HomeMy Public PortalAbout20180920Minutes.pdfTybee Island Beach Task Force Minutes: September 20, 2018
Members Present: Amy Lanier, Cathy Lewis, Cathy Sakas, Frank Wooldridge, Harvey Ferrell,
Jimmy Burke, Joe Richardson, Kate Burns, Mimi Pinner, Moses Robbins,
Mark Padgett and Sam Adams
Visitors/Ex-Officios Present: Josh Nickel (USACE) and Wanda Doyle, Liaison
CALL TO ORDER: Cathy Sakas called the meeting to order at 12:05PM.
Ms. Sakas stated she would like to add two items to the agenda: (1) Update of elevation survey – Jimmy
Burke; (2) North Beach wake from ships to include drownings on south-end – Moses Robbins; and (3)
Update – Josh Nickel. Frank Wooldridge made a motion to accept the agenda as amended. Sam
Adams seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve.
Ms. Sakas reminded everyone the next meeting will be October 18, 2018. The Clerk recommended the
next meeting be changed to Wednesday, October 17, 2018, as there is a conflict with the US Coast Guard
Designation ceremony. Ms. Sakas confirmed.
Sam Adams made a motion to approve the minutes from September 20, 2018 as amended. Jimmy
Burke seconded. Motion was unanimous to approve.
Plans for October 20 of 19th Street dune planting. Ms. Sakas stated after Alan Robertson meets with
Dr. Gillen and Deb Barreiro, DNR, she will have an idea what the plan will entail and will forward via email.
Jimmy Burke explained his concerns with the care of the rear of the Island, as everyone is always
concerned with the front of the Island. He recommended the City Engineer install some sort of valves on
all the storm outlets that flooded into the Back River and marsh. Next, in order to stop a surge of 2’ – 3’,
raise Chatham Avenue in certain areas. He also recommended placing a berm in certain areas that would
help prevent flooding. Ms. Doyle expressed her concerns with the cost of recommended changes and
stated Thomas and Hutton is working on the valves for drainage. Dr. Gillen stated currently there is work
on a south-end drainage plan that include backflow preventers. The issues are getting the valves
engineered and funded. Mark Padgett asked what it would take to calculate data if there was a 2’ storm
surge. That is the problem. Dr. Gillen responded the system needs to be engineered and the focus
currently is the drainage of rainwater. He also recommended the Guardian System be added to the
backside of the Island. There were several conversations regarding dredging of the creeks for possible
drainage. Dr. Gillen reiterated the overall plan is for a comprehensive drainage plan.
Moses Robbins expressed his concerns with the wake of the larger ships traveling to the Port as well as
the overall health of the jetty. Ms. Sakas stated it was her understanding signs were put at the north-end
to warn beach goers of the hazard of the wake. Mr. Burke recommended the City write a letter to the
Port/USACE regarding the south jetty of the north jetties as it is causing problems on the Tybee beach. Dr.
Gillen showed a video of the recent phenomenon (ship wake) at north beach. He continued the Phase 1
of the Channel Impact Study has been completed and 78% of the erosion is because of the Shipping
Channel. Phase II Channel Impact Study through the USACE will let us know what has to be done to lessen
and prevent the erosion. Ms. Doyle suggested Dr. Gillen get a Port schedule so Ocean Rescue is aware
of the schedule and can be on alert. More signage has been ordered and will be posted once received.
Mr. Ferrell stated the wake is also affecting Cockspur Lighthouse and they have video as well which he will
make available if needed. He also stated Rep. Buddy Carter is aware of the south jetty and is working
toward repair.
Moses Robbins expressed his concerns regarding the recent drownings on the beach. He stated they
seem to happen after the lifeguards are off duty, 6:30PM. Dr. Gillen stated there would be additional
signage warning of currents. Ms. Doyle suggested these issues be brought to the Public Safety Committee
for consideration.
Kate Burns gave a report on the Beach Litter Subcommittee Report. Ms. Burns reported they have
met Objective #1 to do the “Georgia Coast is not an Ashtray Campaign”. She thanked everyone who
participated in the Program. The final report is due soon and she will share at that point. Ms. Burns then
touched on the “Adopt a….” Program. The Program is due to launch next month. Robyn Rosner, Facilities
Coordinator, will coordinate the Program from the City.
Mark Padgett gave an update on the Dune Subcommittee. Mr. Padgett stated the dunes are good
with the fencing. Reports show sand accumulation and progress on different levels as well as areas where
wrack was laid as sea oats are growing at different levels also. Mr. Adams stated with the growth of the
sea oats as well as the flora, beachgoers are not abusing the dunes.
Cathy Lewis reported the Beachcomber did a nice article on the sand dunes. Ms. Lewis then gave an
Update on the Street Lights. She reported all the street lights all have shields and the nesting season
was successful as there was 23 nests and 5 that have not hatched.
Dr. Gillen stated the dune project is going to bid out for 19th Street to the Pier and is Phase 1 of the
project. Phase II will be from Pier northward, Center Street to Gullick. Permitting process has not started
as of yet for Phase II and is expected to take a year and construction will happen winter of 2019. Dr. Gillen
reported sand is being stored at DPW for emergency purposes currently. He also stated he is working with
DNR on dunes, mobi mats, and crossovers. Most crossovers will be raised or rebuilt due to the growth of
the dunes to include ADA compliance. Work is also being done on 14th and 16th parking lots to make them
more aesthetically pleasing.
John Nickel, USACE, shared with the Beach Task Force observations were made just before the hurricane
so data could be compared, before and after. In addition, the Phase II Impact Study, the USACE asked
Headquarters to fund the project and is not guaranteed. He also reported Georgia Tech is going to do a
graduate project to investigate the north shore wave activity and do preliminary investigations. This should
be starting soon. Regarding the federal partnership for an additional fifteen years is ongoing. It expires
in 2024 and this Study allows it to run through 2039. Tentative completion of the Study will be March of
2020. Preliminary work will begin soon to evaluate the expansion of the current borrow area. Ms. Doyle
asked when the Georgia Tech Study would start. Mr. Nickel does not have a date as of yet but will report
back when the information is received.
Being there was no further business; Ms. Sakas adjourned the meeting at 1:30PM.
__________________________
Janet LeViner, CMC
City Clerk