City Council

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 11, 2015 SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA Pursuant to the following call, a Special Meeting of Savannah City Council was held this date at 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. September 11, 2015 Notice is hereby given that there will be a Special Meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah on Friday, September 11, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers located on the second floor of the City Hall to accept a grant from the FAA for improvements at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Your presence is appreciated. Sincerely, Dyanne C. Reese Clerk of Council PRESENT: Mayor Edna Jackson, Presiding Alderman Tony Thomas, Chairman of Council Alderman Mary Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Council Aldermen Carol Bell, John Hall, Tom Bordeaux, Mary Ellen Sprague and Estella Shabazz (arrived at 11:45) City Manager Stephanie Cutter City Attorney Emeritus James Blackburn, Sr. Attorney James Blackburn, Jr. ABSENT: Mayor Pro-Tem Van Johnson The special meeting of Council was held this date at 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Mayor Jackson asked that we acknowledge September 11th with an Invocation given Dyanne Reese, Clerk of Council, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Presentation Attorney James Blackburn, Sr. introduced Sylvester Formey, Chairman of the Savannah Airport Commission and George Filler, APC Chairman. Attorney Blackburn stated the City of Savannah  OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF SAVANNAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 11, 2015 is a sponsor of the airport; and the Airport Commission is an agency of the City. Most of the funding for the airport comes from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the collection of certain taxes. They usually have contingency funds and funds that may be in the pipeline at the end of the fiscal year. The staff of the Airport Commission has applied for grants to assist with certain projects. During the holidays the staff was advised that there would be funds in the pipeline, the grant awarded totaled $3.7 million dollars for specific projects. Attorney Blackburn accepted the offer and agreed to abide by all requirements. He asked Council to authorize the City Manager to execute the assurance and that all legal matters have been addressed. He stated the City’s staff and I have complied with the open meeting clause to be sure proper notices were done and to satisfy a special meeting. The requirements states the assurance is signed and filed with the FAA by Tuesday, September 15, 2015. Attorney Blackburn thanked Mayor Jackson for calling the meeting. Mr. Formey thanked Council and stated Attorney Blackburn is correct, this is a competitive process the airport is 452 variables around this country and our staff is perfect in regards to this job. Meg Donald, who I call number two is the executive director and George is the reason we had to have this grant because he is always repairing and designing things so we really appreciate him and his work. We push all the right buttons at the right time. We have visited a lot of airports, and not only do we have a beautiful airport but we have a staff that’s intact on the visits. Mayor Jackson thanked the City Manager Cutter, Aldermen and staff for putting the meeting together and being present on a short notice. She also thanked the appointees to the Airport Commission for seeking out grants. She stated it is always a pleasure to approve these types of contributions because it is important we have progress in our community. Alderman Sprague asked how much money the grant is for and what will the money be used for? Mr. Formey stated the grant is for $3.7 million and it will go towards airport improvements to maintain safety and the continuing of tenants. This is scratching the surface we have a lot of other things in the pipeline and other applications. We are fortunate to be the type of airport that the FAA looks at with a smile on their face. Upon motion of Alderman Osborne, seconded by Alderman Bell and unanimously carried approval was given for the City Manager to sign the acceptance grant from the FAA for improvements at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. There being no further business, Mayor Jackson declared this Special Meeting of Council adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council