HomeMy Public PortalAbout19670215CCMeeting119
Savannah Beach, Tybee Island,
February 15, 1967.
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 Brown, who presided and Councilmen Davis, Cary,
Hohenstein, Daniels, Fleetwood, Town Attorney Solms, Mr. Tom O'Brien, Superintendent
Reed, Chief James W. Price, Mr. Joseph Robertson.
,The minutes of the meeting of January 18th were read and adopted.
The Mayor showed plans of the new equipment to be used at the parking lot for the
forth coming season.
Superintendent Reed reported that some of the equipment in the D.P.W is being repaired
and that the camp site is proceeding all right.
The Mayor suggested thm;t the Fire Department be given authority to burn the underbrush
on some of the lots in the Fort Screven areas and asked that some thought be given to
it. Councilman Cary WAS asked if a pumper conld be used as a standby. Councilman
Davis stated that when Mrs. Fitzgibbon had burned off some of her area a fire engine
was there as a standby. The Mayor asked Councilman Cary to see what could be done
and handle the matter with Fire Chief Solomon.
Councilman Fleetwood asked Supt. Reed what was the status of the groins on the beach.
Mr. Reed stated that they were all right. Councilman Hohenstein informed Council
that Supt Reed and Councilman Davis had made a trip to Florida to check an several
camp sites and that they were impressed with those they inspected., Councilman Davis
stated that there should be areas for trailer park locations. He was informed that
there was an Ordinance against trailer parks in the Town limits. Councilman Daniels
stated that he was not in favor of trailer parks in the Town limits.
Councilman Counihan asked Mr. Reed when he was going to install parking meters around
Memorial Park, Superintendent Reed stated he was waiting for the Committee to in-
struct him where they were to be placed.
Councilman Davis stated that they should be placed inside the park and also on the
east side of Jones Street. The Mayor suggested that the Committee handle the matter.
Councilman Counihan asked when the meeting of the Committee could be held. It was
decided to meet in Memorial Park on Sunday at 2 P.M. Chief Price stated that he
would like to show the Committee some problems at the park. The Mayor suggested a
parking fee of 25 cents for two hours.
Councilman Cary stated that when building permits are issued that the Fire Department
should check on the construction and that Commercial. Buildings should be inspected
annually and either the Chairman of the Fire Committee or Fire Chief Solomon should
check the building permit. Councilman Hohenstein wanted to know if Commercial places
have proper exits, Chief Solomon stated that they should build to code specifications.
Councilman Hohenstein stated that some places do not have the proper exits.
Chief Price reported to Council that he had attended the G.P.A. and stated that he felt
it would make him a better officer that the training was very goad and he wished to
thank Council for sending him. Councilman Daniels read a letter from Major Webb
of the School regarding Chief Price which showed that his grades were good. The Mayor
. presented the award of the G.P.A. to Chief Price and complimented him.
Chief Price reported that the department is doing a good job, that the morale is good
since,he has not been here for the past month he could not make a full report. Also
that he has officers walking patrol at night and also a patrol car is on duty, there
has been. no break —ins since his return. he Mayor suggested that the ,surfers could
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be responsible for some of the break —ins. The Chief stated that he did not
think the surfers were responsible for all of it.
The Mayor asked about the condition of the police cars. Chief Price stated
that they were functioning all right. The Mayor asked what about the radio
for the new car. Chief Price informed him that he had spoken to. Mr. Brower
of Civil Defense who informed him that he would check on the matter as the
County has been helped. The Mayor asked about the blank docket case forms.
Chief Price stated that he would bring them to the Town Hall tomorrow morning.
Councilman Cary asked if the Police Department were patrolling the school areas
during the morning and afternoon hours. He stated that this was being done.
Councilman Fleetwood informed Council that Alderman Counihan, Mr. O'Brien and
himself had met in the Town Office and were discussing the Tax situation and he
found that the Town has a legal right to charge up,to 30 mills for the assess
ments on property,th& prebent rhteaid $22a22a per..Alythat the Committee has agreed
to take the County Assessments and for tax purposes to charge 100 per cent of the
fair market value. The Mayor stated that the total Tybee Assessment now is
$4,700,000. Councilman Fleetwood stated that if the County Assessment of
$10,000,000 was used the Town could sell bonds uI to $700,000. The Mayor stated
that the County has a system where the taxes are tied an with the prhoe of the
property. The Mayor asked if. personal property taxes could be included in with
the Real Estate Taxes and Mr. Solms stated that it could not, Councilman Daniels
stated that he agrees that the Town needs money but not at the expense of the
property owner. The Mayor stated.that,.the Town should have more money now.
Councilman Counihan stated that the Mayor is right and that useless expenses should
be stopped. Councilman Hohenstein stated that the Town should spend money to
get people to the Island. Councilman Fleetwood moved that the Town accept
the assessment figures of Chatham County and that the property be assessed at
100 per cent of fair market valve and that the tax rate be 1*4 mills per thousand.
Councilman Davis seconded and the motion passed. The Mayor stated that O'Brien
and O'Brien will set up the new system.
Councilman Fleetwood asked if there were any objections to making a charge for using
the Fishing Pier. Councilman Daniels asked if the matter could be handled with
the lessee of the Pier. The Mayor asked what method should be used for collecting
admission fees. He suggested the use of a turnstile. Councilman Counihan
suggested that they charge 50 cents. Councilman Fleetwood stated that the residents
of the Island should be charged less. Referred to the Parks Committee.
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The Mayor stated that the Town is low op funds at this time as there is considerable
taxes due. He will have a stamp made and notice put on the tax bills which are
being sent out in an effort to get in some funds.
Mr. E.J. Solomon stated that high tides have inundated the area North of First
Street in the area of Lovell Avenue, parts of Second Avenue and at times the entire
area is flooded and that some plan should be worked out to run off the water, that
he, is against the plan submitted by Thomas & Hutton which includes raising Lovell
Avenue. He stated when the area floods that the surface water should be drained
off in a hurry.. Councilman Davis stated that the tide gate was authorized some
time ago but had never been placed at the culvert under Second Avenue. Mt. Sanwa
stated that the Fire Department was still handling the numbering of houses and
stated that they are several unnamed streets along the Inlet that are not named
and should be given names.
Councilman Counihan informed Council that the Town might lose an employee in the
Sewer Department. He also called attention to old vehicles around different
arts of the Island which should be hauled away. He also mentianed that Sgt.
Frank Graves who was found dead in his home some months ago had a number of
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assets and asked if anyone was familiar with the situation. He also stated that
an offer had been made to purchase the old cement mixer of the Town. Council
agreed that it be sold and Councilman Davis was authorized to sell it.
Councilman Counihan suggested that the water cut off notice be sent to,those who
are delinquent in paying their water bills and that the service will be discontinued
if the account is not paid promptly.
Councilman Cary reported that the Second Monday in February the Savannah Beach
Volunteer Fire Department had their annual meeting, that the department is functioning
very nicely and that Edmwtl J Solomon was elected Vice President of the Fire Chiefs
Association.
Mr. Solms aread a letter from Mr. Frank Cheatham, representing Trustees of the
Inner City Methodist Church requesting that portions of Lots 3 & 4, Ward 5, be exempt
from taxes effective May 1, 1967, Councilman Hohenstein mo ed'-thdt the request be
granted. Councilman Davis seconded with the stipulation that all past due taxes
and charges have been paid to April 30, 1967. Motion passed.
Councilman Fleetwood stated that the Town is now getting Propane Gas service from
2 Bill Haupt Gas Company and Gentlehaven is being serviced by the Savannah Gas Company. p
Councilman Counihan moved that for the Town's interest bids be received from both
of these companies and that business be given to the low bidder, Councilman Cary
seconded and the motion passed.
Councilman Daniels read a letter from Mrs. Irene P. Williams of 73 Chatham Avenue
Savannah Beach complimenting and thanking Officers John Price and Sam Weatherly
for their prompt action in getting her husband Major Adam A Williams (Retired) USAF
to the hospital on November 18th when he suffered a heart attack.
Councilman Daniels moved that Lt. James W. Price, Sr.,be promoted to Chief of Police
at a salary of $450.00 per month effective February 15, 1967 and also that Sgt.
John J. Price be promoted to Lieutenant of Police at a salary of $360.00 per month
effective February 15, 1967. Councilman Counihan seconded, those voting "YES"
Counihan, Cary, Daniels, Fleetwood, Hohenstein — ABSTAINING, Davis. Councilman
Daniels stated that Chief Price will make a good officer. Councilman Fleetwood-
stated he'doestn't want Chi -f "‘,,ice to 1o.e dot he wants h'm satisfied.
Councilman Davis stated that he is going to have the area around the shop cleaned
up of all debris, old equipment, etc. He also stated that he had talked to
Councilman Counihan about E.C.Bobo moving material and putting it oa the beach.
He suggested that Bobo rent the old Fort from the Fort Screven Development Compauy.-
that Bobo had assured the Mayor he would not put any more of his property In the
area and would move out what was there. Mr. Ellzey informed Council that Mr. Bobo
was hauling the equipment away but that his truck had broken down and that he had
built a shed to cover the material. Councilman Davis stated that the, matter should
be followed through.
Councilman Hohenstein reported that lights at the Ball Diamond its Memorial Park
that one estimate he had was approximately $3000.00 which did not include the labor
cost. Councilman Daniels stated that his company sells the dame type of equip -
ment and he would like to discuss the matter with Mr. Leon Case of the S E & P. Co.,
as he believed that the cost should be reduced. Councilman Hohenstein suggested
that Councilman Daniels handle the matter with Mr. Case. Councilman Counihan asked
if the work can be done for $2000.00 would he go along. Councilman Hohenstein
stated to wait on a report from Councilman Daniels.
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Mr. U.L. Harley owner of Lot 11, Block 12, Fort Screven Ward, protested against
the assessment of $300.00 on this lot as he contended that a road has been cut
through. it which made it useless as a building site Councilman Counihtn moved
that the assessment be lowered to $50.00, Councilman Cary seconded and the motion
passed.
Mr. H. Ellzey wanted to know the cost of building the duck pen in the George M.
Marshal park. He also stated that there was a hole in the street.
Bills for the various departments were submitted and approved for payment.
Mr. Solms informed Council that he had talked to Messrs. Tye and Whaley regarding
several amendments of the Town's proposed Charter. One was keeping the Registra-
tion book daily during office hours and also changing the hours for the election
from 7 A.M. to 6 P.M. to 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. and suggested that members of Council also
talk to some of the members,, of the Georgia Legislature.
Councilman Fleetwood 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, from, time to time employees of the municipality of Savannah Beach, Tybee
Island, Georgia have requested that the Town Officials give consideration to various
insurance plans, pension plans and merit systems; and
WHEREAS, these plans have been thoroughly discussed and have much merit for they
are not only beneficial to the employees but have a wholesome and helpful effect
on attracting and maintaining goodemployees; And
WHEREAS,_ Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia has never put in effect a
merit system, pension plan or hospitalization plan because the Town revenue is
insufficient and the charter does not allow them to be done; and
WHEREAS, Mayor and Council realize that it is of utmost importance to try to
ful and tr.Istworthy ser- ' ^_ erlo;• »ood public servants who are capable and also reward them for their faith —
e; and
:.
WHEREAS, it is believed that a policy should be established governing the proce-
dure of hiring of new employees, as well as, for the discharge of employees;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of Sa,annah Reach, Tybee
Island, Georgia, in council assembled, that the employment of any appointed official
be considered only at a meeting_ of all members of Council and then only after proper
recommendation brought forth from the Committee under which the appointed official
serves.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no employee be dismissed without a proper hearing ,
if he so desires, before council and that the discharge of any appointed official
be brought up before a full meeting of Mayor and Council with all members in
attendance.
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A RESOLUTION.
WHEREAS, the Managers duly named by Resolution passed by the Mayor and Councilmen
of Savannah Beach, Ty ee Island, in council assembled, on the 15th day of March, 1967,
to conduct the Referendum of the voters of said municipality, which was called by
Resolution of council at its regular meeting on October 19, 1966, to determine whether or
not to implement and place in effect in the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia,
Section 31a, b and c of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1964, page 771, et seq., so
as to authorize the issuance of liecnses to sell distilled spirits or alcoholic beverages
by the drink, said sales to be for consumption only on the premises, and to authorize the
Mayor and Councilman of the Town orSavannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia, to promulgate
reasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of any such licenses, have made
the consolidated returns and resultsto the Mayo and Councilmen of said municipality,
which consolidation was done in the presence of and together with the several managers;
and,
WHEREAS, it appears that 442 votes were cast "Yes ", and,
WHEREAS, it appears that votes were cast "No"
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and Councilmen of Savannah Beach, Tybee
Island, in council assembled, and it is hereby resolved by the authority of the same,
that the result of said election be, and the same is, hereby declared as follows:
442 votes were,ueast "Yes!: -and,
66 votes were °1St
in the Special Referendum for Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island on April 3, 1967 to
implement and place in effect in the Town of SaVinnahBeach, Tybee Island, Georgia,
Section 31 a,b and c of the Acts of the General Asseibly of 1964, page 771, et seq.,so as
to authorize the issuance of licenses to sell distilled spirits or alcoholic beverages by
the drink, said sales to be for consumption only on the premises, and to authorize the
Mayor and Councilmen of the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia, to promulgate
teasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of any such licenses.
The foregoing result appears from the return of said election and the said return
is hereby adopted by the Mayor and Councilmen of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia..
Be it further Resolved that the majority of those voting in: the speciel. referendum►
of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia, held 'on 1pril 3, 1967, cast their' ballots in
favor of implementing and placing in effect in ;the Town ,of Savannah Beach, Tybee Is]a nd
Georgia, Section 31a, b and c of the Acts of the General' Assembly of 1964, page 771, et
seq., so as to authorize the issuance of licenses to``sel]. distilled spirits or alcoholic
beverages by the drink, said sales to be for consumption only on the premises, and to
authorize the Mayor and Councilmen of the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia, to
promulgate reasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of any such licenses.
TO THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEN OF
SAVANNAH BEACH, TYBEE ISLAND,
CHATHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA.
We, the undersigned, who were duly appointed as Managers of the election,
by resolution adopted by the Mayor and Councilmen on March 15, 1967, to conduct
the Referendum called by the Mayor and Councilmen at its regular meeting on
October 19, 1966, to be held on April 3, 1967 in accordance with the provisions of
Sections 33a,.b and c of the Acts of the General Assembly on April 3, 1967 in
accordance with the law and that the results of said referendum are as follows, to —wit:
442 electors -oted' "Yee and,
66 electors voted ""'No"
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To implement and place in effeet_in the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia,
Section 31 a, b and a of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1964, page 771, et seq.,
so as to authorize the issuance of license0o sell distilled spirits or alcoholic
beverages by the drink, said sales to be For consumption only on the premises, and to
authorize the Mayor and Councilmen of the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia,
to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of any such licenses.
We, Therefore, certify that the voters of the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee
Island, Georgia on April 3, 1967, cast their ballots in favor of implementing and
placing in effect in the Town of bavannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia, Section 31a,
b and c of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1964, page 771, et seq.,so as to
authorize the issuance of liecnses to sell distilled spirits or alcoholic beverages
by the drink, said sales to be,.for consumption only on the premises, and to authorize
the Mayor and Counoi en of the Town of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia, to
promulgate reasonable and,regtions governing the conduct of any such licenses.
This • day of Aprils, 1967.
(Signed) KATHRYN I. FLOWERS
Manager
(Signed) KATHLLEEN D. BYRNES
Manager
(Signed) ETHEL CHANDLER
Manager
(Signed) MILDRED BUTRKE
Manager
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this ,2 day of April, 1967
HENRY M. BUCKIEY
Notary Public, Chatham County, Georgia.
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Councilman Fleetwood moved that before issnonce of a building permit- ;plans are required
and the owner must agree to conform to fire, health and standard building code — — —
also that existing buildings be inspected, owners notified if any violations are noted,
and instructed to correct them before reinspection by Fire Committee and the Fire
Chief, seconded by Councilman Daniels and passed.