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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20140220Beach Task ForceTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: February 20, 2014 Members Present: Harvey Ferrell, Jimmy Burke, Joe Richardson, Lisa Callahan, John Wylly, Michael Foran, Cathy Sakas, Cathy Lewis, Amy Lanier and Sam Adams Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Erik Olsen, Jason Buelterman, Paul Wolff, Bill Garbett, Wanda Doyle, Monty Parks, Dan Parrott, Spencer Davis, Bert Moore, Jason Evans and Scott Pippen (CVIOG), and Diane Schleicher CALL TO ORDER: Harvey Ferrelle called the meeting to order at 12:00PM. Michael Foran made a motion to approve the minutes from January 16, 2014. Amy Lanier seconded. Vote was unanimous. Mayor Buelterman joined the meeting via telephonic conference. Mayor Buelterman explained that the Corp of Engineers (COE) indicated to him that there was money in this year’s budget for the shore protection projects for Tybee Island. The COE asked if Tybee Island has sufficient funding to cover our 40% cost share. Mayor Buelterman stated that he has been working with the local and state delegation to agree to put money from the state which is 39% of the $19M highest anticipated cost in the budget. He would anticipate receiving confirmation within the next two weeks. Mr. Davis, COE, added that they are awaiting the FY14 Work Plan to be finalized and sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). He would hope they will be able to accelerate construction this year. He further explained that the FY 15 budget package for Tybee Island was anticipated and submitted and it was found that there was additional funding in the Shoreline Protection line item, separate for those projects authorized as FY14 construction execution. Headquarters approached his office to ask if they were able to accelerate the Tybee construction contract this year which would free up funding for next year which will be allocated for another shoreline projection project. He stated this is determined that they will be able to execute this year. This information was then forwarded to the South Atlantic Division and Headquarters confirming that if the funding is made available to them they would execute in November 2014 and would be completed in January 2015. Mr. Davis stated that the Environmental Assessment was released for public notice and they are in the process of addressing comments and two of the five permits have been granted and they are confident they will be able to move forward. Mr. Wolff asked if there is any way that engineered dunes could be added to the project. Mr. Davis responded no as it is not part of the federal project. Mr. Ferrelle asked Mr. Davis his recommendations and thoughts on the removal of the derelict structures. Mr. Davis responded that he has preliminary authorization to request the authority to study the seawalls and the groins in relationship to turtle nesting. Mayor Buelterman confirmed with Mr. Davis that funding would need to be available by June 1, 2014 which will enable the COE to advertise for the project and award a contract by end of the fiscal year. He also stated that Tybee Island has requested from the State for $5.9M which is 30% of the $19.2M cost estimate. Tybee Island will have $2M to contribute to the re-nourishment. That combined with state funding will equal the $7.5M that will pay for the re-nourishment. Mr. Wolff asked Mayor Buelterman if the 2014 SPLOST money could be used. Mayor Buelterman responded that he hopes that will not be necessary. Erik Olsen, Olsen Associates, joined the meeting via telephonic conferencing. Mr. Olsen discussed the derelict structures, steel groins and portions of a relic sea wall. This included how much of the structures exist, locations and potential safety issues. He stated his main concerns are the buried structures during high tides as they are exposed during low tides. Mr. Olsen went on to discuss the permitting process, the fill/overfill on Second Street for the upcoming re-nourishment and the impact on sea turtles and piper plovers. He recommended that the removal of the structures be done in the “dry” rather than “wet” which would allow for proper removal. Mr. Ferrelle stated that the City is concerned with the cost of permitting and asked Mr. Olsen to explain. Mr. Olsen responded that the cost of permitting for the Letter of Permission (LOP) if the COE was agreeable is the least cost as the City would be restating their case. He would recommend that his office reformulates a package and send to both the COE and State and would request LOP’s. Mr. Davis clarified that operating in the dry means there is no risk of discharging anything in to the water. Once you have the potential for operating in the wet, the risks increase and permit requirement are much more intense. Mr. Davis continued to explain that the template for the upcoming re-nourishment will be from 2008. Mr. Moore, COE, discussed the last re-nourishment regarding the template. Mr. Davis responded that the plan going forward is to re-nourish from the north federal groin around within the limits of the project up the Back River. Mayor Buelterman commended the COE for all their efforts in removing the structures as they are a public safety hazard. Ms. Schleicher asked Mr. Davis if there is a possibility at the time of re-nourishment, could the removal of derelict structures occur. Mr. Davis responded that if it would have to be included in the contract and he will be happy to research that. Being there were no further questions or comments for Mr. Olsen left the meeting. Mr. Davis continued to discuss the removal of the derelict structures. Mayor pro-tem Doyle thanked Mr. Davis and the COE for their positive comments and looks forward to working with them. Mr. Burke stated that some of the structures were cut off at the low tide mark which continues to cause public safety issues. Mayor Buelterman expressed his concerns regarding the derelict structures and asked Mr. Davis for his recommendations. Mr. Davis explained that in 2009 Olsen and Associates surveyed and identified the structures but reminded everyone that the survey only includes exposed structures and not buried structures. Mayor pro-tem Doyle asked Mayor Buelterman if it is his desire that the BTF forward their recommendations to mayor and council. He confirmed. Mr. Ferrelle discussed the upcoming joint city council and beach task force workshop. Mayor pro-tem Doyle explained that the date for the workshop will be on March 3, 2014 at 5:30PM which will be in conjunction with the scheduled city council workshop. Mayor Buelterman confirmed. It was discussed that goals should be presented at the workshop with the priorities attached to each one. Ms. Lanier asked Mayor Buelterman to discuss how the northern beach communities do their dune templates. Mayor Buelterman explained that it is part of their re-nourishment. The COE has indicated that in future re-nourishments they will be working with the dune fields. Mayor Buelterman left the conference. Mr. Davis discussed the first year Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) which includes deepening the entrance of the channel and extending it seven miles, building raw water storage for the City of Savannah, and DO Plan. UPDATES/REPORTS Dune Committee Lisa Callahan not present. Councilman Parks did not have anything to report. There was a discussion regarding the dune fields and the need for a design and template going forward. Mr. Davis confirmed and stated that the dune profile will not begin until 2019. Beach Health Joe Richardson reported that there is erosion on certain parts of the beach and the sand seems to have migrated south toward the pier. GPA Liaison Michael Foran recommended with continue to build relationships with GPA. Mayor pro-tem Doyle concurred. Jason Evans, CVIOG, explained that he was on the Island to assist the City in receiving more points in relationship to insurance rates and FEMA. Mr. Ferrelle thanked him for his assistance in this endeavor. Mr. Evans reminded everyone that points can be received through education. Nominating Committee made the following recommendation Harvey Ferrelle, Chair Amy Lanier, Vice Chair Sam Adams made a motion to accept the recommendation. Jimmy Burke seconded. Vote was unanimous. Being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 1:45PM.