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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19741216CCMeeting1 Savannah Beach, Georgia December 16, 1974 . The Regular Monthly Meeting of Savannah Beach City Council was held this evening at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Room at Savannah Beach City Hall with Mayor Michael J. Counihan presiding and a quorum consisting of the following councilmen present: Mr. Richard DeLoach, Mr. John Wylly, Mr. Edward Fahey, Mr. Joseph Agnew, Mr. Ernest Hosti and Mr. James Bond. Also present at the meeting was Assistant City Attorney Leo Beckman. Visitors and petitioners present at the meeting were: Mr. Earl Anderson, Pat and Chris Fahey, Mr. & Mrs. Vic Strojny, Mr. & Mrs. James Fabrikant and Mrs. Karen Losey. Mr. Strojny informed Council he was appearing before them for the following reasons: 1. A noisy Wellpoint pump that was running continously on Fourteenth St. in the vicinity of his home. 2. Garbage is constantly being strewn around his home by roving animals - probably dogs. 3. A dismantled house that has been moved from another location into a vacant lot directly across the street from him. These matters were discussed by Council and Mr. Strojny was assured that they would all be investigated and corrective measures taken. Mayor Counihan stated that, due to the fact that we did not get around to approving Minutes at the last Regular Council Meeting, that he would like to have the Munutes of all past meetings approved at this meeting. He stated that the Minutes which had not yet been approved were for the following meetings: Special Meeting - September 19, 1974 Special Meeting - October 18, 1974 Regular Meeting - October 28, 1974 Special Meeting - November 7, 1974 Regular Meeting - November 18, 1974 Special Meeting - December 3, 1974 There being no errors or omissions in these Minutes they were approved as wirtten. 96 - 2 Bills of the various departments for the month of November were approved as written. A letter was read by the Clerk from Mr. Nick C. Alexander requesting an estimated $181.00 damages which he stated was caused by bowls and a sand trap backing up and causing this damage to a rug. Mr. James Bond, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Department informed Council that he could find no pro- visions in our water and sewer ordinances for payment of any damages of this sort and he would, therefore, recommend. that Mr. Alexander's claim for damages not be honored at this time. He also stated that he would like to consult further with our City Attorney on this. Councilman Bond's recommendations were approved by Council. An offer by Mr. S. R. Kent, in writing, to purchase the absolete nickel parking meters owned by the City was read by the Clerk. Upon motion made by Councilman Ernest Hosti and duly seconded, the Council voted unanimously to keep these meters. At the request of Mayor Counihan, the Clerk read a letter from Mr. Howard Bellinger, Executive Director, of the Metropoli- tan Planning Commission stating it was his understanding that the Savannah Beach City Council had reviewed the Plan for a Chatham County Solid Waste Management Program and that-the features of this Plan had been discussed with Council by Mr. -Clyde Wester, Senior Planner with the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Also, that Council had agreed to send the M.P.C. a letter supporting the Plan. Mr. Bellinger requested Council to get this letter in to them, if possible, by December 20th. LETTER FROM MR. BELLINGER Councilman Hosti stated that he would meet with Mr. Wester to discuss this as soon as a meeting could be arranged. To conform with the requirements of the Southern Standard Housing Code, 1973 Edition, which has now been adopted by the City of Savannah Beach, Mayor Counihan appointed the following Savannah Beach residents to the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals: 1 Year Term - Franklin Burnsed - Building Inspector 2 Year Term - Joseph Winders - prominent educator 3 Year Term - S. R. Kent - former City Employee experienced in water - sewer- building and electrical work Mayor Counihan requested the Clerk to notify these gentlemen of their appointment to this Board and asked that the City Attorney prepare the necessary Resolution. 97 - 3 - Mayor Counihan called upon Mr. Leo Beckman, Jr. a member of the law firm of Miller,_ Beckman and Simpson and an associate of Mr. William H. Pinson, our City Attorney, who stated that he was sitting in for Mr. Pinson at this meeting because he had been unavoidably detained in Lyons, Georgia, today and was unable to get back to Savannah in time for the Meeting. Mr. Beckman stated that at. a Council Meeting on December 3, 1974, Councilman Agnew proposed that an amendment to the City Charter be made which would have the effect of electing the Mayor and Councilmen to a four year term. Mr. Beckman stated that, under the law of Georgia the mayor and council cannot appoint themselves to a four -year term or vote to extend their terms during their present term - this to take effect as of the next election. Mr. Beckman told Council that in his haste to get at least a rough draft of a Resolution for Council to work on, he had brought one with him that contained a lot of typographi- cal errors. He read the necessary corrections for Council to change their copies. He then read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council for the CITY OF SAVANNAH BEACH are by the authority of the Charter of the CITY OF SAVANNAH BEACH, Tybee Island, Georgia, elected for terms of office of two (2) years; and, WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council feel that the term of four (4) years would better enable them to carry out the business of the CITY OF SAVANNAH BEACH, Tybee Island, Georgia. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the CITY COUNCIL duly assembled authorizes the legislative delegation from the COUNTY of CHATHAM to introduce before the GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY a bill for the purpose of amending the charter of the CITY OF SAVANNAH BEACH, Tybee island, Georgia, to provide for four (4) year terms of office for the Mayor and Councilmen of the CITY OF SAVANNAH BEACH, Tybee Island, Georgia. ADOPTED IN OPEN COUNCIL THIS day of 19 After reading the draft of the Resolution, Mr. Beckman informed Council that he and Mr. Pinson felt that this pro- posed amendment to the City Charter should be left slightly flexible for the Chatham County Legislative delegation so that, after consulting with the legislators, at a later time Council could adopt the final form of the amendment. Mr. Beckman then read the proposed Amendment to the Charter: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CHARTER 98 4 Summarizing, Mr. Beckman stated that briefly what this proposed amendment does is to set up for the next election, the election of a mayor and three councilmen for a four year term and the election of three councilmen for a two year term. And, at the next subsequent election (the two years subsequent to this) three councilmen would be elected for a four year term with the other three councilmen holding over for two more years and, also, the mayor holding over for two more years. Mayor Counihan then asked for discussion on this proposed amendment to alter our charter in regard to the election of the mayor and councilmen. Councilman James Bond stated that at the present time our elections are held on the first Monday in April and those elected do not assume office until the first Monday in July. He said he would like to see this changed and have the elected Mayor and Councilmen take office on the first Monday in May. The majority of the Council felt that changing the date of the election would serve the same purpose. Mayor Counihan stated that if this Resolution was adopted by Council he would have to sign it; however, he stated, he wanted to go on record as being opposed to it. After further discussion on other changes it was ex- plained by Mr. Beckman that this Resolution was merely a proposal that we would submit to our legislative delegation; and that it was purposely made flexible enough so that Council could make changes after presenting it to the legislators and conferring with them. Councilman Joe Agnew moved the adoption of the Resolution subject to changing the month of the election from April to May. This motion was seconded by Councilman Richard DeLoach following which Mr. James Fabrikant asked for permission to speak and suggested that a referendum should be added td bin in order to give the voters an opportunity to express themselves on it. After a further discussion, Councilman Agnew amended his original motion to include the requirement that a referen- dum on this question be held during the calender year of 1975 to give the people a chance to vote on it. A discussion then followed as to the legality of passing a bill before the Referendum was held. Council John Wylly suggested that Mr. Agnew get an opinion on this and then poll them on the phone. Mayor Counihan appointed Mr. Agnew a committee of one to look into this matter further and so notify the Council, or, he stated if Council so desired he would do this. This was agreeable with Council and the Resolution was NOT adopted at this meeting. 1 99 5 Councilman Edward Fahey, Chairman of the Police Committee, requested permission of Council to make Lt. Weatherly of the Savannah Beach Police Department, Special Investigator for the Police Department effective January 1, 1975. This assign- ment to be for a period of ninety (90) days, after which time we would be able to determine whether or not the position could be be made permanent. Chairman Fahey explained that the L.E.A.A. Grants are usually distributed during the first part of the year and that he was in hopes of getting this job funded through this source. Mr. Fahey stated further he would still like to make the job permanent even if he did not get the money from these Federal Funds. Some of the reasons for requesting this new position for Lt. Weatherly, Mr. Fahey said, were his familiarity with the paper work to obtain L.E.A.A. Funds and to increase the efficiency of the Savannah Beach Police Depart- ment by having Lt. Weatherly do all the investigative work for the Department. Councilman Fahey then stated that he had not discussed this with anyone except the members of Council. Councilman Richard DeLoach raised the question as to whether or not Mr. Fahey felt that we could do without Lt. Weatherly's services as patrolman. Mr. Fahey stated that he felt seven men could handle it at least during this trial period of ninety days. Council seemed to approve this and suggested that Chairman Fahey confer with his committee and if the Police Committee approve this move, it would be agree- able with them. Mr. Fahey informed Council that two new patrol cars were very badly needed by the Police Department. He stated that our present cars were still running but were beginning to cost us a lot of money. He stated further that he had found that funds were available from Revenue Sharing. Councilman Hosti stated that, speaking for himself, he certainly saw no objection to this. The other members of Council also agreed and permission was given Chairman Fahey to purchase two new cars from Revenue Sharing Funds. Councilman Fahey asked Council for their opinion in regard to first offenders that are picked up for drug violations as users. He stated that, for example, if the arresting officer knows that this is a first offense and that he can contact the parents of these defendants and get their cooperation - can he turn these first - offenders over to the custody of their parents? Councilman Bond felt that it would be necessary to make an arrest in order to determine if this was actually a first offense. Mr. Fahey stated further that it had been his intention to ask City Attorney Pinson if a temporary hold could be put on the defendant until the determination could be made as to whether or not this was a first offense. Mr. Fahey stated that the whole idea behind his request was to try to give these young people a second chance without putting anything on their record. loo - 6 Councilman Hosti stated his views were that on the first offense, Mr. Fahey, the arresting officer and the judge should confer confidentially and if it is found to be a first - offense and if the three of them feel that the parents can control their children, that they be turned over to the custody of their parents. The Mayor asked the members of Council if there were any objections to this procedure. Hearing none, it was so ordered. Chairman Fahey informed Council that due to the $3400.00 cost which the City would have to pay in order to participate in the Chatham County Police Dispatching Service and due to the fact that it was necessary for us to have our own dispatchers around the clock, it was his recommendations that we do not participate in the Chatham County Service. It was suggested that since we had our own base station and dispatchers around the clock, the City of Thunderbolt should be contacted with the view of having them join in our dispatching. Mr. Fahey stated he would do this. Councilman Richard DeLoach stated that he wanted to know what were the feelings of the Council as to our Fire Department answering calls outside the city limits. In answer to a question from the Mayor as to whether or not this would leave our people unprotected, Councilman DeLoach stated that it would not. Mr. DeLoach continued stating that the main area he was concerned about was Spanish Hammock and Chimney Creek. Fort Pulaski was also in our jurisdiction, he stated that our present policy was just to send one unit to do what we can. It was brought out by Councilman John Wylly that these people outside the city limits were not paying taxes and that other volunteer fire departments charge and the residents subscribe to them. He said he was not advocating that we stand by and watch someone's house burn because they had not paid their dues, but, he brought out that we, as taxpayers, were paying for these services and the people outside the city limits were not. Chairman DeLoach stated again that he wanted City Council to decide what the policy of the Savannah Beach Fire Department would be in this matter: Councilman Fahey stated that if we were going to make any exceptions in going outside the city limits then we should take care of all the people outside the city limits - not just those along Tybee Road. Councilman Agnew stated that at the present time we were providing garbage collection outside the city limits for a fee and we should do the same thing in answer- ing fire calls. Councilman Agnew then moved that the Fire Department come up with a recommendation as to how much the charges will be for the people who subscribe to the fire ser -. vice and make the service available to these people outside 1 1 101 the city limits on that basis. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hosti and unanimously carried. Councilman Joe Agnew stated that he had been requested to look into the matter of the possible conveyance of some land being a portion of Beechwood Drive which the City had been requested to quit -claim to an individual. Mr. Agnew stated that it was his feeling that that the City needed to adopt a policy of conveying any excess land it may own. He said that when we get a request for the quit - claiming of any city -owned property, or if Council decided it would like to dispose of some real estate, this matter should be referred to the com- mittee that ordinarily would have jurisdication over that property. For example of what he meant, Mr. Agnew explained that if the property involved was a street, it should be re- ferred to the D.P.W. Committee or if it was a building that had been used for recreational purposes, then it would be referred to that committee. This committee would then make a dertermi- nation as to whether or not the City had any future requirement for the use of this property. After they determined that it is excess to the requirements of the City, if they so do, the matter should then come back to the Committee on General Government for the establishment of a fair market price for it. Then, he said, this value must be approved by the entire Council. Mr. Agnew continued stating thatafter this value had been arrived at, the property would be duly advertised and a bid opening date set and sealed bids received for the purchase of the property. And, after the bids are opened, if the high bid received is equal to or in excess of the value that had previously been arrived at by City Council then we would sell it. Mr. Agnew stated that he felt this was a good, orderly procedure for us to follow. Mayor Counihan stated that he felt the adjoining property;; owner should be shown some kind of preference. Mr. Agnew stated that the only way he would give the near -by property owner the . preference would be for him to pay the price for it. Councilman Agnew then moved that this procedure be established as a policy for disposing of excess property. This motion was seconded by Councilman Hosti. At this point, Assistant City Attorney Leo Beckman recommended Council add to this procedure a requirement that the property be appraised by a registered professional appraiser, at the purchaser's expense. Councilman Fahey suggested that perhaps this should be done with a Resolution and Attorney Beckman agreed. Councilman Agnew stated that the procedure he had outlined was the one used by the Federal Government and could be used until the proper ordinance could be drawn for it. Councilman Agnew felt like the appraisal would be preferable in the long run but what he had in mind was to establish a policy that we could use on a temporary basis with the idea in mind that we would adopt an ordinance to cover it later. He stated again that he just wanted some procedure established right now for the city to go 102 8 by. Attorney Beckman stated that a policy would be good to . establish but it would still be necessary that a Resolution be passed prior to a particular piece of property being sold for whatever price was set up by the committee; however, he stated he felt that this procedure could be made the policy of the City with a motion. Mayor Counihan then called for a vote on the question and it was unanimously carried. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned to the next regular or special called meeting. Clerk of Council 1 1 CHATHAM county sr�vvnAwi" r1ETRovouun PLANNING COMMISSION 2 E. BAY SL BQK'1027 SAVANNAH, GA 31402 912-236 -9523 HOWARD J. BELLINGER. AIP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MILTON L. NEWTON. JR. DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR December 13, 1974 Mayor Michael J. Counihan Town Hall Butler Avenue Savannah Beach, Georgia 31328 Dear Mayor Counihan: I have been advised by Clyde Wester, Senior Planner with the Metropolitan Planning Commission and Project Director for developing the Chatham County Solid Waste Management Plan, that he has discussed the features of the plan with you. It is my understanding that you have agreed to review the plan and to forward to our office your letter supporting the plan. We would appreci- ate your letter of endorsement by December 20 so that it can be included in the document that we must submit to the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division. As you know, the Countywide Solid Waste Management Plan is a prerequisite for receiving financial assistance from the State of Georgia under the Solid Waste Grant Program. We wish to extend our appreciation to you and the many other local officials who assisted our staff in preparing this important planning document. HB:sc Sincerely, glae.la"it ("e44‘.11LA4 Howard Bellinger Executive Director 1 103 Savannah Beach, Georgia December 27, 1975 A Special Called Meeting of Savannah Beach City Council was held this evening at 7:00 P.M. for the purpose of accepting the low bid and awarding the contract for the Lewis Avenue sewer work and to request the State of Georgia to amend the Grant Contract to include the replacement of sewers in Lewis Avenue in Grant 74- WPC -4. Mayor Counihan asked that the records show that the meeting was called by Councilman Bond, Wylly, Hosti and Fahey. Mayor Counihan informed Council that it was his under- standing that Councilman Agnew would not be present at the meeting but that he had not heard from Councilman DeLoach. However, a quorum of the following Councilmen was present at the meeting: Ernest Hosti, John Wylly, James Bond and Ed. Fahey. Councilman DeLoach did arrive shortly thereafter. City Attorney William H. Pinson, Jr. was also present and Mayor M. J. Counihan presided. The Clerk then read the Resolution prepared by the City Attorney awarding the contract to Aultman Contracting Company who was the low bidder and whose bid was $55,728.97. Following the reading of this Resolution, Mayor Counihan asked who was the next low bidder. Councilman Jim Bond, Chair- man of the Water and Sewer Department, then read the following letter from Thomas and Hutton dated December 17, 1974, LETTER FROM THOMAS AND HUTTON Following the reading of this letter, which listed all of the bidders with the amount of their bid and a recommendation that the work be awarded to the low bidder, Aultman Contracting Company in the amount of $55,728.97, Mayor Counihan stated that he had not been able to find out very much about Aultman. Contracting Company and since they were located in Macon, Georgia and would have to come from Macon in the event we had any trouble with their work, he felt we should consider Collins Plumbing Company, the NO. 2 bidder or Eastern Construction Company, the NO. 3 bidder. In the discussion which followed Council seemed to . prefer a local company rather than one from out of town; however, City Attorney Pinson questioned Council's actions in NOT awarding the contract to the low bidder fearing some conflict with the State Grant requirements. Councilman Bond stated that no matter what company Council decided to give the bid to, we needed sufficient inspectors to get the job done properly and to see that the plans and specifications are followed to the letter. 104 - 2 After more discussion, Council felt that since there was only about $600.00 difference in the first and second bids that the work be awarded to Collins Plumbing Company and the following Resolution be adopted: RESOLUTION Following the reading of the Resolution, Councilman Hosti stated that if all were in agreement on this he would move the adoption of this Resolution and he so moved. The motion was seconded by Councilman Fahey and unanimously carried. There being no further business, the meeting was ad- journed to the next regular or special called meeting. Clerk of Council Mayor TELEPHONE 232.2185 IHUE THOMAS. JR. JOSEPH J. HUTTON 1 1 THOMAS AND HUTTON ENGINEERING CO. 20 HAY STREET. EAST SAVANNAH. GEORGIA 31402 December 17, 1974 City of Savannah Beach Post Office Box 128 Savannah Beach, Georgia 31328 Gentlemen: P. O. Box 8042 W. G. FOSTER F. V. GEORGE. JR. W. C. POWERS P. W. RAMEE• Bids were received at 10: 30 a.m. December 17, 1974 at City Hall for the construction of sanitary sewers in Lewis Avenue. The following bids were received: 1. Aultman Contracting Company $ 55, 728.97 2. Collins Plumbing Company 56,387.30 3. Eastern Construction Company 56, 520.55 4. Beckworth Construction Company 57,676. 55 5. M.C. Anderson Company 60,381.25 6. Shuman Construction Company 67,902. 05 7. Charles F. Smith & Son 70,470. 50 8. Porter Trucking Company 77, 799.00 9. Gray Gull Construction Company 88,625. 00 We have checked the bids received and recommend that the work be awarded to the low bidder Aultman Contracting Company in the amount of $55, 728.97. Enclosed is a copy of the Abstract of Bids received and a copy of the Aultman Contracting Company's Proposal. JJH /kh Enclosure Very truly yours, THOMAS & HUTTON ENGINEERING CO. 1 1 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, SAVANNAH BEACH, TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA has accepted a State Grant, 74- WPC -4, of $250,000.00 to assist with the rehabilitation of the City's Sanitary Sewer System; and WHEREAS, the sewer system located in Lewis Avenue was not specifically listed in this Grant contract; and, WHEREAS, bids for the replacement of the sewer system located in Lewis Avenue were received on December 17, 1974, and the preferable bidder was determined to be Collins Plumbing Company whose bid was $56,387.30. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the CITY OF SAVANNAH BEACH, TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA, in Council duly assembled does hereby award the work to Collins Plumbing Company in the amount of $56,387.30. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council duly assembled authorizes the Mayor of Savannah Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia to request the State to amend the grant contract to include the replacement of the sewerage system located in Lewis Avenue in Grant 74- WPC -4. ADOPTED IN OPEN COUNCIL this 27th day of DECEMBER , 1974 ATTEST: CITY OF SAVANNAH BEACH, TYBEE ISLAND, GA By: E. M. Patterson, City Clerk