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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20140515Beach Task ForceTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: May 15, 2014 Members Present: Harvey Ferrelle, Joe Richardson, John Wylly, Cathy Lewis, Freda Rutherford, Lisa Callahan, and Sam Adams Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Jason Buelterman, Paul Wolff, Bill Garbett, Monty Parks, Dan Parrott, and Spencer Davis CALL TO ORDER: Harvey Ferrelle called the meeting to order at 12:00PM. Mr. Ferrelle read a letter from Mr. Seyden as he submitted his resignation from the Beach Task Force (BTF). Approval of minutes was deferred until June 19, 2014 as there was no quorum. Mayor Buelterman and Spencer Davis joined the meeting via telephonic conference. There was a discussion between Mayor Buelterman and Mr. Davis regarding funding for future beach re-nourishments. Mr. Davis stated he is checking on a daily basis regarding the status of funding as it is still a possibility. He explained that the monies would be needed by the end of May 2014 in order for the COE to be prepared to advertise and award a contract by mid-September 2014 as they currently have scheduled. Mr. Ferrelle asked Mr. Davis if he felt certain he would have confirmation either way. Mr. Davis confirmed and stated the District is doing everything they can to execute if federal funding is provided this year. Mr. Wolff explained that the State funding has been confirmed in the budget. Mayor Buelterman asked Mr. Davis if there is anything the City can do to influence the outcome of the federal funding. Mr. Davis responded no. Mayor Buelterman thanked Mr. Davis for everything he is doing. Mr. Ferrelle asked Mr. Davis, if on May 31st, the City is notified there is no federal funding what is the next step for 2015, 2016, and 2017 regarding the next re-nourishment project with federal assistance. Mr. Davis responded that if Tybee is not in the 2015 federal budget the only way there would be funding is if it were added to the Work Plan if we are under continuing resolution. Meaning the next re-nourishment would be in 2016. Mayor Buelterman asked Mr. Davis for an explanation regarding an early re-nourishment. Mr. Davis responded that in doing the analysis, the City would not have the additional years’ worth of erosion so the nine years would still fill the template as planned. Mr. Ferrelle asked Mr. Davis to give an update on Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Mr. Davis stated that there was a House version and Senate version that went into Committee and since been reviewed by Committee and now will return to the House and Senate for a vote. From there, depending on the outcome, it could go for presidential signature. Mr. Ferrelle then asked Mr. Davis for an update on the derelict structures. Mr. Davis explained the District submitted a Study Initiation Report and it was reviewed by the South Atlantic Division and he has received a verbal that it has been approved. It now has to go before Congress to get congressional notification for a new start. He believes that will not start until after October 1, 2014. Mr. Davis has invited Michael Workowski, Coastal Engineer in Wilmington District, to come to a future BTF meeting to discuss the future of dunes on the Island. He is involved with the design and the environmental assessment which would benefit Tybee Island. Mr. Davis will coordinate a date with the BTF. He would ask for discussion points on what the BTF would like Mr. Workowski to speak and where his discussion should go prior to him coming. Ms. Rutherford would like a discussion on establishing and implication of a dune template. Mr. Wolff will invite Dr. Jason Christian, UGA, who was involved in designing dune post hurricane Isaac. Mr. Davis confirmed as it will be beneficial going forward in regards to a Shoreline Protection Projection at Tybee Island. Mr. Ferrelle thanked Mr. Davis for all his hard work. Mayor Buelterman confirmed his recommendation to council regarding the approval of budgeting during the budget cycle for Marlow. They are lobbyists which could assist Tybee. Mr. Wolff is happy to report, unofficially, that Tybee Island has sufficient points to lower the CRS rating to a 6 which gives residents an additional 5% discount on the flood insurance. He explained that the City is close to a rating of 5 as it is in the review process currently. A discussion ensued regarding additional points and recommendations that would assist in obtaining this. Ms. Callahan would like an explanation of what goes into the FEMA rating, such as the free board, and would like a print out of what Tybee is doing and what the City has met. She would also recommend that a member of the BTF go before mayor and council to keep such things as Biggert-Waters and other important issues in front of mayor and council as they are important. This will also bring awareness to upcoming issues. Ms. Callahan volunteered to attend an upcoming city council meeting. Mr. Wolff stated that he has drafted an ordinance specific to marsh buffers that will be no more restrictive than what the State was doing until April 22, 2014. He explained that he has researched other coastal communities and their ordinances. The proposed ordinance was forwarded to the city attorney for his recommendation. Ms. Rutherford expressed her concerns regarding property rights and new residents to Tybee as they may not be aware of issues regarding the beach. Mr. Adams agreed and stated that any effort needs to be solidly based on the facts. In order for the BTF to have solid credibility, a valid attempt to keep the importance of the beach and marsh on the minds of the residents is important. Mr. Ferrelle suggested that something needs to be in print regarding the health of the beach as well as important issues that are forthcoming for not only the residents but also the vacationers. Ms. Rutherford volunteered to assist with getting the “word” out. Mr. Ferrelle opened a discussion on the Beach Management Plan (BMP). The goal was to have the BMP completed by June 2014 and he would like a policy for moving sand to include the permitting process added to the BMP. Mr. Parrott asked Mr. Davis to find the dune construction report from the 1980’s which recommended dune crossovers and sand dunes to be included as part of the federal project. Mr. Davis confirmed. Mr. Richardson reported on the health of north beach as there is significant erosion. Mr. Parrott and Mr. Wolff discussed the start of Phase II to include the north beach area into the federal project; dune creation and maintenance; re-establishing a base line so it is not dependent on the sea wall; and maintaining the front beach. Mr. Parrott will talk with Mr. Davis. Being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:30PM.