PLANNING COMMISSION

PLANNING COMMISSION ACTING CITY MANAGER Anna Butler Michelle Owens Beau Livingston Robert J. Matkowski ACTING COMMUNITY Elaine McGruder DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Michelle Nooney Michelle Owens David Roberts Marie Rodriguez-Beebe CITY ATTORNEY Edward M. Hughes/ Tracy O’Connell Planning Commission Meeting MINUTES June 17, 2024 Chair Elaine McGruder called the June 17, 2024, Tybee Island Planning Commission meeting to order. Commissioners present were Anna Butler, Marie Rodriguez-Beebe, Beau Livingston, Robert Matkowski, Vice Chair Michelle Nooney and David Roberts. Pledge of Allegiance Consideration of Minutes: Chair Elaine McGruder asked for consideration of the May 20, 2024, meeting minutes. Marie Rodriguez-Beebe made a motion to approve with corrections. Beau Livingston seconded. The vote to approve was unanimous. David Roberts did not vote; he was absent from the May 20th meeting. Disclosures/Recusals: Chair Elaine McGruder asked if there were any Disclosures or Recusals. There were none. Old Business: Chair Elaine McGruder asked if there was any old business. There was none. New Business : Appeal: Tree ordinance – 2 Carpenter Road – 40002 02001 - Zone R-1-B - Harry Drummond. Acting City Manager Michelle Owens stated originally the City Arborist visited the site and denied the removal of the tree. The Drummonds are appealing based on the fact that they feel like the position of the tree impacts their ability to get out of the driveway, and also, they feel it is close to a wire. The Arborist stated he believes that is a cable wire. The Arborist visited the location a second time after the appeal came in and still felt like the tree permit was not supported with the reasons why. He took his own pictures which are in the packet. He felt like the tree was a sufficient distance from the driveway and from the cable wire. After getting an additional memo from Mr. Roberts we talked to the Arborist again today with his concerns and he felt like that specific tree, the Palm, is listed in the significant tree list. We have denied Palm trees in the past. Staff supports the denial. Harry Drummond, who lives at 2 Carpenter Road, approached the Planning Commission, and stated the position of the tree is hard to maneuver around when we pull out of the garage. He stated he would not mind relocating the tree. Vice Chair Michelle Nooney asked, is your plan to add more driveway because of the way it curves? Mr. Drummond stated yes, if the tree is gone, we could make the driveway rectangular. Bob Matkowski asked Mr. Drummond if he had done any work to the driveway and garage since you bought the property. Mr. Drummond stated we have not done anything since we bought the property a year ago. Bob Matkowski asked, have you made any effort to back the car in so it would be easier to pull the car out. Mr. Drummond stated he thinks it could be done, but his wife is not that good at doing that. Anna Butler asked why do not you and your wife switch sides. Mr. Drummond stated his car is a lot longer than hers and the driveway is shorter on her side. Anna Butler stated the house has been there since 1986 and no one has had a problem backing out to date. David Roberts stated he would like to discuss a memo he sent everyone today. This is about some research he did and there is a confusing point. David Roberts also stated he thinks the Planning Commission should recommend to council to override staff’s decision and approve the applicant’s request. He stated the points and opinions from his memo that is “Attached” to these minutes. Bob Matkowski made a motion to deny. Marie Rodriguez-Beebe seconded. Voting for the denial was Anna Butler, Michelle Nooney, Bob Matkowski, Beau Livingston and Marie Rodreguez- Beebe. Voting against the denial was David Roberts. The vote for denial was five to one. Adjournment: 7 :30pm Lisa L. Schaaf