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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20030227CCMeeting1 @ @ITEM 2003 -02 -27 City Council Minutes Mayor Pro Tem Walter Crawford called the February 27, 2003 meeting to order at7 P.M. The following members of Council were present: James Burke, Jack Youmans, Whitley Reynolds, Jason Buelterman and Richard Barrow. City Attorney Edward Hughes and City Manager Bob Thomson were present. The Reverend Hale Bishop gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Crawford introduced the three Chatham County Commissioners in the audience, Dean Kicklighter, Jeff Reno and our district representative Frank Murray. Mr. Scott Lancing, Chatham Area Transit Authority gave a presentation to Council on the benefits of having CAT service to Tybee Island. Lancing introduced Wayne Dawson and John Broderick and thanked Council for the opportunity to address them. Lancing said that the purpose of this meeting is to start dialogue and to educate everyone. Lancing said random phone calls to the entire Chatham County, also a survey was done by bus riders: 60% of riders use bus for to and from work, these riders work in the service sector and the working poor; 15% of the riders were college or university students; 95% of the riders use the bus for economic purposes; the population is increasing; congestion; political boundaries are crossed, ages 45 to 50 up to 65 are the fastest growing riders; industry locating in Chatham. CAT runs buses. Lancing said now we want to be managers of mobility — switching more to customer consumer oriented — water ferries — already in partnership with Effingham, Beaufort and Jasper. Lancing said there has been a 16% growth on Tybee since 1990, more and more people are coming down, special events are getting bigger and bigger, great historic and natural resources, limited labor availability, widening Highway 80 will have a big impact on the quality of life. At this point Lancing handed out a letter to Council. Teleride is paid for out of Chatham County General Fund. Some strategies for Tybee are ferries as you are surrounded by water, seasonal bus service, parking shuttle, personalized services beyond just having a bus running to Tybee. Youmans said that Tybee will have a millage increase on ad valorem taxes. Lancing answered yes, if you elect to come in. Youmans stated that if the bus is not profitable will the tax be removed; last two people who presented this to Council said no — we had bus service and they stopped because of the price of fuel and few riders. Barrow asked if seasonal service would cause a tax. Lansing said not necessarily — other ways to support. Commissioner Dean Kicklighter of the 7th District said that Scott is doing what the board wants him to do and all they want is our tax dollar without service and to do a resolution opposing. Lancing said he did not know anything about a Bill in the Legislature. Kicklighter said Representative Ron Stephens opposed it and that we are overtaxed. Commissioner Jeff Reno agrees with Kicklighter — students' riding the bus was so successful that SCAD purchased their own buses. Ferry is not going to work; please do not buy into this venture. Commissioner Frank Murray said this will benefit Tybee and he remembers the other meetings — maybe some type of seasonal service — can work it out. Murray said he will support Tybee in any decision they make on this issue. Lynn Hamilton asked what Cat was doing to increase service. Lancing said new shelters with SPLOST funds — 31 new buses — all handicapped equipped. Barry Brown from the MRS petitioned Council for permission to dig a well for the MRS building at Lazaretto. Reynolds asked if the Health Department was happy. Brown said yes. Crawford asked if there were any problems? Hughes answered that there was a title dispute about ownership but the City does own the land. Mayor Pro Tern Crawford opened the meeting for business legally presented. Reynolds moved to approve the beer and wine alcohol license for Cousin Vinnies' Pizza —1516 Butler Avenue — John Henderson. Burke seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Burke moved to approve the request from MRS for a well. Youmans seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Youmans moved for Hughes to prepare a resolution for leaving Tybee as it is concerning the CAT bus service. Reynolds seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Appointments to the Green Space Committee will be made at the March 13th Council meeting. Appointments to the newly formed Special Event Task Force are Walter Courish, Blanco, Walter Mitchell and Jenny Orr. Crawford encouraged residents to vote in favor of the SPLOST on the referendum held on March 18th. Crawford also commended Barrow for his exceptional leadership and his work behind the scene. Burke proposed a citizens committee for special problems associated with restoration of historical structures on Tybee Island. Bonnie Gaster has volunteered to chair this committee. Burke moved to bring candidates names to the March 13th meeting for appointment. Buelterman seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Youmans said to keep in mind that in a few years 90% of the houses on Lewis will fit into the 50- year bracket to be considered historical. Crawford said clear definitions are needed in the ordinances. Crawford told Council that they have all read the recommendation on the stairs in the setback and that Council has not turned down one variance request. Reynolds said that the Westside municipalities have much larger lots that Tybee; Savannah fits more closely with Tybee. Hughes said a zoning text amendment with a public hearing. Crawford said he would like a recommendation from the Planning Commission either for or against by the next Council meeting. Buelterman asked that the sound system at City Hall be replaced or improved by spending up to $3,000. Youmans said that there are only 2 keys and only and only 2 employees should have access to the machine. Thomson gave an update on the following agenda items: Chatham County Agreement Inmate Service Fee Reimbursement is still being worked on and you have a marked up copy of that document — Chief Price said the January bill came in the amount of $18,000 but after going over it was on $12,000: Recommends the bid from Carolina Time and Equipment in the amount of $77,748. Mr. Redmond addressed Council. After discussion Council requested a different type of parking arms for the lots and this will be re- advertised and get back to Council; Dump fee for organic material by contractors is being worked on with Billy Pye — this will help the City to get grants in the future — Youmans said this could be construed to be special favors for certain types of contractors 1 — Reynolds said this does not show favoritism — the goal is recycling — will limit what we need to send to landfill — will save the price of gasoline — Thomson to come up with a plan and come back before Council — Youmans said there is mulch over at DPW now that nobody will take — Levy and Barry Brown said they were not aware of this service — Crawford informed Council that the 137 live oak trees need mulch around them — the mulch material will be outside the gates at DPW; Burke moved to adopt the rule of 75 open window for early retirement, with the City paying entire employee portion of health insurance plus 50% of the dependent coverage on cost information provide by Thomson. Youmans seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous.; Reynolds said the heavy equipment used on the 6th — 7th streets drainage project has damaged some of the road surfaces in different places — Youmans said maybe we can place these areas on the LARP resurfacing request — Thomson told Council about the $11,000 grant to help with the sidewalks; $25,000 grant from Coastal DNR Crossovers; $10,000 to $12,000 grant for 14th Street sidewalks from the State; Park of the Seven Flags is under way; A video projector that will tie into a lap top has been order and will be in use at the March 13, 2003 meeting; discussion was held on the July 4th Power Boat Race — plans are under way — this could be turned over to the Special Event Task Force — Thomson to work with Hughes on the vendor issues; Oceanview Court Drainage was discussed — give to the Drainage Task Force for recommendations — Burke said when the street was paved the culvert was suppose to be put in. Levy said if the culvert is there, it does not work. Youmans stated that the drainage was to tie into the city but he does not think DPW ever did their part; Crawford said that the flooding issue in front of Fannies was resolved and it was done in- house; man hole sealer — company will put in 2 free ones — Burke and Crawford want to be notified of when this will occur; Water tier rate charge — needs more study on apartments and condos already in existence with only one large meter; As soon as plans for the beachside of Butler drainage through dunes are complete and sent to DNR we were assured that there would only be a 10 day turn around for permission to continue with the project, drawings and then the bidding process. Burke moved to not have the March 13th Council meeting because of activities from Saint Patrick's Day. It was noted that the Public Hearings have been advertised for the 13th so we must have the meeting. Crawford announced that Clerk of Council Jacquelyn Brown has been accepted into the 1st Sustaining Level of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Clerk of Council Brown presented a request for a study in the amount of $300.00 to be completed by GMA for information on retirement for elected officials. Burke moved to approve. Reynolds seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Burke moved to adopt Section 4 -2 -25 Fires Allowed and Prohibited on its second reading. Barrow seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Burke moved to adopt Section 2 -4 -6 (d) Probationary period on its second reading. Youmans seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Buelterman moved to allot $200 for a plaque for the Savannah Tree Foundation and present at the March 13th meeting. Barrow seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Barrow said that he would like Tybee to recognize Chairman Billy Hair for his dedication and hard work on the SPLOST negotiations. Burke said a picture like was given to the Governor. Crawford said he had one left. Burke moved to go into executive session to discuss litigation and personnel. Buelterman seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Barrow moved to reconvene the regular meeting. Buelterman seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Council gave Thomson permission to negotiate up to $54,000 for Finance Director. Barrow moved to approve a 5% merit increase for Jackie Brown. Burke seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Buelterman moved to give Thomson a $250 a month car allowance. Barrow seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Brown brought the fact that the City will need to appoint a Safety Coordinator and suggested Jimmy Brown. Youmans asked if Jimmy had enough time to devote to this position. Thomson said yes. Council said this is a City Manager call. Buelterman moved to waive the fee for the MRS well permit. Youmans seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Reynolds moved to adjourn the meeting, as there was no further business to come before Council. Buelterman seconded. Vote by Council was unanimous. Mayor Pro Tern Walter Crawford Clerk of Council 1 Page 1 of 2 Jackie Brown From: Pam Johnson [pjohnson @cbrhlaw.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2003 1:20 PM To: jbrown @cityoftybee.org Subject: CAT - Resolution Here it is! RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the issue of the extension of Chatham Area Transit Bus Service into the City of Tybee Island has once again arisen; and WHEREAS, if such bus service is approved and extended into the City of Tybee Island it will likely require a tax increase to the residents of the unincorporated areas of Chatham County and to residents of Tybee Island; and WHEREAS, it is evident that the extension of such bus service into the City of Tybee Island is not needed for the purpose of transporting persons to and from the City of Tybee Island; and WHEREAS, the City of Tybee Island and its citizens do not wish to be further burdened by payment of Chatham County taxes in exchange for services that are not rendered and/or are unnecessary; and WHEREAS, the City of Tybee Island, through its Mayor and Council, feels that the efforts for extension of Chatham Area Transit into the City should be rejected. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Tybee Island in open meeting duly assembled, do hereby express the position of the City that Chatham Area Transit bus service should not be extended into the City of Tybee Island as doing so will result in an increase in taxes and an additional tax burden upon residents of the City which is completely unnecessary; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the to officials as may be deemed appropriate. 5/7/2003 I BE IT SO RESOLVED this day of , 2003. ATTEST: JACQUELYN R. BROWN CLERK OF COUNCIL EMH\ 14536\RES OLUTION.CAT 5/7/2003 MAYOR WALTER W. PARKER Page 2 of 2 1 AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE § It is hereby ordained by the governing authority of the City of Tybee Island that the Code of Ordinances, Section 4 -2 -25 amended so as to entirely delete that section and to substitute in its stead the following: 4 -2 -25 Fires Allowed and Prohibited It shall be unlawful for any person to build or make fires within the City except as follows: 1. Outdoor fires are to be used only for cooking and/or warmth, 2. Outdoor fires are only to be built with the permission and under the supervision of the property owner or occupant or, if on public property, must be approved in advance by the City Manager, 3. There must be an adequate water supply immediately available, and 4. Picnic grilling in City parks is allowed with thirty (30) feet clearance in all directions, provided adequate fire suppression materials are immediately available. This section is not to be construed so as to prohibit outdoor functions involving cooking such as oyster roast, bar -b -ques, etc. Further, outdoor fires in approved containment devices shall be permissible on the premises of commercial establishments subject however to other ordinances prohibiting the creation or maintenance of a nuisance and subject to the conditions stated herein. 2-4-6 Appointments ORDINANCE NO. It is hereby ordained by the governing authority of the City of Tybee Island, in open meeting assembled, that the Tybee Island Code of Ordinances, Title 2 Government and Administration, Chapter 4 Personnel, Section 6 Appointments, be amended to read as follows: Section 1. Section 2-4-6 is hereby amended to read as follows 2 -4-6 Appointments (a) Recommendations and appointments. Department heads shall examine applications and applicants for employment and recommend to the City Manager applicants for appointment to vacancies existing with their departments. Appointments shall be made on the basis of ability, training, and experience without regard to age, race, creed, national origin, sex, or handicap (b) Types of appointments. (1) Permanent appointment. Appointment to permanent positions shall only be made when a vacancy in a permanent classification exists and such appointments shall be subject to a probationary period. (2) Temporary appointment. In the absence of an appropriate list for filling vacancies, temporary appointments may be made for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. No temporary appointments shall be construed to confer tenure of office by the employee and any temporary appointment may be terminated at any time. (3) Emergency appointment. When an emergency exists and in order to prevent stoppage of public service or loss or convenience to the public, appointments may be made for periods not to exceed thirty (30) days. Emergency appointments shall be reported immediately to the City Manager. (c) Pre - employment medical examination. Prospective employees may be required to supply medical and health data, and complete a pre - employment medical examination as a condition for employment. The physician to conduct the examination shall be selected by the city and expenses for the examination assumed by the same. (d) Probationary period. Each employee receiving an appointment with the city shall complete a probationary period of (1) year. For law enforcement personnel, in appropriate positions, the probationary period shall not be considered complete until the employee has successfully completed the required basic training course, even if the time to complete the said training exceeds (1) year. However, under no circumstances will the probationary period be less than (1) year Not At the conclusion of the probationary period, the department head shall recommend whether to: Page 1 of 2 1 2-4 -6 Appointments (1) Retain the employee in the present position and classification; (2) Assign the employee to an alternative position usually at a lower classification; or (3) Separate the employee from city service. (Ord. of 8- 12 -81, Sec. 6) Any ordinances in conflict herewith are repealed to the extent of the conflict and this Ordinance shall have application to any violation of the Tybee Island Code of Ordinance of the City of Tybee Island, Georgia. Adopted this day of , 2003 Mayor Walter W. Parker City Clerk 1st Reading: 2nd Reading: Enacted: Page 2 of 2 1 STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OF CHATHAM ) AN'FJ DAVIT PERSONALLY appeared before the undersigned attesting officer, duly authorized to administer oaths, l gtek. otot.,2404.9 , who after being duly sworn, deposes and on oath states the following: (1) I was the presiding officer of a meeting of the Tybee Island City Council held on the day of 4 nK.47 z.1 , 2003. (2) That it is my understanding that O.C.G.A. ' 50- 14 -4(b) provides as follows: When any meeting of an agency is closed to the public pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section, the chairperson or other person presiding over such meeting shall execute and file with the official minutes of the meeting a notarized affidavit stating under oath that the subject matter of the meeting or the closed portion thereof was devoted to matters within the exceptions provided by law and identifying the specific relevant exception. (3) The subject matter of the closed meeting or closed portion of the meeting held on the , 2003, which was closed for the purpose(s) of l i firrro ja rrsso.•di as allowed by O.C.G.A., Title 50, Chapter 14, was devoted to matters within those exceptions and as provided by law. (4) Any unrelated matters which were mentioned or attempted to be offered for discussion during the closed portion of the meeting were ruled out of order and not discussed. (5) This affidavit is being executed for the purpose of complying with the mandate of 1 O.C.G.A. ' 50- 14 -4(b) that such an affidavit be executed. This 1 7d ay of , 2003. Sworn to and subscribed before me this4.91 day of ` (?a . , 2003. g: \common \emh114536\affiday.02 011111114. Mayor/P esiding Office