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HomeMy Public PortalAbout050_25_20110623 City Council Draft Minutes(2)20110623 City Council Minutes Mayor Jason Buelterman called the consent agenda to order at 6:30PM on June 23, 2011. Those present were Mayor pro tem Shirley Sessions, Bill Garbett, Wanda Doyle, Frank Schuman, Kathryn Williams, Paul Wolff, Bubba Hughes, City Attorney, Diane Schleicher, City Manager, Ethan Imhoff, Zoning Manager, Mary Hogan, Finance Director, and Jan LeViner, Acting Clerk of Council. Mayor Buelterman listed the following items on the consent agenda: City Council Draft Minutes, May 26, 2011 as amended Watershed Protection Plan, Engineering Proposal, $18,876.00. Budget line item 505-4310-52-1201 Amended Pre-Disaster Contract for Debris Monitoring WaterFirst Memorandum of Understanding City Manager’s Action Item Report. Ms. Schleicher reportedthe two mobi-mats that were approved at the last City Council meeting have been ordered and are expected to be installed next week. Ms. Williams asked Ms. Schleicher to post a sign at the respective cross-overs to make people aware that new mats have been ordered and will be installed upon arrival from manufacturer. Item 12 - Mr. Garbett recommended a staff person be assigned to head the Memorial Park Plan. Due to all the workshops that have been on the calendar, Ms. Williams has not been able to schedule any meetings but plans to have one very soon. Ms. Sessions asked Ms. Schleicher to explain the disruption in Memorial Park. She explained that it was due to the installation of the geothermal project. Completion will be in August and at that time the contractor will restore the surface but will not install sod. Item 26 - Ms. Williams then asked Ms. Schleicher for a status of the revamping of the personnel policy. Mr. Hughes interjected that he was working with Janice Elliott to set weekly meetings to bring all personnel issues current. Item 16 - Ms. Sessions is concerned that the public is using the restrooms for bathing purposes. She feels that signs should be put up stating bathing/showering is prohibited. Item17 – Ms. Doyle asked Ms. Hogan for an update of the revamping of hotel/motel ordinance. Mayor Buelterman stated that Ms. Hogan will give a budget presentation later in the meeting and questions could be brought up at that time. Ms. Williams asked for an update on the Short Term Work Program. Mr. Imhoff explained that the program was developed as part of the City’s Master Plan in 2008. He has met with staff to discuss projects within the work plan and will bring recommendations to Council the second meeting in July. Mayor Buelterman called the regular meeting to order at 7:00PM. Everyone present at the consent agenda was still in attendance. Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Coordinator gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Reports of Staff, Boards, Standing Committees and/or Invited Guests. Vicky Buck and Lindsey Fuchtl presented the quarterly report for the Tybee Island Tourism Council. Ms. Fuchtl gave an update on their web site, TybeeVisit.Com, as well as the campaign, 10 Days of Tybee. Ms. Fuchtl also stated that they will be putting a link on the home page to remind people to “Keep Tybee Tidy”. Ms. Doyle asked if they would be able to put a link for parking hot spots. She would like to get information out to the public, especially with the upcoming holiday, regarding the parking map. Mr. Wolff would like them to also include recycling on the homepage. They agree this would be done. Art Smith, Republic Waste, discussed recycling opportunities for commercial and residential properties on Tybee Island. His objectives for the Island are to replace the 19 gallon bins with 95 gallon receptacles which will increase the recycling percentages dramatically. Commercially he suggested that a single stream compactor for recyclables be adopted. He introduced the Recycle Bank Program. With this program, points would be earned for tonnage. These points would then be turned in for rewards from local and national partners. Ms. Williams asked Mr. Smith what was his plan to provide a single source recycling opportunity at the south end business district for commercial use. Mr. Smith feels there is one area in which compactors could be located. He further confirmed that for other business areas, single stream containers would work best due to the density. Ms. Sessions would like to hear input from staff and their recommendations. Ms. Doyle agreed. Mr. Schuman asked thatsmaller trash receptacles at the condo locations be replaced with one large receptacle. Mr. Smith understands the challenge with the recycling program and feels it is doable. Mayor Buelterman asked Ms. Schleicher to share with Council at a later date what it would entail to have contracts for 1) commercial 2) residential and 3) both. She will look at the current contacts and go forward. Ms. Williams asked that when the RFP’s go out, we need to break down all services, prices for side door pick up, without side door, segregating the commercial from the residential and if Council does approve a glass crusher at some point, how companies would work with that aspect. Mr. Garbett stated that we need to get input from the community as well as extra pick up for vacation rentals. Mayor Buelterman will compose a letter to the Corp of Engineers regarding the derelict structures and include the report that was done by Olsen Associates. Ellen Schooleris addressing Council as legal representative to Tim Maylin. She would like to address concerns regarding the proposed ordinance to replace Section 34.47.4. Her main concern is that the City might be relinquishing control over public property for private businesses. She would ask that Ms. Liberatori and Ms. Hesson not be granted a permit to have their paddle board business on the beach. There seems to be no benefit to the public as well. Ms. Schooler further stated that the brick and mortar businesses bring more to the City than businesses such as Ms. Liberatori and Ms. Hesson as they will not bring revenue such as taxes. Tim Maylin spoke to Council stating that he is concerned over the paddle board rental on the beach. He has been providing paddle board rental as well as his competitors all of which are brick and mortar businesses. They all have been working with the ordinances as set by the City. Ms. Williams asked Mr. Maylin if he accompanied the person renting the paddle board for lessons and he responded always. Mr. Garbett asked Mr. Maylin if given the opportunity would he operate his business from the beach. He replied no as he feels it isn’t the best thing as it would bring more commercialism to the beach. Jimmy Burke asked Council why they would want to change the Ordinance as things have been working fine for a long time. Shane Parris, North Island Surf and Kayakagrees with Mr. Maylin comments. He would ask Council not to grant Ms. Liberatori and Ms. Hesson a permit for their business on the beach. He feels that it would be an increase in liability. Ms. Sessions wanted to thank all the businesses that have been on Tybee Island through the good times and bad times as they continue to showan ongoing support of the community. George Chandler, Chandler Beach Rentals. At one time his business did rent out kayaks but stopped as it was creating a safety factor for beach goers. Mr. Wolff made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Schuman second. Vote was unanimous. Mayor Buelterman opened the Public Hearing for the FY2012 Budget. Ms. Hogan stated that the proposed budget balances and includes no change in the current millage rate. Ms. Doyle asked Ms. Hogan status of the City enforcing the hotel/motel tax. Ms. Hogan feels we have better compliance currently due to staff’s diligence. The City Marshall is also working very closely with finance to enforce compliance. Bill Blakey would like to address three areas: (1) speed bumps on 17th; (2) glass crusher; and (3) campground pool cover. He thanked Council for having the speed bumps included in the new budget. Mr. Blakey asked Council to do more research with the glass crusher as he feels there are unanswered questions. He further asked Council to approve funding for the pool cover at the campground as it would be beneficial to the residents of Tybee. Ms. Williams would like to respond to Mr. Blakey comments on the glass crusher. She stated that it was on the deferred list and it is something that everyone is very interested in,but we need to resolve the waste management issues at hand. There are many tangible benefits, financially and environmentally to the community and she asked that everyone keeps an open mind. Ms. Sessions asked Joe Wilson, DPW, to address the concerns of Mr. Blakey. Mr. Wilsonstated that the numbers he used are based on a study done three (3) years ago. In this study, he worked with local businesses in the downtown Savannah area and learned that their biggest concern was glass as it provides the most weight. Ten percent of Tybee Island’sweight is commercial glass. In doing his research, it would cost approximately $35,000 to set up a crusher and estimates a savings of $30,000 to $40,000 a year. There are multiple uses for the ground glass which would be beneficial to Tybee Island. He feels that this will not impact the City negatively as there would not be a noise issue when the crusher is operating. Mr. Wolff commented that the majority of glass comes from the tourist sector. The City is in the process of having the solid waste and recycling contract rebid and if we can pull the glass out of the equation, there could be a major savings to the City for curbside pickup and recycling. Ms. Doyle addressed the pool cover at the campground. The YMCA had a meeting this week and stated that it is not just the cost of the pool cover but of the gas to heat the pool, cost of chemicals and cleaning. The question at hand is if the cover will fit the pool at the campground. Ms. Doyle would like more time to research the project to determine where the funds are coming from as she doesn’t feel this should be a campground expense. She would suggest that this project be moved to the contingency fund until they have had time to gather all the facts. Ms. Williams asked Ms. Doyle if the YMCA is willing to share the expense. Ms. Doyle responded that they have not come to any type of agreement as of yet as they do not have all the numbers and information available. There is a great deal of variables which they need to address. Sue Blakey asked Council how much longer the project would be deferred as it has already been two years. Ms. Doyle replied that this is the first time that there has been a dollar amount associated with the project.Mayor Buelterman asked that this be set on the agenda for July 28, 2011. Amy Gaster feels that funding could be provided by charging campers hotel/motel tax as are the tourist staying at hotels. Freda Rutherford reiterated that citizens really want a swimming pool and it is staff’s responsibility to figure out how to get it done and paid for. Mr. Garbett reported that a discussion was held regarding collecting hotel/motel collection on campers but it is not allowed as the City owns the property. Keith Gaywould like to speak to Council on behalf of the Friends of Tybee Theater. They would ask Council to revisit their budget request for a loan not a donation. Maria Lancasterrequested Council think of this as building a better Tybee as far as culture and cultural arts for the community helping our children and the citizens of Tybee Island. She stated that the cultural arts make a big difference and would ask the budget not be cut in this area. Ms. Gaster complimented the community for standing behind our cultural assets and preserving our history. Ms. Sessions is very passionate about the theater and feels funding needs to be made available in the budget to show the support of Council. Mayor Buelterman also supports the Friends of Tybee Theater but funding is an issue as SPLOST money can no longer be used for non-profits. Ms. Williams asked Ms. Hogan to present scenarios regarding increasing the millage rate to cover projects such as this. Mayor Buelterman stated that the only thing in the budget that could be taken out would be the $20,000 to renovate the Clerk’s office. Council agreed. Mr. Garbett feels comfortable in putting this request in the contingency and possibly amend the budget at a later date. Rusty Fleetwood commented that purchasing a glass crusher would be a good first step. Secondly, he would like Council to visit shower designs at north beach and possible put money in the budget for next year. He also agrees with Mr. Wilson’s desire to purchase Royal Restrooms for north beach. Mayor Buelterman read a letter from Karen Kelly as she could not attend the meeting. Shesupports the recycle program for the business district on Tybee Island and would ask that the Council put funds in the budget for a glass crusher. Mayor Buelterman declared the Public Hearing for the FY 2012 Budget closed. Ms Williams asked Ms. Hogan, if Council were to set the millage rate at 4.5, we still are not increasing taxes – just not decreasing as much as we could. She replied that was accurate as the roll back rate is negative this year. Ms. Sessions asked Ms. Schleicher to confirm the cost of the renovation of the Clerk’s Office and how we got data. Ms. Schleicher explained that Mr. Wilson had received bids from outside vendors in the amount of $18,000. Work could be done in-house during the off season to reduce cost but the electrical would have to be subbed out as the City does not have an in-house electrician. Ms. Doyle asked Ms. Hogan if money was still in the budget to archive the records in the Clerk’s office. She confirmed that the money is still in the budget and will roll over to the next budget year. Ms. Doyle further asked Ms. Hogan if the Parking Manager position is in the budget for FY2012. That was also confirmed. Ms. Sessions asked if changes in the Human Resources Manager, DPW, Police Department and other human resources changes are included in the FY 2012 Budget. Ms. Hogan confirmed funding is in the budget. Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions Ordinance No. 27-2011, Annual Budget Ordinance for the City of Tybee Island, GA. First and Second Reading. Ms. Sessions made a motion to approve the 2012 Budget. Ms. Williams second. Ms. Sessions moved for an amendment to the budget to move $10,000 from the Capital Budget - Clerks office renovation line to the Operating Budget - Friends of the Tybee Theater line. Ms. Williams seconded. Vote was unanimous. Discussion: Ms. Sessions stated this would be a donation and not a loan. Ms. Doyle moved for an amendment to the budget moving $15,500 from the Capital Budget -pool cover/heater line to the Operating Budget contingency line. Ms. Sessions seconded. Voting in favor was Mr. Wolff, Mr. Schuman, Ms. Sessions, Ms. Doyle, and Mr. Garbett. Ms. Williams voted against. Motion carried. Discussion: Mayor Buelterman asked Ms. Doyle to bring back findings regarding operational and other costs to the July 28, 2011 meeting. Mr. Wolff moved for an amendment to the budget moving $33,000 from the Operating Budget - contingency line to the Capital Budget – glass crusher line. Ms. Williams seconded. Voting for was Mr. Wolff, Ms. Williams and Mr. Schuman. Voting against was Ms. Sessions, Ms. Doyle and Mr. Garbett. Tie vote. Mayor Buelterman voted against. Vote was 4-3. Motion defeated. Discussion: Council is supportative of the glass crusher but would like to wait till all the specifics are presented prior to funding. Mr. Wolff commented that if we have the glass crusher and pull the glass out of the waste stream prior to bidding out the commercial recycling, we will see a significant reduction in the bid. Ms. Schleicher stated that the RFP could be stated in two ways, to include or not include glass recycling. Ms. Sessions feels we need to get a timeline from DPW if funding is approved for the glass crusher. Mr. Wolff stated that this would be an “off season” project. Mayor Buelterman called for a vote on the motion to approve the first reading of the 2012 Budget as amended. Vote to approve was unanimous. Mr. Wolff moved to approve the second reading of the Operating and Capital 2012 Budget. Ms. Sessions seconded. Vote to approve was unanimous. Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerations and Comments Business Licenses Sales in Public Areas. Mr. Hughes is looking for direction from Council prior to preparing ordinance for first reading. Ms. Williams would like to address Section 74.47.4 as there needs to be clarification regarding delivery of items from a store front business. We need to be very specific and agrees there should be no “take-out” delivery to the beach. Ms. Doyle asked Mr. Hughes how you would enforce a person on the beach calling a restaurant, ordering food then calling a cab and having the food delivered to a specific location on the beach. Mr. Hughes replied that restaurants or businesses that prepare food are not authorized to make deliveries on the beach. Mayor Buelterman asked Mr. Hughes what changes he is suggesting for the first reading. Mr. Hughes stated: (1) adding the verbiage regarding “no deliveries”; (2) adding “services”; and (3) making it clear that this does not apply to those who have secured permits to conduct business on the beach. Mr. Wolff suggested that there should be an addendum to the current business license which would enable delivery on the beach, i.e., bikes, chairs and umbrellas. After hearing recommendations from Council, Mr. Hughes stated he would have the first reading available for the July 28, 2011 Council meeting. Use of Municipal Beaches. Ms. Williams asked if it is unlawful to camp on the beach and what is the fine. Mr. Hughes stated that it is covered in the Beach Rules and the fine is $1,000. He again stated that this is not for first reading but discussion purposes only. He will have the first reading available for the July 28, 2011 Council meeting. Beach Based Businesses. Mr. Garbett stated that this ordinance is excellent as written. Ms. Williams believes that a permit holder should not be able to sell their permit to another party and should remain in the ordinance. The bidding process was further discussed and Ms. Doyle feels if you open up a bidding process it could cause major issues. Mr. Hughes will have the first reading available for the July 28, 2011 Council meeting. Ms. Schleicher presented quotes for the printing of parking maps. Council agreed that a one day full page ad showing the parking map on Tybee Island be published in the Savannah Morning News in conjunction with the July 4th holiday. Mr. Garbett suggested that we also have the local radio stations do a public service announcement with parking updates. Mr. Wolff moved to go into executive session to discuss personnel, real estate acquisition and litigation. Ms. Williams seconded. Mayor Buelterman adjourned the regular meeting. ___________________________ _________________________ Janet LeViner Jason Buelterman Clerk of Council Mayor