11-21-1994P. 0. BOX 2757
FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA 34954 2757
Mr. John Drago
City Administrator
City of Okeechobee
55 SE Third Avenue
Okeechobee, Florida 34974
Dear Mr. Drago:
IN ORLANDO
DEAN, MEAD, EGERTON, BLOODWORTH,
CAPOUANO 6 BOZARTH, P.A.
(407) B.I -120o
DEAN, MEAD MINTON
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW
1903 SOUTH 25TH STREET
SUITE 200
FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA 34947
November 21, 1994
Re: Okeechobee Utility Authority /Board Member
Qualifications
The Board of County Commissioners of Okeechobee County
has requested assistance from our office concerning a list of
qualifications for members of the newly created Okeechobee
Utility Authority. Michael Minton suggested that I forward to
you a similar response for use by the City of Okeechobee in its
selection process.
(407) 464 7700
(407) 562 7700
FAX (407) 464 -7877
The only actual requirement for an individual to be
selected by the City of Okeechobee is that all members, and
alternates, selected by the City must reside within the City.
Further, all of the Board members must reside in the
Service Area and the Okeechobee Utility Authority. None of the
members or alternates selected by the City may be an elected
official or employee of the City.
All Board members will need to be available for public
meetings, probably at night, on at least a monthly basis. Since
the Board members will not be receiving any salary, other than a
small per diem and mileage, the amount of which is set by state
statute for certain public employees, all Board members will need
to be willing to volunteer sufficient time to prepare and attend
all meetings of the Okeechobee Utility Authority. In addition,
all Board members will be required to comply with state practiced
disclosure laws.
From the nature of the role to be played by all Board
members, individuals selected will need to be decisive; capable
of dealing with the public on controversial issues; possess a
working knowledge of business or public administration; and
sufficient knowledge and experience within the Okeechobee County
community, its needs, issues and resources.
DEAN
MEAD
IN 6REVARD COUNTY
DEAN, MEAD, SPIELVOGEL, GOLDMAN BOYD
(407) 453 2333 (407) 259 8900 (407) 725- 6373
Mr. John Drago
November 21, 1994
Page 2
Selection to the Okeechobee Utility Authority Board
will involve a commitment for a given term. In the event,
however, that the selected Board member needs to leave the Board,
provisions have been made for replacement of members who resign
during their term.
Finally, the composition of the Board should include
individuals with a variety of occupations and educational
background. It would benefit the Authority to have Board members
who are, or have been, actively engaged in the areas of
engineering, finances, construction, business administration and
real estate development. Of course, if any individuals are
available who have direct experience in the utility business,
their knowledge would be valuable in the process of successfully
bringing this Okeechobee Utility Authority on line.
If you need further advice, or would prefer specific
technical and educations standards, I can provide you with
examples from other currently operating utility authority boards.
KCC /lps
cc: Michael D. Minton, Esq.
Gerry Hartman
Ltrs.rnk \drago.Ltr
Very truly yqurs,
Kenneth CT Crooks