HomeMy Public PortalAbout19880714CCMeeting1
Tybee Island, Georgia
July 14, 1988
The Tybee Island City Council had its regular meeting at Tybee City
Hall on Thursday, July 14, 1988, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Walter W. Parker
presided and the following members of Council were present: Jean C. Davis,
John O'Neill, Paul Jackson, Chris Solomon, Bill Walsh and Jack Youmans. The
City Attorney, Thomas J. Mahoney, Jr., was also present.
Mayor Parker welcomed a large audience, and introduced Mr. Samuel
L. Varnedoe, author of the pamphlet, "Tybee Island Memoirs, 1909 - 1988 ". A
Resolution honoring Mr. Varnedoe was read, and Mr. Varnedoe spoke briefly of
his lifelong love of Tybee Island. The public was reminded that the bridge
on U.S.80 (Islands Expressway) was named for Mr. Varnedoe, and that his con-
tributions to the area have been many and varied.
A Resolution concerning the public elementary school was read. and
unanimously endorsed by the City Council. This Resolution will be circulated
widely among school and elected officials in an attempt to stess the importance
of Tybee Elementary School to the island. Following the reading of the
Resolution, Gary Conleay, chairman of the Concerned Citizens for Tybee School
gave a brief report of the committee's activities.
Candidates for office in the upcoming primary spoke, as follows:
Bill Cox, Candidate for District Attorney
Ray Gaster, Republican Candidate for County Commission Chairman
Al Henderson, Democratic Candidate for County Commission Chairman
Judge Michael Karpf, Candidate for State Court Judge
David Sims, Candidate for State Court Judge
Marshall Wood, Candidate for Recorders' Court Judge
George Spirides, represented by attorney Wick Searcy, appeared to
ask Council about his proposed project, Ocean Plaza Inn, a planned convention
hotel to be built in two phases. Mayor and Council concurred that the project
is one the city would like to encourage, and that the preliminary plans and
specifications reviewed by the planning commission showed no code problems.
They indicated that the city is prepared for a building permit application
to be submitted, and that it will be reviewed with the usual procedures followed.
It was further noted that the tax incentive requested by Mr. Spirides is still
being investigated and that the Council is not yet ready to act upon it.
A public hearing for a setback variance for PIN # 4- 4 -19 -1, 303
Butler Avenue, was next heard. The petitioner was not present, but a written
request
Tybee Island, Georgia
July 14, 1988
Page Two
was read into the record. The planning commission vote on the subject was
also read, recommending denial by a vote of four (4) to zero (0). .There
being no further comment, the public hearing was closed.
Bobby Cox of "Scarlet Threads" spoke to ask permission for his gospel
group to do an informal concert on the beach from 7 to 9 pm any Saturday in
August. He was referred to the Chamber of Commerce to coordinate this activity
with theirs, since they have plans for one weekend in August. Mayor Parker
and Councilman Solomon both spoke favorably of the group, and the concensus
was that the Council supports the activity in general, but needs to be informed
of the details when they are finalized.
Fitz Simmons spoke of the uniform election law, asking that Council
act to prevent Tybee from coming under its provisions. Mayor Parker said that
this Council believes that to act now would remove the decision from the
elected officials who will be impacted by the decision in four years, since
that is the Council that will be directly affected. Mr. Simmons disagreed,
saying this Council should, like one of the westside communities, act now.
He called for a referendum on the subject.
Jim Kluttz asked about the Tybee Elementary School property and was
informed that the property is zoned for public uses only. He also inquired
about the public hearing for changing the waiting period for zoning hearings
from 12 to 6 months, and was informed that this has not yet been advertised.
David deBorde questioned how many tickets have been made for littering
the beach. Chief McCutchen responded at the Mayor's request, saying that an
average of 57 cases of beach rules infractions had been made during May, June
and July, but that not all of these are for litter - some are for drinking
under age, and similar infractions. He said that the police department is
handling an average of 1800 calls per month.
Ray McMillion spoke to ask that glass bottles be targeted. He also
suggested that the city get back to its slogan, "Leave Only Your Footprints ".
There was discussion of citizens giving tickets, and the Chief said that the
State of Georgia won't allow this.
Jeanne Hutton suggested a citizens committee on litter be formed.
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Tybee Island, Georgia
July 14, 1988
Page Three
She also said she had called TIPD three times this summer, and that the response
was quick each time; she commended them for their good work.
Dottie Kluttz suggested a "cooler charge) ", and that a date be set
for a special meeting on litter control.
Frances Clark spoke to say that the Tybee Island Chamber of Commerce
is also very concerned and would like to help.
Mayor Parker called a five - minute break, and asked that people who
want to serve on the citizens committee for litter control sign up on a list
at the back of the room during the break.
Mayor Parker opened the meeting for business legitimately presented.
He appointed Jimmy Brown and Jeanne Hutton to co -chair the litter
committee, asking them to report back to City Council in August.
Councilwoman Davis moved that the recommendation of the planning
commission be followed, and the petition denied, in the setback variance for
303 Butler Avenue. Councilman Walsh seconded and the vote was 6 - 0.
Minutes of the June 9th meeting were accepted as written.
Bills for June, 1988 were accepted as follows:
Police /Parking $19,261.37
General Govt. $ 6,747.22
Public Works /San. $31,420.72
Water /Sewer $20,422.12
Fire /lst Responder $ 1,882.93
Recreation /Parks $ 2,565.04 ($126.00 was not approved)
Communications were entered into the record, as follows:
- Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting of July 5, 1988
- Minutes of Recreation Board Meeting of June 15, 1988
- Poll of Council Taken 7/5/88 (Workman's Compensation)
The motion to accept was made by Councilman Walsh, j with second by Councilwoman
Davis. Vote was 6 - 0 in favor of the motion.
Councilman Walsh reported that a committee to look into skateboard
laws has been formed, but not yet met. He promised a report at the August
meeting.
Councilman Solomon said that the Recreation Board has recommended
a director for teenage programs, but this money is not in the budget. He
estimated this could be added if $2400.00 could b found for the purpose.
Councilman Youmans said a director without funds o operate a program won't
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Tybee Island, Georgia
July 14, 1988
Page Four
be able to get the job done.
An ordinance regulating noise was read by the City Attorney.
Councilman Jackson moved its adoption, Councilwoman Davis seconded and the
vote was 5 - 1 with Councilman Solomon dissenting. The second reading will
be held at the August meeting.
Mr. Larry Haymans, petitioning for a business license for a business
to be called "Beachside Promotions ", with a business location at the "Eatery"
on 16th Street. The business would be a parasailing operation, and he indi-
cated that he is currently negotiating for permits from the USCG, Corps, and
DNR. A technical explanation of the expected operation of the business was
also given. The City Attorney stated that the city would need some indication
from all agencies regulating the operation that the permits would be forthcoming
and would then have no problem issuing a business license. He further stated
that the city would need something from these agencies because, insofar as
the city is aware, there is no similar business now operating in the state.
Councilman O'Neill remarked that it would be risky for the city to endorse
the business before the permits are received from agencies mentioned by the
petitioner.
Mr. Mahoney explained that the city has received an ante litum notice
concerning an automobile accident in which a city employee was involved, claiming
damages in excess of $10,000.00 (Elizabeth Mundy, plaintiff). He recommended
the claim be denied and sent to the insurance company for handling. The City
Council concurred by a vote of 6 - 0.
The City Attorney explained that a proposed revision of the city's
flood ordinance has been prepared by a planning commission committee, and that
he requests permission to forward it on to FEMA's Region IV office in Atlanta
for evaluation. He gave a short history of the city's present flood ordinance
which was tailored for a coastal barrier island at great effort and expense
by a prior administration, saying that this proposal is an effort to keep the
city's carefully prepared ordinance intact, rather than adopt a model ordinance
not especially intended for barrier islands. The planning commission committee
(John Hutton, Jimmy Brown, Tom Hollingsworth and James LaFavor) were commended
for their excellent work on the ordinance and Council unanimously accepted
the City Attorney's recommendation that the ordinance be forwarded to FEMA.
Tybee Island, Georgia
July 14, 1988
Page Five
An ordinance on Disorderly Conduct (Code' Section 11 -1 -6) was
read. Councilman Youmans moved its adoption, Councilman Walsh seconded and
the vote was 5 - 1, with Councilman Solomon voting against. The second reading
will be held at the regular meeting in August.
The meeting was adjourned.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL
1
i
MA'OR
R E S O L U T I 0 N
WHEREAS, Samuel L. Varnedoe has gained the respect and
admiration of the people of Tybee Island during his many years of active
service in this community and county; and
WHEREAS, he has earned the affection of Iis neighbors
here because of his foresight and zeal for public service; and
WHEREAS, he has recently recorded his fondness for Tybee
Island in an interesting historical memoir entitled "Memoirs of Tybee Island,
1909 - 1988 ", which has created tremendous interest among the residents of
this island, both year - rounders and summer people; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Tybee
Island do recognize, by this Resolution, the profound influence of Samuel
L. Varnedoe upon this island community, and upon its continuing historical
records;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, WHAT the Mayor and
Council, in Open Meeting Assembled, do congratulate Sam Varnedoe for his many
contributions to Tybee Island, and extend to him and his family their warmest
regard and best wishes for a happy, prosperous future.
ADOPTED THIS /4' bAY OF' ,1 , 1988.
CLERIC OF COUN IL
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, for many years there has been located in the
City of Tybee Island a public elementary school; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Tybee Island, formerly known as
the Town of Savannah Beach, has donated land to the
Savannah - Chatham County Board of Public Education for school
construction and use over the years; and,
WHEREAS, the most recent public school at Tybee was
built on land which this City donated to the Board of
Education of Chatham County, Georgia for the building of a
new school building site in 1946; and,
WHEREAS, the Tybee Island Elementary School is situated
and located on property which has been used for over 40 years
as recreational and educational property; and,
WHEREAS, thousands of Tybee children and others have
played on land known as Memorial Park adjacent to the
property of Tybee Elementary School; and,
WHEREAS, school year -end picnics and field trips are
regularly held in the property known as Memorial Park
adjacent to the Tybee Elementary School by schools and their
students from throughout the State of Georgia every year;
and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Education for the City of
Savannah and the County of Chatham has announced its plans
to close the Tybee Island Elementary School and to not
reopen the same for elementary school use beginning in
September, 1988; and,
WHEREAS, such closing of the public elementary school
at Tybee will cause extreme hardship and unnecessary travel
and expense for those students who are in attendance and for
those who plan to attend said school; and,
WHEREAS, the public elementary school at rybee is the
only public school located in the City of Tybee Island,
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Georgia, and the closing of the same removes all facilities
of public education from this municipality:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council
of the City of Tybee Island, Georgia, in open Meeting
assembled, that said municipality officially request the
Board of Public Education for the City of Savannah and the
County of Chatham to reconsider its decision and to reopen
said Tybee Island Elementary School in time for the school
year beginning in September, 1988.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the Board of Public
Education for the City of Savannah and the County of Chatham
persists in the decision to keep the Tybee Elementary School
closed, that the building, the land, and all easements for
recreational purposes, be deeded to the City of Tybee
Island, Georgia, to be used for public purposes for the
citizens of Tybee Island, Chatham County, the State of
Georgia, and all visiting members of the public.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor of the City
of Tybee Island, Georgia, be directed to send a copy of this
Resolution to each elected member of the Board of Public
Education for the City of Savannah and the County of
Chatham, expressing the disappointment of the decision and
the closing of the Tybee Island Elementary School and
requesting said Board of Public Education for the City of
Savannah and the County of Chatham to reconsider its
decision and to reopen said school, or in the alternative,
to deed the land and building back to the City of Tybee
Island, Georgia, for public purpose`s.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED, this )4 day of ` , 1988.
MAYOR
Atte t:
Cle
of Council
/Lti-e
Present: James LaFavor
Mary McAfee
John Hutton
Jimmy Brown
Tom Hollingsworth
Tybee Island Planning Commission
July 5, 1988
Absent: Warren Bell
Loree Anderson
Tommy Clark
I. Minutes of 6/6/88 accepted.
II. Stronjy Variance Request - Recommendation denied by vote of 4 - 0.
PIN #4- 4 -19 -1 Motion by Mary McAfee, second by Jimmy Brown.
III. Secretary asked to report on public notice procedure, especially signs
on property where variance is requested. Report will be forthcoming
on or before next meeting date.
IV. Election: Handwritten ballots with high vote getter named Chairman,
2nd highest, Vice - chairman.
John Hutton elected Chairman.
Tommy Clark elected Vice- chairman.
V. Update on subdivisions not available. Report expected on or before next
meeting date.
VI. Zoning (Mopper /Stapen Letter): Request for inclusion of Beds & Breakfasts
in Zoning. Motion to form a committee to study - Mary McAfee, 2nd
by Jimmy Brown. Vote 4 - 0 in favor. Will be an agenda item for
next meeting.
VII. FEMA. Chairman appointed a committee to study proposed changes to present
ordinance: James LaFAvor, Tom Hollingsworth, Jimmy Brown. Committee
to work independently, getting findings in to secretary by 7/7/88 so
that it can be prepared for Council.
VIII. REPORTS:
a) Hours & Expenses. Not available. Will become a regular monthly report.
b) Building Permit Application Packets: Study. Committee composed of Mary
McAfee and Loree Anderson. Recommendations attached, accepted
as information by Commission.
c) Chairman asked that all reports be written ones for sake of efficiency.
IX. Next Meeting date is Monday, August 1, 1988.
R. New Business: Request by Council that Code Section 8 -4 -72 will become an
agenda item for next meeting, & will be advertised as required.
RI. Adjourn.
To the Tybee Island Recreation Committee
The Tybee Island Recreation Board met Wednesday, June 15, 1988
at 7 P.M. at the Town Hall. Two topics were discussed resulting
in the following recommendations, which we offer for your con-
sideration:
Program Director for Tybee Island Youth Football
Applications for this position were presented to the Board by the
Recreation Dept. Our initial review resulted in the determination
that only two canidates pocessed the acedemic qualifications and
experience necessary to qualify for the position. These two
canidates were Ricky Kinciad and Jack Boylston. After a lengthy
discussion, during which many fine points of both applicants were
brought out, our vote favored a recommendation to offer the position
to Jack Boylston.
We understand that some controversy centers on the choice of canidates..
We wish to emphasize that the responsibilty of a Program Director
is an organizational task, not a coaching position. It is our sincere
desire that all individuals who helped make this program such a
great success last year will join together for the benefit of
Tybee's youth.
Program Director for Teen Activities
We are concerned about the plight of teenagers on Tybee- specifically,
not having much to do.
There appears to be no lack of willingness on the part of parents
to participate in teen related events. What we feel is needed is an
organizational function to spread tasks out over many parent groups
and provide a consistent series of teen events.
Accordingly we recommend the creation of a new recreation position,
a Program Director for Teen Activities. We make this recommendation
with complete awareness of the current restriction of available
funding; however, we are confident that funding can be arranged.
We are afraid for our children, and it is our accessment that many
Tybee parents share this concern.
If the recommendation is accepted, this Board will then task itself
to draw an appropriate position description outlining job respon-
sibilities, assist in the screening of applicants, and do whatever
is necessary to aid in the success of the program.
. Sincerely,
Mlle Clark
Chairman, Tybee Island Recreation
Board
CC: Mayor and Council Members
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POLL OF COUNCIL
7/5/88
Administrative Policy Change Regarding Workmen's Compensation
Agreed that city will pay group insurance charges while employee is out on
workmen's compensation so that coverage will remain in full effect. As set
forth in Code Section 2- 4- 13(b)(2) no other compensation will be provided.
Employee will not be required to "catch up" on his insurance upon return from
leave for a workmen's compensation injury.
Voting in Favor:
Jean Davis
Paul Jackson
John O'Neill
Bill Walsh
.Jack Youmans
Approved:
Walter W. Parker, Mayor
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Unavailable to Vote:
Chris Solomon
CLERK OF COUNCIL