Tybee considers changes to city’s building code Savannah Morning News Party of this house on Tybee Island extends about 18 inches past the allowed boundary, so it can not be sold. The situation is one example of why the city … and more

The city of Tybee Island is conducting an emergency readiness exercise this week with the Chatham Emergency Management Authority.

Read more:
Tybee’s ‘Hurricane Gilligan’ training exercise under way

Tybee Island, GA, (Posted July 11, 2010) – Tybee police have found an affordable way to help rule out uncertainty when piecing together confrontations involving officers in wake of May tasar incident… will afford better evidence and accountability… read the Savannah Morning News story by Arek Sarkissian II.

Tybee council postpones parking changes Savannah Morning News An ordinance that would limit the use of Tybee Island’s $100 parking decals was sent back to a committee for revisions Thursday night. … and more

It’s a problem just about everywhere, from the tourist hotspots to the beaches, parking! There are too many cars and too few spaces.  The City has a plan. However, what they’re proposing might help the visitors, but isn’t sitting well with some of the locals.

See the original post:
Proposed parking changes could help tourists, but hurt locals

MAKING THE CASE!

By Dr. Jerry Williams

As Tybee Island continues to enjoy an increasing number of visitors, the traffic issues on Highway 80 only continue to grow and with that growth, the task of promptly transporting injured or critically ill patients off of the island becomes more of a problem.  Never was this more evident than this Memorial Day weekend when a critically injured patient could not be transported by ground to Memorial University Medical Center due to the heavy traffic on Highway 80.

Tragically, the patient died before the helicopter arrived.

Many perhaps do not realize that the helicopter air ambulance, LifeStar, is no longer based at Memorial’s main campus just off Waters Avenue and the Truman Parkway, but is now based at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport since the operation and ownership of the helicopter was taken over by OmniFlight.  The average response time is 18-20 minutes with a flight time of approximately 13 minutes plus a 5-7 minute lift off from time of dispatch.  This change in location adds approximately 5 minutes to an average response to Tybee Island compared to the previous location at Memorial University Medical Center.

In 2009, LifeFlight was called to Tybee Island 12 times, but was only able to come 4 times.  There are many very legitimate reasons why only 1/3  of the calls resulted in the helicopter arriving at Tybee.  Weather, mechanical issues and other emergency calls can all prevent the helicopter from being able to respond to a particular call and location. While Tybee is quite well-prepared for a hurricane emergency, we lack vital options for basic emergency care in the case of a critical illness or traumatic injury when transportation off the island is hindered by road or by air.  Multiple injured patients, such as could occur in an accident during a heavily visited time, such as July fourth weekend, could easily overwhelm the ambulance or ambulances on Tybee.

Then what?

An Emergency Stabilization Unit that would be equipped with all necessary medical equipment and supplies to care for 3 basic patient scenarios is desperately needed on Tybee.  Sudden cardiac events, such as heart attacks, near-drownings and traumatic injuries should be able to be managed using nationally recognized standard medical protocols where the patient or patients can be maintained and hopefully stabilized while transportation issues can be resolved. Using space already available on Tybee at the old school building at Memorial Park and with a commitment from Memorial University Medical Center to provide decommissioned medical equipment at zero cost, the Unit could be up and running quickly.

The center of Memorial Park is already a designated helicopter landing zone.  The presence of the fire department adds critical resources and manpower to this location.  With around the clock coverage already ably provided by MedStar with a Paramedic and EMT, coupled with first-responders and doctors and nurses that call Tybee home, an Emergency Stabilization Unit could save lives and improve outcomes of critically ill or injured patients.

The time is NOW to address this need.  Basic emergency medical care will only improve our standard of living for full and part-time Tybee residents, while improving our standing as a world-class vacation destination.  Making “The Healthiest Beach in America” a safer place to visit is critically important to our guests as well.

Jerry Williams, MD

The Beach Doc
912-308-0444

Tybee Island, GA

By Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Coordinator

May/June “Third Thursdays” Update

June’s Third Thursdays on Tybee was from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at the Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout featuring THE VIGUBA TRIO.  Peter Berquist on Bass and Bruce Spradley on guitar were joined by Jody Espina on sax / flute and brought their musical talents with an emphasis on jazz standards.

May’s concert also took place at the roundabout and listeners very much seemed to enjoy the performance by Savannah duo Darryl E. Van Horne and Megan Panther.

If anyone would like to be a sponsor or contribute to continue Third Thursdays on Tybee please. contact Chantel Morton for information.

Tybee Island Information Providers

Another exciting movement on the Island is the beginning of a pilot program – Tybee Island Information Providers!  This BHT start up program is designed for locals to share your Tybee passion and assist visitors in the Southern portion of the Business Corridor.  You’ll be helping with questions about shopping, dining, parking, and sightseeing activities during our busiest “in season” times.  What a wonderful way for you to volunteer and socialize at the same time!

Plus, kids can earn Community Service hours.  There will be an orientation soon with those wanting to volunteer, so let me know if you want to help share your Island knowledge with our guests.

Remember, while you are out enjoying this island paradise, “Buy Local Tybee”.

Tybee has over 35 cool spots to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger; more than 30 shops to find everything you must have from beach towels to whimsical art to sandwich fixings and personal services from dental care to banking and remember to take advantage of the variety of natural and cultural experiences from the waterways to high in the sky. It’s all right here on Tybee! Please feel free to contact members of the Better Hometown Board of Directors or me with suggestions, concerns, or to help.

Contact information for the Board can be found on the City of Tybee Island’s website.

Here’s to you and the whimsy of Tybee!

Chantel Morton
912.844.9771, EXT 123
cmorton@cityoftybee.org

Notices from the City Of Tybee Island:

1. Community Resource Committee Applicants sought: The Mayor and City Council of Tybee Island are considering applicants for the Community Resource Committee. Community Resource Committee members serve three year terms.

2. Seeking Ethics Commission Applicants: The Mayor and Council continue to seek applicants for the Ethics Commission.

(Visit the City’s website at cityoftybee.org for more details about the position and how to apply.)

Please, submit resumes to Vivian Woods, City Clerk or assistant Denise Woodard – appointments will continue by Council until all vacancies are filled.

Sec. 2-26?. Community Resource Committee – The City of Tybee is seeking applicants to fill positions on the CRC per the following guidelines:
(a)  Creation. There is created a Tybee Island Community Resource Committee.

(b)  Purpose. The purpose of the Tybee Island Community Resource Committee shall be to promote a more sustainable community through energy efficiency, water conservation, food security and efficient transportation.

(c) Membership. The Community Resource Committee shall consist of not less than ten (10) or more than twenty (20) members appointed by the mayor and council. Such appointees being selected on the basis of their knowledge and interest in creating a sustainable community shall serve three-year terms.

(d) Functions and duties. The Community Resource Committee shall: Ensure that Tybee Island’s sustainability efforts are a source of beauty, pride and abundance – not deprivation; Establish a baseline for energy/water use and develop an ecological footprint analysis as an improvement measurement system; Offer the city guidance and recommendations for implementing sustainable practices in city workplaces; Promote locally generated and distributed energy by renewable sources; Report on project outcomes to the mayor and council; Identify ways of “incentivizing” energy and water efficiency for Tybee citizens; Identify ways of incentivizing energy, water efficiency and green building practices for the future development of Tybee; Identify and promote low carbon and non-motorized transportation methods.  Encourage use of low impact transportation methods by developing safe multi-use paths including unopened city right of ways; Promote eco-tourism; Promote community gardens, fishing, and local food production thereby increasing food security; Promote an awareness of the reduction in our eco-footprint with educational campaigns to motivate citizen action; Lobby state, federal and private entities on behalf of the city’s sustainable energy program.

(e) Administration. The Community Resource Committee shall elect one of its members as chair and one member as vice-chair and may elect as its secretary one of its own members or, with the approval of the mayor and council, may appoint as secretary an employee of the city.

(f) Rules of procedure. The Community Resource Committee may establish rules, bylaws, and regulations not inconsistent with the city charter, ordinances or law, as it deems appropriate and necessary for the fulfillment of its duties or the conduct of its affairs. Copies of such rules, bylaws, and/or regulations shall be filed with the clerk of council.

(g) Meetings. Meetings of the committee shall be scheduled as directed by the chair or the     membership. All meetings shall comply with the Georgia Open Meetings Act (O.C.G.A. Sec. 50-14-1 et seq.)

(For more information or applications contact the Clerk of Council’s Office at VWoods@cityoftybee.org)

Proposed Ordinance on Golf Carts:

A new city ordinance introduced by Councilman Frank Schuman allowing golf carts to be used for transportation on Tybee will be up for council approval on Thursday, May 13th. The ordinance stipulates that such golf carts must be registered with the city, have head lights, tail lights, brake lights and seat belts, horns, and an amber flashing light on top (carts may eventually also be approved for nighttime use, but not at this time). Cart traffic on Butler Avenue and Hwy. 80 will be prohibited, but designated cross overs will allow cart operators to traverse both. Jones Avenue will be totally accessible. All carts will be permitted through the City of Tybee’s police department and will require proper decals. Operators will need a valid driver’s license and insurance.

May 2010

May’s question: How much does the City pay for lifeguards?

Great question!

First off, the guards are technically called “Ocean Rescue” staff because they do much more than traditional “lifeguards” who normally patrol a swimming pool.  They receive their funds from the City of Tybee Island and are funded through the Fire Department’s budget.  For the last few years, the City has been spending about $350,000 a year on our Ocean Rescue operations.  Last year, thanks to support from our County Commissioner, Pat Farrell, and the support of the entire Chatham County Commission, the County chipped in $10,000 to help pay for additional Ocean Rescue staff on busy holidays and special events.  We also received a rescue boat recently from the Savannah-Chatham County Metropolitan Police Department at no charge.

While $350,000 sounds like a lot of money and is almost three times what was spent on Ocean Rescue a few years ago, keep in mind that the increase in this budget item was concurrent with a 50% increase in parking rates (from $1.00 to $1.50 an hour).  The Ocean Rescue staff keeps very detailed statistics and an analysis of their data reveals that Tybee folks very rarely need to be rescued.  Turns out Tybee citizens are pretty good swimmers.  So it makes sense that our parking revenue covers the of beach safety.  And while this is a service that rarely benefits our citizens, we do have an obligation to provide a safe experience for our visitors.

We continue to work on obtaining additional county and state support for our Ocean Rescue services but recognize that the current fiscal climate in not conducive to obtaining funds from other governmental entities.

Thanks for the question.

Until next month,
Jason Buelterman

Send questions to “Ask the Mayor,” City of Tybee Island, P.O. Box 2749, Tybee Island, GA 31328, or e-mail them with an “Ask the Mayor” header to buelterman@hotmail.com.

By Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Coordinator

May is National Preservation Month! The theme this year is “Old is the New Green!”  Tybee has seen much change over the years and we all know preservation is good for the community and the bottom line.  Preservation also plays an extremely important role in long term development planning for sustaining the environment and economy.  All of the Island’s historic homes – whether officially on the National Register or not – should be appreciated for their original beauty and impact on keeping Tybee’s heritage alive.

Historic home / building owners are the front lines of protecting the places that matter.  So, when you see one of these individuals, share with them your appreciation for what they do to preserve their property and for reinvesting in our community.

The second Better Hometown Initiative Community “Visioning Workshop” was held in April.  Everyone that came was presented with what your Board of Directors and Committees have accomplished while focusing on the 4-points for Tybee’s businesses, residents and guests over the past year.  Economic Development within the context of Historic Preservation is an ongoing process which benefits your community.  By continuing to work together and pulling our resources, we can be even more effective.  Feedback we received from attendees and survey responders is helping us with the work plans for continued positive improvements throughout the corridor for the better of the Island.

Most recently, you have been introduced to “Keep Tybee Tidy!”  Fliers with this message are posted in store and restaurant windows to let people know litter is not acceptable.  Respect for our Island is important and getting the message out there will help keep litter off the streets and beach with your help.

April’s Third Thursdays on Tybee was another success with Lacey Caldwell performing at the Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout on April 15th.  Lacey’s award winning vocals entertained and amazed all that came down front to hear her.  The series, brought to you by Tybee’s Better Hometown Initiative these past three months, was made possible by the City of Tybee, Georgia Council for the Arts, the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs/Leisure Services Bureau and generous contributors.  Below, listeners gather at the roundabout on April 15th.

Third Thursdays” RETURN! May 20th, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Tybrisa/Strand Roundabout Featuring MEGAN PANTHER & DARRYL VAN HORNE Come out and enjoy! (A TBHT Presentation)

Because you have been sharing in the “Listener’s Delights” and wanting more, THIRD THURSDAYS ON TYBEE will continue!  That’s right, look for another listener’s delight at the Roundabout May 20th starting at 5:30pm featuring Megan Panther and Darryl Van Horne – a dynamic singer and producer/songwriter duo from the Savannah area.  If you would like to become a sponsor or contribute to see Third Thursdays on Tybee continue, please contact me for information.

Remember, while you are out enjoying this island paradise, “Buy Local Tybee.” Tybee has over 35 cool spots to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger; more than 30 shops to find everything you must have from beach towels to whimsical art to sandwich fixings and personal services from hair care to transportation and automotive care!  While you are enjoying the Island life, remember to take advantage of the variety of natural and cultural experiences from the waterways to high in the sky. It’s all right here on Tybee!

Keep enjoying the whimsy of Tybee, and we’ll see you at the Roundabout!

Chantel Morton
912.844.9771, EXT 123
cmorton@cityoftybee.org