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City Council Minutes, April 23, 2020
Mayor Sessions called the City Council Meeting to order at 6:30PM. Those attending in person were Monty Parks, John Branigin, Barry Brown and Spec Hosti. Those attending via telephonic
conferencing were Jay Burke, Nancy DeVetter and Bubba Hughes, City Attorney. Also attending were Dr. Shawn Gillen, City Manager and Janet LeViner, Clerk of Council.
Mr. Hughes explained the current Executive Orders as directed by Governor Kemp. Dr. Gillen stated there is an extension of the Emergency Order from the Governor’s Office stating restaurants
will be opening on Monday, April 27, 2020 but social distancing will still be in effect. He also stated that it is the consensus of the other City Managers and County Officials that
local authorities do not have the authority to enforce the rules as set forth by the Governor. Mayor Sessions stated on May 13, 2020 all Executive Orders cease and unless there is
a State of Emergency the Governor cannot issue further Executive Orders. Mr. Parks stated it is his understand on April 30, 2020 the STVR’s restrictions and beach restrictions will
cease and if the Governor wishes to extend he has until May 13, 2020 to do that under the Declaration. Mr. Branigin stated there is a new Executive Order dated April 23, 2020 and basically
seems to repeat the Governor’s previous Executive Order shall be effective until May 1, 2020 until May 13, 2020 and includes such restrictions as you may not have guests in your home.
Mr. Hughes stated he has not seen the newest Order as it was signed but will download.
Mayor Sessions thanked all of Staff for their hard work. She reported that all Staff that had been at home doing self-quarantine have returned to work as they did not test positive
with the virus. Dr. Gillen confirmed.
Nancy DeVetter gave credit to the local businesses that have made the decision not to open. She also stated she does not agree with Governor Kemp’s order and she personally requested
that Tybee’s businesses remain closed and residents continue to remain at home. Ms. DeVetter gave credit to North Beach Bar and Grill, AJ’s Dockside, Coco’s, The Deck, 80 East, Sundae
Café, Salt Island, and others as they are remaining to do carry-out only. She would also recommend the administrative offices remain closed to protect the Staff.
Mayor Sessions stated she and council have heard from numerous STVR’s and they remain not to have new check-ins and new reservations until the end of April 2020 or sometime in May 2020.
Monty Parks stated that many of the Island’s retail businesses remain closed and is a huge consideration for keeping the traffic down on the Island. Mr. Parks would personally like
to take this opportunity and thank them.
Mayor Sessions listed the following items on the Consent Agenda:
Minutes, City Council Meeting, April 9, 2020
Budget amendment to cover insurance deductible shortfall. This will cover current invoice of $7,500.00 plus another $2,500 in case there are more before the end of the fiscal year
Environmental Products Group, Lease Street Sweeper
Change Order #1, Earth Balance, Dune Vegetation Phase II, $8,756.80
Opening Ceremonies
Call to Order
Invocation – Jan LeViner
Pledge of Allegiance
Barry Brown made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerations and Comments
Spec Hosti asked Dr. Gillen to update Mayor and Council on the Financial Loss the City is experiencing due to the virus. Dr. Gillen gave a brief presentation (attached), which was distributed
via email to Mayor and Council regarding the current budget. He stated prior to the virus, the City was on track with spending and revenues. Dr. Gillen went on the present a plan
for loss revenues and repaying the fund balance with cuts in spending such as capital items. He feels that by cutting expenditures, revenues will be sufficient to repay the fund balance
for supplemental monies used to run the City. Mr. Parks stated that none of the decisions and considerations are going to be made to maximize revenue. Decisions will be made to keep
the community healthy. The main thing is to keep people healthy and to keep the community safe. He continued, there is sufficient money to ensure the running of the City.
John Branigin made a motion to adjourn. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous to adjourn, 6-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15PM.
______________________________
Janet R. LeViner, CMC
Clerk