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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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