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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19650721CCMeeting28 Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Ga. July 21, 1965. The regular meeting of Town Council was held today at S P.M. in the Council Room in the Town Hall and was attended by Mayor James A. Brown, who presided, and Councilmen Hohenstein, Fleetwood, Daniels, Lovell,Naters, Town Attorney Solms, Supt. Reed, Chief Davis, Fire Chief Solomon and Mr. Joseph Hutton. The minutes of the meeting of June 16th were read and adopted. Councilman Daniels reported that he had talked to the Southern Bell T & T Company regarding another number for the fire calls, that it would not change the status of the present setup except that it would eliminate the special phones now in use and that the service would allow ten (10) phones for the same cost which would be approximately $6.70 per month extra. Councilman Hohenstein moved that the new installation be made, Councilman Waters seconded and the motion passed. The Mayor mentioned that reports of the meetings of council were not gotten out within the three days after Council meets. After some discussion Councilman Hohenstein suggested that reports of the meetings of Council be gotten out in one week after the meeting. Superintendent Reed reported that the fishing pier was proceeding on schedule. The Mayor informed Council that they had run out of some material and had to buy extra. Superintendent Reed reported that the new material is treated and is all right. The Mayor stated that at some of the locations longer piling had to be gotten. He asked what was to be done about parking in the area. It was decided to defer this until the next meeting. He also stated that the proposed concession stand could be erected at a later date. Mr. Reed reported that when the rocks were laid in front of the seawall that there were several places in the wall that had flood gates to drain off surplus water behind the wall but that the rocks had blocked some of these openings. The Mayor instructed Superintendent Reed to have Mr. Stanley of the Hugh Jackson Company re- move the rocks whereever necessary. Councilman Lovell stated that the U. S. Engineers should look after it. It was decided that Mr. Solms would write a letter to Colonel Ramee, head of the Engineer's Corps in Savannah.: Councilman Fleetwood informed Council that some of the groins in the vicinity of Center Street the pilings are sound but that the whaling strips have rotted out that if some of these were replaced that the beach would build up. He also stated that there was a bad erosion problem between Fifth and Ninth Streets. The Mayor in- formed Council that a representative of the Federal Goverment was down several weeks ago and wanted to help but that the Town would also have to put up money to get help. Councilman Fleetwood stated that his neighbors would be willing to'pay for their share•of beach protection and they informed him that they were willing to pay which was all right - would Mr. Fleetwood agree to raise funds and he stated "N0" that there is $2,000.00 provided for groins in the present budget. The Mayor stated that he would appoint Councilman Fleetwood a committee to collect funds in his area. Councilman Fleetwood stated that there is no reason why he should, and he also wanted to call attention that north of Thirteenth Street up to the sea wall that someone had leveled the sand dunes on the strand without permission. The Mayor informed Council that he invited Mr. Joseph Hutton to attend the meeting to ascertain if a plan could be worked out in connection with the sanitary sewerage system, that there is a lot involved to accepting it - Can we raise the necessary 29 funds. Mr. Hutton stated that the cost would be considerable but he does not know the full requirements at the present time and he asked if Council wanted to hold off for the time being or to go ahead that it would be necessary for the Town to make a survey at it's own expense. Mr. Solms asked, regarding the final plans, would the Town pay. Mr. Hutton stated that they would come from a bond issue that to qualify for one thing the Town would have to get a new location for the treatment plant that the present system is the wrong type and is obsolete. He also stated that something will have to be done real soon with the present system. The Mayor stated that the property aaners would be paying for the system. Councilman Hohenstein stated that all we get from the visitors is parking meter money and we get no help from the "State". The Mayor stated that the Town does not have the necessary Bond requirements. Mr. Hutton stated that probably revenue bonds could be issued that with what the Town was spending now on the sewer lines this money could be put to financing a new bond issue. The Mayor asked if the new plant would requ're chlorination. Mr. Hutton stated that depends on the type of system used. The Mayor asked if the present plan could be used and use a portion of Bay Street for the pond. Mr. Hutton stated that it could. Superintendent Reed stated that the plant is as good as when it was built. It was designed originally to take care of 1500 people and it is now working beyond its capacity. The Mayor asked if its capacity could be increased. Mr. Hutton stated that the "digestor" would have to be enlarged by at least fifty per cent and that the "clarifier" would have to be duplicated. The Mayor stated that we are faced with a problem and that he had a letter recently regard- ing the system and that there is a time limit for accepting Federal Aid. Mr. Hutton suggested that the matter be held open until just before the expiration date then that a request be made for more time that the Town will pay for surveys. The Mayor asked Mr. Hutton if he would handle the application. Mr. Hutton informed him to re -apply for an extension as the Town does not have available funds at this time. The Mayor asked if Council should defer action until the next meeting. Councilman Hohenstein moved that the matter be postponed until the next meeting, Councilman Fleetwood seconded and the motion passed. The Mayor stated that he would file for the disposal plant only. The Mayor asked Mr. Hutton what is needed. Mr. Hutton asked if it was intended to keep the plant at its present location. The Mayor asked if it would be better to have the plant farther up the river and Mfr. Hutton stated that it would. The Mayor asked if it was all right with Council for him to reply to the letter informing them that the Town is going to apply. Mr. Hutton iugested that he wait until time is almost up and_then reply. Councilman Fleetwood presented a letter from Mrs. Beverly Hatch requesting that Lovell Avenue be cleared of undergrowth from 17th to lSth Street. A letter was read from Mr. Aubrey Sessoms protesting against the odor caused by the sewerage pumtping station on 10th and Second Avenue. Mr. Reed reported that this condi- tion had been corrected. Councilman Lovell stated that he would like to know what the situation was regarding the drag line which was to be loaned to the Town, that some of the ditches are clogged, the tide gate at First Street should be checked and as to water meters no employees to help. The meter books have not been set -up. Councilman Lovell informed Council that the Town could not get a lower fire insurance rate as the water tank is not kept full. The Mayor stated that also due to the Town not having a paid fireman. Councilman Lovell reported that the Town is now using two (2) of its pumping stations for water instead of four (4) Which had been in use previously. Councilman Lovell brought up the matter of property owners who have not paid for their water meters or who are delinquent for water service and stated that the water should be discontinued until paid, that 890 meters had been installed and we owe McKenna Company 30 approximately $12,000.00 for water meters. The Mayor instructed Superintendent Reed to cut -off the water on any property owner Mho has not paid on their meter or for a delinquent water bill effective, July 26, 1965. Councilman Waters presented a letter addressed to Lt. James W. Price from the F.B.I. inviting him to attend school. Councilman Waters stated that Council would have to act on this that Lt. Price had talked to Mr. Joseph Ryan, Solicitor General, and that to attend this school would cost about $1200.00 and that he felt that the Town could not afford it. This would be inaaddition to his salary while he is away. The Mayor suggested the thought that if after he attends this school then leaves the Town's employ. Councilman Lovell wanted to know why Lt. Price was selected. Councilman Waters informed him it was mailed to Lt. Price by the F.B.I. The Mayor stated that the Town could not afford it. .Councilman Daniels stated that he then understood it was not a flat °No ". Councilman Hohenstein suggested that it be held off until a later date which was done. Chief Davis reported that water stands, especially after heavy rains, on the con- crete pavement in the area between Riptide and Tybrisa as there are no drainage facilities at this point. Councilman Waters willttalk to E. C. Bobo to correct this condition. The Chief reported that he was still after collecting delinquent licenses. The Mayor stated that a large balance is still uncollected and asked the Chief if he had. checked the locations for extra items for which they had not paid the additional fee required. The Chief stated that he had. The Chief also reported that since the extra men were employed that no parking meters.had been broken into. Councilman Lovell asked about the fees for the use of the ambulance. Councilman Waters stated that some pay and some cannot afford it. Councilman Waters moved that bills for General Government for June amounting to 39,769.90 and for the Water Department amounting to 3460.47 be paid. Councilman Hohenstein seconded and the motion passed. The Mayor suggested that the Town set up a fund and carry its own- insurance. Councilman Waters stated that a fund - should be set up each year for this purpose. The Mayor suggested that the Committee get together to see if some of the cost of insurance could be reduced. Councilman Waters moved that the balance due on the garbage truck amounting to 31,676.62 be paid. Councilman Hohenstein seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Waters stated that appoximately 32000.00 is due on delinquent personal property taxes. Councilman Daniels reported that on the 1965 budget contingencies should be shown as 33,540.00. Councilman Waters stated that now As the Town is paying 31.00 per hour for a jailer when he serves at the jail guarding prisoners, that probably some of the police officers would like to earn this extra money on their off duty hours. Referred to the Police Committee to handle. Councilman Waters informed Council that Mrs. Helen Seiler, residing on Eighth Street, was disturbed over the lack of a life guard in that area. Councilman Waters Stated that a guard will be on duty on weekends. He also reported that Officer Tt. E. Mahaney bad resigned and was replaced by Mr. Rudol*h Davis. He said that he would try to continue without putting on a new man to take the place of Mr. Davis. He 1 1 1 also stated that Officer Mahaney worked for a year and one. week and was due vacation pay. The Mayor stated that he would not be due a vacation until October. Councilman Lovell moved that Officer Mahaney be paid for the two weeks vacation due him, Councilman Daniels seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Lovell brought up the matter of the new fire alarm system. Councilman Daniels informed him that it had already been discussed. Mr. Solomon asked what was the status of the camp site park. Councilman Lovell informed him that the committee would handle it. Councilman Daniels compared the salaries of the Town's Police Officers with other small communities in the county. At the present time the Town's Police Officers designated as "privates" receive $300.00 per month and recommended that salaries for the Police Department should be acted on at the next meeting of Council and that they be retro- active to August 1, 1965. The Mayor asked him if he realized the cost of the proposed salary increases. Councilman Daniels stated that maybe they could cut down one police- man. Councilmen Daniels read a schedule of proposed increases and stated that he felt that these proposed increases were fair and reasonable. Councilman Lovell stated that the number of sergeants should be limited. Councilman Fleetwood stated that the budget does not provide for any increases, that the Police Committee has already gone over the budget and also that they have workmen's compensation. Councilman Daniels asked that (:his proposal be given consideration. Councilman Waters will chedk on the cost. Councilmen Daniels stated that some of the buildings in the "Tybeeland" area should be inspected for the possibility of fire hazards and safety and also that they should be given an electrical inspection. .Chief Solomon stated that the old bingo building, the bowling alleys and the surfer club, which are dance areas, are overcrowded that the exits must be able to open qu�.ckly in case of an emergency, that the Novelty Bar has no exits on their new addition which has been erected. Councilman Lovell stated that licenses should not be issued until the places are inspected. Chief Solomon reported that in connection with fire protection for residents on Estill. Hammock, which is out of the Town's limits, that each of the property owners in that area agreed to pay $12.00 per year for fire protection. He stated that there are about fifty (50) houses in that area. The Mayor sugges ed that Chief Solomon get to- gether with the Fire Committee. Councilman Lovell stated that the State Fire Marshal should also be notified as to the condition of the Mayflower Hotel at Butler Avenue & Sixteenth Street . Councilman Daniels stated that he would include this property when getting his letter up. Councilman Fleetwood asked what was the status of the proposed traffic light on Butter Avenue. Councilman Daniels informed him that he had contacted a representative of the Eagle Sales Company regarding this and they have a better plan which would cost less money. Councilman Lovell informed Council that Mr. Matthew Doyle had protested against the assessment placed on his property and requested that it be reduced. He stated that the Assessment Committee should handle it. Councilman Waters suggested that the same figures that the County uses should be used on adjusting the assessed valuation. Councilman Hohenstein stated that he wished to congratulate Mr. Arthur Davis for the good job he is doing at Fort Sereven. It was decided to take this up at the next meeting. 32 The Polar.Bear Termite and Pest Control Company requested permission to erect a small sign on a lot on Butler Avenue owned by Mr. C.J. Bishop. Request denied. Dr. George Pearce and Mrs. Sally Pearce protested against the proposed construction by the S. E. &.P. Co. on property recently purchased by the power company between 5th & 6th Streets, 2nd Avenue & Jones, stating they were violating the zoning Ordi- nance. The Clerk was instructed to write the S.E.& P. Co.,informng them of this protest. A request was made by the Coast & Geodedie Survey (USC & GS Ship "PEIRCE" by Commander R.M. Buffington) for permission to install =Electronic Shore Station at the site previously granted them by the Town near the Tybee Museum for one year unt51 the 30 June 1966. Permission granted. Fire Chief Solomon informed Council that the Georgia Fire Fighters.Asan. were having their convention at Jekyl Island on August 5th, 6th & 7th and he felt that Savannah Beach should be represented and rdquested that the Town provide expenses for him to make the trip. Councilman Waters moved that he be allowed Sixty ($60.00) Dollars to cover expenses which was seconded and passed. The matter of numbering houses was brought up and Mr. Solomon stated that he felt that members of the Volunteer Fire Department would be willing to take this on as a, project. The Mayor reported that he had agreed to pay $100.00 to have this work done and suggest- ed that if the Fire Department did it to turn this money over to them. Councilman Lovell moved that if the Fire Department does the work to pay them up to $100.00, Councilman Waters seconded and the motion passed. 1 1