Posted by Town of Dauphin Island on March 25, 2002 at 14:28:28:
The Town Crier
The “Official” News of Dauphin Island
Issue #15, May 2000
In an effort to keep the citizens of Dauphin Island better informed, the Mayor and Town Council plan on distributing The Town Crier at the end of each month. Our goal is to highlight the council meetings and other newsworthy events. This is not intended as a substitute for attending public meetings in person. Council Meetings are normally held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 PM. The council meetings for June are scheduled for Tuesday, June 6th and Tuesday, June 20th. We look forward to seeing you there.
BERM UPDATE
Work on building the berm is well underway. We now need to look at preserving the berm. Experts believe that the priorities for maintaining the berm are as follows:
1. First, build walkovers. Walkovers will help discourage people from walking directly on the berm. Walkways are currently being constructed at every Property Owners Association easement and Town through streets on the West End and are included in the funding of the berm. Property owners who wish to have a walkover at their property may do one of the following:
a) Make a $1200.00 tax-deductible donation to the Dauphin Island Foundation. The Foundation’s contracted builder will build a walkover on that property from plans that have been pre-approved after the Town Inspection Department has approved the location.
b) Build their own walkover by choosing one of three designs that have been pre-approved by ADEM. You may obtain a copy of the three designs by contacting Dauphin Island Town Hall at 861-5525 or you may view them online at www.dauphinisland.net/berm. The property owner will have to obtain a building permit and receive approval from the Town Building Inspection Department. The Town Council will wave the permit fee provided the walkover is constructed within 90 days after the completion of the berm project.
c) If a property owner prefers to create their own design for a walkover, the plans may be submitted to the Town Building Inspection Department who will in turn submit them to ADEM for approval. This will require more time for approval. The property owner will have to obtain a building permit and receive approval from the Town Building Inspection Department. The Town Council will wave the permit fee provided the walkover is constructed within 90 days after the completion of the berm project.
2. Next, erect dune fencing. Erecting of the dune fencing is recommended on the north and south sides of the berm. ADEM guidelines state the fencing on the south (Gulf side) of the berm must be in a zigzag configuration. This design is thought to be more advantageous for sand growth and retention than the traditional straight-line design. On the north side of the berm, property owners are free to use other fencing designs
3. Finally, plant dune vegetation. This will create a natural anchor for the sand. Those wanting to plant sea oats on their own can obtain a list of vendors and upcoming sales by calling Town Hall or visiting online at www.dauphinisland.net/berm. The Dauphin Island Water and Sewer Authority has offered to issue a device that will allow property owners to water their vegetation and pay only for the water without a sewer fee.
The future of Dauphin Island is dependent on all of the property owners working together to save the place we love!
IDLE SPEED ZONES FOR ALABAMA GULF COAST: The Alabama Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources has passed emergency Regulation 2000-MP-1 (Marine Police) entitled “Idle Speed Zones For Certain Gulf Waters” effective May 25, 2000 to September 22, 2000. An “idle speed zone” has been established for all motorized vessels operated in the following areas: (1) from the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico to the southernmost edge of the first sand bar located seaward of the shoreline in that area, extending from the Florida line westward beyond Fort Morgan to the westward end of the island; provided however, such area shall not include the area of Perdido Pass south of the bridge; and (2) from the south shoreline of Dauphin Island southward for a distance of 100 yards from the shoreline in that area, extending from Ft. Gaines westward to the end of the island. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft, in excess of idle speed within the above-described “idle speed zones”. Idle speed is defined as the slowest speed at which a vessel or watercraft can be operated and maintain steerage. The penalty for the violation of this regulation shall be a Class C misdemeanor.
PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 13th: The Planning Commission of Dauphin Island has called a public hearing for June 13th at 5:00 p.m. at Town Hall. The topic of discussion will be on the proposed amendment to the House Number Ordinance. If you have any questions, call Town Hall.
ELECTION INFORMATION: The Primary Election is June 6, 2000. You may vote from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Old Town Hall located on Lackland St. next to the Street, Police, and Fire Departments.
For those interested candidates running for Dauphin Island Mayor or Town Council, you may qualify from July 5, 2000 to July 18, 2000. You may pick up information at Town Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.
FEATURED TOWN ORDINANCE: With elections fast approaching, this month’s featured Town Ordinance is Zoning Ordinance 19-e. Section 6A of this ordinance addresses political signs on Dauphin Island.
Political signs may be no more than two (2) feet by four (4) feet in size and may not exceed more than one (1) sign per candidate per property. Political signs must be removed within seventy-two (72) hours after the polls close for that particular election and subsequent run-off elections or until their condition warrants removal/replacement whichever occurs first. Political signs may not be put on display sooner than sixty (60) days prior to the first election.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 10-11, 2000 Dauphin Island School Fishing Rodeo. Tickets are available in Mobile, Bayou La Batre and at Dauphin Island businesses. Prizes include a seven day vacation on Dauphin Island, $200.00 largest Spade fish, $500.00 largest mystery fish, $200.00 largest Bee-Liner $1,000.00 Master Angler Award and door prizes each night at the close of scales. For more information, you may call Town Hall at 861-5525 or Woody Steiner at 861-3101.
Sunday, June 25th the island will say farewell to Reverend A. Ellis Wilkins of St. Francis Episcopal Church who is retiring at the end of June 2000. There will be a reception in his honor in the Parish Hall on Sunday, June 25th at 11:30 a.m. following church services. Everyone is invited.
BURN BAN IN EFFECT
The State of Alabama has issued a statewide no burn order effective May 1, 2000 – September 30, 2000.
If you have comments or questions regarding this newsletter, please contact Shannon Lee at Town Hall at 861-5525.
We also welcome news of upcoming events. Any news you have should be submitted to the Town Crier by the 20th of the month.