HomeMy Public PortalAbout20200709Packet.pdfMAYOR CITY MANAGER
Shirley Sessions Dr. Shawn Gillen
CITY COUNCIL CLERK OF COUNCIL
Barry Brown, Mayor Pro Tem Jan LeViner
John Branigin
Jay Burke CITY ATTORNEY
Nancy DeVetter Edward M. Hughes
Spec Hosti
Monty Parks
CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND
P.O. Box 2749 – 403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749
(866) 786-4573 – FAX (866) 786-5737
www.cityoftybee.org
A G E N D A
REGULAR MEETING OF TYBEE ISLAND CITY COUNCIL
July 09, 2020 at 6:30 PM
Please silence all cell phones during Council Meetings
Consideration of Items for Consent Agenda 6:30PM
Opening Ceremonies
Call to Order
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Announcements
Recognitions and Proclamations
1. Swann Seiler, Georgia Power
2. Justin Wainscott, Sr. Chief, USCG
3. Camilla Pittman, IIMC, Region III Director
Consideration of the approval of the minutes of the meetings of the Tybee island City Council
4. Minutes, June 18, 2020, City Council Meeting
5. Minutes, June 25, 2020, Second Reading, Millage 2020-2021
6. Minutes, June 25, 2020, City Council Meeting
Reports of Staff, Boards, Standing Committees Limit reports to 10 minutes.
7. Pete Ryerson: Review policy for two day parking passes that are used by the STVR's
8. Pete Ryerson: Transferable yearly Parking Decals
9. Pete Gulbronson: Speed Hump Policy
Citizens to be Heard: Please limit comments to 3 minutes. Maximum allowable times of 5
minutes.
10. Kitty Williams: Captains Row Pool Request
11. Pinkie Butler: 52 Captains Row, Variance Request
12. Keith Gay: Real Estate
13. Carrie Efird: Trash Services and City Dump
14. Andy Davis: Unmaintained Strand Avenue Right-of-Way
15. Race Equity Resolution: Honorable Edna Jackson, former Mayor, City of Savannah
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P.O. Box 2749 – 403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749
(866) 786-4573 – FAX (866) 786-5737
www.cityoftybee.org
16. Race Equity Resolution: Dr. Amir Toure, Savannah Historian
17. Race Equity Resolution: Libohang Mothapo, Educator, Savannah Board of Education
18. Race Equity Resolution: Carole Jackson, Tybee Resident
19. Race Equity Resolution: Julia Pearce, Tybee Resident
20. Philip Rosen: Racial Equity/Justice
Consideration of Approval of Consent Agenda
Approval of Contracts and Agreements
21. Adopt the Chatham County Emergency Operating Plan and the Hazard Mitigation Plan
Public Hearings
22. Variance: requesting 2.5 feet into side setback for new carport/storage area – 1413 Fifth
Ave.- Zone R-2 –40011 06008–Mary Anne Butler.
23. Variance: requesting 3.4’ feet into side setback & 7.6’ feet into front setback for second
means of egress and new deck – 1109 Laurel Ave. – Zone R-1-B – 40026 04011 – Paul
& Carrie Harvill.
24. Variance: requesting 3.53’ feet into side/rear setback -803 First St. & 4 N Campbell Ave.
- Zone C-2 – 40019 01005/01002/01001 – Matt Anderson.
25. Variance: Requesting To Put Pool Two Feet From Property Line Instead Of The Required
Five Foot Setback-52 Captains View-Zone-R-2-4002116013-Tanya&Roger Huff
26. Minutes 6/15/2020 Planning Commission
Consideration of Ordinances, Resolutions
27. Resolution 2020-09: Emergency Directive on Suspension of Zoning Restriction on
Recreational Vehicles in residential areas for Hazard Mitigation Grant
Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerations and Comments
28. Bubba Hughes: Draft Moratorium, STVR and Pools
29. Bubba Hughes: Wearing of Masks
30. Bubba Hughes: Rules of Conduct and Rules of Council
31. Nancy DeVetter, Resolution, Race Equity Resolution
32. Monty Parks: STVR and Pool Options
33. Shawn Gillen: Water Rates Study and Adjustment of Water/Sewer Fees
34. George Shaw: Late Fees and Refunds
Executive Session: Discuss litigation, personnel and real estate
Possible vote on litigation, personnel and real estate discussed in executive session
Adjournment
Individuals with disabilities who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or
participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities are
required to contact Jan LeViner at 912.472.5080 promptly to allow the City to make reasonable accommodations
for those persons.
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P.O. Box 2749 – 403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749
(866) 786-4573 – FAX (866) 786-5737
www.cityoftybee.org
*PLEASE NOTE: Citizens wishing to speak on items listed on the agenda, other than public hearings,
should do so during the citizens to be heard section. Citizens wishing to place items on the council
meeting agenda must submit an agenda request form to the City Clerk’s office by Thursday at 5:00PM
prior to the next scheduled meeting. Agenda request forms are available outside the Clerk’s office at City
Hall and at www.cityoftybee.org.
THE VISION OF THE CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND
“is to make Tybee Island the premier beach community in which to live, work, and play.”
THE MISSION OF THE CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND
“is to provide a safe, secure and sustainable environment by delivering superior services through responsible
planning, preservation of our natural and historic resources, and partnership with our community to ensure
economic opportunity, a vibrant quality of life, and a thriving future.”
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File Attachments for Item:
4. Minutes, June 18, 2020, City Council Meeting
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City Council Minutes, June 18, 2020
Mayor Sessions called the Consent Agenda to order at 6:30PM, June 18, 2020. Those in
attendance were Jay Burke, Monty Parks, John Branigin, Barry Brown, Spec Hosti and Nancy
DeVetter. Also attending were Dr. Shawn Gillen, City Manager; Edward Hughes, City Attorney;
Tracy O’Connell, EPRA Law; George Shaw, Director, Community Development; and Jan LeViner,
Clerk of Council.
Mayor Sessions added the following to the Consent Agenda:
Minutes, City Council Meeting, May 28, 2020
Cate Campbell, Appointment to Main Street Board of Directors
County/Wide Canal Maintenance Program, Chatham County Department of Public Works
Purchase of Diesel Bypass Pumps to the low bidder, Xylem Dewatering Solutions, for the
amount of $425,772.90.
Budget Amendment: Funds needed to cover EOM and Korkat Invoices through year-end.
Funds needed to cover invoices from Atlantic Waste for Main Yard Trash. Funds
transferred from 100-4250-54-2100, Machinery and Equipment to Contract Labor; Site
Improvements and main yard/dump in the amount of $39,700.
Water Rate Study and Adjustment of water/sewer fees to fund water projects.
DISCUSSION: Sent to Finance Committee for their recommendation and to be brought
back in sixty (60) days. Monty Parks asked them to consider a GEFA loan for two clarifiers
for the sewer upgrade project for Officer’s Row.
Opening Ceremonies
Call to Order
Invocation: Susan Hill, All Saints Episcopal Church
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Sessions asked Lenny Panzitta to the podium to take the Oath of Municipal Judge
Pro tem, Tybee Island Municipal Court. Mayor Sessions administered the Oath of Office and
thanked Judge Panzitta for his service to Tybee Island.
Citizens to be Heard
Pat Leiby: Future of the Old School and Old School Cafeteria (attached). Ms. Leiby
approached Mayor and Council expressing her concerns regarding the possibility of Tybee Island
Maritime Academy (TIMA) using the Old School facilities other than the Tybee Emergency
Management Agency (TEMA) and Archives Room. Mayor pro tem Brown responded, TIMA has
the TEMA and the Archives Room. Room 6 and Cafeteria have not been designated to TIMA for
their use. Dr. Gillen confirmed there is a Memorandum of Understanding with TIMA that they
have the use of the two rooms, TEMA and Archives Rooms. Mayor Sessions thanked Ms. Leiby
for her comments.
Pamela Lossing: Traffic and dust problems on a portion of Solomon Avenue
(attached). Ms. Lossing approached Mayor and Council and expressed her concerns regarding
the dangerous traffic situation on Solomon. Ms. Lossing also expressed her concerns with TIMA
using other facilities at the Old School complex other than the TEMA and Archives Rooms. Mayor
Sessions thanked Ms. Lossing for her comments.
Deb Baber: TIMA and the YMCA (attached). Ms. Baber approached Mayor and Council and
expressed her concerns with the use of the YMCA by TIMA. Mayor Sessions thanks Ms. Baber for
her comments.
Julie Livingston: Golf Carts. Ms. Livingston approached Mayor and Council to discuss the
restrictions she places on guests that rent golf carts from Tybee Golf Carts. She gives each visitor
a map showing where they can cross Butler, discusses underage drivers, and the general “rules of
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the road”. If there are infractions, the cart is retrieved from the renter and they are ban from ever
renting again. Ms. Livingston stated she pays full price for parking decals for her carts (115) and
would ask Mayor and Council if they see infractions to please contact her directly. Also, she has
purchased electric carts as they are more environmental friendly than gas. She currently has
approximately 76 electric carts and 39 gas carts. Mayor pro tem Brown thanked Ms. Livingston
for running such a good business.
Amy Gaster: STVR’s. Ms. Gaster approached Mayor and Council to discuss STVR’s
enforcement. Ms. Gaster stated she has received many letters from her owners regarding STVR’s
enforcement. She stated the original goal of the STVR ordinance was to have compliance with
registration, noise, and complaints. Ms. Gaster stated there is a better system in place currently
for compliance. She further discussed the possible increase in STVR registration fees which would
fund the staffing of additional Code Enforcement Officers. Mayor Sessions thanked Ms. Gaster
for her comments.
Roger Huff: Better information in the packet. Mr. Huff stated he is an owner of a STVR’s
which he managers. He requested better information be included in the agenda packet to support
the agenda items. Mr. Huff expressed his concerns with the purchase of the Host Compliance
Software as it will be paid for by the possible increase of registration fees from STVR’s.
Tonya Huff: STVR’s. Ms. Huff expressed her concerns with the possible increase in the STVR’s
registration. Mayor Sessions thanked Mr. and Mrs. Huff for their comments. She also clarified
the agenda items as they are for discussion only and not for a vote (STVR Enforcement). Mayor
Sessions stated prior to a vote that would impact the citizens and their livelihood, there will be
sufficient data in the packet.
Keith Gay: STVR’s. Mr. Gay approached Mayor and Council to the Disorderly House
Ordinance as it applies to STVR’s. He stated the management companies on the Island know how
to locate STVR’s that are not legally registered with the City and would ask City leaders and Staff
to contact them for assistance. He does not believe purchasing the Host Compliance Software will
solve the problem of illegal STVR’s on the Island. Mayor Sessions thanked Mr. Gay for his
comments.
Eddie Matias: STVR’s and Pool moratorium (attached). Mr. Matias approached Mayor
and Council to express his concerns with a possible pool moratorium as he has a STVR’s and
would like to put a pool at the property. He asked Mayor and Council to take into consideration
not putting a moratorium on pools. Mayor Sessions thanked Mr. Matias.
Joel Clackum: Over taxing residents. Mr. Clackum approached Mayor and Council and
expressed his concerns with the possible increase with STVR ’s registration. He explained this is
cost prohibited to many STVR owners and would be counter productive in making Tybee a more
thoughtful and inviting vacation destination.
Jenny Rutherford: STVR’s (attached). Ms. Rutherford approached Mayor and Council to
express her concerns regarding the possible raising of STVR’s registration fees to support the
increase in staffing for Code Enforcement. She would ask Mayor and Council not pass a
moratorium on pools as this increases the property value of the STVR’s as well as residential
homes. Ms. Rutherford also expressed her concerns with the possible increase in the parking
decal. Dr. Gillen clarified the $350 cost of a parking decal applies to the electronic virtual pass
that can be share with multiple vehicles. Mayor Sessions stated this option is a choice and not a
requirement. She thanked Ms. Rutherford for her comments.
Henry Morgan: STVR’s. Mr. Morgan approached Mayor and Council to express his concerns
with the possible increase in STVR’s registration fees and the possible moratorium on pools. He
stated there have been many workshops with STVR’s owners and Mayor and Council to work on
a policy for compliance. Mayor Sessions thanked Mr. Morgan.
Julia Pearce: STVR’s and Zoning. Ms. Pearce approached Mayor and Council to revisit
zoning for STVR’s as there are STVR’s all over the Island. She recommended Planning and Zoning
Office need to fix the zoning of STVR’s. She stated all residents need to live in unity as that is what
- Page 6 -Item #4.
Tybee Island is all about. Mayor Sessions thanked Ms. Pearce for her comments. Mayor Sessions
responded it is her desire to ensure the City’s Zoning Code is correct.
Mayor Sessions stated Mayor and Council received many letters from residents which were too
many to read and she asked the Clerk to include as part of the official record. Ms. LeViner
confirmed.
Monty Parks made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Barry Brown seconded. Vote
was unanimous, 6-0 to approve.
Public Hearings
Consideration of Renee Bridges parking Lot in Residential Area. George Shaw
approached Mayor and Council. Mr. Shaw stated this has b een before Mayor and Council
previously and was denied in February 2020. It was again heard during a Zoom meeting and is
back before Mayor and Council this evening. Russell Bridges approached Mayor and Council.
Mr. Bridges expressed his disappointment that his request was denied with no explanation.
Mayor Sessions asked Mr. Bridges how many parking spaces are in his lot. Mr. Bridges stated
there are thirty (30) spaces as presented in his Site Plan. Mr. Hughes explained the previous vote
which was three to three with the Mayor voting in opposition which denied the permit. Mr.
Hughes continued, as the Bridges were denied the permit, they would be allowed to have another
public hearing under the ordinance and procedures. If the concern is the parking lot s should not
be allowed in residential zones there is a different procedure which must be approved with zoning,
not by denying a permit without following the guidelines. Mayor Sessions stated Mayor and
Council did receive numerous communications regarding the trash, traffic and noise what they
feel is from the parking lot. Mr. Hughes responded the ordinance is very specific as to the grounds
for revocation as it must be based on a standard such as violations of the Code. There have been
no violations for this specific parking lot to date. Mr. Bridges stated he has not received a formal
notice as to the denial of his parking lot permit. He stated he provides trash receptacles for the
patrons and he does not feel you can separate the noise from his parking lot from other beach
goers. Mayor pro tem Brown stated his objections to all private parking lots in residential. Ms.
DeVetter cited the ordinance and asked for clarification from Mr. Hughes. Mr. Hughes stated
there would have to be a finding and there have been none. The public may have complained but
Mr. Bridges has not been provided with complaints as has Mr. Shaw. Ms. DeVetter asked Mr.
Bridges if there is someone to monitor the parking lot during the day to ensure the trash is picked
up and there is no loud music. Mr. Bridges confirmed as he and his wife are there. He asked if
there are complaints why hasn’t he been contacted. Roger Huff approached Mayor and Council
and spoke in favor of the parking lot as there is a need for parking. Jay Burke made a motion to
approve. Monty Parks seconded for discussion. Discussion: Mr. Parks stated he would like
to support Mayor pro tem Brown and Ms. DeVetter in their objection to the request for a private
parking lot but the way he would like to support is through a zoning review on all the private parks
lots in residential areas rather than just an individual. He had not received any complaints and
would recommend approval and go back and review as a zoning issue. Jay Burke amended his
motion to approve with the understanding this issue be reviewed by Planning and Zoning for
review of all parking regulations for private parking lots in residential areas. Monty Parks
accepted the amended motion. Mr. Hughes stated the ordinance that controls the private
parking lots is in the Land Development Code and not a zoning ordinance. There would need to
be a text amendment to the zoning ordinance and Mayor and Council would have to deal with the
grandfathering aspect. There would need to be a public hearing regarding the amendment. Ms.
DeVetter stated it is easier to vote against the private parking lots than to do a text amendment
due to the grandfathering aspect. A discussion ensued as to the avenues that can be taken to
resolve issues with private parking in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Parks stated it is his intent
to get rid of all the parking lots in residential through an actual part of the Code change rather
- Page 7 -Item #4.
than taking each one individually each year. Mr. Hughes stating what he is advocating is a middle
ground where those operating parking lots in residential zone can be required to be less impactful
to their residential neighbors. There also need to be evidence of complaints. Voting to approve
were Jay Burke, Monty Parks, John Branigin and Spec Hosti. Voting against were Barry Brown
and Nancy DeVetter. Motion to approve, 4-2.
Variance: requesting to impact marshland to maintain right of way – Polk Street
right of way and 318 Polk Street – Zone C2-EC-4-0025-01-005Y and 005Z – City of
Tybee and Michael Leonard. George Shaw approached Mayor and Council. Mr. Shaw
stated this is the third time this request has been before Mayor and Council. The City needs a
variance from the City’s ordinance so the City can ask for a variance from the State. Spec Hosti
made a motion to approve. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0.
John Branigin made a motion for the City to send a letter to the DNR Commissioner in support
the Leonard’s request stating the City is standing firmly behind Mr. Leonard’s request and the
City will take all necessary steps for Mr. Leonard to achieve the right for access to his property.
Barry Brown seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0.
First Reading, FY2021 Budget. Mayor Sessions stated Mayor and Council have had many
meetings to discuss the budget that is in the packet tonight. Mr. Burke confirmed his concerns
were answered by the City Manager. Dr. Gillen gave a brief overview of the proposed budget. He
stated what is before Mayor and Council are the Operating and Capital Budgets for the next fiscal
year and the budget is balanced. There is a budgeted payback to the fund balance for just over
$200,000 with the anticipation of using fund balance to finish the current fiscal year. This budget
does fill the vacancies in the Police Department and the vacant fire fighter and the three vacancies
in the Department of Public Works. Mayor pro tem Brown if there is $30,000 in the budget
allocated for the Marsh Hen Trail. Dr. Gillen confirmed as it is in the SPLOST 2014 budget. Mr.
Parks asked if there is a line item for paving for DPW, first phase. Dr. Gillen confirmed. Mr. Parks
also asked if there is funding for the dog parks. Dr. Gillen confirmed. Mr. Parks also asked about
the funding for the rental equipment for Main Street, $6,000. He would recommend rather than
renting the stage, the City purchase a portable stage. Dr. Gillen confirmed. Mr. Parks then asked
regarding the training and education budget for the IT Department. Dr. Gillen responded training
is included in the services the City receives therefore there is no out-of-pocket expense. Mr. Burke
asked Dr. Gillen if he received his questions as he has not received a response. Dr. Gillen stated
he did not receive an email with questions. Mr. Burke will resend. Mayor S essions stated it is
critical to have a dedicated Animal Control Officer and she does not see that line item in the
proposed budget. Dr. Gillen stated there is a dedicated full-time Animal Control Officer and two
part-time Officers under the Administrative Services Division of the TIPD. Monty Parks made
a motion to approve as presented. John Branigin seconded. Voting in favor were Monty Parks,
John Branigin, Barry Brown, Spec Hosti and Nancy DeVetter. Voting against was Jay Burke.
Motion to approve, 5-1.
First Reading, 2020-2021 Millage Rate. Dr. Gillen stated the proposed millage does not
change in this proposal as it is the same level as last year, 3.931. Mr. Parks stated at 3.931 is what
it has been and has asked in the past to set the millage rat e to generate the revenue that would
make the 3.931 fractionally lower because actually by keeping it at 3.931 the City increases the
revenue by $8,000. He would like a roll-back to the rate to keep the same level. Mr. Branigin
responded, given the fiscal uncertainty that we face, he believe a roll-back is not in the best interest
of the City. John Branigin made a motion to approve as presented. Barry Brown seconded.
Voting in favor were Jay Burke, John Branigin, Barry Brown, Spec Hosti and Nancy DeVetter.
Voting against was Monty Parks. Motion to approve 5-1.
- Page 8 -Item #4.
Consideration of Local Requests, Special Events, Alcohol License
Royal Palm Tybee LLC (existing business license/occupational tax certificate):
Alcohol License Request Beer/Wine-Package Sales Only, Consumption of premises
Prohibited, Sunday Sales. Sell in gift shop. Jay Burke recused. Mr. Shaw stated the
Royal Palm Hotel is requesting to sell packaged beer/wine to their guests. Hotel Tybee has much
the same permit for their guests. Monty Parks made a motion to approve. John Branigin
seconded. Voting in favor were Monty Parks, John Branigin, Spec Hosti and Nancy DeVetter.
Voting against was Barry Brown. Motion to approve, 4-1. Jay Burke returned to the meeting.
Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerations and Comments
Mayor pro tem Brown stated there are additional Code Enforcement Officers starting soon for
STVR/Enforcement. Administrative Services Division has been set up for enforcement. These
officers will be able to write citations for unruly behavior. With this citation the three rule begins.
He expressed his concerns regarding the number of pools on the Island and is recommending a
Pool Moratorium as the City’s withdrawal rate is increasing. Mr. Hosti recommended a water
sprinkler moratorium as people use more water with their landscaping than with a pool. Mayor
pro tem Brown would like data as to the water rate withdrawals. Ms. DeVetter asked what exactly
the issues are and what Mayor and Council are trying to accomplish. There are many moving
parts: (1) water issues; (2) pool issues; (3) enforcement; (4) Host Compliance; (5) safety concern
– STVR’s; and (6) mid-level enforcement – STVR’s. Mayor and Council need to divide the
responsibilities. She would support a 90-day moratorium on pools and STVR’s so Mayor and
Council can devise a plan. Ms. DeVetter stated Code Enforcement Officers need direction as their
time is valuable. She also recommended addressing STVR’s from a zoning prospective and to
have a ninety day moratorium. This will give Mayor and Council an opportunity to get more
information, more feed-back from residents and to hear recommendations from the Planning
Commission. Mr. Parks stated he supports an Island wide moratorium on swimming po ols for
ninety days while Mayor and Council study the effect of swimming pools on water withdrawal.
Mr. Parks confirmed with Mayor pro tem Brown there is a meeting soon to review the possible
structure of a Code Enforcement Department. He would like to come back to Mayor and Council
with the results of the meeting. The minutes from that meeting can also be published. Mr. Parks
feels this is a very important department and will require some very direct Council oversight
during the first year. Mr. Branigin stated the vast majority of STVR’s are well managed and not
causing problems and the focus of our efforts need to be punitive actions for those that are causing
the problems. He does not think it is appropriate to use an increase in STVR’s registration to fund
the purchase of a software program. He is not in favor of a moratorium for pools as there is not
enough data. Mr. Branigin recommended the City need to learn how to be water independence.
Mayor Sessions concurred and would like the consensus of Council on how they would like to
move forward with water independence/conservation. Mr. Parks would like to move forward with
a deep well. Mayor Sessions asked Mr. Hughes if he knows the status of the law suit in regards to
the deep well. Mr. Hughes responded due to the COVID the courts have been shut down. He is
not aware of their rescheduling dates. Ms. DeVetter recommended this be included on an
upcoming agenda for discussion. Mr. Parks asked Mr. Hughes to come back with the wording for
a pool moratorium at an upcoming meeting. Mr. Hughes confirmed and will bring a draft
resolution to July 9, 2020 City Council meeting for discussion. Mr. Parks stated he would like to
have a town meeting where everyone can attend to discuss STVR’s. Mayor Sessions concurred.
Nancy DeVetter stated she had emailed Mayor and Council regarding an Amendment to the
Tree Ordinance due to the clear cutting at the Fresh Air Home and at Solomon. The fees cannot
be raised for a violation of the tree ordinance but she believes Mayor and Council could add an
additional penalty which would prevent or revoke the permit and if there is a violation and deny
future permits based on prior violations of the ordinance. She has not drafted an amendment and
would ask Mayor and Council for their recommendations. Ms. DeVetter stated developers do not
- Page 9 -Item #4.
have an issue with paying fines for cutting without permission. Mayor pro tem Brown asked Mr.
Hughes if a future permit can be denied if they are in violation. Mr. Hughes stated there are more
penalties available and $1,000 is rather high. Mayor and Council could require that mature trees
would replace those that were cut down which would also be expensive. Ms. O’Connell stated
there are stiffer penalties that can be levied for contractors. She explained it would not be feasible
to deny a permit for a contractor that had a prior violation. Mayor pro tem Brown expressed his
concerns with the contractors who know the rules and continue to cut trees without a permit. Ms.
O’Connell recommended mature trees be replaced with the clear cutting and the Certificate of
Occupancy not be given until such work is completed. Mayor Sessions confirmed with Mr. Shaw,
when a person applies for a permit, he is aware what type of tress and the number of tress to be
cut down. Mayor Sessions stated whoever applied for the permit should be held accountable. Mr.
Hughes stated in one instance a permit was not applied for no approved. Ms. DeVetter asked if
the license could be pulled if no permit had been applied for. Mr. Shaw stated all the contractors
are aware of the ordinance but in some instances have applied for a permit after th e fact.
Currently there is one contractor that has a trial soon as he cut without a permit. Ms. DeVetter
asked if the Municipal Judge order the mitigation. Mr. Shaw responded the mitigation is part of
the current ordinance. Mr. Shaw stated to make it stricter the City could require full size
replacements. Mr. Parks stated he would concur with Mr. Shaw and of the same species so as not
to get a lot of palms. Mr. Shaw stated he will draft and send to Mayor and Council. No Action
Taken
Nancy DeVetter stated she added this to the agenda as Mayor and Council were talking
internally about Golf Carts: Annual fees, signage and parking permits and would like a
discussion and possible solutions. As it is late in the evening, she would recommend tabling the
discussion for a later date. No Action Taken.
Spec Hosti stated the contractor, Willis Larose who is raising the home on Lewis, is asking to
place his camper on the vacant lot next to the residence. Mayor pro tem Brown recommended
approval. Mr. Shaw stated the ordinance only allows for a seven day permit for a camper in a
residential area and the project is under the Hazard Mitigation Grant and he is not aware of any
emergency exception that would be presently be valid and in effect, that would allow Mayor and
Council to allow an extension beyond a seven day permit which can be renewed three times. Mr.
Hughes will find a resolution for this issue and bring back to Mayor and Council. No Action
Taken
Barry Brown made a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel, real estate,
and litigation. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Barry Brown made a motion to return to regular session. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was
unanimous to approve, 6-0.
John Branigin made a motion to adjourn. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous to
approve, 6-0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:45PM
_________________________
Janet LeViner, MMC
Clerk of Council
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File Attachments for Item:
5. Minutes, June 25, 2020, Second Reading, Millage 2020-2021
- Page 37 -Item #5.
Minutes, June 25, 2020 Second Hearing, Millage
Opening Ceremonies
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
PRESENT
Mayor Shirley Sessions
Mayor Pro Tem Barry Brown
Council Member John Branigin
Council Member Nancy DeVetter
Council Member Spec Hosti
Council Member Monty Parks
ABSENT
Council Member Jay Burke
Public Hearings
1. Second Reading: Proposed Millage, 2020-2021
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Brown to approve as submitted, Seconded by Council Member
Branigin.
Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Brown, Council Member Branigin, Council Member DeVetter, Council
Member Hosti. Voting Nay: Council Member Parks
Adjournment
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Brown to adjourn, Seconded by Council Member Hosti.
Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Brown, Council Member Branigin, Council Member DeVetter, Council
Member Hosti, Council Member Parks
______________________________
Janet R. LeViner, MMC
Clerk
- Page 38 -Item #5.
File Attachments for Item:
6. Minutes, June 25, 2020, City Council Meeting
- Page 39 -Item #6.
City Council Minutes June 25, 2020
Consideration of Items for Consent Agenda
Mayor Sessions called the consent agenda to order at 6:30PM on June 25, 2020. Those present
were Monty Parks, John Branigin, Jay Burke, Barry Brown, Nancy DeVetter and Spec Hosti. Also
attending were Dr. Shawn Gillen, City Manager; Bubba Hughes, City Attorney; Tracy O’Connell,
EPRA Law Firm, George Shaw, Director, Community Development; and Janet LeViner, Clerk of
Council.
Mayor Sessions listed the following items on the consent agenda:
Approval of Courtware Government Software Solutions for Tybee Island Municipal Court.
$11,000
Opening Ceremonies
Call to Order
Invocation: Jan LeViner, Clerk
Pledge of Allegiance
Citizens to be Heard
Shirley Wright approached Mayor and Council to discuss the Residents expectations for
local leadership (copy attached). Mayor Sessions thanked Ms. Wright for her comments and
confirmed her letter would be made part of the official record.
David Baker approached Mayor and Council to appeal to Mayor and Council sense of fairness
regarding Cockspur Grill and their request for an entertainment license. (copy attached). Mayor
Sessions thanked Mr. Baker for his concerns and comments and confirmed they will be made part
of the official record.
Patricia Leiby approached Mayor and Council to speak on Racial History. Ms. Leiby stated
she is a member of the MLK Human Rights Organization and a full time resident. She read her
requests (attached) and asked Mayor and Council to consider. Mayor Sessions thanked Ms. Leiby
for her comments.
Rachel Perkins approached Mayor and Council to speak on Juneteenth and MLK
celebrations. She offered a short presentation on the recent Juneteenth celebration. Mayor
Sessions thanked Ms. Perkins for her presentation.
Andy Davis approached Mayor and Council to speak on the 14th Street Crossover as he is
requesting the crossover be moved further south so it is not directly next to his residence. Mayor
Sessions thanked Mr. Davis for his comments.
John Branigin, 1406 7th Avenue, approached Mayor and Council as a citizen regarding the
Alcohol and Entertainment License request for Cockspur Grill. Mr. Branigin is aware of Mr.
Baker’s concerns regarding noise with the Cockspur Grill and understands his concerns. Mr.
Branigin explained he and his partner, Spec Hosti, did take Mr. Baker’s concerns into effect when
completing the Entertainment License. The Grill is not going to be a late night venue and will be
closed by 11:00PM every night. The music they would like to have will be mostly acoustical with
minimal amplification, not full bands. Their intent is for those who are sitting on the patio to be
able to talk to each other and not yell at each other while listening to light music. Mr. Branigin
stated they are not the old owners but the new owners and will strictly adhere to the noise
- Page 40 -Item #6.
ordinance. He requested approval of the request and give them a chance to prove they can and
will be good neighbors. Mayor Sessions thanked Mr. Branigin.
John Branigin returned to the dais.
Barry Brown made a motion to approve the consent agenda. John Branigin seconded. Vote
was unanimous, 6-0.
Public Hearings
Second Reading of the Proposed 2021 Budget. Dr. Gillen stated the budget remains
unchanged since the first reading and represents a $1.8M reduction from last budget cycle. The
property tax revenue is based on the same millage rate as last year. There is also a scheduled
payback to fund balance in anticipation if we needed to use fund balance to finish up this fiscal
year. Mr. Parks complimented Dr. Gillen and Staff for their work on the FY2021 Budget. Roger
Huff approached Mayor and Council stated he had concerns with the proposed budget which he
sent to the City Manager. He questioned the percentage of the budget going to the police
department. He also questioned the availability of the budget as he could not review in advance.
Mayor Sessions responded this is the second hearing on the budget and the budget has been
available not only in the Clerk’s Office but also on line for three weeks. There was a brief
discussion regarding the portion of the budget that is allocated to the police department. Monty
Parks made a motion to approve. John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve,
6-0.
Third Reading of the Proposed Millage, 2020-2021. Mayor Sessions stated this is the
third public hearing on the budget as the City is required by law to have three readings. She
asked Dr. Gillen to address the millage. Dr. Gillen stated the millage rate for the City is going
to be same as last year, 3.931. He stated residents pay taxes to the County, School District and
the City. The City’s millage rate is 3.931, School District is 18.81 and the County is 11.54. Mayor
Sessions thanked Dr. Gillen for his explanation. Mr. Parks stated as the tax digest is increasing,
citizens are paying slightly more taxes each year and he would recommend a roll-back so the
City’s taxes break even. John Branigin made a motion to accept as presented. Barry Brown
seconded. Voting in favor were Jay Burke, John Branigin, Barry Brown, Nancy DeVetter and Spec
Hosti. Voting against was Monty Parks. Motion to approve, 5-1.
Consideration of Local Requests & Applications – Funding, Special Events, Alcohol
License
Agenda Request: Alcohol and Entertainment License: Scofflaws of Tybee LLC dba
Cockspur Grill Liquor/Beer/Wine/Sunday Sales 725-B First Street. John Branigin,
Spec Hosti, and Jay Burke Recused. Mr. Hughes recommended there be two motions: (1)
a motion for the alcohol license and (2) a separate for the entertainment portion of the license.
Barry Brown made a motion to approve the Alcohol License. Monty Parks seconded. Vote
was unanimous, 3-0. Mr. Parks stated historically there have been restaurants in that area and
operated very successfully with the caveat there is only acoustic music and recommended
Cockspur Grill hold to the hours stated which is 7:00 – 9:00PM and 2:00PM – 5:00PM on Saturday
and Sunday afternoons as it is very reasonable. The specifications would be music is only
acoustic, no electrified bass, no percussion, and they hold to their hours. He continued, he does
this based on the fact the public safety committee is reconsidering the Noise Ordinance to make
it more amenable to residents rather than businesses. Mayor pro tem Brown stated he would
recommend no amplified music and maintain the hours as stated in the application. He continued,
this only applies to the patio and not the inside of the venue. Mayor Sessions confirmed no
amplified music, no speakers and microphones. Monty Parks made a motion to approve the
- Page 41 -Item #6.
Entertainment License with the caveat only acoustic music allowed from 7:00PM – 9:00PM,
Monday – Friday and Saturday and Sunday, 2:00PM – 5:00PM. This includes no amplified music,
public address system, speakers, electronics, percussion, all acoustical and hold to hours as stated
in the application. Barry Brown seconded. Voting in favor were Monty Parks and Barry Brown.
Voting against was Nancy DeVetter. Motion to approve 2-1.
Councilmen Branigin, Hosti, and Burke returned to the meeting.
Consideration of Ordinances, Resolutions
2020-15, Second Reading, Budget FY 2021. Monty Parks made a motion to approve.
John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0. Discussion: Mayor Sessions
asked Dr. Gillen for confirmation the funds are still in the budget regarding the Non-Profit’s. Dr.
Gillen confirmed.
Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerations and Comments
Jay Burke stated he met with Mr. Davis regarding the 14th Street Crossover and a Solution
for the situation. Mr. Burke stated he is disappointed with City’s communications with Mr. Davis
regarding the crossover. He recommended the City contact DNR to move the crossover south of
where it is which will take it out of the residential area. Mr. Burke shared his concerns with the
height of the crossover as well as the growth of the dune. Mayor pro tem Brown agreed with Mr.
Burke that the crossover needs to be moved further south and align with the south side of 14th
Street and not the north side. In this way it will accommodate the guests at the hotel and the
beach goers on 14th Street and leave the residents on the north side. Dr. Gillen stated the size
of the crossovers cannot be changed and he would recommend applying for a new one which will
be to the south. Mr. Burke expressed his concerns with the dune growth as they are taking over
the beach in certain locations. Mayor pro tem Brown would like to contact the USACE for a sand
dune management program so the City can manage the dunes. Mr. Burke stated his father is on
the Beach Task Force and it is his understanding they have a Beach Management Plan which was
forwarded to the USACE for their review and approval. Mr. Hosti concurred with finding a solution
for Mr. Davis. He would like a guarantee that something will be done and asked Dr. Gillen for a
plan. Mr. Parks stated he would like the Beach Task Force to rewrite the Beach Management
Plan to address the new dunes on the beach. Jay Burke made a motion to direct the City
Manager to work with Alan Robertson and DNR to develop a permit application that requests
permission to construct a crossover approximately 50 years south of the current 14th Street
crossover and remove the current 14th Street crossover. Application is to be brought back to the
City Council for approval before submission to DNR. Barry Brown seconded. Votes was
unanimous to approve, 6—0.
Nancy DeVetter stated she is sure Mayor and Council has seen her draft on the proposed Race
Equality Resolution for the City of Tybee. Ms. DeVetter stated this is an important moment in
history and we need to take a step back and to look at people who might be struggling and who
have historically done so. She is excited to work on a policy that might address disparages and
feels it is important we acknowledge our history. Ms. DeVetter stated we need to acknowledge
that Tybee Island has a history and reputation of discrimination towards people of color. Tybee
Island has a 1% minority population and she would like to know why also Tybee was a stop in
the slave trade; Tybee had segregated beaches; and short on recognizing MLK Parade Day. Ms.
DeVetter stated she did send a resolution and action items to Mayor and Council for their
comments. She would like everyone to work together and be leaders in this area and would like
to appoint a committee to do some heavy lifting and look at larger issues. Mayor Sessions
commended Ms. DeVetter for bringing this topic to Mayor and Council. She stated that Mr. Parks
- Page 42 -Item #6.
had also presented a resolution that he was extremely thoughtful about as well as she had offered
some thoughts to Ms. DeVetter. Mayor Sessions recommended Ms. DeVetter and Mr. Parks work
together to craft a resolution and send to Mayor and Council for their recommendations and put
on the July 9, 2020 City Council agenda for discussion. Mayor Sessions asked Mr. Hughes to
explain what a resolution actually is. Mr. Hughes responded a resolution is a document to express
either satisfaction or approval of a lessor category. An ordinance, which is a form of law to be
enforced. He continued, every document that he has seen regarding race equality has been in
resolution format. Mr. Hughes stated he and Ms. DeVetter have had conversations and have
agreed to disagree on the language for the resolution as the language is important and needs to
be positive. He feels the resolution is the proper document going forward as in his opinion is not
suitable for an ordinance. Mayor Sessions asked Mr. Parks if he and Ms. DeVetter could work
together and bring a suitable document to Mayor and Council on July 9, 2020. Ms. DeVetter
stated she and Mr. Parks have talked and the reason she wanted to have the discussion is she is
not sure she and Mr. Parks are at a point where they have one version. Mr. Hosti stated he does
not have a problem with Juneteenth but does not agree with all the language in the Resolution .
Mr. Branigin stated he has seen two versions, Ms. DeVetter’s and Mr. Parks. He can support Mr.
Parks’ version as Ms. DeVetter’s is too strong as Mr. Parks’ version was all inclusive tone. His
experience with Tybee Island has been all inclusive, very welcoming, and very friendly to
everyone who behaves. Ms. DeVetter stated she wanted to make it clear this is a race equity not
sexual orientations, Native Americans, this is specifically about race. Mayor pro tem Brown stated
he had spoken with Ms. DeVetter and he told her all lives matter to him, people of color have
always been treated as equal on Tybee Island. He continued, for as long as he has lived on
Tybee Island, people of color have always been treated equally. He asked Ms. DeVetter what
proof she had that this was not the case. Mayor Sessions asked for Mr. Parks and Ms. DeVetter
to move forward with crafting a new resolution and send to Mayor and Council for an upcoming
meeting. Mr. Burke stated the current proposed resolution needs to be toned down and is sure
there could be a way to pass a version of the resolution. Ms. DeVetter stated the City needs to
acknowledge our past so we move forward. Mr. Parks stated his participation with this matter, it
to bring his thoughts which is not meant to be an alternative, it is meant to be a discussion point
for them to have a reference. He stated he is willing to withdraw his version and again, it is
meant only to be a reference for Mayor and Council to discuss, to use as another point of view
and does mean for it to be a replacement. He would like to see Ms. DeVetter’s version to go
forward as she see appropriate than it turns into one version vs. the other version. Mayor
Sessions concurred and stated this will go on the agenda for July 9, 2020. She thanked Ms.
DeVetter for bringing this to Mayor and Council.
Monty Parks made a motion to adjourn. John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous, 6-
0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05PM.
______________________________
Janet R. LeViner, MMC
Clerk
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File Attachments for Item:
9. Pete Gulbronson: Speed Hump Policy
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1
City of Tybee Island
Memorandum
To: City of Tybee Island City Council Members
From: Pete Gulbronson, City Engineer/Director of Infrastructure
Date: June 26, 2020
Re: Temporary Speed Hump Policy
Background
At the June 25, 2020 Public Safety Committee Meeting, the City Manager instructed me to
develop a procedure policy for requesting the installation of a temporary speed hump.
Overview
Below are the steps required to request the installation of a temporary speed hump:
A citizen must submit a request letter or email to the City Engineer or City Manager. The
letter should contain the following:
o The proposed location of the temporary speed hump.
o A petition with the neighbors within a one-block distance from the proposed
location of the speed hump.
The request will be presented at the next Safety Committee meeting for consideration.
Upon the Safety Committee’s approval of the proposed temporary speed hump location,
the City Engineer will send out letters to all property owners within a two blocks of the
proposed location, stating the request for a temporary speed hump. The residents who
receive the letters will be asked if they are in favor or against the temporary speed hump
location.
The letters will have a return date deadline. Any letter not returned will considered a vote
for the installation of the temporary speed hump.
Upon the agreed upon deadline, the votes will be tallied. If the location receives a majority
vote in favor of installation, it will be scheduled for installation.
Summary
Once the City Council approves the procedure policy for requesting the installation of temporary
speed humps, the City Engineer will have the ability to review and approve the requests on
whether to install a temporary speed hump.
Recommended Next Steps:
The procedure policy for requesting the installation of temporary speed humps will be placed as
an item on the July 9, 2020 City Council Agenda for review and approval.
- Page 57 -Item #9.
File Attachments for Item:
10. Kitty Williams: Captains Row Pool Request
- Page 58 -Item #10.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
CAPTAINS ROW PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
P. O. BOX 736
TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA 31328
TYBEE ISLAND MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SHIRLEY SESSIONS, MAYOR
JOHN BRANIGIN BARRY BROWN
JAY BURKE NANCY DeVETTER
SPEC HOSTI MONTY PARKS
Captains Row, where 52 Captains View is located, has restrictive covenants.
This variance request should have first been submitted to the Architectural Review
Board of the Property Owners Association.
Our covenants require a 20 foot setback from both the front and rear lot lines with a 10
foot setback on the side. The builder of this townhome has already received a 10 foot
setback on the rear line of this lot. Some of the neighbors questioned the size of the
buildings in regard to the size of the lot. He insisted he had the right to build just as
submitted because he was in the setbacks. He built all the way to the allowable setback
lines on all sides.
There have been many complaints concerning activities around the existing pools. The
Architectural Review Board is researching ways to solve some of these and prevent
future problems with pools in our area. Captains Row has covenants and in those
covenants it is clearly states that a pool must be 5 feet from the rear lot line of any lot.
In addition there is a 2 year moratorium on pools in Captains Row that was put in place
in January of 2020 by the Architectural Review Board.
A variance to the rear in order to add a pool is being requested. The builder, Ric Hogan,
knew the setbacks required for a pool. He made a choice as to how he wanted to use the
available space on the lot. A variance should not now be granted because he may have
made the wrong decision on the size of the building and did not allow room for the pool
addition. It was his duty to disclose to the buyers that they did not meet the setbacks for
a pool if they asked that a pool be installed as part of the deal and also of the 2 year
moratorium on pools for Captains Row now in force. The city has the same 5 foot
setback requirement as Captains Row. The Architectural Review Board of Captains Row
will enforce that setback and we ask the City of Tybee Island do the same and not grant
this variance.
Kitty Williams Pinckney Butler Frank Giddens
- Page 59 -Item #10.
File Attachments for Item:
11. Pinkie Butler: 52 Captains Row, Variance Request
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File Attachments for Item:
14. Andy Davis: Unmaintained Strand Avenue Right-of-Way
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File Attachments for Item:
21. Adopt the Chatham County Emergency Operating Plan and the Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Page 65 -Item #21.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency
124 Bull Street, Room 140
Savannah, GA 31401
912-201-4500
ChathamEmergency.org
CHATHAM COUNTY
EMERGENCY
OPERATIONS PLAN
JANUARY 2020
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CHATHAM COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
BASE PLAN
JANUARY 2020 i | PAGE
AUTHORITY LETTER
The most fundamental function of government is providing for the safety and welfare of the public.
An effective emergency management program is essential to ensuring Chatham County fulfills
this responsibility when our residents and visitors are threatened or impacted by emergencies or
disasters.
The Chatham County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) establishes the framework the county
will use to organize and coordinate its emergency management activities when needed to save
lives and to protect public safety, health, welfare and property. This EOP is not intended to
address specific emergency responses, scenarios, hazards, or threats. Functional and hazard
specific annexes/guides to this EOP will outline specific response activities for response
organizations.
This EOP accomplishes the following:
Establishes an incident management organization which will coordinate and support
on-scene responses including maintenance of situational awareness, facilitation of
effective communication between operations centers are various levels of government,
maintain continuity of government, and interaction with public information sources.
Establishes the overall operational concepts associated with the management of
incidents, emergencies, crises, disasters, and catastrophes.
Provides a flexible platform for planning and response to all hazards, incidents, events,
and emergencies. It is applicable to a wide variety of anticipated incident events including
earthquake, wildland fires, floods, and public health issues.
This plan establishes the emergency management responsibilities of county departments and
other agencies, and identifies how they will work with the Chatham Emergency Management
Agency (CEMA) to ensure Chatham County is prepared to execute a well-coordinated, timely and
consistent disaster response. The plan also addresses how the county’s activities will be
integrated with state and federal agencies and incorporate organizations from the private sector
and non-governmental organizations.
This EOP continues Chatham County’s compliance with the National Incident Management
System (NIMS), the Incident Command System (ICS), the National Response Framework (NRF),
and the National Preparedness Guidelines to include Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101:
Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans. It facilitates multi-agency and multi-
jurisdictional coordination during emergency operations, public information functions, and resource
management.
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CHATHAM COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
BASE PLAN
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APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency maintains the Chatham County Emergency
Operations Plan and presents the plan to the Chatham County Commission and each municipal
Council for adoption.
The Chatham County Emergency Operations Plan was developed by Chatham Emergency
Management Agency in coordination with each municipality within Chatham County, non-
governmental organizations and private sector organizations and is aligned with the National
Incident Management System as well as the National Response Framework and the National
Disaster Recovery Framework. In addition, Chatham Emergency Management Agency modified
the Emergency Operations Plan, its appendices, Emergency Support Function Annexes, Support
Annexes and Incident Annexes to incorporate lessons learned from exercises, training, incidents
and real world events.
This plan supersedes the Chatham County Emergency Operations Plan dated September, 2012.
__________________
Dennis Jones
Director
Chatham Emergency Management Agency
6/28/2019
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CHATHAM COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
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RECORD OF CHANGES
Each update or change to the plan should be tracked. The record of changes, usually in table
format, contains, at a minimum, a change number, the date of the change, the name of the person
who made the change, and a summary of the change. Other relevant information could be
considered.
Change # Date Part Affected Date Posted Who Posted
1 Document re-write Mathews
2 Re-organization of ESF’s,
creation of new ESF’s Mathews
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RECORD OF DISTRIBUTION
The record of distribution, usually in table format, indicates the title and the name of the person
receiving the plan, the agency to which the recipient belongs, the date of delivery, and the number
of copies delivered. Other relevant information could be considered. The record of distribution can
be used to prove that tasked individuals and organizations have acknowledged their receipt,
review, and/or acceptance of the plan. Copies of the plan can be made available to the public and
media without SOPs/SOGs, call-down lists, or other sensitive information.
Agency Name, Title Date of
Delivery Copies
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SIGNATURE PAGE
Jurisdiction Name, Title Signature Date
Chatham County Albert Scott, Chairman
City of Bloomingdale Benjamin Rozier, Mayor
City of Garden City Donald Bethune, Mayor
City of Pooler Rebecca Benton, Mayor
City of Port Wentworth Gary Norton, Mayor
City of Savannah Van Johnson, Mayor
Town of Thunderbolt Beth Goette, Mayor
City of Tybee Island Shirley Sessions, Mayor
Vernonburg Jimmy Hungerpiller,
Superintendent
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
AUTHORITY LETTER ................................................................................................................... i
APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................ iii
RECORD OF CHANGES .............................................................................................................. v
RECORD OF DISTRIBUTION .................................................................................................... vii
SIGNATURE PAGE ..................................................................................................................... ix
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... xi
1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Scope .................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Plan Components ...................................................................................... 2
1.3 Situation Overview / Hazard Analysis ................................................................... 3
1.3.1 Hazards ..................................................................................................... 3
1.3.2 Hazard Preparedness Actions ................................................................... 3
1.4 Planning Assumptions ........................................................................................... 4
2.0 Concept of Operations ...................................................................................................... 6
2.1 General .................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 National Response Framework (NRF) .................................................................. 6
2.3 National Incident Management System (NIMS) .................................................... 7
2.4 Incident Command System (ICS) .......................................................................... 7
2.5 Integrating Federal, State, and local Systems ....................................................... 7
2.6 Phases of Emergency Management ..................................................................... 7
2.6.1 Mitigation ................................................................................................... 8
2.6.2 Preparedness ............................................................................................ 8
2.6.3 Response .................................................................................................. 8
2.6.4 Recovery.................................................................................................. 10
2.7 All Hazards / Comprehensive Emergency Management ..................................... 11
2.8 Operational Objectives ........................................................................................ 11
2.9 Emergency Operations Center ............................................................................ 12
2.9.1 EOC Locations......................................................................................... 12
2.9.2 EOC Activations ....................................................................................... 12
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2.9.3 Activation Levels ...................................................................................... 13
2.10 Levels of Emergencies and Declarations ............................................................ 14
2.10.1 Non-Declared County Emergencies / Disasters ...................................... 14
2.10.2 Emergency Declarations .......................................................................... 15
2.11 Transition from Response to Recovery ............................................................... 15
2.11.1 Recovery Timeframes .............................................................................. 16
2.11.2 Recovery Organization ............................................................................ 17
3.0 Organization and Assignment of Responsibilities ........................................................... 18
3.1 General ................................................................................................................ 18
3.2 Command Policy Group ...................................................................................... 18
3.3 Continuity of Operations / Government ............................................................... 19
3.4 Assignment of Responsibilities (General)............................................................ 19
3.4.1 Individuals and Households ..................................................................... 19
3.4.2 Local Government ................................................................................... 19
3.4.3 State Government.................................................................................... 20
3.4.4 Federal Government ................................................................................ 20
3.4.5 Non-Governmental and Volunteer Organizations .................................... 20
3.4.6 Private Sector .......................................................................................... 20
3.5 Assignment of Responsibilities (Specific) ............................................................ 20
3.5.1 Chairperson of the Chatham County Commission .................................. 20
3.5.2 Municipal Elected Officials ....................................................................... 21
3.5.3 County and Municipal Managers ............................................................. 21
3.5.4 Chatham County Emergency Management Agency Director .................. 21
3.5.5 Emergency Support Functions ................................................................ 22
3.5.6 Emergency Support Functions – Scope and Agency Assignments ......... 22
4.0 Direction, Control, and Coordination ............................................................................... 24
4.1 Authority to Initiate Action .................................................................................... 24
4.1.1 Command Policy Group ........................................................................... 24
4.1.2 Activation of the EOP............................................................................... 24
4.2 Coordination with Other Levels of Government ................................................... 25
4.3 Coordination with Non-Profit and Volunteer Organizations ................................. 25
4.4 Assistance ........................................................................................................... 26
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5.0 Information Collection and Dissemination ....................................................................... 26
5.1 WebEOC ............................................................................................................. 26
5.2 Essential Elements of Information (EEI) .............................................................. 27
6.0 Communications ............................................................................................................. 27
6.1 Joint Information System ..................................................................................... 27
6.2 Joint Information Center ...................................................................................... 28
6.3 Public Alerting and Notifications .......................................................................... 28
6.4 EOC Communication Systems ............................................................................ 28
7.0 Administration, Finance, and Logistics ............................................................................ 29
7.1 Documentation .................................................................................................... 29
7.2 Finance ................................................................................................................ 29
7.3 Logistics .............................................................................................................. 29
8.0 Plan Development and Maintenance .............................................................................. 29
8.1 Review and Updates ........................................................................................... 30
8.1.1 Coordination and Approval ...................................................................... 30
8.1.2 Notice of Change ..................................................................................... 30
8.1.3 Distribution ............................................................................................... 30
8.1.4 Redistribution of the EOP ........................................................................ 30
9.0 Authorities and References ............................................................................................. 31
9.1 Legal Authorities .................................................................................................. 31
9.1.1 Federal .................................................................................................... 31
9.1.2 State ........................................................................................................ 31
9.1.3 Local ........................................................................................................ 31
9.2 References .......................................................................................................... 31
9.2.1 Federal .................................................................................................... 31
9.2.2 State ........................................................................................................ 32
9.2.3 Local ........................................................................................................ 32
Acronyms ............................................................................................................ 33
Planning Overview .............................................................................................. 35
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The Chatham County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) herein referred to as the “Base
Plan” or EOP establishes a framework for the effective coordination of response and initial
recovery operations during large-scale or complex emergencies and disasters.
This plan defines roles and responsibilities for emergency management functions,
establishes the conditions under which resources are mobilized and describes the
organizational concepts and structures used to coordinate actions.
The EOP reflects an all-hazards approach to planning, meaning a similar concept of
operations can be applied to all types of emergency situations, regardless of the exact
nature of the incident. An all-hazards approach allows for the fact that some incidents
have unique planning and response considerations requiring special attention. Incident
Annexes to the base plan provide additional direction and guidance for specific type of
emergencies or disasters.
1.2 Scope
This EOP provides guidance on response activities to Chatham County’s most likely and
demanding emergency conditions. It does not supersede well-established operational
policies and procedures for coping with and responding to day-to-day emergencies
involving law enforcement, the fire service, medical aid, transportation services, flood
control, or other discipline-specific emergency response systems. It is intended as a
supplement and compliment to such systems. This EOP does however place emphasis
on those unusual and unique emergency conditions that will require extraordinary
response beyond the ability of any one or common set of organizations to respond. Neither
does this EOP include detailed response level operating instructions or procedures. Each
organization identified in this EOP is responsible for, and expected to develop, implement,
and test policies, instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) or checklists
that reflect the tactical, operational, strategic, and executive mission spaces and incident
management concepts contained in this EOP. Coordinated response and support roles
must be defined by these organizations to facilitate the ability to respond to and manage
any given incident.
This document is not intended to be an overview of the Emergency Operations Center
functions, procedures, section responsibilities, or positions specific standard operating
procedures.
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1.2.1 Plan Components
Base Plan: The Base Plan serves as the fundamental framework for
countywide emergency management. It outlines the county’s hazard
vulnerabilities, planning assumptions, and establishes the authorities,
responsibilities, operational priorities and general strategies for local
emergency operations that apply regardless of the specific type of emergency
or disaster.
Emergency Support Function (ESF) Annexes: County Departments, as well
as jurisdictional agencies and non-governmental agencies are organized into
19 functional groups called ESFs. Each ESF has an annex to the EOP that
defines the ESF purpose, scope, identifies agencies assigned to the ESF,
establishes their roles and responsibilities and describes how they will
coordinate during an emergency.
Support Annexes: Support Annexes address commonly required emergency
functions that do not fall within the scope of ESFs. These Annexes address the
plans and coordination required from tasked agencies to support the functional
area in an emergency. The Support Annexes are not incident-specific and are
intended to be applicable to incident of all types. Examples include Training
and Exercise and EOC Staff Manual.
Incident Annexes: While the EOP is an all-hazards plan, some incident types
warrant additional attention based on the level of risk they present, unique
planning requirements or regulations involved. Incident Annexes are provided
for those hazards that require consideration.
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1.3 Situation Overview / Hazard Analysis
Chatham County, with an approximate population of 289,195 (U.S. Census Bureau 2018
estimate) is the northern-most county on the Georgia Coastline. The county as a whole is
approximately 632 square miles, of which 426 square miles is land and 206 square miles
is comprised of water.
Hazards addressed in this plan were determined by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team
based on available data and consideration of hazard frequency and potential severity of
damage. Where available, hazard frequency based on past occurrence data is used to
suggest future probability. Further information regarding the hazards, risks and
vulnerabilities can be referenced in the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
1.3.1 Hazards
Natural Hazards Technological Hazards Adversarial Hazards
Drought
Earthquake
Extreme Heat
Flood
Infectious Disease
Sea Level Rise
Severe Weather
Severe Winter Storm
Tornado
Tropical Cyclone
Wildfire
Cyber Attack
Hazardous Materials
Levee/Dam Failure
Mass Casualty
Active Shooter/Threat
Mass Casualty
Terrorism
1.3.2 Hazard Preparedness Actions
In order prepare the community for these
potential events, actions can be taken in each of
the five mission areas of preparedness.
Mitigation
Prevention
Protection
Response
Recovery
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Natural Hazards Technological Hazards Adversarial Hazards MITIGATE Drainage improvements Structure hardening
Redundant systems
Structure hardening PREVENT Flood zone regulations
Land use ordinances
Community outreach
Zoning regulations
Planning and
coordination with
private sector
N/A PROTECT Enhanced warning systems
Preemptive deployment
Enhanced warning
systems
Community Outreach
Critical infrastructure
security
Enhanced warning
systems RESPOND Preemptive deployment
Coordinated response
Technical response
capabilities
Coordinated
response
Tactical response
capabilities
Coordinated
response RECOVER Coordinated planning
Stakeholder engagement
Coordinated planning Coordinated planning
1.4 Planning Assumptions
These identify what the planning team assumes to be facts for planning purposes in order
to make it possible to execute the document. During operations, the assumptions indicate
areas where adjustments to the plan have to be made as the facts of the incident become
known. These also provide the opportunity to communicate the intent of senior officials
regarding emergency operations priorities. The following actions can be assumed when
activating this plan:
An emergency may occur at any time and may affect single or multiple
jurisdictional areas. Some incidents will occur with enough warning to allow for
activation and preparation prior to the onset of emergency conditions. Other
incidents will be no-notice that occur without warning.
All incidents begin and end locally. Municipalities maintain operational control
and responsibility for emergency activities within their jurisdictions, unless
otherwise superseded by ordinance, statute or agreement.
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When an emergency exceeds local resource and response capabilities, local
governments will request assistance from the County EOC. The County will
then request assistance from neighboring jurisdictions and from the State.
Incidents in Chatham County may occur simultaneously to events throughout
the United States, constraining resources available and slowing or reducing
the amount of outside assistance available to support.
Governments, departments and agencies will develop and maintain the
necessary plans, standard operating procedures, contracts and
memorandums of understanding to execute emergency responsibilities
assigned by the Chatham County EOP.
Employees tasked with emergency duties that live and work within the affected
area may be personally impacted by the incident and unable to report to work.
Individuals, community-based organizations and businesses will offer services
and support in time of disaster in the form of spontaneous volunteers, supplies
and financial donations.
Incidents, including large scale emergencies or events, require full coordination
of operations and resources, and may:
a) Require significant information sharing across multiple
jurisdictions and between the public and private sectors;
b) Involve single or multiple jurisdictions and/or geographic areas;
c) Have significant statewide and/or national impact and may require
significant inter-governmental coordination;
d) Involve multiple, highly varied hazards or threats on a local,
regional, statewide or national scale;
e) Result in mass casualties, displaced persons, property loss,
environmental damage and disruption of the economy and normal
life support systems, essential public services and basic
infrastructure;
f) Require resources to assist individuals with access and functional
needs;
g) Impact critical infrastructures across multiple sectors;
h) Exceed the capabilities of state agencies, local governments,
NGO’s and private sector organizations;
i) Attract a sizeable influx of public, private, and voluntary resources,
including independent and spontaneous volunteers;
j) Require short-notice asset coordination and response; and
k) Require prolonged incident management operations and support
activities for long-term community recovery and mitigation.
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The negative cascading effects from natural disasters may rise due to
increased urban development, industrial expansion, traffic congestion and
widespread use and transport of hazardous materials. These factors may
increase the risk of human-caused emergencies such as hazardous materials
accidents, power failures, resource shortages and environmental
contamination.
2.0 Concept of Operations
2.1 General
CEMA identifies potential threats to life, property and the environment, and then develops
plans and procedures to respond to those threats. These plans and procedures will help
to coordinate and support emergency response and recovery activities and will be tested
through exercises and validated by the results of actual response. The goal is to maintain
a robust incident management organization with strong collaborative ties among
governments, community-based organizations, volunteers, public service agencies, and
the private sector. Chatham County conforms to, and this EOP complies with NIMS, and
ICS guidelines.
2.2 National Response Framework (NRF)
The NRF is based upon the premise that incidents are handled at the lowest jurisdictional
level. In the vast majority of incidents, state and local resources and interstate mutual aid
will provide the first line of emergency response and incident management support. When
state resources and capabilities are overwhelmed, Governors may request federal
assistance. The NRF provides the framework for federal interaction with state, local, tribal,
private sector and non-governmental entities in the context of domestic incident
management to ensure timely and effective federal support.
The NRF is the core operational plan for national incident management, and establishes
national-level coordinating structures, processes, and protocols that will be incorporated
into certain existing federal interagency incident or hazard-specific plans. The NRF is
intended to facilitate coordination among local, state, tribal, and federal governments and
the private sector without impinging on any jurisdiction or restricting the ability of those
entities to do their jobs. The NRF does not alter or impede the ability of first responders to
carry out their specific authorities or perform their responsibilities.
The NRF and NIMS are designed to work in tandem to improve the Nation’s incident
management capabilities and overall efficiency. Use of NIMS enables local, state, tribal,
and federal governments and private-sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
to work together effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover
from actual or potential domestic incidents regardless of cause, size, or complexity.
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2.3 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
NIMS provides a comprehensive, whole community, whole government approach to
incident management for all hazards and integrates existing best practices into a
consistent nationwide approach to domestic incident management that is applicable to all
jurisdictional levels and across functional disciplines. NIMS is based on a balance of
flexibility and standardization that allows government and private entities at all levels to
work together to manage domestic incidents, regardless of their cause, size, location, or
complexity. Five major components make up this system’s approach: preparedness;
communications and information management; resource management; command and
management; and ongoing management and supporting technologies.
2.4 Incident Command System (ICS)
A primary component of NIMS, ICS is a standardized on-scene emergency management
system designed to allow for an integrated organizational structure equal to the complexity
and demands of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by jurisdictional
boundaries. ICS addresses both organization and process. ICS is used to manage
facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications through the use of a
common organizational structure and standardized procedures.
2.5 Integrating Federal, State, and local Systems
Taken together the NRF, NIMS, ICS, and this EOP integrate the capabilities and resources
of various governmental jurisdictions, incident management and emergency response
disciplines, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector into a
cohesive, coordinated, and seamless national framework for domestic incident
management. It should be understood that field level emergency responders, Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) staff, department heads, elected officials, and public information
officers all have a vital role in successful comprehensive incident management and make
up the Incident Management Enterprise.
2.6 Phases of Emergency Management
Emergency management functions are generally grouped into the four phases of
mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The grouping of emergency
management functions is useful for classifying and conceptualizing activities. While useful
for targeting efforts and resources, the phases of emergency management are not
distinct—activities in each phase often overlap with other phases. For example, recovery
projects often include elements of mitigation (i.e., rebuilding structures using current
building codes) and response often includes recovery measures (i.e., immediate debris
removal). The phases are also cyclical in nature—lessons learned from an incident are
applied in preparedness efforts for future emergencies and major disasters. The following
sections provide examples of the types of activities that take place in each phase.
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2.6.1 Mitigation
Mitigation activities occur before, during, and after incidents. Post-disaster mitigation is
part of the recovery process. Eliminating or reducing the impact of hazards that exist within
Chatham County and are a threat to life and property are part of the mitigation efforts.
Mitigation tools include:
Detailed plans to mitigate future hazards
Land use planning
Local ordinances and statutes (zoning ordinances, building codes, etc.)
Structural measures
Tax levies or abatements
Public information and community relations
2.6.2 Preparedness
Preparedness activities are taken in advance of an emergency and develop operational
capabilities, enact protective measures, and enhance effective responses to a disaster.
These activities can include emergency/disaster planning, training and exercises, and
public education. Citizen Preparedness activities are key elements in this phase and a
significant factor in the success of a community in responding to an emergency. Members
of the incident management enterprise and local organization develop EOPs, SOPs, and
checklists detailing personnel assignments, policies, notification rosters, and resource
lists. Personnel are made familiar with these EOPs, SOPs, and checklists through periodic
training in the activation and execution of procedures.
CEMA maintains several contact lists of agencies and personnel critical to emergency
operations. Those lists include; city/jurisdiction EOC responders, key contacts within
cities/towns and county agencies, state agencies, and other organizational contacts.
2.6.3 Response
The response phase can be further broken down into three types of response—pre-
emergency, immediate, and on-going emergency responses.
Pre-Emergency Response (or crisis response): if warning mechanisms exist for a
particular hazard then response actions to emphasize protection of life, property, and
environment can be anticipated. Typical pre-emergency and crisis response actions may
include:
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Alerting necessary agencies, placing critical resources on stand-by
Warning threatened populations of the emergency and apprising them of safety
measures to be implemented
Evacuation of threatened populations to safe areas
Identifying the need for mutual aid
Proclamation of a Local Emergency by local authorities
Immediate Emergency Response: during this phase, emphasis is placed on saving lives
and property, attempting to establish and maintain control of the situation, and minimizing
effects of the disaster. Immediate response is accomplished within the affected area by
local government agencies and segments of the private sector. The primary activities are
on-scene by first or early responders.
On-Going (or sustained) Emergency Response: In addition to continuing preservation of
life and property operations, mass care, relocation, public information, situation analysis,
status and, damage assessment operations may be initiated. Ongoing response usually
involves many organizations and the activation of the EOC.
Furthermore, CEMA utilizes the NIMS Incident Complexity Typing Guide to determine
appropriate responses to incidents.
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2.6.4 Recovery
At the onset of an emergency, actions are taken to enhance the effectiveness of recovery
operations. Recovery includes both short-term activities intended to return vital life-support
systems to operation, and long-term activities designed to return infrastructure systems to
pre-disaster conditions. The recovery phase may also include cost recovery activities. The
major objectives of the recovery period include:
Reinstatement of family and community integrity
Provision of essential public services
Restoration of private and public property
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Identification of residual hazards
Preliminary plans to mitigate future hazards
Recovery of costs associated with response and recovery efforts
Coordination of state and federal public and individual assistance
2.7 All Hazards / Comprehensive Emergency Management
Chatham County’s philosophy of emergency management is based upon the NRF, taking
an all-hazards, comprehensive approach. This process allows Chatham County to
establish a framework of communication, coordination and response no matter what
emergency the County is facing. These inter-related actions which comprise the concept
of emergency management are designed to:
Prepare, prevents and protect against hazards;
Respond to emergencies that occur;
Recover and restore the community to a new normal; and
Mitigate hazards.
Efforts related to the phases of emergency actions will take place on a continuous and
scalable level based upon hazard identification, threat, vulnerability and risk to people,
property, critical infrastructure and the environment.
The overall goal is to minimize the impact caused by a disaster or an emergency, creating
a more disaster resilient Chatham County. It is important to remember that the emergency
management process is cyclical – it is not a one-time task. Preparedness and mitigation
begins well before the onset of an emergency or a disaster. Emergency management is a
continual and developing process using lessons learned from previous incidents and
events to improve Chatham County’s capacity to manage future incidents and events.
2.8 Operational Objectives
The EOP is based on the following operational considerations:
Initially, incidents are appropriately managed at the lowest possible level.
Chatham County will use all available resources to save lives, minimize injury
to persons and minimize damage to property and the environment.
Incident management activities will be initiated and conducted using the
principles contained in NIMS.
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2.9 Emergency Operations Center
The EOC is a critical link in the emergency response chain, enabling incident commanders
to focus on the needs of the incident, serving as an information conduit between incident
command and the Command Policy Group (CPG), promoting problem solving at the
lowest practical level.
The EOC is the central location from which Chatham County provides interagency
coordination and executive decision making in support of incident response and recovery
operations. The EOC does not command or control on-scene jurisdictional response
efforts but does carry out the coordination functions through:
Developing and maintaining Situational Awareness and a Common Operating
Picture for decision makers, Incident Commanders and other emergency
responders.
Managing requests, procurement, and utilization of needed resources (to
include people).
Documenting and Managing Incident Information.
2.9.1 EOC Locations
The Old County Courthouse EOC is designated as the County’s Primary EOC, The Annex
EOC is designated as the County’s Alternate EOC, and the Mobile EOC is designated as
the County’s Mobile EOC and will be used by direction only and in some cases will
supplement the Primary/Alternate EOC as an on-site resource.
2.9.2 EOC Activations
The EOC may be activated for various reasons based on support requirements of a
jurisdiction or organization, the context of a threat, the anticipation of events, or in
response to an incident. Circumstances that might trigger activation include but are not
limited to:
More than one jurisdiction becomes involved in an incident and/or the incident
involves multiple agencies;
The Incident Commander indicates an incident could expand rapidly, involve
cascading effects, or require additional resources;
A similar incident in the past required Center activation;
The Emergency Management Agency Director or an elected or appointed
official directs the EOC be activated;
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An incident either planned and/or unplanned is imminent. Examples: include
but are not limited to: local scheduled special events, predictions/pending
and/or forecasted hazardous/severe and tropical weather systems, anticipated
river flooding, and other elevated threat levels;
The anticipated need for support requires acquiring additional resources;
The event(s) meet thresholds outlined in the County EOP occur; and/or
Significant impacts to the population for any other reason(s) are anticipated.
2.9.3 Activation Levels
The activation level of the EOC grows in size, scope and complexity in concert with that
of the incident. If the incident requires additional support and coordination, additional staff
can be activated to involve more disciplines, mobilize resources, inform the public,
address media inquiries, involve senior elected and appointed officials, and request
outside assistance.
The EOC will function at one of three levels based upon the complexity of the incident and
requirements of CEMA management. A normal steady state of the EOC is the default and
considered ready for activation at a moment’s notice. During normal operations (steady
state), emergency management personnel maintain operational readiness by monitoring
and assessing potential threats and hazards; conducting routine and ongoing coordination
with other departments and agencies; developing and executing plans, training, and
exercises; and maintaining facilities and equipment.
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2.10 Levels of Emergencies and Declarations
There are two basic groups of emergencies, declared and non-declared.
2.10.1 Non-Declared County Emergencies / Disasters
The Chairperson, Chatham County Commissioners, or designee may direct
County departments and agencies to respond to emergencies or disasters as
outlined in this plan without a formal declaration of an emergency when the
expectation is that local resources will be sufficient and that no reimbursement
of costs will be requested.
For significant events in Chatham County, the EOC may be activated to
monitor the situation, coordinate activities among departments and agencies,
and to ensure that the County is positioned to rapidly respond in the event of
an incident.
Active MonitoringLevel 3
•An event which could impact Chatham County is possible or assistance may be needed in
coordinating County resources for an actual event.
•Center is staffed with a few personnel focused on situational awareness.
Elevated ActivationLevel 2
•An event which could impact Chatham County is imminent and requires additional
coordination of resources or an actual event is expected to escalate to a point where EOC
coordination efforts are prudently assumed to be anticipated.
•Center is partially staffed; limited or partial liaison support (Based on the needs of the
incident)
Full‐Scale ActivationLevel 1
•An event which is anticipated to impact or actually occurring in Chatham where local
resources and capabilities will be taxed to the point where County‐wide, Regional or State
resources will be required.
•All General Staff positions activated; including applicable liaison positions.
•Operations being conducted on a 24 hour basis.
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2.10.2 Emergency Declarations
There are three levels of emergency declarations that may apply to a disaster or
emergency depending upon the scope and magnitude of the event:
County / Local Declaration: A local emergency declaration automatically
activates the Chatham County EOP, the EOC and provides for the expeditious
mobilization of County resources to respond to a major incident or event.
State Declaration: A declaration of an emergency by the Governor of Georgia
that includes Chatham County provides the County access to the resources
and assistance of the departments and agencies of the State, including the
National Guard, in the event local resources are insufficient to meet the needs.
These requests for assistance are coordinated by GEMA/HS after submittal by
the County EOC.
Federal Declaration: The Governor of Georgia may request a federal
emergency or major disaster declaration. In the event that Chatham County is
declared a federal disaster area, the resources of federal departments and
agencies are available to provide resources and assistance to augment those
of the County and State. The state will coordinate state and federal assistance
to Chatham County and the EOC will coordinate assistance throughout the
County.
2.11 Transition from Response to Recovery
The recovery process is best described as a sequence of interdependent and often
concurrent activities progressively advancing a community toward a successful recovery.
Decisions made and priorities set early in the recovery process, by a community, will have
a positive cascading effect on the nature and speed of the recovery progress. In fact,
decisions made before a disaster can also positively impact recovery. Additional
information can be found in the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP).
Figure 1 on the next page indicates how preparedness, response, and recovery functions
are related.
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The transition from response to recovery is a gradual process, the pace and timing of
which will depend on the circumstances. As response activities diminish, recovery
activities will increase.
If the scope of the disaster dictates, a Recovery Committee will be established to manage
recovery operations. The EOC Manager and Planning Section Chief will assess the need
for a separate recovery organization based on the impacts of the incident, in collaboration
with the other ESFs, and will make a recommendation to the CEMA Director to activate
the Recovery Plan. The CEMA Director will then make a recommendation to the
Command Policy Group who will activate the Recovery Plan.
2.11.1 Recovery Timeframes
Since emergency management is a cycle, there will be overlap between response and
recovery operations. Additionally, recovery operations for multiple events may take place
simultaneously.
Recovery includes short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term phases.
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Short-term recovery concerns include managing and containing immediate
impacts of an event on community systems and beginning to return these
systems back to operating standards.
Intermediate-term recovery involves returning individuals and families,
critical infrastructure, and essential government or commercial services back
to a functional state, although not necessarily to a pre-disaster state.
Long-term recovery works to return to “near normal” conditions after a
disaster or emergency, including restoring economic activity and rebuilding
community facilities and housing. Long-term recovery can take several months
or years.
2.11.2 Recovery Organization
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3.0 Organization and Assignment of Responsibilities
3.1 General
County agencies and response organizations may have various roles and responsibilities
throughout a major emergency or disaster’s duration. Therefore, it is particularly important
that the local command structure be established to support response and recovery efforts
and maintain a significant amount of flexibility to expand and contract as the situation
changes. Typical duties and roles may also vary depending on the incident’s size and
severity of impacts, as well as the availability of local resources. Thus, it is imperative to
develop and maintain depth of qualified staff within the command structure and response
community.
The response organization of any local government is the responsibility of the jurisdiction’s
Chief Elected Official (CEO). It consists of all agencies and resources of that local
government and applicable volunteer and private resources. The CEO may use the
jurisdiction's resources and employees as necessary and alter functions of departments
and personnel as necessary in response to an emergency event. The CEO maintains
direction and control of all activities within that jurisdiction.
Upon activation of a Local State of Emergency, the Chatham County Emergency
Operations Plan becomes active as do prudent emergency protective ordinances. The
CEMA Director will coordinate actions between local governments and agencies as
necessary and the direct response actions as determined by the CPG. In situations where
local resources to contend with an emergency do not exist or have been depleted, the
CPG, in coordination with the CEMA Director, will request state assistance.
3.2 Command Policy Group
During disaster situations, the CEMA Director may request the assembly of jurisdiction
CEOs to discuss incident information. This unified assembly is known as the Command
Policy Group. The CPG will coordinate with the CEMA Director on all emergency event
information, direction and coordination. The CEMA Director has the responsibility to lead
the response effort through guidance and direction of the CPG.
The Command Policy Group consists of:
Chairperson of the Chatham County Commission
County Manager
Municipal Chief Elected Officials
Municipal City Managers
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Superintendent of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools
Chief Judge
Chatham County Sheriff
US Coast Guard Captain of the Port
CEMA Director
3.3 Continuity of Operations / Government
Succession of County elected officials is outlined in the Continuity of Government (COG)
Plan. Each jurisdiction is encourage to have an authorized COG plan that clearly states
the orders of succession, limitations to authority and activation policy.
In the event of an incident within Chatham County, it may be necessary for county
departments to activate their Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP). During COOP
activations, agencies and departments should focus on limiting the interruption of services
outlined in their mission essential functions.
3.4 Assignment of Responsibilities (General)
This section describes responsibilities or capabilities of in general terms other entities
beyond direct jurisdictional control that are known to support, or are capable of supporting,
disaster response or recovery within the jurisdiction.
3.4.1 Individuals and Households
Taking proper protective actions is necessary during emergencies. It is the responsibility
of individuals and households to:
Be aware of the different types of warning systems and how you may be
notified of an emergency situation.
Prepare to evacuate or shelter in place.
Develop a family reunification plan.
3.4.2 Local Government
Local governments, whether cities, towns or the county are central organizations in
emergency management since local government has the primary responsibility for public
safety, including emergency response following an emergency or disaster.
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The local government maintains control of all assets used in the response and recovery
efforts, regardless of the source of those assets. Local governments must plan and
prepare for this role with the support of the State and Federal governments.
3.4.3 State Government
The primary role of GEMA/HS is to support local emergency management activities
through local EMA directors. GEMA/HS provides routine assistance to local EMAs
regarding grants, hazard mitigation projects, Citizen Corps Programs, Emergency
Management Performance Grant funding, planning, training, exercise and technical
guidance. Additionally, GEMA/HS assists local jurisdictions by coordinating with federal
officials on behalf of local jurisdictional needs.
3.4.4 Federal Government
When a disaster strikes and is so severe that the local governments and the State
governments together cannot provide the needed resources, then the Federal government
becomes the source for those resources. The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) is the Federal agency that coordinates the activation and implementation of the
Federal Response Plan, so the States work with FEMA to access Federal programs and
support.
3.4.5 Non-Governmental and Volunteer Organizations
Volunteer agencies, such as the American Red Cross, local church/synagogue
congregations, and assistive organizations, such as the Salvation Army, are available to
give assistance with sheltering, feeding, and other issues, as necessary.
3.4.6 Private Sector
Private sector organizations within the jurisdiction may assist with a wide variety of tasks
based on their capabilities.
3.5 Assignment of Responsibilities (Specific)
3.5.1 Chairperson of the Chatham County Commission
Consult with the CEMA Director and declare a Local State of Emergency, as
needed.
Consult with the CEMA Director and order evacuations, as needed.
Enact necessary Emergency Protective Ordinances.
Serve as, or designate a spokesperson for the emergency.
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Coordinate with other elected officials at the local, state and federal level.
3.5.2 Municipal Elected Officials
Enact necessary Emergency Protective Ordinances.
Address policy level issues and participate in meetings/briefings as
appropriate.
3.5.3 County and Municipal Managers
Ensure government departments respond appropriately, activating COOP
plans as needed.
Ensure all response/recovery actions are in line with current policies and
procedures.
Ensure all departments and agencies document activities, time and finances
accordingly for potential reimbursement.
Remain aware of the financial situation.
Direct and reallocate municipal assets and resources during an emergency.
3.5.4 Chatham County Emergency Management Agency Director
Coordinate EOC staffing and functioning
Ensure Interoperable Communications
Operations of the shelter system in conjunction with the American Red Cross
Facilitate emergency public information
Coordinate alert and warning systems
Coordinate assistance from other jurisdictions, the State and Federal
governments
Manage emergency control and use of resources
Oversee rumor control
Manage community damage assessments
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3.5.5 Emergency Support Functions
The EOP applies a functional approach that groups the capabilities of
municipal and county departments and some volunteer and non-government
organizations into ESFs to provide the planning, support, resources, program
implementation, and emergency services that are most likely to be needed
during disaster or emergency incidents. The County response to actual or
potential disasters or emergencies is typically provided through the full or
partial activation of the ESF structure as necessary. The ESFs serve as the
coordination mechanism to provide assistance to municipal governments or to
County departments and agencies conducting missions of primary County
responsibility.
Each ESF is comprised of primary and support agencies. The EOP identifies
primary agencies on the basis of authorities, resources, and capabilities.
Support agencies are assigned based on resources and capabilities in a given
functional area. The resources provided by the ESFs reflect categories
identified in the NIMS. ESFs are expected to support one another in carrying
out their respective roles and responsibilities. Additional discussion on roles
and responsibilities of ESF primary agencies, and support agencies can be
found in the introduction to the ESF Annexes.
Note that not all disaster or emergency incidents result in the activation of all
ESFs. It is possible that an incident can be adequately addressed by agencies
through activation of certain EOP elements without the activation of ESFs.
Similarly, operational security considerations may dictate that activation of
EOP elements be kept to a minimum, particularly in the context of certain
terrorism prevention activities.
3.5.6 Emergency Support Functions – Scope and Agency Assignments
The ESFs incorporated into the EOP and their respective concepts of operations are
summarized below and explained in detail in the ESF Annexes to the EOP. Please note,
this is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.
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ESF Scope Coordinating Entity
1 – Transportation
Situational awareness for highway, aviation
and marine systems
Damage assessment of critical
transportation systems in disaster
Restoration and recovery of transportation
infrastructure
Evacuation and re-entry coordination
Chatham County Department
of Engineering
2 – Communications
Coordination with telecom and IT industries
Restoration/repair of telecom infrastructure
Support of deployable communications
Chatham County Information &
Communication Systems
3 – Public Works /
Engineering
Debris clearance, removal and disposal
coordination Chatham County Public Works
4 – Firefighting Support firefighting operations Chatham Emergency Services
5 – Planning / Emergency
Management
Maintain Situation Awareness and develop
Common Operating Picture
Develop Center Action Plans
Facilitate reports to local, State and
Federal agencies
CEMA
6 – Mass Care & Sheltering
MASS CARE: Sheltering, feeding, bulk
distribution
HUMAN SERVICES: Implementation of
disaster assistance programs for
non-housing losses
HOUSING: Short/intermediate-term
housing
Chatham County DFCS
7 – Logistics
Resource support (transportation, facilities,
supplies, equipment, personnel)
Coordination of mutual aid agreements
Procurement
CEMA
8 – Health & Medical
Hurricane Registry Evacuation
Healthcare and medical response support
Environmental Health & Safety
Chatham County Health
Department
9 – Search & Rescue Search & Rescue operations Pooler Fire Department
10 – Hazardous Materials Hazardous Materials response Savannah Fire Rescue
11- Agriculture / Food & Water Animal & plant disease response
Identify, secure & distribute food
Chatham County Health
Department / CEMA
12 – Energy / Utilities
Energy infrastructure and resource
assessment, repair, and restoration
Utility coordination
Chatham County Public Works
13 – Law Enforcement
Public safety/security support
Support to access, traffic and crowd control
Facility and resource security
Chatham County Police
Department
14 – Private Sector Private sector support and coordination CEMA / SEDA
15 – External Affairs Emergency public information and
protective action guidance
Media and community relations
Chatham County Public
Information Office
16 – Community Alerting Provide warnings, alerts and notifications
to stakeholders CEMA
17 – Damage Assessment Infrastructure assessment, protection and
emergency repair (PA DA)
Private property assessment (IA DA)
CEMA / OSRM / BSRS
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ESF Scope Coordinating Entity
18 – Animal Services Animal response Chatham County Animal Services
19 – Cultural and Historical
Properties
Natural & cultural resources and historic
property protection and restoration
Savannah Heritage Emergency
Response
4.0 Direction, Control, and Coordination
The emergency response is coordinated utilizing NIMS/ICS, which provides a flexible,
adaptable and expandable response organization to address all-hazards of varying
magnitude and complexity. An EOC is activated to support field operations and ensure
continuity of government when an incident threatens government services, requires
additional resources beyond the capacity of the responding agency, or when resources
exceed that which is available from within the jurisdiction as a whole. Communications
between the field response and the EOC are established when the EOC is activated in
support of field operations.
During multiple-incident situations within the county, an area command may be
established to provide for the ICs at separate locations. Unified Command is an application
of ICS and may be established at the field response level when more than one agency
has jurisdictional responsibilities. Agencies work together through the designated
members of the Unified Command to establish their designated ICs at a single ICP. Under
Unified Command, entities develop a common set of objectives and strategies which
provides the basis for a single Incident Action Plan.
4.1 Authority to Initiate Action
The Chairperson of the Chatham County Commission is responsible for declaring a local
state of emergency, based on the recommendation from the CPG and the CEMA Director.
Declaration of a local state of emergency automatically implements the EOP.
4.1.1 Command Policy Group
In a large disaster that involves multiple agencies and complex issues, the CEMA Director
may convene a CPG meeting to deliberate and advise on policy issues that arise during
the event, address legal issues and resolve conflicting policies, procedures and authorities
among involved jurisdictions and agencies. The CPG does not employ command
authority or make tactical decisions regarding field level operations.
4.1.2 Activation of the EOP
The authority to activate the EOP is not limited to any one County leadership position, but
may vary depending on an incident and authority over the incident. Therefore, the decision
to implement the EOP may be made by any of the indicated positions, or their authorized
designee:
County Manager
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Assistant County Manager
CEMA Director
Implementation of the EOP is scalable and is dependent upon variable disaster conditions,
phase of operations and resource coordination needs. The level of activation of County
resource through ESFs and the staffing levels of the EOC are also flexible.
Additional EOP implementation circumstances include:
When the Governor has declared a State of Emergency affecting Chatham
County or a local jurisdiction.
A Presidential declaration of a National Emergency.
4.2 Coordination with Other Levels of Government
Chatham County has identified the jurisdictions, private non-profit (PNP) organizations,
and volunteer agencies within the geographical boundaries of the county that may have
an emergency response role during an emergency or disaster. Their emergency roles
have been identified and provisions for coordination with each of them made. CEMA will
also work with GEMA/HS to ensure they are integrated into coordination of emergency
operations as appropriate.
4.3 Coordination with Non-Profit and Volunteer Organizations
CEMA recognizes the valuable assistance and resources provided by NGO organizations
and the importance of organizations that perform voluntary services in the community. As
a result, CEMA continues to cultivate relationships with PNP organizations and has
established an extensive trained volunteer base to support emergency response
operations within Chatham County. The EOC will generally be a focal point for
coordination of response activities with many PNPs and volunteer groups.
During an emergency, the EOC may establish communication with PNP agencies and
volunteer groups through an agency representative, volunteer coordinator, or other
authorized personnel. Coordination, activation, and deployment of these members may
be incident driven and will follow the appropriate organization response guidelines that
have been established for the specific PNP organization or volunteer group.
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4.4 Assistance
If the jurisdiction’s own resources are insufficient or inappropriate to respond to the
emergency situation, a request may be made for assistance from other jurisdictions, the
State, or Federal government. Resource Requests should be submitted via WebEOC to
ensure proper resource tracking and demobilization procedures.
5.0 Information Collection and Dissemination
A primary objective of the EOC is the timely gathering of accurate, accessible, and
consistent information during an emergency and sharing vetted intelligence to ensure
coordinated timely emergency response and continuity of government. WebEOC status
boards and other technologies for tracking emergency activities will be utilized. All EOC
sections should maintain and display current status information so that other sections can
quickly comprehend what actions have been taken, what resources are available, and to
track damage status across the county. Situation reports develop a common operating
picture and will be used to inform the operational objectives, priorities and strategies.
To ensure effective intelligence flow, emergency response agencies at all levels must
establish communications systems and protocols to organize, integrate, and coordinate
intelligence among the responding agencies. Disaster information managed by the
Chatham County EOC is coordinated through agency representatives located in the EOC.
These representatives collect information from and disseminate information to
counterparts in the field.
The flow of situation reports among the levels of government should occur as follows:
Field level reports disseminated to the EOC
The EOC provides a county situation report to GEMA/HS based on field
reports, EOC activities and intelligence
5.1 WebEOC
Chatham County uses WebEOC as its primary tool for internal communications and
situational awareness during disasters. WebEOC is an online information management
and communication tool that allows authorized users to view and update current incident
information and request assistance.
The Planning Section of the EOC posts all reports to WebEOC, as well as
maintain critical status boards.
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All resource requests should be submitted in WebEOC to allow for thorough
equipment tracking. Resources requests are submitted to the EOC and then
assigned to the appropriate ESF, or sent to GEMA/HS if the request cannot be
fulfilled locally.
5.2 Essential Elements of Information (EEI)
Persons staffing the EOC should utilize position specific job aids to encourage a proactive
response effort. EEI’s are listed in each job aid to assist with developing a common
operating picture and identify possible future issues. EEI information can also be used to
populate information in the Situational Awareness Tool (WebEOC Board) to develop a
common operating picture.
6.0 Communications
Per NIMS, public information is coordinated and integrated across jurisdictions and
functional agencies; among Federal, State and local agencies; and with private-sector
entities and nongovernmental organizations. In order to effectively ensure timely and
accurate public information and alert and warning messages are disseminated systems,
structures, plans, policies, and equipment must be developed and identified to accomplish
these tasks.
6.1 Joint Information System
The Joint Information System (JIS) provides the mechanism to organize, integrate, and
coordinate information to ensure timely, accurate, accessible, and consistent messaging
across multiple jurisdictions and/or disciplines with nongovernmental organizations and
the private sector. It includes the plans, protocols, procedures, and structures used to
provide public information.
The JIS structure is used for ensuring that:
Public Information Officer (PIO) functions are coordinated and integrated.
A structure and system for developing and delivering coordinated interagency
messages is provided.
Public information plans and strategies on behalf of the incident management
leadership can be developed, recommended, and executed.
Leadership is effectively advised on public affairs issues that could affect a
response effort, rumors and inaccurate information that could undermine public
confidence are controlled and managed.
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Local PIOs and established Joint Information Centers (JICs) are critical supporting
elements of the JIS. A robust and competent JIS is integral to an effective and
comprehensive incident management capability.
6.2 Joint Information Center
The Joint Information Center is:
A central location that facilitates operation of the Joint Information System.
A location where personnel with public information responsibilities perform
critical emergency information functions, crisis communications, and public
affairs functions.
6.3 Public Alerting and Notifications
During an emergency, ESF-15 is responsible for the dissemination of information to the
public. PIOs disseminate emergency instructions and critical information to affected
audiences—including governments, media, and the public—to provide messages that are
accessible to all sectors of the community. Several county departments, as well as, PIOs
from municipalities, PNP organizations, and private companies share in the responsibility
for disseminating complete, coordinated, and correct information to the public.
6.4 EOC Communication Systems
The Chatham County EOC is equipped with multiple redundant communication methods
allowing the sharing of situational awareness, resource status, raw intelligence and data,
and alert and warning. The communication capabilities are routinely reviewed and updated
as technology advances. Current communication resources in the EOC include, but are
not limited to:
WebEOC
Land-line based phones
Cell phones
Satellite phones
Radio systems
Internet enabled computers
Emergency Alert System
Fax machines
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7.0 Administration, Finance, and Logistics
7.1 Documentation
Documentation is an administrative process used by a jurisdiction to document the
response to and recovery from a disaster.
Individual agencies are responsible for compiling and maintaining their own
documentation through their own internal SOP’s.
Information may be compiled in WebEOC during events that require multiple
agencies over several operational periods.
7.2 Finance
Each individual department/agency shall document the costs incurred during response
and recovery operations (e.g., personnel overtime, equipment used/expended, contracts
initiated) in accordance to their own internal SOP’s.
7.3 Logistics
When local resources are exhausted and additional resources are required, resource
requests will follow an established process for ordering, tracking, mobilizing, and
demobilizing (WebEOC if available). Resource requests originate from municipalities, sent
to the EOC, then to GEMA/HS if the resource cannot be acquired via the county EOC.
Maintenance of resources is important throughout all aspects of resource management.
Maintenance prior to deployment ensures their availability and capability. Maintenance
during the deployment phase ensures continued capabilities (e.g., ensuring adequate fuel
supplies during use). Post-operational inspection and maintenance ensures future
availability.
8.0 Plan Development and Maintenance
CEMA is the executive agent for EOP management and maintenance. The EOP will be
updated periodically as required to incorporate new directives and changes based on
lessons learned from exercises and actual events. This section establishes procedures
for interim changes and full updates of the EOP.
The EOP is developed with input from municipalities, local, state and non-governmental
agencies.
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8.1 Review and Updates
Changes include additions of new or supplementary material and deletions. No proposed
change should contradict or override authorities or other plans contained in statute, order,
or regulation.
8.1.1 Coordination and Approval
Any department or agency with assigned responsibilities under the EOP may propose a
change to the plan. Chatham County Emergency Management Agency is responsible for
coordinating all proposed modifications to the EOP with primary and support agencies and
other stakeholders, as required. Chatham County Emergency Management Agency will
coordinate review and approval for proposed modifications as required.
8.1.2 Notice of Change
After coordination has been accomplished, including receipt of the necessary signed
approval supporting the final change language, Chatham County Emergency
Management Agency will issue an official Notice of Change. The notice will specify the
date, number, subject, purpose, background, and action required, and provide the change
language on one or more numbered and dated insert pages that will replace the modified
pages in the EOP in addition to manually logged record of changes on the form at the
beginning of this plan titled: Record of Revisions. Once published, the modifications will
be considered part of the EOP for operational purposes pending a formal revision and
redistribution of the entire document.
8.1.3 Distribution
The primary distribution method of the Basic Plan and Annexes will be electronic. The
EOP, ESF Annexes and other Support and Incident Annexes or guides deemed by the
CEMA Director to be free of sensitive or confidential information may be publicly available
online.
8.1.4 Redistribution of the EOP
Working toward continuous improvement, Chatham County Emergency Management
Agency is responsible for an annual review and updates of the EOP and a complete
revision every five years, or more frequently if the County Commission or the Georgia
Emergency Management Agency deems necessary. The review and update will consider
lessons learned and best practices identified during exercises and responses to actual
events, and incorporate new information technologies. Chatham County Emergency
Management Agency will distribute revised EOP documents for the purpose of
interagency review and concurrence.
- Page 113 -Item #21.
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9.0 Authorities and References
9.1 Legal Authorities
9.1.1 Federal
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L.93-
288, as amended)
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-390)
The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-2) (SRIA)
The Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (P.L.109-295)
Presidential Decision Directive - 63, United States Policy on Protecting
America’s Critical Infrastructure
Homeland Security Presidential Directive – 5 – National Incident Management
System (NIMS), December 2008.
Homeland Security Presidential Directive – 8 – National Preparedness
Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-8: National Preparedness
9.1.2 State
Georgia Emergency Management Act of 1981. As Amended, December 1992
9.1.3 Local
The Code of Chatham County, 2012. Chapter 4, Administration, Article III,
Emergency Management
9.2 References
9.2.1 Federal
Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101, Version 2.0. Developing and
Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans, Nov. 2010
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), February
2007.
National Prevention Framework, May 2013
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National Protection Framework, July 2014
National Recovery Framework, September 2011
National Response Framework, May 2013
Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 2014
National Mitigation Framework, May 2013
National Preparedness Goal (NPG), September 2011
9.2.2 State
Georgia Disaster Recovery and Redevelopment Plan (GDRRP)
Georgia Emergency Operations Plan (GEOP)
9.2.3 Local
Chatham County Emergency Operations Plan
Chatham County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chatham County Disaster Recovery Plan
Chatham Emergency Management Agency Strategic Plan
Chatham County Continuity of Operations Plan
Chatham County Continuity of Government Plan
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ACRONYMS
ACRONYMS
BSRS Building Safety & Regulatory
Services
CEMA Chatham Emergency Management
Agency
CEO Chief Elected Official
COG Continuity of Government
COOP Continuity of Operations
CPG Command Policy Group
DFCS Department of Family and
Children’s Services
DRP Disaster Recovery Plan
EEI Essential Elements of Information
EOC Emergency Operations Center
EOP Emergency Operations Plan
ESF Emergency Support Function
FEMA Federal Emergency Management
Agency
GEMA/HS Georgia Emergency Management
Agency/Homeland Security
IA Individual Assistance
ICS Incident Command System
JIC Joint Information Center
JIS Joint Information Systems
MPC Metropolitan Planning Commission
NGO Non-governmental Organization
NIMS National Incident Management
System
NRF National Response Framework
OSRM Occupational Safety & Risk
Management
PA Public Assistance
PIO Public Information Officer
PNP Private Non-Profit
RSF Recovery Support Function
SEDA Savannah Economic Development
Authority
SOP Standard Operating Procedures
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PLANNING OVERVIEW
This tab describes all current plans as of resolution of the EOP. Plans may be reviewed,
updated, developed or consolidated as needed. The EOP serves as a Base Plan with ESF
Annexes, SOG’s, Incident Annexes and Support Annexes underneath the overall umbrella
of the EOP.
The Disaster Recovery Plan is a separate “umbrella plan” that provides the overarching
framework for recovery, with RSF Annexes and other SOG’s or Annexes as required.
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File Attachments for Item:
22. Variance: requesting 2.5 feet into side setback for new carport/storage area – 1413 Fifth
Ave.- Zone R-2 –40011 06008–Mary Anne Butler.
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File Attachments for Item:
23. Variance: requesting 3.4’ feet into side setback & 7.6’ feet into front setback for second
means of egress and new deck – 1109 Laurel Ave. – Zone R-1-B – 40026 04011 – Paul & Carrie
Harvill.
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File Attachments for Item:
24. Variance: requesting 3.53’ feet into side/rear setback -803 First St. & 4 N Campbell Ave.-
Zone C-2 – 40019 01005/01002/01001 – Matt Anderson.
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File Attachments for Item:
25. VARIANCE:REQUESTING TO PUT POOL TWO FEET FROM PROPERTY LINE INSTEAD OF
THE REQUIRED FIVE FOOT SETBACK-52 CAPTAINS VIEW-ZONE-R-2-4002116013-
TANYA&ROGER HUFF
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26. MINUTES 6/15/2020 PLANNING COMMISSION
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PLANNING COMMISSION CITY MANAGER
Demery Bishop Shawn Gillen
Ron Bossick
Charles Matlock COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Elaine T. McGruder George Shaw
David McNaughton
J. Whitley Reynolds CITY ATTORNEY
Alan Robertson Edward M. Hughes
Planning Commission Meeting
MINUTES
June 15, 2020
Chair Bishop called the June 15, 2020 Tybee Island Planning Commission meeting to order.
Commissioners present were Charles Matlock, Elaine T. McGruder, Ron Bossick, J. Whitley
Reynolds, Alan Robertson and Davie McNaughton.
Consideration of Minutes:
Chair Bishop asked for consideration of the May 18, 2020 minutes. Commissioner Charles Matlock
asked if the meeting taking place on zoom video could be added to the minutes. Commissioner Alan
Robertson made a motion to approve. Vice Chair Ron Bossick seconded. The vote to approve was
unanimous.
Disclosures/Recusals:
Chair Bishop asked if there were any Disclosures or Recusals. Commissioner Whitley Reynolds
disclosed he did the survey on the lot at 1413 Fifth Avenue a few years ago and feels he could be
unbiased in any decisions. Chair Demery Bishop disclosed he is familiar with the representative Rick
Hogan for 52 Captains View, and feels he can be unbiased in any decisions for that item.
Old Business: Chair Demery Bishop stated that the Short Term rental information that each member
received tonight will be briefly discussed at the end of this meeting.
New Business:
1. Variance: requesting to put pool two feet from property line instead of the required five foot
setback – 52 Captains View – Zone R-2 – 40021 16013 – Tanya & Roger Huff.
George Shaw approached the Planning Commission and stated the applicants would like the pool in
their back yard to be larger than what the required setbacks would require it to be. A pool is a luxury
item and staff sees no hardship so staff recommends denial. Commissioner David McNaughton
asked if the City is bound by the neighborhood homeowner’s rules in making a decision. George
Shaw stated no we are not. Rick Hogan who lives at 68 Captains View, Tybee Island and speaking as
the applicant’s representative approached the Planning Commission and stated the applicant would
like to have a variance from the five foot requirement for pools. He stated the size required by the
ordinance would not give enough buffer to neighboring properties and would create more to the rear
of the property that has no neighbors just the common area. Pinky Butler who lives at 7 Sea breeze
Lane approached the Planning Commission and stated the Architectural review board has a two year
moratorium now on new pools and he hopes the Planning Commission will deny this application.
Kitty Williams who lives at 1 Sea breeze Lane approached the Planning Commission and stated she is
a member of the Architectural review Board for Captains Row. She stated they were elected to enforce
- Page 207 -Item #26.
the covenants for the Neighborhood. She stated pools cause disruption. Frank Giddens who live at 13
Sea Breeze Lane approached the Planning Commission and stated he is also on the Architectural
review Board and he agrees with all the comments and hopes this will be denied. Commissioner
McNaughton made a motion to deny. Commissioner Elaine McGruder seconded. Vote to deny was
unanimous.
2. Variance: requesting 2.5 feet into side setback for new carport/storage area – 1413 Fifth Ave.-
Zone R-2 – 40011 06008 – Mary Anne Butler.
George Shaw stated the applicant would like to create a carport, storage building and a gazebo. There
is ample room to have the five foot setback and our ordinance does not allow 2 accessory structures on
one property unless they attach them in some way. Staff recommends denial. Mary Anne Butler who
lives at 1413 Fifth Avenue approached the planning Commission and stated her reason for this
variance is for her nephew who has difficulty with mobility. She also stated the neighbor on the side
the variance effects is her sister and she wrote a letter that I have included with my submittal.
Commissioner McGruder asked Mary Anne Butler if she would have a problem putting a breezeway
to attach the two buildings. Mary Anne Butler stated she would have no problem doing that. John
Mulligan who lives at 506 Fifteenth Street approached the Planning Commission and stated he helped
Mary Anne Butler with some preliminary plans and this is what she came up with. He stated he hopes
they give her this Variance because it will help her tremendously. Commissioner Alan Robertson
made a motion to deny. Commissioner Charles Matlock seconded. Commissioner McNaughton
asked if the motion to deny the variance application include a request to Council that applicant come
back with a design that meets City code. Commissioner Alan Robertson stated but then they would
not have to come back. And there are other viable alternative designs that can be built to code.
Commissioner Alan Robertson stated he stands by his motion to deny. Vote to deny was unanimous.
3. Variance: requesting 3.4’ feet into side setback & 7.6’ feet into front setback for second means
of egress and new deck – 1109 Laurel Ave. – Zone R-1-B – 40026 04011 – Paul & Carrie Harvill.
George Shaw approached the Planning Commission and stated the applicant is requesting to put a
second means of egress at their residence and our code does allow him to approve a second set of
steps with a required landing administratively, but they are also requesting to add a larger deck than
required to those steps and that is why they are here today. In this case there is no hardship for a larger
deck and staff recommends denial. Carrie Harvill, the applicant, who lives at 1109 Laurel Ave.
approached the Planning Commission and stated this is her primary residence and she would like to
make the deck larger since it is in the front of the house and the look would be nicer. Commissioner
Elaine McGruder made a motion to deny the new larger Deck only. Vice Chair Ron Bossick
seconded. Vote to deny was unanimous.
4. Variance: requesting 3.53’ feet into side/rear setback -803 First St. & 4 N Campbell Ave.-
Zone C-2 – 40019 01005/01002/01001 – Matt Anderson.
George Shaw approached the Planning Commission and stated the applicant would like to move the
lot line so the 4 North Campbell is on its own lot. The house behind it will be part of the lot off
Highway 80 and will have two structures. This is slightly less of a non-conformity so staff
recommends approval. Matt Anderson who lives at 1923 Stuckey Lane, Statesboro Ga. Who is the
representative for the owner Green Growth, approached the Planning Commission and stated this
variance will help with future development for the larger lot. Jay Altman who lives at 167 Lewis
Avenue, approached the Planning Commission and stated he is the one that is proposing this future
plan. He also stated he is the one that updated the small cottage on this property at 4 N Campbell
Avenue. He also stated his vision for the house at 803 First Street is to have an artisan space for other
unique artist. Commissioner Whitley Reynolds made a motion to approve. Commissioner Elaine
McGruder seconded. Vote to approve was unanimous.
- Page 208 -Item #26.
Discussion Item:
Chair Demery Bishop stated George Shaw approached him late this afternoon and City Council still would like
the Planning Commission or a working group to discuss possible solutions, specifically on how to require a
review for safety, parking, fire code, garbage, enforcement, fees and what they would be spent on and perhaps
requiring short term rentals having to go through a special review process. They would like a report in 90 days.
George Shaw stated City Council would like for Planning Commission to create a working group to look at our
shot term rental ordinances and see if there are other way to make them less of a problem with the community.
He also stated he will get as much information for them as soon as possible. Chair Demery Bishop asked if they
could get more specificity and specific guidelines from City Council. George Shaw stated that City Council
hopefully will put together guidelines and we will get you all the information we can gather. Chair Bishop
stated there would be two Planning Commission members, two representatives of the industry: one large
company and one small company, two citizens-at-large of the community, and the City Marshall. And a legal
representative only for information not as a member. The two members of the Planning Commission will be
Commissioner David McNaughton and Commissioner Alan Robertson. Commissioner Alan Robertson
stated that this information should be put on City Councils agenda for the 25th of this month for more direction.
Lisa L. Schaaf
Meeting Adjourned 9:18pm
- Page 209 -Item #26.
File Attachments for Item:
27. Resolution 2020-09: Emergency Directive on Suspension of Zoning Restriction on
Recreational Vehicles in residential areas for Hazard Mitigation Grant
- Page 210 -Item #27.
EMERGENCY ORDER NO. 2020-09
AN EMERGENCY DECLARATION/DIRECTIVE CONTINUING
A DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY ARISING DUE TO COVID-19
AND THE ONGOING HEALTHCARE EMERGENCY, AND THE EXISTENCE OF
HURRICANE SEASON; TAKING EMERGENCY MEASURES IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH INCLUDING THE SUSPENSION OF ORDINANCES THAT RESTRICT
THE OCCUPANCY OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES OR MOBILE OFFICES IN
RESIDENTIAL ZONES WHILE RESIDENCES ARE BEING ELEVATED
WHEREAS, Governor Brian Kemp has continued to issue multiple Executive Orders
addressing businesses and restrictions on individuals related to efforts to minimize the spread of
COVID-19 and to prevent or minimize sickness, injury or death to people and damage to
property resulting from the public health crisis; and
WHEREAS, O.C.G.A. § 38-3-28 provides the political subdivisions of this state with the
authority to make, amend, and rescind such orders, rules, and regulations as may be necessary
for emergency management purposes to supplement rules and regulations promulgated by the
Governor during a State of Emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Tybee Island , section 1.13(7) provides the
governing authority of the city with the authority to take actions deemed necessary to deal with
such an emergency for the protection of the safety, health, and well-being of the citizens of the
city; and
WHEREAS, the City has previously declared an emergency to exist within the limits of
the City and imposed certain restrictions & made Orders/ Directives to protect the public health
& welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City has participated in a FEMA sponsored Mitigation Grant to assist
homeowners to elevate their homes to mitigate and reduce risk of future storm damage and
flooding; and
- Page 211 -Item #27.
WHEREAS, hurricane season is currently in place and therefore there is an immediate
need to assist in all ways possible that the mitigation project be completed as soon as possible;
and
WHEREAS, it will assist the homeowners in completing the project if restrictions on the
use of recreational vehicles in residential areas are temporarily suspended,
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY DECLARED that a local state of emergency
exists within the City of Tybee Island and shall continue until the conditions requiring this
declaration are abated.
THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED AND ORDAINED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE
MAYOR and COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Findings of Fact
For purposes of describing the circumstances which warrant the adoption of an emergency
ordinance, the major governing authority of the city hereby adopt and make the findings included
in the “WHEREAS” clauses as findings of fact.
Section 2. Declaration of Public Health State of Emergency
The Mayor and Council hereby declares a public health state of emergency within the City of
Tybee Island because of the proliferation of COVID-19 in the United States and the State of
Georgia, which will remain in force and effect for a period of 30 days unless sooner cancelled or
extended by further action of the Mayor and Council.
Section 3. City Council Operations and Rules
City Council shall continue to operate and assemble at public meetings, subject to the following:
a) Pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A.§ 50-14-1(g), City Council may conduct
public meetings via teleconference while this Ordinance is in effect, without the requirement of
having a quorum present in person, so long as notice is provided and simultaneous access is
afforded to the public to the teleconference meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event
the City is unable to provide public simultaneous access to a teleconference, the City shall take
steps to ensure access to minutes and discussions as promptly as possible through the City website
or social media.
b) Unless Council decides to act otherwise, all policy-making functions of City
Council (i.e. strategic plans, ordinances, land use planning functions, visioning, development of
- Page 212 -Item #27.
City-wide objectives and goals and like activities) shall be suspended while this Ordinance is in
effect, except for policy-making and ordinance functions directly related to addressing COVID-19
and related public health and safety issues;
c) Council rules and practices requiring or calling for two (2) readings of an ordinance
and the introduction of an ordinance are suspended, and emergency actions may be taken by
ordinance effective immediately.
Section 4. Suspension of restriction for Hazard Mitigation Grant
Restrictions that exist in the zoning code shall continue to be enforced however, for purposes of
facilitating the work associated with elevating homes as part of the FEMA sponsored Hazard
Mitigation Grant, the restriction contained in Section 3-110(C) on the use or occupancy of
recreational vehicles on private property for dwelling purposes shall be suspended and no longer
in force until the completion of the elevation of residences pursuant to the Hazard Mitigation Grant
program now or hereafter in place. The suspension shall end upon the completion of the hazard
mitigation elevation project or projects.
Section 5. Severability
If one or more of the provisions contained in this Emergency Declaration and Ord er shall be held
to be invalid, in violation of the Georgia Constitution, in violation of Georgia law, or unenforceable
in any respect, such invalidity, violation, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions
of this Order, but, in such case, this Order shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable provision had never been contained within the Order.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Declaration and/or
Order are hereby suspended during the effective dates of this Declaration (or any extension thereof)
and the terms and provisions of this Declaration shall prevail.
This Declaration/Directive after adoption shall become effective immediately.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, this ______ day of________________, 2020.
Shirley Sessions, Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form:
Jan LeViner, City Clerk Edward M. Hughes, City Attorney
- Page 213 -Item #27.
File Attachments for Item:
30. Bubba Hughes: Rules of Conduct and Rules of Council
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File Attachments for Item:
31. Nancy DeVetter, Resolution, Race Equity Resolution
- Page 226 -Item #31.
RESOLUTION CONDEMNING RACISM AND PROMOTING RACE EQUITY
WHEREAS The City of Tybee Island (“the City”) recognizes the history of racism in our
country and how it has led to racial inequalities;
WHEREAS The City recognizes the Island’s part in historical racism, acknowledging that
African slaves were quarantined and died at the quarantine hospital on Lazaretto
Creek; that Black Americans were banned from Savannah Beach during
segregation; that Black Americans petitioned the City to use the beach in 1952
and were denied; that, in 1960, 11 Black students led the first “wade-in” to protest
Jim Crow polices and were arrested and convicted for their actions; that the City
did not recognize the MLK holiday until 2006, 23 years after President Ronald
Reagan declared the national holiday; that Black college students have enjoyed
Tybee Island during the Orange Crush celebration since the 1980s and the event is
part of Tybee’s history; and that the City entered into a mediated agreement with
the Department of Justice to formalize the City’s response to Orange Crush and
treat it the same as other large events;
WHEREAS The City condemns the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Rashard
Brooks, Breonna Taylor, and other unarmed people of color;
WHEREAS The City recognizes that seemingly neutral policies and practices may contribute
to racial inequality and wishes to proactively and deliberately address systemic
racism in its own policies and practices;
WHEREAS The City values Black lives and the lives of people of color and wishes to amplify
their voices and history;
WHEREAS The City desires to build an inclusive, equitable community for all Tybee
residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS The City supports our Tybee Island Police Department and commends its
commitment to diversity, de-escalation, and community involvement.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Tybee commits to the following
actions:
1. Memorialize the racial history of Tybee by placing comprehensive historic displays at
Lazaretto Creek, the site of the historic wade-in, and in other places as may be
appropriate;
2. Maintain a website dedicated to Tybee’s racial history and racial equity efforts;
3. Conduct a review of our arrest and sentencing data to identify racial disparities in those
areas;
4. Review and revise the policies of our police department to promote officer discretion and
accountability, reduce use of force, and advance a community policing model;
- Page 227 -Item #31.
5. Task our City Manager with ensuring diverse and inclusive hiring for all departments and
award of contracts, and require implicit bias and race equity training for all staff; and
6. Appoint a committee of volunteers to identify further steps the City can take to advance
racial equality and reduce inequity on our island. We specifically encourage this
committee to work with the organizers of the Orange Crush celebration to formalize and
improve the event.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that June 19th shall be an annual city holiday in honor of
Juneteenth, the day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, as it was the day,
more than three years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and three months from
the end of the Civil War, that the remaining slaves in Galveston, Texas, found out that they were
free.
SO RESOLVED, THIS _______ DAY OF JULY, 2020.
- Page 228 -Item #31.
File Attachments for Item:
32. Monty Parks: STVR and Pool Options
- Page 229 -Item #32.
STVR options
1) The current Disorderly House Ordinance can take two
years to before a residence reaches three strikes. By
changing the ordinance to administrative fines instead of
criminal citations, the three strike time could be dropped
to six months. This will require at least two readings and
if we don’t start now, we may not be in place for next
season.
2) We need to start the bid process and purchase for
compliance monitoring software. This will be a six month
process and needs to be in place for next season.
3) We need to hire the three additional code enforcement
officers.
4) We need to change the current noise ordinance from
being mechanically based to being officer discretion. This
will require at least two readings and will be needed
before next season.
5) Schedule at least one public forum for the month of
August to allow for all to have input.
6) Give the planning commission the option of reporting
back on individual items rather than all at once, with a
focus on special review requirements. Leave the time
deadline for final report out open ended to allow for
thorough review.
7) Once the City can demonstrate that we can effectively
enforce the rules on the books, then consider a
- Page 230 -Item #32.
registration rate increase based on actual expenses for
2021.
Water Options
1) Require pool owners to do any fill up with a hired water
contractor rather than use City water.
2) Increase fine amount for any pool with a noise violation
after 9 pm
3) Start bid process for a third party water study
4) Full update on progress of deep well lawsuit
5) Current permit for a pool is $50 permit fee with $50 per
$1000 project value.
6) Start a study on lawn irrigation and review best practices
from other cities.
- Page 231 -Item #32.