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2009-09-01CITY OF OKEECHOBEE SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor: September 1, 2009, City Council Regular Meeting; 6:00 p.m. II. OPENING CEREMONIES: Innovation given by Rev. James Dawson, First United Methodist Church: Pledge of Allegiance led by the Mayor. III. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - City Clerk. Mayor James E. Kirk Council Member Lowry Markham Council Member Mike O'Connor Council Member Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Council Member Clayton Williams City Administrator Brian Whitehall City Attorney John R. Cook City Clerk Lane Gamiotea Deputy Clerk Melisa Jahner Police Chief Denny Davis Fire Chief Herb Smith Public Works Director Donnie Robertson IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - Mayor. A. Present a Five -Year Service Award to Melisa Jahner. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION PAGE 10F 7 Mayor Pro-Tempore Watford called the September 1, 2009 Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The invocation was offered by Reverend Dawson of the First United Methodist Church; Followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Pro-Tem Watford. City Clerk Gamiotea called the roll: Absent Present Present Present (serving as Mayor Pro-Tempore) Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Mrs. Melisa Jahner graciously accepted, a Longevity Service Certificate and engraved cross pen. from Mayor Pro-Tem Watford, in recognition of completing 5-years of employment. 1 343 V. MINUTES - City Clerk. A. Motion to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Council Action for the August 18, 2009 Regular Meeting. VI. AGENDA - Mayor. A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today's agenda. VII. OPEN PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE ADOPTION - Mayor. A. 1. a) Motion to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1047- regarding Street Closing Petition No. 09-001-SC - City Attorney (Exhibit 1). b) Vote on motion to read by title only and set final public hearing date. c) City Attorney to read proposed Ordinance No. 1047 by title only 2. a) Motion to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1047. b) Public comments and discussion. SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 2 OF 7 Council Member O'Connor moved to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Council Action for the August 18, 2009 Regular Meeting; seconded by Council Member Williams. There was no discussion on this item. KIRK - ABSENT WATFORD - YEA VOTE MARKHAM - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA O'CONNOR-YEA MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Pro-Tem Watford asked whether there were any requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today's agenda? New Business Item E was added. MAYOR PRO-TEM WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE ADOPTION AT 6:04 P.M. Council Member O'Connor moved to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1047 regarding Street Closing Petition No. 09-001-SC; seconded by Council Member Williams. KIRK - ABSENT WATFORD - YEA VOTE MARKHAM-YEA WILLIAMS - YEA O'CONNOR - YEA MOTION CARRIED. Attorney Cook read proposed Ordinance No. 1047 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING ANDABANDONINGA PORTION OFSOUTHWEST 15'" STREET, FROM SOUTHWEST r AVENUE WESTWARD TOTHEDEAD-END, ASDESCRIBEDHEREIN; RESERVING UNTO THECITYITSSUCCESSORSANDASSIGNS, A NONEXCLUSIVE EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES PURPOSES, AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ,RECORD THE ORDINANCE IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT INAND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Council Member'Markham moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1047; seconded by Council Member O'Connor. Mayor Pro-Tem Watford asked whether there were any questions or comments from the public? There were none. The applicant was present along with City Planning Consultant, Bill Brisson. There were no questions for either. 344 SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 3 OF T VII. PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE ADOPTION CONTINUED. A. 2. b) Public comments and discussion contined. c) Vote on motion. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING. Vill. NEW BUSINESS. A.1. a) Motion to read by title only, and set September 15, 2009 as a final public hearing date, for proposed Ordinance No. 1048 regarding Petition No. 09-003-R submitted by Okeechobee Asphalt and Ready Mix to rezone Lots 11 and 12, Block 41, City of Okeechobee Subdivision, from Residential Multiple Family (RMF) to Light Commercial (CLT) Zoning District - City Planning Consultant (Exhibit 2). b) Vote on motion to read by title only and set final public hearing date. The easement language was briefly discussed and whether it was necessary based on comments from a Florida Power and Light representative. The applicant noted that the easement would not be a problem for them and the language in the ordinance reserving the easement would be fine. KIRK - ABSENT WATFORD - YEA VOTE MARKHAM - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA MAYOR PRO-TEM WATFORD CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:11 P.M. O'CONNOR - YEA MOTION CARRIED. Council Member O'Connor moved to read by title only, and set September 15, 2009 as a final public hearing date, for proposed Ordinance No. 1048 regarding Petition No. 09-003-R submitted by Okeechobee Asphalt and Ready Mix to rezone Lots 11 and 12 of Block 41, City of Okeechobee Subdivision, from RMF to CLT Zoning District; seconded by Council Member Williams. KIRK - ABSENT WATFORD - YEA VOTE MARKHAM - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA O'CONNOR-YEA MOTION CARRIED. c) City Attorney to read proposed Ordinance No. 1048 by title only. Attorney Cook read proposed Ordinance No. 1048 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY (RMF) TO LIGHT COMMERCIAL (CLT) ZONING DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY; PROW►DING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERAB►LITYAND AN EFFECTIVE DATE." 2. a) Motion to approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. III Council Member Markham moved to approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1048; seconded by Council 1048. Member O'Connor. 345 Vill. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED. A. 2. b) Discussion. c) Vote on motion. B.1. a) Motion to read by title only, and set September 15, 2009 as a final public hearing date, for proposed Ordinance No. 1049 regarding Petition No. 09-004-R submitted by Corey and Lauren Miller, to rezone Lots 1 and 2, Block 216, First Addition to Okeechobee Subdivision, from Residential Single Family -One (RSF-1) to Commercial Professional Office (CPO) Zoning District - City Planning Consultant (Exhibit 3). SEPTEMBER 1, 2000- REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 4 OF 7 Planning Consultant Brisson presented the Staff report findings. The Planning Board and Planning Staff are recommending CPO verses their request for CLT, as discussed at the August 20, 2009 Planning Board meeting. Mr. Brisson explained that although the requested CLT zoning is not necessarily inappropriate, based on the petition analysis, Planning Staff believes that CPO zoning is more appropriate in that it minimizes the potential impacts upon adjoining properties designated for residential development while still providing the applicant the opportunityto achieve the stated purpose of the rezoning petition, which is to operate a business office. Council Member Markham made a motion to amend DroDosed Ordinance No.1048 chanainq that the property would be rezoned from RMF to CPO. rather than CLT, as recommended bv_ Plannina_ Staff and the Planning Board: seconded by Council Member Williams. Mayor Pro-Tem Watford requested that the Clerk notify the applicant of this change since they were not present at this meeting, nor the Planning Board meeting, to confirm they do not have any objections or additional information to provide regarding the rezoning. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND KIRK - ABSENT MARKHAM - YEA O'CONNOR - YEA WATFORD - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED. VOTE ON MOTION AS AMENDED KIRK - ABSENT MARKHAM - YEA O'CONNOR - YEA WATFORD - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED. Council Member Williams moved to read by title only, and set September 15, 2009 as a final public hearing date, for proposed Ordinance No.1049 regarding Petition No. 09-004-R submitted by Corey and Lauren Miller, to rezone Lots 1 and 2, Block 216, First Addition to City of Okeechobee Subdivision, from RSF- to CPO Zoning District; seconded by'Council Member O'Connor. 346 SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 5 OF 7 VIII. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED. B.1 b) Vote on motion to read by title only and set final public hearing date. c) City Attorney to read proposed Ordinance No. 1049 by title only. 2. a) Motion to approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1049. b) Discussion. C. Discussion regarding banners located at 701 North Parrott Avenue - Jay Boree (Exhibit 4). KIRK - ABSENT WATFORD - YEA VOTE MARKHAM - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA O'CONNOR-YEA MOTION CARRIED. Attorney Cook read proposed Ordinance No. 1049 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE'; FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY -ONE (RSF I) TO COMMERCIAL PROFESSIONAL OFFICE (CPO) ZONING DISTRICT, AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITYAND AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Council Member Markham moved to approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1049; seconded by Council Member Williams. Planning Consultant Brisson presented the Staff report findings. The Planning Board and Planning Staff are recommending approval, as discussed at the August 20, 2009 Planning Board meeting. There were no questions from the Council nor the public. KIRK - ABSENT WATFORD - YEA VOTE MARKHAM - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA O'CONNOR - YEA MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Jay Boree addressed the Council regarding the recently adopted sign ordinance. Mr. Boree leases property at 709 North Parrott Avenue, where he operates his window tinting and car wash businesses. He received a notice from the Code Enforcement Department that his signs violate the ordinance. He requested allowances or waivers from the sign regulations due to the current economy, explaining that the five signs and three flags attract potential customers. Two of the signs are banners, which can only be posted for 14 consecutive days, four times per year. The two "sandwich - board" signs are not permitted within his zoning designation. The flags are classified as "wind" signs and are not permitted except for grand openings or special events. A photograph of the property was distributed to show how all the signs are displayed. Administrator Whitehall explained that the City has taken the current economy into consideration and is compromising with business owners by allowing them to modify their banners as permit -table signs by adding a frame or other attachments. - 347 SEPTEMBEk1, 2009 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 6 OF 7 Vill. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED. C. Discussion regarding banners located at 701 North Parrott Avenue Mr. Boree also argued that no one knew about the proposed sign ordinance nor how much it was going to change the continued. rules for business owners. However, Mr. Whitehall presented a letter signed by Mr. Boree on June 5, 2008 which read, "Please be advised we are issuing a permit for a banner to be placed at your business located at the address above, with your assurance when the new sign ordinance is implemented you will comply with the approved sign regulations." The City Council together with the Planning Board and Staff worked on the sign ordinance for over a year, holding several workshops and meetings, in the evenings so that business owners could attend. Mr. Ed Walker, owner of "Surfin The Net" which is located next to Mr. Boree's business added that he had been using banners for years, he understood that some businesses put too many signs out, but suggested that instead of limiting the number of banners, for a certain numbers of days for the year, would it be better to assign where they had to be located, to have them more uniform? The uniformity would not solve the issue of too many banners per business. Council discussed the matter, Attorney Cook and Planning Consultant Brisson volunteered to research other cities signs regulations, compare them with the City's, specifically with limiting the number of days banners can be posted and report the information back to the Council to decide whether they want to re -address the sign ordinance. Clerk Gamiotea was instructed to inform Mr. Boree should the Council decide to put the matter back on the agenda 11 for further consideration. No official action was taken on this item. D. Discussion regarding banners in the parks - Scott Dawson (Exhibit Due to Mr. Dawson not being in attendance, this item was not discussed. Mayor Pro-Tem Watford instructed Clerk 5). Gamiotea to notify Mr. Dawson to contact the Administrator's Office should he wish to address the Council at the next meeting. ITEM ADDED TO THE AGENDA: E. Discuss Business Tax Receipts and Council Member O'Connor requested that the matter of the 17 businesses who have not paid their Business Tax delinquency - City Administrator (Exhibit 6). Receipt (BTR) in several years be discussed. Everyone who has a business in town has to pay for their license, it is not fair for the rest who do pay, and are allowed to remain in operation without paying. Included in the 'Updates' is a memorandum from Accounts Supervisor Riedel suggesting an Amnesty Program to handle these 17 businesses. The memorandum explains when a business does not pay for their BTR by the deadline penalties are assessed. The Finance Department has been approached on numerous occasions about abatement of penalties but there is no provision for it and they have continued to assess the same. Recently, and perhaps it's -the poor economy, the department has been pressed more frequently. Certainly a case can be made either way, and this is with much thought; to request the City Council consider an 'amnesty period' for abatement of accumulated penalties associated with non-payment of BTR's to assist some of these businesses into compliance. Ms e SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 7 OF 7 VIII. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED. E. Discuss Business Tax Receipts and delinquency continued. DC ADJOURN MEETING - Mayor. Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she may need to insure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. City Clerk media are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. ATTE T: Dowling R. Watford, dr-kfayor �ro-Tempore Lane`Gamiotea, AMC, City Clerk`f The memo goes on to list the pros and cons of the Plan, specifics are: 1. Notification letters will be sent out to all businesses that currently have penalties due. 2. All past and 2009-10 underlying BTR fees (not penalties) must be paid in full no later than September 30, 2009. (This is the due date of all BTR's) thereafter, the 'amnesty program' is over and all fees will be due and payable including penalties for past, current, and future BTR's. 3.Once the underlying fees are paid, all past penalties that have not been paid in the past two years would be waived. 4. Penalties will start to accumulate again for any business which has not paid their renewal by September 30, 2009. Businesses must pay penalties and charges and/or face Code Enforcement fines if not paid. Attorney Cook noted that the recently adopted Code Enforcement Citation Procedure may also assist in this matter, and that it would be good to tie the two together to give it more teeth. Council Member O'Connor moved to approve the'Amnesty Proaram' Davment Dian for delinauent Business Tas Receipts as Dresented in the memorandum dated August 29. 2009 and exDlained above: seconded by Council Member Markham. KIRK - ABSENT WATFORD - YEA VOTE MARKHAM - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA O'CONNOR - YEA MOTION CARRIED. There being no further discussion nor items on the agenda, Mayor Pro -Tern Watford adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:16 p.m. The next regular scheduled meeting is September 15, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. INDEPENIC ® NEWSPAPERS OKEECHOBEE NEWS J STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF OKEECHOBEE MT 107 S. W. 17th Street, Suite D, Okeechohee, FL 34974 Before the undersigned authority personally appeared Judy Kasten, who on oath says she is Advertising Director of the Okeechobee News, a three times a week Newspaper published at Okeechobee, in Okeechobee County, Florida; that the a, hed copy of advertisement being a I Y� in the matter of i/ (863) 763-3134 in the 19th Judicial District of the Circuit Court of Okeechobee County, Florida, was published in said newspaper in the issues of Affiant further says that the said Okeechobee News fxnrCOMM .flsnonor is a newspaper published at Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida, and that said newspaper Nonc1F is xMtM Grua+ that the My C=X9 of the aty of ola ftbee A Min Session on u6ar >4 mf Hal, 55SE m^ - Pl has heretofore been published continuously in said l TAB NO�BE ^ " "° stenographk reaofd a certified court reporter WE be made of the foreWng meeting. Aami Okeechobee County, Florida each week and has been entered as second class mail matter at the office in kgty any person vAa may seek to appeal any deoWw kwOdng the m tern ra>fked herel,r.1 be for making a vebatim record of t n� M. ntadtA ,tea a 0 post Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida, for a cop"ya' of the agenda. Nrto dbtain acca wRh the Mralore wlthDkabMtles (ADA) of 19 Americans m� In &A ) of 19 period of one year next preceding the first publication P Y P g P of the attached copy of advertisement, and affiant fur- l y: manes E tark t 6"txrk 33 W O&Nm i s ther says that she has neither paid nor promised any person, firm or corporation any discount, rebate, com- inission or refund for the purpose of securing this advertisement for publication in the said newspaper. Judy Kasten dworn t0and subscribed before me this ` day of AD Notary Public, State of Florida at Large la, - --- � ', U�- uc) X04RY PUBLIC -STATE CF--)�TDA Angie 4.ri�geS;. l A1�7Y8718 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OFFICIAL AGENDA PAGE 1 of 3 1. CALL TO ORDER - MAYOR. September 1, 2009, City Council Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m. II. OPENING CEREMONIES: Invocation given by Rev. James Dawson, First United Methodist Church; Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor. 111. MAYOR, COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - City Clerk. Mayor James E. Kirk -d - p2buncil Member Lowry Markham ,,Zouncil Member Mike O'Connor ;,Council Member Dowling R. Watford, Jr. TI�Lr y k ;council Member Clayton Williams weity Administrator Brian Whitehall • ,46ty Attorney John R. Cook Xity Clerk Lane Gamiotea ✓Deputy Clerk Melisa Jahner ,/Police Chief Denny Davis ,�/Kire Chief Herb Smith vPu'blic Works Director Donnie Robertson IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - Mayor. A. Present a Five -Year Service award to Melisa Jahner. 2I SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 PAGE 2 of 3 V. MINUTES - City Clerk. A. Motion to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Council Action for the August 18, 2009 First Budget Workshop, and the August 18, 2009 Regular Meeting - City Clerk. it VI. AGENDA - Mayor. A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today's agenda. c �, 1�6 '/- 4Y 664 o s . VII. OPEN PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE ADOPTION - Mayor Kirk. A.1.a) Motion to read by title only proposed Ordinance No.1047 regarding Street Closing Application No. 09-001-SC -City Planning Consultant (Exhibit 1). b) Vote on motion to read by title only. (� �C6 -�� OILA• c) City Attorney to read proposed Ordinance No.1047. 2.a) Motion to adopt Ordinance No.1047. b Public comments and discussion. c) Vote on motion. 1 CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING. c �7f , & f /1 rn � i�/ �l �t yLJ N' � ,4uf van. NEW BUSINESS. � �� — �,��,� eL A.1.a) Motion to read by title only and set September 15,02009 as a final public hearing date for proposed Ordinance No.1048 regarding Petition No. 09-003-R submitted by Okeechobee Asphalt & Ready Mix to rezone Lots 11 and 12, Block 41, City of Okeechobee Subdivision, from Residential Multiple Family (RMF) to Light Commercial (CLT) Zoning District - City Planning Consultant (Exhibit 2). ( JY� X too / b) Vote on motion to read by title only and set final public hearing date. �^ VIII. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED. A.1.c) City Attorney to read proposed Ordinance No.1048 by title only. 2.a) Motion to approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1048. b) Discussion., c Vote on motion. B.1.a) Motion to read by title onl and set final pub Ic hearing date for proposed Ordinance No.1049 regarding Petition No. 09-004-R, submitted by Corey and Lauren Miller, to rezone Lots 1 and 2, Block 216, First Addition to Okeechobee Subdivision, from Residential Single Family -One (RSF-1) to Commercial Professional Office (CPO) Zoning District - City Planning Consultant (Exhibit 3). ` �� lad- Fp1-1 91.r b) Vote on motion to read by title only and set final public hearing date. ./yYt,-�,�, c) City Attorney to read proposed Ordinance No.1049 by title only. 2.a) Motion to approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1049. -Yt m�/ b) Discussion.M��tir�n�, c) Vote on motion. r C. Discyission regarding banners located at 701 N. Parrott Avenue 7 Jay Boree (Exhiib' 4). �'1) ' V � D. Discussion regarding banners in the parks - Scott Dawson (Exhi S}. nLgi IX. ADJOURN ME ING. 1 — 6-x ,�z� l Qmc PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AN BE ADVISED that if any person desires to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this proceeding, such interested person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceedings, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. City Clerk media are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 PAGE 3 oF3 �1, - �� 6� --t �1/411�- all r SERVIGE GERT$IG PresenteJ To it b0 Mess JilbRelp In Appreciation for Your 5 Years of I—Iard \Y,//or� anJ DeAcation witk tine City of Okeeckokee August 27, 2004 tkrougk August 27, 2009 Service is tke lif eklooJ of any organization. Qverytking flows from it anJ is nouriskeJ by it. Tke City anJ Your -F—ellovrr Citizens nave -Benef itteJ Greatly 6 Your performance. presenter) Ais Ist Jay of SJ' eptemker, 2009 James G. ]Ftrk. Malor 0 xt bane Gamla�tea. GMG. Gltg GNerk am-IBIT 1 MPT 1, 2009 ORDINANCE NO. 1047 AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND ABANDONING A PORTION OF SOUTHWEST 15T" STREET, FROM SOUTHWEST 3RD AVENUE WESTWARD TO THE DEAD-END, AS DESCRIBED HEREIN; RESERVING UNTO THE CITY ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, A NONEXCLUSIVE EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES PURPOSES; AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City has received a Street Closing Application (No. 09-001-SC) from property owner(s) Keith and Genia Arbogast, for the closing of a certain right-of-way as described in this ordinance to access their property and develop a driveway; and WHEREAS, a review of such application at duly advertised meetings by the Technical Review Committee held on June 18, 2009, and the City Planning Board held on July 16, 2009, and submitted by Staff Report, reveals that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Okeechobee as a whole to grant said application; and WHEREAS, the granting of the application will serve a legitimate public interest and is a proper exercise of the municipal authority of the City of Okeechobee as a discretionary function; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council; and properly executed by the Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City: Section One. The right-of-way described hereafter is hereby closed, vacated and abandoned by the City of Okeechobee, Florida to -wit: THAT PORTION OF SOUTHWEST I6T" STREET, FROM SOUTHWEST 3RD AVENUE WESTERLY TO THE DEAD-END AS SITUATED BETWEEN BLOCKS 25 AND 26, SOUTH OKEECHOBEE SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 7, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA. Section Two. The City of Okeechobee, Florida hereby reserves unto itself, its successors or assigns, a perpetual non-exclusive easement on the North 40 feet of said Southwest 15th Street for public utility purposes, in, over or under the right-of-way as described herein from Southwest 3' Avenue Westerly to the dead end. Section Three. The City Clerk shall cause a certified copy of the ordinance to be recorded in the public records of Okeechobee County, Florida. Section Four. This ordinance shall be set for final public hearing the 1' day of September, 2009, and shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. INTRODUCED for first reading and set for final public hearing this 18t' day of August, 2009. Ordinance No.1047 - Page 1 of 2 ATTEST: James E. Kirk, Mayor Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk PASSED and ADOPTED on second and final public hearing this T" day of September, 2009. ATTEST: James E. Kirk, Mayor Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: John R. Cook, City Attorney Ordinance No.1047 -Page 2 of 2 • • ORDINANCE NO. 1048 DIIBIT Z Shrr 1r 2009 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY (RMF) TO LIGHT COMMERCIAL (CLT) ZONING DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITYANDAN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida has adopted Ordinance No. 402 in which a revised Official Zoning Map was adopted for said City; and WHEREAS, Robert Gent, owner of the property more particularly described hereafter, has heretofore filed Petition No. 09-003-R, pursuant to the Land Development Regulations of the City of Okeechobee for the purpose of rezoning a certain tract of land consisting of 0.321 acre(s) from Residential Multiple Family (RMF) to Light Commercial (CLT) Zoning District and that this request be removed from the boundaries of the above mentioned zone to allow for the processing of the rezoning petition; and WHEREAS, said petition(s) being reviewed by the City's Planning Board at a duly advertised meeting held on August 20, 2009, and submitted by staff report, which determined such petition(s) to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is appropriate with the zoning uses within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council has agreed with the recommendation of the Planning Board and hereby finds such rezoning consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and deems it in the best interest of the inhabitants of said City to amend aforesaid revised Zoning Map as hereinafter set forth; NOW THEREFORE, be it ordained before the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council; and properly executed by the Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City; that: SECTION 1. LEGAL DESCRIPTION. The following described land, located in the City of Okeechobee, to -wit: LOTS 11 AND 12, BLOCK 41, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE SUBDIVISION, OF THE PLAT OF OKEECHOBEE AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5 PAGE 5 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA. SECTION 2. ZONING MAP AMENDMENT. That the aforesaid Revised Zoning Map of the City of Okeechobee be amended to reflect the subject property (0.321 acres) zoning classification to be changed from Residential Multiple Family (RMF) Zoning District to Light Commercial (CLT) Zoning District. Ordinance No. 1048 Page 1 of 2 SECTION 3. CONFLICT. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY. If any provision or portion of this ordinance is declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be void, unconstitutional, or unenforceable, then all remaining provisions and portions of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage. INTRODUCED for first reading public hearing on this T" day of September, 2009. James E. Kirk, Mayor ATTEST: Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk ADOPTED after First Public Hearing this I day of September, 2009. ATTEST: James E. Kirk, Mayor Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: John R. Cook, City Attorney Ordinance No. 1048 Page 2 of 2 • ORDINANCE NO. 1049 DiIBIT 3 S mrr 1, 2009 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY -ONE (RSF-1) TO COMMERCIAL PROFESSIONAL OFFICE (CPO) ZONING DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida has adopted Ordinance No. 402 in which a revised Official Zoning Map was adopted for said City; and WHEREAS, Corey and Lauren Miller, owner(s) of the property more particularly described hereafter, has heretofore filed Petition No. 09-004-R, pursuant to the Land Development Regulations of the City of Okeechobee for the purpose of rezoning a certain tract of land consisting of 0.309 acre(s) from Residential Single Family -One (RSF-1) to Commercial Professional Office (CPO) Zoning District and that this request be removed from the boundaries of the above mentioned zone to allow for the processing of the rezoning petition; and WHEREAS, said petition(s) being reviewed by the City's Planning Board at a duly advertised meeting held on August 20, 2009, and submitted by staff report, which determined such petition(s) to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is appropriate with the zoning uses within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council has agreed with the recommendation of the Planning Board and hereby finds such rezoning consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and deems it in the best interest of the inhabitants of said City to amend aforesaid revised Zoning Map as hereinafter set forth; NOW THEREFORE, be it ordained before the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council; and properly executed by the Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City; that: SECTION 1. LEGAL DESCRIPTION. The following described land, located in the City of Okeechobee, to -wit: LOTS 1 AND 2, BLOCK 216, FIRST ADDITION TO OKEECHOBEE SUBDIVISION, OF THE PLAT OF OKEECHOBEE AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5 PAGE 6 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA. SECTION 2. ZONING MAP AMENDMENT. That the aforesaid Revised Zoning Map of the City of Okeechobee be amended to reflect the subject property (0.309 acres) zoning classification to be changed from Residential Single Family -One (RSF-1) Zoning District to Commercial Professional Office (CPO) Zoning District. Ordinance No. 1049 Page 1 of 2 SECTION 3. CONFLICT. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY. If any provision or portion of this ordinance is declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be void, unconstitutional, or unenforceable, then all remaining provisions and portions of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage. INTRODUCED for first reading public hearing on this 11 day of September, 2009. James E. Kirk, Mayor ATTEST: Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk ADOPTED after First Public Hearing this 15t' day of September, 2009. ATTEST: James E. Kirk, Mayor Lane Gamiotea„ CMC, City Clerk REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: John R. Cook, City Attorney Ordinance No. 1049 Page 2 of 2 • • DMIBIT 4 Shrr 1, 2009 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE (863) 763-3372 AGENDA ITEM REQUEST FORM Please mail or bring completed form to: City of Okeechobee City Administrator's Office 55 SE V Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 NAME: ADDRESS-. 1` ) , i /v 4( FAX (863) 763-1686 TELEPHONE:; N " FAX: f MEETING: REGULAR I SPECIAL O WORKSHOP O DATE: E' f PLEASE STATE THE ITEM YOU WISH TO HAVE PLACED ON THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: PLEASE STA/TE WHAT DEPARTMENT(S)(^YOU HAVE WORKED WITH THUS FAR: 1� fi`C\(. 1 r f FEASE STATE DESIRED ACTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL: n, PLEASE SUMMARIZE PERTINENT INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUR REQUEST AND ATTACH APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS: IF PRESENTATION IS TO BE MADE, PLEASE STATE HOW MUCH TIME YOU ARE REQUESTING: xpp , SIGNED BY: -'__ DATE:,�_,�t August 27, 2009 Solar Shade 701 N Parrott Ave Okeechobee, FL For discussion at the September 1, 2009 City Council meeting. CITY OF OKEECHOBEE 55 SE THIRD AVENUE OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974 Tele: 863-7633372 Fax: 863-763-1686 June 5, 2008 James Boree 709 North Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972 Re: Banner for Window Tinting Mr. Borree: Please be advised we are issuing a permit for a banner to be placed at your business located at the address above, with your assurance when the new sign ordinance is implemented you will comply with the approved sign regulations. s Bore *tnessrg`-'� -n-o Date 4 //7 Date I 08/26/2009 15:20 4678864is S NPPER TAX SV EXHIBIT 6 ,.*PT 1, 2009 C�'V o o rr y r �j tir.1.r.l.rrnr�,� _n (863) 763,3372 ]FAX (863 ' EN.DA, FTEM �QUE�ST ) 76 PtI68G eax zna8 or bring �ompkted fo �0� rm to City of Okeecbobee City Administrator's offce 55 SE 3r' Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 NEE: ADDRESS: 7b 4 Li L xELEpaoNE: `86 -�1(05 --CC, a2 6jV ST• FAX- 5(07j—L(Vl — $ 3(o MEEMG: REGULAR C) SPECIAL O WORKSHOP O DATE: PLEASE STATE THE ITE4 YOU WISH TO HAVE PLACED ON TJRE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: V�V'W I*Axz o2w%=--c 5 + '15%0%3VA- ur-mvtI l� sy �•�► 'Z} tW 1?JW*.A. Ar cas•x ,a..�s A�Crac�i�►�� i- P�TATE�EP TMENT(S) YOU HAVE WORKED WITH THUS FAR: PLEASE STATE DESIRED ACTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL: V�EL PLEASE SUMMARIZE PERTINENT INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUR REQUEST AND ATTACH APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS: 'S kAo4c Lmpc=4.NS �'j0-rc ��- 0.�. �.tj -gyp -t'p C_a�'S:�.�-. S ��_t St.t�u'� P 5r1►v�-ca.� �o :Sc�-( C�Ncxvu��E,oA' IF PRESENTATION IS TO BE MADE, PLEASE STATE HOW MUCH TIME YOU ARE REQUEST SIGNED RY.-a DATE: " r .(C-P; "gsI►"�t`�`� 2009 07 13 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE PERMIT FOR TEMPORARY BANNERS Property Owner I Address I Phone Number Tenants Name Address Phone Number Sign Location Property Tax ID (PIN) Description of banner: (type and size, etc.) (Intended location) The applicant certifies that the information submitted is accurate and that a permit granted shall create no legal liability, express or implied, on the City of Okeechobee. The applicant's signature implies that she/he understands the rules and must follow the sign ordinance as written. The applicant understands that this privilege may be revoked if the City or its representatives determines it's appropriate. Signature of Applicant Application Date Print Name FOR DEPARTMENTAL USE ONLY PERMIT NUMBER I DATE APPROVED I DATE DENIED I SIGN TYPE I PROPERTY ZONE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF PROPOSED TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE OF ALL TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE OF EXISTING AND SIGN EXISTING SIGNS BANNER SETBACK REQUIREMENTS I OBSTRUCTIONS AND ADA ACCESS ANY SNIPE OR OFF -PREMISE SIGNS ON SITE EXPIRATION DATE OF PERMIT CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL CODE OFFICER SIGNATURE DATE OF APPROVAL SIGN DESIGNED APPROPRIATELY I SIZE AND MAKE MEET AESTHETICS FOR THIS SITE PERMIT STICKER VISIBLE I BUSINESS TAX LICENSE STATUS FIRE INSPECTION STATUS 2009 06 13 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE CODE ENFORCEMENT Application for Banners and Instructions Note: Applicant shall have current Business Tax License for proposed location Applicant shall have passed a current Fire Safety Inspection 1) Banner application not allowed unless/until property is in compliance with all city ordinances and requirements. 2) All banners shall be professionally printed and tasteful in color and design. Banners which become tattered or torn while being displayed shall be immediately replaced or removed. 3) The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the latitude to determine if a banner meets the appropriate aesthetics and size for that particular location. 4) All approved banners shall require permits issued and regulated by the City of Okeechobee. 5) One (1) Banner may be displayed up to 14 days four times a year. 6) Proposed banner shall be calculated into the total square footage allowed for signs 7) Banner shall be attached securely using all corners of the banner and shall rest flatly against the building wall to minimize banner movement. 8) Banner shall have a permit sticker visible at all times (issued with permit) 9) Permit subject to revocation upon Code Enforcement Officers discretion 10) Banner shall not extend above the roofline or beyond the edges of the building to which it is attached. 11) The holder of this permit shall be responsible for the attachment and removal of the banner in accordance with the display dates as specified on the permit. 12) Banner shall not augment existing permanent signs by advertising the same message. 13) Banner shall not be placed on fences, signs, poles, vehicles or other surfaces not authorized by the City. If applicant has legitimate reasons why the banner cannot be displayed on the building wall then the City may consider other options if possible. 14) Banner shall not exceed 32 square feet. 15) Grand Openings: New Businesses or businesses closed for more than 6 months which reopen shall be eligible to display a Grand Opening banner for up to 90 days which will not be counted toward the normal policy reflected in #5 stated above. MEMORANDUM 1 • To: Brian Whitehall, City Administrator From: India Riedel, Finance Dept. RE: Business Tax Receipt -Penalties — Amnesty Program Date: 08/29/09 We presently have 17 businesses that have serious -chronic delinquent balances including last year and possibly prior year BTR fees/penalties. The total accumulated penalties -only equates to $4,820.00. Incidentally, there are a total of 1133 BTRs. Our Department has been approached on numerous occasions about abatement of penalties but there is no provision for it and we've continued to assess same. Recently, and perhaps it's the poor economy, we have been pressed more frequently. Certainly a case can be made either way, and this is with much thought, but would the City Council consider an `amnesty period' for abatement of accumulated penalties associated with non-payment of BTRs to assist some of these businesses into compliance. Pros: * The Council would proclaim assistance to businesses during hard times but with a limited exposure and continue the regular revenue source of the BTR. * Chronically delinquent business would have a fresh start without the City assessing additional charges/fines and court appearance * City would collect the underlying BTR from businesses that have otherwise given up on trying to get current. *Financially, the City has already collected the budgeted amount for BTRs, albeit we are upside down on the budget as a whole Cons: *Those that have paid their BTR and or penalties will claim they're being treated unfairly. ..possible animosity of businesses that paid the penalties prior to amnesty. (30 businesses paid a total of $5,050.00 in penalties (this is the $250.00 and $50.00 lump sum penalties after 150 days). * The City is also experiencing a budget issue and we are potentially giving up revenue Cont'd - BTR Amnesty program 8/28/09 (pg 2 of 2) Plan Specifics: 1. Notification letters will be sent out to all businesses that currently have penalties due. (Phone calls may be made if phone numbers are available) 2. All past and 2009-2010 underlying BTR fees (not penalties) must be paid in full no later than September 30`h, 2009. (This is the due date of all BTR's). Thereafter, the `amnesty' program is over and all fees will be due and payable including penalties for past, current, and future BTR's. 3. Once the underlying fees are paid, all past penalties that have not been paid in the past 2 years would be waived. 4. Penalties will start to accumulate again for any business which has not paid their renewal by September 30`h, 2009. Businesses must pay penalties and charges andlor face code enforcement fines if not paid. For informational purposes, the following schedule of fee assessment is provided: July Renewal Notices sent October 1 If not paid — 10% penalty is assessed November 1 add another 5% December 1 add another 5% January 1 add another 5% February 1 Any regulatory permit assess an add'l $50 Approx Feb 27th 150 days after due date $250 is assessed The Updates! from the City Administrator's Desk 55 SE 3''d Av., Okeechobee, FL 34974 City Hall — 763 3372 City Council meetine of September 1, 2009 New and Unfinished Business: • Budget - There is no Agenda item for this meeting dealing with the budget but enclosed in the packet please find replacement sheets for your 3-ring binder. Note the appropriate page number. • Budget discussion — addinq personal days — Enclosed in the packet please find a 2-page memo detailing the impact of adding the days. • Handicapped (chair lift) accessibilitv to Citv Hall — Making progress, foundation, blocks laid, elevator ordered etc. • Ord #1047 Street vacation request on A e� nda — SW 15 St west from SW 3`d Av, as discussed some at the last Council meeting. • Ord #1048 Rezone from RMF to CLT — Okee Asphalt used this area, corner of NW 8th Ave and NW 9t" St, as a storage area for some fill last year. They were advised that the zoning was improper and have subsequently cleaned it up, but want the ability to use in the future. • Ord #1049 Rezone from RSF-1 to CPO — for property at 110 SE 4tn St to convert it to an accounting office. This is behind Councilman Markham's (Culbreth's) office. • Park #4 shelter (bv SW 5th Av) — The Kiwanis did an absolutely remarkable job in repairing and improving the park shelter. They deserve a huge thank you and was thinking a Council recognition, but I understand they are contemplating a ribbon cutting, rededication event. • Main Street's Welcome sign — speaking of recognitions, Main Street is moving along on what should be a great entrance sign to the City on 441 South (by Home Depot). • Banners — from my last report - Code Enf has developed a `tag' for identification on all banners approved by application process in the Code Enf Dept. Mr. Sterling has started the distribution of same to existing banners. Not surprisingly, and not unlike many provision in the sign ordinance, we have a few cases that claim unusual hardship or simply noncompliance. As examples, the banner owner of My Aunt's House requested appearance, but I spoke with him and we worked out a permitted sign alternative. Page 1 911109 report cont'd Attorney: • 803 NW 12th St and area for Habitat for Humanity donation — as you recall, in lieu of essentially foreclosing on $20,000 +/- in liens for that property it's being donated to Habitat. We rec'd a call for clarification on closing...I think we're close!?! • Billboard disputes) — Atty Cook wrote a letter to plaintiffs indicating the City adopted a new ordinance and inquiring about the status of suit. Complainant has subsequently asked about mediation again. Finance: • Budget Calendar: 9115109 6: OOPM 1st Public Hearing 9129109 6:OOPM 2"d Public Hearing • FEMA Financial studv — India completed the 3-day course of study in Brookville and she rec'd a congrats letter, attached, from Mike Faulkner • Investment Policy, — We're preparing an investment policy based on other communities and State Statutes. I think it's a good safeguard idea, identifying our investment principles and what instruments we intend to invest in. • Business Tax Receipt penalty abatement "amnestv' program. The City has about 17 extreme past due (prior year) businesses that have become so 'upside down' that the penalties are stifling their ability to keep a license. I've attached a memo from India on the matter. While it's not on the Agenda, depending on your assessment we would need to add it in order to implement it in a timely manner. General Services: • Hampton Inn Impact fee error — this may not come to anything, but when assessing Hampton Inn the $150,000+/- impact fee ($59k-City) the City made a clerical error of $10,370 (plus $311.10 Admin) in not collecting for the County Sherriff's office (called Co. Corrections). I've conversed with Kelly Kite, Hampton Inn developer, a cpl of times about making payments, but Kelly has now considered asking for an abatement. I emailed Jim Threewitts (8/26/09): You recall I mentioned to you about the impact fee charge error that you previously brought to our attention. I've attached a cpl of worksheets w/ the Hampton Inn detail reflecting how it was invoiced and the corrected sheet. When I spoke to you I hadn't had an opportunity to speak w/ Kelly Kite about what he tho't his course of action might be. To reiterate our conversation, I offered that he might pay the amount over time. Anyway, yesterday I spoke with him and was surprised to find that he wanted to come to a City Council meeting to state his case about abating the fee. I told him that that conversation would be misdirected as the City didn't have the prerogative to abate a County fee, besides the fact that this was an administrative error in collection not an error in why/how it is being charged. I told Kelly that he would have to contact your office to pursue an appearance with the Commissioners and I expect that contact to be made shortly. If you have any other questions, please give me a call. Page 3 911109 report cont'd Police: • Sauad car purchasing — was reviewed during budget process... within the next month or two will place orders and keep you apprised of such. • Wal-Mart grants — for the 2"d time this year we've rec'd a $5000 grant from Wal-Mart, this time for use with the Auxiliary. Public Works: • 441 & 70 intersectn update — was lead to believe (during discussion of Lelan Dyals request) that there was news on this fr DOT and later rec'd an email w/ the following timeline — Design f/y 2010-11 and ROW acquisition f/y 2014-15 • SR 710 extension — Attached find the latest scenarios of the 710 bypass as presented by DOT in my office last Thurs. They seemed to have reduced the routes to 2 basic routes connecting to 441 at approx 13th and 23rd. The school area connection being opposed by the school.. • DOT and CSX crossing — Finally today (Fri 8/28/09) we rec'd correspondence (emailed to you) indicating they will begin an emergency crossing construction this weekend, apparently at NW 2"d Avenue extended. I've attached a map provided by CSX. Their email indicated they are still waiting on the rail for the 441 crossing project. End... Page 4 t W _ s? ZA .� `� -• .a04f��Aw .. NA' 1'.TH STREETNV - �. :.�. •. .. 1 a L 77 r ,9TH STREF T p O , x , .. .i�, -: .... .- ,•,* � 1 . Via, i�. � � 1i i'! - k �.^�..�v +t� t �d. ml � m�.,, rol aj r �'. i' � 114 RTHAPARK , r" A T: i4 <. 1 1 �- P� CC� � � () .k ...x l .. � ✓ �,.. r � .. ♦ � , �9 "} ` � � ifnt'� �� x Xaz CSX Temp Crossing Configuration Aug 28 2009 NW 2ND AVE O Q) 4 °' A U 00 PARKING LOT Temporary Crossing 1 I 1 6 w H H Board of County Commissioners Okeechobee County August 21, 2009 To: India Riedel, City of Okeechobee BE OR c ORtOP EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 499 NW 5`h Ave Okeechobee, Florida 34972 863-763-3212 Fax 863-763-1569 From: Michael Faulkner, Director, Okeechobee Emergency Management RE: Completion of AHIMT Public Information Officer Position Specific Training Dear India, I hope that I am among the first to congratulate you upon your successful completion of FEMA's All -Hazards Incident Management Finance Section Chief Training. I sincerely hope that the challenges you faced during this three day deployment to Brooksville were unique and satisfying. I look forward to talking with you once you have settled back into your routine at home about your experiences. You have accomplished a course of training than only a select few within the State of Florida have been able to complete. The skills and knowledge you have gained will help you to lead the City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee County through any disaster that we may face. I will be very proud to welcome you to the Okeechobee Emergency Operations Center, knowing that you are prepared for whatever challenges lay before the County. Respectfully, t Michael Faulkner, CEM Director Okeechobee Emergency Management Ray Domer Noel Chandler Clif Betts, Jr. Joey Hoover Margaret Garrard -Helton District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5