Tuesday, January 16, 2018
The City of Savannah today announced that Mark Revenew will serve as the interim police chief for the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, soon to be Savannah Police Department.
Chief Joseph "Jack" Lumpkin last month accepted a job in DeKalb County, Ga.
Revenew is currently the Chief of Police of the Pooler Police Department and will immediately beginning transitioning to this new role, the City says. Revenew has been with Pooler Police for 33 years and has been the chief since 2010.
The City says that Revenew "will not be seeking the Police Chief position on a permanent basis. The City Manager said that was important for his selection of an interim chief."
Savannah City Manager Rob Hernandez said, “I want to have a selection process for our next chief that is pure, fair and as transparent as possible and maximize the number of internal and external applications for the job.”
“The City Manager has made a great choice and I look forward to working with Chief Revenew,” said Mayor Eddie DeLoach.
“He has a vast knowledge of this area and our law enforcement and criminal justice partners and I know he will work well with the current leadership at SCMPD to continue to improve public safety in our great City.”
The City says it will be contracting with a firm in the near future to begin a search for a permanent police chief.
Chief Joseph "Jack" Lumpkin last month accepted a job in DeKalb County, Ga.
Revenew is currently the Chief of Police of the Pooler Police Department and will immediately beginning transitioning to this new role, the City says. Revenew has been with Pooler Police for 33 years and has been the chief since 2010.
The City says that Revenew "will not be seeking the Police Chief position on a permanent basis. The City Manager said that was important for his selection of an interim chief."
Savannah City Manager Rob Hernandez said, “I want to have a selection process for our next chief that is pure, fair and as transparent as possible and maximize the number of internal and external applications for the job.”
“The City Manager has made a great choice and I look forward to working with Chief Revenew,” said Mayor Eddie DeLoach.
“He has a vast knowledge of this area and our law enforcement and criminal justice partners and I know he will work well with the current leadership at SCMPD to continue to improve public safety in our great City.”
The City says it will be contracting with a firm in the near future to begin a search for a permanent police chief.
The City of Savannah says it is delaying its implementation of the new "Parking Matters" rate structure for parking downtown until January 22, with ticketing in earnest to follow by Jan. 29.
"This is due to the winter storm earlier this month which hampered efforts by parking services staff to distribute flyers reminding people about the changes," a City spokesperson says.
Beginning January 22, the City will issue warnings on all vehicles that do not comply with the new extended parking hours and the City will place Parking Guides on these vehicles as well.
"That means citations will be issued Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and warnings will be issued after 5 p.m. and on Saturdays," the spokesperson says.
The City will begin issuing citations on vehicles that do not follow the new Parking Matters plan on January 29.
The parking changes include:
· New rate zones—the price to park in the core downtown area (North of Oglethorpe Ave. between MLK, Jr. Blvd. and Habersham St.) is $2/hour. Outside that area motorists can expect to pay $1/hour or less. (see attached flyer). The new parking changes only effects on-street parking north of Liberty Street
· Meter enforcement times have been extended from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and this now includes Saturdays.
· Motorists can park as long as they would like at any metered space
· Public Parking garages will still be available for use at regular rates and discounted rates for afternoon/evening employees.
Anyone who would like to pay for parking without feeding a meter can pay on a mobile device by downloading the “ParkSavannah” app.
"This is due to the winter storm earlier this month which hampered efforts by parking services staff to distribute flyers reminding people about the changes," a City spokesperson says.
Beginning January 22, the City will issue warnings on all vehicles that do not comply with the new extended parking hours and the City will place Parking Guides on these vehicles as well.
"That means citations will be issued Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and warnings will be issued after 5 p.m. and on Saturdays," the spokesperson says.
The City will begin issuing citations on vehicles that do not follow the new Parking Matters plan on January 29.
The parking changes include:
· New rate zones—the price to park in the core downtown area (North of Oglethorpe Ave. between MLK, Jr. Blvd. and Habersham St.) is $2/hour. Outside that area motorists can expect to pay $1/hour or less. (see attached flyer). The new parking changes only effects on-street parking north of Liberty Street
· Meter enforcement times have been extended from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and this now includes Saturdays.
· Motorists can park as long as they would like at any metered space
· Public Parking garages will still be available for use at regular rates and discounted rates for afternoon/evening employees.
Anyone who would like to pay for parking without feeding a meter can pay on a mobile device by downloading the “ParkSavannah” app.
Monday, January 15, 2018
The City of Savannah will begin a new street sweeping schedule on Tuesday, January 16. The new schedule will eliminate street sweeping on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Increased parking demand in the downtown area on weekends has resulted in a growing volume of requests and complaints for modification of the City’s street cleaning program to exclude sweeping on Friday and Saturday nights," says a City spokesperson.
"City staff has reviewed potential alternatives to accommodate these requests and has determined the best approach is to adopt a Monday through Thursday evening schedule."
Savannah City Council approved the amendment in October 2017 to modify the City’s street sweeping schedule.
The City’s Sanitation Department has changed the all the street signs to reflect the new street sweeping days and times.
"Increased parking demand in the downtown area on weekends has resulted in a growing volume of requests and complaints for modification of the City’s street cleaning program to exclude sweeping on Friday and Saturday nights," says a City spokesperson.
"City staff has reviewed potential alternatives to accommodate these requests and has determined the best approach is to adopt a Monday through Thursday evening schedule."
Savannah City Council approved the amendment in October 2017 to modify the City’s street sweeping schedule.
The City’s Sanitation Department has changed the all the street signs to reflect the new street sweeping days and times.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
The National Park Service announces the five days in 2018 that Fort Pulaski National Monument will waive entrance fees:
• January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• February 11: Georgia History Festival’s Super Museum Sunday
• April 21: First Day of National Park Week (Junior Ranger Day)
• September 22: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day
• January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• February 11: Georgia History Festival’s Super Museum Sunday
• April 21: First Day of National Park Week (Junior Ranger Day)
• September 22: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day
Chatham Emergency Management Agency will offer a free class, 'You Are the Help Until Help Arrives,' to prepare members of the community for life-threatening emergency situations.
"Citizens attending can expect to learn important skills such as, how to stop bleeding, how to correctly position an injured person, and how to provide comfort and keep safe during an emergency," a spokesperson says.
The class will be held at two different locations and times on January 18. Each class covers the same content. Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register, visit the Chatham Emergency Management Agency website.
Morning Class
10 AM – 12 PM
Salvation Army of Savannah
3000 Bee Rd.
Evening Class
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Unity of Savannah – Center for Spiritual Awakening
2320 Sunset Blvd.
"Citizens attending can expect to learn important skills such as, how to stop bleeding, how to correctly position an injured person, and how to provide comfort and keep safe during an emergency," a spokesperson says.
The class will be held at two different locations and times on January 18. Each class covers the same content. Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register, visit the Chatham Emergency Management Agency website.
Morning Class
10 AM – 12 PM
Salvation Army of Savannah
3000 Bee Rd.
Evening Class
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Unity of Savannah – Center for Spiritual Awakening
2320 Sunset Blvd.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Savannah City Council today approved a $14 million bond issue to extend the riverwalk and build a public elevator on West River Street, in conjunction with the Plant Riverside private sector project there.
City Attorney Brooks Stillwell said the investment is a "win/win for the public" because increased property taxes will more than pay back the taxpayers.
Alderwoman Estella Shabazz was the lone no vote, questioning why public money was underwriting the project. There was a brief debate as Mayor Eddie DeLoach reminded her that she supported the idea when first proposed prior to DeLoach's election.
Alderman Tony Thomas, in supporting the project, said that the over $300 million in private infrastructure investment is worth the City's investment of $14 million.
A 217-unit affordable housing development on the Southside already approved by the MPC was held up in Council by concerns from Shabazz and Thomas, who demanded to see renderings of the development.
When the developer said having to wait any more would "kill the project" due to lapsing of credits for low-income housing, Shabazz told him, "We're the controlling body here."
The vote on a long-awaited Shopping Cart ordinance, in some form of discussion for five years, was continued another two weeks to give grocery chain representatives time to meet some more with City staff.
The proposed ordinance puts the burden on businesses to locate and recover the numerous shopping carts used by customers and then left in neighborhoods around town.
Alderman John Hall said, "This has been a problem in neighborhoods for a long time, in some areas more than others. Neighborhood groups have asked us repeatedly to do something about all the shopping carts scattered over the landscape."
Alderman Van Johnson said poverty is the issue. "People don't take shopping carts to joy ride. They have no other way to get groceries from Point A to Point B... we talk about food deserts and transportation.... some people are not able to do the things that we're able to do. They need groceries too."
A representative of the grocers' association said taking the carts off their property is theft. "I don't know that that's the grocer's challenge to get the customers home. I'm not sure how that's going to work."
To which Hall replied, "We want you to work with us. Why can't this be incorporated into your loss prevention programs?... Why can't someone monitor what goes out of the front door? This is an easy fix for you, but you're making it hard."
In supporting a two-week delay to come up with a better solution, Mayor DeLoach told the grocers' rep: "We are truly looking for answers. In 2013 they were talking about this. Here it is 2018... Y'all have to find a solution within two weeks. If you don't, we will place a solution on you."
City Attorney Brooks Stillwell said the investment is a "win/win for the public" because increased property taxes will more than pay back the taxpayers.
Alderwoman Estella Shabazz was the lone no vote, questioning why public money was underwriting the project. There was a brief debate as Mayor Eddie DeLoach reminded her that she supported the idea when first proposed prior to DeLoach's election.
Alderman Tony Thomas, in supporting the project, said that the over $300 million in private infrastructure investment is worth the City's investment of $14 million.
A 217-unit affordable housing development on the Southside already approved by the MPC was held up in Council by concerns from Shabazz and Thomas, who demanded to see renderings of the development.
When the developer said having to wait any more would "kill the project" due to lapsing of credits for low-income housing, Shabazz told him, "We're the controlling body here."
The vote on a long-awaited Shopping Cart ordinance, in some form of discussion for five years, was continued another two weeks to give grocery chain representatives time to meet some more with City staff.
The proposed ordinance puts the burden on businesses to locate and recover the numerous shopping carts used by customers and then left in neighborhoods around town.
Alderman John Hall said, "This has been a problem in neighborhoods for a long time, in some areas more than others. Neighborhood groups have asked us repeatedly to do something about all the shopping carts scattered over the landscape."
Alderman Van Johnson said poverty is the issue. "People don't take shopping carts to joy ride. They have no other way to get groceries from Point A to Point B... we talk about food deserts and transportation.... some people are not able to do the things that we're able to do. They need groceries too."
A representative of the grocers' association said taking the carts off their property is theft. "I don't know that that's the grocer's challenge to get the customers home. I'm not sure how that's going to work."
To which Hall replied, "We want you to work with us. Why can't this be incorporated into your loss prevention programs?... Why can't someone monitor what goes out of the front door? This is an easy fix for you, but you're making it hard."
In supporting a two-week delay to come up with a better solution, Mayor DeLoach told the grocers' rep: "We are truly looking for answers. In 2013 they were talking about this. Here it is 2018... Y'all have to find a solution within two weeks. If you don't, we will place a solution on you."
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Due to winter storm conditions, Savannah/Chatham County Public Schools will remain closed through Thursday, Jan. 4.
City of Savannah government offices are scheduled to open at noon Thursday.
The City Council Meeting is still scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow and will be followed by the City Council Work Session which was originally scheduled for 10 a.m.
The City is still assessing the trash and recycling pickup schedules.
Chatham County offices, Operations, and Courts will be closed on Thursday as well, with only essential personnel reporting to work.
All Sheriff’s Office staff normally scheduled to work are required to report for duty.
Chatham County offices, Operations, and Courts are scheduled to resume normal schedules and operations on Friday, January 5th.
All Coastal Heritage Society sites (Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Savannah Children's Museum and Savannah History Museum) will be closed Jan. 4.
Live Oak Public Libraries will be closed Jan. 4.
City of Savannah government offices are scheduled to open at noon Thursday.
The City Council Meeting is still scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow and will be followed by the City Council Work Session which was originally scheduled for 10 a.m.
The City is still assessing the trash and recycling pickup schedules.
Chatham County offices, Operations, and Courts will be closed on Thursday as well, with only essential personnel reporting to work.
All Sheriff’s Office staff normally scheduled to work are required to report for duty.
Chatham County offices, Operations, and Courts are scheduled to resume normal schedules and operations on Friday, January 5th.
All Coastal Heritage Society sites (Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Savannah Children's Museum and Savannah History Museum) will be closed Jan. 4.
Live Oak Public Libraries will be closed Jan. 4.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) will activate the EOC (Emergency Operation Center) to level 3 Wednesday morning due to winter weather conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, there is a winter storm watch for Wednesday morning through evening for Chatham County. Sleet and snow accumulations of 1-3 inches may be possible across the county.
Freezing rain accumulations up to 0.1” may be possible. There is also a potential for coastal flooding Wednesday morning.
City and County government offices will be closed Wednesday due to expected winter storm conditions.
The City of Savannah sanitation schedule will be amended to two days behind regular schedule, with no collection on Wednesday for residential garbage, residential recycling, and residential yard collection. They will resume on Jan. 4.
City Council will hold its regular Council meeting and pre-meeting workshop this Thursday as scheduled.
Live Oak Public Libraries are closed Wednesday, as are Savannah/Chatham County Public Schools as we previously reported.
Other closings include Savannah Technical College, Fort Pulaski, and all Coastal Heritage Society sites (Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Savannah Children's Museum and Savannah History Museum).
According to the National Weather Service, there is a winter storm watch for Wednesday morning through evening for Chatham County. Sleet and snow accumulations of 1-3 inches may be possible across the county.
Freezing rain accumulations up to 0.1” may be possible. There is also a potential for coastal flooding Wednesday morning.
City and County government offices will be closed Wednesday due to expected winter storm conditions.
The City of Savannah sanitation schedule will be amended to two days behind regular schedule, with no collection on Wednesday for residential garbage, residential recycling, and residential yard collection. They will resume on Jan. 4.
City Council will hold its regular Council meeting and pre-meeting workshop this Thursday as scheduled.
Live Oak Public Libraries are closed Wednesday, as are Savannah/Chatham County Public Schools as we previously reported.
Other closings include Savannah Technical College, Fort Pulaski, and all Coastal Heritage Society sites (Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Savannah Children's Museum and Savannah History Museum).
Due to expected hazardous winter weather conditions, Fort Pulaski National Monument will be closed on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, reports the National Park Service.
The park anticipates a delayed opening on Thursday, January 4th.
The park anticipates a delayed opening on Thursday, January 4th.
Location Details
Due to the hazardous weather conditions expected on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System will be closed, said a spokesperson Tuesday afternoon.
Only designated essential personnel will report as directed by his or her supervisor.
District staff made the decision based on information from the Chatham Emergency Management Agency and area weather forecasts calling for freezing rain, snow, and wintery conditions throughout the morning and afternoon on Wednesday.
SCCPSS will monitor district facilities closely and prepare for possible power outages and icy conditions. An update regarding school opening and district operations on Thursday, January 4th will be provided by 3pm on Wednesday, January 3rd.
The designated second semester make up days on the SCCPSS 2017-18 School Year Calendar are as follows: February 19, 20 and March 26.
Please monitor the district’s website at www.sccpss.com and follow us on FaceBook and Twitter for additional information.
Only designated essential personnel will report as directed by his or her supervisor.
District staff made the decision based on information from the Chatham Emergency Management Agency and area weather forecasts calling for freezing rain, snow, and wintery conditions throughout the morning and afternoon on Wednesday.
SCCPSS will monitor district facilities closely and prepare for possible power outages and icy conditions. An update regarding school opening and district operations on Thursday, January 4th will be provided by 3pm on Wednesday, January 3rd.
The designated second semester make up days on the SCCPSS 2017-18 School Year Calendar are as follows: February 19, 20 and March 26.
Please monitor the district’s website at www.sccpss.com and follow us on FaceBook and Twitter for additional information.
