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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19840503CCMeeting1 1 00141 Tybee Island, Georgia May 3, 1984 The regular monthly meeting of the Tybee Island City Council was held at City Hall oh Thursday, May 3, 1984, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Charles J. Hosti presided and the following members of Council were present: Paul Jackson, Jeanne Hutton, John C. Wylly, Jr., Sebastian J. Orsini, David McCutchen, and Christopher P. Solomon. The City Attorney, Thomas J. Mahoney, Jr., was also present. Mayor Hosti welcomed a crowd of approximately twenty (20) people, and invited the visitorsto speak if they wished. Mr. Jerry Garrison spoke, requesting action on an application for an alcoholic beverage license for Novelty Bar. MayorHosti stated that this will be considered during the regular meeting. The Mayor then opened the meeting for business legally presented, beginning with a public hearing on two zoning matters that had been advertised. The first, a petition from Tom Bradley, III for a zoning map amendment asking for permission to convert an existing boatshed into a duplex unit, and for a corresponding change from NM (Neighborhood Marina) to R -2. Mr. Bradley explained that the marina is not productive financially, and that if the duplex were built the marina could no longer operate due to lack of space for a lift; the present lift entrance would be a part of the duplex property and provide the two units with a driveway. Minutes of the Tybee Island Planning Commission were read showing that the Planning Commission recommends approval of the project, with a reversion clause requested by Mr. Bradley included. City Attorney Mahoney stated that the reversion clause causes sane concern; he would prefer t mk..- n: .il a.,. : - . not to have that clause in the official action of Council. Councilman Wylly questioned whether a re- zoning is actually necessary since the proposed use is more restrictive than the present use. Speaking as interested citizens, the following persons made comments or asked questions: Charles Mutter, Jack Grady, Bob Humphrey, Jimmy Brown, Marjorie Harris and Burt Barrett, Jr. Councilman Wylly moved to allow the duplex to be built as a nonconforming, less dense use within the NM Zone, with the marina to cease operation upon completion of the duplex units. Mr. Bradley reiterated that it would be physically impossible to operate the marina if the duplex is constructed. Councilman Solomon seconded the motion and the vote was unanimously in favor. 1 00142 May 3, 1984 Page Two The next zoning matter, a text amendment concerning setbacks, was read by Councilman Wylly, who then moved its acceptance on First Reading. Councilman Orsini seconded. During discussion Councilman Solomon disagreed with the rear setbacks mandated by the ordinance, preferring that all rear line setbacks be in conformity at ten feet (10') for each district - R -1, R -2, and RT. Councilmen Wylly and Orsini agreed. Councilperson Hutton opposed any change in the ordinance as presented because the Planning Commission had made the recommendation and she felt the Council should depend on their opinion, since they had taken much more time to study the matter, and since the Council does depend on them so much for guidance. Burt Barrett, Jr. spoke from the audience stating that he believes the Planning Commission recommendation to be reasonable and compatible with the setbacks required by City of Savannah and Chatham County. Others spoke from the audience: Mrs. Marjorie Harris, Jimmy Brown, Jack Grady. After a lengthy discussion a vote on the amendment was taken and it passed by five (5) to one (1) with Councilperson Hutton opposing. The ordinance, as amended, therefore passed on First Reading. Mayor Hosti announced that the .Second Redi-ng' will be considered by Council at the next regular meting scheduled for June 7th. Councilperson Orsini moved that the minutes of the April meeting be accepted, Councilperson McCutchen seconded and the motion passed without dissent. Bills for the month of April were approved as follows: General Government - $3,838.57, Water Department - $1,609.69, Sewer - $3,281.41, Public Works - $3,321.54, Parking Meters - $136.68, Police - $4,117.00, Recreation - $1,159.84 and Fire Department - $2,974.96. During committee reports, Councilperson Jackson stated that the sewer department had worked very hard to modify Lift Station #3, and that he feels they should be commended. He also stated that an important piece of lab equipment, a type of scale, had recently been purchased. Councilperson Hutton thanked Sunkist Corporation for again providing 150 trash barrels for the beaches and parks. She told the audience that trash collection has been very heavy and time consuming for the department, as it is every spring when people first begin cleaning up after the winter. She announced that 1 1 1 May 3, 1984 Page Three 00143 the Cub Scouts will be holding a "Bag- aython" to benefit cystic fibrosis and that this will kick off the city's anti - litter campaign for the season, asking the citizens to support this by pledging when asked by a Cub Scout. The Scouts will be provided trash bags and will pick up trash on the beaches, being paid by those who pledge for each bag collected. Councilperson Wylly stated that the new fiscal year is just beginning and that the annual audit is underway. He explained that the recent work on the seawall done by the city, and the placement of approximately $5,000.00 of rock on the south end by private citizens will hopefully stabilize the seawall at the southern point of the island. Mayor Hosti explained that the city was able to secure a small emergency fund grant from DNR that will reimburse the city for the funds used in repairing the tie- backs, so the local citizens didn't pay the cost of these repairs. Councilperson Solomon reported that the Recreation Board's questionnaires had been mailed, and urged everyone to fill one out and deposit it at any of the local grocery stores, or at City Hall, where there are boxes waiting to receive the forms. Mayor Hosti commended the Recreation Board, and Mr. Solomon, for the long hours they have worked on the recreational program in recent months. A lease for maintenance of Memorial Park was signed with Chatham County, the lease to run through the term of the present Mayor and Council, ending on December 31, 1985. The agreement provides county maintenance for the parks and tennis courts. Councilperson McCutchen reported that two men are currently engaged in updating the pumping systems on the fire trucks, and that two other men have been trained to maintain the breathing apparatus. New equipment of this kind has recently been purchased because itowas -discovered that the equipment was not adequate for a large fire. The First Responder has handled 120 calls thus far, and is manned by the volunteer firemen. Councilperson Orsini announced that the summer beach Patrol has begun and that the Police Department is checking and updating training for each of its officers. The parking meter department is getting underway again, and, as at the beginning of each season with a new crew, a few mistakes are being made but it is hoped that it will soon be running smoothly. 1 1 May 3, 1984 Pace Four.. 00144 Councilperson Orsini then re- introduced the matter of the business license for alcoholic beverage sales for Novelty Bar; he moved that Jerry Garrison be granted a license provided the police investigation warranted approval. Councilperson Wylly seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor, with the understanding that the license will be granted if a favorable report from the Police Department is forthcoming. Mayor Hosti explained that the Georgia Department of Transportation has asked for certification of right- of-way and maintenance agreements for the Strand between 16th and 18th Streets, preliminary to preparation of a plan for renovation of the south end side -walk including a wavesplash structure and benches. He added that signing these papers does not commit the city to any expense but is required prior to possible beautification and renovation of the public parking lot area. These agreements will be signed so that estimates can be obtained, and funding sought. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Archie Burnham of DOT asking about signs indicating where the beaches are located. This was in response to a letter from Mayor Hosti, requesting signs along I -95 to promote tourism. After imput from both Council and audience it was decided to ask DOT to have these signs read "Tybee Island Beaches" if possible. Councilperson Solomon suggested that we ask for signs at I -95 at Hardeeville, and along the route leading to Talmadge Memor- ial Bridge and the Islands Expressway route. Mayor Hosti added that he believes a sign should be placed at the GA 204 exit (Abercorn Extension). A Resolution honoring munidipal clerks and proclaiming the week of May 13- 19 as Municipal Clerks' Week was read and passed unanimously. A copy of this Resolution is attached to, and becomes a part of, these minutes. Councilperson Jackson introduced a request for a flood elevation variance (after the fact) for T & M Grocery, Restaurant and Lounge, for harship reasons. He then roved its approval, with Councilperson Solomon seconding the motion. The variance was granted by unanimous vote of Council. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.