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@ @ITEM 2004 -03 -11 City Council Meeting
Mayor Walter Parker opened the March 11, 2004 Tybee Island City Council Meeting at
7:00 PM. Council Members present were Jason Buelterman, Eddie Crone, Mallory
Pearce, Shirley Sessions, Paul Wolff and Jack Youmans. Also present were City
Attorney, Edward Hughes and City Manager, Bob Thomson.
Chuck Bargeron gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Parker said to save time, he would like Hughes to address the sale of City property
request by Walter Crawford. Hughes said that under his name on the agenda, there was
conveyance of property for Walter Crawford. Hughes said the request for Crawford is
very unique because of the timing regarding the ordinance not to sell any more City
property. Hughes said Crawford's attorney, Tom Mahoney, disagrees with my opinion.
Hughes said his recommendation is to have the request advertised for a public hearing
and deal with this issue at the same time. Hughes said their position is that the ordinance
doesn't apply to their request. He said the position he has is that it does. In any event,
Hughes said they have a right to a public hearing. Hughes said under the circumstances,
this sounds reasonable to him. Hughes said he had talked with Mahoney and Mahoney
doesn't want to waive his rights and we don't want to waive ours. In agreeing to this is
by no means a concession on our part. The ordinance requires it to be advertised, as a
zoning matter would be, that is 15 days before the hearing. Mahoney agreed that this is
the way to handle it. Parker said it would be on April 8, 2004. Mahoney agreed. The
Clerk of Council will advertise.
Police Officer, Jason Heckman addressed Council concerning improvements for the
Skate Park. He said 3 students from St. Michael's School came with him to speak in
favor of the enlargement and improvement of the park. Leann Dowell spoke first and
said that skate boarding was a family oriented sport, it was fun and kept kids off of the
streets, which were unsafe. Bridget Carlson said a larger park was needed, lights so it
could be used at night and more ramps. She said there are few places for kids to go on
the island. Shane Brevner said he had been to skate parks all over the country, including
Florida, Chicago, California, and Washington, D.C. and many others. He said skate
boarding was the fastest growing sport in the country. A skate park is safe for kids and it
wouldn't bother anyone. Shane said kids were out in the fresh air and it was great
exercise. He said he some plans for the park and would gladly share with anyone who
wanted to see them. Tiffany Dennis, Director of the YMCA, said the current ramps were
in poor condition and needed repairs or replacement. She said she want to let the Council
know that they were starting a fund raising campaign to raise the money for a new skate
park. She said their goal was $30,000. Dennis said any help the City could give would
be appreciated. Pearce said just to make sure he understood, that they wanted to expand
and repair the ramps. Dennis said yes, it needed to be wider. She said they were
considering moving to Jaycee Park in an area that was not used now. It would be close to
the Teen Center and be easier to monitor. Heckman said that the main thing would be the
safety. There is a law on the books prohibiting skating on the streets but it is difficult to
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enforce, as there is no penalty. Heckman said he grew up on the Island and it is a great
place and he now wants to give back. Buelterman said that he felt Jones Avenue was the
wrong place for the park, as it was very close to a busy street and kids had to travel Jones
and cross it to get to the ramps. He said after the amendment to keep the parks as green
space and no more building or concrete in them, he thought the basketball court at Jaycee
Park was the ideal place. Dennis said the Council didn't have to do anything now, as she
just wanted them to be aware of their plans.
Laurel Brady, Volunteer President of Friends of the Tybee Theatre, spoke to
Council regarding the old Post Theatre restoration. She said the committee planned to
have movies again this year, on the 3rd Saturday of the month, April through July. We
will be having a new event this year at the end of May or the first of June, and Brady said
to watch for that. She said they would be working with the Coastal Jazz Assn. again this
year with the Big Band Boogie on the pier in September. She said they were moving
forward and were ready to put a roof on the building before the weather deteriorated the
interior any further. Brady said there were several concerns that needed to be addressed.
She said additional parking was needed close to the theatre. Brady said one issue is
parking and she has heard that additional parking is to be added close to the theatre for
public beach access. She said that would be great, as it would add additional parking for
the theatre. She asked the City to apply for the permits from DNR and Corps of
Engineers for the culverting of Solomon Avenue. She said now the RT Zoning District
does not allow for theatre use and she would like the text changed to include theatre as an
allowable use. Brady said that perhaps when the planning group was selected, they could
work together. She thanked Council for their support.
Ray Williams with Castle Financial Group spoke to Council concerning an employee
health plan. He said the City had been using GMA benefit plans for the employees and
this is an alternative.. He said he is an independent agent and can shop around for the
best deals and found a carrier, United Healthcare Company, who would give us the same
or better benefits at a lower cost. Each Council member was given a hard copy of the
information so that they could see what Williams was offering. He went over the plan
briefly emphasizing the main points and compared them to the Blue Cross Blue Shield
plan we now had through GMA. He said Dental coverage is not available through this
company but he had found another company, Guardian, who offered dental insurance at a
lower cost and answer any questions. Youmans said he was reading where prescriptions
would cost $10 more. Williams said that was the one area he could not find a lower fee.
Wolff asked if was appropriate for the department heads to explain this program to the
employees before the next council meeting. Parker agreed.
Mayor Parker said Julie Culhane was to be the next visitor but was unable to attend.
Cullen Chambers, Director of the Tybee Historical Society, gave Council a short history
of the restoration of the Tybee Light Station. Chambers said several meetings previously,
there was some indication that funds from the 1998/2003 SPLOST would be used for
some of the non -profit organizations, such as the Marine Science Center and the Tybee
Historical Society. He said based on the anticipation of these allocations, they proceeded
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on the restoration of the Tybee Island Light Station. Chambers explained that the
restoration process has been done in phases. Phase 1 was begun in 1998 -1999, with a
total cost of $500,000. Phase 2, the restoration of the Head Lightkeeper's Cottage, was
begun in 2001 /2002, with a total cost of $585,000. Phase 3, the restoration of the 1885
First Assistant Keeper's Cottage, which is expected to be completed in early April, has a
total cost of $482,465. Phase 4 will be the old Confederate Barracks Building —1861,
with an expected expenditure of $400,000. The funds for these projects have come from
T -Funds from DOT, State of Georgia, Chatham County, Tybee Historical Society, some
SPLOST funds and local donations. Chambers said no money has been contributed by
the City of Tybee Island. Chambers said the County has not given the total of $325,000
that was promised. He said they were $53,000 short, however, the County said they are
sending a check for $17,000, but the project is still short. Chambers said they plan to
apply for a National Historic Landmark designation when the project is complete, and
this process should take 2 to 3 years. He said what they are asking is for the City to
consider a $53,000 contribution to make up for the County's shortfall, or hopefully,
$70,000 so that they can complete the Tybee Light Station restoration. Youmans said
that money from the SPLOST Fund was allocated for drainage projects and if money was
left over, then that money would go to the non - profit areas. Youmans said we never
received any overage, there was no money left over. Sessions ask City Manager
Thomson if he had the information requested at the last meeting, regarding the 1998
SPLOST money. Thomson said that based on an analysis by Chris Lightle, all money
would have been spent on drainage, fire truck and safety and the gym. There was a long
discussion regarding the SPLOST funds as to where the money was to go and how much
money we had. Sessions asked how many visitors come to the Lighthouse, and
Chambers answered about 120,000 each year. Sessions said she thought it a shame that
the City does not step up to the plate and support the Lighthouse and Marine Science
Center. Sessions said she was embarrassed that the City does not take action on this.
Youmans asked where were we to get the money and Sessions answered from part of the
gym. Youmans said we already had a contract on that money. Sessions said are we
going to tell these people that we're not going to give you any money because we want to
put in the gym, or we going to say we want to support you. Parker said there is no doubt
that we want to support them, but we have to find the money. Thomson suggested that he
set up a meeting with Chris Lightle, Pat Monaghan, City Attorney Hughes and a Council
liaison on Monday and would report back to Council at the next meeting. Crone asked
why we have to have a meeting when asked how much money we have. Sessions asked
if we had an answer to that.
Kathryn Williams spoke on behalf of the Tybee Beautification Assn. and gave a brief
report of their activities. Williams said the Adopt a Highway Clean up was a success.
She thanked Council Members, Paul Wolff for his help, and Eddie Crone for bringing
coffee to the workers. She said they had planted 30 wax myrtle trees, Jason Buelterman,
Mallory Pearce, Paul Wolff, Council members, and Rachel Perkins and Deb Barreiro,
were among the helpers. She said the Department of Public Works has been working
very hard, helping them by digging the holes and cleaning the area. She thanked Mark
Williams for his help and said they had been working on Tybrisa Street today. Williams
announced the Beach Sweep on April 25, 2004. She said this was on a Sunday, at 2 PM
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at the pier and urged everyone to participate. She asked Council to urge the Police
Department to be aggressive in their enforcement of the anti -litter laws on the beach this
year. She said the Tybee Beautification Assn. 2nd place in the Keep Georgia Beautiful
Award for our litter campaign. She said the award ceremony is in Atlanta on April 14,
2004 and invited everyone to attend. Williams said she had submitted a copy of the
financial report that Treasurer Sarah Jones had prepared. She said she understood that
reports from non - profit organizations could be submitted at the end of the year, if it was
approved. Williams also said there had been questions regarding a $5,000 donation for
the cemetery fund. She said this money was in a savings account. Williams said she
believe the auditor had concerns this money was still in savings when the City issues a
check for expenses. She said as long as the Council understood what the savings was for,
it would be OK. Williams said she would like to ask Bernie Goode to give a brief report
on the status of the cemetery plans. Goode said he felt that it was time to start the
restoration and repairs. He said they had gotten 2 estimates on the iron fence and were
waiting on a 3r1. Goode said they planned to place 2 iron benches and landscaping,
including a vegetative barrier between the cemetery and the skate park. Goode said they
would like to put in an historic marker with the names of the people buried there. On the
side of the marker, list the names of the donors of $100 or more. We have mailed 55
letters to residents who have been very active in the community in the past, and so this
body won't feel left out, we have also mailed letters to the elected officials. He said he
and the City Manager had been to the site, and would like to ask the City to remove the
old chain link fence and level the ground. Goode said the money on hand is $5,000 from
the City, $2,500 from Publix, $1,500 from the Beautification Assn., $1,000 from the
Historical Society and $3,537 from 4 local residents, for a total of $13, 537. He said this
is enough to get started on the project.
Jim Klutz told Council to be very careful in the decision to change insurance carriers for
the employees.
Mayor Parker open the meeting, asked for comments and closed the following public
hearings, as required by law.
Dick Smith, Chairman of the Planning Commission, presented the request for a variance
for lot reduction for Bernie Goode at 1414 & 1416 2nd Avenue, PIN 4- 0007 -18 -015 & 4-
0007 -18 -014. Smith said one lot would be 4598 square feet and the other would be 3866
square feet. He said Goode was trying to save a very large magnolia tree. The Planning
Commission vote was unanimously in favor. Smith said these lots are served by City
water and sewer, and meet the other requirements.
Smith presented the request for a variance for lot reduction for Ernest Hosti, Jules Cantin
acting as agent, at Lot 4 Solomon Avenue, PIN 4- 0002 -01 -005. Smith said Hosti wanted
to create a lot for his daughter and maintain control of the old "cook shack ". The lot is
served by water and sewer and is compatible with the surrounding lots. The lot would be
6943 square feet. He said the Planning Commission voted 5 to 3 in favor. When asked
about surrounding lots, Smith said they were small and some across Algier Street were
less than 3000 square feet.
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Mayor Parker opened the meeting for business legally presented.
Sessions motioned to have the text amendment to Sec. 4 -050 (D) District Use
Regulations - RT District Residential/Tourist, to have theatre included as an allowable
use sent to Planning Commission for review and recommendation, Wolff seconded. Vote
was unanimous.
Wolff motioned to approve the minutes for the February 26, 2004 Council Meeting, with
corrections named, Pearce seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Pearce motioned to approve the lot reduction for Goode at 1414 & 1416 2nd Avenue,
Wolff seconded. Youmans said these requests had been turned down in the past so keep
that in mind. Pearce said he had seen the magnolia and it is magnificent. Vote was 5,
Wolff, Sessions, Buelterman, Crone and Pearce, in favor, and 1, Youmans, opposed.
Wolff motioned to approve the lot reduction for Hosti at Lot 4 Solomon Avenue, Crone
seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Mayor Parker said that he, with Council's approval, would like to ask Thomson to check
on the culvert for Solomon Avenue. Wolff said at the same time could he see how many
parking spaces that would accommodate and if it would be feasible to put meters there
for beach access. Youmans said in the past the EPA said that was salt water in that canal.
Parker said yes but that is was the Corps of Engineers. Sessions asked if this would be
the time to ask for DNR to look, and Parker said yes.
Sessions said that we seem to have money to spend on Christmas decorations and
everything else that is not in the budget, she would propose that we find the money in
SPLOST to give the Historical Society $75,000. Pearce seconded the motion.
Buelterman said he would like to see, in writing, not that he doesn't support these groups,
but would like to see in writing how much money we have and where it will come from.
Youmans said he didn't think we should give away any more money until we pay off
some of the things we have now. Sessions said she kept asking where the money was
when the gym project was being discussed and never got an answer. She said now we
have organization that has proven itself over and over again, put Tybee on the map; we
even have a stamp. We even use Lighthouse Pins as our symbol. Parker said he agreed.
Vote was 4, Wolff, Sessions, Crone and Pearce, in favor, and 2, Youmans and
Buelterman, opposed. Youmans said don't use any money that is dedicated to something
else.
Hughes said that we have a text amendment on Sec. 7 -6 -1— Conveyance of Property to
Abutting Owners for 1st reading. This would require request to be sent to the Planning
Commission before it comes to Council for Approval. Buelterman motioned for
approval, Wolff seconded. Vote was 5, Wolff, Sessions, Buelterman, Crone and Pearce,
in favor, and 1, Youmans, opposed.
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Dee Anderson gave a brief report on his department's activities. He said in they had been
busy in Building Maintenance, mainly working at the school building and Jaycee Park.
Anderson said Zoning Department had issued 117 permits since January 1, 2004. He said
these were all kinds of permits and didn't know just how many of these were for new
construction. He said as Human Resources Director, he and the City Manager had been
looking for better health coverage for the employees. He said he felt good about the
proposal that was heard tonight.
Anderson said he had 3 bids to replace the roof on the school building. He said the roof
was leaking and he had the funds in the budget to replace it. Sessions said the bids were
hard to decipher, and it was like comparing apples and oranges. She also said there
seemed to be a large difference in the amounts. Sessions said she would to see a bid
form where everything needed was listed and each bidder received the same information.
Sessions asked if we asked for references, require a copy of insurance, and how long it
has been in business. Sessions said there didn't seem to be a lot of consistency and was
very hard to evaluate. Anderson said the bid was for a 10 -year roof. Sessions said there
seemed to be a lot of other information, as one had 12 -year roof, one had several and the
other offered the 10 -year. Parker asked if she would like to have these refined a bit.
Sessions said she wouldn't be prepared to make a decision on these prices. Parker asked
Anderson to take care of that. Youmans said they installed tiles in the hallway but didn't
put any in the rooms. Anderson said the rooms were carpeted and they couldn't get in 1
room because they didn't have a key. The Art Assn. room was locked and Mrs.
Monaghan was out of town with the only key. Parker said we would have a key.
Sessions asked Anderson to find out how long each of the bidders had been in business
and get a couple of references.
Buelterman said a letter to Representative Jack Kingston would be nice. He said the
signs on the beach near the Sugar Shack where there are exposed jetties and sea wall,
have either fallen down or have been turned around. He said he doesn't think they are in
the right place. Some of them are a couple hundred yards down the beach toward the
North Beach parking lot. Wolff said Henry Levy's idea of having arrows pointing to the
danger was a good one. Wolff said the way the signs are now, there is no indication of
where the hazards are. Parker asked Mark Williams to check the signs. Buelterman said
that part of the beach is becoming more and more popular and we should figure out how
we are going to remove those hazards. He said Mayor Parker was to send a letter to
Kingston because the Corps of Engineers said they couldn't do it. Williams said he
would order the signs next week. Parker asked Williams if he could repair the ones that
are there and maybe paint arrows on them indicating where the hazards are. Wolff said
maybe place the signs at the low tide mark and high tide mark and have the arrows
pointing toward the hazard.
Buelterman said everyone received the letter last year stating the problem with the Butler
Avenue water line. He asked if we knew how we were to pay for the replacement and
when the work will be started. Thomson said it was currently in the design phase and we
have $2.25 million in SPLOST and 2/3 of that is dedicated to that project. Thomson said
GEFA Loans are at around 4% now. He said the way this is, you pay for the project with
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GEFA funds and repay when the SPLOST money comes in. Thomson said he had met
with the utilities and HGB &D this morning and they are about 75% complete with the
design. Thomson said they are to begin July 1, 2004 with the cross laterals. Thomson
said he knows that is not a good time but EPD is requiring us to go ahead with this
project. If someone could convince EPD to allow this to wait until September 2004,
would be great. Parker asked Thomson to write a letter to EPD and explain that it would
be at the peak of our season and the lines are being flushed all the time. Buelterman said
that we would need to approve the GEFA loan at some time. Thomson said yes, we are
to have a pre -bid conference sometime in April or May, and then we would have a firm
price. I would expect the cost to be somewhere between $1.1 and $1.2 million and then
we would apply for the loan.
Sessions said several years ago we talked about some type of ordinance that addressed
density, thought Hughes had started work on it. She said the idea was to have an
ordinance that addresses density per acre and if the rest of the Council members agreed,
to ask Hughes to work on that again. She maybe Hughes could draft something or bring
the previous work to the next meeting and we could discuss to see if it is a good idea.
Hughes said back in 2000, HGB &D had done some analysis to see if a reasonable
number of units based on the square footage of available land could be calculated.
Hughes said he had the data and would put it in letterform for the next meeting.
Hughes said everyone had a map of the property on 5th Avenue, and Robbie Groover and
Whitley Reynolds were present tonight. Hughes said the proposal was to relocate the
Sally Pearce Nature Trail to City property. Groover owns several of lots on 5th Avenue.
He would convey a portion of the right of way, 15 feet, west of the pavement. At the
other end of the property, he would convey to the City enough property for the Nature
Trail to be on City property. Wolff asked which lots would this involve. Pearce
answered, Lots 237 239 and 241. Pearce also said that the Nature Trail is on that
property and this proposal would just make it City property. Hughes said the law
prevents an exchange of real estate. He said the only way you can do it is to have it the
same or better in the City's way. Hughes said an appraisal has to done by each party.
Council has to approve the appraisals and it has to be advertised. Wolff asked Groover if
he would consider including Lots 242, 243 and 244, all of which are marsh. Groover said
yes. Hughes said these transactions are not easy to do and Groover will have to come
back for a subdivision after all of this is approved. Hughes said he would prefer we do it
all at one time. Hughes said the ordinance for conveyance of property does not apply to
this transaction in answer to a question by Sessions. Buelterman asked if Planning
Commission could be considering the subdivision at the same time. There was a lot of
discussion regarding the length of time this would take. Wolff said that Groover did not
own the property yet and Planning Commission could not consider the request from
anyone other than the owner. Pearce motioned for approval of concept including Lots
242, 243 and 244, conditional on all of the legal work, Wolff seconded. An appraiser on
our approved list should do appraisal. Vote was unanimous.
Hughes said at a previous meeting, Council had requested the status of requests to
purchase City Property. Hughes said one is Peterson, who has requested to purchase a 10
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X 18 Ft. part of Meddin Lane. Hughes said his recommendation is to stay out of this, and
he doesn't think the City owns this piece of property, and that it belongs to the lot that is
owned by an individual. Hughes said there is a boundary dispute and he doesn't think the
City should get involved. Hughes said the request for Inlet Avenue is a little different
than others we have dealt with. This a portion of the right a way of First Avenue and is
across from the Hunter House. There is no indication that there is water or sewer in this
part from the department heads. Hughes said he didn't know if Frankie Conway,
Director of Parking, had been given the opportunity to look at this. Sessions said since
this is in the commercial area and not residential, would it ever be needed for parking.
Hughes said he would recommend sending this to Conway and see if it could be used.
Wolff said since we were speaking of parking, he would like to ask Conway and
Williams, if we could put 10 or 12 meters there behind Chu's where we put the crushed
coral. Wolff asked if there was any way we could install meters and parking bumpers
before Saturday. Williams and Conway said they didn't think it could be completed by
then and the cement had to set for 24 hours, but they will get them in as soon as possible.
Youmans said that we, the City Council, are supposed to deal with the City Manager and
not the department heads. Parker said that was right and asked Thomson to take care of
this.
Hughes said we have a moratorium in place, which is rapidly expiring. He said he
thought we would have to have a special meeting to have a public hearing before the
expiration of the moratorium. Hughes advised to set a date for the meeting so that the
advertisement requirements could be met. Sessions said at the previous meeting,
Thomson was to bring a proposal, in a simpler format, from the planning firms.
Thomson said he had put the information from the planning firms in the Council boxes.
He said he thought he was better understanding what was wanted, like a spread sheet,
with items and proposals, costs and other information, side by side so that everyone could
compare the information easier. Sessions agreed. Sessions asked Thomson for his
recommendation. Thomson said yes, He would recommend HDR. Thomson said at first
he was leaning toward W. K. Dickson because they had done work locally in Hinesville
and their bid was the lowest on the Lazaretto Creek issue. However, he said the more he
looked at HDR and compared the pricing. The only thing you get from W. K. Dickson
that you don't get from HDR is one conceptual plan. They place a heavy emphasis on
traffic engineering and parking engineering. And you would have one conceptual plan
after the design charette and meetings and that the total for both parking and traffic
engineering is $47,000. Streetscapes, including conceptual designs and designs for
Tybrisa Street, and review of applicable zoning regulations is $8,500. This totals
$47,100. The Lawrence Group and W K Dickson were at about $1,000 of each other at
$110,000. Sessions said she thought we were looking at just the Lazaretto Creek area.
Sessions said she is not prepared to vote on the whole plan but just the Maritime District.
Thomson said the Maritime District is on going and I sent some communication to
Council that one firm was at $8,000, one was at $3,000 and one did not respond. He said
he had money in his budget and since he didn't hear anything to stop the process, and he
knew the urgency, he went ahead. Thomson said W K Dickson was doing that project.
Thomson said Hughes preferred that they get in touch with him, which they have done.
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Pearce asked if they could set a date for the public hearing. Wolff said the moratorium
was for 60 days. Sessions asked where the planning firm was in terms of the Lazaretto
project. She said that at the planning commission meeting last week, those members
seemed to be a bit confused as to just what they were charged to do. Thomson said the
planning firm has made some recommendations. Thomson said it was not that project
but the Marine District, the Gateway and the Highway 80. Hughes said the planning firm
had gotten information from about 6 different sources and were confused at to what they
were to do. Hughes said he thinks that they are clear now and are charged with making a
proposal or suggestion of potential uses that are compatible with what is there now and is
consistent with the 1992 Master Plan in the Lazaretto Creek area. Sessions asked if they
wanted a public hearing and Hughes said they wouldn't have a public hearing. He said
they would give their input but you may not accept their ideas. Hughes said the
moratorium was only for 60 days from February 12, 2004. Hughes said it was too late to
have it at the second meeting March. Hughes his said his suggestion is to pick a date.
After some discussion, Wolff motioned to have 1st reading on April 1, 2004 at a Special
Meeting, and 2nd reading on April 8, 2004, Pearce seconded. Vote was 5, Wolff,
Sessions, Crone and Pearce, for approval, and 1, Youmans, opposed, and 1, Buelterman
was out of the room.
Mayor Parker called for a brief 5- minute recess.
Mayor Parker called the meeting to order.
Buelterman motioned to send Groover's request for the 5th Avenue land swap to the
planning Commission for review and for the City to send a letter authorizing them to do
so, Pearce seconded. Youmans said we don't know what they would review yet. Hughes
said we would assume that the transaction would occur. Vote was 5, Wolff, Sessions,
Buelterman, Crone and Pearce, for approval, and 1, Youmans, opposed. Barry Brown
reminded Council that Groover doesn't own the land yet. Hughes said he would write a
letter on behalf of the City.
Thomson said he had talked to Savannah's purchasing agent regarding the paving of the
parking lots and was told that, because Savannah buys asphalt in bulk, he might be able
to get a reduced price of 10% to 15 %. He said this would be a significant savings to us.
Thomson said because of this and Council's request to have more detailed bids, he would
like to postpone this item. Parker said we would want this done as quickly as possible.
Wolff asked if we could include a 3 to 5 Ft. strip about 10 Ft. long by the parking booth
at North Beach lot. Thomson said yes and some strategically placed palms. Thomson
asked Williams to explain the fencing that would enclose the lift station in front of
Spanky's. Williams said it would be an 8 Ft. shadow box type with room for a gate on
one end for servicing access. Youmans asked how many parking spaces would be lost
because of palms. Frankie Conway said on Tybrisa Street, no spaces were lost.
Buelterman asked why spend $70.000 to $80,000, as it looked fine to him. Thomson said
because of cracks and holes, civil engineers recommended that an overlay be installed.
Thomson said this would only last 1 to 2 years, and the asphalt would last longer.
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Sessions asked if this money was in the budget. Thomson said, according to Lightle, we
have the funds in SPLOST, but not in the budget where we want it. Parker said we would
want some additional information before we make a decision. Sessions asked if we sent
the specifications on the bid requests. Thomson said yes, in this case we did. He asked
Williams to explain the bids. Williams said he had called the companies that bid, and
asked them to give square yard, or unit, prices. Williams said one bid included hauling
off the debris to the City lot, and the other did not. Sessions told Williams he had done a
great job. Conway asked that they consider routing traffic in a circle so that cars could
ride through the lot when looking for a space rather than having to exit and then reenter
the lot. Thomson and Council agreed.
Thomson said Rachel Perkins has request the City to partially fund her expenses to a
class in measuring shifting sands on our beach. Wolff said she had presented her
information and plans to the Beach Task Force and he was impressed. Thomson said she
was asking for up to $300. Youmans said we ought to help her. Pearce motioned to give
her the total of $300. Sessions seconded. Vote was 5, Wolff, Youmans, Sessions, Crone
and Pearce, and 1, Buelterman, opposed.
Thomson said GMA is doing an analysis on the early retirement, using the Rule of 73 and
75. He said the early retirement package last year saved the City $125,000. This is based
on years of service and age, and the rule of 73. of course, would be the highest. He said
we should have their information by the end of April or the first of May. He said he
would present the information to Council at the first meeting in April. Youmans said he
thought it was a good idea if we were not going to put someone in those jobs.
Thomson said the proposal from Central Parking needed further study. He said he
couldn't understand how they could generate more revenue than we are already
receiving. He said he would like for them to meet with Conway and him, and give more
details as to how they would implement their plan. Wolff asked if they could give some
net figures on past performance. Crone asked what they were going to do, short of
gouging people.
Mark Williams said the Savannah Pilots Assn. had requested a letter from the City for
permission for their crew to be on the water tank to attach equipment. This equipment
would enable them to transmit signals to the ships coming in or out of the river. Williams
said he would supervise the work. Hughes said he would write the letter but just wanted
the Council to be aware of it. Sessions asked if insurance and a Hold the City Harmless
would be included. Hughes said yes. Youmans said he would like for the money from
this project go to the Water /Sewer Department. Youmans said he would like a report of
how this money is coming in. Parker said we are not charging them.
Sessions said if the Council agreed, she would like to review the Action Item List. She
said at the last meeting we discussed sending a resolution to Congress to reinstate the
money for beach renourishment. Parker said that was done.
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Sessions asked if a staff person had been assigned to work with DNR on the Beach
Management Plan. Thomson said he did not have a staff person he could assign, and that
he had attended most of the Beach Task Force meetings and would do what he could to
help. Freda Rutherford said she thought what they needed was someone to help them
with regulations and ordinances so that they would not violate any laws.
Sessions began review the Action List items.
1. Beach informational signs lowered to eye level. Done. Mark Williams to
check.
2. Review Noise and Sound Ordinance. Thomson to send to PC for review. Not
done.
3. Tybee News and Tybee Breeze to publish City' WEB address. Done.
4. WEB address on water bills. To be printed on this month's bills.
5. Savannah Chamber of Commerce contract. Hughes still trying to talk to
Director.
6. YMCA contract. Thomson and Hughes to review and recommend changes, if
needed. To pay utilities bills but City is paying is one item in current contract
that needs reviewing. Possible rate changes.
7. Green Space Committee. Combined with Environment/Eco- Tourism
Committee
8. Water Committee. Still trying to find people who will serve.
9. Financial Audit Committee. Done. First meeting last week, reviewing a lot of
information. Eleanor Barber had been a big help.
10. Gym Committee. Done. First meeting last night.
11. Establish Reserve Fund. Not done. No Financial Director.
12. Improve financial accountability. Sessions asked for a monthly print -out of
checks written, who to and how much. Thomson to assign to Eleanor Barber
13. Repairs and replacements of fixtures in public restrooms. Working on project
14. Water leaks in Ft. Screven area. On going
15. Conserve water. On going
16. Establishing a supplement Hotel/Motel tax. Long process, have to get
Legislature to pass and will probably be next year.
17. Growth ordinance. Done, PC has for review
18. Review process for requests before PC. Done, voted down.
19. Resolution for parks. Done. Need surveys for PC. Thomson to send surveys
to Hughes.
20. Highway 80 update. On going
21. Design certificate for employee recognition. Pearce will do. Thomson to
write.
22. Staff recognition awards. Working on. Clerk
23. Solicit staff for developmental ideas.
24. Reply to Kautzman. Done
25. Drainage committee establishment. To merge into Water Committee.
Council should do majority of work
26. Status of electronic sign. Waiting on 3rd bid.
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27. Sound system at City Hall. Waiting for reply from companies. All said we
needed new speakers and relocating them.
28. Land swap. On going
29. North Beach handicap access. To modify North East crosswalk.
30. Update of SPLOST funds. Next meeting.
Crone said we had enough committees. He said that no one could name the people on all
of the committees we had. Wolff asked if meetings had to be advertised when 2 or more
Council members attended and had input. Hughes said yes, but if they had regular
meeting dates, you could do a blanket ad. He said to be sure to include in the ad that
Council member may attend.
Pearce motioned for approval of Sec. 10 -1 -43, Misuse of Parking Lots, text amendment
on 2' reading, Wolff seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Pearce motioned to not sell any City property, until the Environmental/Eco- Tourism
Committee completed their study and mapping for the bike trail. This would exclude the
Sally Pearce Nature Trail project and any other requests that are in the process now.
Wolff seconded. Wolff said he thought this was important. Crone asked how long would
this be for. Pearce said until they finish their work. Vote was 4, Wolff, Sessions,
Buelterman and Pearce, for approval, and 2, Youmans and Crone, opposed.
Crone motioned to go into Executive Session to discuss real estate, litigation and
personnel, Sessions seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Pearce motioned to return to open session, Sessions seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Hughes said Jon Brown Construction has been paid most of what he has submitted to the
City. Eleanor Barber has been trying to issue the checks, while making sure she had all
the correct documentation. She said she need invoices from Gaster Lumber and offered
to make the check payable to both Brown and Gaster Lumber, but Brown refused.
Hughes said he had a written statement from Gaster stating that the materials were for the
City projects. Hughes said he would authorize Barber to issue check, based on this
statement. Sessions said that written contracts, with details of the project, would protect
everyone from this type of situation. Parker agreed and said the City would be better off
to have a policy and contract all City work.
Crone asked why 3 vehicles were purchased for the Police Department and 1 of them was
assigned to the Mayor. He said all 3 were in the Police Department budget. Parker said
it was not written but was tradition for the Mayor to have a vehicle. Youmans said it was
out of Police budget but will be reimbursed. Crone said that should be approved by
Council. Crone said staff should have no assigned vehicle. Parker said we have a surplus
now but the Mercury will be sold in 2 or 3 weeks at the City auction. Parker said when
staff goes out of town on City business; they need a safe and reliable vehicle. Crone said
staff could use Chuck Bargeron's vehicle for out of town and Bargeron could use the
Mercury on the Island. Youmans said the Mayor needs a car and not a day goes by that
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he doesn't have to go somewhere on City business. Crone said it should not have been
purchased by the Police Dept. Crone said he wanted that vehicle to be returned to the
Police Dept. Parker said it was not equipped for police use. Youmans said use the
Mayor's car for staff and officials. Sessions said she hated to see the Mayor without a
vehicle. Youmans said when he had to go to Atlanta, he asked to use Bargeron's car.
Youmans said Bargeron "had a fit" and told him to use the Fire Dept. jeep. There was a
lot of discussion, both for and against, the Mayor having a vehicle. Thomson said he
would like to make sure he understood what was to be done. He said, as he understood it,
we would not have assigned vehicles, we would sign in and out vehicles when used and
the 3rd vehicle would stay at City Hall and be put in a pool for staff to use when
necessary. All agreed.
There being no further business, Mayor Parker adjourned the meeting.
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STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY OF CHATHAM )
AFFIDAVIT
PERSONALLY appeared before the .undersigned attesting officer, duly authorized to
administer oaths, &4 L ire 6:144 fre •••.' , 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 /1
day of ,4.�, e k , 2004.
(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 _ /
of Pexien. c 1-- , 2004, which was closed for the purpose(s) of
Reid 1 eS '4 „ 74 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 O.C.G.A.
1
' 50- 14 -4(b) that such an affidavit be executed.
This / c ay of 7 I 1 _A , 2004.
Sworn to and subscribed
before me this // day
of 2004.
Notary Public
DIANE J. SIKES
Notary Public, Chatham County, GA
My Commission Expires July B, 2007
g: \common \emh \14536\affiday.01
Mayor/Presiding Officer
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Section 10 -1 -43 PARKING LOTS
The City may operate parking lots for the convenience of the public, charging fees for spaces used. Use
of parking spaces without payment of or such other fees as established by the City , shall constitute a
parking violation and shall result in a citation thereof. The City may have parking lot attendants collect
perking fees, or may use other means such as automated entrance and /or exit devices with
tickets or similar records or pre- numbered envelopes with tear -off receipts to collect parking fees.
(Ord. 1997 -117; 10/23/97) (Ord. 2001 -08; 5 /10 /2001)(Ord. 2003 -16; 7/10/03))
(a) Misuse of City Parking Lots:
The parking Tots operated by the City are for the express purpose of providing
convenient access to the public beaches and, therefore, any activity which restricts or hinders
such access is undesirable and subject to prohibition. In the absence of an official event
permit, in the public parking lots of the City, no person shall:
1. Cook or prepare food
2. Play excessively loud music
3. Loiter without a legitimate purpose
4. Repetitively cruise through the parking lots not intending to park
5. Camp or sleep in vehicles
6. Engage in any other activity that blocks the free passage of vehicles into and out
of the lots or the free passage of persons to and from the beach.
(Ord. 2004 -06, Amended, 03/11/2004; Ord. 2003 -16, Amended, 12/02/2003; Ord. 2001 -08, Amended, 05/10/2001)
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March 9, 2004
To: Mayor and Council
From: Dee Anderson
Re: Projects completed by the newly created Building Maintenance Dept,
January /February
1. Replaced chain link fence around the dugouts at J.C. Park and replaced it with
T -111 and lattice
2. Painted the dugouts
3. Built and painted wall for City Manager's new office /Zoning's records room
4. Cut the door opening to Clerk of Council /Mayor's office to make it ADA
compliant.
5. Put up new wall in Janice's office
6. Painted Janice's office as well as Clerk of Council's office
7. Pulled down ceiling tiles in both the TEMA office and the Medstar room and
painted the ceiling in both rooms
8. Removed the old radiators from Medstar room
9. Painted the inside of the Fire Dept.'s Admin. Building
10. Painted the squad room and dispatch office at Police Station
11. Scraped and painted ceilings in the restrooms at the old school
12. Replaced old light fixtures in the Courtroom at the Police Station
13. Helped move office personnel at City Hall
14. Replaced rotted wall at the concession stand at JC Park
15. Cleaned out concession stand, installed new door
16. Painted outside of concession stand and restrooms at J.C. Park
17. Removed old boiler at old school building and turned room into a storage
facility for YMCA
18. Made cabinet for new phone lines installed in old school
19. Painted the stalls in restrooms at old school
20. Extended the steps, painted, and put down carpet runner to Finance Office
21. Hung new light and fan in office to the right of the stage
22. Painted the inside of the cafeteria at old school
23. Hung new lights in City Manager's office
24. Changed a/c filters in all of the city buildings
25. Replaced blown light bulbs in all city buildings
26. Painted new stripes on the floor of the fire station
27. Assisted with the asbestos removal at old school