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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19661221CCMeetingSavannah Beach, Tybee Island, Ga. December 21, 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 0ouncilmen Counihan, Fleetwood, Daniels, Davis, Cary, Hohenstein, Town Attorney Solms, Supt. Reed, Act. Chief Jas. W. Price, Fire Chief Solomon, H.H. Glisson, Nr. Robertson, Mrs.Gladys Gaudry, Mr. Weis Snell and Mr. Thompson of the Southern Railway Company. The minutes of the meeting of November 16th were read and after several corrections were adopted. Mr. Thompson stated that he represented the Southern Railway Company who had submitted a bid of $995,000 to the State of Georgia for leasing the Western & Atlanta Railroad and that the. L & N Railroad had submitted a bid of $900,000. He stated tha6 the Southern was anxious to acquire the lease as it would benefit this area of Georgia and asked the opinion of Council. The Mayor stated that he felt that the high bidder should get the lease. Mrs. Gaudry protested about dogs running loose on the island and stated that they were a nuisance in the area where she lives and asked that something be done about it. Councilman Hohenstein stated that he felt that Council should authorize the Police Department to shoot stray dogs. Councilman Cary did not agree to this. Councilman Hohenstein suggested that when a dog is picked up running loose without a tag and im- pounded that the owner should be required to pay $10.00 to get the dog back. The Mayor informed him that the Town has an Ordinance covering dogs. Lt. Price stated that the police objected to catching dogs as they bite and sometime the dogs are rabid. The Mayor stated that Thunderbolt has a dog catcher and that the Town may endeavor to emplpy him in his off hours. Councilman Daniels suggested checking with other cities to see how they handled the matter. Councilman Counihan suggested that Councilman Daniels check on this. Airs. Gaudry requested a permit to park her car in the parking areas free of charge during the time the meters are in operation. Mr. Snell submitted a suggestion that the Town have a small Zoo in General George Marshal Park consisting of small animals for the benefit of the children. He stated that he was not requesting financial aid from the Town but wanted to get the opinion of Council regarding it. The Mayor asked what was involved and Mr. Snell said first to erect a building to house the animals. Councilman Counihan stated that he understood that there would be no dust to the Town that the Zoo be in the George Marshal Park and also that the neighbors don't object. The Mayor stated that he could see no objections and asked who would take care of the animals. Mr. Snell stated that it would probably be the Town's responsibility, that details would have to be worked out. Councilman Davis asked if Mr. Towns of the Convalescent Home had been contacted regarding this. Mr. Snell stated that amusement rides could be worked into it. Councilman Cary stated that it has problems but more thought should be given to it. Mr. Snell suggested that the matter be taken under advisement and also to re f funds could be raised. Mr. Ellzey objected to it stating that when the Go CarE76as in operation that it was a nuisance and asked that the residents in the area not be penalized with a Zoo. Mr. Snell stated he wanted to present the matter to Council. Councilman Hohenstein stated that the Commanding Officer of the ship "Peirce" requested permission to move equipment, etc.,from the area that they had previously been permitted to use. The request was granted. The Mayor asked Superintendent Reed how repairs to the Community House were progressing and Mr. Reed stated he was about two thirds complete with the job. 112 The Mayor informed Council that a water main had broken at 14th Street and Jones Avenue recently and it was necessary to cut the water off in that area. He asked if there were cut —off valves in this area. Mr. Reed stated there were none in the area, that there is a cut —off at Chatham and Jones Avenues. He stated that in 1950 there was some objections to having small valves in some of the mains. The Mayor sked how many valves would be needed in the area and Mr. Reed stated he would have to check on this. Councilman Counihan suggested that the present penalty of $15.00 to turn on water which had been cut off should be reduced to $5.00 and that it should be collected. The Mayor informed Council that another another packer garbage truck which was practically new was available and it had a new packer body and could be purchased for $6000.00. Councilman Davis moved that the Town purchase it and that a damn payment of $1300.00 be made and details worked out with the seller regarding the balance. Councilman Counihan seconded and the motion passed. The Mayor informed Council that Thomas & Hutton will soon have the plans for Lovell Avenue area ready. Superintendent Reed requested a new air compressor of 150 pound capacity stating that the present one is worn out. Councilman Fleetwood instructed Mr. Reed to get in touch with him as he believes he could get one for him. Mr. Ellzey mentioned that where you get your gasoline and oil supplies that they will let you have as compressor. Councilman Fleetwood and Superintendent Reed were appointed a committee to handle the matter. C ouncilmann Counihan stated that regarding parking meters which are to be placed around Memorial Park that Superintendent Reed check to see which meters would be most feasible. Superintendent Reed informed Council that the 16th Street Parking Lot should be widened that it is too narrow for passage of vehicles. Councilman Davis stated that the area along the strand by the Shore Hotel could be widened. The Mayor requested the Public Works Committee to check on it. Councilman Daniels asked what was the status of the Police Station. Councilman Hohenstein stated that the Committee looked.at it last summer but nothing had been done. The Mayor suggested getting the area west of the old Tybrisa Bath House for the Police and First Aid Station. Lt.Price stated that the present site was more suitable for Police and First Aid work. Councilman Daniels stated that plans should be made now for a new building. The Mayor suggested razing the present building then see what could be done. Lt. Price reported that the morale of the Police Department has picked up, that the jail is like a home, equipment is clean and well kept also that a member of the F.B.I. will be down to give instructions to the department and that one of the police officers will be sent to them for instructions on keeping records. The drinking fountain in the court room will be repaired and painted, windows in the prison quarters will be repaired as it is difficult to heat the jail properly with the plywood panels on the windows. Chief Solomon stated that he discussed with Councilman Counihan and Mr. Madison Brower of Civil Defense the matter of a procedure of obtaining surplus Government Fire Equipment. He also informed Council that one of the Propane Gas Companyis had refused to comply with the Town's Ordinance and that he had written a letter to them to comply with the Ordinance. Mr. So].ms stated that if they had violated the law they should be put oh the docket. 1 1 1 113 Councilman Fleetwood informed C. I cil that the Chatham County Tax Digest shows the actual pint of property and also appraised value based on a 40 per cent assessment, that the Town's valuation for assessing Be based on 100 per cent and that the millage should be adopted as needed. When the Assessment Committee is through Checking the Town's figures then Council would adopt the figures to be used, and that on Personal Property the minimum assessment used now of $200.00 would have to be changed. Councilman Counihan asked if Personal Property Taxes were paid. The Clerk informed him that some had been paid. Mr. Sow stated that those delinquent in Personal Property Taxes could be garnishied. Councilman Daniels stated that a dead line should be set. The Mayor Thformed Council that Chatham County shows an assessed -valuation for Savannah Beach of $10,365,2551nd that Council.should be careful in changing the Savannah Beach assessments and the rate. Councilman Hohenstein wanted to know what the annual cost would be to operate the Town. Councilman Fleetwood informed him that each Committee head would present a budget for his department. Councilman Counihan moved that the Town's offices be closed from Friday, Noon, December 23rd to December 27th and also from Fridan Noon December 30th and remain closed to January 3rd, 1967. Councilman Cary seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Cary reported that the roof at the Fire Station leaks, that the siren needs repairs and painting and that two 2" openings in the sewer line are not plugged which should all be corrected. Also the front door needs to be repaired. The Mayor requested C uncilman Cary to handle the matter. Councilman Cary reported that the response to having the lots cleaned is good and that after the new year he would get together with Mr. Buckley and get a map of lots needed to be cleaned. He also called attention to several buildings on the island that should either be condemned or the owner should be made to tepair them. This should be started after the new year. He also stated that in connection with the proposed new Police Station that facilities be installed so that the Police Department and Fire Department can cooperate with each other on fire dells especially during the summer months. Councilman Cary reported that is Committee had checked on the Old Theatre in Fort Screven and also the American Legion Hall for recreation purposes and they decided that neither place is suitable. The Committee recommended that the Town acquire the land and erect a building for this purpose. He also informed Council that officers of the American Legion Post 154 informed him that they intended to pay their bill to the Town. He also asked if Council wanted to help them. The Mayor suggested that they give the building back to the Town and that they keep a room for their use. Mrs. Petty stated that if the Town could get the building back the various organizations Could use it for social functions, dances, etc. Mr. Henry Glisson spoke up and stated that Council would be wasting their time to try and acquire the building as the American Legion will not turn it loose as there is a Charter involved. Councilman Daniels reported that he had received a letter from Police Officer Sam Weatherly tendering his resignation, effective December 31, 1966, He also stated that he had several applicants for the position to discuss with the Police Committee. Councilman Daniels informed Council that the Georgia Police Academy is offering a three weeks course of instructions for police officers and that the cost would be $90.00 which includes lodging, meals and ncidentals and moved that Lt. Price be sent to take this course and that $90.00 be appropriated as expenses. Councilman Davis seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Daniels presented a petition from Mr. Jack Brady that the Town provide access to his property, namely, Lots 137,138, 139 Ward 2 which abut the western boundary of Fourth Avenue North of Ninth Street. He also petitioned that Fourth Avenue be opened and additional 180 feet to the northern line of lot 139, Ward 2 and remove any trees in this area. The Mayor appointed a Committee of Councilmen Davis, Daniels and Cary to check on the matter. Councilman Daniels stated he observed that some of the paint on the walls in the Town Hall is coming off and also that the floor in some parts should be repaired. A letter was received from Mr. Sidney Raskin requesting that a charge of $15.00 against Mrs. Helen Brueck be cancelled that the lady was a didow and could not pay it. Councilman Counihan moved that the bill be cancelled, Councilman Cary seconded and the motion passed. An invoice was presented by Mr. J.H. Dandy for $50.00 which he contended was due him by the Town for several months and had not been paid. The opinion of Council was that as Mr. Dendy had owed the Town also that payment of same be denied. Councilman Counihan asked what about delinquent taxes. Councilman Fleetwood stated that advertising could not be done at this time as the Town does not have a Chief of Police. Mr. Ellzey asked if the Town could widen Campbell Avenue as at present it was very narrow to the approach to Highway 80. Councilman Daniels stated that he was promised a ramp into his place but that it should be provided for in the new budget. Councilman Fleetwood wanted to know what happened to the new charter. The Mayor stated that Council should adopt the new charter or amend the present one but that something must be done now as it must be advertised for three weeks. Council- man Counihan moved that the present charter be amended to open the registration book for Town elections that the book be kept open daily during office hours and that in the Town elections that s voting hours be from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. which is covered in Section 24 and 25 of the proposed new charter. Councilman Cary seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Counihan called attention to the number of delinquent water takers and stated that they should be made to pay up. The Mayor suggested that when an account is six months in arrears the water should be discontinued. Councilman Daniels was in favor of giving them 30 days in thich to pay. The Mayor stated that they have all been notified. He appointed a Committee of Mr. Solms and Councilman C ounihan to handle the matter. Councilman Counihan asked if it was possible that the active group of volunteer firemen and the old group could be brought together and function as one organization. Councilman Cary stated that he had been trying to do this but so 2fir has not succeeded. Mayor Brown called attention to the Mayor's Day meeting in Atlanta on January 16th and suggested that he and the Councilmen attend as it is very informative and quite a bit can be learned and recommended that for those attending the Town pay the ex- pense. Councilman Daniels moved that the Town pay the expense of those attending the meeting, Councilman Fleetwood seconded and the motion passed. The Mayor informed Council of the death of Mrs. Solna, Mother, Mrs. Annie Lee Splms and stated that he wished to express the sympathy's of himself and felt that he was also speaking for all members of Council and requested that a Resolution be adopted. Mr. Solna stated that he appreciated the expression of sympathy from Council on the death of his mother and stated that he would prefer that the Resolution not be passed. .1 1 115 Councilman Davis moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Cary seconded and the motion passed.