HomeMy Public PortalAbout19820324SCMeetingTybee Island, Georgia
March 24, 1982
A special meeting of the Tybee Island City Council was called
for the purpose of hearing a request from the Tybee Jaycees for a temporary
license for hosting a circus, and for deciding the location of the event,
and for no other purposes.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Michael J. Counihan at
3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 1982 at Tybee Island City Hall. The
following members of Council were present: Jerome W. Bettencourt, Julianne
J. Meyers, James L. Fabrikant, Jr., John J. Owen, Jr., and William C. Fleetwood.
Nick C. Alexander was absent. City Attorney James E. McAleer was present.
Mayor Counihan explained to the audience that the Jaycees had
appeared at the last Council meeting and requested the use of Memorial
Park for a circus on April 11, 1982. City Council agreed at that time
to give Councilman Bettencourt, Recreation Chairman, authority to investigate
the request and to grant or deny permission to use the park. He further
stated that he became aware of the intention to use commercial property
at the corner of Miller Avenue and First Street (Highway 80) only after
being called by neighboring property owners who objected to the circus
being located adjacent to their property.
Councilman Bettencourt read a letter written to the Jaycees by
him and refusing the use of Memorial Park but offering the city's property
in front of Tybee Museum. He stated that he had received no further communi-
cation from the Jaycees since that time.
Speakers in order of their appearance were: Leon Case, Alice
Martin, Christopher P. Solomon, Randy Bragg, Mrs. Stella Case, Burt Barrett,
Jr., Mike Hagins, Judy Dreyfus, Marion Dean, Roxanne Carter.
A brief summation of the arguments of those against the First
Street location follows: (1) Miller Avenue is an unpaved street, not suited
for heavy traffic (2) Itinerants will be drawn into adjacent residential
area (3) Traffic & parking will be a problem with public encroachment
on private property (4) People in neighborhood who supported the circus
were mostly renters - almost all property owners object to it (5) Advertise-
ment of the site before receiving the permit could be-considered insulting
to the City Council.
The following arguments in favor of the site were put forth by
the Jaycees: (1) the lot is vacant and is commercial property (2) A 200
1
1
x 300 foot lot is needed for the tent and the front of Tybee Museum does
not have the necessary space. (3) The circus is a small European -type
circus with only one ring and will give only two performances on Sunday
afternoon (4) the property in question will probably be developed commercially
soon and so this would not be setting a precedent for future activities
on the property (5) The circus is a wholesome, family entertainment and
should be encouraged as a worthwhile activity for children of the island
(6) the Jaycees undertook the project as a fund - raising project for community
service projects and the First Street location will attract larger crowds.
The Jaycees were repeatedly commended for their public service
and for their community spirit. All those who spoke against the First
Street location were supportive of the project provided the site could
be changed.
Mayor Counihan allowed each speaker two opportunities to address
the Council so that a fair opportunity for rebuttal was given to each group.
After each group's spokespersons had completed both argument and
rebuttal, members of City Council spoke.
Councilman Bettencourt stated that he commends the Jaycees for
their good work, and that he is always supportive of a group that attempts
to raise money for their own projects. He added that he cannot ignore
the wishes of the people and cannot vote in favor of a permit for that
site unless the neighbors' objections can be satisfied.
Councilman Fabrikant stated that he believes the lot is more than
adequate to contain the circus tent and all vehicles, plus parking for
the public without encroaching on adjacent properties. He further stated
that he felt the Jaycees were sincere in their offer to cooperate with
neighbors, and work to protect the neighboring properties, adding that
he has nothing to gain personally, but sees no real reason to deny the
permit.
Councilwoman Meyers stated (in answer to an earlier objection)
that she does not feel it is sacreligous to hold a circus on Easter Sunday
since the Masters Golf Tournament is also played on that day. She believes
it may be a good opportunity for working parents to be with their children.
Councilman Fleetwood asked Mr. Solomon, the Jaycee President,
what he would do if faced with this decision. This question was prompted
by Mr. Solomon's candidacy for Mayor, and Mr. Solomon answered that, if
the decision were his, he would grant the permit.
1
1
1
Councilman Fleetwood then moved that the permit be granted provided
the Jaycees use North Beach Parking Lot (behind the museum). He stated
that this land is public property, parking is adequate and it is easily
accessible.
Councilman Owen seconded.
Councilman Fabrikant asked Councilman Fleetwood if this motion
is influenced by politics, stating that he feels this solution has already
been offered and found to be inadequate.
Councilman Bettencourt questioned whether the motion is intended
to refer to the eastern or oceanward side of the parking lot.
Councilman Fleetwood answered in the affirmative, stating that
the young men had measured the front parking lot and found it to be less
than adequate in size.
The motion carried by the following vote: 3 to 1 with 1 abstention.
Councilman Fabrikant voted against the motion and Councilwoman Meyers abstained.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
t
LERK OF COUNCIL
PHYLLIS L CARY
CITY TREASURER
ROWENA 8 FRIPP
CLERK OF COUNCIL
W. LANCE SMITH. 111
RECORDER AND
CITY ATTORNEY
PHONE 786 -4573
M J COUNINAN. MAYOR
CITY OF EE ISLAND
Executive Offices — City Hai.
P 0 Box 128
TYBEE ISLAND, GA. 31328
February 12,.1982
Mr. Christopher P. Solomon
Tybee Island Jaycees
P.O. Box 13
Tybee Island, GA 31328
Dear Chris:
7 -A
COUNCILMEN
NICK C ALEXANDER
JEROME W BETTENCOURT
JAMES L ABRIKANT JR
WILLIAM C FLEETWOOD
JULIANNE J MEYERS
JOHN J OWEN
Because of the limited space which is city property and the possible con-
tamination from animal residue, subjecting our elementary school children
to possible sickness or infection; and also because a cemetary is located
only a few feet away and is considered sacred grounds to some people, I
will not authorize the use of Memorial Park for a circus.
However, if you will furnish a copy of the agreement between the Jaycees
and the circus I will be happy to approve the parking lot in front of the
Tybee Museum.
We compliment the Jaycees on this worthwhile program and wish you success.
JWB /rf
Sincerely,
/
erome W. Bettencourt
✓" Recreation Chairman
iS
PHYLUS L. CARY
CITY TREASURER
ROWENA 8. FRIPP
1 CLERK OF COUNCX.
W. LANCE SMITH, III
RECORDER AND
CITY ATTORNEY
PHONE 786-4573
1
1
M. J. COUNIHAN. MAYOR
Executive Offices — City Hall
P. O. Box 128
TYBEE ISLAND, GA. 31328
PERMIT FOR CIRCUS
7 -B
COUNCILMEN
NICK C. ALEXANDER
JEROME W. BETTENCOURT
JAMES L FABRIKANT. JR
WILLIAM C. FLEETWOOD
JULIANNE J. MEYERS
JOHN J.OWEN
THE TYBEE ISLAND CITY COUNCIL BEING DULY ASSEMBLED FOR A SPECIAL CALLED
MEETING TO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT FOR A CIRCUS BY THE TYBEE
ISLAND JAYCEES.
MOTION HAVING BEEN MADE AND SECONDED THAT A PERMIT BE ISSUED FOR A CIRCUS
LIMITED TO THE NORTH BEACH PARKING LOT. THIS PERMIT IS A TEMPORARY ONE
FOR THE DATE OF APRIL 11, 1982 ONLY. MOTION BEING CARRIED.
THIS PERMIT IS HEREBY ISSUED TO THE TYBEE ISLAND JAYCEES TO HOLD A CIRCUS
ON APRIL 11, 1982 AT NORTH BEACH PARKING LOT BEHIND TYBEE MUSEUM, THIS
BEING A TEMPORARY ONE -DAY PERMIT.
THIS
DAY OF MARCH, 1982.
ATTEST:
CLERK OF COUNCIL