HomeMy Public PortalAbout20171117Minutes.pdfTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: November 16, 2017
Members Present: No attendance sheet provided
Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Dr. Shawn Gillen, City Manager, Wanda Doyle and Monty Parks.
CALL TO ORDER: Cathy Sakas called the meeting to order at 12:05PM.
Sand Fence Installation Event – Mark Padgett and Cathy Lewis. Ms. Lewis stated there are over
29 volunteers for the event on November 18, 2017 at 9:00AM. Mr. Padgett stated everyone is to meet at
9:00AM at 14th Street and divide into groups from there. Mr. Padgett discussed the timeline of the Saturday
event to include meeting, distribution of supplies, marsh rack, placement of the actual sand fencing, and
refreshments. Mr. Adams confirmed he picked up supplies from Home Depot for the construction of the
sand fencing.
Update on Filling Sand Dune Breaches – Dr. Gillen. Dr. Gillen stated he has been working with Deb
Barrio, GaDNR, to develop a plan for the entire beach. Currently they are focusing on Phase I, Pier to 19th
Street, a plan, which involves (1) standard dune building; (2) Guardian System; and (3) erosion control.
Alan Robertson added a recommendation was made to the City in April 2017 and was modified in May
2017 after the committee looked at 14th Street crossover. The plan is to close off 18th Street to all vehicular
traffic and put a dune on 19th Street, which would become your emergency and DPW vehicular access. At
their recommendation, a landscaping plan will be added. The Committee is going to maximize protection
of life and property and minimize impact to the shoreline.
Update on ACE Sand Restoration Project – Wanda Doyle. Ms. Doyle stated she has been in contact
with the Corps of Engineers and everything is on track. Ms. Sakas asked if there was anything the Beach
Task Force needed to do to assist with the December 8, 2017 deadline. Ms. Doyle stated no, not at this
time. Mayor Buelterman is meeting with parties to ensure money will be available for the upcoming re-
nourishment.
Renee DeRossett – resident. Ms. DeRossett stated she is a resident of the Island and is promoting the
importance of the sand dunes. She commended the Beach Task Force for their working in protecting the
barrier island. Ms. DeRossett stated due to the recent hurricanes and wave action, the dunes in front of
her property, Savannah Beach and Racquet Club have all been destroyed. She asked for assistance in
dune building in that area. Ms. Doyle responded sand has been added and plantings are forthcoming on
the north-end. She reminded the Beach Task Force that the Beach and Racquet Club is not part of the
Federal Project and hopefully part of an upcoming Study. Mr. Padgett stated the new Study would include
that area of the north-end beach. Ms. Lewis asked if sand fencing could be installed in that area. Dr.
Gillen stated he was not certain. Mr. Ferrell recommended the Mayor send a letter to the Corps of Engineers
much like the Park Service asking to look at the south jetty at the north channel. If the jetty were to be
built up, it might make the area more stable. Ms. DeRossett thanked the Beach Task Force for everything
they are doing and stated if she can do anything to please let her know. Wayne Morris approached the
Beach Task Force. He volunteered for the sand fencing project and thanked the Beach Task Force for all
they are doing. Timothy Leonard approached the Beach Task Force. He recommended in setting the posts
for the sand fencing project, the post are buried at least 2 ½ foot for stability.
Kate Burns, Beach Litter Sub-committee, gave a brief update regarding the Anti-Butt Campaign. She
is putting out an additional twenty receptacles to encourage people with their cigarette butts. Ms. Burns
also gave an update on the small receptacles that will be available through the Beach Ambassadors
Program. Ms. Sakas asked who would be responsible for putting the stickers (advertisements) on the small
receptacles. Ms. Burns responded the sub-committee would be doing as if the vendor does; the stickers
are not as crisp as it can be done locally. Mr. Adams recommended certain areas of the beach be designated
for a baseline for progress of the Campaign. Ms. Burns confirmed.
Dr. Gillen approached the Beach Task Force to speak on the new beach crossover signage. Designs were
done and presented to the Public Safety Committee. They were agreeable to the designs and is asking for
the Beach Task Force approval. Dr. Gillen distributed the designs and the recommended changes of the
existing signage. After a discussion, the Beach Task Force recommended the following changes: (1) to
rephrase the statements so they are more positive; (2) ensure street number is on the beach side signage;
and (3) adding “stay off the dunes” to the signage. Mimi Pinner made a motion to send the recommended
changes to City Council. Frank Wooldridge seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve.
Ms. Lewis recommended the City Manager reach out to Georgia Power to replace the broken or missing
turtle shields from the streetlights. Dr. Gillen confirmed he would contact Georgia Power.
Being no further business, Ms. Sakas adjourned the meeting.
__________________________
Janet LeViner, CMC
City Clerk