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CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND PARKING COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 30, 2012
ATTENDEES
Council Committee representatives: Bill Garbett, Tom Groover, Paul Wolff, Barry Brown
Staff Committee representatives: Diane Schleicher, Mary Hogan, Pete Ryerson, Chief Bryson,
Danny Carpenter, and Warren Milliken
Guest
Kitty Williams
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Bill Garbett called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Garbett stated that the first order of business is to approve the minutes of the January 25,
2012 meeting. Mr. Wolff made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Groover seconded the
motion. The minutes were approved unanimously. Mr. Garbett stated that there were several
items in the minutes that have not been addressed. He requested a quicker turnaround of a
couple of weeks on the minutes. Mr. Garbett also suggested that he and Ms. Schleicher meet
after each meeting to form a “to-do” list.
The items missing from the agenda are:
Tybee Island Parking Committee By-laws
Election of a Parking Committee Chairperson
NEW BUSINESS:
I. Kitty Williams
Mrs. Williams addressed the committee with concerns about the parking ordinance: Some
of the concerns have been expressed to City Council. Neighbors do not want private parking
in neighborhoods. Several petitions have been gathered. Concerns are with trash and a lack
of restriction of people coming across yards. The neighbors would like to see the committee
look at the ordinance. She further stated that she understand that we can’t change licenses
issued already, but looked at for next year. She said that she would like to restrict to east of
Lovell. Three of the lots have a total of 32 spaces. She would like only one paragraph
changed. She would like to see it restricted to commercial lots rather than allowing in them
in residential areas. That would take away only 3 lots. The neighbors were upset at the time
they were allowed to be open. They are allowed to open 175 days. The ordinance, as it
stands, is very wide, allowing 8a-9p in the ordinance. If someone is not on the lot 13 hours it
will be an issue. Folks think it needs to be narrowed. Mrs. Williams stated that she thought
of the parking lots as an overflow, for special holidays. She stated that she would like to limit
the number of days to overflow days for special events, and holidays. She would like to see a
list of those days given to the lots, suggesting 10a-6p for parking lot hours. The ordinance is
very broad, intrusive in neighborhoods. She said that she would like to see proper trash
containers at the lots. Mrs. Williams said that property owners in the area should be
notified, more than just the neighbors.
Mr. Garbett advised there are procedures. Ms. Schleicher, then, explained notification
guidelines.
Ms. Williams expressed concerns about placement of signage for private parking hearings,
stating that she was asking for more help with notifications. She also said that she would like
something added, if “3 complaints reported,” then the private parking lots would have to
come back to council for review. The committee discussed the wording and the problems
such wording may cause with Mrs. Williams.
Ms. Schleicher explained that the city attorney said that it is difficult to do with complaints;
possibly it could be done with citations.
Mr. Garbett said that the suggestions and consideration of the subject would be taken
under advisement by the committee and the city attorney for the next meeting.
Ms. Schleicher explained that the review of licenses can happen any time, not just once a
year, if there are problems. Mr. Wolff explained that there are many aspects of the
ordinance to take into account.
Ms. Williams said the main issue and problem people are having is that the lots are being
put in residential areas and they want them put back in commercial zoning.
II. Review Proposed Layout of 14th Street Parking Lot for More Spaces.
Ms. Schleicher advised that this concept went to the Infrastructure Committee and that is
why Mr. Brown was asked to be at this meeting. She stated that notification that this is a
quorum of City Council has been made and this is an open meeting. Ms. Schleicher stated
that Joe Wilson had put in a proposal because there are some cracks in the parking lot. It
needs to be sealed and needs resurfacing. She explained that the plan in front of the
committee was the first that was given by Bill Nicholson. She said that the problem with this
plan is that there are only 20’ drive aisles. The fence would be taken down. Mr. Brown said
that his thought was moving the fence and placement of an emergency lane to see how
many diagonal parking places there could be. Ms. Schleicher said that we need 24’ and code
needs to be met. There was discussion about the plan presented by Mr. Nicholson, the
number of spaces to be gained and allowing for emergency vehicles.
Mr. Groover said that Alan Davis supposedly presented a plan for the 14th street lot.
According to his plan, though Mr. Groover had not seen it, provides for 40 extra spaces.
Mr. Wolff explained that Mr. Davis had brought his plan to the Infrastructure Committee
several times and thought perhaps the measurements or engineering were off.
The committee discussed the needs to accommodate fire trucks, police cars and increase
parking.
Mr. Groover asked to take it one more step. He stated that everything on the south side of
14th street is parallel parking. Fourteenth street is wide enough to put diagonal parking and
get half again more parking, as well as about the same thing on 15th street.
The committee discussed the requirements and measurements of parking spaces, taking
into account the easements and right of way.
Mr. Garbett suggested that a survey and engineering needs to happen first.
Mr. Groover said that the lot needs to be fixed, and then it will be a clean slate.
Mr. Wolff asked about the fire lane, as 10 feet or 12 feet.
Ms. Schleicher asked if the City should have it surveyed, for a time frame, and to see what is
required.
Mr. Carpenter explained what would have to be done. The committee advised that the
survey needed to be done first. Ms. Schleicher suggested Bert Barrett to survey. There was
agreement with the committee to have Mr. Barrett do the survey, do the work in house and
without the engineering.
Ms. Hogan asked about the time frame as the season was very close. Ms. Schleicher
explained that it would be done Monday – Friday, and in the next month or so, before the
season.
Mr. Groover asked if 4th street had been released by Georgia Power, to add parking places,
stating that it would be good to do at same time there. Ms. Schleicher advised that the area
was not going to be paved, suggesting grass. Mr. Carpenter said that the work there to clean
up had started.
OLD BUSINESS:
I. Chief Bryson reported that the concerns mentioned by Mr. Heyman at the last meeting had
been addressed at the preplanning meeting. All issues have been addressed to make it
better for the pancreatic function.
II. Review Current Locations of City Meters and Parking Spaces
Ms. Schleicher addressed the map that had been published last year, suggesting that the city
had caused its own parking problems, in part, by advertising to come early, and park.
Mr. Ryerson marked on the map as to where meters were added at 211, stating 9 spaces,
Inlet between Arby's and 17th street, 5 spots.
Ms. Hogan asked about the corner at Silver and 16th. Mr. Ryerson advised that there was
resident parking there. He said that Joe Wilson was concerned about how many spaces
could be in there.
Mr. Wolff asked about the parking behind the Dunes Motel as motel parking only. Ms.
Schleicher said that it is motel parking only. She advised that she had spoken with the owner
last year about what is commercial and what is city right of way. She stated that the owner
said that Walter Parker and Jimmy Brown told him years ago that he could have that for
parking. He does not have that in writing.
Mr. Wolff and Mr. Garbett said that is city property and adjacent to commercial.
Ms. Hogan suggested that he be reminded that he can buy 2 day passes that are discounted
for his guests of the hotel.
Mr. Garbett asked Mr. Wolff if he proposed that meters be put there. Mr. Wolff stated that
he had been suggesting that for three years. The committee asked if, Lovell between 14th
and 15th was currently used for bus parking. Ms. Schleicher stated that the motel owner had
to be given adequate notice, 30 days.
Ms. Schleicher said that for the parking behind Sunrise, an updated parking plan had been
requested that tells how many spaces he has. She stated that there has always been the
right of way issue there, suggesting that there be parking on Lovell in the short area right
behind Sunrise and put meters there. She said that in talking with the Moore family, who
has the house next to, always complain about parking there. She stated that she had asked
if they wanted no parking or meters. They had advised that they are going to block off the
area where people don’t park in the right of way because that is a house. They further
stated that they are going to prevent people from parking there, and no meters there. Ms.
Schleicher stated that Council said they preferred that meters not be put in a residential use
area.
Mr. Wolff said that around the area around the Georgia power place is in violation. Ms.
Schleicher said that it was not as it is commercial with commercial use.
Ms. Schleicher asked the committee if there were other areas that are by commercial that
parking could be added, east of Lovell, that hasn’t been addressed.
Mr. Wolff asked if there were any areas around the campground, to justify any more meters
around there, maybe toward the police station.
Mr. Ryerson stated that there’s not that much use at Polk Street. He said that the “honor
box” was now at the police station. Mr. Ryerson explained how “honor boxes “were to be
used. Ms. Hogan explained that the boxes work. They are not monitored and are useful for
those that have RV’s and boat trailers, and no parking around their rental unit. They are
advised to use honor box parking.
Mr. Groover asked why the outfield at Jaycee Park could not be used.
Mr. Wolff said that it would tear up the grass. Ms Schleicher said that the city just spent
$10,000 to fix the grass in the park.
Mr. Groover asked about parking farther down. Mr. Wolff explained that parking on the
grass is not an option.
Ms. Hogan said that the spaces at Memorial Park are underutilized. She stated that people
want to be down front on the beach.
Mr. Wolff suggested that we charge more for those spaces down front.
Ms. Schleicher said that if we add 20 plus more spaces and angled, another 10, then that’s
30 spaces, stating that it is worth the effort. Ms. Schleicher said that the city is looking at
putting spaces behind the Sundae Café. She asked if the committee was instructing her to
put parking behind the Dunes. Mr. Wolff made a motion to put the parking behind the
Dunes. Mr. Garbett seconded.
Mr. Ryerson asked the committee to clarify parking behind Sunrise. The committee
discussed it further. Ms. Hogan listed the places for more parking:
Behind sunrise
Behind dunes
The 14th lot
Angle 14th and 15th
Mr. Wolff asked how much revenue that would add. Ms. Hogan said that the revenue to be
added is immense.
III. Future of Pay and Display
Mr. Ryerson stated that he just got parts in. Tests will be done on meters. He further
explained maintenance on meters and parts replacement. He said that technology is
advancing. The meter company is working on its own technology, pay and display and
testing on single space meters.
Mr. Garbett asked if we wanted to go to single head meters. Mr. Ryerson said that we may
put single space meters on some of side streets. If testing works out with single space
meters and credit cards, we may start with them. Mr. Ryerson further stated that there
would always be a place for pay and display. He explained the double headed meters and
the trials, tests and research.
Mr. Groover asked if a meter was made that parking services could go down to change the
fee. Mr. Ryerson explained that was software and a company would like for software to stay
with them.
Mr. Groover discussed changing parking rates, the possibility of raising the rates at various
times, and the process.
Mr. Garbett said that we should explore how to change the rates ourselves. A discussion
ensued about the rates and how to change the rates on meters.
Ms. Schleicher discussed the mechanical meters and inability to change those rates.
IV. Parking Update by Parking Staff
Mr. Ryerson stated that all is going well, hiring staff, and that the city will have a good crew
this year. He said that it is an early spring, and he keeps forgetting this is March. It is
astounding. He said that it feels like it is already May. He has been talking to the police
department about safety. Public safety is always important and our biggest concern. Mr.
Ryerson stated that complaints are all relative, 8000 cars and 100 complaints is not much.
Ms. Schleicher said that problems will come Memorial Day, Fourth of July, will we have tow
trucks available then.
Chief Bryson stated that we can’t block streets. If we do, then we get the Department of
Justice in to say we can’t restrict people’s right to move freely.
Mr. Groover questioned how other places can block streets. Chief Bryson explained the
ability to block streets and the possibility of a challenge to violate rights.
Mr. Garbett asked the committee wanted it sent to Bubba for questions.
Mr. Groover said that he thought we should. He said that we don’t allow day trippers to
park in the right of way, yet we let visitors of residents park in the right of way. The
committee explained that we really do not.
Chief Bryson said that if the committee directs him to block, he will block, as he would be
acting under orders.
Mr. Groover said that he gets in heated discussions with Wanda Doyle about this. You can’t
tell a person where they can go and park.
It was explained that they are told all day long where they can park. Ms. Schleicher
explained that there is a parking app and it is on the website as to where parking is
available. She stated that people will drive around and around for hour and a half. It is their
choice.
One item not on the agenda, Mr. Garbett said is that Mr. Groover did put together a mission
statement and bylaws for the parking committee. He suggested that the committee read
this document and come back next meeting.
Mr. Garbett apologized for the lack of guidance for visitors for the last two meetings, failing
to set a time limit for them, in the future, 15 minutes.
Mr. Garbett asked for anything further.
Ms. Hogan said that Jennifer Wittendorf resigned to go back to school. The City has hired
Denise Dubuque, the former cashier, and a new cahier has been hired. Two full time
supervisors are in the parking services office.
Mr. Garbett asked Mrs. Prescott, in the audience, if she wanted to speak. Mrs. Prescott
asked for clarification on her personal parking places in her private parking lot. It was
decided that she would be fine, with a decal, to have her personal cars in the driveway and
will put a note on her file. The city will let the city marshal know.
Mr. Wolff made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Groover seconded. The vote to adjourn the
meeting was unanimous.
Prepared: Sharon S. Shaver