflect the presentation from the firefighters. ZONING HEARINGS J. Patrick Connell, Agent, Paul W. Harrison, Petitioner, (File No. 15-003200-ZA) requesting to rezone 305 W. 35th Street from a Mid-City District TN-2 (Traditional Neighborhood) zoning classification to a Mid-City District TC-1 (Traditional Commercial Neighborhood) zoning classification. Metropolitan Planning Commission recommends approval of the request to rezone 305 W. 35th Street from a Mid-City District TN-2 (Traditional Neighborhood) zoning classification to a Mid-City District TC-1 (Traditional Commercial Neighborhood) zoning classification. The Planning Commission believes that rezoning the property to TC-1 will provided a “buffer” between the property zoned B-C to the west (a single-family home) and the property zoned TN-2 to the east (also a single-family home). The Planning Commission also recommends a Future Land Use Map change from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial. The Metropolitan Planning Commission Staff recommended denial of the request because of the potentially detrimental consequences to the neighborhood if the property is zoned TC-1. The current TN-2 district allows the petitioner reasonable use of the property, including the ability to use the residence as a home and a bed and breakfast inn, and also the ability to lease the accessory dwelling. Recommend continuing the hearing to September 3, 2015 as requested by the applicant’s agent. Continued to September 3, 2015 upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. Mia Madison Properties, LLC Petitioner and George Meyers, Agent, (File No. 15-002297- ZA) requesting to rezone 1512 E. 52nd Street from the R-6 (single family residential) zoning classification to an R-4 (four family residential) zoning classification. The Metropolitan Commission recommends denial of the request to rezone the subject property 1512 E. 52nd Street from the R-6 (single family residential) classification to an R-4 (four family residential) zoning classification. The subject site is located within a well-established single family 6  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 residential neighborhood that is zoned R-6, single family residential. The existing neighborhood is very vibrant and the homes are well maintained, with several properties undergoing updates to maintain the character of the neighborhood. The introduction of a zoning district that permits uses inconsistent with the existing neighborhood and the Future Land Use Map would not be beneficial to the neighborhood. The Planning Commission recommends denial of the petitioner's request to rezone the subject site 1512 East 52nd Street from an R-6 (Single-Family Residential) classification to an R-4 (Four­ Family Residential) classification based on the findings identified in the staff report. Recommend approval of the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Marcus Lotson, Metropolitan Planning Commission briefly described the petitioner’s request. Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried. Approved upon motion of Alderman Hall, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. Harold Yellin, Agent for Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), (File No. 15-002389- ZA) requesting to amend the Mid-City Zoning District Section 8-3224, Parking; Appendix A, Mid-City District Zoning Map; and Appendix B, Mid-City District Contributing Structures Map. Metropolitan Planning Commission recommends approval of the request to amend the text and maps of sections of the Mid-City District to allow the use of remote parking to meet parking requirements. This amendment provides an option that will allow larger buildings to be repurposed within and adjacent to the Mid-City District. The Planning Commission recommends approval of the request to amend the text and maps of following sections of the Mid-City District: 1) Sec. 8-3224, Parking; 2) Appendix A, Mid-City District Zoning Map; and, 3) Appendix B, Mid-City District Contributing Structures Map. Recommend continuing the hearing to August 20, 2015 as requested by the applicant’s agent. Continued to August 20, 2015 upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. Ordinances First and Second Reading Ordinance read for the first time in Council August 6, 2015, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. Change of Parking Restrictions on Sutlive Street. An ordinance to amend the City Code to lift the parking prohibition on the east side of Sutlive Street between East 65th Street and East 66th Street to allow parking. Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. 7  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 219 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-1091 OF SAID CODE TO PROVIDE THAT THE STREET NAMED HEREIN SHALL PROHIBIT STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING AT ALL TIMES: TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah in regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: That Appendix I, Section 219 of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), pertaining to Section 7-1091 of said Code, as amended, shall be amended as follows: AMEND SECTION 219, STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES TO INCLUDE DELETE SUTLIVE STREET On the east side of Sutlive Street between East 65th Street and DeRenne Avenue. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED and APPROVED August 6, 2015. AN ORDINANCE To Be Entitled AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND APPENDIX I, SECTION 219 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (2003) PERTAINING TO SECTION 7-1091 OF SAID CODE TO PROVIDE THAT THE STREET NAMED HEREIN SHALL PROHIBIT STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING AT ALL TIMES; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah in regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof: SECTION 1: That Appendix I, Section 219 of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003), pertaining to Section 7-1091 of said Code, as amended, shall be amended by adding thereto the following: 8  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 AMEND SECTION 219 STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES TO INCLUDE ENACT SUTLIVE STREET On the east side of Sutlive Street between East 66th Street and DeRenne Avenue. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. ADOPTED and APPROVED August 6, 2015. Ordinance read for the first time in Council August 6, 2015, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Thomas and unanimously carried. Property Tax Millage Rate for 2015. An ordinance to amend the Revenue Ordinance of 2015 to adopt a tax rate on real and personal property of 12.48 mills on the dollar (0.01248) or $12.48 per $1,000 in assessed value; and to adopt a special service district tax rate for the Water Transportation District of .2 mills on the dollar (.0002) or $0.20 per $1,000.00 in assessed value. This is the same millage rate as was adopted for 2014. Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REVENUE ORDINANCE OF 2015, ARTICLE B, ENTITLED "PROPERTY TAXES"; TO ADOPT A PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE FOR 2015; TO ADOPT A SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT TAX RATE FOR THE WATER TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT; TO ESTABLISH AN EFFECTIVE DATE; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES CONNECTED WITH TAXES AND REVENUES OF SAID CITY. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof, that: Section 1. The Revenue Ordinance of 2015, Article B, entitled "Property Taxes," Section 4, "Tax Rate," shall be amended by substituting the following sentence in place of the first sentence of the second paragraph of said section: The tax rate on real and personal property shall be 12.48 mills on the dollar (.01248) or $12.48 per $1,000.00 in assessed value. Section 2. The Revenue Ordinance of 2015, Article B, entitled “Property Taxes,” 9  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 Section 11, “Water Transportation District Tax,” shall be amended by substituting the following sentence in place of the third sentence of the first paragraph of said section: The tax rate on real and personal property for the Water Transportation District Tax for 2014 shall be .2 mills on the dollar (.0002) or $.20 per $1,000.00 in assessed value. Section 3. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Section 4 . This ordinance shall become effective for the calendar year 2015 upon approval by the Mayor and Aldermen. Be IT ORDAINED this 6th day of August, 2015, by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia. RESOLUTIONS FEMA Floodplain Mitigation Plan and Repetitive Loss Area Analysis. A resolution to authorize the Mayor to adopt the “2015 City Of Savannah, Floodplain Mitigation Plan (FMP) and Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA)”. Every five years, the City is required to submit a revised FMP for participation in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The FMP is a critical element of the Community Rating System (CRS), which is used to establish National Flood Insurance premium rates for city residents. The purpose of the FMP is to assess current flood hazard conditions, including historically flooded areas and repetitively flooded properties, and to develop appropriate mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate future flood losses. The RLAA is a more detailed, site-specific plan to reduce flood losses in repetitively flooded areas. Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE 2015 City Of Savannah Floodplain Mitigation Plan (FMP) And Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA). WHEREAS, the City of Savannah participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to qualify residents for flood insurance and, WHEREAS, the City of Savannah participates voluntarily in the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) whereby residents qualify for discounted flood insurance premiums and, WHEREAS, the City is rated and recertified annually and, WHEREAS, the number of repetitive flood losses within the City and its flood risk FEMA requires a Floodplain Mitigation Plan (FMP) and Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA) in order to maintain its certification and rating and, WHEREAS, the Plans has been prepared and coordinated in accordance with the guidelines provided by FEMA and, 10  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 WHEREAS, the Plans must be adopted in the form of an official act by the governing body, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Mayor and the Aldermen of the City of Savannah approved adoption of the Floodplain Mitigation Plan and Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA). ADOPTED and APPROVED August 6, 2015. FY 2014 Continuum of Care Program Grant. A resolution for City Council to authorize the City Manager to execute both an agreement for federal assistance from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and an agreement between the City of Savannah and Union Mission for federal assistance, in the amount of $680,023.00 to implement the supportive housing program known as the Shelter Plus Care Program (54 Unit). Recommend approval. Alderman Sprague asked how the City will hold Union Mission accountable for the funds. City Manager Cutter replied for every contract that is issued for the disbursement of federal funds that is received there is a contractual agreement that outlines the outcomes in accordance with use of the funding which is monitored throughout the grant period to ensure compliance. Alderman Sprague asked how long the grant period is and what will the funds go towards. City Manager Cutter replied it’s not a period of time it’s based on until funds are exhausted and shelter for homeless and disabled individuals. Alderman Johnson asked how the City will ensure partnership and collaboration with existing entities that are funded that are engaged in this so there is a continuum of care between the Homeless Authority and other agencies and this grant since the City is the pass through for it. City Manager Cutter replied throughout the process when agencies apply for funding whether it is City funds or HUD funds that the City of Savannah manages, they have to demonstrate that they work collaboratively with other non-profit organization to provide the service so the City isn’t duplicating services. Alderman Johnson asked is there a way to verify it’s working, as he wants to be certain there aren’t individuals that want or need to be served that aren’t. City Manager Cutter replied it’s outlined within the contract document and there are monitors that visit the agencies to ensure compliance with the contract. Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. RESOLUTION WHEREAS the City of Savannah received $680,023 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Shelter Plus Care program funds to implement supportive housing programs; WHEREAS Union Mission, Inc. is a nonprofit organization who proposes to provide housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless persons with disabilities, and their families who are living in places not intended for human habitation; WHEREAS it is necessary for the City Council to authorize the execution of an agreement for federal assistance from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); WHEREAS it is also necessary for the City Council to authorize an agreement between the City of Savannah and Union Mission for federal assistance, in the amount of $680,023 to implement the supportive housing program known as the Shelter Plus Care Program (54 Unit). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, 11  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 Georgia, hereby resolve and authorize Stephanie S. Cutter, City Manager, to execute the grant agreements with HUD and Union Mission, Inc. for the delivery of the Shelter Plus Care supportive housing program. ADOPTED and APPROVED August 6, 2015. MISCELLANEOUS Tour Stand. Recommend approval to install a tour stand on the southeast corner of West Congress Street and Montgomery Street. This will allow 15-passenger tour service vehicles to park in the space for not more than 30-minutes. With the approval of this tour stop, Savannah will enhance its ability to highlight historic Franklin Square and historic sites located in the area. Traffic Engineering and Mobility and Parking have reviewed the proposed location and have no safety or traffic concerns. Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. Paxton-Lynes Major Subdivision. Recommend conditional approval of a major subdivision plat of Lot 34A of the Paxton-Lynes Subdivision in the Stephens Ward, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, within Aldermanic District 2. Subdivision is comprised of 0.228 acres creating 5 single family townhome lots. Being bounded on the east by Habersham Street, on the south by East Hall Street and on the west by Girard Place Condominiums. The property to be subdivided has an existing building to be demolished. Recommend approval with the condition the building must be demolished prior to approval of the plat. Alderman Thomas stated he is pleased to see infill housing in the inner City. Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REPORTS Radar Permit Update. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has revised the radar permit for the City of Savannah and unincorporated Chatham County. Changes to the master list of streets and highways are required to be adopted by City Council in order for the permit to be finalized by GDOT and the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Changes previously approved by the Mayor and Aldermen are included in the new permit. In order to append streets and street segments to the radar permit issued by the Georgia Department of Transportation, it is necessary to establish speed ordinances for all streets to be included. Adoption of the radar permit allows the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department the use of radar to enforce posted speed limits on City streets. Recommend that the posted speed limit of 35 MPH on President Street between East Broad Street and General McIntosh Boulevard and 35 MPH on State Route 26/U.S. 80/Ogeechee Road/Victory Drive between Liberty Parkway and East Broad Street, be so designated in the City Code, and that a resolution to add the above segments to the radar permit be submitted to the Georgia Department of Transportation. Recommend approval. Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sprague, and unanimously carried per the City 12  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 Manager’s recommendation. Ordinance to cover will be drawn up for presentation at the next meeting of Council. 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: Georgia Power Underground Conductor Relocate. Recommend approval to procure construction services from Georgia Power in the amount of $29,577.98 for the relocation of the underground conductors that are beneath the Ferry Landing Shelter. This project is part of the Visitor Mobility Plan approved by Council in 2006 to improve mobility options and is a partnership between the Savannah Area Mobility Management Board (SAMMI) and City of Savannah. The project is located on City of Savannah easement which is east of the Hyatt Hotel Harborview Room and west of the African American Monument between River Street and the Riverwalk at the foot of City Hall. The conductors are part of Georgia Power’s underground network and therefore the work does not fall under the City’s franchise agreement. Funding will be provided by SAMMI. Recommend approval. Microfilm Services – Contract Modification No. 1 – Event No. 3272. Recommend approval of Contract Modification No. 1 to Tameran Graphic Systems in the amount of a reduction of $19,000.00. The reason for this modification is that the vendor can now produce microfilm aperture cards digitally rather than in paper form. The digital product will be easier to retrieve for customers and will not take up additional space in the archive room. This contract was renewed on June 11, 2015 in the amount of $60,240.00. The total amount of all modifications to date, including this modification, is a reduction of $19,000.00, making the total contract amount $41,240.00. The second low bidder was The DRS Group in the amount of $94,120.00. Recommend approval of Contract Modification No. 1 to Tameran Graphic Systems, in the amount of a reduction of $19,000.00. This contract modification results in a reduction to the 2015 Budget, General Fund/Development Services/Other Contractual Services (Account No. 101-2131-51295). Recommend approval. Curbside Schedule Packet – Annual Contract – Event No. 3283. Recommend approval to procure an annual contract for sanitation curbside calendar packets from Proforma PrintSource in the amount of $25,062.90. These packets will be used for the distribution of the annual Sanitation schedule. Sanitation Bureau will distribute the schedule in December of the preceding year. The schedule will include information about the various sanitation services available to City of Savannah customers. Two bids were received for this project, but one bidder did not acknowledge the addenda issued for this project and was therefore deemed non-responsive. This bid was advertised, opened, and reviewed. Delivery: As Requested. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidder was: 13  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 L.B. Proforma PrintSource (Jacksonville, FL) (D) $25,062.90 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Sanitation Fund/Sanitation Director/Other Contractual Service (Account No. 511-7101-51220). A Pre-Bid Conference was conducted and one vendor attended. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Tractors with Enclosed Cabs – Event No. 3333. Recommend approval to procure three (3) tractors with enclosed cabs from Hendrix Machinery in the amount of $93,240.00. The tractors will be used by the Buildings and Grounds Department to replace units that are no longer economical to repair. The bid was advertised, opened, and reviewed. Delivery: As Requested. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidders were: L.B. Hendrix Machinery (Pooler, GA) (D) $93,240.00 Atlantic Coastal Equipment (D) $119,250.00 Blanchard Equipment (D) $126,000.00 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Vehicle Replacement Fund/Vehicle Purchases/Vehicular Equipment (Account No. 613-9230-51515). A Pre-Bid Conference was held and one vendor attended. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Overhead Door Maintenance and Repair – Annual Contract – Event No. 3391. Recommend approval to procure an annual contract for overhead door maintenance from Advanced Door Systems, Inc. in the amount of $27,250.00. The overhead door services will be used by Savannah Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) for the quarterly inspection and preventive maintenance of overhead doors for all of the City’s SFES locations. The contract also includes routine and emergency repair provisions. SFES currently operates 16 facilities with a total of 55 overhead doors. The bid was advertised, opened, and reviewed. Delivery: As Requested. Terms: Net 30 Days. The bidder was: L.B. Advanced Door Systems (Pooler, GA) (D) $27,250.00 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, General Fund/Fire Administration/Building Repair (Account No. 101-5101-51245). A Pre-Bid Conference was conducted and no vendors attended. (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Camera and Transporter – Sole Source – Event No. 3452. Recommend approval to procure an OZIII optical zoom pan-and-tilt camera and transporter from Adams Equipment Co., Inc. in the amount of $38,317.00. The equipment will be used to inspect the sewage line for damages in the system by the Water Reclamation Department. This is a sole source procurement because this is the only equipment compatible with units already in use in the Water Reclamation Department. Also, this company is the only known 14  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 supplier of this equipment. Delivery: As Requested. Terms: Net 30 Days. The vendor is: S.S. Adams Equipment (White Plains, GA) (D) $38,317.00 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Water and Sewer Fund/President Street Plant/Operating Supplies and Materials (Account No. 521-2553-51320). A Pre-Proposal Meeting was not conducted as this is a sole source procurement. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Structural Engineering Services – Annual Contract Renewal – Event No. 3460. Recommend approval to renew an annual contract for structural engineering services to Collins Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $28,925.00. The services will include assessments of the condition and capacity of existing City facilities. The contract also includes assessment of critical City facilities for emergency management use. It is expected that most assessments will cost less than $5,000. The method of procurement used was the Request for Proposal (RFP), which evaluates criteria in addition to cost, such as qualifications, methodology, and references. Two proposals were fully scored and evaluated. Of those two, only one, Collins Engineering Inc., met all of the requirements and qualifications outlined in the RFP. Collins Structural Consulting, PLLC was deemed unable to meet the qualification of a one hour response time. This is the first of four renewal options available. Proposals were originally received on April 29, 2014. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The proposers were: B.P. Collins Engineering, Inc. (Garden City, GA) (D) $28,925.00 Collins Structural Consulting, PPLC (D) $23,625.00 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget Capital Improvements Projects/Capital Improvements Fund/Other Costs/Various Projects (Account No. 311-9207-52842-various). A Pre-Proposal Conference was not conducted as this is an annual contract renewal. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Cellular Services Provider – Annual Contract Renewal - Event No. 3461. Recommend renewing an annual contract for cellular services to Verizon. The vendor has agreed to hold unit pricing for all devices under this contract. Current cellular service levels include 341 cell phones, 398 iPhones, 403 air cards, and 29 iPads. Verizon offers a number of benefits to the City, including an unlimited data plan at a flat monthly rate, along with internet connectivity through its Virtual Private Network (VPN), which allows for a very secure connection to be established to our network. City employees can also access discounts for qualified plans. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal (RFP) which evaluates criteria in addition to fees. The evaluation criteria used for this RFP were functional fit 15  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 (coverage area, features, and services), business process (billing and account service modifications), disaster recovery plan, local participation, and fees. This is the first of four renewal options available. Bids were originally received on June 17, 2014. The proposal was advertised, opened, and reviewed. Delivery: As Requested. Terms: Net 30 Days. The proposers were: B.P. Verizon (Savannah, GA) (B) $489,822.60* AT & T (B) $513,827.88* Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Various City Departments/Cell Communications (Account No. 51211). A Pre-Proposal Conference was conducted and two vendors attended. (*)Indicates original proposal amounts. (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Water and Sewer Agreement – SMN Parking Revisions and Access Road. Savannah Chatham Parkway Properties, LLC has requested a water and sewer agreement for SMN Parking Revisions and Access Road. Savannah Morning News has expanded its driveways and parking facilities. As part of the work, the City’s Water and Sewer facilities are being extended under these improvements now in preparation for future expansion of its campus so as to prevent demolition and reconstruction of these new parking lot and access road improvements in the future. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this development located 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. Water and Sewer Agreement – Savannah Christian Church Adult Ministries Building. Savannah Christian Church, Inc. has requested a water and sewer agreement for Savannah Christian Church Adult Ministries Building. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 1.98 equivalent residential unit development off Al Henderson 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 – Savannah Christian Church – Henderson Campus. Savannah Christian Church, Inc. has requested a water and sewer agreement for Savannah Christian Church – Henderson Campus. The water and sewer systems have adequate capacity to serve this 10.36 water and 8.42 sewer equivalent residential unit development located off Al Henderson 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. Benefits Consulting Services – Annual Contract – Event No. 3115. Recommend approval to procure an annual contract for benefits consulting services from USI Insurance Services in the amount of $175,000.00. These services will be used by the Human Resources Department to facilitate the design, implementation, maintenance, communication and improvement of the City 16  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 6, 2015 of Savannah’s benefits programs. These programs are offered to employees and retirees of the City of Savannah and related agencies. The method used for this procurement was the Request for Proposal. Proposals were received and evaluated on the basis of qualifications, approach, references, local participation, and fees. The proposal was advertised, opened, and reviewed. Delivery: As Needed. Terms: Net 30 Days. The proposers were: B.P. USI Insurance Services (Savannah, GA) (B) $175,000.00 The Segal Company (D) $240,000.00 Seacrest Partners (B) $237,500.00 Shaw Hankins, Inc. (D) $250,000.00 BB&T Insurance Services (B) $237,500.00 Foster & Foster, Inc. (D) $120,000.00 Funds are available in the 2015 Budget, Risk Management Fund/Risk Management Medical Insurance/Administrative Charges and Expenses (Account No. 621-9805-52239). A Pre-Proposal Conference was conducted and two vendors attended. (B)Indicates local, non-minority owned business. (D)Indicates non-local, non-minority owned business. Recommend approval. Alderman Bell stated Council was told the fee charged by USI Insurance Services for Benefit Consulting Services in the amount of $175,000.00 is all inclusive and no additional commissions will be paid on any individual voluntary services so the amount is as much as the vendor will be paid for their services during the contract period. Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Bell, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation. The following announcements were made: Alderman Thomas announced there will be a Southside Crime meeting at White Bluff United Methodist Church on Tuesday, August 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Police officials and City staff will be present to take citizens’ concerns. Alderman Bell acknowledged the passing of a long time teacher Marjory Varnedoe, she stated although she ended her career in Liberty County she was a teacher in Chatham County for many years. Alderman Sprague announced Muffins with Mary Ellen every Wednesday morning from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Coffee.Deli in the Habersham Village Shopping Center. Alderman Johnson reminded the community that school is back in session and urged motorists to drive safely and watch out for school zones. There being no further business, Mayor Jackson declared this meeting of Council adjourned. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council 17