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HomeMy Public PortalAbout050_020_Draft minutes 20110825 MinutesCCMeeting20110825/jrl City Council Meeting 20110825 Mayor Buelterman called the consent agenda to order at 6:30PM. Those in attendance were Paul Wolff, Kathryn Williams, Frank Schuman, Mayor pro tem Shirley Sessions, Wanda Doyle and Bill Garbett. Also in attendance were Bubba Hughes, City Attorney; Diane Schleicher, City Manager; and Jan LeViner, Clerk of Council. Mayor Buelterman listed the following items on the consent agenda: Draft Minutes, 20110811 City Council Minutes 1st Annual Flip Flop (race) and Tybee Polar Plunge, December 31, 2011 – January 1, 2012, Beach area south side of Walter W. Parker Pier and Pavilion; Society of 40 Men or 8 Horses and Friends of Tybee Theater Ms. Doyle gave an update on the pool bubble for the existing pool at River’s End Campground. She has done extensive research and reported that the estimated cost of the project would be $68,500. An itemized list as follows: Cost of bubble $15,500 Cost of propane tank installed $19,000 Cleaning and chemicals $ 7,000 Propane cost (estimate) $25,000 Staff time $ 1,000 Staff time for putting up and $ 1,000 taking down She feels this is a great deal of money and as we are moving toward saving energy she feels that this is not moving in the direction we need to go. There are other alternatives such as a heat pump but it is a long process to research. Mr. Garbett asked Ms. Doyle to confirm that the cost of installation would be (a) cost of bubble and (b) cost of propane tank. The annual cost would be the remainder. She confirmed. Mr. Schuman asked Ms. Doyle if the individual who is doing the chemicals and cleaning currently, couldn’t continue to do it. Ms. Schleicher stated that it is a combination of campground staff and an outside vendor that does the cleaning and chemicals for the pool. Staff maintains on a daily basis. Mayor Buelterman thanked Ms. Doyle for all her research. *** Mr. Hughes reported that the three beach ordinances that are before council tonight are still not where he would like them to be and would ask that they be be taken off the agenda. He will bring back to council at a later date. Ms. Williams asked Mr. Hughes to look at sections pertaining to the selling and renting of goods on the beach and also at Memorial Park, as he needs to address groups that also use the pavilion for fundraisers. MinutesCCMeeting20110825/jrl They technically are selling something on city property but it is a city sanctioned event. She feels that there should be language that would exempt activities that had been approved by the city manager or through the special event permit process. Ms. Doyle added that the Veteran’s Memorial Group would be included in the group as well. Ms. Schleicher stated that the Veteran’s Memorial Group did get a special event permit and under that permit the city manager did allow vending. Mr. Wolff suggested that maybe the language should be “non-profits could accept donations” rather than charge for dinners when doing food sales. Ms. Williams stated that it is importation that our ordinances correlate with our forms and procedures. As she understands the way the ordinance is currently written, it does not allow for such events. Mr. Wolff asked Ms. Schleicher if groups need a special event permit for bar-b-que or the selling of wares? Ms. Schleicher confirmed that these requests, such as a a vending permit or request for city services, has triggered special event permits in the past *** Mr. Wolff brought a recommendation from the Beach Task Force (BTF). At their last meeting they voted to recommend that council set aside no less than $1,000,000 a year in addition to SPLOST money for beach re-nourishment. He further stated that he told the BTF that he felt it would be difficult and suggested several potential revenue streams which would include adding a penny to the hotel/motel tax or a millage increase and dedicating to beach re-nourishment. Mayor Buelterman interjected that one half a penny could be dedicated to the re-nourishment as the other half goes toward tourism activities. The BTF is very concerned about future revenue for renourishment as federal funding is going to be difficult going forward. Mr. Wolff is in favor of the hotel/motel tax increase to fund re-nourishment. Ms. Doyle asked Mayor Buelterman the length of the contract with Hutchinson Island. He stated that it was for ten years and should have approximately six (6) years left on the contract. Mr. Schuman asked Mayor Buelterman how much money was that a month. He told him it was 1% of the hotel/motel tax. Ms. Session suggested that we need to talk to St Simons and Jekyll Island to partnership with them in an effort to get funding for beach re-nourishment. Mayor Buelterman suggested that this be put on the agenda for the upcoming city council workshop. *** Ms. Williams stated that she had expected staff to highlight any areas of concern regarding the Short Term Work Program. Ms. Schleicher went over the “not accomplished” items on the work sheet. She wanted to remind everyone that this is the template from DCA and not our language. These are items that we are not going to roll forward or pursue. After listing those items, she confirmed with council that it met with their approval. MinutesCCMeeting20110825/jrl *** Mayor Buelterman called the regular meeting to order at 7:00PM. Those in attendance for the Consent Agenda were still in attendance. Opening Ceremonies Call to Order Invocation: David Laughner, Chapel by the Sea Pledge of Allegiance Reports of Staff, Boards, Standing Committees, and Invited Guests Lisa Callahan, Community Resources Committee, Energy Update. Ms. Callahan stated that the Community Resources Committee is a municipal committee that has been charged with drawing up sustainability goals and a timeline for Tybee Island. Their mission statement is to develop solutions for the most efficient and sustainable use and protection of Tybee Island’s vital community resources. Those resources are water, energy, green space, waste disposal and transportation. She is currently on the Energy Committee and the Committee’s goals are threefold: (1) retrofit of the buildings in Memorial Park; (2) 5% of the City’s electricity will come from renewable sources and (3) energy efficient policy for new buildings and infrastructure upgrades. Their general goal is to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 50% by the year 2020. Ms. Callahan then gave her presentation showing the energy savings associated with the buildings in Memorial Park in conjunction with the recent retrofit. She pointed out that after the Ecobee thermostats, light/motion sensors, airlock in the YMCA, and spray foam were completed there was a drop in the Kwh usage for these buildings. She further stated that she is using 2008 usage from Georgia Power as a comparison. Currently there is one area of concern with the Fire Station Administration Building as their usage has jumped. Her committee will be looking into this in the near future. Ms. Callahan pointed out that everyone needs to do what they can to further save energy. Mr. Wolff thanked Ms. Callahan for all her work with the committee. Mayor Buelterman asked Ms. Schleicher if she would find out dollars and cents in regards to savings. Mr. Wolff stated that the Solar Energy Energy Association reported that since January 2010 rates with Georgia Power have gone up 18.4%. Ms. Schleicher said she would do a cost comparison and bring it back to council. Ms. Sessions asked Ms. Schleicher what steps have been taken to achieve the Silver Level with the DNR Sustainability Program as the City of Tybee Island holds the Bronze Level. Ms. Schleicher stated that the Green Team is working to set goals for energy usage and has had the City join the Energy Star Program. A poster will be forthcoming suggesting how employees can better conserve energy as well. MinutesCCMeeting20110825/jrl *** Leigh Burns, HPD/DNR, invited everyone to participate in a meeting on Friday, August 26, 2011 at 4:00PM at City Hall regarding Historic Preservation. Tybee Island currently has a Historic Preservation Ordinance in place and has a Commission that is meeting once a month. She would like to discuss to possibility of passing a local Historic Preservation District on Tybee Island. The benefits include the protection of investments of owners and residents and to promote better design with the environment which would enhance tourism. It provides social and psychological benefits and gives us confidence and empowerment. Ms. Burns further stated that the major advantage to passing a local district is to become a certified local government which would qualify Tybee Island for additional grants. She looks forward to everyone attending the meeting on Friday at 4:00PM. *** Monty Parks, Chairman, Better Hometown Board spoke about the Historic Butler Median Construction that is scheduled to start in the fall. The only question that he has for council is where is the funding coming from for this project. Ms. Schleicher explained that 80% was funded by a federal transportation enhancement grant and the remaining 20% was from SPLOST. He feels that this project will enhance that portion of the Butler Avenue. Mr. Parks further stated that there is a need for clear and accurate signage to assist in the flow of traffic for the business owners and that the contractors need to minimize blocking off streets for any length of time. He would suggest that the contractor work to leave the weekends open and minimize any workday disruption. He asked that all business owners attend one of the upcoming meetings, Review Open House, on September 15, 2011 at either 9:00AM or 4:00PM. *** Brad Sherman, Home Energy Consulting, Inc. addressed council regarding the geothermal project at Memorial Park. As part of the energy efficiency grant, they are putting in a ground loop which will serve as an air conditioning and heat pump system for the library located at Memorial Park. He further stated that a geothermal heat pump system is very similar to a common air-cooled heat pump system. The difference is in the condenser coil. Mr. Sherman stated that the geothermal heat pump system is located in the conditioned space so there is a minimal salt air intrusion and the life expectancy of the ground loop is 50+ years. He understands the concerns of council and the community but nothing is being introduced or extracted from the ground other MinutesCCMeeting20110825/jrl than heat. Once the loop is complete, the worksite will be leveled and grass seed will be spread. Mayor Buelterman confirmed that the library will be hooked up to the loop but not city hall as Chatham County has contributed $75,000 to this project and funding is not yet available for city hall. Mr. Sherman did confirm that funding is not available at this point to implement the equipment for both buildings. Ms. Schleicher stated that at this point there is “life” in the units at city hall but the most efficient way to do things in the future would be to buy one big unit for everything and recycle those units to other city buildings. Ms. Doyle asked Mr. Sherman if we should be worried about salt air corrosion. He stated that all equipment will be encapsulated so that will not be an issue. She further asked Mr. Sherman to explain what is moving from one lateral to another. He explained that it is water from a close loop system which is powered by an electrical pump. Ms. Doyle asked if you had to put any type of chemicals such as antifreeze in the unit. He stated no, that this is one of the advantages of this system. Mayor Buelterman asked if the electricity used to power the system is equal to or less than that associated with the individual air conditioning units. Mr. Sherman stated that is was considerably less due to the efficiency of the system. Ms. Doyle thanked Mr. Sherman for his presentation as he brought a tremendous amount of information to the meeting. He expects to receive data soon to show energy savings. Ms. Sessions asked that his handout be put on the website and copies left at the library. Mr. Garbett asked Mr. Sherman how much less energy would two comparable 40-ton units’ costs, conventional heat pump vs. ground source heat pump. Mr. Sherman stated that it would be between 40-60% less for ground source heat pump. Mayor Buelterman asked when the work will be finished. Mr. Sherman stated that the loop for the library is completed and the one for city hall will be completed in the next 7 – 10 days. Mayor Buelterman then asked when the grading and seeding of Memorial Park would be completed. Mr. Sherman stated that 50% of the grading was complete and they we having a problem securing the grass seed that was specified by the City so they are going to put rye grass seed down. Ms. Doyle stated that rye is winter grass and they need to use Bermuda seed. He will coordinate with staff. Mayor Buelterman thanked Mr. Sherman for his presentation. *** Kathryn Williams made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Paul Wolff seconded. Vote was unanimous *** Second Reading, Ordinance 37-2011, Sec 4-050(F)(2), Miniature Golf Courses. Wanda Doyle made a motion to approve. Paul Wolff seconded. Vote was unanimous. Discussion: Mayor Buelterman asked Mr. Hughes if there was any language change MinutesCCMeeting20110825/jrl from first to second reading. Mr. Hughes stated that he did change the requirement of special review and site plan approval for the golf course. *** Mr. Hughes stated that he has been working with Monty Parks on final language via email for the Shore Protection Ordinance. They are trying to set a meeting where they can work on final language which will be presented to council for approval. *** Diane Schleicher gave a presentation that she presented at the Coastal Regional Commission Workshop, Tybee Island – Bicycle Friendly, explaining how Tybee Island is working for a better bicycle friendly designation. Ms. Doyle stated that she was concerned about bicycle safety especially the use of helmets. She would entertain suggestions from council regarding safety, i.e., how we can educate bike rides not to “run” stop signs, riding in the middle of the road, riding on sidewalks and other issues. She asked Ms. Schleicher if we needed more workshops or if it was an enforcement issue. Ms. Schleicher said she would be happy to conduct more workshops which in turn would educate people. Ms. Doyle asked these workshops be taped and run on Channel 7. Ms. Schleicher confirmed that enforcement is an issue on Tybee as well as Savannah. Bicyclist need to ride predicable and in the flow of traffic. Ms. Williams has the same concerns and asked Ms. Schleicher what did the law state regarding helmets. Ms. Schleicher stated that if you are under sixteen you should wear a helmet but there is no penalty written in the state law so they is nothing an officer can do to enforce the wearing of helmets. Ms. Williams asked if the City of Tybee adopts an ordinance could we impose a penalty. Ms. Schleicher confirmed. Ms. Williams feels there needs to accountability of the parents and something needs to be done regarding bicycling at night as some bicycles have no lights on their bike. Ms. Sessions feels that council needs to set the example with bicycle helmets and safety practices. *** Paul Wolff made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session. Kathryn Williams seconded. Vote was unanimous. *** Paul Wolff made a motion to return to regular session. Bill Garbett seconded. Vote was unanimous. Meeting adjourned.