HomeMy Public PortalAbout20180517Minutes.docxTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: May 17, 2018
Members Present: Cathy Lewis, Cathy Sakas, Joe Richardson, Frank Wooldridge, Harvey Ferrelle, Kate Burns, Michael Foran, Jimmy Burke, Sam Adams, Mark Padgett, and Moses Robbins
Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Wanda Doyle, Liaison, Monty Parks and Tim Arnold
CALL TO ORDER: Cathy Sakas called the meeting to order at 12:05PM.
Michael Foran made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Jimmy Burke seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve.
Dr. Richardson gave an update on the beach hazards. He said he has received numerous complaints regarding the hazards at north beach area. He explained the location of the hazards
near the jetty, which have now been removed by DPW. Dr. Richardson stated the old sea wall is still visible at low tide, which can be considered a hazard. Ms. Sakas thanked Dr. Richardson
for his report.
Kate Burns gave a report on the “Georgia Coast is Not an Ashtray Campaign” is ready to kickoff. The overview show the number of activities over the next three month and she would like
the Task Force recommendations on how to make these activities a successful event for Tybee. Ms. Burns showed the logo for the Campaign and discussed the press release. On May 31,
2018, she is asking a volunteer to take a truck to Brunswick to pick-up the City’s share of large ashtrays. They will be turned over to the City for distribution. Ms. Burns then asked
who would be the representative for the City to be the overseer of the project and who would be willing to volunteer for the trip to Brunswick. Ms. Doyle stated the City Manager would
be the contact person as all press releases go through that office. She recommended Tybee Tourism add to their website once approved by the City Manager. Michael Foran stated he is
willing to assist in the trip to Brunswick. Ms. Sakas thanked Ms. Burns for her hard work with the project. Mr. Adams asked if there is something set up to measure the success of
the project. Ms. Burns responded she would bring this up on upcoming meeting.
Cathy Lewis gave an update on the Street Lights during Sea Turtle Nesting Season. Ms. Lewis stated Georgia Power traditional streetlights on Tybee beach streets all have turtle shields
currently. The blue decorative streetlights on the Strand have all been repaired; however, there are 8 – 9 that do not have the shields as they are currently being made. Ms. Lewis
asked if anyone sees a light that does not have a shield, near the beach, to please contact Georgia Power.
Sam Adams gave an update on the Dune Subcommittee. He turned the update over to Mark Padgett. Mr. Padgett stated he attended a recently briefing and has an outline of the work completed
to date. He stated baseline monitoring was conducted in June 2017 and Area 1 installation occurred in September 2017. The first monitoring of Area 1 occurred in October 2017 and is
working as expected. Area 2: installation occurred in November 2017 and shows continuation of the collection of sand throughout the sand fencing area. Area 3: suggested the natural
dune field to the north contributes greatly to the sand sharing within area 3 fencing, which will result in expedited dune creation. Overall moderating shows fencing is working as
expected. Mr. Padgett stated he visited all the areas and did not see much foot traffic and confirmed the sand accumulation. He continued there is some evidence of vegetation growth
and recommended plantings. Ms. Lewis expressed her concerns with ATV’s on the beach. She asked if the Committee or the City is monitoring unauthorized vehicles on the beach. Mr.
Padgett responded no but the City Manager is aware of the unauthorized access and this is a Police Department issue. Ms. Doyle stated if anyone sees the unauthorized access please
contact the police department or even her. She will also put on an upcoming Public Safety Committee agenda. Sam Adams now turned the discussion to the
concerns with current signage, as it does not seem to keep beach goers out of the dunes at 2nd Street and Gullick. He has designed a sign to ask the cooperation of the beach goers not
go in the dunes. He recommended pamphlets also distributed to the vacation rental properties. Ms. Doyle stated the language is good for the rental companies but not for signage
on the beach as it is too wordy. Mr. Burke stated 90% of the individuals in the dunes are children playing and the other 10% are florists. Ms. Lewis proposed other marketing ideas
for the signs. Sam Adams made a motion to bring a recommendation to Mayor and Council and have them approach the rental agents regarding the importance of staying out of the dunes.
This would be a one-pager information sheet. Cathy Lewis seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve. Mr. Robbins expressed his concerns with the lack of signs regarding the dunes in
the Back River area. Ms. Doyle stated she would look into his concerns.
Mark Padgett gave a quick update on the Beach Resilience Summit last month where he and Alan Robertson both presented at the Summit. Mr. Robertson presented and the Dune Project and
he presented on the sand fencing. Mr. Padgett stated one of the takeaways pertained to FEMA, which was very informative.
Wanda Doyle commended our local legislators as well as Mayor Buelterman on their persistence in moving forward with the Dune Project and future re-nourishments.
Wanda Doyle gave an update on the Shore Bird Resolution, as it will be on City Council agenda for June 14, 2018. Ms. Lewis expressed her concerns with the size of the new signs that
were placed on the beach. She feels the size of the letters are too small as well as they are “busy” with the colors. Ms. Doyle responded she forward her concerns to the City Manager.
Being there was no further business; Ms. Sakas adjourned the meeting at 1:00PM.
__________________________
Janet LeViner, CMC
City Clerk