HomeMy Public PortalAbout040_010_20140123citycouncilminutes City Council Minutes 20140123
Consideration of Items for Consent Agenda
Mayor Buelterman called the consent agenda to order at 6:30PM on January 23, 2014.
Those present were Mayor pro tern Wanda Doyle, Paul Wolff, Monty Parks, Rob
Callahan, Barry Brown and Bill Garbett. Also attending were Diane Schleicher, City
Manager; Bubba Hughes, City Attorney; Dianne Otto, Manager, Planning and Zoning
Department; and Janet LeViner, Clerk of Council.
Mayor Buelterman listed the following items on the consent agenda:
• Beach Task Force
o Sam Adams
o Kathy Sakas
• Bicycle/Pedestrian Membership
o Sunni Brown — chair
o Bill Garbett — council member
o Paul Wolff— council member
o Sharon Shaver
o Joe Wilson — DPW
o Bruce Saunders — Tybee Island Police Department
o Michael Bodine — IT
o Chantel Morton — Tybee Main Street
o Gina Casagrande — YMCA
o Diane Schleicher — city manager
o Tim O'Neil — Tim's Bicycle and Beach Gear
o Vicki Worden — resident
o John R. Bennett — Savannah Bicycle Campaign
• Tybee Island Main Street Board, Vicky Smith Hammons
• City Council Minutes, January 9, 2014
• Alcohol License Request — Special Event-Beer Wine; Tybee SEABAR Inc., Tybee
Island Mardi Gras: March 1, 2014
• Special Event Consideration. Trybee Island Sprint Triathlon (June 8, 2014 @
7AM): North Strand parking lot, beach area, bike route. Coast Endurance LLC.
DISCUSSION: Crisp McDonald approached mayor and council to clarify the
bicycle portion of this event as Mr. Parks expressed concerns regarding Lazaretto
Bridge. He explained that officers with be stationed at each end of the bridge to
preclude any problems. Mr. McDonald stated the bridge will have a "soft" closing
for approximately 60 minutes. Mayor Buelterman thanked Mr. McDonald for all
his efforts associated with this event.
• 2014 Georgia Main Street Program: Memorandum of Understanding.
• Georgia Power Agreement: This will add a LED security light near the
intersection of 4th and Lovell Avenue (near the tennis courts). Payment for this
additional light can be handled with an upfront payment of $448 and low
monthly costs $21.11 or pay a higher monthly cost of $27.00 without the upfront
payment. Both proposals are attached. Budget Line Item: 100-6210-53-1230.
Discussion: Ms. Schleicher stated that it is her preference to pay monthly as
there is a maintenance agreement attached to the lease. Mayor Buelterman
recommended that this be approved on consent contingent on staff's
recommendation.
• Transfer $75,000 in Capital Line Item 505-4310-54-1402 Capital Buildings to
Capital Line Item 505-4310-54-2100, Machinery & Equipment.
• Out of state Travel for Chris Shook to attend the 2014 ARVC "Outdoor Hospitality
Conference & Expo" in Wheeling, WV, February 18 — 22, 2014. Line Item
Number: 555-6180-52-3500 (budgeted with FY operation dept. budget)
• Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Increase Based on the CPI — U of 1.5%.
• Proposed Garbage and Recycling Rate Increase Based on the CPI — U of 1.5%
• Bicycle Friendly Committee Request: Renaming committee and expanding
committee goals to include pedestrian safety recommendation: "Bicycle/
Pedestrian Friendly Committee"
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: Sister Barbara Shimkus, St Michael's
• Pledge of Allegiance
Recognitions and Proclamations
• Memorial for 2013
o Evelyn Stevens
o Stan Hedgecorth
o Mamie Lou Bazemore Smith
o Terrance Clayton Moncayo Barham
o Diane Sikes
o Thomas Carson Latzak
o Ann B. Knipe
o Mary Catherine McCarthy
o Robert Shroyer
o Bruce Allen Katen
o Benjamin Riley
o Ernest C. Hosti
o James H. Cartee, Jr.
o Helen Lorraine Breazel
o Sarah Eloise Nesbitt
o William Daniel Turner
o Melenses Ann Platke Rawsthorne
o Travis Wilburn Brackeen
o Lillian Healey Rudon
o Betty Baber
o Corinne Brady Owen
o Michael Sullivan
o Jean Ann Heffernan
o Margaret Jones Palmer
o Jeanne Marie Love
o Rodney Lowery
o Georgia Chafin Griesbach
o Charles Danny Cason
o Terese Ann Erdelen
o Judge John Andre, Jr.
o Helen Murphy Balcom
o Richard Lathrop
o Vickie Lang
o Michael James Sedgwick
Mayor Buelterman asked Berta Adams, Beach Task Force, to come forward to be
recognized as she is retiring from the Task Force. He explained that she has not only
served in a leadership capacity for twenty —nine years but also to lobby the State for
funding for beach re-nourishments. Former Mayor Walter Parker approached the
podium as well to express his gratitude for all her efforts during his tenure as mayor.
Mayor Buelterman presented Ms. Adams with a Certificate of Appreciation as well as the
Key to the City. Ms. Adams thanked Mayors Buelterman and Parker for their kind
words.
Mayor Buelterman asked Jan Fox to come forward to be recognized as the outgoing
council member, 2012 - 2013. Mayor Buelterman thanked Ms. Fox for serving as a
council member and for all her work with the proposed Tybee Island Public Safety
Building. He also expressed his gratitude with working with the budget cycle for the
City. He then presented Ms. Fox with a plaque and a City watch. Ms. Fox thanked
mayor and council for the recognition. Ms. Doyle thanked Ms. Fox participation in
working with the Public Safety Committee on the proposed Tybee Island Public Safety
Building.
Arbor Day Proclamation. Barry Brown made a motion to approve. Paul Wolff
seconded. Vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Report of Staff, Boards, Standing Committees and/or Invited Guests
Janice Elliott approached mayor and council to report on the recent Employee
Appreciation Dinner that was held on January 11, 2014. She publically thanked the
Sons of the American Legion, Post 154, for all their assistance in cooking and serving
the meal as well as Mike Hosti, Tybee Market, for his help. Ms. Elliott also thanked the
businesses on the Island for their donations with door prizes. She then read the
employees that were recognized at the dinner for their years of service to the City and
announced the Employee of the Year, Rosie Ferris, River's End Campground. Ms. Elliott
also thanked all the employees of the City for their hard work. Mayor and council
thanked Ms. Elliott for all her hard work associated with this event.
Mayor Buelterman stated that the Quarterly Reports for the following departments
are included in the packet before mayor and council this evening:
o Tybee Island Fire Department, Ocean Rescue and TEMA
o Tybee Island Police Department
o Water & Sewer Department
o River's End Campground
Frank Kelly approached mayor and council to speak on the items on the agenda
regarding parking. He is in favor of the new equipment and would ask mayor and
council to look at long term alternatives as parking rates could be reduced during "off-
times". This would include variable rates to include public transportation from mid
Island to the south-end near the pier. Mr. Kelly then discussed the Income by Month,
Pay Display spreadsheet (attached). He would also recommend that a pay and display
be moved to Jaycee Park rather than installing an honor box. This money would be
earmarked to purchase better equipment which will give more flexibility to the parking
situation on the Island. Mayor Buelterman thanked Mr. Kelly for his recommendations
regarding parking on the Island.
Consideration Local Requests and Applications — Funding, Special Events,
Alcohol License
Tybee Island Irish Heritage Celebration Parade (March 15, 2014): 3:00PM;
Memorial Park — Butler — Tybrisa — Strand. Tybee Irish Heritage Committee.
Ms. Doyle asked Ms. Schleicher for clarification regarding the port-o-potties on the
south-end. Ms. Schleicher responded that a name of a company has been provided to
the committee so they can coordinate the facilities. Paul Wolff made a motion to
approve. Barry Brown seconded. Vote was unanimous 5-0. Wanda Doyle recused.
Consideration of Bids, Contracts, Agreements and Expenditures
Proposal from Olsen and Associates to provide technical assistance for
permitting the removal of the derelict structures. Time and material billing is
not to exceed $10,000. The Beach Task Force Committee recommended this.
Budget Line Item: 6125-53-1235 (Beach Operations and Maintenance).
Discussion: Mayor Buelterman stated that this item is being deferred at this time until
the Beach Task Force can meet with Mr. Olsen to come up with an alternative plan.
Ms. Schleicher confirmed as the RFP came in with high costs for the removal of these
derelict structures. Mayor and council confirmed. No action taken.
Change rate for all parking meters from 14th Street South from $1.50/hour to
$2.00/hour. The meters in the 14th Street and 16th Street parking lots are
already set at $2.00/hour. This is a recommendation by the parking
committee to encourage parking in the center of the Island which would be
still set at $1.50/hour. Cost for reprogramming the meters to $2.00/hour is
$1,300. Budget Line Item: 100-7564-52-2200. Mr. Garbett explained that the
proposal as it stands would be to raise the rates on the south-end as this area has the
highest demand for parking. This increase would encourage beach goers to find
parking in mid Island rather than beach front where there is a lessor demand. He
further stated that all revenues would be used to improve equipment as well as benefit
the City. Ms. Doyle stated she disagrees with Mr. Kelly regarding changing the parking
rates. She stated that with the success of the Parking Department, parking is now
consistent on the Island and beach goers know what to expect regarding parking. Ms.
Doyle further suggested that the existing shuttle companies on the Island could
transport beach goers from outlying areas to the beach. She would encourage the
shuttle businesses to work with the Parking Committee in this manner. Mayor
Buelterman stated his concerns with beach goers parking in the residential areas as
opposed to the business district due to the increase in parking fees if they continue to
increase. The small increase attached to this agenda item he feels will not cause an
issue but if fees continue to increase there will be issues. Mayor Buelterman asked Ms.
Schleicher if the business district is aware of the increase. Ms. Schleicher stated no.
Denise Dubuque, Parking Services, approached mayor and council to answer any
questions. Ms. Dubuque stated this increase would have generated approximately
$35,000 just for the month of July 2013. Mr. Brown would recommend that all meters
east of Butler Avenue be raised to $2.00 per hour as these are prime parking locations.
Mayor Buelterman recommended that Ms. Dubuque give the information presented to
Ms. Schleicher and in turn she will send to mayor and council via email. Paul Wolff
made a motion to approve. Barry Brown seconded. Vote was unanimous 6-0.
Install 30-space "Honor Box" at Jaycee parking lot. Revenue line item would
be created to subsidize site improvement expenses at the Guard House and
park (line item 100-4210-52-2201). Signage would identify the parking rate
of $1.50/hour, 8AM-8PM, 7 days/week based on an honor system. Revenue
projected at approximately $2,000 annually. Mr. Garbett stated that this is the
honor box that was located at the courthouse and used for court sessions. The
committee has expressed concerns that there are organized team events at the Guard
House and park locations and this would suggest the teams pay for parking. He
reminded mayor and council that this is an honor box and might generate a small
amount of revenue. Mayor Buelterman expressed his views on the parking meters at
Memorial Park as participants are expected to pay for parking. This would also include
family reunions that are utilizing the pavilion. He would rather have the honor box than
the pay to park at any of the City's parks. Ms. Doyle would agree as the parks are
"playing parks" and would support this agenda items only if pertains to honor boxes as
opposed to meters for the parks. Wanda Doyle made a motion to approve. Paul
Wolff seconded. Discussion: Ms. Schleicher stated that the revenue from the honor
box would be used for the Jaycee Park and if this system works it could be
implemented in Memorial Park. Ms. Doyle recommended that a sign be attached to the
honor box to indicate that funds would go to the improvement of the park. Ms.
Schleicher confirmed. Mr. Parks expressed his concerns regarding the improvement of
the playground and would ask that repairs not be delayed until funds are accumulated
but rather move forward and use monies from the general fund. Vote was unanimous
6-0.
Raise the Annual Fire Protection Subscription in unincorporated Tybee Island
from $100 to $101.50/year to reflect to 1.5% CPI-U index per Code Section
26-41(a). Wanda Doyle made a motion to approve. Paul Wolff seconded. Vote
was unanimous 5-0. Barry Brown recused.
Paul Wolff made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Wanda Doyle seconded.
Vote was unanimous 6-0.
Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions
Second Reading, 02-2014, Sec 9-050, Technical Codes. Mr. Brown asked Mr.
Hughes for clarification. Mr. Hughes stated that this agenda item is to include the
Georgia Amendment from the Department of Community Affairs to all the Standard
Codes which are incorporated in the Code for Tybee Island by reference. Wanda
Doyle made a motion to approve. Rob Callahan seconded. Vote was unanimous 6-0.
Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerations and Comments
Mayor Buelterman recommended that the Tybee Island Police Department and
YMCA conduct a workshop on child safety. This is due to parents on the Island
expressing concerns as there are individuals that visit the Island that may not have
good intentions and children need to be educated so they can be aware of potential
dangerous individuals. Ms. Schleicher stated that the Tybee Island Police Department
and YMCA are currently undertaking this endeavor and are open to any and all
recommendations from mayor and council. Mr. Garbett asked if this could be combined
with the Neighborhood Watch Meeting. Mayor Buelterman confirmed and would
suggest the meeting be on the south end of the Island.
Mayor Buelterman expressed his concerns regarding summer staffing levels for
Tybee Island Police Department. He stated that it is his understanding that there is
a recommendation to hire two full time beach patrol officers for the upcoming season.
Ms. Doyle stated that Ms. Hudson, Finance Director, will look at staffing as the police
department does have funds that could be used for these full time officers. She
explained that if the City is to move forward with the Tybee Island Police State
Certification we cannot have part-time officers as they are a liability due to training and
standards. Ms. Schleicher explained that Chief Bryson is of the opinion that if the City
were to hire two full time beach patrol officers there would be no need for them to
have a police car as they would have a beach mule to patrol. The Public Safety
Committee would recommend reviewing the actual costs to add the two full time
officers and then proceed to looking at state certification. Mr. Wolff asked Ms. Doyle if
these two officers would be full time seasonal employees. Ms. Doyle stated these
officers would be full time officers year round. Ms. Schleicher confirmed as they could
also be used a bicycle patrol officers. There was a short discussion regarding part time
officers from other municipalities or jurisdictions and their pitfalls as they do not always
report to work. Mayor Buelterman asked Ms. Schleicher is there is a financial impact to
the City for using officers from other municipalities or jurisdictions. Ms. Schleicher
confirmed as GIRMA rates have increased. She further explained that with State
Certification there is a standard and in using outside officers it is harder to apply a
higher set of standards than what they might adhere to. This would include testing and
training that the City of Tybee Island requires. Ms. Schleicher stated that the reason
Tybee Island Police Department has not been able to become certified is the change in
the part time requirement and the 911 system. The latter will be addressed with the
new Public Safety Building. Ms. Doyle assured that the Public Safety Committee will
bring back a recommendation to mayor and council which would best fit the City. Mr.
Wolff agreed with Ms. Doyle's recommendation.
Wanda Doyle gave a presentation on an Update on Tybee Island Public Safety
Building. During the presentation she outlined meetings with Greenline Architecture
and Elkins Construction, the Construction Manager at Risk and the budget (attached).
Ms. Doyle explained the increase in the budget is due to such items as improvement of
the property prior to construction, testing and cabling. These extra items are outlined
in the documents attached. The Guaranteed Maximum Price of $3,081,247 was
approved by mayor and council on December 19, 2013. The Public Safety Committee is
moving forward as the first permit was pulled on December 18, 2013 for site work and
the construction manager is working with Joe Wilson, DPW, to have the silt fencing
installed on site. The plans have been redrawn and are currently at Chatham County
for review and approval. Ms. Doyle would ask that mayor and council and the Public
Safety Committee work as a team to produce a building that our community, the City of
Tybee Island, will be proud of. Mayor Buelterman thanked Ms. Doyle for her
presentation and would encourage the community to attend the Public Safety
Committee meetings which are held the fourth Thursday of every month at 5:00PM.
Monty Parks stated that he has three projects that he is undertaking due to
comments while working with the citizens during the campaigning period:
o Volunteer Recognition
o Signs vs. art for business
o Beach funding
Mr. Parks explained that he would like to work with the staff and community to develop
the first steps of a program for Tybee Island volunteer recognition. This would include
an inventory of how many volunteers are involved with the City and solicit feedback
from the committee members and report back to mayor and council which will be a
beginning toward a volunteer recognition program. He then touched on his next
project, signs vs. art business, as he would like to work with the city attorney and staff
on Sec 6-080 (E), Wall Signs. This would loosen the restrictions on businesses and still
enhance the Island's appearance. The final topic, beach funding, would be to
document existing sources, percentage of funding from each source and finally the
expenses associated with beach re-nourishment. Mayor Buelterman thanked Mr. Parks
for his projects.
Paul Wolff, Beach Task Force Resolution, explained that the Tybee Island Beach
Task Force is recommending that mayor and council develop a Long Range Beach
Management Strategy. Mr. Wolff has invited the Task Force to attend the upcoming
workshop and would recommend a combined workshop between mayor and council
and the Tybee Island Beach Task Force. He then read the Resolution which is a part of
the packet before mayor and council. Ms. Doyle stated she attended the recent Beach
Task Force and would commend Mr. Ferrelle for his efforts regarding this Resolution
and goals for the future. Mayor Buelterman stated that Governor Deal did not include
the half of funds in his budget the City had requested as this an item that is typically
left for the legislative branch to add. He further stated that the City has the support of
our entire delegation to get this added to the budget. Mayor Buelterman agreed to
have the Beach Task Force attend the upcoming city council workshop on February 15,
2014 and to also schedule a combined workshop to discuss the Long Range Beach
Management Strategy document.
Bill Garbett gave a report on his recent conference in Hilton Head regarding South
Island Public Service District's Cretaceous Aquifer Well and Desalinations
Plant. He outlined Hilton Head's progress with desalination and does not feel it is a
good fit for Tybee Island at this point and good to know the process. Mayor
Buelterman thanked Mr. Garbett and Mr. Wolff for their participation.
City Managers Report
• Action Item List
• Short Term Work Program
Wanda Doyle made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss litigation and
personnel. Paul Wolff seconded. Vote was unanimous 6-0.
Paul Wolff made a motion to return to regular session. Rob Callahan seconded.
Vote was unanimous 6-0.
Paul Wolff made a motion to adjourn. Rob Callahan seconded. Vote was
unanimous 6-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00PM