HomeMy Public PortalAbout19871008CCMeeting1
Tybee Island, Georgia
October 8, 1987
The Tybee Island City Council held its regular monthly
meeting on Thursday, October 8, 1987 at 7:30 P.M. at Tybee City Hall.
Mayor Walter W.Parker presided and the following members of Council were
present: Chris Solomon, Bill Walsh, Kilma McCutchen, Jean Davis, Phil
O'Dell and Paul Jackson. Thomas J. Mahoney, Jr., City Attorney, and
Bob Thomson, City Administrator, were also present.
Mayor Parker opened the meeting by welcoming the audience
and by announcing that two public hearings advertised for this night
would not be heard. Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Commission
were read and the postponements explained. They were: (1) Rezoning
petition for 44 Wrenwood - from R -1 to R -2, and (2) Phase II of the
subdivision of Marshwinds.
Roy Rowell was the first visitor to speak before Council.
He introduced Mr. Meigs of 1705 Inlet Avenue who wants to open a portion
of Inlet Avenue to access a back lot. Problems leading to the request
were explained to be storm drainage, the placement of a catch basin,
and problems with access. It was stated by Mr. Rowell that the right -of
way is a recorded access, unopened. Speaking as interested neighbors,
opposed to opening the access, were John Wylly, Teresa Norton, Gordon
Varnadoe. Also opposed, though not necessarily neighbors, were Jim Kluttz,
Jeanne Hutton, John Jarvis, and Sammy Weatherly. The following points
were raised:
1) Work was begun without permits from city or state.
2) Commendation to city for seeking advice of DNR's
Coastal Protection Section.
3) Neighbors all prefer right -of -way be used for pedestrian
traffic only since it leads to seawall of Tybee Creek, and onto beach.
4) Who would pay for the opening of the right -of -way?
5) Public's use of beach access should be protected.
In response the developer, Roy Rowell, and his client gave
the following answers: the right -of -way is a recorded access of 80'
or 90' feet, once used as a railroad turnabout. The owner is asking
for limited access, to a point just behind an existing house, for a back
lot, a minor subdivision. There is a severe drainage problem in the
area calling for correction by placement of a catch basin which should
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Tybee Island, Georgia
October 8, 1987
Page Two
not be driven over. The present access to the existing house passes
so close to the house itself that it is not a proper access for another
structure. The owner & developer also maintained that no disturbance
of the dunes occurred and that the work done was removal of debris from
the yard.
Bob Thomson and Billy Pye spoke for the city. It was stated
that the drainage can be installed in about two days at a cost of about
five hundred dollars ($500.00).
The developer also contended that no permit from DNR is
needed. The City Attorney stated that the city is within its rights
to consult DNR and that he advised this be done.
Mr. Charles Hosti, former Mayor, next spoke, saying that
since the deadline for qualification of candidates has passed he can
now speak without being accused of a political motive. He continued
his recent campaign against the allowing of drinking on the beach in
paper cups which was passed in an ordinance adopted in January of 1987.
He said he is disappointed in the reaction he received from the Council
to his earlier request that the ordinance be reconsidered and reinstated
in its former wording. He stated his belief that the increase in drownings,
and, in his opinion, increase of rowdiness and disorderly conduct on
16th Street are directly affected by this change. He said that paper
cups is the key, and was probably omitted from the ordinance to please
the business people.
Councilmember McCutchen questioned his statement about
the drownings; naming the cases, and saying that alcohol was in no way
related to the majority at least, and probably not to any of them.
Mr. Hosti then spoke in favor of granting a flood variance
to Captain's Row Subdivision saying that this is the only subdivision
he knows of where the developer followed the accepted plans to the letter.
He also stated that work began as the developer has stated, that he did
some work personally on the project. He added that he really does not
think a variance is needed since the work did clearly begin before the
new NFIP went into effect, but if Council thinks it is, then he hopes
they will grant it.
John Jarvis questioned plans for handling of trash and
garbage. Mayor Parker stated that no decisions have yet been made.
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Tybee Island, Georgia
October 8, 1987
Page Three
Joyce Bougas spoke of her petition for a flood variance,
saying that her situation is unique since the line dividing the 13' and
12' zones seems to pass right through her apartments. She gave a short
history of her attempts to conform to the flood ordinance, and said that
although she has applied before for a variance, the situation is changed
with the adoption of the new map. The City Attorney advised that FEMA
be consulted for an opinion, in writing, of what to do in such a case,
and the petition was postponed pending receipt of information from that
source.
The meeting was opened for business legally presented.
Jim McCallar reiterated the position of the Captain's Row
petitioners, and referred to the testimony of former Mayor Hosti.
The City Attorney stated that he had reviewed the affadavit
prepared by the petitioners, and noted that this evidence, plus statements
from former Mayor Hosti and Councilmember Solomon concerning work they
had personally done on the project, seem to present sufficient proof,
since the affadavit has to be presumed to be truthful, and since no counter
evidence has been forthcoming. He said that, had FEMA had this information
from the first, he believes their decision would have been that the old
map is the applicable one. Mayor Parker questioned whether a variance
is necessary, and the attorney advised that it would be safest to proceed
with one and, if given, it should apply to the whole subdivision.
Councilmember O'Dell moved that the subdivision be allowed
to proceed with construction under the old NFIP map. Councilmember McCutchen
seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor.
Minutes of the September 10th meeting were approved as
written.
Bills for September were approved as follows:
Water /Sewer $15,029.52
General Govt. $10,616.30
Police /Parking $10,907.30
DPW /Sanitation $20,684.31
Recreation $ 6,439.19
Fire Dept. - Held up for checking into bills more
thoroughly; Councilmember McCutchen felt some charges should not be hers.
Mayor Parker opened discussion of the alcoholic beverage
ordinance as requested by former Mayor Hosti. Police Commissioner Phil
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Tybee Island, Georgia
October 8, 1987
Page Four
O'Dell moved that the matter be brought onto the floor for discussion,
and the second was by Councilmember Solomon. Councilmember O'dell said
that he does not believe the decision was made to please merchants; he
said that the change was requested by the police department and the reasoning
is that it might remove a cause for charges of discrimination on the
part of the police department. He said that drinking is allowed on River
Street and most other recreational places, and that as long as disorderly
behavior is controlled, it might be allowed. He added that he believed
it was a unanimous action of Council. Mayor Parker added that it is
almost impossible to strictly enforce the no drinking ordinance as formerly
written with the limited personnel of Tybee's police force. He said
it has always been possible to pick up people who are misbehaving. Council -
member Solomon said there has been a problem in that beer and gingerale,
for example, look alike and that getting close enough to a person's cup
to ascertain whether it contained alcoholic beverages can be considered
an invasion of the person's civil rights, and there had been threats
of lawsuits over this. Mayor Parker added that non - alcoholic beers are
becoming quite popular, and add to the problem of distinguishing the
contents of a cup. He added that he has no objection to studying the
question further, and that maybe changes do need to be made. He asked
former Mayor Hosti if he would consider serving on a committee for the
purpose of studying the question. Police Commissioner O'Dell stated
that he doesn't want the police department accused of discriminatory
practices, and that, when the department asks for a change in an ordinance,
he believes in making that change, if possible.
Moor Parker announced that John Hutton, the City Engineer,
is attending a public hearing on the Savannah River Harbor Improvements
tonight and the statement, a request for combining dredging with renourish-
ment, that he planned to deliver there was read to the audience. A copy
is attached to these minutes.
It was noted that a sample ordinance on soil erosion had
been sent to the Planning Commission for consideration and recommendation.
It was further reported that a speed ordinance, setting
speed limits for certain streets, is also being studied. It is hoped
that a report will be ready for the November meeting.
Tybee Island, Georgia
October 8, 1987
Page Five
Bob Thomson added that the Homestead Exemption for Senior
Citizens, requested by the City Council, is being prepared and should
go to our. Representative, Jack Kingston, in about three weeks. It is
planned to introduce a local bill in the early part of the General Assembly.
Mayor Parker announced that funding is being sought to
provide more active drug enforcement for small communities like Tybee,
and that he is working with Chief McCutchen, who is very active in seeking
this kind of help for Tybee.
It was briefly discussed that the Shrimp Net Restaurant
is seeking permission from the city to use an unopened right -of -way for
parking, and that the adjacent property owner, Oris Blair, has petitioned
for a quit claim to the same right -of -way, an irregular triangular area
that he has maintained for a number of years. This matter was given
into the hands of the City Attorney so that the letter from Mr. Blair's
attorney can be answered.
Bob Thomson noted that there is an audit requirement for
budgeting of all unallocated funds. He asked the Council to study this
new requirement and be ready with a recommendation for Finance Chairman,
Jean Davis, at the November agenda meeting.
A Resolution supporting the Economic Development Authority
and the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce was read. Councilmember Jackson
moved its adoption, Councilmember McCutchen seconded and the vote was
unanimous in favor. A copy of the Resolution is attached to, and becomes
a part of, these minutes.
Mayor Parker announced that a special program will be aired
at noon on WTOC -TV about Tybee and encouraged everyone to watch.
Mr. Mahoney stated that the procedure for selling excess
city property is that it must be declared surplus, the petitioner must
furnish a plat, and, according to the latest General Assembly law change,
there may be a private sale, possibly, but he would suggest no response
to Mr. Blair's petition be made until he has had time to thoroughly check
the law. Councilmember Solomon requested that the legal status of Inlet
Avenue as an unopened street providing pedestrian access be checked,
too.
Tybee Island, Georgia
October 8, 1987
Page Six
Mayor Parker called on Bob Thomson who reported that Waste
Management, Inc. was the low bidder on the proposed contract for solid
waste handling. He stated that all firms with capability of providing
the service had been contacted, and offered a chance to bid. Most did
not; two, including City of Savannah, expressed interest in bidding next
year. Only two actual bids were received, and Waste Management's bid
was much lower than the other. Mayor Parker set, with Council's approval,
a date for a special meeting with Waste Management to discuss the contract,
and accept it, if the Council so decides. The meeting will be held on
Monday, October 19th at 6:00 p.m. Waste Management staff will be invited
to attend and answer Council's questions.
It was announced that the Optimist Club is sponsoring a
"Say No To Drugs" Campaign in November. They will give away tee - shirts,
and do other things to attract interest. They will also sponsor their
annual Student Council, which will be held on November 18th.
Councilmember Solomon announced that the Youth Annual Awards
for baseball, etc. will be held in Jaycee Park on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
He also announced that the Tybee Dolphins football team will play West
Effingham County here on Saturday, October 17th.
The meeting was adjourned.
CLERK OF COUNCIL
THOMAS & HUTTON ENGINEERING CO.
3 OGLETHORPE PROFESSIONAL BOULEVARD
POST OFFICE 80X 14609
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31416-1609
TELEPHONE (912) 355 -5300
F. V. GEORGE, JR.
W. G. FOSTER, SR.
DANNY E. STANLEY
Corps of Engineers
Savannah District
Post Office Box 889
Savannah, GA 31402
Attn: .Mr. Steven Osvald
Gentlemen:
October 7, 1987
MITCHELL BOHANNON
OCTAVIO ARANGO
STEPHEN ROACH
Re: Savannah River Dredging
On behalf of the City of Tybee Island, we would like t�
make the following observations:
1. The preponderant long shore drift, or sand movement,
is from north to south, along Hilton Head Island,
SC, and Tybee Island, GA.
2. Dredging of the Savannah River ship channel
interrupts much of the long shore drift from
Hilton Head to Tybee Island, thus restricting a
natural method of beach nourishment.
3. Erosion, sediment, and flood control in the
Savannah River basin have restricted another
natural method of nourishment at the Savannah
River mouth.
4. Beach protection and renourishment on Tybee Island
have historically been initiated only after
evident problems have become crises.
Tybee Island encourages the growth of the Savannah
Port, and the necessary dredging and river maintenance which
are part of that growth.
At the same time, Tybee Island makes two requests
related to this project.
59 WENTWORTH STREET / CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA 29401 TELEPHONE (9031 722 3725
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Corps of Engineers
Savannah District
October 7, 1987
Page Two
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First, that existing or new methods be addressed to
increase sand deposits on the north end of Tybee Island.
Second, that these deposits, which are essentially a
riparian right of Tybee Island, be increased in conjunction
with all dredging projects, hopefully avoiding crisis action
and expense.
JH /kbw
Enclosure
Yours truly,
THOMAS & HUTTON ENGINEERING CO.
John Hutton
Project Representative
REFERENCES
1. "Tybee's Troubled Beach," Atlanta Journal and Constitu-
tion, June 6, 1971.
2. "Saving the American Beach: A Position Paper by
Concerned Coastal Geologists," Skidaway Institute of
Oceanography Conference on America's Eroding Shoreline,
March 25 - 27, 1981.
3. "History of Beach Erosion Control Attempts at Tybee
Beach," James D. Howard, Skidaway Institute of Ocean-
ography, 1981.
4. "Beach Nourishment Techniques," U. S. Army Coastal
Engineering Research Center, Technical Report H- 76 -13,
May, 1981.
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REFERENCES
1. "Tybee's Troubled Beach," Atlanta Journal and Constitu-
tion, June 6, 1971.
2. "Saving the American. Beach: A Position Paper by
Concerned Coastal Geologists," Skidaway Institute. of
Oceanography Conference on America's Eroding Shoreline,
March 25 - 27, 1981.
3. "History of Beach Erosion Control Attempts at Tybee
Beach," James D. Howard, Skidaway Institute of Ocean-
ography, 1981.
4. "Beach Nourishment Techniques," U. S. Army Coastal
Engineering Research Center, Technical Report H- 76 -13,
May, 1981.
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R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce is n volunteer organization
whose goal Is to promote business and advance the well-being of the Savannah
wren; and
WHEREAS, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce is financed by membership
investments ftom business and professional Snvannnhlnns; and
WHEREAS, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce has Joined in an Economic
Development Partnership with the Savannah Port Authr,rIty, Savannah Electric
E. Power Company, Savannah Airport Commission, and City and County governments
to jointly seek the telocntlon of new business and industry, and the retention
of existing businesses to maintain and increase the area's economic vitality;
and
WHEREAS, benefits ate returned to each Chamber member in the form of
economic gtowlli; a mate livable community; representation in government
for bnslner:r ;; and business assistance ptogtams; and
WHEREAS. the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce in its 181st year of
operation 1s ocnduct1ng "Operation 'Thank You" to personally visit each member
to exptess appreciation for their financial investment;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WALTER W. PARKER, MAYOR OF 111E CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND,
GEORGIA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 1987 as
SAVANNAH AREA CHAMBER r,r COMMERCE DAY
in Tybee Island, Georgia, and urge our citizens to support this organization
and its goals.
WALTER W. PARKER, MAYOR
ATTEST
-1174
R E S O L U T I 0 N
WHEREAS, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization
whose goal is to promote business and advance the well -being of the Savannah
area; and
WHEREAS, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce is financed by membership
Investments from business and professional Savannahians; and
WHEREAS, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce has ,joined in an Economic
Development Partnership with the Savannah Port Authority, Savannah Electric
& Power Company, Savannah Airport Commission, and City and County governments
to jointly seek the relocation of new business and industry, and the retention
of existing businesses to maintain and increase the area's economic vitality;
and
WHEREAS, benefits are returned to each Chamber member in the form of
economic growth; a more Livable community; representation in government
for business; and business assistance programs; and
WHEREAS, the Savannah Area Chamber of.Commerce in its 181st year of
operation is ocnducting "Operation Thank You" to personally visit each member
to express appreciation for their financial investment;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WALTER W. PARKER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND,
GEORGIA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 1987 as:
SAVANNAH AREA CHAMBER pr COMMERCE DAY
in Tybee Island, Georgia, and urge our citizens to support this organization
and its goals.
ATTES
WALTER W. PARKER, MAYOR
Mr. Bob Thompson
City of Tybee Island
October 9, 1987
Page Two
At no time in either of these discussions was
additional building on the lot mentioned. The subject was
existing standing water from around a house, not a drainage
system for development.
As Thomas & Hutton has stated in the past, we take no
responsibility, credit, or blame for what others say we
said. If we do not state it in a letter or formal document,
we ask that the city and its citizens disregard it as
hearsay, or take it with many large grains of salt.
We would appreciate your appending this letter to the
minutes of the meeting of 10/08/87.
Yours truly,
THOMAS & HUTTON ENGINEERING CO.
Jq'hn Hutton
Project Representative
JH /kbw
cc: Mr. Thomas Mahoney, City Attorney
Mr. Michael Graham
Mr. Gordon Varnedoe
Mr. John Wylly
Mr. Billy Pye
Mr. Roy Rowell
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THOMAS & HUTTON ENGINEERING CO.
3 OGLETHORPE PROFESSIONAL. BOULEVARD
POST OFFICE BOX 14609
SAVANNAH. GEORGIA 31416-1609
TELEPHONE (912) 3555300
F. V. GEORGE. JR.
W. G. FOSTER. SR.
DANNY E. STANLEY
October 9, 1987
Mr. Bob Thompson
City of Tybee Island
Post Office Box 128
Tybee Island, GA 31328
Re: Council Meeting
of 10/08/87
Dear Bob:
MITCHELL BOHANNON
OCTAVIO ARANGO
STEPHEN ROACH
It is our understanding that Thomas & Hutton Engineer-
ing Co. was used as reference in drainage discussions
pertaining to the Inlet Avenue area at last evening's
Council meeting.
For your information, the company was not employed by
anyone to study or solve drainage problems for the area.
Mr. Michael Graham asked our advice over the telephone
on language of a contract to protect a potential buyer of
Hang.Buckley's home. We told him that because of the
placement of the home, a buyer could only expect protecdion
from -a 10 -year storm (2.75 inches of rain within one horn),
and that a contingency sum of $15,000.00 could pay for this
protection.
Billy Pye asked our advice on how to drain standing
water from Hank Buckley's yard. We suggested a large french
drain, properly constructed. Billy asked what we thought of
a gate inlet and piping which would tie into the 48 -inch
drainage line to the Back River. We said he could try it,
but to put in a flap or check valve to prevent major back-
flooding from the 48 -inch pipe. He should also make it very
clear to the home owner that the operation of the flap or
check valve was not going to be the City's responsibility as
a lawsuit could result.
59 WENTWO.RTH STREET / CHARLES, ',)LINA 29401 / TELEPHONE 18031 722 -3725