Loading...
1986-08-05 Regular Meeting 3947 REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 5. 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. with the following members present: Oakland R. Chapman, Mayor Nick Collins, Councilman Oscar Thomas, Councilman Edward Douglas, Councilman Andy Rubin, Councilman Others present were: Bonnie S. Thomas, City Clerk Jerry Bryant, City Attorney Sylvia Firestine, Acting Adm. Asst. L.C. Fortner, Jr., Public Utilities Director Keith Tomey, Fire Chief Larry Mobley, Police Chief Chuck Elders, Street Director Lydia J. Wilkerson, Deputy Clerk AGENDA ITEM #II & III - INVOCATION AND PLEDGE QF ALLEGIAN~ The Invocation was offered by Councilman Edward Douglas, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 86-1 AGENDA ITEM ~IV - APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING QF JULY 15, 1986 No minutes were presented for approval. AGENDA ITEM ~V - MAYOR OAKLAND ~H~PM~N QN BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL. WITH A PRESENTATIQN TO AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 64 Mayor Chapman read the following proclamation presenting it then to Mr. Donald Clements for the American Legion Post No. 64: WHEREAS, American Legion Post 64, of the City of Okeechobee, has been a leader of community affairs for many years; and WHEREAS, American Legion Post 64 has provided recreational activities, shown love and support, each year, for the participants of the Special Olympic Program; and WHEREAS, American Legion Post 64 provides financial contributions to Boy's State; Veterans Hospitals, as well as their widows and children; 4-H Club, various school activities and many other projects; and WHEREAS, they remember our departed veterans, each year, with memorial services at the schools and park; and WHEREAS, they provide flags for Okeechobee, Fort Drum and Bassinger cemeteries; and WHEREAS, they assist in making arrangements; provide Chaplins, escorts and honor guards and attend all funeral services of our veterans: NOW, THEREFORE, I, Oakland R. Chapman, Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, join with the City Council in proclaiming that American Legion Post 64, by their benevolence, enhances the quality of life in our community and we urge our citizens to support their endeavors. Mayor Chapman requested the news media express the City's thanks to the American Legion Post No. 64. AGENDA ITEM #VI - APPEARANC~$~ 86-29 A REPRESENTATIVE OF BROOME. VAN OSTRAN AND ASSOC.. INC. WITH A PARTIAL PAY REOUEST FOR ROCK-A-WAY. INC. o THE CONTRA~TQR REPLACING THE S.E. 8TH ~VENUE BRIDGE, PQSSIBLE REOUEST FOR A~PROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 4 Mr. Jim Van Ostran submitted partial pay request for Rock-A-Way Construction, Inc., in the amount of $13,447.93 for Council's approval, stating all work was approved. 3948 AUG 0 5 1986 Following discussion, re-affirming contract completion date of the bridge being October 1, 1986, Councilman Douglas made a motion to approve the pay request for Rock-A-Way Construction, Inc., in the amount of $13,447.93. Councilman Rubin seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Rubin Thomas Collins Nays none Motion carried. 86-21 MR. JOE VARNADORE TO DISCUSS WATER LINE ~XTENSIQN ~QR THE QAK PARK AREA This agenda item was discussed at the regular meeting of June 17, at which time Becky Coburn appeared requesting city water for a proposed eight lot development. Council approved the water line extension based on Section 18-30 of the Code of the city of Okeechobee, which states all extensions of the water system shall be installed with no expense to the City, according to City specifications. This means, the City would be required to enlarge approximately 2,075 feet of water main and the developer would be required to pay for the installation of approximately 1600 feet of 6-inch water main. Mr. Varnadore addressed the Council stating his objections to this requirement. Councilman Thomas stated that he did not feel it was fair to make the' developer, in this instance, pay for the 6-inch water main but --~ just pay for the lines on his property. Council held a lengthy discussion concerning the request. Councilman Thomas made a motion that the City pay for the 6 inch water line up to the property line of Becky and Joe Varnadore, then developer pay for the extension on the developer's property. Councilman Collins seconded the motion for discussion. Mayor Chapman asked for discussion. Councilman Douglas asked Director Fortner if the City was intending to upgrade the existing 2-inch line to a 6-inch line on the master drainage plan. Director Fortner answered yes but it was not going to be done in the near future. Councilman Rubin stated that he felt the request should be researched further before any decision was made, and asked if a request had been made to the County for fire hydrants to be placed in the area. Council discussed Mr. Varnadore appearing at the next County Commission meeting to discuss the possibility of fire hydrants in this area. It was agreed that this step be taken. Councilman Collins withdrew his second. Mayor Chapman asked if there was a second to the motion. There being no second the motion died. Director Fortner and Councilman Rubin stated they would attend the County Commissioner's meeting with Mr. Varnadore. Council agreed. Councilman Douglas stated that the City's ordinance and policy provides that any extension of water/sewer lines be paid for at the expense of the developer. He further stated the City would be putting our $10,000. or more on this situation when we have an ordinance that states the developer is supposed to pay for the line. 86-18 AGENDA ITEM #VII - DISCUSSION AND ACTION BY COUNCIL TO AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF AN ELECTRONIC TELEpHQN~ SYSTEM Adm. Asst. Firestine explained two bids were received on the bid tabulations of July 24, 1986 as follows: -~ Bid #1 Company: Kniahts Security Service City Hall System: 8,327.43 Police/Fire Dept. System. 8.221.62 Total Bid 16,549.05 3949 AIJ$ 0 5 1986 Installation of systems to commence 15 days after receipt of Notice to Proceed. Installation of systems to be completed within 20 days after starting job. Bid was not signed; proof of insurance was not included as per instructions to bidder. No previous experience in installation, maintenance or training on the systems bid. Extended installation period. S~d #2 86-18 ~Qmpanv: CML Communications. City Hall System: 9,887.66 Police/Fire Dept.. System 9.409,15 Total Bid 19,296.81 Installation of systems to commence 20 days after receipt of Notice to Proceed. Installation of systems to be completed within 5 days. Bidder complied with all instructions including proof of insurance; has extensive experience in installation, maintenance and training of systems bid. Quicker installation of new systems. The City Attorney and Council discussed the two bids received stating that the Knight Security bidder could sign the bid now and secure the necessary insurance, if requested, making the bid valid. Following discussion in which Councilman Rubin stated the City shouldn't buy this system now, because we have other more necessary things the money could be used for, purchase in the future, but not at this time. Councilman Thomas made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Adm. Asst. accepting the bid of CML Communication for 19,296.81. Councilman Douglas seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Thomas Collins Nays Rubin Motion carried. City Clerk Thomas stated one bid was received on the 4 City owned lots: Lots 10 and 17 of Block 38, Lots 10 and 17 of Block 38, from John Abney, a total of $4,000. for all lots. Following discussion, Councilman Thomas made a motion to accept the bid of John Abney for $4,000. for the property. Councilman Collins seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Rubin Thomas Collins Nays Douglas Motion carried. 86-18 AGENDA ITEM #VIII - COUNCIL'S DISCUSSION AND ACTION TO APPROVE ADVERTISING FOR SEALED BIDS FOR THE SALE OF THE CITY OWNED 151.59 ACRES Mayor Chapman asked the Council how they felt concerning advertising for sealed bids for the sale of the city's 151.59 acres. Following discussion, Mayor Chapman and Councilmen Rubin, Thomas, and Collins agreed to advertise for sealed bids, reserving the right to reject any and all bids. Councilman Douglas stated he was against advertising for sealed bids. The City Clerk was instructed to advertise for sealed bids. 3950 AUG 0 5 1986 AGENDA ITE.~ #IX - COUNCIL'S CONSIDERATION OF BIDS AND APPROVAL PURCHASE WATER PIPE B & H Sales $91,546.70 Lake Park, Florida Sav-On Utilities $94,362.00 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Hughes Supply $93,429.28 Riviera Beach, Florida Underground Supply Co. $94,925.00 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Director Fortner recommended the Council accept the low bid of B&H Sales, Inc. $91,546.70. for water pipe. Councilman Thomas made a motion accepting the low bid of B&H Sales, Inc. for $91,546.70 at the recommendation of Director Fortner. Councilman Rubin seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Thomas Collins Rubin Nays none Motion carried. 86-42 AGENDA ITEM ~X - DISCUSSION AND ACTION BY COUNCIL ON REOUEST FOR SEWER SERVICE RECEIVED FROM AIM ENGIN~$RING AND SURVEYING FOR THE PROPOSED HANDY FOOD STORE ON US 441 SOUTH Director Fortner presented the request for sewer service to the Council. He recommended the Council deny the request because the capacity is not available at this time. Councilman Collins made a motion to deny the request for sewer service. COuncilman Douglas seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Thomas Collins Rubin Nays none Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM #XI - DISCUSSION AND ACTION BY COUNCIL TO AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF A USED CHIPPER BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Director Elders explained that he has found a used chipper that he could purchase for $6,400. for the Street Department, if the Council would authorize the purchase. Council discussed the resolution the City has concerning the $3,500. bidding limit. Attorney Bryant explained the Council could over-ride the resolution making an exception in this case if they wanted to stating it would be a savings to the City taxpayer. Following discussion in which Councilman Rubin stated we shouldn't buy this chipper at this time, and felt it was in violation of our bid policy. Councilman Thomas made a motion approving the purchase of the used Mitz & Meryl chipper $6,400. from Karl Kuemmerling, Inc. Councilman Collins seconded the motion. 3951 AUG 0 5 lg86 Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Thomas Collins Nays Ru~in Motion carried. 86-9 AGENDA ITEM 9XII - COUN~ILS'S AUTHORIZATION TO BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS WITH ~N~INEERING FIRMS, IN COMPLIAN~ WITH THE ~0NSULTANTS' COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION ACT. INTERESTED IN PREPARING A STUDY ~QR THE EXPAN~IQN QF THE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY The review committee, consisting of L.C. Fortner, Mayor Chapman, Jim Threewits and Sylvia Firestine recommended the firms should be ranked in the following order: Broome, Van Ostran and Associates, Inc. Okeechobee, Flor ida James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers, Inc. Lake Worth, Florida Kemp, Dresser & McKee, Inc. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Keith & Schnars Stuart, Florida Wantman & Associates, Inc. West Palm Beach, Florida Councilman Collins made a motion approving the ranking of the firms and authorization to begin negotiations. Councilman Douglas seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Thomas Collins Nays Rubin Motion carried. $6-42 AGENDA ITEM ~XIII - COUNCILS' CONSIDERATION OF A REOUEST ~QR WATER LINE EXTF~NSION WEST OF EAGLE BAY DRIVE Director Fortner explained the requesting property owner owns lots 5 and 6, Block 2 on Sloan Street is planning to build a lnew home and is requesting extension of the water line to serve their property. If Council agrees to the extension, the cost to the property owner would be approximately $1,000. plus connection fees of $625. Following discussion, Councilman Douglas made a motion granting the request for water line extension, at the property owner's expense. Councilman Rubin seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Thomas Rubin Collins Nays none Motion carried. 3952 AGENDA ITEM #XIV - COUNCILS' DISCUSSIQN AND ACTION TO APPROV~ A LIST QF ~PPL~CA~TS TO BE INTERVIEWED FOR THE POSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Council agreed to set up a committee to review the applicants for the position of Adm. Asst. selecting the 4 of the most qualified applicants. Councilman Douglas made a motion appointing Director Fortner, Adm. Asst. Sylvia Firestine, City Clerk Bonnie Thomas and Mayor Chapman as a committee to screen the applications and bring back the four best resumes for Council's consideration at the next regular meeting. Councilman Thomas seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Thomas Collins Nays Rubin Motion carried. 86-13 AGENDA ITEM #XV - ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ECQNQMIC STRATEGY OF THE KISSIMME~ R~VER RESQURCE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Attorney Bryant read the resolution as follows: A RESOLUTION WHEREBY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA RECOGNIZES THE NEED TO DEVELOP PROCESSES TO ENCOURAGE CLOSER INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND PROMOTE AGGRESSIVE __~ PURSUIT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE THE ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS CLIMATE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida recognizes that aggressive approaches should be made to recruit industries, encourage tourism and otherwise expand economic development to bring about planned, stable economic growth in the lower Kissimmee River Basin; and WHEREAS, the Kissimmee River Resource Planning and Management Committee has called for state, regional, and local governments to coordinate economic development activities to enhance the business and tourism climate in the lower Kissimmee River Basin in their adopted Resource ManaGement Plan for the Lower Kissimmee River and Taylor Creek Drainaa~ B~ins; and WHEREAS, the Kissimmee River Resource Planning and Management Committee has adopted the Regional Tourism and Economic Development Strategy and seeks to promote the implementation of this adopted strategy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida: That the City of Okeechobee recognizes the need for and encourages and pledges their direct support for the implementation of the Kissimmee River Resource Planning and Management Committee's Regional Tourism and Economic Development Strategy. Passed and adopted this 5th day of August, 1986. Councilman Collins made a motion that the resolution be adopted. Councilman Douglas seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Rubin Thomas Collins NaYs None Motion carried 3953 ALII; 0 5 1985 86-11 AGENDA ITEM 9XVI - PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 398 QF THE CODE OF QRDINANCES OF THE CITY QF Councilman Douglas made a motion for the ordinance to be read by title only. Councilman Rubin seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Rubin Thomas Collins Nays None Motion carried. Attorney Bryant read the title as follows: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 398 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA, WHICH GOVERNS AND REGULATES THE SUBDIVISION OF LAND IN THE CITY; PROVIDING THAT WHERE THE TERM "BUILDING OFFICIAL" OR "CITY BUILDING OFFICIAL" APPEARS IN ORDINANCE NUMBER 398, THE TERM "CITY ADMINISTRATOR OR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT" SHALL BE SUBSTITUTED THEREFORE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Douglas made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Councilman Collins seconded the motion. Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Rubin Thomas Collins Nays None Motion carried. MEETING RECESSED AT 3:53 P.M, MEETING RECONVENED AT 4:05 P.M. 86-16 AGENDA ITEM #XVII - UTILITY DIRECTOR L.C. FORTNER WITH A REPORT ON THE SERVICE AVAILABILITY CHARGES FOR WATER AND SEWER Utility Director Fortner suggested Council have the CPA consultant, Mr. Lorne Hunsberger, come and discuss both the service availability charges and the existing systems capacity and connection fees. Council agreed that it would be best to have Director Fortner give his report when Mr. Lorne Hunsberger appeared before the Council. 86-16 AGENDA ITEM #XVIII - DISCUSSION AND ACTION BY COUNCIL TO ESTABLISH A TIME FOR AN APPEARANCE BY MR. LORNE HUNSBERGER TO REVIEW THE RESULTS OF HIS STUDY ON THE EXISTING SYSTEMS CAPACITY CHARGES AND CONNECTION FEES Utility Director Fortner advised the COuncil that in 1985 the city entered into a contract with Lorne Hunsberger to study the existing systems capacity charges and connection fees for both the water and wastewater systems. After Council has sufficient time to review their copy of the preliminary report, a special workshop meeting or a regular council meeting should be scheduled with Mr. Hunsberger. After discussion, Council members agreed to hold the first public hearing at the next Council meeting and request Mr. Hunsberger appear at the second and final public hearing. 3954 1986 AGENDA ITEM %XIX - MAYOR TO CALL ON ANYONE IN TH~ AUDIENCE WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL Mayor Chapman asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Council. No response. AGENDA ITEM #XX - MAYOR TO CALL QN ~ITY CLERK. CITY ATTORNEY. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL FOR REPORTS AND/OR Director Elders discussed with Council the drainage problem concerning Ms. Betty White's property on South Parrott Avenue. Attorney Bryant suggested the City hire an engineer to study the over all situation and make a recommendation to the Council on the best solution to the problem. Council agreed this should be done. Director Elders stated he would like to contact the DOT first then consult an engineer - reporting back to the Council concerning the amount of the study. Council agreed. Fire Chief Tomev stated that he was the winner of a set of bunker gear at the Fire Chief's convention he just recently attended. He was ordering the bunker gear to fit Firefighter, Kimberly Krist. The value of the bunker gear is approximately $350.-$400. Councilman DouGlas informed the Council that Chief Tomey had been nominated to run for the position of Vice President - State Fire Chief's Association. Council congratulated Chief Tomey for the nomination. 86-22 Clerk Thomas read the following letter to Senator Robert Crawford from Ray Sittig, Florida League of Cities: Dear Senator Crawford: Now that the 1986 session is over, we would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for your assistance on our behalf and your willingness to discuss the issues we felt to be important to the cities of Florida. As you may know, we include 371 cities and the charter counties of Broward, Dade, Hillsborough, Palm Beach and Pinellas in our membership. City governments in our state are comprised of a very diverse group of individuals who are the same time share many common goals and objectives. Finding a single identifiable position to accomodate all interests is often quite difficult; however, common positions are established through a comprehensive policy analysis process directly involving over 300 municipal officials for eventual adoption by all of our membership. Your leadership and support, especially regarding municipal tax issues this year was sincerely appreciated. Our cities have benefited because of your efforts toward the preservation of local self-government and home rule. We commend you for your public service and look forward to continuing our cooperative efforts in the future. Sincerely, Raymond Sittig Executive Director Attorney Bryant stated he received the lease agreement between the City and the Chamber of Commerce and he will be submitting the agreement to the Council shortly. 86-49 Mayor Chapman stated that he has been receiving several complaints concerning the stop signs just recently installed on N.W. 9th Avenue and 9th Street. He suggested the stop signs on the north and south side of the intersection be removed. Following further discussion, Councilman Thomas made a motion to remove the stop signs on the north and south side of the intersection. Councilman Douglas seconded the motion. 3955 AUG 0 5 1986 Mayor Chapman asked for a vote on the motion. Yeas Douglas Rubin Thomas Collins Nays None Motion carried. Director of Public Works stated he would make the necessary changes at the intersection as approved, tomorrow. 86-49 Mayor Chapman asked Code Enforcement Officer Tomey to have the australian pines cleaned up on the east and west side of 9th Avenue. Mayor Chapman requested No Parking signs be put up in front of the house next door to Wherrell Auto Parts so resident can get to his property. Director of Public Works to install signs. Mayor Chapman asked the Police Department to keep a watch on the young drivers on S.E. 12th Avenue who were driving wreckless, with loud mufflers. Councilman Collins stated the dumpster at the U-Save should be larger so it would hold the garbage inside the container. Code Enforcement Office Tomey stated he would check into the complaint the following day. Councilman Doualas explained the one year date for construction 86-45 on the Mulberger property was passed, therefore the property should revert back to the City. Utility Director Fortner asked if this was the 30ft. property area for $18,000. Councilman Douglas stated it was. Fortner responded, if so, Mulberger hadn't paid the $18,000., so it should be null and void. Attorney Bryant stated he would check into the possibility of the city regaining the property and report back to Council at the next meeting. Coun~ilm~ Thomas asked for a report on the removal of the 86-29 remains of the old steel bridge in Taylor Creek. Adm. Asst. Firestine responded by stating the Corp of Engineers has informed us that since it does not pose a navigational problem the Corp would not remove the structure but that the City may if it wants to. ~Qun~lman Rubin advised that we need to provide funds in our upcoming budget to cover the cost of the election in November. He further stated he felt the Police Department needed help. Also we need to provide funds in the budget to cover requirements of the laws for the handicapped. AGENDA ITeM ~XXI - ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 4:55 P.M. ~~IAYOR OAKLAND R. ~PMAN ATTEST: BONNIE S. THOMAS, C~C CITY CLERK