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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19861125SCMeetingTybee Island, Georgia November '25, 1986 A special- called Council meeting was held on Tuesday, November 25, 1986 at 7:30 P.M. at Tybee City Hall. Mayor Walter W. Parker presided and the following members of Council were present: Chris Solomon, Kilma McCutchen, Bill Walsh, Phil O'Dell, Jean Davis and Paul Jackson. Mayor Parker opened the meeting by saying that he'd like to stop a rumor that is circulating about funding for the city's cultural activities, such as the Tybee Museum and Tybeel News. He explained that we have learned that direct funding for p'ivate corporations is not possible under Georgia law, but that the city can still accomplish the same purpose by approving specific expenditures or reimbursing the groups for specific line items. He noted that a number of Chamber of Commerce members were present, and said that this would also apply to their organization, giving as an example the purchase of brochures or similar items. He pledged that the city's normal, cultural groups would not be hurt by this discovery about the state law, but that the city would obey the law, and yet continue to pirovide help to worthwhile community programs. He then spoke of his feeling for the Centennial, saying that it is something special in the history of the town; saying also that he thinks the staff with volunteers from the community can stage a small cultural event in celebration, but that he personally wanted more for Tybee's hundredth birthday. He spoke of using the event to attract the right kind of people to Tybee - family groups, people who will spend money on the island. He said that the business community provides 70% of the city's revenue, and that the proposal before Council is one that the business people support, further saying that he felt professionals were needed to help get the business area impromedilartd spruced up. He said that the expenditure is approximately $20,000. over a period of almost a year, and that he thinks the money will come back to the city in increased business. Councilmember O'Dell moved to accept the revised proposal by Anderson & Karatassos. Councilmember Jackson seconded. Mrs. Marjorie Harris spoke, saying she does not agree to spending 1 Tybee Island, Georgia November 25, 1986 Page Two money to paint and curtain city hall, adding that our visitors don't come into the auditorium. She said she felt there were plenty of people on the island who will volunteer to help put on the Centennial. She added that the money would be better spent on hiringsomeone to inspect the motels regularly for cleanliness. She closed by saying that she is against spending money for something that Tybeo can do for itself. Councilmember Solomon questioned the Mayor's crediting 70% of the city's income to business, saying that the businesses' income comes mostly out of the pockets of residents. He also wanted to know why the Centennial committee met at all if they weren't to be allowed some imput into the plans. He said he'd like to see the same amount of money spent on immediate Beautification of the island. Councilmember O'Dell said that an-opportunity like this won't come again for us; and that we are not speaking of a Centennial in some small country town, but the centennial of one of the top two recreational re- sources in the state. Councilmember Davis stated that she was disappointed that the Finance Committee wasn't given a copy of the contract to study, adding that we all want families who will spend money on the island to come, but feels that we aren't ready for them. She suggested the money be given to the Iteautification Committee. Mr. George Spirides asked permission to speak. He said that it seems everyone is knocking the hotels but that he believes they are on a par with the city. He believes that 3% complaints is what his motel averages, meaning that 97% of his customers are satisfied. He talked of his plans to add another motel on U.S. 80, in response to questions from the counci'lntembers, but said that Tybee will not have first class facilities until the attitude of the community toward its businesses improves. The vote was called for and the motion to accept the revised proposal by Anderson & Karatassos passed by a vote of four (O'Dell, Jackson, Walsh & McCutchen) to two (Davis & Solomon). The application for a business license fbr food, and alcoholic beverages for the bar & restaurant to be known as "Salt Shaker Grill" was next discussed. Councilman O'Dell suggested that since the license combines food & beverages, that the health permit be asked for, and the matter acted on at the next meeting. He indicated that the police check had been completed and that there seemed no reason to deny. Mayor Parker asked the police committee to take care of this request, bringing a recommendation to the next meeting. A letter from City Attorney Tom Mahoney dated November 17th and requesting that council act on a petition for a damage settlement in the amount of $85,000.00 brought by an attorney representing the family of Terry Ruth, deceased, who drowned in the ocean at 14th Street in May, 1986. Councilmember O'Dell moved to deny the request, turning over the case to the liability insurance carrier, and Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. The vote was unanimously in favor. The meeting was adjourned. MAYOR