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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20180118Minutes.docxTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: January 18, 2018 Members Present: Amy Lanier, Alan Robertson, Cathy Lewis, Cathy Sakas, Clay Mobley, Frank Wooldridge, Jimmy Burke, Joe Richardson, Kate Burns, Mini Pinner, Paul Wolff, Rodney Messinger, Sam Adams and Wick Search Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Wanda Doyle, City Council Liaison; Monty Parks; and Dr. Shawn Gillen, City Manager. CALL TO ORDER: Cathy Sakas called the meeting to order at 12:05PM. Dr. Gillen stated he is to attend a meeting with the Corps of Engineers later that day for the bid opening regarding the upcoming beach re-nourishment. This will be the onset of the project to include a timeline and give the City an opportunity to purchase additional sand while the dredging is taking place. This will enhance the beach re-nourishment and sand dune building. He and Alan Robertson have been working with the GaDNR for dune building. Mr. Robertson stated from the Pier to 18th Street and at 19th Street where there is vehicular crossovers, they are working with Thomas Angel regarding dune building. The Shoreline Protection Committee does not have a standing meeting. The City will notify them in February 2018 prior to beach re-nourishment for a meeting to move forward with the dune building. Dr. Gillen stated the crossover at 19th Street would be an experiment as there will be sand bags inside the dune for stability. A mat will be placed over the sand bags and then sand on top of that as well as plantings for stabilization. There was a brief discussion regarding the type of plantings used. Ms. Sakas asked the period for the assessment. Mr. Robertson respond he expected a six-month assessment. Mr. Adams suggested the Beach Task Force write a letter to GaDNR and all organizations thanking them for their support regarding the sand fencing installation. Ms. Sakas confirmed. Frank Wooldridge stated he did have an update on the Shoreline Protection Sub-committee. Kate Burns gave an update on the Beach Litter Sub-committee. Ms. Burns stated McDonald’s will no longer use Styrofoam cups; Hilton Head has ban plastic bags and a number of counties in South Carolina are adopting the ban; Wildlife Viewing Grants are being offered by GaDNR ($3,000); Fight Dirty was highlighted in Texas; and the annual report of the Tybee Clean Beach Volunteers is now available. Ms. Burns stated all the coastal communities in Georgia are going to be involved in the Coastal Wide Anti-Butt Campaign. By participating in the Campaign, the City will be eligible to apply for the Keep America Beautify Grant for $20,000. This will be for a number of campaigns in support of keeping the beach clean. She then displayed different butt receptacles that the City might provide to beach goers through numerous committees and vendors on the Island. Ms. Doyle stated money would be included in the upcoming budget cycle for this type of campaign. Ms. Burns discussed having the butt receptacles available to the local businesses for sale. Mr. Wolff recommended they be sold at all the businesses as that would create a sustainability fund where that money could be used to buy additional receptacles. Ms. Sakas asked the status of “Adopt a Crosswalk”. Ms. Burns stated there is no movement with this campaign as they are working toward the beach ambassadors. Dr. Gillen stated the City has adopted the area at 6th Street to Center Street. This will be an opportunity for the staff to gain wellness points. Mr. Wooldridge referred to the Nature Trail and asked if this area could be included in clean up. Ms. Sakas responded she would look into this. She also asked volunteers to apply for the GaDNR Grant, as she does not have time to take the project on. Mr. Robbins asked signs “Keep out of the Dunes” be replaced as the re-nourishment and work is done on the beach. Mr. Robertson confirmed. Cathy Lewis stated in the past, Turtle Shields were placed on the lights near the beach to assist the turtles during the Season. Since the two hurricanes, many of these shields have been blown down or destroyed. Ms. Lewis would like to propose the City to contact Georgia Power to have them replaced. She presented a list of thirteen (13) shields that need to be corrected and/or replaced. Dr. Gillen stated he would reach out to Georgia Power. Jan LeViner reported the Tybee Island Youth Council would like to participate with the rebuilding of the dunes and asked a representative of the Beach Task Force attend a future meeting. Ms. Sakas confirmed. Sam Adams referred to HB 271. Corrections were incorporated into the Bill and was passed by the House. At the Senate level, stalled. He read from a prepared statement and recommended the Beach Task Force request the City through the Beach Task Force be kept in the loop on the happenings of the Senate. Ms. Doyle stated she would reach out to Representative Jesse Petrea for an update. Cathy Sakas referred to a derelict structure on the beach. Dr. Richardson stated the cable is part of the old sea wall and is indeed a hazard. Ms. Doyle asked if the signs need to be put back. Ms. Sakas recommended yes. Ms. Doyle will reach out to Dr. Gillen, City Manager. Dr. Richardson requested the Beach Task Force be made aware of the outcome of Dr. Gillen’s meeting with the Corps of Engineers regarding beach re-nourishment. Ms. Doyle confirmed. Mark Padgett gave a brief update on the Sand Fence Installation. He stated new dunes are growing due to the placement of the sand fencing. This will give the City good data for future dune building. Being there was no further business; Ms. Sakas adjourned the meeting at 1:15PM. __________________________ Janet LeViner, CMC City Clerk