City Council Synopsis, June1 18, 2020  Mayor Sessions called the Consent Agenda to order at 6:30PM, June 18, 2020. Those in attendance were Jay Burke, Monty Parks, John Branigin, Barry Brown, Spec Hosti and DeVetter. Also attending were Dr. Shawn Gillen, City Manager; Edward Hughes, City. Attorney; Nancy Tracy O'Connell, EPR Law; George Shaw, Director, Community Development; and Jan LeViner,  Clerk of Council.  Mayor Sessions added the following toi the Consent Agenda: Minutes, City Council Meeting, May 28, 2020  Cate Campbell, Appointment to Main Street Board of] Directors  County/Wide Canal Maintenance Program, Chatham County DepartmentofPublic' Works Purchase of] Diesel Bypass Pumps to the low bidder, Xylem Dewatering Solutions, for the Budget Amendment: Funds needed to cover EOM and Korkat Invoices through year-end. Funds needed to cover invoices from Atlantic Waste for Main Yard Trash. Funds transferred from 100-4250-54-2100, Machinery and Equipment to Contract Labor; Site Improvements and main yard/dump in theamount of $39,700. Water Rate Study and Adjustment of water/sewer fees to fund water projects. DISCUSSION: Sent to Finance Committee fori theirr recommendation.  amount of $425,772.90.  Opening Ceremonies Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Citizens tol be Heard  Invocation: Susan Hill, All Saints Episcopal Church  PatLeiby: Future of the Old School and Old School Cafeteria Pamela Lossing: Traffic and dust problems on aj portion of Solomon Avenue  Deb Baber: TIMA and the YMCA Julie Livingston: Golf Carts Amy Gaster: STVR's Roger Huff: Betterinformation in thej packet Tonya Huff: STVR's Keith Gay: STVR's Eddie Matias: STVR and Pool moratorium Joel Clackum: Over taxing residents Jenny Rutherford: STVR's Henry Morgan: STVR's Julia Pearce: STVR's and zoning  Monty Parks made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Barry Brown seconded. Vote  was unanimous, 6-0 to approve. Public Hearings  Consideration of] Renee Bridges parking Lot in Residential Area. Jay Burke madea motion to approve. Monty Parks seconded. Voting to approve were Jay Burke, Monty Parks, John Branigin and Spec Hosti. Voting against were. Barry Brown and Nancy DeVetter. Motion to  approve, 4-2.    Variance: requesting to impact marshland to maintain right of way = Polk Street right of way and 318 Polk Street - Zone CEC400250-00Y and 005Z - City of Tybee and Michael Leonard. Spec Hosti made a motion to approve. Monty Parks John Branigin made a motion fori the City to send al letter toi the DNR to support the Leonard's and fori the City toi take all steps to assist the Leonard's tol have complete access toi their property. First Reading, FY2021 Budget. Monty Parks made a motion to approve as presented. John Branigin seconded. Votingi ini favor were! Monty Parks, John Branigin, Barry Brown, Hosti and Nancy DeVetter. Voting against was. Jay Burke. Motion to approve, 5-1. First Reading, 2020-2021 Millage Rate. John Branigin made a motion to approve. Barry Brown seconded. Voting in favor were Jay Burke, John Branigin, Barry Brown, Hosti and Nancy DeVetter. Voting against was Monty Parks. Motion to approve5-1. Consideration ofLocal Requests,Special Fvents-Aleoholliense  seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0.  Barry Brown seconded. Vote was unanimous to: approve, 6-0.  Spec Spec  Royal Palm Tybee LLC (existing business license/ocupational tax certificate): Alcohol License Request Beer/Wine-Package Sales Only, Consumption of premises Prohibited, Sunday Sales. Selli ingift shop. Jay Burke recused. Monty Parks madea motion toapprove. John Branigin: seconded. Votingi in favorwerel Monty Parks,John! Branigin, Spec Hosti and Nancy DeVetter. Voting against was Barry Brown. Motion to approve, 4-1. Council, Officials and City Attorney Considerationsand Comments Barry Brown: SIVI/Enforcement and Pool Moratorium. Bubba Hughes to bring draft Resolution to July 9, 2020 City Council Meeting for discussion. Naney DeVetter: Amendment to the Tree Ordinance. No Action' Taken  Nancy DeVetter: GolfCarts: Annual fees, signage and parking permits. No Action Spec Hosti: Contractor Camping, Lewis. Avenue, Willis Larose. No. Action Taken Barry Brown made a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel, real estate, Barry Brown made a motion to return to regular session. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was John Branigin made ai motion to adjourn. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous to  Taken.  and litigation. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous, 6-0.  unanimous to approve, 6-0. approve, 6-0.  Meeting adjourned at 10:45PM  Janet LeViner, MMC Clerk of Council    Jan LeViner From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:  Shirley Sessions Thursday, June 18, 20203:35P PM john paksoy LeViner Re: STVR testimonial  Barry Brown; Nancy DeVetter; Jay Burke; John Branigin; Spec Hosti; Monty Parks; Jan  Thank you for sharing your experiences, thoughts and concerns. Iam sharing your email with council.  Best, Shirley  Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone From: john paksoy onpa-soye)ahoo.om, Sent: Thursday, June 18, 20203:22:55PM To: Shirley Sessions sesonsedfyetypeeor Subject: STVR testimonial  Dear Honorable Shirley Sessions and Tybee City Council, Iwant to share a short history of our roots in Savannah and Tybee Island. Needless to say If fell in love with the city and Savannah Beach.  Iused to visit the area as at teenageri int the late 60's to visit family that had moved to your areai from North Carolina.  It's taken me 30 years to get back.  We started visiting with my teenagers in 2013, and wei rented through Tybee Vaçation Rentals.  After 3 years, and many' visits, and being impressed with the way TVR expressed the sentiments oft the neighborhoods surrounding the rental homes we tried, and their overall attention to details with each home, we decided to purchase a We currently pay $7400. annually inj property taxes. We also employ several vendors from LandScapers, to1 tree trimming Renting our home was: 50% of the decision to buy there. It's been al huge investment in your great historic city, that we Without rental possibilities and without TVR, many would noti invest sO much with possibly so few years left inl living  home with the dream ofretiring there.  services, building contractors fori improvements, and plumbers. We enjoy and love the people we have met there that are: full time citizens. Please be reasonable and prudent concerning your decision on fees and caps. Please enter this into your minutes to be read out loud or shared at tonight's meeting.  love and respect. your retirement. Have a Good Day, John Paksoy 704-466-8048    Jan LeViner From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:  Jenny Rutherford jenny@jennyrutherford.com> Thursday, June 18, 20204:50PM Ghitepesons@gmaizom, Spec! Hosti Linda Hawk; Steve Candler  Barry Brown; Bubba Hughs onugnesPcbmisw.com; Jan LeViner; Jay Burke; John Branigin; Monty Parks; Nancy DeVetter; Shawn Gillen; Shirley Sessions STVR Regulations & Proposals at City Council Meeting Tonight  Hello City Council,  Regarding the city council meeting tonight: I am very concerned as Tybee city council leadership is proposing increasing registration of vacation rentals to $1000 each year. This is in addition to requiring business licenses... first off, the registration is the same information as the business license. What is the purpose to collect this information twice? Not to: mention this practice is already illegal and prohibited in the State of Ga. * but the city of Tybee is Ignoring the State law that doesn'tallow this asi it seems to only create ai revenue stream. As you should all be aware: Governments cannot charge more than it costs to process the paperwork fora registration fee either. b6I It seems you're considering hiring a really expensive company to do this but passing the expense to the property owner. This also seems that you're choosing to consider this as a way to discourage people from renting their homes!? Thisi is entirely sO wrong and what Tybee property owners have been doing since the 1800s. We have been a vacation destination since the 1800s and many choose toi rent out 2nd home properties until they are able to retire here. The average length of rental is less than 5 years before the owner Ifind it highly ironic after the city has made multiple statements about how they are "here tol help business owners on Tybee" after the financial crisis that has occurred from the coronavirus shut down. Increasing fees for vacation rentals affects EVERYONE on the island, our future visitors, and thel business owners. Many homeowners depend on the income to pay their mortgages here on Tybee are: falling into deferment situations. I've had many phone calls from clients, neighbors and friends that have had to go into deferred payments on their mortgages due to lack ofincome whether that be through the primary. job or the ability to rent it out. The city actually prohibited homeowners from being able to rent out their property for quite some time during the pandemic shut down : And have since said *multiple times* how they're *here to help in anyway they can* with *waiving fees* and offering incentives. This seems a bit backward to suggest 10x1 the fees.. Also, no help has been offered to any individual owners ini the vacation rental business as said funds are not available for Iti is the hotel motel tax that funds a LOT oft the island'soeou expenses... there were two months of almost $0 paid in hotel motel taxes on tybee by property owners and now the leadership wants to make it cost prohibitive In addition, DOUBLING the parking cost deters local day trippers from visiting the island and supporting local businesses on the island. Small business owners are suffering. Restaurants and shops are shutting down. It used to cost $24 per day toj park and now it is $42 per day to park! oa This is aj poor tax and prohibits people from visiting our island and supporting our local businesses ifthey can'ta afford to come to this public beach. SSI has  decides to move in.  property owners of single family vacation rentals.  for property owners moving forward.  free parking. HHI has  1    The city should hire an economist to provide suggestions rather than stirring the pot for popularity contest for future votes. Think about how this impacts property owners. It has been requested ofthe city multiple times: How many calls to the Police. have been made and how many charges have been issued for violations  ordinances  oflocal  on those calls? We need facts to make informed decisions.  Its seems we just keep shooting ourselves in the foot over and over and over and then leadership asks "how can we help you?" Increasing Parking Expense and Vacation Rental Fees isl NOT helping local businesses or the There is also mention ofCAPPING the number of rentals And PROHIBITING and future pools. other homes..... someone actually said "yeah we already have enough pools on tybee". What in the Q world: any So Just because someone thinks that there are. too many pools on Tybee that we shouldn'tallow: all private to be able toi install them at their homes and enjoy their property in the future. What  island's economy in anyway. oBo8  on property is  owners this?lo8  type ofthinking  It has been suggested that this money would be used tol hire a 3rd party company to monitor complaints and to 9code enforcement officers but this is to enforce laws we already have on the books. This is aj poor use of up money. just to pay a 3rd party company.... we don'tneed tol line someone else's pockets at the expense of property owners who took the risk to invest in our island with their hard earned money. Enforce the laws wel have on the books before creating more. Consider all the families you will be affecting, visitors, homeowners and small business owners. This is not increasing the quality of anyone's life here on the Island. You're creating more work that is unnecessary which is just is another expense for the taxpayers. Wel have not been provided with numbers to back up any suggestions that STVR would: require more monitoring and that there are excessive violations occurring per the reports provided thus far.  Best Regards, Jenny Rutherford  2    Jan LeViner From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:  Jeri Bettencourt yerpett@gmail.com> Thursday, June 18, 20205:53PM Spec Hosti; Monty Parks  Shirley Sessions; branginedlyofybeorg: Barry Brown; Nancy DeVetter;. Jay Burke;  Jan LeViner; Shawn Gillen; Edward Hughes STVR discussion / meeting June 18, 2020  Honorable Mayor and Tybee City Council Members:  lam writing to ask for no increase in the STVR fee and to maintain property  rights of rental homeowners.  My father, Jerome Bettencourt, was on the Tybee Council and Mayor Pro Tem back in the 1970's. He always said his Council tried to be responsive to ALL the people; therefore, I ask you to consider the rental homeowners. Before my parents moved to Tybee from Savannah, my family would gather here every summer at a rental house. Now, I have my own rental house that la adore, and try very hard to keep it in tip-top condition. - hope to live in that house one day; the house via rentals. As you know, so many homes are empty at Tybee many months of the year. When these houses are occupied, there is money flowing Ihave not had any complaints or police calls to my rental house. My rental guests are often family reunions, like our family many years ago. wonder if any of the Council members have ever rented a home for their extended family gathering? Tybee houses are a lovely way to allow families to create  however, until then, Ineed to be able to keep and maintain  into the community. We can all agree on that.  memories.  lask you to stop any action that would limit my rights as a homeowner here at Tybee. lask you to allow the businesses here to reap the revenue that  STVR's provide for our island.  lask the Clerk of Council to please enter my letter into the records. And, if possible, please add this letter into the minutes of your meeting.  Respectfully, Jeri Bettencourt 770-315-6041  1    14 7th Street Tybee Island, GA 31328  2    Jan LeViner From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:  Edward Matias scmins@gmail.com> Thursday, June 18, 20205:58PM  Shirley Sessions; John Branigin; Barry Brown; Nancy DeVetter; Jay Burke; Spec Hosti; Monty Parks; Shawn Gillen; Jan LeViner; Edward Hughes; gshaw@ctyotybecorg amy@tybeevacationrentals.com; wnetseraces@lypeevacationventals.com  Concerns for STVR  Honorable Mayor and City Council members,  After vacationing in Tybee Island many times with my wife and children, Ir recently purchased al house on 615 2nd Avenue. We love spending time on1 this island and have a two year plan toi move here permanently. In the meantime, I plan to rent my house out as a STVR, as other property owners have done during their transition to becoming permanent residents of Tybee Island. Ihave several concerns regarding the proposals being  considered by City Council that I would like to discuss.  First, dramatically increasing the registration fee for STVR seems unreasonable considering that we already pay higher property taxes due to no homestead exemption or Stephen's Day benefits. STVR bring money to the as well as contribute to local businesses. STVR guests are estimated to spend $66 per person per contribute to over 1200 jobs on the island due to tourism and over 2 million dollars per year inl hotel tax. Dramatically increasing fees seem unreasonable when the numbers are taken into consideration. My second concern is the proposed pool moratorium. Water usage is being discussed as ai reason for considering the moratorium. Icurrently have a swimming pool as well as a sprinkler system at my other home ini north georgia. Iknow from first hand experience that my sprinkler system consumes much more water than my swimming pool. Asaj property owner, Ishould have the right tol have a swimming pool ifI choose. Ialso find it very inappropriate that a City Council member who is not aj property owner and does not pay property taxes in' Tybee Island is attempting to adamantly push these unreasonable changes to STVR which Inc closing, Iwould like to ask that the Mayor and City Council to please stop any action that would harm homeowners, limit my use ofi my property, or restrict my property rights on Tyeel Island. Iwould like to request that the comments included in this letter be added to the minutes of the city council meeting.  taxes int STVR  city day.  seem to: infringe on some' ofr my rights as an actual property owner on this island.  Thank you for your time, Edward Matias 706-254-8397 615 2nd Avenue Tybee Island, GA 31328    Jan LeViner From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:  Roberta Muehlhaus muehauesigobalne Thursday, June 18, 20209 9:44AM Shirley Sessions  Monty Parks; Barry Brown; bhughes@chthlaw.com, Nancy DeVetter; Jay Burke; Spec  Hosti; John Branigin; Jan LeViner; Shawn Gillen; owneserviceselybevaacationrentals.com, Amy Gaster Short Term Vacation Rental Proposals  Dear Mayor Sessions and Members oft the City Council, STVRS and new proposals to regulate them.  We: are owners oft twoj properties on' Tybee Island since 2006 and wish tos speak to what wel have been We: arei retired snowbirds whol love coming to' Tybee for 81 to: 101 weeks out ofe each year, and we: sO small town atmosphere, thel history, culture and friendliness oft thei island. Wel have taken parti in community: enjoy appreciate activities, the fundraisers, and special events which allows us to feel aj part ofav wonderful community of listened to and advocated fori full time residents and their concerns during thel busy peak rental caring season. people. We Wel rent have our always properties so that we can pay our bills and be aj part oft the Tybee community during our Tybee time. Our Managers, Tybee Vacation Rentals, have been diligent in making certain that our renters are rules. Our neighborhood watchi in Captain's Row also also keeps usi informed of any infringements. following neighborhood As property owners, we toos suffered damage during thet two recent hurricanes and our rental income rebuild our second homes. Our rental income also assists with the annual services that as small island helped community must provide. Thet tourism industry allows' Tybee toj payi itsl bills andl bei the special place thati iti is. Because Tybee is a unique destination, its history has alwaysi included tourists and guests The Short' Term Rental Policy which entailed: numerous hours of consultation and meetings eating, addressed: many and resident playing. concerns, and we pay ayearly feei to help enforce that policy. Toi increase that fee tenfold: seems extreme to restrict All ofi this: is meant to relay that we care: about' Tybee, we want to continue being part time residents oft the Please: stop any action that would limit our use or ability toi resell our property by restricting our property rights community. on' Tybee.  hearing regarding and  the Property  us restore. and  sleeping and  our  usel in so many ways seems unreasonable and unjust.  Regards, Skip and Roberta Muehlhaus 4951 North! Muirfield Dr. Bloomington, Indiana 47404 812; 3000192 Sent from my iPad  1    Jan LeViner From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:  sherry oxendine shery.oxendine7@gmail.com> Thursday, June 18, 20209:37AM Spec Hosti; Monty Parks Jan LeViner STVR's  Shirley Sessions; Danganedyotypeeorg Barry Brown; Nancy DeVetter; Jay Burke;  Dear Honorable Mayor and Tybee City Council Members,  Iam Sherry Oxendine, a proud homeowner on Tybee Island. My house is located at 1514 2nd Ave, Iuse it as a 2nd home and also as an STVR. Being able to short term rent my house is what enables me tol keep it up to the high standards that my property management office: requires and for me to be a good neighbor. It also provides me with as small amount ofi much needed income. I will soon be 64 years old and made this investment sol could spend time on Tybee Island with my family and my granddaughter that lives in Savannah. Is still live and work full time in Atlanta where I pay taxes that include homestead exemption, Ido not receive al homestead exemption break on my cottage on Tybee. My cottage is one ofthe smallest houses located on the island and my assessment for next year is $2947.66, along with insurance and flood insurance these expenses are close to $10,000.00. Iam sure that the larger houses are paying much more than I am inj property taxes which benefit all Without being able to rent my house during the summer: months Iwould not be able to afford tol keep it. I was on' Tybee in May of2020 and was shocked at the amount of property that had For Sale signs in the yards, as a realtor, Iknow that the more. houses for sale the less friendly the market is for sellers and it also drives the prices down. It would not be a good time to sell and with that many homes available the time on the market is very long. Not being able to: rent would be cost prohibitive and would cause me much financial damage. Ihave met lots ofv wonderful people during my stays on Tybee and look forward to being able tol know more of you. My management company is Tybee Vacation Rentals. Ihave been with them for almost 2 years now and they are the most professional and thoughtful group of people Ihave worked with. Ialways trust them to vet the guests that come into my home thoroughly and carefully. My guests have never torn anything up inside my In 2019Ihad over 50 arrivals and all of those spent money at the shops and restaurants on the island while they were there. Ini my opinion this creates jobs on Tybee and brings money ini tol help keep the beaches, roads and parks well maintained. My research shows that 515jobs are created by the lodging industry and 1225] jobs are  ofTybee Island.  house, solf feel like they are conscientious people both ini my house and on the island.  supported by the tourism industry. It seems like STVR's create al lot ofincome on Tybee,  Having been a homeowner in different places, I am sympathetic tol bad neighbors because Ihave had a few.I am 100% sure that ifai rowdy guest was in my property that the neighbors would notify TVR and that the management would take care ofthati immediately. Iti is my hope that we can all work together for the long range and not be shortsighted. I am always available to listen to your comments and concerns, as I want to be a good  neighbor even though I am only on Tybee for part oft the year.  Regards,  1    Sherry Oxendine (404-695-2600) 1514 2nd Ave Tybee Island, Ga. 31328 or: 993 Violet Ave SE Atlanta, Ga. 30315  Sherry Oxendine Keller Knapp Realty Cell: (404)695-2600 KELLERK KNAPP  2    6/17/2020  Honorable Mayor- Shirley Sessions  lam writing to express my concerns overt the calls bys some on the Tybee Island City Council who want to dramatically Ihave owned a short term vacation rental on Tybee since 2006 and have enjoyed visits to the beach sincelwasa Ifeel the proposed considerations willl harm and even limit and restrict my ability to use. my property both for my Iwould like to point out several facts that need to be kept in mind when discussions are held on the matter.  increase fees and add additional restrictions on Short Term Vacation Rentals.  youngster. My family and llook forward to spending time on Tybee whenever we can.  personal use as well as a Short Term Vacation Rental.  1. Property taxes for STVR properties have a much higher rate due to no homestead exemption or Stephen'sDay 2. These properties provide much needed jobs that add to the economy on the island. Some estimates are they 3. These properties addi to the tourism on the island and indirectly add to additional spending on thei island 4. These properties typically have little impact on water, sewer or trash resources for on average 50% of the year. 5. The City passed al Disorderly House Ordinance in May of 2019, where homeowners and managers can receive citations and fines for complaints of nuisance behaviors and other code violations. If the property is a vacation rental, those owners can lose their STVR license ift there are 3 convictions in one year. The City Marshall 6. The City added 1%1 to the hotel taxi for Tourism Product Development that will fund the new Marine Science Center, the Post Theater, beach improvements and other authorized projected estimated at $600.000 per year.  benefits being available. account for 42% ofj jobs. bringing in added revenues.  previously reported there were NO citations or convictions in 2019.  Please enter my comments into the record.  Sincerely, Cynthia W Herold (912)234-7494 mtnaneraderomastnet 3 17tStreet Unit #4 CCJ Jan Leviner, Clerk of Council Bubba Hughes, City Attorney Shawn Gillen, City Manager    THE FUTURE OF THE OLD SCHOOL  My name is Patricia Leiby. I live at 812 Butler Avenue.  My concern is the future use of the Old School Building, Old School Cafeteria, and the Community Garden (hereafter referred to as The Old School Campus). In the the Planning Commission meeting of February 10, 2020, under the topic of minutes from building to City Hall, mention was made about using The Old School for adding a modular Shaw stated that the City gave the rooms to The Maritime Academy. Dr. City Gillen Hall. George this. The complete minutes from that meeting, with comments highlighted attached to copies of my remarks that each of you will receive.  confirmed on page three, are  Many Tybee voters, or their children, use the Old School for recreation, learning,and exercise. Examples include: many exercise classes serving over 100 senior citizens; three card groups averaging 55 senior citizens; groups like Pirates & Mermaids, Happy Helpers, Spanish lessons for pre-schoolers, and Tiny Tots. The Old School Cafeteria hosts line dancing; VIP lunches hosted by TIPD; Active Older Adults; Rising Tyde Food Pantry on average 100 families; Forever Tybee serves close to 100 citizens at each of its six serving meetings per year. The Community Garden has 30 raised beds available to citizens. is spoken for. Other groups use The Old School Campus for activities like Red Cross Every blood drives, voting, receptions, birthday parties and other meetings and events.  bed  Tax-paying voters are concerned about losing their space to The Tybee Island Maritime Academy (hereafter referred to as TIMA). We are not against education, but would like the 1. Has TIMA presented plans to the City for their expansion of the school by adding 6",  City to address the following concerns:  7th,a and 8+ grades?  2. How is the City responding to the plans?  3. Has TIMA asked the City to provide space in The Old School, or funding for new  buildings, and is the City providing any funds at all to TIMA?  4. How will these plans be made public?  5. Is a public forum planned so tax-paying voters will be informed, and add input, before 6. What is the City doing to dispel rumors that the Old School Campus, which is used for  any decision is made?  tax-paying voters, will now be lost to TIMA? 7. When can we voters learn the answers to these questions?  My hope is that these questions will be answered so we voters will know truth from rumor. Ihave a copy of my remarks for Ms. LeViner to 90 in the minutes, and copies for the mayor,  each council member, Mr. Shaw, Dr. Gillen, and Mr. Hughes. Thank you.    PLANNING COMMISSION Demery Bishop Ron Bossick Charles Matlock Elaine T. McGruder David McNaughton J. Whitley Reynolds Alan Robertson  CITY MANAGER Shawn Gillen DIRECTOR George Shaw CITY ATTORNEY Edward M. Hughes  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT  EDO 10B  Planning Commission Meeting MINUTES February 10, 2020  Chair Bishop called the February 10, 2020' Tybee IslandPlanning Commission meeting to order. Commissioners present were David McNaughton, Charles Matlock, ElaimeT.MeGruder, Ron  Bossick, J. Whitley Reynolds and. Alan Robertson.  Consideration of Minutes:  Chair Bishop asked for consideration oft the January 13, 2020 minutes. Commissioner Alan Robertson made ai motion to approve. Vice Chair Ron Bossick seconded. The vote to approve was  unanimous. Disclosures/Reeusals:  Chair Bishop asked ift there were any Disclosures or Recusals. Commissioner J. Whitley Reynolds asked to recuse himself from the Site Plan with Variançe on Naylor Avenue. He stated he did the  original survey on the property atl Naylor Avenue.  Old Business: Council. comments. Commission and Solomon.  Commissioner McNaughton asked about the progress ofsome recommendations on the Carrying Capacity study the Planning Commission came up with in a work shop to be looked at by Commissioner Matlock stated they should be resubmitted. Commissioner McNaughton stated maybe have another workshop to go over before submitting them again, Commissioner McGruder stated she would like to suggest a workshop sO she as a new member could over the George Shaw stated he has not been given any information on the items since they were presented to Council. And he would come up with a date tol have a workshop. Chair Bishop asked where thei information is about the: short term rental ordinance that was submitted to  City go Planning  last year. That should be on the agenda soon.  Information: Susan Kimbrell -1 1008 Bay Street, Tybee Island Ga. Updates on property at Polk Susan Westin approached the Planning Commission and stated she is standing in for Susan Kimbrell tonight for the forty and growing Tybee citizens concerned about the development ofthel Polk and Solomon property. She has lived permanently on Tybee for two years now. She stated that they reached out to the River Keeper thinking that there might be some mutual interest and she is here today. Tonya Bonitatibus approached the Planning Commission and stated she has served as the Savannah River keeper for thirteen years. She stated on December sixteenth she visited the site in    question and stated this has been a chronic problem site for Tybee for ten years now. This property's characteristics show there are more wetlands on1 the site than thel last delineation that was done. Also Storm water runoffcould cause aj problem with flooding. She also stated that the City's sewer treatment facility is already maxed out and she thinks this property should be used to expand that  plant. New Business:  Variance: consideration of request for setback variances of4'9" on west side, 10'3" on north side, 2' on south side for primary structure and a variance of12' forstairs on south side- - 10 George Shaw approached the Planning Commission and stated the petitioner would like to ask for the same setbacks that has been asked for int the past on this property, Staffrecommends approval. Mr. Mikielian, who lives at 7' Thrushwood Avenue, Tybee Island, approached the Planning Commission and stated he would like to use the variance that was granted int the past fort this property and he would definitely build a home as soon as possible. Commissioner McNaughton asked ifl he was using the same design as the previous owners request since the drawing he submitted was the same one they used, Mr. Mikielian stated he does not have an exact design right now because he would like to get this approval first then design from that. Commissioner McGruder made a motion to continue until there is a more specific site plan in two months. No second, motion failed. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve. Commissioner Reynolds seconded. Vote to approve was four in favor to Site Plan with Variance: consideration of2'setback: and reduction of required square footage for a duplex on lot -] Lot 325 Naylor Ave. -Zone R-T-400020 05005- Christa Rader. George Shaw approached the Planning Commission and stated this is currently an empty lot and has an easement on it that makes it an odd shape. Iti is still quiteal large lot but not large enough fora duplex. Staff recommends denial. Chair Bishop stated he would like to read al letter he received from S.J. Carol dated Monday February 10, 2020. "Dear Commission members, please read this letter into the record at this evening' 's meeting, earehomeowners at. 5 Moore. Avenue and want toj formally object to any, variance thatwould. increase residentia/capaciy. and traffic in our neighborhood.: Please/ollowtheciy codeand the master, plan and deny anyfurther variances oft this type. We are already overdeveloped in this neighborhood and the whole island for that matter! According to water capacity studies our infrastructure is at risk and our quality oflife is jeopardized evenj further when officials pass variances allowing even more use and over-development. Thanks forj your time, Sandra Carroll and. Robert Sproul" Mack Kitchens approached the Planning Commission and stated hel liveson Tybee Island and het thinks this lot has al hardship because ofthe irregular shape and size. Margaret Lewin who lives on 261 Naylor Avenue, Tybee Island approached the planning commission and stated she has lived next to this] property since 1996 and she has watched the neighborhood develop with al lot of support. She is very conçerned about having a duplex next door that would increase traffic, parking and possibly disruptive behaviors. Commissioner McNaughton made a motion to deny. Commissioner McGruder seconded. The vote to deny was Special review: adding a temporary modular building on south side of City Hall 1- 403 Butler George Shaw approached thel Planning Commission and stated that City Hall is in need of growth and the City would like to keep the auditorium the way it is. So now the plan is to add a modular building  Robinson Ave. -Zone) R-1-1 Pin 40002 08005-Joseph Mikielian.  two opposed. Motion to approve carried.  unanimous.  Ave. -40004 21001 - Zone PC- City ofTybee Island.    that would sit between the City Hall and the Library. It would be approximately twenty four by fifty six. Commissioner McNaughton asked ift this isi in lieu of using space in the old school building. George Shaw stated yes the City gave those rooms to The Maritime Academy. Commissioner Matlock asked how long the building will be there. George Shaw stated he is not sure. Shawn Gillen approached the Planning Commission and stated a year ago the City formed an ad hoc committee on Memorial Park to identify the future expansion of government facilities on that campus. We looked specifically at the Fire station and City Hall, understanding the current needs ofo office space at City Hall and the needs oft the Fire Department. The ad hoc committee made ai recommendation to the City Council which they accepted that included an annex to City Hall that would be architecturally similar on the north side of City Hall. He also stated the old school will be used for the Maritime Academy to expand and the YMCA will be redone in the future also. Anna Butler who lives at 1212 Fifth Avenue approached thel Planning Commission and asked if the City owned theLibrary building. Shawn Gillen stated that the City owns the land and the County owns the building. It would not be possible to use that building. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to: approve. Commissioner McGruder seconded. The vote to approve was five in favor and one opposed. Themotion to approve carried.  Discussion: Protection Act. Lisa. L. Schaaf Meeting Adjourned 9:10pm  On recent changes in the Shore Protection Act.  Alan Robertson approached the Planning Commissionand discussed the changes in the Shore    Remarks Submitted to City Hall regarding the YMCA  Deb Baber 13 TS Chu Terrace  Before COVID 19 the Y classes consisted of around 20 classes per week In addition, the Chair Fitness class had 40-50 people in a class meeting twice a week. The room utilized for this was small for the number of people exercising in regular classes but was nearly impossible for the The YMCA classes and fitness center benefits part time residents and As well, the current Y facility is able to accommodate individuals who  with 15-20 people in each class.  seniors in the chair fitness class.  visitors.  have a variety of physical limitations.  lunderstand that TIMA is a growing educational institution. Some have mentioned that TIMA's expansion will encompass some if not all of our current Y. Ifthis is the case what happens to the Y which is critical to many of the residents on Tybee. Iknow some of you have said that a new Y would be built for the residents. guess my questions then become who will fund a new Y, where would it be built, and wouldn't this need to be done before the city turns our current facility over to  TIMA or any group?  This YMCA means a great deal to sO many of us on the island. Itis one of the few organizations and places where people can improve their physical health, their mental health and socialize with others in a  spiritual environment.    Remarks submitted to City Council regarding YMCA  People are living longer. The United States census estimates that in 12 years, older people are expected to outnumber children. On Tybee that has already happened. Right now, the City ofTybee should be addressing the health and social  needs of their older residents.  Ihave lived on Tybee for 33 years and when I retired seven years ago, Iknewa a handful ofpeople on Tybee. Ijoined the YMCA, and when they started offering group fitness classes, Ii found my community. Before the corona virus, Itook six fitness classes a week at the Y. AndI was able to get my 73-year-old husband to  attend two chair fitness classes weekly.  Tybee'smedian age is 53 which is far above the state and national median age of 37. On Tybee, just 24% of families have kids under 18 which is far below the  local and national level of 44%.  What has the city of Tybee done to assess and help their largest population, the elderly, in their community? What policies has the city of Tybee adopted to create an age-friendly community? An age-friendly community helps people stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages. An age-friendly community invests in health  education and prevention strategies for older adults.  The YMCA has several programs for older people; however, the space is inadequate and unsafe due to overcrowding. Although there are other areas at the Y that could be utilized for the extremely popular fitness and chair fitness classes, they are not available. Ifthe city wants to do more for this community, our government needs to study and invest in the health and social needs oft the older residents ofTybee Island. And they can start first by providing safe, adequate, and unshared activity spaces for their largest and most vulnerable population,  senior citizens.  Submitted by Sally Chandler, Resident 6th avenue.    Remarks submitted to City Council regarding YMCA  People are living longer. The United States census estimates that in 12 years, older people are expected to outnumber children. On Tybee that has already happened. Right now, the City ofTybee should be addressing the health and social  needs oft their older residents.  Ihave lived on Tybee for 33 years and when I retired seven years ago, Iknewa a handful of people on Tybee. Ijoined the YMCA, and when they started offering group fitness classes, If found my community. Before the corona virus, I took six fitness classes a week at the Y. AndI was able to get my 73-year-old husband to  attend two chair fitness classes weekly.  Tybee's median age is 53 which is far above the state and national median age of 37. On Tybee,. just 24% of families have kids under 18 which is far below the  local and national level of44%.  What has the city ofTybee done to assess and help their largest population, the elderly, in their community? What policies has the city ofTybee adopted to create an age-friendly community? An age-friendly community helps people stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages. An age-friendly community invests in health  education and prevention strategies for older adults.  The YMCA has several programs for older people; however, the space is inadequate and unsafe due to overcrowding. Although there are other areas at the Y that could be utilized for the extremely popular fitness and chair fitness classes, they are not available. Ifthe city wants to do more for this community, our government needs to study and invest in the health and social needs ofthe older residents ofTybee Island. And they can start first by providing safe, adequate, and unshared activity spaces for their largest and most vulnerable population,  senior citizens.  Submitted by Sally Chandler, Resident 6th avenue.    Remarks Submitted to City Hall regarding the YMCA  Deb Baber 13 TS Chu Terrace  Before COVID 19 the Y classes consisted of around 20 classes per week  with 15-20 people in each class.  Ina addition, the Chair Fitness class had 40-50 people in a class meeting twice a week. The room utilized for this was small for the number of people exercising in regular classes but was nearly impossible for the The YMCA classes and fitness center benefits part time residents and As well, the current Y facility is able to accommodate individuals who  seniors in the chair fitness class.  visitors.  have a variety of physical limitations.  lunderstand that TIMA is a growing educational institution. Some have mentioned that TIMA's expansion will encompass some if not all of our current Y. Ifthis is the case what happens to the Y which is critical to many of the residents on Tybee. Iknow some of you have said that a new Yv would be built for the residents. Iguess my questions then become who will fund a new Y, where would it be built, and wouldn't this need to be done before the city turns our current facility over to  TIMA or any group?  This YMCA means a great deal to SO many of us on the island. Itisone of the few organizations and places where people can improve their physical health, their mental health and socialize with others in a  spiritual environment.    Jan LeViner From: Sent: To: Subject:  Bobbie Orr cDorr@belsouth.neb> Tuesday, June 16, 20202:58PM Jan LeViner Letter re Room 6  Jan, below is the letter I would like read at the meeting into the minutes. Thank  SO you  much for doing this. Bobbie  Iam currently a member of the Monday Card Club that has been using Room 6 in the old school every Monday for many years. Actually, it is an offshoot of the YEEPIES who originally met in that room as far back as 1997. We use Room 6 because of its proximity to the handicapped parking spaces and the ability of our members to access the room with walkers. Cards provides our seniors with an activity to keep their minds active. During the summer our group averages 12 to 14 players and in winter it can average 24  to 28 players.  Bridge is also a seniors group who uses the room every Tuesday and has been  there  playing  as long as we have been playing cards on Monday.  Ihope the Council recognizes the need to keep Room 6 as a room for seniors to play  cards, meet, and engage in conversation and games.  Respectfully yours, Bobbie Orr  1    Jan LeViner From: Sent: To: Subject:  Fidelia Fowler ficelaiowteregmail.om. Tuesday, June 16, 202012:53PM Fwd: Thursday Council meeting  Jani LeViner  Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message:  From: Fidelia Fowler idelafowler@gmailom Date: June 12, 2020 at 3:14:46 PM: EDT To: mayor@ctyollybecorg Subject: Thursday Council meeting  Shirley,  Iam unable to attend the council meeting due to being out oftown. Iask that you will read this Iam writing to express my concerns concerning the old school/YMCA building. Ihave heard several rumors about the building being given or sold fort the expansion OfTIMA.Iam: a supporter oft the: school but do not feel that the city or the citizens should loose the use ofthe There are many people that use this area for different activities but I will only address one group. Ihave an adult son with Down Syndrome. He is a member of the Coastal Mermaid and Pirate Club. The Club meets every Thursday in room 6. This clubi is a social club for adults with disabilities. There are approximately 15 members with 4-6 volunteers weekly. Most oft the members come from off of the island. They use this time, not only to connect with their peers, but to make crafts which they sale at the Farmer's Market once ai month. They have lunch and visit before the "work" begins. Working on their crafts helps these young people with a variety Every month they have a birthday party. The Tybee Island Police sends a couple of Officers to spend time and present them with al hat or tee shirt. The Fire Department has shown up a time or Ifthe YMCA is closed, it would make it difficult for this many adults to get together. Ifyou want to see: for yourself what this "room" means to them, stop by some Thursday from 11- 2a and see for yourself. Who knows, you may catch them singing karaoke or dancing.  email aloud at the meeting and have it entered into the minutes.  building and grounds.  of different skills.  two.  Thank you,  1    My name is Mary McLemore and Ilive at 3 Alley 3. Ihad hoped to attend tonight's city council meeting, but Don and I are out celebrating our wedding anniversary this evening. Iwould request that my comments be read and made aj part oft the permanent record oft the meeting. Let me start by saying that It think TIMA adds value to Tybee, but the old school building, YMCA, and Memorial Park serve ai much wider swath of Tybee residents than does TIMA. There are numerous groups who use those facilities on ai regular basis. Inj particular, I am part of a group of Tybee residents who gather at the old school building every month toj play euchre, a card a game that seems to be most popular among those ofus who once lived in the Midwest. The euchre group may not be as large as some other groups that meet in the old school building, but it is larger than the number ofTybee children who would attend additional grades should TIMA expand beyond its current footprint and displace those of us who use the existing In addition, there are aspects of using the YMCA/old school building/Memorial Park property for the expansion ofTIMA that need to be taken into consideration. These may have already been considered, but the City's deliberations about the expansion ofTIMA are far from transparent, sO residents like mel have insufficient information to go on. My primary concern focuses on safety, both for the children who attend TIMA and for older residents who rely on the YMCA for recreational/physical activity purposes. While the YMCA allows tourists/nonresidents to access its facilities on an ad hoc basis, it often has no information about the people to whom access is being granted. Given the layout oft the YMCA/old school premises, there is no way to segregate school-aged children from the unfamiliar adults who are accessing the gym facilities offered by the YMCA. That is potentially problematic. Parking presents another safety concern. Even without children in onsite classrooms, there are occasions when parking is insufficient. Ifyou add parents, school busses, teachers and staffto the existing parking issues, you are eliminating parking spaces for residents to use when going to the YMCA or old school building for physical or social activities. Older members of our community may be forced to walk significant distances if parking spaces in close proximity to the buildings are filled with vehicles related to TIMA. You are also increasing the likelihood of an incident in which a child or someone else will bei injured in an accident in a parking lot. In addition, our EMTs and ambulance currently use the old school building as al base of operations when not on an emergency call. IfTIMA puts classrooms on the property that now houses the YMCA and the old school building, what will become of the EMS service? Is there a The lack of transparency regarding the deliberative process seems to be a problem that pervades this entire discussion. Residents have been told that the expansion OfTIMA was approved by both Chatham County and the State, but there is almost no additional information about whati is being considered and who is being asked for input. It seems to be ai foregone conclusion among City leadership that expansion must now occur given that TIMA sought and obtained permission to expand, and the City will provide the space needed for that expansion without meaningful  facilities.  plan for this?  input from residents.    Iwould suggest that allowing TIMA to use space at the old schoo/YMCA/Memorial Parki isa decision that demands thei input ofTybee residents based on more complete information than we have yet been provided. Ifear the City will get sO far down the road before seeking that input Iwould encourage city council to open a dialogue with residents now as to what is being considered relative to TIMA expansion and toj provide ai meaningful opportunity for residents to give their input into the decision-making process. The existing facilities are used by a whole host of Tybee residents who deserve to know what impact, ifany, TIMA's expansion will have on1 their continued ability to access the only available facilities that can be used for physical  and residents will bej presented with a fait accompli.  fitness and a variety ofs social gatherings. Thank you for your consideration.  Mary McLemore    To: The Mayor and Tybee City Council Members Subject: Dangerous traffic situation on Solomon Avenue  June 10, 2020  Location: Fromx the intersection of Solomon Avenue and the east side of  North Campbell Avenue east to the intersection of Solomon Avenue and the west side of 6th Street. (See attached map)  Background: The increase of Tybee tourism has caused a significant  increase in vehicular traffic on Solomon Avemue. Trucks, buses automobiles and golf carts speed through our neighborhood threatening the safety of residents, guests and visitors. This traffic also stirs up clouds of choking dust that blankets our porches and yards, is hazardous to our health and often forces us  tol retreat inside our homes.  Request: We request the affected area of Solomon be closed to  vehicular traffic by placing barriers at the two locations indicated on the enclosed map. Affected residents are in  agreement. (See attached letters).  Discussion: Residents, service and emergency vehicles will retain access to  our homes via the connector street between Van Horne St. and Solomon Avenue in front of 32 Var Horne. Residents and visitors will then be able to safely walk or cycle to the beach. Other solutions have been tried in the past including making all or part of Solomon one way. This approach did not work. People continued to speed in both directions as they still used Solomon Ave. as a high speed alternative-to HWY80 East  and Van Hore St.  Sincerely,  Pamela Lossing, 24 Solomon Avenue Tiffany and Lee O'Brien, 32 Van Horne    DAUIS rroperty Map Viewer  Page lofl  Search. by Parcel ID (PIN)  a pe   >  DD  VAN HOKNE  B  K 9  av  LE  B  BARRIER  C = CONNeCIOR stxeta.32 VAN HowEst.  RE: Solomon LVeNue  +  0  150 300ft  tpspwsgisorymap  6/10/2020    :: Solomon Tiffany Obrien XXXAASNA Ton matropioperie7eatnet. Forwarded message From:Janet Womble < Date: Sat May 30, 2020 at4:48PM Subject: Solomon To:< Tov whomi itn may concem:  eoseteoN aEEAM  My! husband andI Iown: 30 Solomon Avenuea andy wea arev very concerned about thea amount oftraffict that isont thep parto af Solomoni inf fronto ofo ourl house. It'sac dirt roada andi it's very dusty, S0V visibilityisa ata minimum. soit it'san mattero oft timet befores someone gets! hurt. Thet traffici isc constant andi i'sa always ata very! high rated ofs speed. Its veryu uns safe. Ir'sn notj justt thet tourists, itsjusta as many ofthel locals andy wea are absolutelyi inf favord ofp partofs Solomon being: shuto downt tot thrut traffic.  Todda and Janv Womble 305 Solomon Avenue Sentf from my iPhone    B 3: Lettér about ciosing portion OF Solomon Ave  Tiffany Obrien fan matopoperies7eun: Forwardedr message From: Kerry! Rosen < Date: Sun, May 31, 2020a1928A AM Subjectt Lettera aboute closing portionc ofSolomon Ave To: Tiffany O'Briens  :  m2S:12NDAN  >,leeoBrien  >,Phil Rosen  Letter about closing portion of Solomon Ave To:j John Branigin Banya Brown, JayB Burke, Nancyt DeVelter, Speck Hosti, From: Kenya and Phil Rosen, full-t time residents a2Rosewvood Ave, Tybeel Island, GA Re: Suppont ford closing Solomon Avet to vehiclest betveen NCampbell and 6thA Ave Thisi letteri isins supporto oft thec dosure ofs Solomon between! NCampbela and 6thi Ave alir vehicies. Wel have! lived at thisk locationf full-time fort more than 10y years. Our houset toa motorized drivevay comeso off- -this sectiono ofSolomon, Therelore, wel havea al huges stake ànt thisa faces- action. ando our Since we'vel livedhere, wel haves seena as significanti incressei inr noise, stop signs andi iresponsible! behaviori in general. Thet traffic ons Solomon spiéeding has gottent tot drivers thep ignaring isdangerous, asp pedestrians, bikers, golfc carts, automobiles, andt truckss Byclosingt destinations." thiss shortp portion ofs Solomon, people WiRE have tof findc otherr routes to get to their lifef forall. Thismayb bei inconvenient buti itisd doable. And willz resulti ini increased safelya ande qualityof Pleases supportt thei ful-timer residenis whok live ont thisp portiono ofSolomont byo dasingittovehicle: traffic  Shawn Gllen, and Georges Shaw  MontyP Parks, Shirleys Sessions,  Date: May3 31, 2020  vehicles, shareay very narrow unpaved  pointy whereit  radway,  Thank, you,