Savannah Area Breaking News

DAILY Breaking News - Savannah Area Breaking News

March 27, 2013 – Coggins Promotional Advertising, Inc. announces the launch of an online company store for an industry leading supplier of medical and surgical products.

MediChoice, the private-label line for Fortune 500 company Owens & Minor, will use the online store as a companywide marketplace for branded merchandise and promotional products.

Coggins custom programmed the online store to meet the business requirements of Owens & Minor. The store allows for both retail and employee purchases as well as internal access for authorized employees located in Medichoice’s 50+ locations nationwide. Coggins will provide full management of the store including merchandise production, order fulfillment and shopping cart management.

To learn more about Coggins Promotional Advertising, Inc. visit www.cogginspromo.com

DAILY Breaking News - Savannah Area Breaking News

April 1, 2013 - Israeli educational and cultural leaders wrapped up a three-day visit to Savannah last week with the goal of developing lasting ties between Savannah and Israel.

The delegation included Dr. Yael Yuli Tamir, Chairperson of the Association of Civil Rights in Israel and President of Shenkar College, an art and design college near Tel Aviv; as well as Yonit Stern, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast.

The delegation met with the Presidents of Armstrong Atlantic State University; the Savannah College of Art and Design; Savannah State University; and Savannah Technical College. Mayor Edna Jackson and Savannah Jewish Federation Executive Director Adam Solender played host for much of the visit.

“What we are seeing today is a continuation of this growing relationship,” Mayor Jackson said. “It’s a partnership that will benefit both sides.”

During a news conference at City Hall on Friday, Mayor Jackson talked about Savannah’s historic and active Jewish community, which became heavily involved with Savannah’s Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s. This shared history, she said, has progressed into a formal relationship that is developing economic, educational and cultural ties between Savannah and Israel.

“Our two communities are very different, but in many ways are very similar,” Dr. Tamir said. “We share much of the same beauty and spirituality. I see many possibilities.”

Mayor Jackson invited Dr. Tamir to Savannah when the two met last spring while the mayor was in Israel for the International Conference of Mayors. During the same trip, the mayor extended an invitation to the head of the Israeli National Chambers of Commerce. That resulted in a visit last summer from Israeli Chamber officials, who met one on one with Savannah business leaders interested in expanding into Israeli markets. Earlier this month, officials from Israel’s leading shipping and logistics companies visited Savannah to discuss ways to increase trade through Savannah.

DAILY Breaking News - Savannah Area Breaking News

Jan 2, 2013 – Acting City Manager Stephanie Cutter has announced the promotion of two employees to key leadership positions within the Public Works and Water Resources Bureau.

John Sawyer has been named Public Works and Water Resources Bureau Chief. In this capacity, he is responsible for more than 400 employees who work in departments such as Water, Sewer, Stormwater, Streets Maintenance and Traffic Engineering. Sawyer had served in this position in an acting capacity since December 2011. He reports to Peter Shonka, the Assistant City Manager for Utilities, Development and Construction.

Sawyer has worked for the City of Savannah for over 20 years.  During his tenure, he has served in a variety of positions in the Public Works and Water Resources bureaus, including as Acting Bureau Chief, and Water Supply and Treatment Director.  Prior to joining the City, he worked as an engineer for a consulting firm.

Sawyer received his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Tennessee and is a registered professional engineer and water operator class I in the State of Georgia.

Heath Lloyd has been named Public Works and Water Resources Operations Director, where he will provide managerial oversight of bureau operations, reporting directly to Sawyer. Lloyd previously served as the City’s Water Supply and Treatment Director.

Lloyd has worked for the City of Savannah in the water supply and treatment field for the past six years. He began employment with the City of Savannah in 2006, where he served as Water Supply Process Engineer. He currently served as Water Supply and Treatment Director.

Prior to joining the City, Lloyd conducted water treatment research in conjunction with the City of Savannah, while pursuing his doctorate in engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.  He has a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Clemson University and a master of science degree in civil engineering from the University of South Carolina. Lloyd is a licensed professional engineer and water operator in the State of Georgia.

“They are two talented, long-standing City employees who are deserving of this opportunity,” Cutter said. “I look forward to working with them to move our Water Resources and Public Works programs forward.”

DAILY Breaking News - Savannah Area Breaking News

Oct. 3, 2012 – The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah will be accepting applications beginning immediately through Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 at 12 noon, for appointments to the following boards, commissions and authorities:

Civil Service Board: Three members appointed to staggered six-year 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 years.  No term limits. Two staggered terms are available for appointment.

Code Enforcement Appeals Board: Nine members appointed to fill staggered three-year terms by city council.  Must be city resident; no term limits.  Three appointees must be qualified in the fields of architecture and/or structural engineering.  Hear appeals where errors are alleged and other matters affecting property subject to procedures set forth in the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance.  Six staggered terms are available for appointment.

Cultural Affairs Commission: Nineteen members appointed to staggered three-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 two consecutive, three-year terms.  Six appointed to three-year terms and three appointed to one-year terms. Nine staggered terms are available for appointment.

Downtown Savannah Authority: Five members, including Mayor or member of City Council serving his/her term of office and four city residents appointed to four-year terms by Savannah City Council, as well as a member of Chatham County Delegation to the GA Legislature. Encourages construction of new parking facilities and provides financial incentives for private projects which have economic benefits to the downtown area.  Two terms are available for appointment.

Electrical Appeals and Advisory Board: On recommendation from the Mayor, seven members are appointed four-year terms by City Council: four licensed electrical contractors; one registered consulting electrical engineer, and one electrical contractor.  All members shall have no less than six years experience in professional field.  Determines appeals to decision of the electrical inspectors of the City.  One electrical contractor term is available for appointment.

Greater Savannah International Alliance: The Greater Savannah International Alliance shall consist of 19 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 years, and no member shall serve for more than two consecutive, three-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.  Three in commerce, one in education, three in culture/tourism, and two in community. Nine staggered terms are available for appointment.

Historic District Board of Review: Eleven members appointed to three-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.  Five staggered terms are available for appointment.

Housing Authority 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 commissioners serving a five-year term with one appointment each year. Vacancies are filled for the unexpired terms. Commissioners serve until a successor is named. The terms begin, on Jan. 5 of each year. Any appointment after Jan. 5 would be for the remainder of the term expiring on Jan. 5. The General Assembly of 1994 repealed all special legislation providing for additional commissioners and residents, thus the only commissions are the five regular commissioners appointed pursuant to general law.  One term is available for appointment.

Keep Savannah Beautiful: Twenty-five members appointed to three-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.  Seven terms are available for appointment.

Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC): Twelve members appointed to staggered three (3) year terms with six 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. Three staggered terms are available for appointment, which includes one unexpired term.

Park and Tree Commission: Nine members appointed to staggered three 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 parks, squares, grass plats, trees, and flowers of the city; the planting and caring for. Five staggered terms are available for appointment.

Pilotage Commission: Seven members appointed for staggered seven-year terms 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 term is 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 10 members with representation balanced among the business community, human service providers, and consumers (i.e., citizens with disabilities). At least  half of members shall be persons with persons with physical or mental disabilities. Members shall serve staggered two year terms, with eligibility for reappointment to a second consecutive two year term.  One term is available for appointment.

Savannah Economic Development Authority:  Nineteen members, six appointed by City Council, serving staggered five-year 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.  Two staggered terms are available for appointment.

Savannah Hospital Authority: Seven members appointed to staggered four-year terms by City Council.  Arranges the contractual agreements between Candler General Hospital and purchases of hospital authority bonds used to finance the building of their complex off DeRenne.  Five staggered terms are available for appointment.

Savannah Recreation Commission: Twelve members are appointed to three year terms by City Council. Eligible for reappointment. Serves as an advisory body on recreational programs and facilities.  Six staggered terms are available for appointment.

Savannah Zoning Board of Appeals: Five (5) members appointed to staggered three-year (3) terms by City Council.  No term limits. Must be a 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 is available for appointment.

Traffic Calming Committee: The Traffic Calming Committee shall consist of nine 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 years, except that of those members first appointed, three shall be appointed for one year, three for two years, and three for three years.  When the terms of these first appointed shall expire, their successors shall be appointed for three-year terms.  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, but individuals from District 1 and District 2 are encouraged to apply.  Three staggered terms are available for appointment.

Applications can be found on the City’s Web site www.savannahga.gov. Type the word “boards” in the search bar at the top of the Home Page then click on “Boards Commissions and Authorities.”  Applications will be accepted beginning immediately.  No applications will be accepted after  12 noon, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012.

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

For further information, contact the Office of the Clerk of Council at 651-6441, Fax 651-4260 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .