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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19661116CCMeeting106 Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Ga. November 16, 1966. The regular meeting of Town Council was held today at 3 P.M. in the Council Room in the Town Hall and was attended by Mayor James A. Brown, who presided and Councilmen Daniels, Cary, Hohenstein, Counihan, Fleetwood, Town Attorney Solms, Chief Davis, Supt. Reed, Mrs. Evelyn Butler, Mrs. Langdon Cooper, Chris. Simon and John Hosti. Mrs. Butter and Mrs. Cooper requested that "School Zones" signs regulating traffic in the school areas be put up. Mrs. Butler stated that the nedessary signs could be obtained from the State Highway Department. The Mayor stated that he would handle the matter. A petition was presented,with several hundred names requesting Council to permit a Bon Fire this year, by John Hosti and Chris. Simon. After some discussion the matter was referred to the Fire Committee for study. Mrs. Cooper asked if the lot behind her property would be cleaned. The Mayor informed her that a letter was being sent out to a number of property owners very shortly. Councilman Counihan informed Council that he was opposed to some sections of the proposed new Charter. The Mayor informed him that Council should have a meeting regarding this. Councilman Cary asked if Council would have to approve the new Charter. The Mayor stated that Council should agree on it. Councilman Counihan asked if the Town charged licenses for persons who charge for cleaning lots. The Mayor stated that no charge was made as it would help to encourage some to clean lots for a fee. The Mayor informed Supt. Reed that the Community House needs a new porch and other re- pairs. Councilman Hohenstein stated that he understood that repairs would be made several months ago. The Mayor stated that the cost to make necessary repairs would be about $300.00 and that he would have the needed repairs Vie. The Mayor called attention to a number of old automobiles parked on streets and oh' lots and recommended that those that are on the streets be moved away. Councilman Cary asked if the owner would have to be notified before this is done. Mr. Solms informed Council that the matter should be handled carefully before any car is moved. It should be as- certained who owns it. Mr. Solms in a letter dated November 11, 1966 addressed to the Mayor recommended that Lot 11 Block 12 owned by Mr. U.L.Harley is only a small parcel of the original lot and that it be included in Lot 14, Block 12, Fort Screven Ward. The Mayor asked Mr. Reed if he needed any material for work on the groins. Mr. Reed stated that he would have to wait until the level of the beach drops to check it. The Mayor asked Supt. Reed if he had talked to any of the several operators who cleaned lots. Mr. Reed stated that so far he has only talked to Mr. Hendrix. The Mayor suggested that any person requesting to have the lots cleaned be referred to Councilman Cary as he was in charge of the operation. Councilman Cary recommended that prices for cleaning lots be gotten from the three persons who clean lots on the island. Council- man Cary called attention to some of the areas that the Town is responsible for and he mentioned Maple Street next to where Mr. Bobby Losey has his billboard sign. Chief Davis reported that the Police Department is operating all right and that water had been arranged for the boys practicing basketball at the Legion Hall. 7 The Mayor asked Mr. Reed if the old theatre in Fort Screven could be used as a recreational area. Councilman Daniels suggested that a Committee be appointed to check on both the IIItheatre and the - American Legion Hall. The Mayor appointed a Committee of Councilmen Daniels, Cary, Supt Reed and Mr. Howell Tilton. Councilman Daniels submitted a small form to Council which he had issued to the Police Debartment with instructions that during their patrolling duties they check buildings at random locations and write on the form the information requested and leave this form at the place checked. The Mayor informed Council that the Town purchase some of the water certificates that are due in 1973 and 1979 out of some of the surplus that is in the "Sinking fund ". Council- man Fleetwood moved that the Mayor be authorized to do this, Councilman Counihan seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Fleetwood informed Council that he examined the county tax records as applied to Savannah Beach thit.Councilman Counihan and himself had written a letter to Judge Lovell, Chairman of the County Commissioners, calling attention to three raises in county taxes inx' several years. Councilman Fleetwood stated that Judge Lovett called to his attention that the county has a bill against the Town for approximately $3,000.00 which has been due for some time. The Mayor stated that he had been trying to get the county to pay for this as it was work which was done in connection with the paving of Sixth Street and that the Town had -paved Lewis Avenue, he felt that the county should absorb this charge. A bill was presented from Memorial Hospital for $6.75 which they claim covered treatment for Policeman Sam.Weatherly. Councilman Daniels stated that the bill should be forwarded IIIto the Hartford Insurance Company to pay. Councilman Fleetwood asked what was to be done about the area from First Street on Lovell Avenue back to Tilton. This area which has been flooded after heavy rains and high spring tides for years. The Mayor stated that he hoped that a boulevard linking Tilton Street with Lovell Avenue could be worked out. Councilman Fleetwood informed Council thataround several areas on the island the Mosquito Control had dug ditches but have never kept them cleaned out and stated that they either clean the ditches out or close them. Councilman Counihan asked when they intended to put in the new system to be used at the Parking Lots that they should not wait until May, that it shoIild be done now. He also asked when Parking Meters were to be installed around Memorial Park. Councilman Counihan stated that in cases where property owners do not have water meters on their property that they should be charged a flat rate until the meter is installed. All should be given a choice of either installing a meterc'or paling an agreed upon flat • rate•and that the Tybee Terrace cottages should have a meter for each unit. The Mayor mentioned that Mrs. Charlotte Grimm Bailey does not have a meter and has not paid water rent for some time although her water is connected. Councilman Counihan stated that he and Supt. Reed will check the matter. W. Solms statedtthat the Town should try and get everyone on meters as it should be fair for all. Councilman Fleetwood stated that the Ordinance should be amended. IIICouncilman Cary called attention to surplus fire fighting equipment and stated that he had sent letters to Congressman Hagan and other departments to ascertain if the Town could acquire some. 108 Councilman Cary informed Council that the Officers of the American Legion Postt #154 want to get together with him regarding the Legion Hall but he decided to wait to see what is to be done about the old theatre in Fort Screven. The Mayor asked what plans had been made to pay for the new Ambassador recently pur- chased for the Police Department. Councilman Daniels stated that the Southern Motors agreed to go along with the Town regarding paying for it,that he had gotten $518.80 for the old 65 Ford which was delivered to the Dixie Auto Parts Company. Councilman Daniels stated that he discussed with his Committee unsatisfactory condi- tions existing in the Police Department and after a careful appraisal of many problem areas in the department has revealed that corrective action must be taken at the department head or administrative level. In his opinion serious deficiencies exist in the Office of Police Chief. In an effort to increase efficiency, build morale, improve personnel relations, and assure the best possible police protection for our. citizens he proposed for Council's consideration the following motion. I move that Police Chief Carlton Davis be relieved of his duties and responsibility as Police Chief of the Town of Savannah Beach, Ga.,effective November 30, 1966. I further move that the Police Committee of Council be instructed to actively seek a person to Fill this position whom we feel would provide leadership, administrative ability, and improve relations with the general public and our citizens, thereby providing incentive to the department to function to it's fullest capacity. Councilman Hohenstein moved that no action be taken on Councilman Daniels motion at this time and also that Council defer action until all the members of Council are in attndance. Councilman Hohenstein also stated the recommendation to dismiss Chief Davis is not the recommendation of the full Police Committee. Councilman Fleetwood stated that he had considered the matter at great length and that specific eharget should be made against Chief Davis and that he be granted a hearing at which he could appear to answer the charges. The Mayor stat ed that the matter should not be presented to Council without full agreement of the Police Committee. The Mayor stated that in fairness he should wait for a full attendance of Council. Councilman Cary stated that Councilman Hohenstein was not on the Fire Committee but that he wanted to retain Fire Chief Solomon. Councilman Fleetwood disagreed with Councilman Cary, Councilman Cary stated that Councilmen Fleetwood and Hohenstein are not on the island all of the time. Councilman Daniels stated that some things are better left unsaid, that no general charges are needed against the Chie=f, that the Police Department must be upgraded, that the charge of inefficiency against the Chief is enough. Councilman Fleetwood stated that Councilman Daniels at times had given orders to the Chief without.eonsulting them but that they did not interfere. Councilman Hohenstein stated there is more than meets the eye and wanted more facts. The Mayor asked Councilman Daniels if there were any specific charges against the Chief and Councilman Daniels stated that he would not go into that. The Mayor stated that the income of the.Police Department so far this year was approximately $7000.00 over last year's operation and he felt that it looked for the department. He suggested that if Councilman Daniels, before Council took a vote, would agree to an Amendment to it to give the Chief a hearing. Councilman Daniels stated that he had talked to the Mayor four or five times regarding the Chief. Cbimcilman Fleetwood stated that when Chief - McCutchen died there was a bickering at that time to appoint a new Chief, that the department had an acting Chief for a long time. The Mayor called for a vote on Councilman Hohenstein's amendment to defer any action on Councilman Daniels motion until a full Board can meet or give the Chief a hearing. Councilman Hohenstein moved that Councilman Daniels motion be,deferred until a full Board of Council meets, Council- man Fleetwood seconded. Councilmen Fleetwood and Hohenstein voting "YES ", Councilmen Cary, Counihan and Daniels voting "N0,1 the motion passed. The Mayor requested per- mission to read a telegram and letters, Councilman Daniels agreed. Chief Davis asked for the floor, which was granted, and stated that the department records can be seen at any time and are up to date. What brought about the present situation he stated that just before the summer season opened that a parking violation ticket was brought to the Police Station and he was at the desk and the person wanted it cancelled. 109 He asked if the Chief was going to accept it or would he have to get Councilman Daniels to handle it. The Chief stated that he refused to cancel it. Councilman Hohenstein interrupted to state that personalities should be left out and that the report be kept on a business like basis. The Mayor stated that the man was discharged without reason. Councilman Fleetwood stated that the whole proceeding was irregular that the Chief should employ counsel and defend himself. The Mayor called for a vote on Ca noilman Daniels motion to dismiss the Chief as of November 30, 1966. Those in favor of the motion were Councilmen Counihan, Daniels and Cary who voted "Yes" those viting "No ", Councilmen Fleetwood and Hohenstein, the motion carried. Councilman Hohenstein stated that the Police Committee Chairman should work with the whole committee. Councilman Hohenstein reported that he had been trying to get in touch with the Commanding Officer of the ship "Peirce" without success. He also stated that the Hobby Shop had given some ships models to the Tybee Museum. Councilman Cary presented a letter from Mr. W.S. Rogers requesting permission to lease the concession stand on the fishing pier at the expiration of the present lease with Peyton Towns who had in turn rented the stand to Mrs. Pauline Hinter, who now operates it. Councilman Hohenstein moved that the lease be transferred to Mr. Rogers when the present lease expires at the rental charge of $500.00 for the year. Councilman Cary seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Fleetwood moved that the request of the petitioners for the bon fire on New Year's Eve be granted, they to agree to o'.ean up the area after the bon fire. Council - man .Counihan seconded and the motion passed. E.C.;Bobo petitioned for permission to remove a billboard sign from Jones Avenue and First Street to Lot 21, Fort Ward. Councilman 'Counihan moved that permission be granted provided he complies with the necessary requirements. Councilman Cary seconded and the motion passed. Chief Davis asked what he should do with the equipment issued to him. Councilman Hohenstein told him to wait for action from the Police Committee. The Mayor informed Council of the death of Mrs. Katherine Huggins and stated that the community had lost a fine citizen and her loss will be felt. Councilman Daniels moved that the following Resolution be adopted. Councilman Hohenstein seconded and the motion passed. R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, our community has felt the deep loss of one of it's most civic- minded citizens by the recent death of Mrs. Katherine Huggins, and WHEREAS, her ardent and sincere efforts in the area of beautification and cleanli- ness resulted in many improvements over the past few years on Tybee Island, and WHEREAS, she always displayed an intense interest in all areas of community im- provement, thus showing immense pride and confidence in the future growth of Tybee. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLMEID, that the Mayor and Council of the Town of Savannah Beach duly recognize the efforts of this outstanding citizen by setting aside a page in the minutes of this Council Meeting to the memory of Mrs. Katherine Huggins. The Mayor informed Council that depending on the Town's income it may be necessary to borrow not over $20,000.00 to meet a casual deficiency and asked that he be authorized to do this if and when needed. Councilman Fleetwood moved that the Mayor be.authorized 110 to borrow not over $200000.00 to meet.a casual deficiency if and when needed and that the proper Resolution be drawn up at the time. Councilman Counihan seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Daniels reported that Councilman Drvis, Chairman Public Works, and hey had agreed to recommend Council consider increasing the salary of Superintendent Reed to $5700.00 annually, payable weekly, Councilman Daniels moved that the in- crease be granted effective November 16, 1966 and that the increase be paid from the Water Department. Councilman Fleetwood seconded and the motion passed. Bills for the following were approved for payment: General Government $329.32, Police Department $503.51, Public Works Department $1198.38, Fire Department $72.42, Recreation, Museum, $178.07 and the Water Department $104.34. Councilmani Fleetwood moved that the following Ordinance be adopted regulating traffic on Jones Avenue from Fourth to Ninth Street to not over 25 M.P.H. between 7 :30 and 8:30 A.M. and between 2:30 and 3 :30 P.M. Councilman Cary seconded and the motion passed. I� ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH SPEED LIMITS OF 25 MILES PER HOUR. ON BUTLER AVEME AVENUE FROM 4th STREET TO 9th STREET, ON JONES AVENUE FROM 4th STREET TO 9th STREET, ON LOVELL AVENUE FROM 4th STREET TO 9th STREET, AND ON SECOND AVENUE FROM 4th STREET TO 9th STREET, SAVANNAH BEACH, TYBEE ISLAND, CHATHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA: TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLAA TION THEREOF: AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Councilmen of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Chatham County, Georgia, in council assembled, and it is hereby ordained by authority of the sane as follows: SECTION 1: That the speed limit on Butler Avenue from 4th Street to 9th Street shall be 25 Miles per hour from 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. and from 2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. on school days; otherwise, the speed limit shall remain as now -de- signated by Ordinance. SECTION 11. That the speed limit on Jones Avenue from 4th Street to 9th Street shall be 25 miles per hour from 7:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on school days; oth ®rwisd the s to 8:30 A.M. and from 2:30 P.M. signated by Ordinance, s peed limit shall remain as now de— SECTION 111. That the speed limit 6n Lovell Avenue from 4th Street to 9th Street shall be 25 miles per hour from 7:30 A.M. to 8• 3:30 P.M. on school days; otherwise, the speed limit shall . remain now 2:30 by Ordinance. SECTION IV: That the speed limit on Second Avenue from 4th Street to 9th Street shall be 25 miles per hour from 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. and from 2:30 P.M' to Y :30 P.M. on school days; otherwise, the speed limit shall remain as now designated by Ordinance. SECTION V: That any person or persons violatin g of Ordinance shall, upon donviction thereof, be subjecttobe be not to, exceed 100.00 and imprisoned not to exceed 30 days, either or both, in the discretion of the h® 1 SECTION VI: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the proviions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. ■