Council Meeting

City Council Minutes, March 28, 2024 Mayor West called the meeting to order at 6:30PM, March 28, 2024. Those in attendance were, Nick Sears, Monty Parks, Spec Hosti, Kathryn Williams, Tony Ploughe and Bill Garbett. Also attending were Michelle Owens, Interim City Manager; Bubba Hughes, City Attorney; Tracy O’Connell, City Attorney; and Jan LeViner, Clerk of Council. Opening Ceremonies Call to Order Invocation: Sheron Burgess, Chaplain, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 154 Pledge of Allegiance Mayor West gave a brief update on upcoming events in mid-April 2024. He stated the City has extra help coming, which includes Georgia State Patrol, Department of Natural Resources, State Fire Marshal’s Office, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office as well as City Staff. We estimate this will total approximately 140 people. There will also be Command Centers from not only Tybee Island but also Chatham County and from the State. Mayor West reported the most effective plan is to control parking on the Island. The plan is to shut down parking at the south-end of Tybee to include the public parking lots and on Butler Avenue. Ms. Williams asked Mayor West to speak to the meetings held with the businesses on the Island. Mayor West stated it was to introduce the parking plan and to get their feedback. Staff wanted to ensure the business owners were comfortable with the parking plan. Chief Hayes stated she visited Miami Beach along with Staff and what worked best for their City was to shut down parking. In this way, it cuts down on the parties and tailgating. When she returned to Tybee Island, they met with the business owners. In order to keep individuals out of the neighborhoods, the 16th Street Parking Lot to 18th Street Parking Lot will be open for Tybee decal parking only and employees of the businesses. Ms. Williams asked, for those businesses that were not aware of the meeting, where would the information be available. Chief Hayes stated Staff hand distributed letters to the businesses and Ms. Kendrick confirmed the City’s email platform was also used. Ms. Owens stated there have been two (2) meetings for the businesses and a third (3) meeting was offered if necessary. Information is also on social media. Consideration of Items for Consent Agenda  Minutes, City Council Meeting, March 14, 2024  JusticeOne - Court Processing System  Lenslock Agreement - Parking Services Body Camera Equipment. $13,281.00. Recognitions and Proclamations Tiffany Hayes, Chief, Tybee Island Police Department approached Mayor and Council. Recognition of Four Officers and One Communication Officer - Life Saving Pins and Certificate. Chief Hayes stated she would like recognize several officers and a Communication Officer due to their life saving efforts on December 13, 2023. She read from a prepared statement outlining the event. Due to their efforts in saving a life, they will be awarded Life Saving Pins and Certificates. Those officers are Officer James Bishop; Officer Garett Goatley; Officer Michael Bensman; Officer Robert Lawler and Communications Officer Amber Warren. Chief Hayes thanked each officer for the dedication and compassion. Mayor West thanked Chief Hayes. Bill Garbett made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Spec Hosti seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0. Consideration of Bids, Contracts, Agreements and Expenditures FCMC - Hazard Mitigation Activities. Task Order 1. Contract modification does not affect the compensation not-to-exceed limit of $416,500. Kathryn Williams stated it is her understanding this is the grant to raise houses and asked for status. Ms. Owens stated the contract needs to be extended as the program continues. She stated she can invite the Grant Administer to speak to Mayor and Council at a future meeting but does not have an update at this time. Ms. Owens explained the City is in Batch 1 of the second award of which twenty-two (22) homes have signed up for the grant. Batch two (2) of the second grant needs to be implemented. The first grant is closed out and completed. Ms. Williams shared her concerns regarding communication to the homeowners. Ms. Owens stated letters have been sent certified mail. Mr. Parks confirmed he received his letter. Mr. Ploughe asked and Ms. Owens confirmed that these funds are being fully reimbursed by FEMA. Spec Hosti made a motion to approve. Nick Sears seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0, Budget Amendment: Operations Plan and Budget Amendment for Spring Break Plan. Ms. Owens explained Staff has been working very hard to get an exact number for the Operational Plan. She is asking for a budget amendment of not to exceed $250,000. This will allow Staff to secure barricades and other supplies needed. Ms. Owens stated last year the City spent $187,000 to prepare for the event. She continued, they have updated the Operations Plan and now need to commit and is asking the amount not to exceed $250,000 which will come from fund balance. Monty Parks made a motion to approve. Kathryn Williams seconded. Vote was unanimous, 6-0. Monty Parks made a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss Real Estate, Litigation and Personnel. Bill Garbett seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0. Spec Hosti made a motion to adjourn to regular session. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0. Spec Hosti made a motion to adjourn. Bill Garbett seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0. Meeting was adjourned at 7:45PM. _________________________ Janet LeViner, MMC Clerk of Council