HomeMy Public PortalAbout20210419_PC_MINUTES.pdfPlanning Commission Meeting
MINUTES
April 19, 2021
Chair Bishop called the April 19, 2021 Tybee Island Planning Commission meeting to order.
Commissioners present were Marie Gooding, Susan Hill, Elaine T. McGruder, David McNaughton
and J. Whitley Reynolds. Vice Chair Ron Bossick was absent.
Consideration of Minutes:
Chair Demery Bishop asked for consideration of the February 22, 2021 meeting minutes. Commissioner Elaine
T. McGruder motion made a motion to approve. Commissioner Whitley Reynolds seconded. The vote to approve
was unanimous.
DisclosureslRecusals:
Chair Bishop asked if there were any Disclosures or Recusals. There were none.
Old Business:
Chair Bishop asked if there was any old Business. There was none.
New Business:
TEXT AMENDMENT: Amendment to Flood Ordinance, Sec. 8-060 to Sec. 8- 230.
George Shaw approached the Planning Commission and stated the Community Rating System which is a
program the City of Tybee is a member of that helps reduce flood insurance rates. He stated they also review
our codes and recommended changes to remove manufactured homes in the V zone area. And having all
ductwork and HVAC systems one foot above base flood meeting the same freeboard requirement as the rest of
the structure. George Shaw stated he sent the changes to the state flood plain manager for his review and
comment and he also recommended the two definition changes which are part of the state laws which we did
not have in ours. Commissioner Susan Hill asked if striking out the manufactured homes wording in item 11
will conflict with section 8 that also talks about manufactured homes. George Shaw stated that section 11 is
specifically referencing structures in the V zone and section 8-190 are structures in the other parts of the Island.
Commissioner Elaine T. McGruder made a motion to approve. Commissioner J. Whitley Reynolds
seconded. The vote to approve was unanimous.
TEXT AMENDMENT: Amendment to Tree Ordinance
George Shaw approached the Planning Commission and stated the City had a situation with a customer who had a
legitimate tree permit for the site but when the contractor did the work they removed trees that were not permitted.
So from that issue City Council asked Mr. Hughes to come up with some language to strengthen the ordinance.
And this is what we have in front of us today. Added penalties and having someone from the City to be on site if
more than five trees are to be cut. Chair Demery Bishop asked if we would have the enforcement capability to
monitor this issue. George Shaw stated it will be an adjustment but we will do what we can. Demery Bishop
asked in proposed section (E) it states the word convictions and to me this is criminal not a civil act, will this be a
criminal act. George Shaw stated it is not a criminal matter and he will speak to the attorney to see if it will
matter. Dale Williams who lives at 1101 Second Avenue Tybee Island, approached the Planning Commission and
stated this developer who involved in the clear-cut was the same one that is developing on the lot behind us. So we
were a little bit concerned. Fortunately the owner helped us understand what trees were staying and what ones
were going. He stated then he decided he would look into tree ordinance and he noticed a lot of fuzziness and
confusion. He stated there is an urgency to make some changes mainly in prevention. He gave Planning
Commission member and staff a list of recommendations to consider. Marie Rodriguez who lives at 713 Jones
Avenue Tybee Island approached the Planning Commission and stated she heard that on the homes that are being
raised all the trees and shrubs on the property would have to be moved. George Shaw stated that some of the
homes might need a tree or two removed not necessarily all the trees, only the ones that would get in the way of
the lifting. And if they do have to remove any they would have to be justified by following the same procedures
and getting a tree removal permit. Commissioner David McNaughton stated this should be sent back for some
changes and additions and brought back. Commissioner David McNaughton made a motion to continue and
revise to consider Planning Commission members thoughts and Mr. Williams suggestions and brought back to the
May 17, 2021 Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Elaine T. McGruder seconded. The vote to
approve was unanimous.
Discussions: Commissioner David McNaughton stated he has been looking at the explosion in
construction on Tybee and thinking about the increase demand for water and sewerage and other
services. And he wanted to ask Planning Commission if they have interest in brainstorming ideas to
slow it down to protect our infrastructure. Maybe a workshop. All Planning Commissioners agreed.
Commissioner David McNaughton stated he will send a letter to City Council for approval or denial.
Chair Demery Bishop asked Planning Commission members if they would like to start the meetings
at 6:30pm instead of 7:00pm. All Planning Commissioners agreed and George Shaw stated he will
forward that on since it will take an amendment to the ordinance.
Adjournment: 8:00pm
Lisa L. Schaaf