HomeMy Public PortalAbout20141016Beach Task ForceTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: October 16, 2014
Members Present: Harvey Ferrelle, Amy Lanier, Cathy Lewis, Frank Wooldridge, Freda Rutherford, Helen Downing, Jimmy Burke,
John Wylly, Kate Burns, Patti Davis, Wick Searcy and Joe Richardson
Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Jason Buelterman, Paul Wolff, Bill Garbett, Monty Parks, Wanda Doyle, Diane Schleicher,
Dan Parrott, Spencer Davis, and Burt Moore
CALL TO ORDER: Harvey Ferrelle called the meeting to order at 12:00PM.
There was a brief discussion regarding the north beach area and
the need for a re-nourishment. Mr. Ferrelle stated that it was the intent to stock pile sand during the current re-nourishment but it is not feasible. Karl Burgess, DNR, has put together
a sand dune maintenance effort on the Savannah River Beach side to help with the sand starvation. Ms. Schleicher stated that there was a meeting with some of the Beach Task Force members
and DNR to discuss how to permit that area. It was agreed that there would be a Letter of Authorization (LOA) which will implement the Sand Management Plan which will take additional
surveying, engineering, bidding and contracting the project. The cost estimate for this is approximately $500,000. Mr. Ferrelle read the LOA from Karl Burgess (attached). Mayor Buelterman
stated that the Governor has indicated that he has no objection to using the leftover funds from the State, $5.8, that was contributed for the current re-nourishment. Ms. Schleicher
recommended the Beach Task Force show their support with a recommendation. MOTION: John Wylly made a motion to recommend the Tybee Island City Council to move forward with the proposed
project on the Savannah River Beach side. Freda Rutherford seconded. Discussion: Mayor Buelterman confirmed that Karl Burgess, DNR, considers this project maintenance of a project
that has already taken place as opposed to a new project. Vote was unanimous.
Ms. Schleicher stated that she has received an estimate, approximately $2M, for removing the derelict
structures. This is a high estimate and would include removing the structures from East Gate to Gullick. She then asked for a recommendation from the Beach Task Force to move forward
with this project and to use state or county money. Mr. Ferrelle discussed the safety issues related to the derelict structures. Ms. Burns asked for clarification of the estimates.
Ms. Schleicher stated that the estimates were received from the Corps and combined with the timing of the proposed project and the contractor the cost was less than anticipated. Mayor
pro tem Doyle explained the funding of the current beach re-nourishment and stated Governor Deal is a good steward of Tybee Island. Mr. Wolff asked how the structures will be located.
Ms. Schleicher responded that the Corps has information to locate each one. Ms. Schleicher explained the timeline for applying for a permit and stated that the project would probably
take place after turtle nesting season. She asked the Beach Task Force to make a motion for the City to move forward on the project: forward to mayor and council; forward with permitting;
forward with aggressively seeking the funding from the State; and showing support. Mr. Ferrelle confirmed. A discussed ensued regarding funding, the budget and location of all the structures
for the project. Ms. Schleicher stated she will have the areas re-surveyed prior to the re-nourishment. Mayor Buelterman made reference to the crossover on 18th Street where beach goers
and city vehicles utilize the area. He expressed his concerns and the disturbance of the dunes. MOTION: Cathy Lewis made a motion for the City to move forward on the project: forward
to mayor and council; forward with permitting; forward with aggressively seeking the funding from the State; and showing support. Freda Rutherford seconded.
Discussion: John Wylly expressed his concerns regarding removing the derelict structures. Ms. Schleicher stated that due to the permitting process, they will be able to determine if
the structures can be removed and not create a safety issue. Voting against was John Wylly. Motion carried due to a majority vote.
Spencer Davis, Corps, joined the meeting via telephonic
conferencing. Mr. Davis gave an update on the upcoming re-nourishment. He stated that the contractors were given a Notice to Proceed on October 13, 2014, commenced work and are in
the process of staging the equipment. Mr. Davis explained that pumping should begin in the next 10 – 14 days but he has not seen the updated schedule. He then gave an update on the
Sand Throwing Ceremony which is scheduled for October 21, 2014. Ms. Rutherford asked for clarification of the mobilization cost and was it shared with Great Lakes? Mr. Davis responded
that it didn’t have an impact on the project and was close to the IG. There was a discussion regarding the language in the minutes. They will be amended per Mr. Davis’ clarification
regarding the amount of sand for the re-nourishment.
Mr. Ferrelle opened a discussion on the Beach Management Plan. Mr. Parrott stated that he will add a section on the derelict structures
and the north beach area. The Plan will then be sent to mayor and council for their approval and signature. Mr. Parrott reminded everyone that this is a “living document”. Ms. Schleicher
discussed dune building and the different types of crossovers for the beach. She raised concerns with DNR and permitting. Mr. Wolff asked Mr. Parrott to include comments in the Plan
that the City is investigating a dune access plan modeled after the New Jersey Coast, post Hurricane Sandy. Ms. Schleicher discussed sand fencing for the beach especially at the “hot
spot” at 2nd Street. Ms. Lanier expressed her concerns regarding dune building, crossovers and sand fencing as she feels there should be a model available from state agencies due to
the effects of Hurricane Sandy.
Amy Lanier made a motion to approve the September 18, 2014 minutes as amended. Freda Rutherford seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Meeting adjourned
at 1:30PM
Discussion: Mr. Parrott reminded everyone that the Beach Task Force members need to continue to be reminded that the Beach Management Plan is a “living document” and information
should continue to be gathered for next year’s update.
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Jan LeViner