1988-08-16 Regular MeetingCITY OF CHEECHOBEE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 16, 1988 - 2:00 P.M.
SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION
A. Call meeting to order
B. Invocation offered by the Reverend Anton P. Jensen;
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Chapman.
C. Mayor Chapman and Council attendance:
Mayor Oakland Chapman
Councilman Nick Collins
j Councilman Andy Rubin
Councilman Oscar Thomas
Councilman Dowling Watford
Staff Attendance:
City Attorney Cook
City Administrator Drago
City Clerk Thomas
D. Motion to dispense with reading and approve the Summar
of Council Action for the regular meeting of July 19,
1988 and the Special Meeting of August 9, 1988.
COUNCILMEMBERS/ACTION
The meeting was called to order at 2:00
P.M. by Mayor Chapman
Reverend Anton P. Jensen
Mayor Chapman
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Motion by Councilman Collins, seconded by
Councilman Thomas.
Chapman
Collins
Rubin
Thomas
Watford
Motion carried.
VOTE t
sS NO ABSE r
page 2
E. Motion to approve warrant registers for June and
July, 1988:
General Fund...............$81,305.97
Public Utility Fund ........ $77,067.78
REQUEST FOR THE ADDITION, DEFERRAL OR WITHDRAWAL OF ITEMS
ON TODAY'S AGENDA.
F. OPEN PUBLIC HEARING FOR REZONING AND ORDINANCE ADOPTION:
1. Consider Petition #233-R for rezoning of property
currently classified as RG-2 (Residential General)
to C-II (Commercial II permitted principal uses).
Subject property at 301 S.W. 3rd Street - Exhibit
1 (City/County Planning & Zoning Commission
recommended approval).
2a. Motion to read by title only an ordinance closing,
vacating and abandoning the alley or alleyway
located in Blocks B and C, Okeechobee Development
Company - City Attorney (Exhibit 2).
COUNCILMEMBERS/ACTION
Motion by Councilman Watford, seconded by
Councilman Rubin
Chapman
Collins
Rubin
Thomas
Watford
Motion carried.
None.
Motion by Councilman Watford, seconded
by Councilman Rubin to approve rezoning
Petition #233-R as recommended by the
City/County Planning & Zoning Commission
Chapman
Collins
Rubin
Thomas
Watford
Motion carried.
Motion by Councilman Thomas, seconded by
Councilman Rubin to read by title only Ordinance
No. 605, vacating and abandoning the alley
or alleyway located in Blocks B and C,
Okeechobee Development Company
Chapman
Collins
Rubin
Thomas
Watford
Motion carried.
VHABSENT
YES
nrdinancP Nn. FOS read by title only by C itv
page 3
COUNCILrEMBERS/ACTION
VOTE
ABSENT
YES
NO
2b. Motion to adopt Ordinance closing, vacating and
Motion by Councilman Thomas, seconded by
abandoning alley or alleyway located in Blocks
Councilman Collins to adopt the Ordinance #605
B & C, Okeechobee Development Company
closing, vacating and abandoning the alley or
alleyway located in Blocks B & C, Okeechobee
Development Company. After discussion
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
X
Watford
Motion carried.
3a. Motion to read by title only Ordinance No. 606
Motion by Councilman Watford, seconded by
establishing traffic controls - City Attorney
Councilman Thomas to read, by title only,
(Exhibit 3).
Ordinance No. 606, establishing traffic controls.
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
X
Watford
X
Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 606 read, by title only, by
City Attorney Cook.
3b. Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 606 establishing
After discussion, motion was made to table the
traffic controls.
adoption of Ordinance No. 606 until the next
City Council Meeting by Councilman Thomas,
seconded by Councilman Collins.
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
Thomas
X
Watford
X
Motion carried.
page 4
COUNCILMENBERS/ACTION
VOTE
ABSENT
YES
NO
4. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 88-14 establishing
Withdrawn until Ordinance #606 is completed.
a schedule of civil penalties for parking vio-
lations City Attorney (Exhibit 4).
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
G. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Presentation of plaques.
Mayor Chapman presented a plaque and key to the
City to Mr. Ray F. Denton of England who was a
pilot in the Royal Air Force and performed a
diversionary landing at the local airport in
1942, assisted by the residents of Okeechobee
who lined their autos along the airstrip to
light it. He stated he felt that these
residents had saved his life.
Mayor Chapman presented a plaque to Sgt. Jerome
Smith of the Okeechobee Police Department for
C�
his contribution to the youth of Okeechobee.
Mayor Chapman presented a plaque to Mrs. Avilla
McCroklin in recognition of her humanitarian
deeds to the people of Okeechobee.
2. Motion to approve the appointment of Trudy Rogut
Motion by Councilman Rubin, seconded by
an Administrative Secretary in the City Clerk's
Councilman Collins.
office.
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
X
Watford
X
Motion carried.
i
page 5
COUNCILMEMBERS/ACTION
VOTE
ABSENT
YES
NO
3. Motion to approve the appointment of Lynette Lowe
Motion by Councilman Collins, seconded by
and Rim Leibenguth as regular employees.
Councilman Watford. After discussion,
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
X
Watford
X
Motion carried.
4. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 88-15 authorizing
Motion by Councilman Watford, seconded by
the City Administrator and the Director of
Councilman Collins. After discussion,
Public Utilities to execute utility permits -
City Administrator (Exhibit 5).
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
X
Watford
X
Motion carried.
5. Motion to approve a partial pay request to
Motion by Councilman Watford, seconded by
Dickerson for $2 9,803.89 - Director of Public
Works (Exhibit 6).
Councilman Rubin.
Discussion: Councilman Rubin inquired how much
was still owed Dickerson and how much of the
work was outstanding. Director of Public
Works, Mr. Elders stated that 98% of the work
has now been completed. Councilman Watford
asked if all of the work had been completed
satisfactorily and Mayor Chapman inquired about
'
the culverts to be replaced. Mr. Elders
stated that there were minor items to be fixed
and/or replaced.
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
X
Watford
X
Motion carried.
page 6
COUNCIIrEMBERS/ACTION
VOTE
ABSENT
YES
NO
Recess: 2:50 P.M.
Mayor Chapman called the meeting back to order at 3:05 P.M.
i
6. Motion to award the purchase of one pickup truck
Motion by Councilman Thomas, seconded by
for the Director of Public Works - City
Councilman Rubin to purchase a 1988 GMC
Administrator (Exhibit 6).
1/2 Ton Pickup from the lowest bidder;
Barrie Reed. Cost to be $9,467.70. Delivery:
Approximately 21 days.
Discussion: Councilman Watford abstained from
voting stating his reason being that he was
affiliated with one of the companies
placing a bid on the truck, and will file the
necessary Conflict of Interest forms with the
City Clerk's office.
After discussion between Councilmen and staff,
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
I
--
Thomas
X
�{
Watford *
ab
tai
ed
Motion carried.
*Councilman signed a MEMORANDUM OF VOTING
CONFLICT and filed it with the City'
Clerk as required.
7. Motion to approve a rental plan between the
Motion by Councilman Thomas, seconded by
City and C & S Bank in the amount of $24,280.00 fo
Councilman Collins to approve a rental plan
new police cars - City Administrator.
between the City and C & S Bank in the amount
of $24,280 for new police cars.
Discussion: Councilman Watford requested
proposals and further information in the
matter. The City Administrator informed
Council of Banks that had been contacted
and information obtained from them. After
discussion with Captain Farrenkopf of the City
Police Department and City Administrator
Drago, Motion was made by Councilman Watford,
seconded by Councilman Collins to table this
matter until the next Council meeting.
Da b-e 7: -
COUNCIlMEMERS/ACTION
VOTE
ABSENT
YES
NO
Discussion: City Administrator an ounce man
Thomas discussed the possible delay of receipt o
the vehicles, and renogotiation of terms.
Councilman Collins withdrew his second to the
Motion stating he wished to see the rental plan
schedule.
Motion by Councilman Thomas, seconded by
Councilman Collins to approve the rental plan
between the City and C & S Bank in the amount
of $24,280 for five (5) LTD Crown Victoria
police cars subject to approval at the budget
hearing.
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
X
Watford
X
Motion carried.
T
r
8. Hear from Mr. Rucker Wilcox regarding water
After discussion with Mr. Rucker Wilcox and the
allocation.
Director of Public Utilities, Mr. Fortner;
_Motion was made by Councilman Thomas, seconded
by Councilman Collins to allocate water
and sewer (4,250 gallons) to Mr. Wilcox for his
project at Connors Highlands.
Discussion: Councilman, Administrator
Drago, Director of Public Utilities and
Mr. Wilcox discussed remaining allocations,
necessary DER permits and Mr. Wilcox's signing
of City Annexation documents, due to the subject
property being located in the County. Mr.
Wilcox stated that there is an enclave which
might prevent the property from being annexed.
After discussion,
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
Watford
X
X
page 8
COUNCI1MEMBERS/ACTI0N
VOTE
ABSENT
YES
NO
9. Hear from Mr. Mack Worley regarding a water line -
Did not appear. No action taken.
Mr. Mack Worley.
10. Update of items of interest to the City by County
Nothing to report at this time.
Commissioner Jack Williamson.
H. COUNCIL REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS:
Councilman Collins:
1. American Water Systems has requested they
be allowed to fence in the lot adjacent to
their property on S.W. 2nd Street to allow
overnight parking of their company trucks.
Staff members are to check zoning of
property and notify property owner whether
or not it is a permitted use.
2
2. Administrator Drago was asked about the
status of the Industrial Park. Mr. Drago
will contact South Florida Water Management
and DER regarding industrial waste and
wetland requirements and will get back to
Council with further information in this
regard.
3. Captain Farrenkopf was asked whether or
not noise meters have been installed in
City Police vehicles. Captain Farrenkoph
said that the Department presently has one
(1) meter and two (2) on order from Radio
Shack. Sergeants will carry them in their
units.
4. Councilman Collins is receiving complaints
from property owners regarding a firm
working on and running motors of race
cars. The Police Department was asked to
check into this matter, particularly -on the
weekends and during the evening hours.
DaQe 9
COUNCIIMEMBERS/ACTION
VOTE
ABSENT
YES
NO
-( Councilman Thomas:
1. Asked Public Works Director Elders about
the status of getting a tree ground down.
Mr. Elders will check into the matter to
insure is has been done.
2. Mr. Drago was asked whether or not DOT had
responded to the request to install a
"right turn on red" sign on the traffic
lights in the City. Mr. Drago received
correspondence (from DOT) denying the
request. Councilman Thomas said he would
check into the matter.
3. Requested Council consider forming a Site
Plan Review Board or Panel (for the
Building Department) to include "key
personnel" from the City and County.
City Administrator Drago will look into
the matter and report back to the Council
with his recommendations.
4. Asked Administrator Drago and Attorney
Cook if information on impact fees could
be made available by the next Council
meeting.
Attorney Cook:
1. Recently attended the Florida Municipal
Attorney's Association seminar in
Jacksonville where he obtained information
on Development'Ordinances and examples of
City Charters to follow should the Council
decide to update the present Charter.
Attorney Cook will send for further
information and update the Council at a
later date.
page 10
COUNCIIr4DIBERS/ACTION
VOTE
ABSENT
YES
NO
Councilman Watford:
1. Discussed further the parking problem
(brought up by Councilman Collins earlier)
at American Water Systems and suggeted that
the property owners contact the Building
Department about this matter, indicating
the company may require a Special Exception.
2. Motion by Councilman Watford, seconded by
Councilman Thomas to request the DOT to place
No Truck Parking Signs in the block
immediately South of South Park Street on
Highway 441 (next to the old Bennie's
Auto Supply). Mayor Chapman advised that
he has contacted DOT and they have called
for a study on this subject.
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
X
Watford
X
Motion carried.
3. Motion to instruct the City Attorney to
prepare the necessary Ordinance to present
to the Planning and Zoning Board to remove
bar and/or taverns for on -premises
consumption of alcoholic beverages from
the permitted principle use to the Special
Exceptions category, seconded by Councilman
Thomas.
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
X
Thomas
X
Watford
X
Motion carried.
page 11
Councilman Rubin:
Mayor Chapman:
COUNCIIrE�!BERS/ACTION
4. Requested that City Administrator
investigate Downtown Development Grants
particularly in the area of Historical
Preservation which might be available to th4
City and report back to the Council with
his findings.
1. Asked. Councilmen to consider the request
from Dropout Prevention Teacher, Larry
Hackett of the Okeechobee High School to
participate in the High School Dropout
Education Program. City Administrator
Drago was instructed to contact Mr. Hackett,
obtain further information and report back
to the Council.
2. Discussed the requirements of the Assistant
to the Public Utilities Director.
3. Inquired of Administrator Drago and
Attorney Cook of the $4,800.00 statement
from Muller, Mintz, et al. Attorney
Cook explained that all legal matters
should be referred to his office prior
to contacting any other law firm, however,
this firm was retained as a labor
representative for union negotiations
which is not his specialty.
4. Questioned the status of the repair of
"chuck holes" in 5 areas in the City.
1. Asked Director of Public Works to speak
with Mrs. Heath regarding the drainage
problem she is experiencing on her property
VOTE ABSENT
YES I NO
e 12
Mr. Gadoury requested clarification from the Council on the
status of the water line situation at the town Center Apartment,
on Highway 441 South.
Councilman Thomas left the Council Chambers (5:00 P.M.)
COUNCIIMEMBERS /ACTION
2. Informed County Commissioner Williamson
of a situation whereby individuals in the
Southeast area had stockpiled 500 or more
tires. DER was notified and in turn contacte
the property owners, who moved the tires
out of the City Limits to the County.
County Commissioner Williamson and City
staff members will look into the matter.
Mr. Williamson informed the Council that he
has been looking into the purchase and/or use
of a shredder to alleviate the discarded
tire problem in the future. Mayor Chapman
requested that City employees report
violations of this nature when they notice
them.
After lengthy discussion between Mr. Gadoury and
Fire Chief Tomey, Motion was made by Councilman
Thomas. seconded by Councilman Rubin for the City
tc absorb the difference in cost of an 8" pipe to
have a 12" pipe installed for the project,
including the 100 feet under Highway 441 South,
at an approximate cost of $5,200.00, as
recommended by the Fire Chief. After further
discussion by Councilmen, Attorney Cook and
Administrator Drago,
Chapman
Collins
Rubin
Thomas
Watford
Motion carried.
VOTE IABSENT
YES I NO
X
X
X
X
X
age ii
COUNCIIMEMBERS/ACTION
VOTE
ABSENT
YES
NO
Director of Public Utilities L. C. Fortner asked for
Motion was made by Councilman Watford,
clarification from the Council to confirm his recom-
seconded by Councilman Collins to hire
mendation for Assistant Director of Public Utilities.
Billy Stratton as Assistant Director of
Public Utilities at a starting annual
salary of $25,000.00. After lengthy
discussion.
Councilman Watford amended his motion,
seconded by Councilman Collins to allow Mr.
Fortner to hire the assistant he recommended
with a cap on the probationary period salary
of $22,000.00.
Chapman
X
Collins
X
Rubin
R
Thomas
X
Watford
%
Motion carried.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:20 P.M.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT IF ANY PERSON SHOULD DECIDE
TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE AT THIS MEETING OF THE CITY
COUNCIL, SUCH PERSON WILL NEED TO INSURE THAT A VERBATIM
RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE WHICH INCLUDES THE
TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS BASED.
OA LAND R. CHAPMAN MAYOR
ATTEST:
P+r
BONNIE S. THOMAS, CITY CLERK
f"