MINUTES
BELL BUOY COMMITTEE
January 5, 2009

Present:  Burley Lyons, Ray Archibald, Cheryl Van Metre, Archie Johnston, Linda Woods -  Drew Weeks and Charles Boozer were late in attendance

Cheryl Van Meter called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.  The minutes were approved as read after corrections were previously made.

Marina Interest: 

Mr. Johnston stated the sub committee had met with Dan Carter and Culvert Huffines and discussed the possibility of working with them.  They agreed they would be willing to work with the Bell Committee, but when asked what their monetary contribution would be to the project they stated they may be able to contribute $20,000 to $25,000 which would be received through mandatory assessment of the slip owners.  They then talked about the organization of the marina and it was evident there is a lot of flux in the organization.  The recommendation of the sub committee is that due to the lack of a clear simplified relationship between the town and those organizations and not a real excited willingness to contribute anything except maybe the $20,000 to $25,000, that we press on without the marina; but, that we do offer them the opportunity to look at the little section leading to the ramp and perhaps let them lease that from the town.  Any surveys or costs associated with that would be borne by the marina. 

Mr. Johnston, on behalf of the sub committee, motioned that we not enter into a contract with the marina associates at this time, but offer them the opportunity of leasing this corner which would contribute to easy access of their ramp.  Since the motion came from the sub committee, it does not need seconding.   Motion carried unanimously.

Cleaning/Clearing of Property:

Ms. Van Metre reported the cleaning and clearing of the property has been done by Larry Main and it looks good.  The tractor has sold for $1,000 and has been taken away. 

Mr. Archibald stated the selling of equipment will be looked at further in the near future.  He will get with Linda Woods and Bob Doub to set up something on that matter.

Permits for Clean Up and Fill: 

Ms. Woods stated that we executed an agreement with GEL last month to apply for permits with OCRM to fill , build the bulkhead and conform to the design we have been talking about.  There is nothing more to be done on that unless they need more input from us when they get into the permitting process.  GEL is waiting to hear from the committee before they apply for the permit for the dock rail system.  Maintenance can be done without a permit.  At this point, they are awaiting direction from the Town on the items to include a permit application to OCRM to complete the scope of work.  The work can be done in phases.  An RFP cannot be drawn up until the work is permitted.   

Ms. Woods motioned to have GEL apply for a dock permit to conform to what we are looking at in our Master Plan Phase One and Phase Two dated January, 2009.  Mr. Lyons seconded and carried with a five to one vote, with Mr. Archibald opposing.  Mr. Boozer was not in attendance yet.

What Grants are Available?

Ms. Woods stated she has sent a letter of intent for two (2) grants, one of which is for the Bell Property for up to $500,000.  If not awarded this year, then we apply again next year.  Her belief is that the application will be well received.

Appraisal of Buildings:

Ms. Van Metre asked the committee to review the two appraisals that were given to them, one being the shrimp house and the other the garage.  It was noted that Patrick Brown has worked out on the garage the scope of work and the kind of things that need to be done.  The appraised value for the garage came in at $67,500 and 50% of that is $33,750, so we know we can at least spend that amount.  Mr. Brown will take care of getting RFPs on the garage.

Mr. Johnston moved to request an RFP from the Building Department and that after receipt of the proposals they come back to the committee.  Mr. Lyons seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The seafood building was appraised at $94,600 of which 50% is $47,300.  Ms. Van Metre stated it was her opinion the building needs to be removed from the property.  She doesn’t believe it is in the right place visually for the park.  She thinks it would be wonderful to have a building, when we decide exactly what we want in it, moved over closer to the Pulaski home.  Ms. Weeks agreed and said she didn’t see an advantage to keeping it.  Mr. Archibald agreed, also.  He thinks the building has passed its time here at the beach.  Mr. Lyons stated that $47,300 wouldn’t do to the building what needs to be done to bring it up to code, so he also agrees.  Ms. Woods stated she would like to know what it would take to flood proof the building, and would it be feasible.  Patrick Brown stated the building could be flood proofed being a little easier to accomplish with the concrete walls.  Ms. Woods stated if it can be flood proofed, in an A-zone, we would not have to meet the substantial limit and we can do what we want to do.  Mr. Brown stated if it were flood proofed, it could still sit on the ground and the building would function, but  you are still looking at substantial improvements since every aspect has to meet the code.  He suggested we wait on the structural analysis before we decide anything.  Mr. Johnston stated his thoughts always have been that we need to keep the theme of the park that reflects Edisto and the shrimping industry, but what he is now seeing is that from the practical standpoint, we have to give up this dream and get rid of the building.  He suggested waiting on the structural integrity report also before making a decision. 

Ms. Weeks moved that because of the obstructive location and deplorable condition of the seafood house that it be removed from the property as soon as possible.  Mr. Archibald seconded and the motion failed with a 3/3 vote, being opposed by Messrs. Johnston and Lyons and Ms. Woods.  Mr. Boozer was still not in attendance at this time.

Report on Restrooms:

Ms. Van Metre stated the town has been given by Dwight Funderburk the architectural drawings of the restrooms.  She suggested going back to Mr. Tarkany and advising him of our intent to build restrooms of this size so he can plan exactly where he thinks the building should be placed on the property.  (Mr. Boozer is now in attendance.)  Ms. Weeks stated that she would like to go on record that we need to let Mr. Funderburk know how gracious he was in giving us the drawings without charge. 

Mr. Johnston moved that we recommend that council accept this architectural design as being the one we hope can be built on the property.  Ms. Weeks seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Woods stated when council agrees to this recommendation that at some point, someone needs to take some action to put it out for bid and get the job done.  Mr. Brown agreed to get the RFPs for this project also, if council agrees.  Ms. Woods suggested that perhaps a contractor would like to bid on both jobs at the same time and possibly get a better price if he is awarded both jobs. 

Mr. Johnston moved that we ask the building department to get an RFP for construction of the restrooms per the drawings we have on hand and to include the water and sewer connections and to combine that RFP with the RFP for the garage.  Mr. Archibald seconded and the motion carried unanimously. 

Master Plan:

Ms. Van Metre asked the committee to look at and approve the Complete Master Plan taking into consideration the potential of the seafood building being taken down, the potential of the corner being leased if the marina so wants and the council approves, and to understand that the restroom in proportion is a little bit bigger than what is showing on the plan.  At this time, there was discussion on the stage area, and Mr. Brown mentioned that any electrical outlets on the stage would have to be at flood level.    Mr. Archibald asked if we are trying to put too much on 1.16 acres of land and perhaps should the stage area be at the Jungle Road Park.  Mr. Lyons was of the same opinion.  Mr. Johnston thought the stage adds to the value of the park and should remain there.  Parking was also discussed at this time.  It was noted the town will have 76 parking spaces for the park.

Mr. Johnston moved that we present the Complete Master Plan to the council knowing that we have some changes in the plan such as the building and leasing and so forth.  Ms. Woods seconded and the motion carried with Mr. Archibald abstaining.

The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 10:00 am.

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 am.

Return to Home Page