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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20120419Minutes.pdfTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: April 19, 2012 Members Present: Amy Lanier, Berta Adams, Cecil DeLorme, Harry Spirides, Harvey Ferrelle, Joe Richardson, John Wylly, Mary McCracken, William Sprague, Arnie Seyden Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Bill Garbett and Tom Groover CALL TO ORDER: (Agenda Item 1): Harvey Ferrelle called the meeting to order at 11:45AM. ATTENDANCE AND GUESTS (Agenda Item 2): Jim Miller approached the task force to speak on the proposed shore protection act. He has the following concerns:  The Shore Protection Act can effect property values and their ability to rebuild  Location of dunes after a storm  Property owners will not be able to make their own decisions but decisions will be dictated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)  Permitting process  Stakeholders have not been involved in discussions and education of the proposed Shore Protection Act Freda Rutherford stated that she thought all stakeholders were notified of the proposed agenda item. She further stated that there was an ad hoc committee that was set up to craft an ordinance which was sent to the city attorney for his review and then presented to mayor and council for discussion. Ms. Rutherford feels that we need to find a line that does not move as a dune might, to determine the jurisdiction line, such as the sea wall. Ms. Adams asked Mr. Miller what he is asking the Beach Task Force (BTF) to do for him. He explained that he is asking for clarification of the Shore Protection Act and if in fact the BTF has any input with the Act. Mr. Ferrell stated we need to define a dune in order to establish the jurisdiction line. Ms. Lanier asked Mr. Ferrell what was the final outcome of the ad hoc committee and did they prepared a draft ordinance to go before mayor and council. Mr. Ferrell explained that a recommendation did go to the city attorney. Mr. Hughes and Mr. Parks met and crafted a proposed ordinance which was presented at a recent city council meeting. Mr. Groover added that the ordinance was tabled until the seawall is located which will determine the DNR jurisdiction line. He further explained that the ordinance before mayor and council only addressed is the ocean front. Ms. Adams asked Mr. Groover for clarification of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Groover stated that you could not rebuild within 10 feet of the most landward dune. Mr. Garbett explained that they are looking for the seawall depicted in aerial photographs from 1964 which delineates the shore line. Ben Tompkins added that in 1978 it was possible to walk the seawall from the north end to the south end. He further added that the proposed Shore Protection Act is redundant with the DNR and is adding yet another road block for residents to build and rebuild their residence. Mr. Ferrelle thanked Mr. Miller and Mr. Tompkins for speaking to the BTF and he will send recommendations to mayor and council. Mr. Groover is in favor of using the seawall for measuring the jurisdiction line as if a storm were to hit Tybee Island there would be no trees to measure the jurisdiction line which is dictated by DNR. Ms. Adams stated that in the absence of an ordinance, DNR would “rule”. She also added that if Tybee Island wants to control their destiny, city council needs to take action with a stable and dependable ordinance. Mr. Ferrelle thanked Ms. Lanier for her dedication to the Beach Task Force in the past as she has stepped down from Chair to Vice-Chair. He hopes she will continue as he will rely on her expertise in the future. APPROVAL OF MARCH MINUTES Freda Rutherford made a motion to approve the March minutes as amended. Amy Lanier seconded. Vote was unanimous. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS  Berry College Visit. Representatives did not meet with Joe Richardson but scheduled a meeting with Mayor Buelterman.  Paul Wolff, Wind Public Forum. Councilman Wolff was not in attendance. Ms. Lanier announced the time and place of the forum and invited everyone to attend. OLD BUSINESS  Mayor’s Update. Mayor Buelterman was not available to give an update. Deferred until next meeting.  Ms. Lanier read DNR’s response to the Sand Fencing Plan. Ms. Adams stated she feels that DNR seems to be in opposition of hardscapes on the beach and if Tybee Island decides to do a t-groin, we would have to work hard to get approval.  Discussion was held regarding a dune crossover at 2nd Street to help capture sand in the “hot spot”. SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS  State Funding Committee. Ms. Adams will call a meeting with Representative Ben Watson to review funding for the upcoming beach re-nourishment. She is very concerned that they may not be federal money for the re-nourishment which might affect state and local funding.  County Funding Committee. No report. Mr. Ferrelle asked for a volunteer to chair this sub-committee.  2015 Re-nourishment Oversight Committee. Mr. Seyden reported he has been in contact with Bob Sirard and things are status quo.  Fort Screven Shoreline Hazard Committee. Mr. Richardson reported that the old seawalls are now a hazard. Ms. Rutherford suggested the Beach Task Force make a trip to Defuske to look at their new groin. Ms. McCracken gave a report on a fund raiser for Cockspur Lighthouse. There will be an art exhibit and children contract with “found” art on September 15, 2012. Meeting adjourned at 1:00PM.