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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19821013CCMeeting50 Tybee Island, Georgia October 13, 1982 A regular meting of the Tybee Island City Council was held on Wednesday, October 13, 1982. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Charles J. Hosti. The following members of Council were present: John Wylly, James L. :Fabrikant, Jeanne M. Hutton, Klima McCutchen, Sebastian J. Orsini, and Jerome W. Bettencourt. Mr. Thomas J. Mahoney, Jr., City Attorney, also attended. The meeting began with a presentation to Mrs. Winnie Whelan in merry of her husband, the late William Francis Whelan. A Resolution of Respect was read by the Clerk, and Mrs. Whelan was presented with a copy. A memorial design- ating a softball field in Memorial Park'- "Willie Whelan Field" will be placed, also. Mayor Hosti then called for public input at the annual public hearing for Revenue Sharing Uses. This hearing, it was explained, was called for Entitle- ment Period 14, beginning October 1, 1982 and extending through September 30, 1983. After repeated requests, there were no volunteers from the audience who wished to speak. The hearing was therefore adjourned. Mayor Hosti then asked for visitors who wished to speak on other matters. Mr. Earl Anderson spoke, announcing plans for the Tybee Jubilee, and inviting the public to enjoy the festivities. The second visitor was Mr. Dan O'Connor who requested that the town open a drainage ditch between Eighth Street and Fifth Avenue. Mayor Hosti promised to ask Mosquito Control to look at this ditch and advise the city as to what action can be taken. The next visitor was Mrs. Alice Case Martin who asked that a large lot fronting on Butler Avenue (actually First Street) and bordering Mi11erAAvenue, be cleaned. She complained that raccoons, o'possurns, and other pests are encouraged 1 1 51 by the overgrowth of vegetation on the lot. She added that the stop sign has almost been obscured as well, and that she considers the situation hazardous. Councilperson Hutton explained that the cleaning of lots will be discussed later in this meeting, that plans are underway to improve all city rights -of -way now that the summer rush is over, all easements will be mowed, and owners will be expected to take action to improve the conditions of vacant lots. There have been recent complaints about rats, dead animals, etc. The next speaker was Mrs. Mary McAffee who asked that a drainage ditch for mosquito control be opened along the right of way adjacent to the Rousch pro- perty. Mayor Hosti explained that the Rouschs have been contacted, and that this ditch is scheduled to be opened as soon as possible. Mrs. Stella Case, the next person to speak, stated that there was once a mosquito control ditch behind Miller Avenue in the marshy area, but this was closed by Mr. Horne when he developed his property. Councilperson Hutton explained that the city has just opened the ditch at Third and Miller, and that we are clean- ing ditches on a regularly scheduled basis now that the season is over. Mayor Hosti added that Mr. Fulch at the Chatham County Mosquito Control is helping the city. Mrs. Genevieve O'Connor spoke next, saying that the mosquito ditch on Eighth Street is the only city -owned one; all others are on private property -and a part of the county's mosquito control system. Burt Barrett, Jr., speaking for the Tybee Jaycees, asked permission to hold a points regatta on May 16 and 17, 1983, on the beach in the area of the Ladha Hotel. Entrance for boats is down Center Street, and' the usual care will be taken not to damage dunes and vegetation. He added that 90% of the entrants are from out of town, bringing revenues into the city. Councilperson Bettencourt was asked to bring this matter up under new business so that a vote can be taken later in the meeting. 1 1 1 The last visitor to appear before Council was Ms. Anita Cuadrado. Her car was hit by a city vehicle driven by John Price, Jr., and she asked about satisfaction for her loss. Mayor Hosti explained that the insurance adjuster is acting for the city, and that Ms. Cuadrado should properly inquire of him, or of the city's insurance agent. Mayor Hosti then opened the meeting for business-legally presented. Minutes of the meetings of September 8th and 15th, 1982 were approved as written, upon motion of Councilperson Fabrikant, seconded by Councilperson Orsini. Bills for the month of September, 1982 were approved as follows: for Recreation: $88.37, Ceramics: $276.27, Police Department: $5,789.64, Parking: $331.62, Public Works: $3,805.83, Sewer Department: $6,996.38, Water Department: $1,970.59, Fire. $ ; 227.27, and General Government: $1,537.74. Councilperson Orsini remarked that purchase orders are now being processed properly, and that he sees an improvement in his departments' expenditures. Communications were read, as follows: 1) A letter fran Mrs. Pat Marlin, for the Tybee Wcsnens Council, who publish the Tybee News, requesting that funding be continued. At the Mayor's in- vitation, Mrs. Marlin also spoke, explaining the purpose of the paper, the service to the community it provides, and that it is a non - profit organization. Mrs. Adele Fleetwood spoke also, explaining the history of the Tybee News, that it came into being approximately ten years earlier as an off -shoot of the Chamber of Commerce, and was intended to publish news of church, club and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. She added that, all these years, a small group of dedi- cated ladies have kept this project going, with the only benefit being the joy of doing something for the town. Councilperson Orsini stated that he agrees that the Tybee News is one of the finest community programs on the island, and would like it to continue. He then moved that the funding be continued at the present rate of $100.00 per month. 1 Councilperson Wylly seconded. Under discussion Councilperson Bettencourt reiterated a statement made last month - that he is not against the paper, that he does favor organizations that are self- sustaining, and that he does not believe the city gets information about the actual costs of publishing the paper. Mrs. Marlin replied that financial statements are available, but that, not being forewarned, she did not bring a copy with her. She stated that the number of copies published varies during the year and that an average cost is probably $270.00 for 1500 copies. The notion carried by unanimous vote. A copy of the letter requesting funds is attached to these minutes. Communications, continued: 2) A letter from City Attorney Thomas J. Mahoney, Jr., to Mayor Hosti, explaining the results of an investigation of unemployment compensation law was read and accepted as information. 3) A petition from Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church, signed by 26 people, was read. The petition requested a change of Council meeting date from Wednesdays. Mrs. Alice Martin, from the audience, requested that a survey be made to ask all citizens to state their preference, and suggested that it could be made during the November 2nd election so that a large sampling of public opinion could be obtained. Mrs. Joan East and Mr. Jim Lynes spoke in favor of the suggested change from Wednesdays and Mr. Burt Barrett, Jr. spoke in favor of Wednesday night meetings. Mayor Hosti asked Mrs. Martin if she would volunteer to conduct such a survey, and she did :so, provided she could arrange time off from her work with City of Savannah. 4) The next communication reported was a telephone call congratulating Mayor Hosti and his Council on the .improvements made both -in the appearance of the beach, and in enforcing public drinking ordinances, thus keeping streets clear of drunk and disorderly people. 5) A letter from Don and Kaye Kole, dated September 19, 1982, thanking the administration for improvements in appearance and morale of the town, was read and accepted as information. 1 1 1 54 Continuing with Communications: 6) A letter from the City Attorney to Mr. C. Richard Mayson, Acting Chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IV, was read and accepted as information. The letter reported that the city is working diligently to provide information on flood elevation violations that occured in past years. Mr. Mahoney stressed the fact that FEND, wants the city to subpoena the violators, and that no violations have taken place since May of 1981. 7) Letters from offidials to Mayor Hosti, supporting the city's effort to obtain funding for beach erosion control were read, as follows: a) From Bill Stephenson, Chairman of Chatham County Commissioners, dated September 17, 1982. b) From Perry J. Hudson, former Georgia Senator, dated September 27, 1982. c) From Barnard M. Portman, County Commissioner, dated September 20, 1982. The above letters were all accepted as information. 8) Letters acknowledging the Mayor's communications concerning Cable Television, (5.2172) from Senator Mack Mattingly, dated October 5, 1982 and from Congressman Bo Ginn, dated September 29, 1982 were read and accepted as information. 9) The last communication was one from Joe Frank Harris, gubernatorial candidate, acknowledging Mayor Hosti's congratulatory message and dated October 8, 1982. Councilperson McCutchen, reporting for the Fire Committee, introduced Chief John Solomon and the competition team which recently won four trophys, and thanked these volunteers for their devoted service to the city. The competition team members were: Joey Solomon, David McCutchen, Bill Donaldson, Sonny Solomon, and Bobby Randall. She also explained that a new fire station is needed, and that funding is being sought for this project. She asked the citizens for their support 1 1 1 for the volunteer fire department and its needs. Councilperson Wylly reported that the erosion control committee has continued to make progress and that a Shore Assistance Permit has been received to allow the city to place riprap adjacent to the seawall in the 17th -18th Street to stabilize`andr.protect the�&wall until further action can be taken. Funds for a South Groin are still being sought. Mayor Hosti added that he is optimistic about obtaining these funds, and that recent northeasterly winds have caused the and to drop at least five more feet in the area of the public parking lot at 18th Street. The First Reading of an alcoholic beverage ordinance ( #4 -82) was read by the City Attorney. Councilperson Fabrikant then moved its adoption as read and Councilperson Wylly seconded the motion. During discussion Councilperson Fabrikant explained that the present ordinance is based on a state law that is no longer valid, and that the ordinance is being brought into conformity with the present state laws, and also that a change:`in closing hours for bars is included. Councilperson Hutton endorsed the change in hours, citing the fact that this is a residential community, and that our citizens need protection from drinking drivers travelling Tybee Road (Highway 80). Councilperson Wylly added that the Council had considered an even earlier closing hour, but because of the dangers from drivers who are drinking it was decided to have Tybee's hours conform with those of the City of Savannah and the county, inbopes that this would minimize the risk of accidents due to driving under the influence. The ordinance was unanimously accepted on First Reading and Second Reading is scheduled for the next regular meeting (November 10, 1982). Councilperson Wylly then explained that a past due date is needed for tax billing, saying that presently the bills go out twice a year and delinquency does not occur until the end of the six -month period. This greatly complicates the billing process. He then moved that the delinquency date be sixty (60) days 1 56 after the due date for each period. Councilperson Fabrikant seconded the notion and, after a short discussion, it passed Without dissenting vote. The audience was informed that a special meeting to discuss water and sever rates will be held in the near future. Mayor Hosti explained that there is a need for the system to be self - supporting because it is funded by a revenue bond series and failure to generate enough inane to meet operational expenses and depreciation could endanger the bond issue. The public will be informed as soon as a date for this meeting is set. Councilperson Fabrikant brought three requests for transfers of alcoholic beverage licenses, as follows: a) Sidney Weiss for Doc's Bar - Investigation re- vealed no reason to deny, he therefore moved that the transfer be granted; Council- person McCutchen seconded and the motion carried unanimously. b) Binh Ilan Tran for the Dragon Palace Restaurant - Investigation revealed no reason to . deny, and Councilperson Fabrikant therefore moved its approval; Councilperson Hutton seconded and the motion passed without dissent. c) Edmund. C. Burnsed for Novelty Bar - Councilperson Fabrikant explained that the police department has made no recommenda- tion in this case; he therefore moved to deny pending further investigation. Councilperson Wylly seconded and the notion carried by unanimous vote. Councilperson Bettencourt moved that the request for a permit to hold a regatta on May 16 and 17, 1983 be granted to Mr. Burt Barrett, Jr. for the Tybee Jaycees. Councilperson Wylly seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Councilperson Bettencourt then called the attention of the audience to the suggestion box and invited the citizens to use it regularly. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. R E S O L U T I O N O F R E S P E C T WHEREAS, on the eleventh day of August, 1982, death brought to a close the active life of William Francis Whalen; and WHEREAS, William F. Whalen has, through his foresight and zeal for this community, and especially for.•its recreational and athletic programs, earned the affection of the people in the City of Tybee Island, Georgia; and WHEREAS, the stature he attained in this community by his exemplary life and monumental achievements in sports and recreation was recognized during his lifetime; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the softball field in Jaycee Park be henceforth known as the Willie Whalen Field, and that a placque so designating the field be placed there in his memory; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the City of Tybee Island, Georgia, does, by this resolution and public record, recognize the profound influence of William Francis Whalen upon the development of Tybee Island, Georgia, recognizing further that his death is a distinct loss to the City in which he worked and won deep respect and affection. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the City Council and a copy thereof be presented to his wife, Mrs. Winnie Whelan. Adopted this thirteenth day of October, 1982. 1 TYBEE NEWS Tybee Island, Georgia 31328 5 6 -B -1 September 27, 1982 City of Tybee Island ATTENTION: Mayor Hosti and Council Members Tybee Island, Ga. 31328 Gentlemen and Ladies: It is the understanding of the Tybee Island Womens' Council that our recent request for continued City support ($100.00 per month) was tabled without approval at the September City Council meeting, due to,the objection voiced by Councilman Bettencourt. The Tybee Island Womens' Council believes that the Tybee News per- forms a public service for our community by providing information concern- ing local events - religious, civic, educational, social, and special celebrations, which are of interest to the local citizens and visitors to our Island. The Tybee News letter is made available, at no cost, to local bus- inesses, including motels, as well as churches and civic organizations. It is a non - profit publication. Except for one, all involved with the news I etter are volunteers, the eaitor, reporters, typists, designers, collators, elivery, etc. Our workers are truly dedicated, but the cost of printing ust be met. While all organizations and churches donate yearly dues, and ads are accepted at a nominal cost, it is evident to the Womens' Council that, without the present level of financial assistance from the City, the Tybee News may be unable to continue publication. AS an indication of the local support which the Tybee News letter enjoys, the following is a list of dues - paying members: CHURCHES St. Michaelis Catholic Church Trinity Chapel United Methodist Church All Saints Episcopal Church Chapel By The Sea Baptist Church 1 CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS & OTHER Optimist Club Opti -Mrs Club American Legion & Aux. Jaycees & Jaycettes Chamber of Commerce Savannah Beach and Oceanside Tybee Museum Association Tybee Island Republican Club Tybee Lite Shrine Club Tybee Garden Club Marine Rescue Squadron Nursing Homes All of the above support our request for continued City support in order to insure uninterrupted publication of the Tybee News letter. Yours truly, Tybee Island Womens' Council ice- mL�