Tybee Island Beach Task Force
Minutes: June 19, 2014
Members Present: Harvey Ferrelle, Sam Adams, Freda Rutherford, Michael Foran, Amy
Lanier, Helen Downing, Jimmy Burke, Joe Richardson, John Wylly, Lisa
Callahan, and Cathy Lewis
Visitors/Ex-Officios Present:
CALL TO ORDER:
Jason Buelterman, Paul Wolff, Bill Garbett, Monty Parks,
Wanda Doyle, Dan Parrott, and Spencer Davis
Harvey Ferrelle called the meeting to order at 12:00PM.
Freda Rutherford made a motion to approval of minutes from March 20, April17, and May 15,
2014. John Wylly seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Mayor Buelterman joined the meeting via telephonic conference.
Mr. Ferrelle introduced the guests and asked Mr. Davis to introduce Mr. Mike Wulkowski,
Coastal Engineer, Wilmington District, and COE who has been involved with dune design and
construction.
Mr. Davis reported that the COE is awaiting federal funds prior to moving forwarded with the
process for the re-nourishment. Funds have been allocated from Tybee Island as well as the
State. He anticipates federal funding and is still checking on a daily basis for status. Mr. Wolff
asked if the money does not become available for this fiscal year will there be a possibility that
it would be in the FY2015 budget. Mr. Davis responded no as there is no allocation for the
2015 budget.
Mr. Wutkowski presented a short video regarding engineered beaches and dune templates. He
gave a brief report regarding dunes in relationship to benefits, construction, cost and
crossovers. Mr. Wulkowski stated that dunes protect on two levels: (1) hurricane storm surge
level and (2) secondary protection, over-wash over the berm. He further explained all the
benefits of the dunes and gave specific examples through diagrams from major hurricanes.
(full presentation attached). Mayor Buelterman stated that he learned from the communities
that dealt with Hurricane Sandy: if you have gaps in the dunes it will be problematic as the
water breaches the dunes. There was a discussion regarding the building of the dunes and
their benefits. Ms. Callahan asked if it wasn’t the intent of the presentation to educate
residents that sand fencing can be installed as well as other stabilizing components. She
suggested that the Beach Task Force needs to educate the community as to the importance of
the dunes and sand fencing. Mr. Ferrelle confirmed. Mayor pro tem Doyle stated that this
should be included in the Beach Management Plan and would like to know the status. She
stated that once the Plan is approved and put in place, it will give direction for Tybee’s beach.
Mr. Ferrelle responded that the Beach Management Plan should be finished sometime during
the summer. A discussion ensured regarding the rebuilding of the dunes and berms. Mr. Wolff
asked if the City could put mobi-mats at the end of every crossover, laying them over the dune
and as the dune grew, move the mats back. Mr. Wutkowski said that could be a solution.
Mayor Buelterman asked how does the section of WRDA regarding 15 years for the City’s
project play into the dunes and berms. Mr. Davis replied that request would have to come from
the local interest as he understands the language in WRDA, requesting an extension to the
project life as the City is tied to the current life. He further stated that the issue is the City is
tied to the current authorization of a 40 foot berm and seven years advance nourishment.
Mayor Buelterman then asked what the risk might be if the City were to try and get a new
authorization. Mr. Davis stated that the risk the City takes with a new authorization is that it
may or may not happen. Mayor Buelterman stated that there was a document distributed by
FEMA regarding the impact dunes would have on flood insurance and it is not clear. It stated
that the City needs to have a continuous line of “high” dunes to receive credits for lower flood
insurance rates. The document does not define “high” and asked Mr. Davis his interpretation.
Mr. Davis responded that it is a matter of engineering as if you build the dunes to a certain
height; they may have to widen that dune to provide the same protection where if you build the
dune to higher elevation it would not have to be as wide. Mr. Wutkowski summarized stating
the dunes provide protection during big events thus very important. Mr. Wolff then asked Mr.
Wutkowski his opinions of t-shaped groins. Mr. Wutkowski responded that t-shaped groins are
good as long as they are designed properly and incorporate the adjacent shoreline impact
considerations. There was a discussion regarding the groins and their advantages in
relationship to the hot spots. Helen Downing spoke about the growing dunes on her property
noting that sometimes you have to forego the view for the dune protection. Mike Foran
recommended the City put up sand fencing immediately upon the completion of the renourishment. The Beach Task Force members agreed.
Lisa Callahan recommended that the Beach Task Force should put out a public notice reminding
residents how important the dunes and sand fencing are to the Island and public safety.
Mayor pro tem Doyle reminded the Beach Task Force that the Beach Management Plan needs
to be completed as it will set guidelines for dunes, sand and the beach. She offered her
assistance if needed. Mr. Ferrelle stated that the Beach Management Plan should be completed
by the end of summer and at the time will be sent the DNR for their approval.
Being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:30PM.