HomeMy Public PortalAbout20131212CityCouncilMinues City Council Minutes 20121213
Consideration of Items for Consent Agenda
Mayor Buelterman called the consent agenda to order at 6:30PM on December 12,
2013. Those present were Mayor pro tem Wanda Doyle, Paul Wolff, Tom Groover, Jan
Fox, Barry Brown and Bill Garbett. Also attending were Diane Schleicher, City Manager;
Dana Braun, Callaway, Braun, Riddle and Hughes, PC; Dianne Otto, Manager, Planning
and Zoning Department; and Janet LeViner, Clerk of Council.
Mayor Buelterman listed the following items on the consent agenda:
1 City Council Minutes, November 14, 2013
2 Special City Council Minutes, December 2, 2013
3 Gordon Matthews, Audit Committee
4 Melissa Memory, ex-officio member from the Tybee Island Tourism Council to
the Tybee Island Main Street Board of Directors
5 Alcohol Licenses and Entertainment Licenses: Information for consideration
of alcohol and entertainment licenses for calendar year 2014 with the
exception of Vicki's Restaurant. Upon payment of delinquent fees their
license will be granted.
6 Public Safety Building: proposal for special inspection services by Whitaker
Labs, Savannah - $13,533. Budget Line Item: 320-3210-54-1310 (2008
SPLOST — Public Safety Building)
7 AutoCite Maintenance Agreement & License Agreement from Duncan
Solutions. Budget Line Item: 1535-52-1300 and 1535-11-3800, total $1,400.
8 Contract Addendum for Community Service Program
9 Bill Garbett, Out of state travel to Hilton Head, SC to review their reverse
osmosis operation and cretaceous aquifer well
Mayor Buelterman called the regular meeting to order at 7:00PM. All those present
for the consent agenda were present.
Opening Ceremonies
• Call to Order
• Invocation: Jan LeViner
• Pledge of Allegiance
Recognitions and Proclamations
Erica Coreno, approached mayor and council to be recognized as Employee of the
Quarter. SPO Erica Coreno is a member of the Tybee Island Police Department
Report of Staff, Boards, Standing Committees and/or Invited Guests
Jim Kluttz approached mayor and council to give a report on the upcoming Polar
Plunge. The plunge will take place at noon, Walter Parker Pier and the emphasis will be
on costumes as there will be a contest with prizes. One of the major goals is to make
this a family event.
Jim Lewis, WastePro, approached mayor and council to explain the changes to the
pick-up schedule. James Lanier, GM, was also present. There was a discussion that
Tybee Island has been a flag ship for their recycle program with other municipalities.
Mr. Lewis showed a short video regarding recycling which included the last three years
of Tybee's efforts as the recycle tonnage has increased by 92% with a participation rate
of 75-80%. The garbage tonnage has increased by 6% as well. Mr. Lewis outlined the
changes that will take effect on January 6, 2014 as the recycle trucks will be on the
Island three days a week rather than once a week. This will also increase the response
time as well as provide better customer service. Mr. Brown stated that on the east side
of Butler Avenue there are less short term rental properties than the west side and
during the summer months the recycle and trash receptacles are overflowing. Mr.
Lewis remarked that the pickup day for that area will be on Monday which will alleviate
any potential problems or concerns. He further explained that with the additional
trucks on the Island during the week, problem areas can be serviced. Mayor
Buelterman asked Mr. Lewis to provide a "blast" which could be posted to the website.
Mr. Lewis agreed. Mayor Buelterman thanked Mr. Lewis.
Dianne Otto approached mayor and council to discuss the south end policies and
procedures. She explained that one of the changes is to change the wording from
Better Hometown to Main Street. The next redline would be to be more
accommodating to the businesses within the south end overlay who desire to have
awnings and canopies. Within this change, if a business has a canopy and it does not
exceed 48" it can be approved at staff level and if it exceeds 48", the applicant would
have to come before the Planning Commission for a public hearing. Ms. Otto reiterated
that this is not an ordinance only a policy that is before mayor and council this evening.
There was a discussion regarding the size of the canopy and sidewalk width and how
they relate to each other. Ms. Doyle read an email from the owner of Seaside Sweets,
Susan Kelleher, (attached) requesting that the canopies should be regulated to 6' and
not 48". This will constitute continuity and be more pleasing to the eye. Ms. Fox asked
Ms. Otto if a six foot canopy on Butler Avenue interfered with pedestrian traffic as the
sidewalk is narrower than Tybrisa. Ms. Otto stated no as the canopies will be
elevated so as not to affect pedestrian traffic. Mayor Buelterman recommended that
measurements be taken regarding sidewalks as he would like this to be less restrictive
rather than more restrictive for the business owners. Mr. Wolff agreed and would like
this continued. Ms. Otto agreed and will bring back to the January 9, 2014 meeting.
Ms. Schleicher agreed but would recommend there be one measurement for the north
side of Tybrisa that is consistent, one for the south side which is a wider sidewalk, and
one for Butler Avenue.
Diane Otto, approached mayor and council to discuss the Tybee Island Zoning Map
which is in the room. She stated that the proposal is to switch to a colorized map
rather than a red boundary line map. Ms. Otto stated that the Planning Commission
has considered this change and their vote was unanimous to approve. This item will be
on the agenda for the January 9, 2014 city council meeting after it has been properly
advertised and second reading would be in February 2014. Ms. Fox asked if the map
has been parcelized. Ms. Otto responded no as this proposal is to move the map to be
colorized rather than red line boundary lines. Mr. Groover confirmed that all changes
have been incorporated in the new map that is before mayor and council. Ms. Otto
agreed as this update includes all changes from 2008. Mr. Garbett complimented Ms.
Otto for her hard work as this is a vast improvement over the existing map.
Angela Hudson approached mayor and council to present the proposed purchasing
policies, procedures manual and proposed ordinance changes for review. Ms. Hudson
stated she will be working with the city attorney to craft a manual and policies so it will
be easier for staff to work with. Mr. Wolff thanked Ms. Hudson for her hard work with
this manual. Ms. Doyle asked Ms. Hudson if the purchasing person has been identified
as of yet. Ms. Hudson confirmed. Ms. Doyle then asked if the proposed manual that is
before mayor and council going to be used to develop ordinances or policies. Ms.
Hudson responded that she will be working with the city attorney to develop ordinances
pertaining to purchasing. Mayor Buelterman confirmed that this item will come back to
mayor and council for approval at a later date. Ms. Hudson confirmed. Ms. Doyle has
concerns with the amount of information in the manual and would asked that it be
bought back to mayor and council in sections or possibly discussed at an upcoming city
council workshop prior to a vote being taken. Ms. Hudson concurred. Ms. Fox asked
Ms. Hudson to include a policy regarding low emission vehicles. Ms. Hudson agreed.
Tom Groover asked Ms. Hudson to give a brief update on the audit. Ms. Hudson
stated that they are finalizing the management and discussion analysis currently and
should be to the auditors by December 16, 2013 and they indicated they should have
the final version to the City by December 23, 2013. This will meet the requirements of
the year-end deadline.
Keith Gay approached mayor and council stating he is speaking as a citizen tonight
and not in an official capacity. He would like to address Mr. Garbett's recommendation
to propose a resolution to increase the hotel/motel tax by 2%. His concerns are that
this would target a very specific profitable venue of the community economy and he
feels that other venues need to be addressed which is the day trippers. Mr. Gay stated
that he would hope if this were to go forward that mayor and council find some
mechanism i.e., sales tax to address the day trippers as they are not a part of the bed
tax formula. Mr. Garbett clarified that it is his intention this evening is to have Mr.
Hughes prepare a resolution for consideration in January 2014 only as he is not
proposing that any action be taken immediately but need to pursue an increase in the
future. This increase would aid in future beach re-nourishments. Mr. Wolff agreed with
Mr. Gay regarding the day trippers as they should also be responsible for additional
funding for beach re-nourishment. This could possibly be a beach fee for use of the
beach during their stay on the beach as all they pay for is parking. Mr. Gay thanked
mayor and council for their consideration.
Freda Rutherford approached mayor and council to speak in favor of the 2% increase
in hotel/motel tax as this would assist in paying for the upcoming beach re-nourishment
in 2015. Mayor Buelterman explained the federal, state and local shares in this funding
endeavor as well as the use of upcoming SPLOST. Ms. Rutherford discussed the past
efforts in increasing the hotel/motel tax and the lack of support from state legislators.
Mayor Buelterman explained his contingency plans and how monies have been
allocated for the 2015 beach re-nourishment. Ms. Rutherford stated that the Beach
Task Force has concerns with revenue streams that would assist in the future beach re-
nourishments. Mayor Buelterman thanked Ms. Rutherford for her concerns. Mr. Wolff
stated that the City needs to be planning nine years in the future as it will take time for
funding to accumulate to pay for re-nourishments. Mayor Buelterman then clarified Mr.
Garbett's request as it is just to have the city attorney draft a resolution and bring
before mayor and council, not have any kind of vote tonight.
Frank Kelly approached mayor and council to state his concerns regarding the
increase in the hotel/motel tax. He agrees that beach re-nourishment is important but
feels there are other areas that mayor and council could look to such as rental chair
rental. Mr. Kelly suggested that parking rates be increased which would be allocated
for beach re-nourishment.
Vicky Hammons, Main Street Board, approached mayor and council to ask mayor and
council support the proposed Downtown Development Authority Resolution.
Consideration Local Requests and Applications — Funding, Special Events,
Alcohol License
Special Event Consideration, 2014 Sand Arts Festival (May 2, 2014, 10AM —
4PM); North Beach area. Ms. Fox stated that it was her understanding that there
would only be one event on the Island per weekend. Ms. Schleicher confirmed and
stated that if this event was approved mayor and council they would be waiving that
policy. Chris Nichi, professor at Savannah College of Arts and Design, approached
mayor and council to clarify his event. His event will be at north beach and will
conclude at 4:00PM which will not interfere with the other event scheduled as it is an
evening event. Ms. Doyle expressed her concerns with two events on one day. Ms.
Schleicher explained that the event is scheduled to coincide with the tides and if moved
would interfere with Beach Bum weekend and Memorial Day weekend. Dr. Nichi again
explained the time line of his event as it will not interfere with the parade that is
scheduled for the south end. Paul Wolff made a motion to waive the only one event
per weekend policy and to approve this request. Barry Brown seconded. Vote was
unanimous, 6-0.
Consideration of Bids, Contracts, Agreements and Expenditures
Amend the FY2013 General Fund Operating Budget for yearend adjustment
by an increase of $18,900: Parking Division. Ms. Fox stated that she has
reviewed the Parking Department budget and there are sufficient monies to cover this
request. She would recommend using those funds rather than using prior year balance.
Ms. Schleicher stated that the monies have been budgeted. Ms. Fox recommended that
monies in the budget be used and adjustments be made later in the year. She also
stated the current budget could be rearranged as the funds are readily available. This
could all be handled internally and not be brought back to mayor and council. Ms.
Schleicher confirmed. No action taken.
Lease Agreement, Marine Science Center Foundation and the City of Tybee
Island. Mayor Buelterman stated that the city attorney has been working on this
agreement for some time and it is now before mayor and council for their approval. Mr.
Wolff would like to have the legal description as it was not included in the packet
(Exhibit A). Mr. Braun stated that to his knowledge nothing has changed. Mr. Wolff
asked Ms. Schleicher to confirm with Mr. Hughes. Mr. Wolff then asked if the City is
paying for insurances for the new Marine Science Center. Ms. Schleicher confirmed as
once the building is built, it will be the responsibility of the City to maintain insurances
as the Marine Science Center will only be leasing the building. Mayor Buelterman asked
Mr. Braun to explain the lease agreement. Mr. Braun stated the term is 15 year lease
which is the maximum length of time the City can enter into. There are rights to have
three five year renewal terms which totals 30 years. The rent if $10 per year; the
Marine Science Center is responsible for cost of construction outside the SPLOST funds
that have been committed to this project which is to be drawn down first; maintenance
of the structure is tiered so for the first ten years it is the responsibility of the Marine
Science Center; the City is responsible for all insurances; Notice of Commencement
(NOC) deters liens as is not possible as it is a public building; storm damage repairs for
the first ten years are the responsibility of the Marine Science Center then reverts to the
City; and the City is responsible for flood insurance. There was a short discussion
regarding the flood insurance, cost and replacement cost from FEMA as it is in a
velocity zone. Mayor Buelterman asked Ms. Otto if further permitting is required to
come before mayor and council for approval. Ms. Otto responded that mayor and
council have approved the site plan for the project pending staff approval of the
engineering. All engineering and building plans will have to be submitted to be
approved at staff level. Paul Wolff made a motion to approve. Jan Fox seconded.
Vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Paul Wolff made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Vicki's
Restaurant until such time as their delinquent fees are paid. Tom Groover seconded.
Vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Public Hearings
Variance — Lot 2 Van Horn — consideration of rear and side setback
encroachments for new single-family construction; PIN 4-0021-03-001; Zone
R-1; Heather Rogers, petitioner. Mayor Buelterman clarified that he is friends with
the petitioner and does not have any financial interest with this request that would
suggest a recusal. Dianna Otto approached mayor and council and stated that the
Planning Commission heard this request and the vote was 4-2 to deny. She further
explained that what is before them this evening is a modified plan, different from what
was presented to the Planning Commission for their consideration. The petitioner has
changed her request regarding set-backs. Ms. Otto explained the changes. She further
stated the petitioner has purchased lots 1 and 2 as shown in their packet and
construction is proposed on lot 2 other. She stated that the minimum lot size in R-1 is
12,000 square feet and this lot is substandard with a square foot of 6,470 square feet.
There has been a modified change in the rear set-back to 15' on the right hand side to
30' on the front moving the foot print to the north. Side set-backs are 5' and 15' totally
a 20' side set-back. Mr. Otto directed mayor and councils attention to the drawing in
their packet regarding the trees on the property. Mr. Wolff thanked the petitioner for
shifting the footprint of the residence as it is a win-win. Mayor Buelterman read a letter
from Michael Fleetwood (attached) supporting this endeavor. Heather Rogers
approached mayor and council to confirm she will be contacting an arborist to insure
the trees on the property will not be damaged with the root system as well as to how to
best prune the trees. Mr. Brown stated his concern with the porch of the proposed
residence as it is under the canopy of the oak tree. Mr. Garbett would like all
equipment kept off the root system as well. He would also like clarification as what is
to be done with the adjacent lot (lot 1). Ms. Rogers stated that it might be used for an
in-law cottage in the future if the need arises. Ms. Fox stated that she has concerns
with the 5' set-back on the side near the bunker. Barry Brown made a motion to
approve. Paul Wolff seconded. Those voting in favor were Paul Wolff, Tom Groover,
Wanda Doyle, Barry Brown and Bill Garbett. Voting against was Jan Fox. Motion
carried 5-1.
Text Amendment — consideration of amendment to bicycle rack
substitutions; Section 3-080 — Commercial Off-street Parking, Bicycle Racks.
Ms. Schleicher stated that it was at the recommendation of the Bicycle Friendly
Committee that the City allow the trade-off of parking spaces for bicycle racks. Ms.
Otto developed the tier system which confirms Tybee Island is a bicycle friendly
community. Ms. Otto stated the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve
this request. This is a first reading and will be back before mayor and council for
second reading in January 2014. Jan Fox made a motion to approve. Paul Wolff
seconded. Vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Text Amendment — consideration of amendment to the event banner permit
ordinance; Section 6-080 — Signs in Parks — Conservation District. Ms. Otto
approached mayor and council stating this item was considered by the Planning
Commission and was approved 6-0. This request is to modify what has been in place
for the banner locations which are located at the Tybee Island Welcome Sign, adjacent
to the YMCA and Memorial Park. The amendment would also reduce the number of
days prior to an event that the non-profit would be allowed to post the banner and
require removal one day earlier than is now in the ordinance. Ms. Otto further stated
that a $10 permit fee would be implemented as there has not been a charge in the
past. Ms. Doyle asked Ms. Otto why this procedure has been moved from the Planning
and Zoning Office to the Facilities Coordinator. Ms. Otto explained that the current
practice has been that the Facilities Coordinator receives the permit request, checks the
availability and confirms, and the request would then come to the Planning and Zoning
Office for final approval. She further stated that Ms. Reese, Facilities Coordinator, is
extremely capability of overseeing these requests. Mr. Wolff would like to strike the
wording, "the only non-profits that are eligible for this are ones that have qualified for a
City Grant Public Service Award" as there are a number of non-profits that sponsor
events that benefit the City. Ms. Fox asked Ms. Otto to explain the procedure if an
applicant were to not have their permit approved due to a previous application. She
would recommend there be a limit to the time you can apply for the space prior to the
event. Ms. Otto stated that Ms. Reese had requested language to that effect as
requests have currently been received for the entire year of 2014. Mr. Groover asked
Ms. Otto how this would affect campaign banners. Ms. Otto responded that the
Facilities Coordinator has requested that this ordinance be changed due to reserving the
space in advance which precludes new events to use the space. Ms. Fox asked Ms.
Otto what Ms. Reese's recommendation was concerning the limitation of time for
submittal. Ms. Otto responded six months. Mayor Buelterman recommended that
mayor and council approve the changes and to remove the language per Mr. Wolff's
suggestion with the exception of who will be allowed to use the locations. At which
time Mr. Hughes can review and it brought back before mayor and council. Mr. Brown
stated that he has concerns with the fee as these are non-profit organizations. Mr.
Braun would like clarification regarding non-profit applicants prior to second reading.
Ms. Schleicher confirmed and will provide documentation. Jan Fox made a motion to
approve as amended, with a 90 day advance on registering for the banner site and
come back with correct wording to determine who can use the location. Wanda Doyle
seconded. Voting in favor were Paul Wolff, Jan Fox, Wanda Doyle, and Bill Garbett.
Voting against were Barry Brown and Tom Groover. Motion carried 4-2.
Text Amendment — consideration of amendment to activities allowed;
Section 3-220 — Amusement Parks. Ms. Otto approached mayor and council
stating there is not currently an amusement park on Tybee Island but there are rides
connected within festival areas. The proposed ordinance would include fencing the
area where the ride is thus making it a family friendly area with signs posted at the
entrance regarding the prohibition of alcoholic beverages. The Planning Commission
approved this amendment with a 6-0 vote. Jan Fox made a motion to approve. Paul
Wolff seconded. Vote was unanimous 6-0.
Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions
Downtown Development Authority (DDA), "Resolution for Reactivation of the
Tybee Island Downtown Development Authority". Mayor Buelterman stated that
this item has been previously discussed and the main concern is saddling the tax payers
with debt as it has occurred in other municipalities. Mr. Wolff asked Mayor Buelterman
who would appoint the members once the DDA was approved as the City would lose
authority over the authority once it has been approved. Mayor Buelterman confirmed.
Mr. Wolff stated that he is reluctant to establish this authority without outlining their
duties to include accomplishments. Mr. Braun stated mayor and council might appoint
an ex officio to sit on the authority. Ms. Doyle recommended tabling this item until a
list could be brought back to mayor and council for their review. Mayor and council
agreed. Mayor Buelterman clarified that mayor and council are to receive feedback from
the Main Street Board as well as the city attorney prior to any decision made. In this
was every effort will be made to protect the City from debt. No action taken.
Second Reading, 36-2013, Sec 26-42, Fire Subscription. Wanda Doyle made a
motion to approve. Paul Wolff seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0. Barry Brown
recused.
Second Reading, 37-2013, Sec 26-41, Fire Subscription Rates. Wanda Doyle
made a motion to approve. Paul Wolff seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0. Barry
Brown recused.
Second Reading, 38-2013, Sec 66-104, Limitations on Idling Vehicles. Paul
Wolff made a motion to approve. Bill Garbett seconded. Discussion: Mr. Brown
has concerns with idling police vehicles as well as the tour buses that are parked on
Butler Avenue. Mr. Wolff clarified that tour buses must turn off their engines unless the
driver is sitting in the vehicle. Mayor Buelterman confirmed that the proposed
ordinance has protection for idling police vehicles. Voting in favor were Paul Wolff,
Tom Groover, Jan Fox, and Bill Garbett. Voting against were Wanda Doyle and Barry
Brown. Motion carried, 4-2.
Second Reading, 35-2013A, Sec 4-050, District Use Regulations. Bill Garbett
made a motion to approve. Paul Wolff seconded. Voting in favor were Paul Wolff,
Tom Groover, Jan Fox, Wanda Doyle and Bill Garbett. Voting against was Barry Brown.
Motion carried, 5-1.
Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerations and Comments
Ms. Doyle gave an update on the Public Safety Facility stating that at the recent
meeting Elkins, Greenline and the Public Safety Committee worked on the proposed
budget as the City is currently over budget. A subsequent meeting was held with Ms.
Fox, Ms. Schleicher and Ms. Doyle at which time the budget was once again reviewed
and revisions were made. Greenline and Elkins are communicating regarding the
proposed revisions and will meet with Ms. Doyle and her team to come to a finalized
budget. Once the budget is finalized, the Public Safety Committee will bring it before
mayor and council at a special city council meeting. Ms. Doyle confirmed that all parties
are working together to bring the building back within the budget of $3.4M with still
maintaining the integrity of the building. Mayor Buelterman asked Ms. Doyle at what
point will the City have to borrow money to complete the construction of the building.
Ms. Doyle responded that it is her goal not to borrow money as they are working to get
back within the proposed budget. If the budget remains where it is now, the City
would be in a position where they would have to borrow funds. Ms. Fox confirmed and
stated that an option to lower the current budget as it stands would be to lease the 911
equipment. Mayor Buelterman said one option would be to use upcoming SPLOST
money if needed. Mr. Wolff stated his concerns with the cut backs as the green
building components need to remain as they will save the City money with electricity.
Mr. Brown asked Ms. Doyle if the building is being built to a category 2 or category 4.
Ms. Doyle responded category 2 as it is cost prohibitive in building to a higher category.
Mayor Buelterman asked Ms. Schleicher to contact other municipalities that were hit
with major storm damage to see how FEMA handled their claims. This would determine
the level of flood insurance as well as other insurance.
Ms. Doyle explained that in order to complete the Salt Meadows Road maintenance
agreement the Army Corps of Engineers (COE), is requiring a hydrology study to be
completed. She reported that the cost of Phase I is $7,070 and money is available in
the budget for this study. Ms. Doyle stated she has been in contact with Mr. Leonard
and he has agreed not to sell or develop the Hammock. He is also willing to meet with
Mr. Hughes to develop an agreement stating such. Ms. Doyle is hopeful that this
agreement can be completed prior to the hydrology study. Mayor Buelterman asked
Ms. Schleicher how much money has been spent to date on this project. Ms. Schleicher
responded $25,466. Mr. Alton Brown approached mayor and council to answer any
questions. Mr. Brown gave a status of the project which included doing the hydrology
study which will enable the City to respond to the comments and concerns of the COE.
When the study is complete the City will be in compliance with the requirements from
the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) with their requirements for the 401
Certification. Mayor Buelterman asked Mr. Brown who would approve the results of the
study. Mr. Brown responded it would be staff of the COE. Mr. Braun interjected that
he has been in contact with Mr. Sapp, attorney for the Southern Environmental Law
Group and conversations have taken place regarding a conversation easement for the
Hammock. He asked Ms. Doyle if the costs of Phase I would be shared with Mr.
Leonard. Ms. Doyle stated it was not her recollection and has not discussed that with
Mr. Leonard. Ms. Doyle recommended that mayor and council vote to proceed with
Phase 1. Mr. Braun explained that the conservation easement is key and it might be
advantageous to Mr. Leonard to share the cost of Phase 1. Ms. Doyle stated that she
would like to move forward with the approval of the hydrology study. Mr. Wolff stated
that it is his understanding the COE and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
are considering this project as new construction and have submitted an individual
permit request. Mr. Braun confirmed. Mr. Brown stated that each of these individual
permits that have been applied for to the COE and the term "individual" is exactly that
as it is reviewed on its independent merits. Mr. Wolff stated he has concerns with the
amount of money that has currently be spent and future monies as he has had
conversations with individuals at both the COE and DNR and their comments have
indicated this request will not be granted. Ms. Doyle stated she disagrees. There was a
short discussion on other streets on the Island that mirror Salt Meadows. Mayor
Buelterman would like to insure that there are no other roads on the Island where this
situation might occur. Wanda Doyle made a motion to move forward with the
Hydrologic Analysis. Barry Brown seconded. Discussion: Ms. Fox recommended
that Mr. Alton Brown submit an invoice to include all his bills so the City will know the
total cost of the project to date. Ms. Doyle confirmed and further requested Ms.
Schleicher contact Mr. Brown regarding billing. Mayor Buelterman suggested that either
Mr. Leonard be contacted for cost sharing or a limit be placed on the project. Mayor
and council confirmed. Voting in favor were Tom Groover, Jan Fox, Wanda Doyle, Barry
Brown and Bill Garbett. Voting against was Paul Wolff. Motion carried, 5-1.
Bill Garbett stated he would like the city attorney to craft a resolution to increase
hotel/motel tax by 2% that would come before mayor and council for approval. He
further stated that the increase would be dedicated to recreation/beach re-nourishment,
specifically. This resolution would need to be to the state legislative body by January
2014. If passed, the City could revisit the increase and determine if the increase would
be put into effect. Bill Garbett made a motion to request the city attorney draft a
resolution to increase hotel/motel tax by 2%. Paul Wolff seconded. Discussion: Ms.
Fox suggested the mayor and council consider raising the millage rate by 1/2 mil which
will be designated to beach re-nourishment. Mr. Garbett stated the process and would
ask mayor and council to approve this item. Ms. Doyle recommended that the City
needs to review the template of the dunes and beach so sand can be moved from the
south end to the north end. Mayor Buelterman explained how Hilton Head Island raises
money for their upcoming beach re-nourishments by borrowing against future
hotel/motel tax. Mr. Groover stated that Hilton Head Island is able to keep their entire
hotel/motel tax not like Tybee Island where the City is required to give a portion for
tourism. Voting in favor were Paul Wolff and Bill Garbett. Voting against were Tom
Groover, Jan Fox, Wanda Doyle and Barry Brown. Motion to approved failed, 2-4.
Barry Brown asked Ms. Schleicher to give an update on electrical usage, year to date,
in comparison from previous years. Mr. Wolff responded that the report is now being
done through the finance department and $49,003 is the savings since the project was
completed two years ago. Mayor Buelterman asked Ms. Schleicher to have Ms. Hudson
send that report to Mr. Brown as well as mayor and council. Ms. Schleicher confirmed.
Mayor Buelterman requested Ms. Schleicher to get the final report on the total cost of
the new police vehicles and bring back to mayor and council. Ms. Fox stated she had
the information and would forward. Ms. Schleicher stated she would also provide
mayor and council with the requested information.
Paul Wolff made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel. Bill
Garbett seconded. Vote was unanimous
Paul Wolff made a motion to return to regular session. Tom Groover seconded.
Vote was unanimous.
Paul Wolff made a motion to adjourn. Tom Groover seconded. Vote was
unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at 10:50PM