MINUTES
OF THE
JEKYLL
ISLAND-STATE PARK AUTHORITY
October
18, 2004
The Jekyll Island-State Park Authority met in public session on Monday, October 18, 2004 in Meeting Room 9 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Meeting was called to order by Chairman Williams at 9:30 a.m.
Members Present: Dan Williams, Chairman
Richard Wood, Vice Chairman
J.Y. Jones, Secretary
Becky Kelly
Tom Lewis
Steve Scheer
Linda Underwood
Members Absent: Daniel Halpern, Vice Chairman
Jack Collins
Legal Counsel Present: Alison Spencer, Assistant Attorney General
(via conference call)
Staff Present: Bill Donohue, Executive Director
Laura Bonds, Deputy Director/CFO
Cindy McDonald, Executive Assistant
Various members of the public were present, which included Mr. DeBacker, Mr. McManus, Mr. Jeffries, Mr. Eyler, Mr. Mirasola and Jim Morrison with Jekyll’s Golden Islander.
Ms. Spencer joined meeting via conference call at 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Donohue, with the assistance of Ms. Bonds and Ms. Spencer, led a review of the agenda, which included an update and discussion on the following agenda items.
1st Reading of Water Restriction Ordinance: Reviewed the process, contents and purpose of ordinance.
Old Business / Oceanside Resort & Buccaneer: Presented update on the transition status of new management company and advised of issue involving liquor license. Discussion on management changes.
Old Business / Jekyll Oceanfront Resort: Update and discussion held regarding the default notice sent to Mr. Lurkin for failure to provide a security deposit. Legal process reviewed and discussed.
Old Business / Huddle House: Reviewed issues and status of current litigation.
Old Business / Verizon: Presented status update on negotiations. Issue involves Verizon’s request to alter contract wording that would result in a shift in liability. Attorney General’s office recommended denial of the proposed changes, which is consistent with Department of Administrative Services recommendation.
Old Business / GISCO: Reviewed lease history with Mr. Brent Thomas, current use and permitted uses outlined in lease. Present issue involves a request for liquor license received from the Emerald Princess gambling boat. Operation moved to the GISCO dock. Permission was not requested of Jekyll Island Authority for this use. Discussed options available for resolution.
Public Hearings: Reported on attendance and summarized feedback received at the two public hearings held October 7, 2004 on the Proposed Amendment to the Master Plan. Advised that two issues receiving the most discussion were (1) Residential Leases and (2) Use issues involving Soccer Complex and Airport. Overall support expressed for a conservation plan, a focus on redevelopment before initiating new development, retaining 65/35 designation, and designation of four acres on south end as developable land for residential homes. Stated that copies of public comments would be provided to members. Discussion was held regarding feedback and next steps in process.
Chairman Williams requested a motion to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter. Motion was made by Mr. Lewis and seconded by Ms. Kelley to adjourn to Executive Session for personnel matter discussion, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 14 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Motion passed unanimously.
Following the Chairman’s signature of the Affidavit of Presiding Officer[1], a copy of which is attached and made a part of the minutes, all members of the public and staff were excused from the meeting.
Executive Session commenced at approximately 10:30 a.m. At approximately 10:45 a.m. Mr. Donohue was invited to return to the meeting.
Meeting recessed following the conclusion of Executive Session at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 18, 2004.
Public session reconvened and meeting was called to order at 11:10 a.m. on Monday, October 18, 2004 in Beachside Hall at the Jekyll Island Convention Center.
A motion was made by Mr. Lewis and seconded by Mr. Scheer to officially conclude the Executive Session as required by Georgia Open Meetings Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1 (b).
Mr. Scheer was recognized to present a report on the Executive Session in the form of a motion.
Mr. Scheer made a motion to authorize a performance rating of Exceeds Expectations and utilizing state guidelines approved the maximum allowable merit increase for the Executive Director of $1,600 effective January 1, 2005 for the rating period ending June 30, 2004. Ms. Underwood seconded motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Williams extended complimentary remarks to Mr. Donohue for his hard work, dedication and leadership to Jekyll Island.
A motion was made by Mr. Scheer and seconded by Dr. Jones to approve the agenda as presented, [2]a copy of which is attached and made a part of the minutes, with the exception of the change in order for Action Item 6c, Annual Merit Review of Executive Director, which was previously presented and action taken. Motion passed with no objections.
A motion was made by Mr. Lewis and seconded by Ms. Kelley to approve the Minutes from the September 13, 2004 meeting of the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Donohue reviewed the purpose of the Joint Comprehensive Hazard Mitigation Plan as outlined on page eight of the board report and recommended adoption of the Plan.
A motion was made by Dr. Jones and seconded by Mr. Scheer to approve the Resolution[3], a copy of which is attached and made a part of the minutes, to adopt the Joint Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan as the Official Plan of the Jekyll Island Authority. Motion passed with no objections.
Mr. Donohue recognized Chief Caton, Fire Chief and Director of Public Safety at the Jekyll Island Authority for his leadership role on the Hazard Mitigation Task Force.
Mr. Donohue reported on the 1st Reading of the Water Restriction Ordinance stating that Department of Natural Resources revised the outdoor water usage code (§ 391-3-30) in May 2004. In order to be consistent with statewide changes, the proposed ordinance for Jekyll Island is being introduced.
A motion was made by Mr. Scheer to authorize the first reading of Jekyll Island Authority Ordinance § 15-116, titled Outdoor Water Usage[4], a copy of which is attached and made a part of the minutes. The second and final reading of the ordinance will be held and considered for approval or rejection at the November 15, 2005 meeting. There being no discussion, a vote was held. Motion passed with no objections.
Under Old Business, Ms. Bonds presented information relating to the failure of Mr. Leslie Lurkin with Jekyll Oceanfront Resort to produce the required security deposit. Following communication with principles, Ms. Bonds requested a ten-day extension to allow Mr. Lurkin the opportunity to complete the process of obtaining required security deposit.
Ms. Kelley made a motion to approve a ten-day (business days) extension on the Notice of Default to allow lessee, Leslie Lurkin additional time to complete the process of obtaining required security deposit. Motion was seconded by Mr. Scheer. Motion carried with all in favor.
At the conclusion of action items, Mr. Donohue proceeded to present the Executive Director’s Report, which included the following information.
Jekyll Island Foundation: The Foundation Family Weekend raised $70K towards the $ 2M goal for the establishment of the Georgia Sea Turtle Rehab Center on Jekyll Island. Amount raised to date is $ 1.5M.
Financial: Revenue is down $ 750K and net income is down $ 500K as of Sept. Staff continues to make adjustments to staffing and expenditures so that by mid-year we are at the necessary budgeted bottom line. October revenues to-date are ahead of projected numbers.
FEMA Letter: Page 23 of reports contains letter informing of Jekyll Island Authority’s change to a Class 7 in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). This means that NFIP policies issued or renewed for properties in the Special Flood Hazard Areas beginning October 1, 2004, will receive a fifteen percent premium discount. It was noted that as a result of the Board’s adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, it may produce enough additional points to obtain an even better CRS classification, therefore resulting in higher flood insurance premium savings.
Master Plan Public Hearings: Two public hearings to receive feedback on the proposed Amendment to the Master
Plan were held in October. Good input was received. Public comments focused on the restructuring of residential leases
and the airport, south end and soccer complex redevelopment.
Draft Schedule of Meeting Dates for 2005: Two options presented for review on pages 31-34. Biggest change in the
months of July and August. Schedule 1 keeps meeting months the same as previous year. Schedule 2 alternates the July
and August meeting.
Articles: Highlighted various articles contained in board packet relating to the Sea Turtle Center, island redevelopment,
and the stranding of a shrimp boat.
Meeting: Mr. Lewis, Mr. Wood and Mr. Donohue met with John Watson, Governor’s Chief of Staff to introduce
preliminary plans of the Amendment to the Master Plan and Development Plan. Reported it was a good session and
good opportunity to provide update on Jekyll issues, which included the lease extension issue. Mr. Watson
recommended a meeting with Governor Perdue in the next month.
Mr. Lewis followed up with comments that the Legislative Committee will schedule a meeting in November to review legislative issues facing Jekyll Island.
Mr. Donohue concluded his report at 11:30 a.m. focusing attention on the board cover page featuring Mr. Johnny Paulk.
Chairman Williams thanked the Hotel and Legislative Committees for the continued work in their respective areas and expressed appreciation to Dr. Jones for the considerable time spent with legislative folks on the FEMA insurance issue (COBRA).
Chairman Williams then opened the meeting to public comments and referred to the sign-in sheet[5], a copy of which is attached and made a part of the minutes.
Mr. Eyler was recognized and spoke on the SPLOST tax issue and requested that members take action with legislators to address the tax relationship with Glynn County. Also commented that he would like to see a Jekyll resident serve on the Board. Mr. Eyler also spoke regarding the Consultant’s Report ( Proposed Amendment to Master Plan and supporting document). Disagreed with their statement that Jekyll Island residents get more than they give.
Chairman Williams responded to comments stating that board members have a clear understanding of the relationship between JIA, Glynn County and State. Also stated that the board will be following up on the tax issue as one of the legislative items.
Mr. Eyler offered to assist on this issue stating he had studied the complicated tax issue for many years.
Mr. Lewis was recognized and commented that the next decisions made will be 50-year decisions and as a result the board will proceed cautiously.
Chairman Williams thanked Mr. Eyler for his comments and recognized Mr. Van Hart.
Mr. Hart extended thanks to the board and invited all present to visit their new store opened in the Historic District, Just by Hand. Features mostly handmade local and American artists products.
Chairman Williams thanked Mr. Hart. There being no other members of the public signed up to address the board, Chairman Williams closed the public comments section of the meeting.
Chairman Williams spoke regarding the Proposed Amendment to the Master Plan stating that this document is a starting point. The consultant was hired to help clarify the direction the board may want to take. Gave assurance that the board and staff will be in complete agreement on any action taken. Stated that Jekyll Island must remain self-sufficient financially and some adjustments will need to be made in the future. All are in agreement with maintaining the 65/35 legislative mandate, but will have to look at other avenues to upgrade the island and generate needed revenues. Stated that citizens do have a say and the members of the board will listen. The board and staff are challenged with fiscal responsibilities as well as conservation preservation efforts. The decisions made will be made with the utmost respect for the island. They will always try to make decisions based on the best interest of the island as a whole.
JY Jones was recognized and spoke regarding the Citizens Association’s response to the Amendment to the Master Plan. Wanted to make it known that their comments have been heard and stated they made some very good points – not all of which he personally agrees with. Reassured that concerns will be addressed and noted an example of clearly laying out a definition of what is meant by a ‘mid-rise’ condominium.
There being no further business to discuss, Chairman Williams called for a motion to adjourn.
Mr. Scheer made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Wood to adjourn the October 18, 2004 meeting of the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________ ____________________
William A. Donohue Daniel
L. Williams, Jr.
Executive Director Chairman
Attachments