Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout050_010_20150226Minutes City Council Minutes 20150226 Consideration of Items for Consent Agenda Mayor Buelterman called the consent agenda to order at 6:30PM on August 14, 2014. Those present were Monty Parks, Rob Callahan, Wanda Doyle, Barry Brown and Bill Garbett. Also attending were Diane Schleicher, City Manager; Bubba Hughes, City Attorney; and Janet LeViner, Clerk of Council. Paul Wolff was excused as he was speaking at a conference. Mayor Buelterman listed the following items on the consent agenda: • City Council Minutes, February 12, 2015 • Beach Task Force — Re-appointments a) Cathy Lewis b) Amy Lanier c) Harvey Ferrelle d) Joe Richardson e) Frank Wooldridge f) Kate Burns g) Patti Smith • Alcohol License Request — Special Event — Beer, Wine, Liquor, Friends of Tybee Theater, Tybee Wine Festival, April 25, 2015 • Alcohol License Request: Liquor/Beer/Wine — Friends of Tybee Theater. Tybee Wine Festival Event to be held at the Tybee Wedding Chapel, 1114 First Street, April 25, 2015 • Feature Film — Untitled D/E Project: April 27 — May 6, 2015: various locations, primarily downtown and beach area near 16th Street Crossover. Grandpa Projections. Discussion: Beth Nelson, Location Manager approached mayor and council to answer questions. She explained the event and stated that if the businesses on Tybrisa are affected during the shoot, they will be compensated. • Tybee Rainbow Fest Parade, May 2, 2015: 3:00PM, 4th Street — Butler — Tybrisa — Strand; Radius Media Group. Discussion: Ms. Schleicher explained that since this is a non-city sponsored parade the organizer made the request for TIFD to provide equipment to participate in the event. • FareWhale Festival: March 21, 2015: 10:00AM — 4:00PM; Walter Parker Pier and Pavilion/beach area: NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary • Raise the Annual Fire Protection Subscription in Unincorporated Tybee Island from $101.50 to $102.30 year to reflect the .8% CPI-U index per Code Section 26-41(a) • Proposed Garbage and Recycling Rate Increase Based on the CPI — U of .8%. Discussion: There was a discussion regarding level of service and contract renewal. • MOU for Internship — Martha Wietrzkowski and Denis Lehman — University of Applied Sciences — Ravensburg — Weingarten — Students will experience their internship in the Fire Department in the area of emergency services including fire, rescue and emergency management for the City of Tybee Island from October 19, 2015 to January 18, 2016. • Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Increase Based on the CPI — U of .8% • Proposals for Jones Avenue Repaving — Opening of proposals is scheduled for February 20, 2015. Budget Line Item: (2003 SPLOST — Street Repaving — Jones Avenue) — 321-4210-54-1401. Discussion: Mayor pro tern Doyle stated that the Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to confirm the lowest bidder that will do the paving and three crosswalks. The crosswalks were identified as 4th, 8th and 15th Streets. Mayor Buelterman expressed his concerns with adding lights to the crosswalks. Ms. Schleicher stated that the stop signs are traffic calming so therefore lights are not needed. Mayor Buelterman recommended that Ms. Schleicher look into lights for the crosswalks even though the City will have to pay for them. • Proposals for Janitorial Services for TIPD and Courtroom/Council Chambers — Recommendation from staff is to award a contract to J&J Coastal Enterprise the second lowest cost proposal for $23,600/year. Account Number: 100-3210-52-2130 (Police Department — Custodial Services). Discussion: Ms. Schleicher stated that she and Mr. Hughes will write a contract with Associated Maintenance (lowest bidder) to include performance criteria. She will then negotiate and if they are not willing to negotiate performance criteria, the City will proceed to the second lowest bidder. Mr. Hughes confirmed and stated that it was the recommendation of staff to award the contract to the next lowest bidder, J&J Coastal Enterprise. But the low bidder has to have the opportunity to contract, so the award should be subject to arriving at a contract and if not, then to the next lowest bidder, J&J Coastal Enterprise. • Budget Amendment, Transfer $26,500 from contingency to cover the final AT&T billing. • Budget Amendment, Chatham County has agreed to cover the cost of the North Beach Restrooms. Therefore we will move $52,000 of the funds previously allocated for that project to contingency and $5,000 to the police building project. • Budget Amendment, DPW, Budget adjustment needs to replace funds previously transferred out for median planting • Budget Amendment, Parking, Transfer funds to cover cost of new parking meters • 2015 Coca-Cola Public Space Bin Grant Application 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 • Posting of the Colors • Pledge of Allegiance • Invocation: Jan LeViner Recognitions and Proclamations Mayor Buelterman asked John Wylly, Freda Rutherford, Cecil DeLorme and Bill Sprague to come forward for recognition as they are retiring from the Beach Task Force. Mayor Buelterman thanked each of them for their service and presented them with a Certificate of Appreciation. Chair Harvey Ferrelle approached mayor and council to also thank them as well as mayor and council for all their assistance and support in the recent beach re- nourishment. Mr. Sprague was unable to attend. Christy Hester, J&J Coastal Enterprise, approached mayor and council to introduce herself. There were no questions or discussions as other bidders for the janitorial services for TIPD were not present. Keith Gay, approached mayor and council to ask for consideration for reduced parking decals for military families living on Tybee Island whose spouse has been transferred overseas. These military families have their taxes and cars registered to their home communities so therefore they are not eligible for complimentary parking decals. Mr. Gay would ask mayor and council, when there are military families who choose to live on Tybee who rent, be given a parking pass at no cost to them as it is with residents. Mr. Callahan stated that he has some complimentary decals and would be happy to offer them to the military families. Mr. Gay thanked Mr. Callahan. Mayor Buelterman thanked Mr. Gay and stated that mayor and council would look into this matter. Consideration of Bids, Contracts, Agreements and Expenditures Proposals for a Low Profile above Ground Motor Truck Scale for the DPW Transfer Station to facility a user fee for businesses and residents disposing of garbage and yard waste. Opening for proposals is scheduled for February 24, 2015. Budget Line Item: 100-4520-54-2112 (Machinery & Equipment). Mr. Brown stated that there is some confusion regarding yard waste. Mayor Buelterman responded that it is his understanding that currently residents pay WastePro to pick-up side yard pick-up of trash. There are residents that are not aware of the service and those that do not want to wait for their scheduled pick-up. Staff is encouraging residents to have WastePro pick it up rather than taking to DPW to dispose of. This is in essence a double charge. Ms. Schleicher stated there are landscape contractors that are allowed to dump their dry trash at DPW as previously approved by mayor and council. Mayor Buelterman asked Ms. Schleicher what is the annual cost to the taxpayer for the tipping fees for taking yard trash to DPW. Ms. Schleicher responded it was reaching $200,000 a year which does not include trash from the beach sweeps. Mayor pro tern Doyle stated that the residents are fortunate to have the transfer station on the Island as in other communities she has previously lived in, this was not the case. There were fees associated with using the transfer station. She believes this change would be fair and equitable to all. Mr. Brown stated his concerns with large items not being picked up in a timely manner which causes unsightliness. Ms. Schleicher stated that when this occurs the residents need to call WastePro for a special pick-up. She described the payment methods as the credit/debit card would not be swiped until the customer is outbound. Mr. Brown confirmed it would be credit/debit card only. Mr. Parks and Mr. Garbett both stated that they are in favor of the scale. Wanda Doyle made a motion to approve. Bill Garbett seconded. Discussion: Mayor Buelterman asked if there will be delays in picking up any oversized items on the side of the streets. Ms. Schleicher stated that the City Marshal will contact WastePro if there are any instances. Mr. Brown asked Ms. Schleicher if the beach trash that is being dumped would be weighed. Ms. Schleicher stated that it is a very good suggestion. Voting in favor were Monty Parks, Rob Callahan, Wanda Doyle and Bill Garbett. Voting against was Barry Brown. Motion carried, 4-1. Parking Committee's Recommendation from the February 10, 2015 meeting regarding Annual Parking Decal Fees. Mr. Garbett stated that the Parking Committee recommended increasing the rate of parking decals from $150 to $175 per year with no senior discount. The Committee also recommended reducing the cost of parking decals for golf carts to $100 per year with proof that they qualify for a complimentary decal, i.e., taxes paid to the City of Tybee Island. He explained that there were approximately 1600 decals sold in 2014 with revenue of approximately $24,000. The Committee feels the rate should continue to increase gradually and this is a fair and reasonable solution. Mayor Buelterman recommended that the fee should increase by .8% as does other services. Mr. Garbett responded that non-residents are getting a steep discount at $150 per decal and possibly an analysis should be done to put a value on the decal. Mr. Parks recommended this be moved to the budget cycle for further discussion. Mayor Buelterman confirmed. Mr. Garbett stated that he is willing to discuss during the budget cycle. Mr. Brown expressed his concerns with the cost of golf cart decals. No action taken. Barry Brown made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Wanda Doyle seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0. Consideration of Ordinances, Resolutions First Reading, 6-A-2015, Sec 66-183, Decals for Motorized Carts. Mr. Hughes stated that this is a proposed ordinance to adjust the charge for golf cart decals based on having a vehicle demonstrating the payment of the ad valorem tax and proof of residency. He explained the fee is not set in the ordinance and is to be determined by mayor and council and maintained by the Clerk of Council. Mr. Garbett stated that he would recommend the fee be discussed during the budget cycle. Wanda Doyle made a motion to approve. Rob Callahan seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0. First Reading, 08-2015, Sec 66-10, Vehicular Traffic on Jones Avenue. Mr. Hughes stated that the proposed ordinance was requested by the City Manager to restrict vehicles with more than two axles from using Jones Avenue. This is a follow-up to the paving issues and damage to Jones Avenue from the weight of the vehicles. Mr. Brown confirmed and stated the vehicles will still be allowed to cross Jones for deliveries. Mayor Buelterman expressed his concerns regarding signage and how to notify drivers of the restriction. Mr. Brown explained that the road bed on Jones Avenue will not be rebuilt just repaved. Mayor Buelterman recommended a decision be held off as the ordinance is written, delivery trucks are not allowed to cross Jones Avenue at any point. Monty Parks made a motion to approve on first reading subject to negotiation and changes as it goes forward. Bill Garbett seconded. Those voting in favor were Monty Parks, Rob Callahan, Barry Brown and Bill Garbett. Voting against was Wanda Doyle. Motion carried 4-1. Ms. Schleicher asked mayor and council to send their recommended language for the proposed ordinance, 08-2015, so it can be included in second reading. She clarified that the fees collected from the parking decals are used to off-set the cost of beach trash, street trash, etc. Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerations and Comments Mayor Buelterman discussed the upcoming city council workshop agendas for March 19 and April 16. He recommended the agenda for March 19th include: (1) hotel/motel tax and penalties; (2) future of the Planning and Zoning Department; and (3) driveways. April 16th will include a discussion regarding recommendations from the Beach Task Force and Beach Management Plan, "The Way Forward". Mayor pro tem Doyle discussed Increasing Compensation for Elected Officials. Mayor pro Doyle outlined the compensation mayor and council receive in regards to the amount of hours spent on agendas, reviewing packets, liaison's to committees, response to emails, and other committee meetings. She researched compensation for other municipalities and population is not a factor. Mayor pro tern Doyle stated that she serves the City as a public servant and loves the City. Also there has not been an increase in mayor and council's salary since approximately 1998. Wanda Doyle made a motion to increase the mayor's salary by $200.00 per month and council's salary by $200.00 per month. Monty Parks seconded. Discussion: Mayor pro tern Doyle stated that this increase would not take effect until January 2016. Mr. Parks thanked Mayor pro tern Doyle for bringing this to a vote. Mayor Buelterman also thanked Mayor pro tern Doyle. Mr. Hughes explained Sec 2-36 would have to be amended and an advertisement be posted in the legal organ. There would also be further discussion and another vote. Vote was unanimous, 5-0. Mayor pro tern Doyle approached mayor and council regarding Alternatives to Ordinance Banning Plastic Bags. She would recommend a more aggressive enforcement of the litter ordinance which was passed several years ago. Mayor pro tern Doyle stated that there would be a patrol that would walk the beach as well as the parking lots. She also feels that education is a major factor with the "life of a plastic bag". This could be done with containers specifically for plastic bags which could be strategically place on the Island. Mayor pro tem Doyle explained that the majority of business owners on the Island have the plastic bag issue under control as they offer paper or reusable bags to their customers. She stated that her goal is to ask mayor and council for permission to work with city staff for a recommendation or plan to include cost and bring back to a future meeting as there are a great number of options. Local businesses would like choices. Mr. Garbett stated that in his opinion, plastic bags need to be ban from the Island as they are detrimental to the environment. Mayor and council confirmed for her to work with staff. Mayor pro tem Doyle asked Ms. Schleicher for an Update on Salt Meadows. Ms. Schleicher stated that DNR accepted the most recent delineation from the City's consultant which resulted in a new survey. Mayor pro tem Doyle asked if the new survey has been forwarded to the DNR. Ms. Schleicher stated that in her correspondence it did not detail the status of the survey. Mayor pro tem Doyle stated that she would like to see this completed in 2015. Mayor pro tern Doyle asked for an update with the Class and Comp Plan. Ms. Schleicher stated that an RPF is due in March for a consultant to complete the Class and Comp Plan. Job descriptions are being reviewed in-house and will be ready for the upcoming budget cycle if needed. Barry Brown would like to discuss Golf Cart Decal Fees as he would like to set a fee. Barry Brown made a motion to reduce the parking decal for motorized carts from $150.00 to $25.00. Rob Callahan seconded. Discussion: Mayor pro tern Doyle recommended the cost be amended to $50.00. Barry Brown amended his motion to reduce the parking decal for motorized carts from $150.00 to $50.00. Rob Callahan accepted the amended motion. Discussion: Mr. Parks confirmed that the golf carts would be using the same full spaces as vehicles. Ms. Schleicher stated that there are a number of small spaces dedicated to golf carts. Mr. Callahan stated that there are 143 Tybee Island registered golf carts which will result in $14,300 lost revenue. Voting in favor were Monty Parks, Rob Callahan, Wanda Doyle and Barry Brown. Bill Garbett voting against. Motion carried 4-1. Barry Brown stated that Ocean Rescue for Code Enforcement was discussed at great length at the Public Safety Committee meeting. Ms. Schleicher explained that this would be a Litter Enforcement Squad and not post certified officers. They would wear tee shirts with language regarding litter enforcement and not include reference to the TIPD. Mayor pro tern Doyle asked Ms. Schleicher to bring recommendations to the next Public Safety Committee meeting for discussion. Rob Callahan reported to mayor and council his findings from other beach communities regarding Ban Smoking on the Beach (No Butts on the Beach). Mr. Callahan gave examples of several cities: Wightsville Beach, NC and their result is a reduction in litter; Rehoboth Beach, DE with a significant reduction in litter; Sea Side Heights, NJ reporting a major reduction in litter; and New York City, again a 2/3 reduction in litter. His goal is to reduce litter. His discussed the advantages and disadvantages of banning smoking on the beach to include pollution and reduction of injury. Mr. Callahan suggested a possible designated smoking areas such as at the end of crossovers. Mayor pro tern Doyle asked Mr. Callahan if the communities he researched were like Tybee Island, a public beach. She feels that if the litter ordinance is enforced it will help with the cigarette butts but she is against the ban on smoking as it would be an enforcement nightmare. Mr. Brown agreed and explained that he would like to give Chief Bryson an opportunity to have stronger enforcement of the litter ordinance. He explained his concerns with tourism. Mr. Garbett stated that the ban would make Tybee Island at better place to visit. Mayor Buelterman expressed his distaste for the cigarette butts on the beach. Mayor Buelterman agreed with Mr. Brown for enforcement of the litter ordinance and if that does not work then move forward with a possible ban. Rob Callahan made a motion to have the city attorney write an ordinance to ban smoking on the beach. Bill Garbett seconded. Those voting in favor were Monty Parks, Rob Callahan and Bill Garbett. Those voting against were Wanda Doyle and Barry Brown. Motion carried 3-2. Richards Scholar Program — Maggie Midkiff. Monty Parks made a motion to approve. Wanda Doyle seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0. Ms. Schleicher gave an Update on Building Inspections. She explained that an RFP was done and two proposals were received which were very high. Ms. Schleicher is looking for direction from mayor and council as to whether staff should reissue the RFP or approach Chatham County to modify the existing contract. Mr. Brown stated that he would recommend she negotiate with Chatham County as they will be cost effective. A discussion was held regarding the days the inspector would be available for Tybee as well as the level of service that is required. Mayor pro tem Doyle expressed her concerns with the rest of the Planning and Zoning Department. Her recommendation would be that the duties of the office should be with a subcontractor. She feels that with a subcontractor there would be a fresh vision reviewing ordinances and issues on the Island. Mayor pro tem Doyle would like further discussion on the future of the Planning and Zoning Department to make it as successful as it can be. Ms. Schleicher responded that the reason Ecological Planning Group is successful is they bring experience and fresh eyes. Mr. Parks agreed with Mayor pro tern Doyle and would recommend outsourcing the duties of the Planning and Zoning Department. If after a year it is not feasible, begin contract negotiations with the County. Mr. Parks again recommended that Ms. Schleicher reissue the RFP for services. Mr. Garbett stated that it is his recommendation that Ms. Schleicher meet with the County and renegotiate the contract as it is a secure source. He confirmed that the future of the Planning and Zoning Office will be on the next city council workshop on March 19, 2015. Mayor Buelterman confirmed. Mayor Buelterman asked mayor and council for their recommendations on the proposed Planning Commission Request Form. Mr. Hughes responded that the issue is communication in his opinion, between what the Planning Commission wants to do and what mayor and council want them to do and then communicating when they are taking on a Land Development issue or other issues such as the Master Plan. He further explained that where the breakdown occurs is when mayor and council first know about the issue and that is when the agenda is published or through the media. Mayor Buelterman recommended that staff forward new items to mayor and council in advance as this would solve the communication issue. The next issue is that there are some that feel they should not do anything without a directive and the Code specifies is that the Commissioners can as long as it pertains to the LDC or Master Plan. Mr. Hughes confirmed. Mayor pro tern Doyle stated that the issue is at hand due to the Commissioners having a municipal code on their agenda. Her objection is that it was not discussed with the City Manager or staff. Mayor Buelterman asked Mr. Hughes if the ordinance in question, Short Term Rentals, interact with the LDC. Mr. Hughes responded no, not as written as it was written as a separate stand-alone ordinance. Mayor Buelterman stated that he has concerns with our volunteers on the Planning Commission that they will feel they need to get approval from mayor and council to proceed when they are in fact empowered to review. Mayor pro tern Doyle explained that protocol with mayor and council is a council person bring their ideas to a meeting, explain and a vote taken regarding moving forward with that idea. Mayor Buelterman recommended that the Planning Commission agenda be forwarded to mayor and council at the time of posting so they are aware of upcoming issues. A discussion ensued regarding the proposed form showing action items from both Planning Commission and mayor and council. Mr. Parks commended the Commissioners for their hard work and dedication. He then expressed his concerns with the proposed form as it is yet another form. Ms. Schleicher then explained the history of the original form for action items. Mr. Hughes stated that mayor and council also need to complete the form when requesting the Planning Commission review an LDC ordinance or Master Plan. Mr. Garbett stated that it is not his desire to tie the hands of the Commissioners with Code. Mr. Parks agreed. Ms. Schleicher asked for clarification as staff has concerns with the Code and would like to have the ability to send to the Commission for their recommendations. Mayor Buelterman stated that the form will be given to the Planning Commission, completed by Planning Commission and staff, sent to mayor and council so they are aware of upcoming discussion items. Mayor and council confirmed. Mayor and council will also use the form and complete with staff whenever council is requesting that Planning Commission review something relative to the LDC or Master Plan. Monty Parks made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel. Rob Callahan seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0. Monty Parks made a motion to return to regular session. Bill Garbett seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0. Rob Callahan made a motion to adjourn. Barry Brown seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5- 0. Meeting adjourned at 11:00PM