Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council OKs $350,000 increase to urban design contract; members seek clearer project funding uses
Summary
The council approved contract modification No. 2 to increase the Sotill urban design agreement by up to $350,000 to support the civic center redevelopment, River Street improvements and other city projects; members asked that use of funds for the Waterworks Building be clarified if pursued.
The Savannah City Council authorized contract modification No. 2 and renewal for urban design and architectural support with Sotill (not-to-exceed $350,000) to support multiple city projects including the civic center legacy project and River Street improvements.
Alderman Bernetta B. Lanier (who pulled the item) asked whether the funds would come from hotel‑motel (tourism) dollars or other sources. The city manager responded that the funding source depends on the specific project for which the firm is hired: civic center work would be paid from the civic center capital budget while River Street work would be drawn from waterfront/hotel‑motel tourism product development funds. Staff said the CID (a business improvement district) had separately procured vision work with the same firm and that the city could use that product as an informative guide.
Lanier expressed concern about vague language in the agenda item and urged clarity so projects such as the Waterworks Building are not delayed or "swept" into a general contingency. Council approved the contract modification by voice vote after a motion to authorize the city manager to execute the modification.
