7-22 Public Safety Committee

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 22, 2021 Shawn Gillen, City Manager, called the meeting to order at 1:00PM. Those in attendance were John Branigin, Monty Parks, George Shaw, William Mosely, Wally Hattrich and Peter Gulbronson. George Shaw made a motion to approve the June 24, 2021. John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve. Old Business Alley 3  Mary McLemore approached the Committee. Ms. McLemore stated the big issue is the people who try to launch boats, basically anything on a trailer, especially at low tide, get stuck up to as much as an hour trying to get out. By doing this they are tearing up the beach and more importantly the Ally is being clogged. Those launching kayaks and paddle boards are not the problem but those that are launching boats or jet skis that are trailered. Ms. McLemore is recommending the word “exception” be taken out of the ordinance so motorized vehicles would not be allowed on Alley 3. She stated Alley 3 is a great asset for the Island as you can launch kayaks and paddle boards. John Branigin stated this needs to be heard by Mayor and Council and will be happy to add to the agenda. A removable bollard system could be added with some sort of lock. Dr. Gillen stated he will reach out to Bubba Hughes for an ordinance change. Crosswalk Lights  Dr. Gillen stated he and Pete Gulbronson met with a gentleman from the Safety Division of Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to discuss the crosswalk signals. They are recommending: (1) potentially upgrading at least one crosswalk to a Hawk System which is a red light, full on traffic or (2) doing a traffic study for Butler Avenue and Highway 80 which would assist in making individuals safer in the crossovers. GDOT are collecting car counts at every traffic signal to include Campbell, Jones and 14th Street. That information is available on their website as well. Dr. Gillen stated GDOT has indicated they will look at a previous Study for a comparison. July 4th Traffic Protocols.  Dr. Gillen stated there will be one lane open coming on the Island which was effective in keeping the traffic flowing. This also allows emergency access for the entire length of the Island. Golf Carts  Dr. Gillen stated Councilman John Branigin requested this be on the agenda. He spoke with Mr. Hughes and stated he does not believe the boot is an option. A draft ordinance will be before Mayor and Council which would shorten the grace period, 10 days, to complete the registration. Mr. Branigin stated if the golf cart is not registered, you should not be able to drive on City streets. He recommended some way to ticket the owners as they are not registering the golf carts. Dr. Gillen suggested shortening the grace period. Mr. Branigin stated the City is losing revenue as they are not registered and not paying for parking. Dr. Gillen stated this will be before Mayor and Council at the August 12, 2021 meeting. Mr. Branigin recommended adding proof of insurance to the registration process as well as T Stickers on the front and back of the carts. Street Light  Pete Gulbronson approached the Committee. He stated he is receiving complaints from citizens as they feel there are not a sufficient amount of street lights. Currently when a request is received, he meets with the neighbors as to their preference and then reaches out to Georgia Power. Mr. Gulbronson asked the Committee their thoughts on new street lights. Mr. Branigin indicated the requestor would have to have a compelling reason for a street light which would include a dark area where there is foot traffic. Major Mosley confirmed George Power would  install the lights, without charge, but there would be a monthly charge added to the City’s bill. Dr. Gillen asked Mr. Gulbronson to come up with standards for requesting a street light. Mr. Branigin would like a formal request process as well. Christmas Parade Route  Michelle Owens approached the Committee. She stated she is representing the Main Street Board and would like to speak to the entire event, Lights on for Tybee. As there has not been a major event on Tybee for over a year, she would like to present their plan. There will be two events this year, the parade and the tree lighting. The Friday after Thanksgiving the tree lighting would take place. She asked that the tree be up to include all the Christmas lights by November 26, 2021 and they would start setting up for the event around 4:00PM. The event would include a stage, community involvement, and the YMCA would like to do their Santa event. There will not be a rain date. The second event would be the following Friday, Christmas Parade. The route would start at 6:15PM at Memorial Park and end at Tybrisa. The floats would be limited to 50 and have a height limit. Sidewalk on 18th and 19th Streets  Mr. Gulbronson approached the Committee. He gave a brief history of the sidewalks on 18th and 19th Streets as they were installed a few years ago. Currently vehicles are driving on the sidewalks and that is causing a public safety issue. Mr. Gulbronson stated options include installing pylons separating the sidewalk from the road; move the sidewalk back off the road; raise the sidewalk; or do nothing. Major Fobes recommended, going from 18th Street going south on Butler, one way, and loop to Chatham Avenue would help with traffic flow and make it safer. Dr. Gillen asked if there have been accidents. Major Fobes stated there have not been but there have been complaints. Mr. Gulbronson stated making Butler one way would be the easiest. Dr. Gillen recommended Mr. Gulbronson survey the residents as to their input. Mr. Branigin recommended signage in the area. New Business  Tybee Island Fire Department. Dr. Gillen stated he and Mr. Hughes are finalizing options for the City Council for interim chief and should have by end of day tomorrow. Permanent position has been posted and applications have been received.  Tybee Island Police Department. Major Fobes stated they received runner up for the Curtis McClung Award. The department still has open positions but have received applications that look promising. He spoke to Enterprise regarding new vehicles. George Shaw made a motion to adjourn. John Branigin seconded. Vote was unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 1:50PM. Jan LeViner, MMC Clerk of Council