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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20140417Beach Task ForceTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: April 17, 2014 Members Present: Harvey Ferrelle, Arnie Seyden, Sam Adams, Freda Rutherford, Michael Foran, Amy Lanier, Helen Downing, Jimmy Burke, Joe Richardson, John Wylly, Wick Searcy, Lisa Callahan, Cathy Sakas and Cathy Lewis Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Jason Buelterman, Paul Wolff, Bill Garbett, Wanda Doyle, Brad Gane, Karl Burgess, Spencer Davis, Jason Buelterman, and Diane Schleicher CALL TO ORDER: Harvey Ferrelle called the meeting to order at 12:00PM. Mayor Buelterman joined the meeting via telephonic conference. Mr. Ferrelle stated that one of the main focuses of the meeting is to complete the Beach Management Plan as it is a living document which will benefit the City in years to come. Brad Gane, Coastal Research Division, DNR, stated that they have the bond money for the beach re-nourishment project and will be administered through DNR for $5.8M. Mr. Ferrelle posed the question if the City wants to relocate sand from one part of the beach front to another, can and how can it be accomplished. He would like to include the answer in the Beach Management Plan (BMP). Mr. Gane responded that it is his understanding that it is the desire of Task Force to recommend to the City that there be some ability to move sand and with the sand going from surplus to areas that have a deficiency. Mr. Ferrelle confirmed and stated that this does not include disturbing the existing sand dunes. There was a discussion regarding the permitting process within DNR and issues that might occur such as endangered species habitats. Ms. Doyle asked Mr. Gane if the City receives permission to move sand in the future can it be incorporated into the BMP. Mr. Gane confirmed as the City would have a five year permit which would enable dredging to occur and maintain what the City is hoping to do. He also explained that the permit can be extended for an additional five years. Ms. Doyle asked if this could be the same for sand fencing, rack, and placement of Christmas trees on the beach to build dunes. Ms. Gane responded that this could also be included in the BMP. Mr. Burgess commented that from the DNR standpoint they provide technical assistance to the City but do have regulatory laws in place that need to be followed. He further explained that multiple components can be included in one package for approval such a sand fencing, rack, movement of sand, etc. Ms. Schleicher discussed the previous application that was submitted previously and was tabled. Mr. Gane stated that it can be revisited. Mr. Burgess discussed the different levels of regulatory tools that the DNR uses: (1) Letter of Acknowledgement (no regulatory interest); (2) Letter of Permission (defined as projects that meet criteria either of the project taking place is the jurisdictional area that is impacted and the other is a temporary activity); (3) Permitting (any land alteration, construction that does not fall into the category of an LOP). Ms. Rutherford asked for clarification regarding the recycle of Christmas trees and the process. Mr. Burgess advised the Task Force to get permission from the property owners, put an application together; list a point of contact for the City; list of what needs to be done; and submit. Ms. Doyle stated the point of contact would be Diane Schleicher, the City Manager. Spencer Davis, COE, gave a quick update stating there is a very slim possibility that federal funding may still be provided this fiscal year and the district is still awaiting a final decision. The district is positioning them to complete the Environmental Assessment and the plans and specs so if funding becomes available they can move forward without delay. He did give Diane Schleicher the plans and specs for her review and files. Mr. Davis made reference to the derelict structures as he received unofficial word from Ms. McIntosh that headquarters has approved their approach for study for the removal of the derelict structures. Mayor Buelterman addressed the Task Force regarding the earmark for federal funding for the last re-nourishment. The contract was terminated at that time with the Marlow Company. He asked that the City enter into a working relationship with the Marlow Company as they could be instrumental in lobbying for federal funding. Mayor Buelterman recommended the Task Force in turn make a recommendation to mayor and council to enter into a working relationship with Marlow. Mr. Ferrelle confirmed. Ms. Schleicher confirmed that money has been included in the upcoming budget process. Ms. Doyle confirmed that it would be a one year contract only. Freda Rutherford made a motion that the Beach Task Force recommend to council to contract with Marlow to obtain a lobbyist for one year for the future beach re-nourishment. Jimmy Burke seconded. Discussion: Mr. Garbett asked the Mr. Ferrelle to forward pertinent information to mayor and council prior to the next meeting. There was a majority vote to approve. BakerAECOM gave a presentation regarding an overview of the coastal study process, phases for FA-NEFL, beach re-nourishment and Wave Height Analysis for Flood Insurance Studies. Mr. Ferrelle thanked everyone for their participation. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.