JEKYLL ISLAND-STATE PARK
AUTHORITY
January 3,
2005
The Jekyll Island-State Park Authority met in public session on Monday, January 3, 2005 in Meeting Room 9 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Meeting was called to order by Chairman Williams at 9:40 a.m.
Members Present: Dan Williams, Chairman
J.Y. Jones, Secretary
Jack Collins
Daniel Halpern
Becky Kelley
Steve Scheer
Linda Underwood
Members Absent: Richard Wood, Vice Chairman
Tom Lewis
Legal Counsel Present: Alison Spencer, Assistant Attorney General
(conference call)
Staff Present: Bill Donohue, Executive Director
Laura Bonds, Deputy Director/CFO
Cindy McDonald, Executive Assistant
Guests Present: Mr. Brent Thomas, Gisco Inc.
Mr. John Ferrelle, Attorney
It was noted that Ms. Spencer was present via conference phone beginning at 9:40 a.m.
Various observers were present, which included Mr. Hart, Mr. McManus, and Mr. Mirasola.
Mr. Donohue led a brief review of the agenda and initiated discussion relating to a request for an amendment to existing lease with Gisco, Inc. that would expand use of property from a limited service marina to a full-service marina and includes plans to dock The Emerald Princess Dinner and Casino Cruise Ship at this location.
Discussion between members, legal counsel and staff included topics relating to the proper uses for property, base rent structure, lease terms, appraised property value, market value of property, potential revenue impact, as well as matters relating a proposal to revise current ordinance governing issuance of liquor license.
At 10:20 a.m. Mr. Thomas of Gisco, Inc. and Mr. Ferrelle, attorney representing Mr. Thomas joined the meeting. Both were introduced and proceeded with a pictorial presentation utilizing three display boards. Presentation outlined progress over the previous five years and future plans for the leased property, which plans are subject to approval of the Board.
Discussion followed pertaining to current operations, office space and lessee, berthing fees, fuel sales and type sold, parking accommodations, concern regarding highway ingress and egress, road maintenance responsibility and Emerald Princess owners. Owners were identified as a closely held (Georgia) corporation of individuals, with some of the members being local. In closing, members requested Mr. Thomas furnish board and staff with detailed financial information on proposed expansion.
Mr. Thomas and Mr. Ferrelle exited the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
Brief discussion followed regarding proposed use of property and base rent. Request was made for staff to research and provide comparative information on comparable marine operations in the area.
Meeting recessed at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2005.
Public session reconvened and meeting was called to order at 11:10 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2005 in Beachside Hall at the Jekyll Island Convention Center.
It was noted that Ms. Spencer was present via conference phone.
A motion was made by Ms. Kelley to approve the agenda[1] as presented. Mr. Collins seconded motion. Motion passed with no objections.
Mr. Halpern made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Jones to approve the minutes from the 11/10/04 Jekyll Island-State Park Authority Legislative Committee Meeting and the 11/15/04 Jekyll Island-State Park Authority Board Meeting. Motion was carried with all in favor.
Mr. Donohue summarized activity and discussions held regarding the lease amendment request for existing lessee, Brent Thomas of GISCO, Inc. and his legal counsel John Ferrelle. Requested authorization for staff to continue to work with Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ferrell, and Ms. Spencer to finalize negotiations for an amendment on the existing lease with appropriate terms and permitted uses based on variable rents and percentage rents for presentation to the board at the February meeting. Staff will also provide the additional information requested by board to include comparative rate information on similar marine operations and projected revenue information.
Mr. Halpern made a motion to authorize staff and legal counsel to proceed with negotiations with Mr. Thomas of GISCO, Inc. with the condition that Mr. Thomas supply necessary financial information in a timely manner to allow for a thorough assessment of the proposed expanded uses of the leased property in order for staff to make a recommendation for board action at the February 14, 2005 meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. Scheer. Motion carried unanimously.
In a related matter, Mr. Donohue reviewed the purpose of the proposed amendment to Article II of Chapter XVI under Part IV of the Code. Mr. Donohue stated that this amendment was originally discussed and action deferred at the November 15, 2004 board meeting to allow additional information to be collected on the matter. With the additional information being provided, Mr. Donohue requested authorization of the first reading.
Mr. Halpern made a motion, with a second by Mr. Scheer to authorize the first reading of the proposed amendment to Article II of Chapter XVI under Part IV of the Code to provide that applicants may apply and qualify for a license for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages on cruise ships for on-premises consumption. [2]Amendment is proposed for adoption at the regular meeting of the Authority on February 14, 2005. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mr. Donohue recognized Mr. Ronnie Smith, Senior Director of Facilities, Engineering and Construction to review the next agenda item, titled Wellhead Protection Ordinance. Mr. Smith reviewed the origin, purpose and basic content of ordinance. Mr. Donohue extended thanks to John Day, Superintendent of Water and Wastewater Departments for his contributions in the writing of ordinance. Mr. Donohue recommended approval of the first reading of the Wellhead Protection Ordinance.
A motion was made by Mr. Scheer and seconded by J.Y. Jones to authorize the first reading of the Jekyll Island Authority Ordinance
§ 12-403[3], an ordinance prepared for the protection of public water wellheads on Jekyll Island and is proposed for adoption at the regular meeting of the Authority on February 14, 2005. Motion passed with no objections.
Ms. Bonds reviewed the issues involved with Walter Alexander, lessee of 7 Perkins Avenue whose property was destroyed by fire on April 14, 2003. She explained that the property is no longer eligible for federally subsidized insurance per the 1990 Coastal Barrier Resource Act. Since flood insurance is required to obtain financing and the Jekyll Island Authority lease requirements assign a period of two years for rebuilding destroyed property, Ms. Bonds recommended a two-year extension to the time to rebuild upon the property. Staff will continue to work toward a resolution with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Congressman Kingston’s office on this issue.
Mr. Collins made a motion to authorize a two-year extension to Walter Alexander, lessee of 7 Perkins Avenue Jekyll Island on the time to rebuild upon the property at 7 Perkins Avenue, which was destroyed by fire on April 14, 2003. Extension is authorized due to complications resulting from the enactment of the 1990 Coastal Barrier Resource Act. Ms. Kelly seconded motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Donohue reviewed status of progress on efforts to have Jekyll Island’s designation reclassified under the Coastal Barrier Resource Act (COBRA) and advised that a draft of the Bill to be introduced by Congressman Kingston was available. It was noted that COBRA was enacted to add a layer of federal protection to lands ‘already held for conservation or public recreation purposes by Federal, State or local agencies’. Ms. Bonds reviewed results of communications with Congressman Kingston’s office and with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), which began in 2003. Following board discussion, Ms. Bonds requested clarification on members’ preference in requesting the removal of all of Jekyll controlled property or the 35% developable land from the USFWS map.
Consensus was reached among members that the removal of Jekyll Island in its entirety from the Otherwise Protected Area (OPA) designation would probably be the least complicated method and therefore preferred, but that staff should ultimately follow the recommendation and direction of U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston and his staff.
Ms. Bonds reviewed the request to renew the lease with T-Mobile for their cellular equipment at Water Tower #3. The original lease dated July 1, 1996 expired on December 31, 2004. The new lease will contain new standard language for cellular antenna leases and be in accordance with the current market rates on Jekyll Island. Ms. Bonds further noted that included in the new lease would be accommodations for improved cellular coverage inside the Convention Center.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Scheer and seconded by Mr. Halpern to authorize lease terms with T-Mobile, existing lessee, for the cellular antenna equipment at Water Tower #3 in the amount of
$30,000 for the original term of years one through five, and $34,500 for the first renewal term of years six through ten. [4]Lease includes standard language for cellular antenna leases in accordance with current market rates on Jekyll Island. Motion carried with no objections.
There being no old business to discuss or take action upon, Mr. Donohue was recognized to present Executive Director’s report.
Community Involvement: Mr. Donohue reviewed the Authority’s community involvement activities during the months of November and December, which included participation in the Brunswick Christmas Parade, landscaping work at International Seaman’s House on Colonel’s Island, assisting students at Burroughs-Molette Elementary in shopping at PTA Christmas Store, USMC Toys for Tots Program, and the “Any Soldier” Program (www.anysoldier.com).
Projects: Summarized status of various construction projects that included update on the 4-mile roadway resurfacing project, storm damage projects and reimbursement from FEMA, drainage pipe replacement on Captain Wylly Road, installation of dog waste station material at crossovers. Also reviewed were the initiation of improvements at Clam Creek, which include restriping of parking lots, relocation of horses and a new rest station.
Marketing: Remarked on the multiple articles featuring Jekyll Island, with particular attention to an article that appeared in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that highlighted Holiday Island on Jekyll Island and resulted in $739,214 in media equivalency. Reported that the 2nd Annual U.S.
Kids Jekyll Island Cup golf tournament registrations have exceeded expectations to date. Registrants are from across the United States, including Hawaii.
Operations: Expressed appreciation to the volunteers and staff for the Christmas decorations in the Historic District. Complimented campground management and staff for their great job resulting in continued increase in business.
Foundation: Reported on the recent visit by Congressman Kingston to the proposed Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the guidance given to staff as to the process for submitting request to his office for funding.
At the completion of report, Chairman Williams congratulated staff on the wonderful display of Christmas lights.
There being no members of the public signed up to address the board, Chairman Williams closed the public comments segment of the meeting[5].
There being no additional business to discuss, a motion was made by Mr. Scheer and seconded by Mr. Jones to adjourn the January 3, 2005 meeting of the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________ ____________________
William A. Donohue Daniel
L. Williams, Jr.
Executive Director Chairman