1986-07-01 Regular Meeting 3929
REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JULY ~, 1986
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee met in regular session
in Council Chambers, 55 Southeast Third Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 2:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEMS #II & III - PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Prayer was offered by Mayor Oakland R. Chapman, followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance.
The following members were recorded present:
Mayor Oakland R. Chapman
Councilman Andy Rubin
Councilman Edward'Douglas
Councilman Oscar Thomas
Councilman Nick Collins
Others present were:
Bonnie S. Thomas, City Clerk
Sylvia Firestine, Acting Adm. Asst.
Jerry Bryant, City Attorney
L.C. Fortner, Jr., Public Utilities Director
Keith Tomey, Fire Chief
Larry Mobley, Police Chief
Lydia J. Wilkerson, Deputy Clerk
86-1 AGENDA ITEM ~IV - APPROVAL QF THE MINUTES QF THE REGULAR MEETINGS QF MAY
20. JUNE 3 AND JUNE 17. 1986
Mayor Chapman asked if there were any additions or deletions to the
minutes of May 20, June 3 or 17, 1986. There being no additions or
deletions the minutes were considered approved as presented.
AGENDA ITEM ~V - A~TIQN BY COUNCIL TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATIQN OF
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT MILTON DAVIS; AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FQR A
REPLACEMENT; RULING ON THE AMOUNT OF ShLARY TO BE PAID TO THE ACTING
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Councilman Collins stated that he spoke with the department heads
concerning their evaluation of Mr. Davis' work performance. Four of the
six department heads had negative comments. The two other department
heads stated they were not involved enough with the Adm. Asst. to
comment.
Councilman Douglas stated that he spoke with a few of the
department heads who felt the same, one department head making no
comment.
Councilman Thomas stated that he disagreed with the request for
salary increase.
Councilman Rubin stated that he also disagreed with the request for
the salary increase, but he felt that Mr. Davis should be present before
any discussion was held concerning his resignation.
Following discussion, Councilman Collins made a motion that the
Council accept the resignation of Milton Davis as Administrative
Assistant. Councilman.Douglas seconded the motion.
Mayor Chapman asked for 'a vote on the motion.
Yeas
Collins
Douglas
Thomas
Chapman
Nays
Rubin
Motion carried
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J U L 0 1 1986
Mayor Chapman stated authorization was needed to advertise for a
replacement. Councilman Douglas made a motion authorizing advertisement --~
for a replacement to fill the vacancy in the position of Administrative
Assistant. Councilman Collins seconded the motion. ~
Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion.
Yeas
Collins
Douglas
Thomas
Chapman
Rubin
N~ys
None
Motion carried
Mayor Chapman stated a decision on the salary to be paid to the
Acting Administrative Assistant needed to be made. Councilman Thomas
made a motion to pay the Acting Administrative Assistant (Sylvia
Firestine) the same salary ($25,000. per year) as Mr. Davis was
receiving, retroactive to the date she filled the position. Councilman
Collins seconded the motion.
Mayor Chapman asked for discussion.
Councilman Douglas stated, "I don't have any problem with paying
her a supplemental salary, but if she can do both jobs, then we don't
need both positions. Either no Adm. Asst. or no Adm. Asst. secretary."
Mayor Chapman stated this would only be for a few weeks until the
position was filled.
Councilman Rubin stated Sylvia was doing the work and he felt she
should be receiving the salary.
Councilman Collins stated that she was doing the work and
therefore, she was entitled to the supplemental salary.
Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. _~
Yeas
Collins
Thomas
Chapman
Rubin
Nays
Douglas
Motion carried
86-45 AGENDA ITEM #VI - DISCUSSION AND ACTIQN BY COUNCIL ON THE SALT OF FQUR
LOTS; ~0 AND 17. BLOCK 39 AND 10 AND 17, BLQCK 28; TQ BE SQLD AT PUBLIC
AUCTION OR BY DIRECT SALE
Mayor Chapman asked for discussion by the Council on the sale of
the four lots: 10 and 17 of Block 39, and 10 and 17 of Block 28. The property was appraised at $5,800. for all four lots.
Following discussion, Councilman Thomas made a motion to advertise
for bids for the sale of the property. Councilman Collins seconded the
motion.
Attorney Bryant suggested the motion include the City's right to
refuse any and all bids received. Councilmembers agreed this be included
in the motion.
Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion.
Yeas
Collins
Thomas
Chapman
Rubin
Douglas
NaYs ~
None
Motion carried
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J U L 0 f f986
86-21 AGENDA ITEM #VII - APPEARANCE QF MR, RUCKER WILCOX TO DISCUSS EXTENSIQN
OF SEWER L~NE AND RQ~D CQNSTRU~TION
Mr. Rucker Wilcox addressed the Council to discuss the extention of
sewer line and road construction. Mr. Wilcox demonstrated the request
by drawing a sketch on the blackboard showing the sewer line extension
he was requesting.
Director Fortner requested that the Council not approve the
extension of the sewer line at this time due to the law suit concerning
the sewer collection system stating it might harm the City's case.
Attorney Bryant agreed the sewer line extension could effect the
City's case.
~4r. Wilcox stated that he would like to come down the road a
distance of 400 feet, install a manhole to serve the two houses at the
end of the road, and donate it to the City if the City would agree to
leaving the shell on the road there, he would be willing to put the
sewer in, using the "triple treatment" road application.
Director Fortner explained the Council has just recently adopted
street paving specifications for shell asphalt mix to be used.
Councilman Thomas stated, "The shell presently on the street is
plenty good. I'm for leaving the shell there with testing, but if its
OK leave it there."
Director Fortner explained the City had planned to put sewer down
the middle of the street, but when problems arose with Taddie everything
concerning the sewer lines was stopped.
Councilman Thomas asked if it was alright for Mr. Wilcox to go
ahead with the request after testing the shell.
Councilman Collins stated the City would have to adopt paving
specifications for the triple surface road before Mr. Wilcox could begin
work.
With Director of Public Works, Chuck Elders, not being at the
meeting, Council agreed to wait until the next meeting for further
discussion. However, go ahead wil testing the shell that is already on
the roads in question for durability, preparing the item for a more
informed matter for action to be taken on the subject at the next
meeting.
AGENDA ITEM #VIII - APPEARANCE OF FIRE CHIEF KEITH TOMEY, REPRESENTINC
THE FOURTH OF JULY COMMITTEE, AND MR. CARL WQQDS, PRESIDENT QF THE
CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION TO DISCUSS FUTURE PLANS FOR THE INDEPENDENCE DAY
Fire Chief Tomey explained the fireworks would be held at Lock 7
this year and the Board of County Commissioners have agreed to
underwrite the insurance coverage this year.
Mr. Carl Woods, President of the Contractor's Association,
addressed Council requesting the City underwrite the liability insurance
coverage each year for the Fourth of July. He stated they were not
requesting funds from the City, just their support, at this time. The
insurance could cost up to $1,500. for insurance and $5,000. for
fireworks.
Council agreed to discuss underwriting for the Fourth of July
Fireworks Committee at the Budget Workshop Meetings to be held the 8th,
9th, 10th, and 14th of July.
AGENDA ITEM #IX - ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FEES FOR RECORDS
RESEARCH
This agenda item bypassed. The resolution was not prepared for
Council's consideration at this time.
86-5 AGENDA ITEM #X - INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TQ CLOSE
THE ALLEY IN THE BLOCK KNQWN AS BROWING ADDITION. APPLICATION MADE BY
LENORE SHOEMAKER
Councilman Thomas made a motion for the ordinance to be read by
title only. Councilman Collins seconded the motion.
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1 1986
Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion.
Yeas
Collins
Thomas
Chapman
Rubin
Douglas
Nays
None
Motion carried
Mayor Chapman read the title as follows:
AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND ABANDONING THE ALLEY OR ALLEYWAY
LOCATED IN BROWNINGS ADDITION TO EAST OKEECHOBEE, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE;
PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS FOR THE CLOSING, VACATING AND ABANDONt~ENT OF
THE ALLEY OR ALLEYWAY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Councilman Collins made a motion to advertise the ordinance setting
the final public hearing on July 15, 1986. Councilman Douglas seconded
the motion.
Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion.
Yeas
Collins
Thomas
Chapman
Rubin
Douglas
Nays
None
Motion carried
MEETING RECESSED AT 3:25 P.M.
MEETING RECONVENED AT 3:40 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM ~XI - MAYQR TQ CALL ON ANYQNE IN TH~ AUDIENCE WISHING TO
ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
There were no comments from the audience made at this time.
AGENDA ITEM #XII - MAYOR TO CALL ON THE CITY CLERK, CITY ATTQRNEY,
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND MEMBERS QF THE ~QUN~IL FQR R~pQRTS AND/QR
86-39 Clerk Thomas stated she received one phone call concerning the
advertisement for the 154 acres. Council discussed the amount of money
to be quoted to those interested in the property. The City paid
$378,975. on October 13, 1979.
86-46 Clerk Thomas explained that Attorney Bryant researched the
subject of the City advertising for auditors, coming to the conclusion
that he did not feel the City was required to readvertise for auditors
this year.
There being no objections from the Council, it was agreed the Clerk
negotiate a longer contract with DiBartolomeo, 5~cBee and Sloan,
C.P.A.'s for the upcoming audits.
Clerk Thomas presented the Warrant Registers for Council's
approval.
86-21 Director Fortner explained there were low water pressure problems
on S.W. 6th Avenue and 9th Street. The cost for new lines to be
installed correcting the problems would be around $17,000. for 4,900
feet of 6 inch pipe.
Following discussion, Councilman Douglas made a motion to authorize
Director Fortner to install the 4,900 feet of 6 inch pipe correcting the
low pressure problems on S.W. 6th Avenue and 9th Street, the funds to be
taken from the Water Systems Capacity Charges ($17,000.). Councilman
Collins seconded the motion.
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J U L 0 1 1986
Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion.
Yeas
Collins
Thomas
Chapman
Rubin
Douglas
None
Motion carried
Director Fortner explained that a contractor was planning to build
two triplex units on. N.W. 3rd Avenue and 10th Street. A 6 inch water
main needs to be extended. Approximately 1,150 feet of pipe for a total
of $2,500. for the materials. All extensions to water lines must be
paid for by the developer according to a City ordinance.
Council agreed to approve the request contingent upon the owner
paying for the cost of the extension. Director Fortner will notify the
developer and report back to the Council at the next meeting.
Code Officer Tomev stated that George's Used Furniture was moving
outside the City limits according to County Building Official Walt
Taylor.
Mayor Chapman asked Sylvia if she had heard anything concerning the
Civic organizations signs. Sylvia stated that she has not heard
anything concerning the signs.
M~vor Chapman asked Sylvia to write a letter to the businesses
located in the Daniels Building to have their employees park behind the
stores, leaving the parking spaces available for customers on the
street.
Mayor Chapman asked the Clerk is she had heard from the Risk
Management Pool committee. The Clerk stated she had and would keep the
Council informed as to developments.
Mayor Chapman requested the utility availability charge matter be
placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
M~yor Chapman asked the Attorney if the Subdivision ordinance could
be amended to include sidewalks. Attorney Bryant explained he was
presently working on an ordinance amendment and he could include this
amendment submitting it to the Council at the next meeting.
Mayor Chapman explained the drainage problem behind the Honey Bee
Pancake House. Attorney Bryant suggested the Council authorize him to
meet with Ms. White to try and solve this problem. Council agreed.
~ayor Chapman introduced Mr. Robert Lightsey to everyone, who has
preifled as a candidate for City Council in the upcoming election.
AGENDA ITEM #XIII -ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at
4:24 P.M. ~
ATTEST:
BONNIE S. THOMAS, CMC
CITY CLERK