HomeMy Public PortalAbout20170720 Minutes.docxTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: July 20, 2017
Members Present: Cathy Lewis, Cathy Sakas, Frank Wooldridge, Harvey Ferrell, Helen Downing, Jimmy Burke, Joe Richardson, Kate Burns, Michael Foran, Paul Wolff, and Sam Adams
Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Jason Buelterman, Wanda Doyle, Bill Garbett, Monty Parks and Dr. Shawn Gillen, City Manager. Hunter Hall and Tyler Byrd representing Buddy Carter’s office
CALL TO ORDER: Cathy Sakas called the meeting to order at 12:05PM.
Jimmy Burke made a motion to approve minutes from May 18, 2017. Michael Foran second. Vote was unanimous to approve.
Michael Foran made a motion to approve minutes from June 22, 2017. Harvey Ferrell seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve.
Frank Wooldridge gave an update on the Shoreline Protection Subcommittee. Mr. Wooldridge stated there would be a meeting in Brunswick on August 10, 2017 at GaDNR. The focus is Stormwater
Management and Coastal Restoration. Jimmy Burke and Michael Foran expressed an interest to attend the meeting with Mr. Wooldridge. As Alan Roberson was not in attendance, Mr. Wooldridge
gave an update on the dunes. He stated the City received the LOP from GaDNR for the restoration of dunes from Hurricane Matthew. Dr. Gillen stated the work has not been scheduled
as of yet as the materials have not been purchased. Once the materials have been purchased Sam Adams and Joe Wilson will coordinate the date to begin. Mr. Wooldridge stated he is
working on the estimate for sand depository to be added to the beach re-nourishment plan for the fall 2017. Mr. Robertson is also working on availability of sand for emergency sand
bagging if another hurricane should approach the Island. Mayor Buelterman asked if the City is required to apply for permits to GaDNR. Ms. Sakas stated she will research and bring
back to the Task Force.
Sam Adams gave an update on the Dune Subcommittee. Mr. Adams stated the Subcommittee has moved forward to the point where materials are being delivered to DPW. They will bring to the
sites for the purpose of the sand fencing configuration. He has also met with Tammy Smith regarding the turtle nesting and she confirmed the sites are not likely to be accessed by
nesting turtles. With this confirmation, GaDNR has given their approval.
Kate Burns gave an update on the Beach Litter Subcommittee. Ms. Burns stated at the recent meeting there was a discussion regarding all the coastal communities joining forces to do
an anti-litter campaign. This will be targeted mainly on cigarette butts. There will also be signage for awareness. Ms. Burns’ committee is planning a community workshop in September
which will be hosted by the Beach Task Force. The Subcommittee is also promoting “Adopt a Crossover” for litter control. Churches, restaurants and civic/public groups could get involved.
They would be trained so as to not go in the dunes to remove trash but to remove with grabbers. Ms. Lewis expressed her concerns with the larger trash items that are left on the
beach such as beach chairs, tents and coolers. Dr. Gillen explained DPW recognizes the items, tags it and then comes back later to see if abandoned. If so, it is removed. Mr. Hall
stated he is in favor of the “Adopt a Crosswalk” program as high school groups could get involved. He recommended an increase in fines for the cigarette butts on the beach. Monty
Parks expressed his concerns with snakes on the beach and dunes as people need to be cautious. Mr. Ferrell suggested individuals needing community service hours do beach sweeps for
litter. Ms. Burns confirmed.
Paul Wolff gave an update on HB 271. First he asked Mr. Hall for support in funding for Sea Grants and Coastal Management Programs. Mr. Hall responded he will look into the funding
possibility and report
back as it is in the Senate currently. Mr. Wolff stated currently the Coast Advisory Council is drafting a letter to the House and Senate requesting they establish a committee of stake
holders and scientists to inject some science into the conversations regarding shore protection legislation as it has to do with property rights. It is his understanding that the text
of the Bill has not changed as it is going through the Senate. Ms. Doyle stated Jesse Petrea now understands the urgency with the coast communities as it relates to property owners
rights. Mr. Hall confirmed the bill is currently in the Senate and will not be considered until next year.
Mayor Buelterman stated the re-nourishment that is scheduled for the winter is slated to be about a $5M project and the County has agreed to pay the City’s 40% share. The project should
begin mid-December and finish in late February 2018. In regards with the sand replacement, the City is trying to purchase extra sand from the contractor to put in a designated location
and then fill in the gaps in the dune system. There was a short discussion regarding the new flood maps. Mr. Hall will check for update and completion date. Mayor Buelterman touched
on Phase II of the Channel Impact Study update. He explained Phase II is a $3M study and the Federal Government is reluctant to pay their share. The Georgia Ports Authority has
been contacted and they have identified a $500,000 grant that the City will be eligible for from the State. Mr. Hall asked Mayor Buelterman what he can do to assist in getting the
funding. It was the unanimous consensus of the Beach Task Force for the City to move forward with the 15 year extension.
Paul Wolff made a motion to have Moses Robins name submitted to Mayor and Council and approval to be a member of the Beach Task Force. Kate Burns seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Being there was no further business; Ms. Sakas adjourned the meeting at 1:05PM.
__________________________
Janet LeViner, CMC
City Clerk