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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20141120Beach Task ForceTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: November 20, 2014 Members Present: Harvey Ferrelle, Amy Lanier, Cathy Lewis, Cathy Sakas, Dan Parrott, Frank Wooldridge, Helen Downing, Jimmy Burke, Joe Richardson, John Wylly, Kate Burns, Michael Foran, and Patti Smith Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Jason Buelterman, Paul Wolff, Bill Garbett, Monty Parks, Wanda Doyle, Diane Schleicher, Spencer Davis, and Burt Moore CALL TO ORDER: Harvey Ferrelle called the meeting to order at 12:00PM. Helen Downing made a motion to approve the October16, 2014 minutes. Cathy Lewis seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve. Bert Moore reported that the North Federal Groin is being done today and tomorrow they will begin to pump north of the pier. He explained the schedule for the remaining of the re-nourishment and will send to the City for publication. Barring any breakdowns, the re-nourishment should be completed in mid-December. To date, approximately 1.2M cubic yards of material has been placed on the beach and the majority was placed between 7th Street and the curve. Mr. Moore continued to explain the stations he has accepted as well as the “losses” from the time of the original survey to present. He stated that to date, approximately 1.5M cubic yards of materials has been placed on the front beach. Wanda Doyle commended Mr. Moore and Great Lakes for their professionalism with this project as it has run smoothly and proficiently. Mayor Buelterman thanked Mr. Moore and made reference to the $1M contingency above the original contract amount: does he know how much of that amount will be used. Mr. Moore responded no, but they are trying to calculate that currently and will send it to him as soon as it is available. Amy Lanier asked Mr. Moore who will monitor the borrow site. Mr. Moore responded that Great Lakes will do a survey upon completion but he feels there will be enough materials in the borrow site for another re-nourishment. Mr. Ferrelle thanked Mr. Moore for all his hard work. Ms. Schleicher gave a report on the Savannah River Project. She reported that the City is in receipt of a Letter of Authorization to do the project and a survey is forthcoming. Mayor Buelterman stated that he is in receipt of a letter from Governor Deal’s office authorizing the City to move forward with both projects with the funding not required for the re-nourishment or contingency. Ms. Schleicher discussed the funding for both projects and timeframe. She would like to add to the agenda for the December 11, 2014 city council meeting for their approval to proceed. Spencer Davis joined the meeting, telephonic conference, to report on the re-nourishment. He reported that over 1M cubic yards of materials have been pumped and they are looking at a modification to justify the additional materials being put on the beach. Mr. Davis stated that is could be as much as 1.6M cubic yards of sand placed on the front beach. Mr. Ferrelle thanked Mr. Davis for his work associated with the re-nourishment. Ms. Schleicher reported on the derelict structures as the City now has the funding for this project. She clarified that it would be on the city council meeting agenda for December 11, 2014 for their approval. Ms. Schleicher explained the timeline and anticipates starting the project after turtle season 2015. The other project, Dune Maintenance, is anticipated to start earlier as the Letter of Authorization has been received. Kate Burns asked if the derelict structures that are on the front beach were included in the project. Cathy Sakas explained how she was injured due to a structure near the pier (Back River). She outlined the steps she had to take to notify the proper department so the danger would be noted and others be made aware as it is a public safety issue. A discussion ensued regarding the pilings on the south tip (south groin) as well as other derelict structures on the beach. Michael Foran recommended steps need to be taken to ensure the beach is safe for the residents as well as the beach goers. Amy Lanier commented on her experiences with the structures as she sent pictures to the city manager and mayor indicating the locations of these structures. Mayor pro tem expressed her concerns and asked Ms. Schleicher to look at the structures and report back to the Task Force. Dan Parrot stated that the Beach Management Plan is complete and to be reminded it is a “living document”. Mr. Ferrelle confirmed and asked Mr. Parrot to attend the upcoming city council meeting to present to mayor and council. It was recommended that any recommendation or items to be included into the “living document” be sent directly to Mr. Parrot for inclusion into the Beach Management Plan. Mr. Ferrelle directed everyone’s attention to the section “2024 – Moving Forward” as this is when the next re-nourishment is scheduled. Joe Richardson asked if the Department of Natural Resources had been provided the Beach Management Plan as it has been completed and being sent to mayor and council for their approval and signature. Ms. Schleicher stated that she has a Letter of Authorization for sand fencing but if sea oats, dunes and vegetation around the crossovers, a permit would be required. There was a discussion regarding the dunes, template, gaps in the dunes and the permitting process. Mr. Ferrelle stated that “filling in the gaps between the dunes” will be added to the agenda next month. Mr. Garbett asked if there was not a spot on the beach where a dune walkover could be built rather than a crossover. Ms. Schleicher will look at the possibilities. She stated she would not put one where there is an existing crossover but will look at Center Street as that could be a possibility. In this way the materials (mobi mat) could be tested as well as sand fencing. Mr. Garbett agreed. Mr. Ferrelle discussed a proposed Shore Protection Project Manager position. He would recommend that this position could assist Diane Schleicher with beach issues as she has overwhelming duties. The position could take some of the beach responsibilities which could help the City Manager and might even be a joint effort with other communities. Ms. Schleicher stated that money could be put in the budget for a consultant which would be able to assist her in certain areas. Cathy Lewis expressed her concerns with the sea level rise and would like the City to be prepared for the future. Ms. Schleicher responded that the Department of Transportation is aware working with the City for possible solutions. There was a short discussion regarding raising Highway 80/Tybee Road as well as the bridges. Being no further business, Cathy Sakas made a motion to adjourn. Cathy Lewis seconded. Vote was unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 1:40PM. ________________ Jan LeViner