August 17, 2017 City Council Regular Meeting

CITY GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

 

The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison followed by the Invocation by Alderman Shabazz.

 

Upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried the agenda was amended to move the Resolution accepting a donation from Ardsley Park - Chatham Crescent Garden Club and the Recognition of the Coastal Jazz Association and appearance by Howard Paul before the approval of alcoholic beverage licenses. 

 

Upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried the agenda was amended to add a motion to approve a Resolution extending a 90-day moratorium for new alcoholic beverage licenses on West Bay Street.

 

 

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 17th day of August, 2017 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing 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;
  2. Each member of this body does hereby confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge, the subject matter of the closed session was devoted to matters within the specific relevant exception(s) as set forth above;
  3. The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17
  4. The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute.

 

ADOPTED AND APPROVED: AUGUST 17, 2017 upon motion of  Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.

 

Mayor DeLoach read the following statement in regards to his thoughts about what has been going on around the nation:

In the past week we have seen many acts of violence that have been committed in the name of hate and racism.  We all must denounce these forms of domestic terrorism, and rally around each other in the name of peace and unity.  We must not just be on the right side of history, but we must write the right version of history.  Savannah has long wanted to re-name the Talmadge bridge to a name that is more inclusive and representing of our entire community.  I hope Council will join in with me in supporting a resolution to send to the Governor and the State Legislature to work with our community to achieve this goal.

 

In Forsyth Park, we have a beautiful monument that pays homage to the Confederate Dead.  This monument only tells a portion of our city’s unique history.  While many, including myself had family members fight and die for the Confederacy, we also had citizens who fought and died to preserve the Union.  We had citizens like James Moore Wayne who served as a United States Supreme Court Justice while his son served as an Adjunct General in the Confederate Army.  Our nation, our city, and our families were divided.  And we must embrace the whole story so we do not repeat it.

 

I call on the City Manager and the City Attorney to find a way to expand the story this monument tells to be inclusive of all Savannahians, regardless of race, creed, or color, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Civil War.

 

Vaughnette Goode-Walker, Owner and Operator of Footprints in Savannah a Savannah Walking Tour appeared to give a brief history of the monument in Forsyth Park and other historical facts.

 

Alderman Miller stated  he applauds Mayor DeLoach's efforts but there needs to be a discussion held with the public before Council takes a vote, as there are alot of meanings to many things as just stated. He stated he feels Council needs to be careful about changing the names of things and allow for input before moving forward. He concluded asking that the issue be continued to the next meeting for a vote.

 

Alderman Hall thanked Mayor DeLoach for his statements and stated a resolution was introduced six years ago that didn't move forward. He welcomes doing it again as the name Eugene Talmadge is not what Savannah is.

 

Alderman Bell thanked Mayor DeLoach for his statements and Mrs. Goode-Walker for her explanation and historical statements. She stated the people that really need to be heard are the descendants of those brave men and women from both sides. She concluded stating this is a time for us to maintain the unity in this country that we have seen, fought for and struggled for many years ago.

 

Alderman Johnson thanked Mayor DeLoach for taking the opportunity and leadership with his statement and stated he thinks there should be continued discussions inclusively with the community. His concern is how attitudes are as it relates to policies and economics, how the citizens are treated and wants to ensure Savannah isn't a place of hate and that it is inclusive and a loving and beloved community that welcomes people here. He concluded stating we are the Hostess City of the South and we need to exemplify that in our actions. 

 

Alderman Shabazz also thanked Mayor DeLoach for his leadership in the City stating with everything going on in the world we need to work towards unifying ourselves more in the City of Savannah. She concluded stating this administration is striving toward moving the City Forward and she supports the efforts of Mayor DeLoach and look forward to working closely with Council and the Sites and Monuments Commission.

 

Alderman Thomas asked Attorney Stillwell if the naming of the bridge is a decision that Council and residents can make. Attorney Stillwell replied it may be the State Department of Transportation with input from the State Legislature, the City doesn't have a say but can make its position known. Alderman Thomas stated a recommendation can be sent but wanted to make it clear that "we" will not be naming it but can hope that the Legislature will honor what the citizens want. 

Alderman Johnson stated he doesn't believe the City Council meeting is the right forum for citizens input because the meetings are at 2:00 p.m. on a Thursday which isn't a very convenient time for most of the citizens. He recommended that the City Manager create some type of forum for State leaders to attend and give the citizens the opportunity to weigh in.

Council recommended that City Manager Hernandez stage a public forum in the Civic Center after the upcoming panel discussion in September.

Mayor DeLoach stated if Council wants to hold a forum he's all for it but his overall objective was to go forward with a decision by this Council that says what we stand for as a Council, with the community working with them.

Alderman Thomas stated he believes everyone is for what he is suggesting, and recommended that the forum be held in a facility that has ample parking and is prepared for opposing opinions with plenty of police presence to control the discussion. He also suggested in preparation of the forum that the information provided today by Mrs. Goode-Walker be televised on the Government Channel.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Motion to Approve the Summary/Final minutes for the City Manager’s Briefing of August 3, 2017.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.

2. Motion to Approve the Summary/Final Minutes of the City Council Meeting of August 3, 2017
08.03.17 Minutes.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE HEARINGS
3. Motion to Approve Transfer of Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer and Wine (drink) License with Sunday Sales for Jerome Eck for Blazin Wings, Inc. t/a Buffalo Wild Wings from Kisha Baker.
Density Map - Buffalo Wild Wings20170804_0177.pdf
Alcohol Documents for Buffalo Wild Wings20170807_0002.pdf

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried.

 

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried.

4. Motion to Approve Transfer of Consumption off Premises Package License for Gaurav Patel of R & D Food Mart, LLC t/a The Hub at Montgomery
Density Map - The Hub on Montgomery20170804_0178.pdf
Alcohol Documents - The Hub on Montgomery20170809_0006.pdf

Continued to the meeting of September 28, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

5. Motion to Approve Transfer of Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer and Wine License with Sunday Sales to Charlene A. Webber from Adrian Johnson
Density Map - Sey Hey and Adrian20170809_0005.pdf
Alcohol Documents - Sey Hey and Adrian20170810_0009.pdf

Continued to the meeting of August 31, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Thomas, and unanimously carried.

PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Public Hearing and Second Reading of Downtown Savannah Authority Application
Memo regarding 2017 bond issues GO and DSA.pdf

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

 

Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

7. Public Hearing to Consider the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds
Memo to CM regarding 2017 bond issues GO and DSA.pdf

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

 

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

ZONING HEARING
8. Motion to Rezone Portion of 701 Montgomery Street from R-B-C-1 to B-C (Petitioner Josh Yellin for Lookin Good Properties)
701 Montgomery St 20170718 Planning Commission Recommendation 17-003908-ZA.pdf
701 Montgomery St 20170718 Draft Ordinance 17-003908-ZA.pdf

Marcus Lotson, Metropolitan Planning Commission appeared to briefly describe the petitioner's request.

 

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

 

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

9. Motion to Amend Sec. 8-3121 Historic Sign District (Petitioner, Stacey Richie for J. Christopher Restaurant)
Historic Sign District Text Amendment Sec. 8-3121(11)(a) 20170718 Planning Commission Recommendation 17-003501-ZA.pdf
Historic Sign District Text Amendment Sec. 8-3121(11)(a) Draft Ordinance 17-003501-ZA.pdf

Marcus Lotson, Metropolitan Planning Commission appeared to briefly describe the petitioner's request.

 

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

 

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Hall, and unanimously carried.

ORDINANCES - FIRST READING
10. Motion to Amend Sections 6-1204 and 6-1206, and Add Sec. 6-1217, of the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance to Create Special Provisions Related to Brewers and Distillers
8211-01 ABO AUG Revisions MFR (3).pdf

No Action needed

ORDINANCES - FIRST AND SECOND READING
11. Motion to Establish the 4-R Zoning District (Petitioner Harold Yellin for Delray Ventures, LLC)
4-R Zoning District Text Amendment 20170627 The Planning Commission Recommendation 17-002739-ZA.pdf
Draft Ordinance_4-R District_17-002739-ZA.pdf

Withdrawn by Petitioner (Letter on file in the Office of the Clerk of Council)

12. Motion to Rezone 906 Drayton Street and 905 Abercorn Street from 2-R to 4-R (Petitioner Harold Yellin for Delray Ventures, LLC)
906 Drayton St and 905 Abercorn St 20170627 The Planning Commission Recommendation 17-002741-ZA.pdf
Draft Ordinance_17-002741-ZA.pdf

Withdrawn by Petitioner

RESOLUTIONS
13. Motion to Adopt Resolution Accepting Donation from the Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent Garden Club to Help Beautify Vetsburg Park
Vetsburg Park Location Map.pdf
resolution-of-adoption-of-donation-by-ardsley-park-chatham-crescent-garden-club_2.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

Alderman Miller recused himself from the vote.

BIDS AND CONTRACTS
14. Motion to Renew Annual Contract for Lawn and Leaf Bags with Wastezero, Inc. (Event No. 4364)
Lawn and Leaf Bags Funding Verification.pdf
Lawn Leaf Bags Bid Tab.pdf
Lawn Leaf Bags Scope of Work.pdf
Lawn Leaf Purchasing Summary.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

15. Motion to Approve Contract Modification No.1 for Night Vision Goggles with Tactical Night Vision Company (Event No. 4802)
Night Vision Funding Verification.pdf
Night Vision Purchasing Summary.pdf
Night Vision Devices Specs.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

16. Motion to Approve Sole Source Procurement of Leadership Training from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (Event No. 5419)
LPO Funding Verification.pdf
LPO Purchasing Summary.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

17. Motion to Renew Annual Contract for Filter Belts with Clear Edge Filtration (Event No.4125)
Filter Belts Bid Tab.pdf
Filter Belts Funding Verification.pdf
Filter Belts Purchasing Summary.pdf
Filter Belts Scope.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

18. Motion to Award Annual Contract for Stump Grinding Services to McKinnon, Inc. (Event No. 4864)
Stump Grinding Bid Tab.pdf
Stump Grinding Funding Verification.pdf
Stump Grinding Purchasing Summary.pdf
Stump Grinding Scope.pdf

Continued to the meeting of August 31, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

19. Motion to Approve Contract Modification No. 3 for Tree Removal (Event No. 3681)
Tree and Stump Removal Funding Verification.pdf
Tree and Stump Removal Purchasing Summary.pdf

Continued to the meeting of August 31, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

20. Motion to Renew Annual Maintenance Agreement for SCADA with Layer 3 Communications (Event No. 5424)
SCADA Purchasing Summary.pdf
SCADA Funding Verification.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

21. Motion to Renew Annual Contract for Hydrated Lime with Greer Industries, Inc (Event No. 3215)
Hydrated Lime Bid Tab.pdf
Hydrated Lime Purchasing Summary.pdf
Hydrated Lime Scope.pdf
Hydrated Lime Funding Verification.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

22. Motion to Procure Auxiliary Power System from Aiken Harper (Event No. 5082)
Aux Power Funding Verification.pdf
Aux Power Purchasing Summary.pdf
Aux Power Scope.pdf
Aux Power Bid Tab.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

23. Motion to Approve Contract Modification No. 1 for Well Maintenance with Woodrow Sapp (Event No. 3372)
Well Maintenance Funding Verification.pdf
Well Maintenance Purchasing Summary.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

24. Motion to Award Annual Contract for Securing Vacant Structures to Beers Housing, Inc. (Event No. 5337)
Structure Secures Bid Tab.pdf
Securing Structures Scope.pdf
Securing Structures Funding Verification.pdf
Securing Structures Purchasing Summary.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

25. Motion to Renew Annual Contract for Senior Meals with Senior Citizens,Inc (Event No, 4242)
Senior Meals Bid Tab.pdf
Senior Meals Funding Verification.pdf
Senior Meals Scope.pdf
Senior Meals Purchasing Summary.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

26. Motion to Procure Chiller for City Hall from Southeastern Air Conditioning (Event No. 5260)
City Hall Chiller Bid Tab.pdf
City Hall Chiller Funding Verification.pdf
City Hall Chiller Purchasing Summary.pdf
City Hall Chiller Scope.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

27. Motion to Renew Annual Contract for Cellular Services with Verizon (Event No. 3461)
Cellular Services Funding Verification.pdf
Cellular Services Purchasing Summary.pdf
Cellular Services Scope.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

28. Motion to Renew Annual Contract for Drive Train Components with Savannah Drive Line (Event No. 2794)
Drive Train Scope.pdf
Drive Train Bid Tab.pdf
Drive Train Funding Verification.pdf
Drive Train Purchasing Summary.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

29. Motion to Renew Annual Contract for Hydraulic Hose Components with Savannah Drive Line (Event No. 1826)
Hydraulic Hose Scope.pdf
Hydraulic Hose Bid Tab.pdf
Hydraulic Hose Funding Verification.pdf
Hydraulic Hose Purchasing Summary.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

AGREEMENTS
30. Motion to Approve the Fourth Amendment to the 2001 Water Service Agreement between the City of Savannah and Port Wentworth
Port Wentworth.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

31. Motion to Approve Water and Sewer Agreement for Savannah State University (SSU) Marine Science Building J-240A
SSU Marine Science Building J-240A.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

32. Motion to Approve Water and Sewer Agreement for The Cottages at Emerald Cove
Cottages at Emerald Cove.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

33. Motion to Waive Unreceived Insurance Premiums Due by the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH)

Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

34. Motion to Approve First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Savannah Riverboat Company
Riverboat Lease Agreement - 10-1-2011 to 9-30-2021.pdf
First Amendment to Lease Agreement - Savannah Riverboat.pdf
First Amendment to Lease Agreement - Savannah Riverboat Company.pdf
Savannah Riverboat COI's.pdf

Continued to the meeting of September 14, 2017 upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Bell, and unanimously carried per the City Manager's recommendation.

35. Motion to Approve Rights-of-Way Acquisition Contract with Georgia Department of Transportation for DeLesseps/LaRoche Avenue Improvement Project
ROW Contract.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

36. Motion to Approve Hold Harmless Agreement with AECOM Concerning Use of the Fell Street Box Culvert
AECOM_INDEMNITY_HOLD_HARMLESS_final.pdf
FELL STREET Pump Station Map.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

37. Motion to Approve Right of Entry Agreement with Chatham County for Truman Linear Park Trail - Phase IIA
Right of Entry Agreement - Truman Linear Park Trail, Phase IIA.pdf
Truman Trail Phase IIA Alignment.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

38. Motion to Approve Project Framework Agreement with Georgia Department of Transportation for Truman Linear Park Trail - Phase IIB
Project Framework Agreement - Truman Linear Park Trail, Phase IIB.pdf
Project Framework Agreement - Truman Linear Park Trail, Phase IIB.pdf
TLPT Phase IIB - Conceptual Alignment.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

39. Motion to Approve Memorandums of Understanding to Provide for Emergency Shelter Facilities for Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Personnel
mou-benedictine-scmpd-cwf-sheltering.pdf
mou-evans-county-schools-scmpd-cwf-sheltering-final.pdf
mou-vidalia-city-schools-scmpd-cwf-sheltering-final (1).pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

CITY ATTORNEY ACTION ITEMS
40. Downtown Savannah Authority Intent to Issue Bonds
Memo to CM regarding 2017 bond issues GO and DSA.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

MISCELLANEOUS
41. Motion to Approve Installation of Mayor Malcolm Maclean Marker in the Atlantic Mall
AERIAL MAP.pdf
Submittal Package 2.pdf
HSMC Recommendation.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
42. Recognition of the Coastal Jazz Association (CJA) and an Appearance by Howard Paul, President, and CJA Board Members

Howard Paul, Coastal Jazz Association, President, Tanya Milton and Paula Folgerty, Interim Executive Director appeared to announce the 2017 Savannah Jazz Festival scheduled for September 17-23, 2017. This is the 36th event, it is a week long FREE festival with shows throughout the City during the week, culminating in Forsyth Park Thursday and Friday evening and Saturday during the day and evening. 

43. Motion to Extend Temporary Moratorium on Alcoholic Beverage Licenses on West Bay Street
RESOLUTION EXTENDING TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON West Bay JNH.pdf
44. Motion to Approve a Resolution Extending a 90-day moratorium for New Alcoholic Beverage Licenses on Bay Street
RESOLUTION EXTENDING TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON West Bay JNH.pdf
45. Motion to Approve Resolution extending a 90-day moratorium for new alcoholic beverage licenses on West Bay Street
RESOLUTION EXTENDING TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON West Bay JNH.pdf

Approved upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

Alderman Bell extended congratulations to Mary and Roger Shank for their daughter Savannah native Suzanne Shank for winning the 2017 Shot Caller award at the BET Black Girls Rock! Awards Show.

 

There being no further business, Mayor DeLoach declared this meeting of Council adjourned.

Dyanne C. Reese, MMC Clerk of Council
Agenda Plus