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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20000531SCMeetingMay 31, 2000 Tybee Island City Council — Special Meeting to Discuss May 6th "CRUSH" Events Mayor Walter W. Parker convened the Special Meeting at 7:05 PM on Wednesday, May 31, 2000. Present were Councilmembers Anne Monaghan, Pamela O'Brien, Shirley Sessions, Jack Youmans and Jimmy Burke. Councilman Mallory Pearce was attending a college reunion in Chicago. Representing TIPD were the Chief of Police Jimmy Price and Sergeant Chris Case. Also present were the City Attorney, Edward Hughes, Interim City Manager Ro Fripp and the chairman of the citizens committee Nancy Heffernan. Also present were two representatives of the National Guard. There were approximately 50 citizens in the audience. Representatives of the media were also present. Nancy Heffernan was given the floor and said that her work as a freelance photographer made it possible for her to spend the time canvassing the local business people, visitors and others about their experiences on May 6th. She stated that the issue is one of public safety, and is not a racial issue. There were many documented incidences of public indecency and substance abuse. Numerous local ordinances were violated, but manpower dictated that a large percentage of these infractions had to be overlooked so Tybee's patrol officers could remain on the street to attempt to unsnarl traffic and control crowds. Intervention was, for the most part, limited to protecting people and property and unsnarling traffic jams. She contacted local colleges and her best response was from Dr. Henry, former President of Georgia Southern University, who offered to Lead a class this summer quarter to study the event and prepare a report. A letter from John Hunter of the Hunter House Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant was read. John was present in the audience. A letter from IGA food market owner Mike Hosti to Governor Barnes was read. Mike also spoke, outlining incidents in his store, and the loss of revenue caused by the disruption of May 6th. Chief Price made a short report, praising the efforts of the TIPD officers during the event. The audience agreed that the police department deserves a strong commendation for the excellence of their judgement in controlling the crowds. The Chief thanked other agencies such as the State Patrol and Chatham County for their aid. In spite of all efforts it was agreed that the traffic gridlock would have 1 1 prevented emergency services such as EMS and Fire Department from reaching most of the island's citizens for several hours during the event. Mayor Parker and the City Council were urged to make these safety concerns known to the Chatham County Commission and to the Governor. Nancy Heffernan stated that our local State Representative Burke Day, who lives on Eleventh Street, was at home on the 6th, and that he is willing to sponsor legislation in the General Assembly if that is the best solution. Senator Eric Johnson agreed. She said Tybee is unique in its limited access, and in its vulnerability to out -of- control crowds and traffic gridlock's The Mayor and Council were urged to write letters to the Governor, the Chatham Delegation and the Chatham County Commissioners requesting assistance. It was noted that the county controls the rental of the Pavilion, that the organizer falsely advertised the event widely, then dropped out by not paying the fees to honor his reservation. It was noted that advertisement of an event within the city limits of Tybee Island without the city's approval violates a local ordinance. Berta Adams said she called Dr. Stuart Stevens of GA DNR and asked him for guidance regarding safety issues on public beaches and the ecological impact of the event. Information on these subjects is not available tonight, but will be forthcoming. A National Guards spokesman said that the National Guard is available for crisis control, and is usually the last resort in cases of civil disruption. The unit is not allowed to carry weapons, but can offer support, under direction of the Governor. Mayor Parker asked if the Governor could be asked for support in advance and the answer was affirmative. James E. Carter III spoke, offering his support. Colette Diehl, restaurant manager and member of the Tybee Chamber Board of Directors, suggested that the city find ways to make the event "not fun ". Nancy Heffernan introduced her two young daughters as the reason she became involved in this issue, saying that the safety and welfare of our children should be our utmost concern. The meeting was adjourned.