HomeMy Public PortalAbout20210408Minutes.docxCity Council Minutes, April 8, 2021
Consideration of Items for Consent Agenda
Mayor Sessions called the Consent Agenda to order at 6:30PM. Those present were Jay Burke, Monty Parks, John Branigin, and Nancy DeVetter. Also attending were Dr. Shawn Gillen, City
Manager; Bubba Hughes, City Attorney; Tracy O’Connell, Assistant City Attorney; George Shaw, Director, Community Development; and Janet LeViner, Clerk of Council. Spec Hosti was excused.
Mayor Sessions listed the following items on the consent agenda:
Minutes: City Council Meeting, March 25, 2021
Permission to Seek Bids for the Paving of South-end Parking Lot. Discussion: Mr. Parks requested all the submitted bids and lots be included in the packet. Dr. Gillen confirmed.
Out of State Travel: Jan LeViner, International Institute of Municipal Clerks Convention, Grand Rapids, May 8, 2021. To formally received Masters Certifications. Budget line item:
100-1130-52-3500
Mayor Sessions called the regular meeting to order. All those present for the consent agenda were present.
Opening Ceremonies
Call to Order
Invocation: Jan LeViner, Clerk of Council
Pledge of Allegiance
Citizens to be Heard
David McNaughton approached Mayor and Council to give an Update on Tybee Road Scenic Byway Nomination. Mr. McNaughton stated there are advantages to the proposed designation for Tybee
Road. He continued that the package has been sent to the State for approval and if approved, Tybee Island and Chatham County could apply for recreation related grants along the route
from DNR. Additionally, if approved, no new billboards could be erected along the route. Mayor Sessions thanked Mr. McNaughton for undertaking the project. Mr. McNaughton asked for
letters of support/recommendation be sent to the DOT Board. He then thanked Mayor and Council for their support.
Andy Davis approached Mayor and Council to speak to the Traffic control for busy weekends. Mr. Davis expressed his concerns with 14th Street traffic as this is a residential area and
will be a public safety issue. He asked Mayor and Council to look at alternate traffic flows. Mayor Sessions thanked Mr. Davis for his concerns.
Monty Parks made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Nancy DeVetter seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 5-0.
Consideration of Bids, Contracts, Agreements and Expenditures
Jen Amerell approached Mayor and Council to present the proposed Water/Sewer Utility Rate: Proposed Rate Structure. Ms. Amerell stated in the packet before them tonight is a memorandum
which was previously presented to them on March 30, 2021. She then addressed the changes: the fixed rates; to establish a uniform 5,000 gallon usage tier; eliminate the -0- charge
for usage; establish a peak season from June 1 to August 31; introduce a 25% premium for usage over 10,000 during peak season; and an annual increase to fixed and variable rates beginning
with fiscal year 2023 based on 5 year CIP plan and annual budget requirements. Mr. Parks asked Ms. Amerell to summarize the meetings that have been conducted to address this
topic. Dr. Gillen stated there were several zoom meetings where questions were presented and answered as well as posting to social media. Mr. Parks stated he feels good with the progress
and notification to the public. Dr. Gillen stated this will be on the agenda for May 13, 2021 for Mayor and Council to adopt the proposed changes and add to the upcoming budget. He
would also like the public to have additional time to familiarize themselves with the proposed changes.
Consideration of Ordinances, Resolution
Second Reading, 2021-08, Chapter 26 - Fire Prevention and Protection. Tracy O’Connell stated there is a change to Sec 26-41 as it pertains to a change in definitions. Monty Parks made
a motion to approve as amended. John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 5-0.
Second Reading, 2021-09, Chapter 30, Law Enforcement. Monty Parks made a motion to approve. John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 5-0.
Second Reading, 2021-10, Sec II, Sec 6-14, Insurance Requirements and Safe Serve for all Alcohol Serving Licensees. Jay Burke and John Branigin recused. Monty Parks recommended a change
to the proposed ordinance, Sec 6 referencing employees. He would like the language to be amended to include “as long as the employee is employed with the establishment”. Mr. Hughes
recommended language, “Employee must maintain a current certification of an approved program”. Monty Parks accepted Mr. Hughes recommendation and made a motion to approve as amended.
Nancy DeVetter seconded. Voting in favor were Monty Parks and Nancy DeVetter. Voting against was Barry Brown. Motion passed 2-1.
Jay Burke and John Branigin returned to the meeting.
Second Reading, 2021-11, Disaster Recovery, Emergency Management. Monty Parks made a motion to approve. Nancy DeVetter seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0.
Second Reading, 2021-14, Sec 22-169, Debris Cover Violations. John Branigin made a motion to approve. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 5-0.
First Reading, 2021-12, Chapter 46, Personnel. TO BE HEARD AT A FUTURE MEETING.
First Reading, 2021-13, Chapter 54, Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places and Special Events and to Establish an Effective Date and For other Purposes. Mr. Shaw approached Mayor
and Council. He stated there are two (2) separate issues in the proposed ordinance: (1) when a street or sidewalk is cut you must notify the City as to how long the area will be open
and (2) coordinate with the Public Works Director to coordinate supervision of that construction. For special events, if alcohol is being served, they need to have the liquor liability
insurance. Monty Parks made a motion to approve. Nancy DeVetter seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 5-0.
Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerations and Comments
Mr. Hughes explained the changes to the Administrative Fines structure as provided in the packet before them. He explained the attachment in the packet deals with the first offense,
$50 level offenses and the enhancement penalties for second and third offenses. No motion is needed.
Shawn Gillen asked Matt Harrell, TIFD, to approach the podium. Dr. Gillen then asked Mayor and Council to confirm the appointment of Acting Chief Harrell to Fire Chief. Monty Parks
made a motion to approve. John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 5-0. Chief
Harrell thanked Mayor and Council for the appointment and their support. Mayor Sessions expressed her gratitude for Chief Harrell’s dedication to not only the City but for the Tybee
Island Fire Department. Mayor pro tem Brown asked Chief Harrell about the City’s ISO (Insurance Services Office). rating. Chief Harrell stated there is an upcoming audit and he feels
the City’s rating will go down which will help the residents with the cost of insurance.
Monty Parks made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation and real estate.
John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0.
Monty Parks made a motion to return to regular session. Nancy DeVetter seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0.
Barry Brown made a motion to adjourn. John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40PM.
______________________________
Janet R. LeViner, MMC
Clerk