HomeMy Public PortalAbout20080619BeachTaskForceMinutes.pdfTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: June 19, 2008
Prepared: 6/24/08 Page 1 of 3
Members Present: Berta Adams, Cecil DeLorme, Helen Downing, Harvey Ferrelle, Amy Lanier,
Henry Levy, Mary McCracken, Lou Off, Walter Parker, Harry Spirides, Greg
Stoeffler, John Wylly
Members Absent: Jimmy Burke (E), Freda Rutherford (E), Wick Searcy (E), Bill Sprague (E),
Mark Smith
Visitors / Ex-Officios Present: Jason Buelterman – Mayor, Sonny Emmert – DNR, Kevin Hass –
GA Tech, Burt Moore – COE, Hampton Spradley – COE, Paul
Wolff – Council Member
CALL TO ORDER (Agenda Item 1):
Lou called the meeting to order at 11:40am.
MISC.:
Lou shared articles and information from Coastal Connections regarding the influence of global
warming on storms and insurance. Lou read that the house fishery and wildlife and ocean
subcommittee are voting to renew the CZM act. Massachusetts governor is encouraging coastal
residents to elevate homes to protect them from storms and rising seas. FEMA is paying up to 75% or
up to $40,000 to elevate individuals’ homes.
Paul announced on 6/25 from 3p until 5p the MPC is having a discussion re: the feasibility of
doing an offshore wind project off Tybee. There will also be Town Hall presentation from 7p until 9p
at Oatland Island’s conference room.
ATTENDANCE AND GUESTS (Agenda Item 2):
Ellie Covington – COE.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Agenda Item 3):
Walter motioned to approve the minutes from May. Helen seconded. All approved.
DNR PERMIT FOR BEACH (Agenda Item 4):
There was discussion regarding the DNR permit, which includes scarp removal and tilling, both
required by the federal PCA for the new re-nourishment project, wrack removal and an area for
emergency vehicle operation along the beach. Scott Larson misquoted Lou in the SMN article saying
the Beach Task Force did endorsed this permit. This was put into place by the City. Sonny confirmed
the City with assistance from Eric Olsen wrote the permit. It was then submitted to DNR to process
for public notice. Henry and Sonny exchanged words regarding the use of “road” within the notice.
Lou confirmed Eric Olsen and the permit did not use the word “road”. This was added by a concerned
citizen.
Berta stated concern that City Council should have more public involvement or information. The
Mayor confirmed the old council denied this, the new council approved it. Harry reminded all that
there was a meeting following the BTF meeting a couple of months ago re: emergency responses on
the beach. Amy questioned and expressed a concern of expense as to why the dune work is being
considered with the up coming beach renourishment.
Tybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: June 19, 2008
Prepared: 6/24/08 Page 2 of 3
Scarp removal and tilling is required so turtles can nest. DNR works with COE & Tybee and this was
settled between Brad Gane, the City Manager at the meeting that Harry mentioned. Sonny confirmed
the meeting was in December and there was also a follow up meeting. Eric Olsen estimates a cost of
$20,000 to till the beach. These two things must be done for future beach renourishments to happen.
Wrack removal is a safety issue. The flat area is for safety for the TIFD to be able to get up and down
the beach in order to help people in need.
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS REPORT (Agenda Item 5):
(COE Actions & Status sheet provided separately)
1) Tybee Coastal Zone Management Implementation:
a. COE has an opinion / letter about the CZM compliance issues to go to the state.
b. There will be discussion after the letter comes out. COE is trying to comply with Burke
Day’s bill that requires federal compliance because it is in our CZM plan to use quality
material coming out of the channel for Tybee’s beach and near shore nourishment.
2) Channel Impact Feasibility Study:
a. Five hard copies have been delivered to the Mayor and Lou. Discussion ensued
regarding the future renourishment possibilities.
3) Tybee Island Shore Protection: Renourishment Update...
a. Hamp reviewed the “Hot Topics” list they review each week during the teleconference.
i. Fed / Non Fed funds are in hand.
ii. 6/13: solicitation packages are ready to advertise
iii. 6/20: IFB advertised to bidders (w/o final environmental clearances)
1. resolution and incorporation of comments is underway
2. additional monitoring (for wildlife protection) has been requested which
could cost an additional $120,000
iv. 6/30: USFWS issues BO with incidental take statement
v. 7/15: FONSI signed by District Commander
vi. 7/21: advertised bid opening date – may move into August
vii. 9/1 – award construction contract.
4) Jasper County Terminal Development
a. It is still moving forward.
5) Brunswick Harbor Deepening (Burt)
a. All is done. DOT is to pay for debris.
6) Savannah Channel Maintenance (Burt)
a. Dredge is moving around as needed.
7) Sav’h Harbor Expansion
a. Deepening project is being pushed to July 2009. The public comment period is pushed
back to October 2008. The report still needs to be approved by Tybee and the state for
material disposal.
TYBEE RE-NOURISHMENT PROJECT – UPDATE (Agenda Item 6):
See COE Report above (Agenda Item 5, number 3)
Tybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: June 19, 2008
Prepared: 6/24/08 Page 3 of 3
TYBEE FUNDING FOR BEACH MAINTENANCE, COUNTY / TYBEE FUNDS 2008
(Agenda Item #7):
Mayor Buelterman announced that there is a County budget meeting on 6/20. He urged
anyone interested to attend or at least let their voice(s) be heard. Henry commended the Mayor on his
letter to the County Commissioner.
OLD BUSINESS – SEA WALL, LNG, HILTON HEAD (Agenda Item #8):
Removal of sea walls would be its own project. Mayor Buelterman explained that funding for
this would be from any funds left after the re-nourishment. A GPS survey will be done to determine
the location of walls. Lou explained that the timing is currently unknown, but would be done after the
re-nourishment.
The Lt. Governor put together a three Senator panel that did a report recommending the need
for 2008 beach renourishment funding. This was before we received the federal money. We are still
getting $1million. The committee encouraged the US Congress to appropriate the full amount of
federal funding for future beach renourishment projects on Tybee Island. Also, the committee
proposes all future renourishment projects return to the previous shared cost formula of 60% fed, 30%
state, 10% local.
The Hilton Head trip has been rescheduled to 6/24 to discuss how they manage their beach.
NEW BUSINESS (Agenda Item #9):
- Beach goers and unleashed pets could be part of the Corps monitoring program after re-
nourishment.
- The Mayor, Lou and Berta will work on wording to present a motion for Parking fees/Hotel
Motel tax to go toward renourishment.
- Sonny announced the tentative permit meeting is 7/24. Tybee public comments period
closed 7/5. So far DNR has received 11 comments in which the City must comment.
MEETING ADJOURNED (Agenda Item 10):
1:05 pm