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Tybee Island, Georgia
October 10, 1979
A regular meeting of the Tybee Island City Council was held at 3:30 p.m.
on Wednesday, October 10, 1979 at the City Hall, with Mayor M. J. Counihan pre-
siding. The following members of Council were present: W. C. Fleetwood, John J.
Owen, Edward Jung, Jerome Bettencourt and Nick C. Alexander. Councilwoman Karen
Losey was absent. City Attorney Lance Smith was present.
The first visitor to appear before Council was Mrs. Catherine Ravita, owner
of Cathy's Apartments. She protested the addition of the $7.50 minimum water
charge to each apartment, saying that it will drive small businesses out of
business. Councilman Fleetwood explained the new water rates and also explained
that water -sewer revenue bonds must be met. He stated that the bond holders have
the right to insist that the department be financially self- sufficient, and that
the new ordinance is an attempt to generate sufficient revenue to maintain the
fiscal solvency required by law.
Mrs. Emma Barbee requested that the steps leading to the ocean from 18th
Street be repaired. Mayor Counihan requested that Councilman Alexander take care
of this matter.
Mr. W. F. Brogden stated that he, as an apartment owner, believes that the
water -sewer minimum rate for each apartment is necessary and does not object to
paying it; however he wished to be assured that all apartment owners pay their fair
share. Mayor Counihan stated that approximately 170 new accounts have been added
since the rate schedule went into effect and that the City Marshall will be res-
ponsible for investigations to be sure that each owner is paying as he should.
Mr. Brogden also wished to complain that the problem of dogs at large has not been
solved to his satisfaction; he stated that he understands that dogs have escaped
from the holding pen at the police station. City Attorney Lance Smith made a
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statement concerning the fines that are being levied at Recorder's Court, which
Mr. Brogden feels are not high enough. He stated that habitual offenders are
charged more.
Mrs. Carolyn Bates requested that the stage curtains be removed or repaired,
as she feels they detract from the appearance of the auditorium. Mayor Counihan
promised to have them repaired.
The minutes of the September meeting were approved as written.
Under communications the clerk read a letter from Kaye and Don Kole, who
commended the Tybee Island Fire Department for their prompt, efficient handling of
a fire at the Kole residence.
Reports from committees were made as follows:
Councilman Jack Owen of the water -sewer committee stated that his committee
is studying commercial rates and hope to have a report in the near future.
Councilman Fleetwood stated the pension study committee has not yet met, but
he hopes to have a report at the next regular meeting.
* Bills for the month of September, 1979 were approved as follows: General
Government - $12,928.49; Public Works - $15,781.86, Sanitation - $4,566.06,
Parking Meter Department- $3,052.90, Fire Department - $817.49, Recreation - $3,554.90,
Water -Sewer Department - $22,220.46.
The Second Reading of the SEPCO Ordinance was read. Councilman Fleetwood then
moved that the vote be postponed until after his upcoming meeting with SEPCO officials.
The City Attorney stated that consideration should be given to adding a section re-
quiring a written report of a yearly inspection of lines within the City Limits.
Council agreed unanimously to withhold vote on the ordinance until further notice.
Councilman Fleetwood then reported on the status of the beach renourishment
project, stating that the Corps of Engineers has requested that the City provide
additional parking at the North End. He read a letter prepared for the Mayor's
*Figures from monthly
financial reports.
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signature which will guarantee that a total of 638 parking spaces will be available
on the North End by July 4, 1980. Councilman Fleetwood moved that the letter be
sent, Councilman Alexander seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor.
Councilman Bettencourt announced that the United Way campaign for Tybee Island
doubled its quota this year. He congratulated those who worked so hard to make this
our most successful campaign ever.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
CLERK OF COUNCIL