City Council Regular Meeting

MAYOR CITY COUNCIL CITY MANAGER ASST CITY MANAGER Brian West Bill Garbett Bret Bell Michelle Owens Spec Hosti MAYOR PRO TEM Tony Ploughe CITY CLERK CITY ATTORNEYS Monty Parks Nick Sears Fabian Mann Edward M. Hughes Kathryn Williams Tracy O’Connell CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND City Council Regular Meeting August 14, 2025 — 6:30 PM Minutes of Meeting Call to Order — The City of Tybee Island City Council held a regular city council meeting on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 78 Van Horne Avenue, Tybee Island, GA 31328. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brian West at approximately 6:30 PM. Mayor Pro Tem Monty Parks, Councilmember Bill Garbett, Councilmember Michael “Spec” Hosti, Councilmember Tony Ploughe, Councilmember Nick Sears, and Councilmember Kathryn Williams were also present. Administrative Staff Attendance — City Manager Bret Bell, Assistant City Manager Michelle Owens, City Clerk Fabian Mann, City Attorney Edward Hughes, and City Attorney Tracy O’Connell were present. Invocation — The invocation was led by Councilmember Parks. Pledge of Allegiance — The pledge of allegiance was led by Mayor West. Consideration of Approval of Agenda Councilmember Williams made a motion to approve the agenda. Councilmember Hosti seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Announcements  2025 Municipal Election Qualifying | August 19-21, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM | City Hall  Historic Preservation Commission Public Workshop | August 19, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Guard House  Copper and Lead Water Testing Program Recognitions  Fire Chief McMillian honored local heroes, Leo Merchan and Craig Sutlive, with certificates recognizing their lifesaving efforts on the beach on July 4.  Beach Safety Manager Jen Bishop commended the 2025 Tybee lifeguards for their outstanding dedication to protecting beachgoers on July 4 and throughout the season. Mayor West presented all lifeguards with a commemorative pin. 403 Butler Avenue (912) 786-4573 tel P.O. Box 2749 (912) 786-5737 fax Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749 www.cityoftybee.org  2 Consideration of Items for Consent Agenda  City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: July 10, 2025  City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: July 17, 2025  Three-Day Special Event Alcohol License for Tybee Festival Association, Pirates Fest 2025, for the Period of October 10-12, 2025  Addendum to Contract with First Due to Provide Electronic Records Management Software to Enhance the Capabilities of the Tybee Island Fire Department Consideration of Approval of Consent Agenda Councilmember Hosti made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Councilmember Williams seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Citizens to be Heard  Georgia Department of Transportation Proposal — Mack Kitchens Mack Kitchens spoke against the proposed Georgia Department of Transportation plan to consolidate two lanes of traffic in each direction along Highway 80 to one lane of traffic, replacing them with designated bike lanes. Kitchens identified the challenge of emergency access as a major concern of the plan. Kitchens criticized the plan as wasteful spending amid growing city infrastructure concerns.  Battery/Lazaretto Park Discussion — Julia Pearce Julia Pearce spoke concerning the disappearance of the Battery Park. According to Pearce, the park was gifted to the citizens of Tybee Island in 2008. Pearce urged officials to explain the park’s disappearance in 2020. Public Comments  Pat Leiby encouraged city officials to investigate the disappearance of Battery Park.  Dottie Klutz shared a quote and explained its significance to attendees.  Rick Pruden spoke in opposition of the Department of Transportation proposal, citing the potential of increased accidents.  Jim Harrah denounced the Department of Transportation proposal and charged city officials with not listening to citizens.  Keith Gay spoke in opposition of the Department of Transportation proposal, naming it a “death wish.” Consideration of Contracts and Expenditures  Fiscal Year 2026 Nonprofit Grant Program Funding Awards Councilmember Parks made a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 nonprofit grant program funding awards as presented. Councilmember Hosti seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. P.O. Box 2749 – 403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749 (912) 786-4573 – FAX (912) 786-5737 www.cityoftybee.org  3 Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions  Second Reading and Approval of Ordinance 2025-04 to Amend the Code of Ordinances, Section 54- 71(b), to Establish the Earliest Timeframe in which Applicants May Submit a Special Event Application to the City in Advance of an Event, and to Specify Conditions Under which the City Manager May Accept Tardy Applications Councilmember Williams made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-04. Councilmember Parks seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. City Attorney Considerations  Ante Litem Notice Councilmember Garbett made a motion to deny the ante litem notice. Councilmember Ploughe seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Executive Session Councilmember Parks made a motion to move from the regular meeting into an executive session referencing litigation and real estate. Councilmember Garbett seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Parks made a motion to return to the regular meeting from an executive session. Councilmember Hosti seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Consideration to take any action needed arising from executive session – No action was taken. Adjournment Councilmember Hosti made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Parks seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. P.O. Box 2749 – 403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749 (912) 786-4573 – FAX (912) 786-5737 www.cityoftybee.org  4 City of Tybee Island ____________________ Brian West, Mayor Attest: __________________ Fabian Mann, Jr., City Clerk P.O. Box 2749 – 403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328-2749 (912) 786-4573 – FAX (912) 786-5737 www.cityoftybee.org