HomeMy Public PortalAbout19970102SCMeeting1
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1997 -01 -02 Special Council Meeting
The Tybee Island City Council held a special workshop on
Thursday, January 2, 1997 in the auditorium at City Hall for the
purpose of discussing the proposed Water Storage Tank and a
Zoning Text Amendment on Height. Mayor Walter Parker called the
workshop to order at 7:30 P.M. The following members of Council
were present: Ed Merves, Jack Youmans, Mariann Wildi, and Mallory
Pearce. City Manager Bill Farmer and City Attorney Hughes were
also present.
Mayor Parker stated that the purpose of this workshop was
for an update from Hussey, Gay, Bell and DeYoung on the proposed
water storage tank. Bill Lovett and Bob Whelchel were present to
answer questions.
Ed Merves asked if the $300,000 was in the bond issue money
or were we borrowing the money. Where does the money to pay bond
issue come from. Property taxes cannot be used.
City Attorney Edward Hughes stated that General Fund can pay
for capital improvements. Revenue goes into a sinking fund, with
money to pay off bonds as they mature each month into the fund.
Ro Fripp stated that the bond will cost more this year as it
escalates yearly.
Ed Merves stated he was trying to understand if the money is
borrowed or is ours. Ro Fripp stated that about 2 million is from
94 bond issue. Mariann Wildi asked where does interest go ? Jack
Youmans stated that the sinking fund could not be used for
improvements. Walter Parker stated that we are about $300,000
short in revenue. Jack Youmans questioned fund balance of
Water /Sewer.
Mayor Parker asked the engineers to report. Bill Lovett
stated that he would like to summarize where the tank stands. The
engineers looked at several alternatives on the tank site. One
option was using the existing tank. The old tank is not worth
saving. It needs to be taken out of service. The ground tank
still needs the pump. The 150,000 gallon tank at the north end of
the island cannot get water from north to south. This needs to be
connected. To meet fire demands, a 250,000 gallon tank needs to
be somewhere. They still recommend the south end of the island.
Fire demand of water is needed in two directions. It could be put
next to well but it makes more sense to locate at south end of
island. A new underground well can be put in but salt water
intrusion is possible. They don't think it would be a problem.
The cost estimate for a well is virtually the same as the cost
for a new tank. With a well there is more potential for problems.
Tank is most economic method. Most cities use tanks. Bob
Whelchel stated that the south end does not have access to north
end. If north and south is connected with a 12 inch line, a
150,000 gallon tank would work. Jack Youmans stated that we need
to consider C -1 zoning district is on the south end of the
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island. Bill Farmer stated that our ISO rating is good. Without
the tank this could change. Bob Whelchel stated that several
times water output has been high and the 150,000 gallon tank
empty. If we would have had a fire, the fire department would
have had difficulty. Mayor Parker asked what piping exists?
George Reese stated that 12 inch pipe is in place from existing
tank to south end of Island. Fort Screven has 6 -8 inch pipe. It
would cost approximately $240,000. to pipe with 12 inch pipe. Ed
Merves asked the difference in cost between a 150,000 gallon tank
and a 250,000 gallon tank. The difference is about $100,000
dollars depending on location, foundation and structure. Edward
Hughes stated that there was still no hearing on injunction. A
favorable decision has been given on the appeal. Mariann
Wildi asked if there was anything to hold this up. Edward Hughes
stated that he had not heard anything on the bid disagreement.
Hank Levy stated that the safest thing was to get the tanks as
far away as possible. If tanks are moved closer together you have
more problems. Jeanne Hutton stated that we were $300,000 short
on project. Ed Merves asked where was the $300,000 coming from ?
Bill Farmer stated that Council would have to approve method. Ed
Merves questioned a 20% increase in fees. Jack Youmans stated he
did not agree. Mariann Wildi stated that was a high estimate.
Mayor Parker stated that this was not acceptable to most members
of Council. Ed Merves asked about emergency fund in case of
hurricane, and how does FEMA work. W/S operates at a deficit, and
can borrow from General Fund for capital improvements such as
water tank. Jack Youmans stated that his understanding is that
General Fund can do W/S capital improvement. Ed Merves stated
that it makes better sense to borrow from ourselves. Mayor Parker
stated that the ideal system would be 12 inch pipe, with 250,000
gallon tank. Bill Lovett stated that they would get cost estimate
for 150,000 gallon tank. Jack Youmans stated that 150,000 gallon
tank and 12 inch line costs as much if not more than 250,000
gallon tank. Ed Merves asked if $600,000 tank top or bottom of
line tank. Bill Lovett stated that pedestal tank more cost
effective and less maintenance. He stated with the 250,000 gallon
tank you could hold off on 12 inch line and do that at a later
time. Jeanne Hutton stated that the City continues to trash W/S
fund by not charging enough. Raise rates to true user fee. This
would be an ideal time to raise rates. Jack Youmans stated that
he heard more people talk about raising everything but taxes to
sit on money in the bank when there is a fund balance. Ed Merves
stated if we could get the dollar figures on if we take it out of
General Fund, with a 15% increase to meet operating fund.
At this time the Mayor opened discussion of Height. He
stated that he had talked to about 125 people and the feeling is
to keep residential at 35 feet but give commercial some leeway at
43 feet. Planning Commission recommends 45 feet in commercial. It
was stated that Planning Commission based their recommendation
on the variances that have previously been granted. Jack Youmans
stated that he agrees with this. Mallory Pearce questioned if
this would include the C -2 district. It was stated that it would.
There being no further business, meeti g was ad'
Zonings dministrato,f Angela Byers
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ArAiLd
Mayor Wal er W. Parker