Via the City of Savannah
October 26, 2018
Good morning,

We are beginning to release information on the second public input meeting for the Tour Restriction Proposal. The invitation is attached, please forward it on to those in your network. The notice will also be sent to the DNA, DBA, and TLC, so keep an eye out for duplicate notification (better too much than too little!). Mobility and Parking has already sent an invitation to those on their email list (emails submitted on annual registration forms). 

For those unable to attend this next meeting, I have posted a survey on the City website for people to submit their comments and suggestions. Please include this in any information you send out. Unfortunately, the survey was not live when notice was sent to tour companies. Cynthia and I will send a follow-up email with the link to the survey to the tour companies the week before the meeting, but it is open for comment through Nov. 23^rd. 

https://www.savannahga.gov/formcenter/citizen-feedback-7/public-comment-on-proposed-tour-restrict-240

 We will be collecting all comments and will share them in reports to you. Since the second meeting will be held after our November TAC meeting, I plan on having the first round of comments to you, along with the agenda, one week in advance of our meeting. Any comments received after this time will be included with the next report. 

Best,

Amanda Hutson

Tourism Management Coordinator
Office of Special Events, Film & Tourism
City of Savannah
912-351-3837 (O)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
PUBLIC INPUT MEETING INFORMATION

Road Closures on Saturday, October 27, 2018 for SSU Parade

The Office of Special Events, Film & Tourism is presenting information on a proposed restriction of hours for tour operators in the Landmark Historic District tomorrow, October 23rd, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm The meeting will be held at 3401 Edwin Street, Savannah. They are hoping to get input on what the public wants in this regard. The Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Tourism Advisory Council representatives, Melinda Allen and Bill Lovett, recommend the following based on what cities like St. Augustine and Charleston have done regarding the balance of hours of tour operation and quality of life for residents and visitors alike:
Restrict tours from operating from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. in the following area:

• Using the hotel overlay approved by the Savannah City Council, increase the tour hours restricted area to follow the entire zone area. Arterial streets of Liberty, Oglethorpe, Broughton, and Bay would NOT be included.
  
• Tours will still be able to operate after 10 pm in the remainder of the Landmark District more conducive to late night activity.
  

If you can make this meeting, we’d appreciate your attendance and suggestions. If you can’t make it but would like to provide your suggestions, please email to kbrenneman@savannahdna.org. We’ll make sure your message gets to the Office of Special Events, Film & Tourism.

We have been assured there will be another meeting in the downtown area in the near future but your input is urgently requested.

The City of Savannah has hired the Urban Land Institute to help determine how to best use the current location of the Savannah Civic Center and it’s surrounding area.  The Downtown Neighborhood Association is on record in support of the area going back to the original Oglethorpe Plan, including streets, parks, squares, trust lots, and tithing lots.  The community is being asked to take part in a survey to obtain input for “what is most important to you.”  It is imperative that as many people as possible take this survey.  And we hope you will note as a high priority the necessity of preserving Savannah’s National Landmark Historic designation and returning the area to the Oglethorpe Plan as an important element.  Please take the survey HERE.

The City of Savannah and Savannah Police Department are inviting the public to meet its next police chief, Roy Minter. The City is hosting a “Meet and Greet” event on Thursday, October 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Grayson Stadium in Daffin Park.

The public is invited to meet Minter, his command staff and officers during this informal event. There will be food, fun and police displays. Local radio station Hot 98.3 will provide music.

Minter is currently serving as the Director of Savannah Police until he completes his police chief certification classes for the State of Georgia.

“I’m really excited to now live in and serve the City of Savannah,” said Minter. “Building relationships with community members is a key component of my overall public safety strategy. I hope to meet as many people as possible at this event to not only get to know them, but hear what we can do to better serve them.”

There are several important dates coming up where the public will have the opportunity to give input on a number of matters. I encourage all District Two residents to participate. This is your time to get involved, ask questions and be part of the process.
 

October 15

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
District Town Hall Meeting

Location: Savannah Civic Center

Topic: SPLOST

 

October 20

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

City-wise participatory budget workshop
Location: Savannah Civic Center

Click here to register

 

November 7

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

District Town Hall Meeting
Location: Savannah Civic Center
Topic: New ZO

The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah will be accepting applications through Friday, September 28, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. for appointment(s) and reappointment(s) to the following Boards, Commissions and Authorities:

CIVIL SERVICE BOARD.  Three (3) members appointed to overlapping six-year (6) terms by City Council. Basic function is to hear appeals from disciplinary action against an employee when it is alleged the action is taken for political or religious reasons. The labor Seat should be filled by someone who is not a management-level employee: this person does not have to be member of a labor union.  Chatham County resident for at least five (5) years.  No term limits.  Two (2) terms available for appointment

COASTAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD.  The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 created Workforce Investment Boards, charter is to improve workforce quality development, enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the workforce and to reduce welfare dependency. The composition of the WIB is made up of individuals serving in both private and public sectors, who have a genuine interest in improving the quality of the region’s workforce.  Appointments to the WIB are made by the Consortium of Chief Local Elected Officials within Region 20 which includes Bryan, Glynn, Chatham, Long, Bulloch, Camden, Effingham, Liberty and McIntosh counties.  The term of membership is three (3) years. Appointed can live/work in the City/County.  One (1) term available for appointment

CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION.  Eighteen (18) members appointed to three (3) year terms by City Council.  Advisory body charged with the responsibility of recommending a comprehensive plan and program for a community cultural arts services program. No more than 2 consecutive, three-year terms.  Five (5) terms available for appointment

ETHICS BOARD.  The board will hear and conduct review of complaints filed against elected officials of the City; if such complaints involve impropriety of elected officials and violation of the provisions of the Ethics Ordinance, and if such violations affected the elected official’s ability to carry out his/her official duties.  Members shall be known for their personal integrity. The Mayor shall appoint one (1) member; the Aldermen shall appoint one (1) member; together the Mayor and Aldermen shall appoint one (1) member who shall be an attorney in good standing with the State bar.  Members must reside in the City and not be an elected official or City employee.  Board members shall be prohibited from engaging in City election, political activities, and from making campaign contributions to candidates in City elections during their terms as board members. Members shall serve a four (4) year term.  Two (2) terms available for appointment 

GREATER SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE.  The Greater Savannah International Alliance shall consist of 13 members all of whom shall be approved by vote of the Mayor and Aldermen.  The term of office for each member of the Greater Savannah International Alliance shall be three (3) years, and no member shall serve for more than two consecutive, three (3) year terms.  The members of the Greater Savannah International Alliance shall be a demographically broad representation of the community and economy in the Savannah Metropolitan Area with an interest in international issues.  Five (5) terms available for appointment

HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD OF REVIEW.  Eleven (11) members appointed to three (3) year terms by Savannah City Council including one small business owner with an architectural background.  Makes decisions on new construction and any changes to historic structures in the City’s Historic District.  Four (4) terms available for appointment

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF SAVANNAH.  Established pursuant to general law O.C.G.A. 8-3-1 et seq. which creates a Housing Authority for each City and County. The general law provides for a governing body of five (5) Commissioners serving a five (5) year term with one (1) appointment each year. Vacancies are filled for the unexpired terms. Commissioners serve until a successor is named. The terms begin, on January 5th of each year. Any appointment after January 5th would be for the remainder of the term expiring on January 5th. The General Assembly of 1994 repealed all special legislation providing for additional Commissioners and Residents, thus the only Commissions are the five (5) Regular Commissioners appointed pursuant to general law.  One (1) term available for appointment

KEEP SAVANNAH BEAUTIFUL.  Twenty-five (25) members appointed to three (3) year terms by City Council.  Shall include representatives from the news media, businesses, City government, civic associations, and neighborhood groups.  No term limits.  An advisory board that works with the City in developing a program to control litter and assist beautification efforts on streets, sidewalks, parks, and private property.  Six (6) terms available for appointment

METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION (MPC).  Twelve (12) members appointed to overlapping three (3) year terms with six (6) appointments made by City Council and the City Manager serving.  No term limits.  Aided by professional staff, this commission makes studies of present and future development; assists local government in translating study results into plans, policies and programs; recommends zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations.  Two (2) terms available for appointment

PARK AND TREE COMMISSION.  Nine (9) members appointed to overlapping three (3) year terms by City Council.  Must be a City resident. Term Limit: No member may serve more than three, consecutive three year terms. Charged with directing the activities related to the planting and caring for parks, squares, grass plats, trees, and flowers of the city.  Two (2) terms available for appointment 

PILOTAGE COMMISSION.  Seven (7) members appointed for overlapping seven (7) year term by City Council. No term limits. Appointees must include shipping agents, exports, or merchants, or others engaged on or familiar with marine shipping and the requirements of the Port of Savannah. Licenses pilots, prescribes rules and regulations, sets fees and imposes penalties, sets and collects penalties for vessels refusing to take pilots or mistreating pilots. Appointees cannot be pilots.  One (1) term available for appointment

SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION.  Five (5) members appointed to overlapping five-year (5) terms by City Council.  Members are eligible for reappointment.  Chatham County resident.  Responsible for the operation, development and maintenance of municipal airport; and independent authority with its own staff and revenue sources.  One (1) term available for appointment

SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNCIL OF DISABILITY ISSUES.  The Savannah–Chatham Council on Disability Issues shall facilitate and coordinate community efforts to improve the quality of life for citizens with disabilities for the City of Savannah and Chatham County through advising and advocating local leaders. The Council shall be composed of ten (10) members with representation balanced among the business community, human service providers, and consumers (i.e., citizens with disabilities). At least ½ of members shall be persons with physical or mental disabilities. Members shall serve overlapping two (2) year terms, with eligibility for reappointment to a second consecutive two-year term.  Three (3) terms available for appointment

SAVANNAH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SEDA).  Eighteen (18) members, six (6) appointed by City Council, serving overlapping five-year (5) terms.  No term limits; eligible for re-appointment.  Conducts a program of industrial and port development for the City of Savannah and Chatham County and is self-funded.  No one holding public office or receiving compensation from either public entity can serve.  One (1) term available for appointment

SAVANNAH RECREATION COMMISSION.  Twelve (12) members are appointed to three (3) year terms by City Council. Eligible for reappointment. Serves as an advisory body on recreational programs and facilities.  One (1) term available for appointment

SAVANNAH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.  Seven (7) members appointed to overlapping three-year (3) terms by City Council.  No term limits; City resident. Members cannot hold public office, except for one appointee who must be a current member of the Metropolitan Planning Commission.  Board hears and rules on appeals from decisions of the zoning administrator and hears and rules on requests for permits which require the board’s approval.  One (1) term available for appointment

TRAFFIC CALMING COMMITTEE. The Traffic Calming Committee shall consist of nine (9) members all of whom shall be approved by vote of the Mayor and Aldermen.  The term of office for each member of the Traffic Calming Committee shall be three (3) years.  A member of the Traffic Calming Committee shall not serve for more than two consecutive, three year terms. The members of the Traffic Calming Committee shall be a demographically broad representation of the community in the Savannah Metropolitan Area with an interest in Traffic Calming. Committee members must live in the City limits of Savannah.  Appointments can come from any district. Three (3) terms available for appointment for: District 4 appointee; District 5 appointee; and District 6 appointee

The application form can be found on the City’s website at: https://www.savannahga.gov/2631/Apply-to-Serve

Applications will be accepted beginning Friday, August 24, 2018.
NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 28, 2018.  (CLOSING DATE)

Upon completion of the appointment process by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, all applicants and appointees will be notified.

For more information, contact the Clerk of Council’s Office: Telephone (912) 651-6442; Fax (912) 651-4260; Email clerkofcouncil@savannahga.gov

 

The Coastal Region (CORE) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is in the process of developing an updated Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), for the Savannah metropolitan area.

The MTP is a comprehensive “blueprint” for area transportation services aimed at meeting mobility needs through the next 20+ years. The current MTP, Total Mobility 2040, was adopted by the Board in 2014 and is in need of revision. To read the current MTP, visit https://www.thempc.org/Dept/Plans.

CORE MPO needs your input on updating the MTP for the Savannah metropolitan area. Mobility 2045, the updated MTP, will be completed in August 2019.

You know best what your community needs. Your input provides recommendations that reflect real world solutions to improve the overall quality of life for you and other residents in the area.

Three Ways to Get Involved

1. Complete a short (5 min) SURVEY (or in Spanish)

2. Click to Submit comments

3. Attend CORE MPO Open House (Details below)

CORE MPO Open House Details:
CORE MPO Open House Comment OpportunitiesThe Coastal Region (CORE) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is in the process of developing an updated Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), for the Savannah metropolitan area. To increase public participation in the updated MTP, several open houses will be offered throughout the Fall 2018.

Open House Comment Opportunities

September 20, 2018

Location: First Presbyterian Church of Savannah (Chatham Crescent)

Address: 520 Washington Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405

Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm

October 4, 2018

Location: St Luke Missionary Baptist Church

Address: 418 W 38th Street, Savannah, GA 31401

Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Other Opportunities to learn about Mobility 2045 and provide input:

• All regular CORE Committee Meetings will have Mobility 2045 Updates 

• Richmond Hill City Council 9/18 at 7:30pm, Richmond Hill City Hall

• Garden City Council 10/1 at 6pm, Garden City Town Center

• Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition Meeting 9/19 at 2pm at MPC

Questions: Contact Stephanie Rossi at (912)651-1476 or rossis@thempc.org

Public Scoping Meeting: Tomochichi Courthouse Annex on Telfair Square

A Public Scoping Meeting will be held on Wednesday June 6, 2018 at the Metropolitan Planning Commission (Arthur Mendonsa Hearing Room), 112 East State Street, Savannah, GA. The meeting will be from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. GSA will provide a brief presentation about the project at 6:00 PM and will seek input and answer questions from the public at this meeting.  Supplemental Focused Environmental Assessment for Savannah Courthouse Annex, Savannah, Georgia  Pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the General Services Administration (GSA) Southeast Sunbelt Region announces its intent to prepare a Supplemental Focused Environmental Assessment (EA) to identify and address potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed Savannah Courthouse Annex Project, located in Savannah, Georgia.  GSA will analyze a range of alternatives including the no action alternative for the proposed annex. As part of the EA, GSA will study the impacts of each alternative on the natural, cultural, and social environment. GSA will be consulting under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, 16 United States Code (USC) 470f and intends to partially fulfill the Section 106 public notification and consultation requirements through the NEPA scoping process.  In 1996, GSA completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the U.S. Courthouse Annex, Savannah, Georgia to address potential impacts associated with the construction and operation of a courthouse annex to the existing Tomochichi Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse at one of three sites. At the conclusion of the EIS, GSA selected a site, but did not receive construction funds until fiscal year 2016. Upon receiving the authorization and appropriation in 2016, GSA re-initiated the design process.  GSA is pursuing a revised design for the proposed courthouse annex to address the current needs of the Federal Courts and respond to the public and consulting parties feedback received during the development of the conceptual design for the project. The selected site is currently occupied by Buildings A and B of the Juliette Gordon Low Federal Building Complex and is already owned by the government. Under the Proposed Action, the GSA would construct an annex at 124 Barnard Street, Savannah, Georgia. The new courthouse annex would be approximately 35,000 gross square feet in size and include an approximately 11,000 gross square foot secured parking lot at 120 Barnard Street.  Interested parties should identify issues and provide comments within their statutory responsibilities that should be considered in the EA on or before Tuesday June 26, 2018, preferably via email to Ashish Desai at ashish.desai@gsa.gov. The comments can also be sent via mail, postmarked by June 26, 2018, to the attention of:  Mr. Ashish Desai  Regional Environmental Program Specialist  General Services Administration  Martin Luther King Federal Building  77 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

DETAILS:

https://mailchi.mp/77d052cf38d7/public-scoping-meeting-tomochichi-courthouse-annex-on-telfair-square