HomeMy Public PortalAbout20170216 Minutes.docxTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: March 23, 2017
Members Present: Amy Lanier, Alan Robertson, Cathy Lewis, Cathy Sakas, Clay Mobley, Frank Wooldridge, Harvey Ferrell, Helen Downing, Jimmy Burke, Kate burns, Mark Padgett, Michael Foran,
Mimi Pinner, Paul Wolff and Sam Adams
Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Jason Buelterman, Wanda Doyle, Monty Parks, and Diane Schleicher
CALL TO ORDER: Cathy Sakas called the meeting to order at 12:05PM.
Jimmy Burke made a motion to approve the February 15, 2017 minutes. Michael Foran seconded. Unanimous vote to approve.
Mayor Buelterman discussed the two year agreement with the Federal Government as it is coming to an end. He stated there are ways to extend the contract and the dunes need to be included.
The dunes on the north-end are gone due to Hurricane Matthew and GEMA has indicated they will pay 75% to have replaced and the City would pay 25%. With the rebuilding of those dunes,
it will ensure there would be little or no infiltration if another storm were to hit the Island. Mr. Adams asked if the Back River were to be included in the federal project hopefully
it would have dune building components included which would act as a reservoir of sand for that area. Mayor Buelterman added the COE is evaluating another re-nourishment and it will
cost the City $1.3M. He will coordinate with the State and County to get assistance with funding. Ms. Sakas confirmed the City is awaiting confirmation from Mr. Scott regarding funding.
Mayor Buelterman confirmed.
Mark Padgett gave an update sand fence placement on the Island. He stated his committee is working with GaDNR for permitting. The initial proposal was to install a series of three
rows of diamond shaped closed structures along the beach front and plant vegetation inside. With the consultation with GaDNR they felt this might be harmful to the nesting of the sea
turtles. It was recommended the City follow their guidelines by installing one row of sand fencing. It was then determined the City would not request a permit but rather a Letter
of Acknowledgement for the placement of sand fencing. The City would also be permitted to move the marsh rack on the beach next to the sand fence which will help promote vegetative
growth. Mr. Padgett stated is basically a research project as it allows the City to study the configuration of sand fencing and what works best on Tybee Island. Mr. Adams recommended
the City move forward as soon as “turtle nesting season” is over to install the sand fencing. Ms. Doyle asked Mr. Adams when would l this begin. He responded he will reach out to
the City Manager and DPW and recommended installing the sand fencing in April 2017. After the “season” is over the beach rack can be moved to the sand fencing areas. Ms. Doyle confirmed
money has been set aside for this project.
Mr. Wolff gave a brief update on HB#271 in its final form. He stated he has read the new Shore Protection Act and it extends the Shore Protection Zone 25’ landward of ordinary high
water for the landward toe of the landward dune on private property. The Act also creates a Shore Protection Committee consisting of the GaDNR Commissioner and four appointees by the
Board; three must reside in one of the six counties. Mr. Adams added the changes to the Shore Protection Regulations have been tabled due to questions and concerns from property owners.
Ms. Sakas thanked Mr. Wolff and Adams for their report.
Mr. Robbins introduced his recommendations for a crossover at 18th Street. This might deter beach goers congregating in the dunes. Ms. Doyle stated there are signs letting beach goers
they are not allowed in the dunes. If additional signage is required it was recommended GaDNR would have to be notified. There was a brief discussion regarding the Beach Management
Plan and permit requirements. Mr. Wolff
stated the Beach Management Plan has been rent to GaDNR and they have not formally approved the Plan. Mayor Buelterman asked the Beach Task Force if the County has the funds, would they
like him to pursue asking them for funding. It was unanimous that he moves forward with approaching the County. Mayor Buelterman stated he will contact Erik Olsen for a price of a
partial re-nourishment.
Alan Robertson approached to give a presentation on their visit to St Simons Island showing their dune system. This included sand fencing, beach rack, and use of sand bags. Ms. Lanier
recommended DPW only use two or three beach access points. Mr. Shaw stated public safety access is more important than DPW. Ms. Doyle responded beach goers make their own access points.
Mr. Wooldridge gave a brief update on the use of Geo-Tubes which has multi-uses such as shore protections and the building of a barrier seawall.
Kate Burns gave a brief update on the Beach Litter Sub-committee. She reported on May 12, 2017 SCAD will hold their Sand Arts Festival. Ms. Burns also stated her committee is working
with the Keep Chatham Beautiful Committee to address litter. Lastly, she discussed the potential Beach Ambassador Program. These individuals would assist in many areas on the beach.
Ms. Doyle recommended this program held off until the new budget cycle begins, July 1, 2017.
Being there was no further business; Ms. Sakas adjourned the meeting at 1:30PM.
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Janet LeViner, CMC
City Clerk