JEKYLL ISLAND-STATE PARK AUTHORITY

Feburary 14, 2005                                                                                                                 

The Jekyll Island-State Park Authority met in public session on Monday, February 14, 2005 in Meeting Room 9 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on Jekyll Island, Georgia.  Meeting was called to order by Chairman Williams at 9:30 a.m.

 

Members Present:                     Dan Williams, Chairman

                                                Richard Wood, Vice Chairman

                                                J.Y. Jones, Secretary

Jack Collins

                                                Becky Kelley (conference phone)

                                                Tom Lewis      

                                                                                               

Members Absent:                     Daniel Halpern

Steve Scheer

 

Legal Counsel Present:  Alison Spencer, Assistant Attorney General

 

Staff Present:                            Bill Donohue, Executive Director

                                                Laura Bonds, Deputy Director/CFO

                                                Cindy McDonald, Executive Assistant

 

Various observers were present, which included Mr. DeBacker, Mr. Hart, Mr. McManus, Mr. Mirasola, Mr. Jeffries, and Mr. Morrison with Jekyll’s Golden Islander.

 

Mr. Donohue led a brief review of the agenda, beginning with general information items.  He announced Ms. Underwood’s resignation from board due to health reasons.  Copies of the FY04 Annual Report in the varying formats were distributed for review.  Mr. Donohue reported on the Volunteer Appreciation Reception held the previous evening and referenced the update on activities of each organization contained in the board report.  Reported that Jekyll Island hotels ended up with 80% occupancy from the Super Bowl.  Mentioned the upcoming U.S. Kids 3-day golf tournament and reviewed the various recognitions to be presented during the 11am session.

 

Ms. Bonds presented update on discussions and research regarding the lease amendment request for GISCO, Inc.

 

Discussion between members, legal counsel and staff included topics relating to dry stack storage operations, past history of board’s experience with lessee, traffic and right-of-way issues, revenue projections, property appraisal and terms of lease amendment.  Discussion of proposed lease terms included the clarification of authorized uses of property with specific language addressing the board’s desire for there to be no live entertainment on premises, change in fuel sales to allow sales to the general public, 10-year extension of lease for a total of 25 years, and base rent increase to full market value.

 

Mr. Donohue reviewed the purpose and status of the Conservation Plan, one of four modifications included in the Amendment to the Master Plan approved at the November 2004 meeting.  The Conservation Plan will create a long-term proactive plan for the management, preservation, and conservation of Jekyll Island’s 65% undeveloped land.  Reported that staff distributed a Request For Proposal (RFP).  The top three firms were selected and are scheduled to give a presentation on Thursday. 

 

Mr. Donohue reported on the status of COBRA issue, discussions with Congressman Kingston’s office and status of identification and mapping of Jekyll Island’s 35% developable land.  Established a completion date of March 14, 2005 board meeting for the mapping process in order that J.Y. Jones may include topic in meeting scheduled with Congressman Kingston in May.

 

Ms. Spencer updated members on Huddle House litigation reporting that a default letter was issued designating February 24, 2005 as date to cure default.  Advised that a new judge had been assigned to case as previous judge retired.  Further reported that additional documents have been prepared and are ready to file in order to keep this issue moving forward.

 

Mr. Donohue stated that preliminary discussions were held with the owner of Zachary’s Seafood seeking their level of interest in serving breakfast.  Mentioned an alternative of serving breakfast at Morgan’s Grill or Blackbeard’s for the spring season in order to fill void left by the closing of Huddle House.

 

Mr. Donohue reported on recent meeting between City of Brunswick, Glynn County, School Board, and Jekyll Island Authority.  Purpose of meeting was to update each other on potential growth and development and to discuss common interests. 

 

Mr. Donohue reported on meeting with Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDED) Board of Directors, which provided an opportunity to present an update on development concepts for Jekyll Island.  Concepts included the redevelopment of hotels, convention center, and recreational assets.

 

Mr. Williams advised of an upcoming meeting of the Georgia Conservancy and extended invitation to board members to attend.

 

Mr. Donohue referred to press release from Governor Perdue located on page E-21 of board report.  Subject of press release is legislation introduced to boost Georgia tourism.  The bill creates a new public-private foundation to maximize and consolidate Georgia’s tourism marketing efforts, attract more visitors and increase the industry’s economic impact throughout the state.  It was noted that Mr. Donohue was appointed to the board of the new Georgia Tourism Foundation.

 

Mr. Donohue proceeded with update on additional information items and included updates on the following.

 

Projects:  Update on Historic District Circulation Plan and completion of new bike path beginning at the service station.

 

Hotel Evaluations:  Reviewed summary of hotel evaluations, stating that seven of nine hotels scored above the 85% threshold.  The two properties that did not were the Buccaneer Beach Resort and Oceanside Inn & Suites. 

Communication with owners would follow regarding lease requirements and issue of lease default.

 

Development Company:  Laura Bonds met with a development company in Atlanta that expressed interest in the Buccaneer and Oceanside properties and referred them to appropriate contacts at Western United.  Conversations between the two companies have been initiated. 

 

Under Old Business, Mr. Donohue reported that the Authority has authorized various short-term agreements for the Georgia Coast Inn as an interim solution until island-wide development and design guidelines were created and approved.  While discussions in Atlanta have put this process on hold, he stated it may be necessary to move forward with establishing minimum guidelines / parameters in order that Mr. Holloway may move forward with development plans for this property to present for board consideration.  Ms. Spencer added that Mr. Holloway has expressed concern due to the length of time lapsed since the original agreement and concern with how much longer this process will take.

 

Following board discussion, Mr. Wood requested staff proceed with the process to establish island-wide development guidelines.  Mr. Donohue stated that staff would contact consultant, Cooper-Carey and identified March 14, 2005 board meeting as timeframe to produce a draft of design guidelines.

 

Reporting under Old Business, Mr. Donohue briefly reviewed the need to authorize the Chairman and Secretary to sign the necessary documents conveying remaining State Parks back to the State of Georgia.  The titles were temporarily transferred to Jekyll Island-State Park Authority in the 1960’s as a financing mechanism for the State Parks Department for major capital improvement projects at numerous State Parks.

 

Meeting recessed at 11:05 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2005.

 

Public session reconvened and meeting was called to order at 11:20 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2005 in Beachside Hall at the Jekyll Island Convention Center.

 

It was noted that Ms. Kelley was present via conference phone.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Collins to approve the agenda[1] as presented.  Mr. Lewis seconded motion.  Motion passed with no objections.

 

Chairman Williams and Mr. Donohue presented Faithful Service Awards to the following employees in recognition of their service to the State of Georgia and the Jekyll Island Authority.

Keith Alcantra, Golf Course Equipment Supervisor – 10 years

Nick Daniels, Sanitation Supervisor – 15 years

Timmy Head, Senior Assistant Golf Course Superintendent – 15 years

John Neidhardt, Senior Assistant Golf Course Superintendent – 20 years

Debra Wilkes, Manager – Welcome Center - 20 years

 

Mr. Collis Brown, State Coordinator for Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Floodplain Management Office and also representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) presented a brief review of Jekyll’s participation in the flood insurance program.  Mr. Brown stated that FEMA recognizes communities that go beyond the regular standards with a reduction in rates.  He announced that the Jekyll Island Authority improved its class rating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System to a Class 7.  This means that NFIP policyholders on Jekyll Island will receive a 15% premium discount for policies issued or renewed for properties in the Special Flood Hazard Areas, beginning October 1, 2004.  The average savings to each policyholder will be approximately $119 annually.  Mr. Brown congratulated the staff of the Jekyll Island Authority for their efforts and this accomplishment.

 

J.Y. Jones made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Collins to approve the minutes from the January 3, 2005 Jekyll Island-State Park Authority Board Meeting.  Motion was carried with all in favor.

 

Ms. Bonds requested board members authorize the Executive Director and

legal counsel to finalize lease amendment with Brent Thomas of GISCO,

Inc. that would include one 10-year lease extension, an increase of

percentage rent, and clearly defined authorized uses for the leased

property. 

 

There being no discussion, Mr. Collins made a motion to authorize the

Executive Director and legal counsel to finalize the lease amendment for

Brent Thomas of GISCO, Inc.  Lease amendment, [2]a copy of which is

attached and made a part of the minutes, would include one 10-year lease

extension term an increase of percentage rent, and clearly defined

authorized uses for the leased property.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Ms. Bonds requested approval of the second reading and adoption of the ordinance amending the licensing requirements and qualifications to sell liquor, malt beverages and wines on Jekyll Island.

 

Mr. Lewis made a motion, with a second by Mr. Collins to authorize the second reading and adopt the amendment[3] 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 and to provide that the regulation of the days of sale of alcoholic beverages on Jekyll Island shall not be in conflict with itself.  First reading of Amendment was held at the regular meeting of the Authority on January 3, 2005.  Motion passed with all in favor.

 

Stating that there had been no changes since first presented on January 3, 2005, Ms. Bonds recommended approval of the second reading and adoption of the Wellhead Protection Ordinance, prepared for the protection of public water wellheads on Jekyll Island.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Lewis and seconded by J.Y. Jones to authorize the second reading and adopt the Jekyll Island Authority Ordinance § 12-403[4], titled ‘Wellhead Protection Ordinance’, an ordinance prepared for the protection of public water wellheads on Jekyll Island. The first reading of the Wellhead Protection Ordinance was held at the regular meeting of the Authority on January 3, 2005.  Motion passed with no objections.

 

Mr. Donohue reviewed the two Coastal Incentive Grants applications. The first project submitted is for the rehabilitation of Jekyll Island Club Wharf for a total project cost of $95,000.  The amount of the grant is $47,500 with the balance to be matched by the Jekyll Island Authority.  The second grant, in the amount of $45,000 is sponsored by JIA on behalf of the Jekyll Island Foundation for the build out of the interpretive public education center within the Georgia Sea Turtle Center planned for the power plant building located in the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District.  The grant would be matched with $45,000 in private donations to the Jekyll Island Foundation for a total project cost of $90,000.

 

A motion was made by J.Y. Jones and seconded by Mr. Lewis granting authorization to submit applications for two Coastal Incentive Grants, a NOAA Grant Program administered by the DNR Coastal Resources Division.  The first grant application authorized is for the rehabilitation of Jekyll Island Club Historic Wharf in the amount of $47,500, which requires a 1:1 sponsor project match ($47,500) for a total project cost of $95,000.  Motion further granted authorization to submit application on behalf of the Jekyll Island Foundation for a Coastal Incentive Grant, in the amount of $45,000 for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and acknowledged grant requirement of a 1:1 sponsor project match ($45,000) for a total project cost of $95,000.  Motion further authorized the Executive Director to sign any and all necessary documents required in the application process.  Motion passed with all in favor.

 

Mr. Donohue requested approval to update signature authorizations for the bank accounts at The First Bank of Brunswick on Jekyll Island, which would also permit there being more than two check signers on the accounts in the event the primary signer(s) are unavailable.

 

Mr. Lewis made a motion to approve the update of signature authorizations at First Bank of Brunswick for all Authority bank accounts[5].  Authorized signers to include William A. Donohue, Laura J. Bonds, John D. Paulk III, and Eric J. Garvey.  Mr. Collins seconded motion. There being no discussion, a vote was held with all in favor.

 

Under Old Business, Mr. Donohue presented a review of the request for the reconveyance of State Park lands.  In review, Mr. Donohue explained that in the 1960’s, certain state park property was transferred to the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority (JISPA) as part of a financing mechanism for the State Parks Department (now Georgia Department of Natural Resources) for the purpose of financing construction projects.  The agreement provides that once lessees (State of Georgia and Department of State Parks) have paid all sums due, and at the request of lessee, the lessor (JISPA) will execute and deliver a quitclaim deed conveying property back to the State.  The board originally voted to convey the property back to the State of Georgia, with custody in the Department of Natural Resources at a regular meeting on November 2, 1998.  Following a review by the Attorney’s General’s office, it was determined that the necessary deeds had not been prepared, executed or processed.  In order to finalize the transfer of the remaining properties, Mr. Donohue recommended approval of request.

 

Mr. Collins made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Wood to reconfirm authorization to convey remaining State Parks back to the State of Georgia, whose titles were transferred to the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority in the 1960’s as a financing mechanism for the State Parks Department (Georgia Department of Natural Resources) to initiate major capital improvements at numerous State Parks.  It was noted that this action was previously approved by the Board at the November 2, 1998 meeting, and following extensive review by the Attorney General’s office, was determined that necessary deeds had not been prepared, executed or processed.  A copy of memo[6] dated February 10, 2005 from Alison L. Spencer with State of Georgia Department of Law regarding “Property titled in the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority in the custody of the Department of Natural Resources”, which contains a list of the state parks and historic sites involved is attached and made a part of the minutes.  Motion was carried with all in favor.

 

There being no further business items to discuss or take action upon, Mr. Donohue was recognized to present the Executive Director’s Report.

 

Board Resignation:  Announced the resignation of Ms. Underwood from the board due to health issues. 

 

Annual Report:  FY 04 Annual Report is complete and in the process of distribution.  Report is available in a CD format or the standard printed version.

 

Super Bowl Weekend:  Overall was a good weekend for Jekyll Island and a positive first week for February.

 

Volunteer Reception:  Excellent turnout at the reception on Sunday 2/13/05.  Volunteer organization participation involves over 800 individuals with a total value of donations / projects exceeding $300,000, 13,000 hours of work and 34 special events.  Expressed appreciation for all the volunteer work.  Expressed appreciation to Mr. Collins and J.Y. Jones for their attendance.

 

Projects:  Summarized status of various construction projects that included update on Clam Creek Picnic Area, Historic District Circulation Plan, Bike Path, and FEMA funded projects.

 

Huddle House:  Reported on the legal status stating the owners had been officially notified of default of lease.

 

U.S. Kids Golf Tournament:  Tournament scheduled for 2/18-2/21 with 366 entries ranging from 5 to 11 years of age.

 

Hotel Evaluations:  Seven out of nine hotels scored above the 85% minimum threshold.  The Buccaneer and Oceanside Inn and Suites scored below.  Staff will follow up with hotels and owners.

 

Financial:  Laura Bonds reported that staff is holding down costs and by the end of year, will meet budget.

 

Chairman Williams requested assistance from J.Y. Jones and Mr. Lewis in broaching subject of the severe shoaling problem in the intra-coastal waterway with Congressman Kingston’s office.  Stated that due to the severe problem with shoaling, vessels are not able to pass on low water.  The Corps of Engineers needs funding to perform much-needed dredging activities.  The intra-coastal waterway is one of the top 10 danger spots, with the waterway adjacent to the Jekyll Airport being number four.  Stated this problem is getting critical in some areas.

 

Referencing the sign in sheet for public comments[7], Brad Stewart was recognized to address the board.

 

Mr. Stewart made announcement for the benefit of the general public stating that an Episcopal Easter Sunday service would be held at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel in the Historic District and invited all to attend.

 

There being no other members signed up to address the board, Chairman Williams closed the public comments segment of the meeting.

 

Chairman Williams made an announcement that this would be his final meeting as a member of the Jekyll Island Authority Board.  He stated that in his seven years of service on the board, they had not accomplished all they had wanted, but that much progress had been made.

 

Following remarks by Mr. Lewis expressing words of praise for Mr. Williams, Mr. Donohue presented Mr. Williams with parting gifts as tokens of appreciation for his leadership and service to the board of the Jekyll Island Authority, JIA employees, businesses, and residents.

 

There being no additional business to discuss, a motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by J.Y. Jones to adjourn the February 14, 2005 meeting of the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

 

 

ATTEST:                                             APPROVED:

____________________                    ____________________

William A. Donohue                             Richard Wood

Executive Director                                Chairman

 

 

 

 

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