1982-11-03 Special Meeting3196
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SPECIAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, met in Special session at 7:30 P.M.,
Wednesday, November 3, 1982, in the City Council Chambers, 55 Southeast Third Avenue,
Okeechobee, Florida.
The Special Meeting was called to order by Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas with
the following Councilmen present:
Edward W. Douglas, Chairman /Mayor
Donald Burk, Vice Chairman
Dowling Watford, Jr.
Oakland Chapman
James H. Knight
Others present were:
Bonnie S. Thomas, City Clerk
Richard C. Fellows, City Administrator
David M. Conlon, City Attorney
Janice M. Mann, Deputy Clerk
AGENDA ITEM #I - SMALL COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION
Chairman Douglas stated the special meeting was called relative to receiving comments
from the public regarding a Community Development Block Grant application.
Dr. Richard Orman was present to summarize the program and answer any questions
regarding the Block Grant application package.
Dr. Orman noted having had the opportunity to review with the City Administrator
the opportunities for Housing Economic Development and the deficiencies in the public
facilities in the City of Okeechobee. After a survey was conducted an assessment was
made of the City's problems and the opportunities in the City to achieve the receipt of
a grant from HUD.
Findings as follows:
1. The condition of the housing in the Dean's Court area would most
likely qualify for funding. Factors point to a maximum impact
score to make it likely to be funded.
2. Also, based on a court order (Discrimination Suit settlement),
there is a need to provide facilities (sewers).
Dr. Orman stated, by combining the sewers with the housing improvement, gave his
company an opportunity to address a critical need of public facilities that the City
has (sewers). If successful with this grant application, in the administration and
implimentation of it, Dr. Orman anticipates the City can look forward to successive
years of funding under the HUD program.
The possibility of funding the sewertreatment plant with the small cities block
grant monies, was also investigated. Dr. Orman reported that the project is more
expensive than what the normal funding level for a single purpose grant would allow.
However, this can be addressed next year under a comprehensive approach, where an
application can be made up to Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00).
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Dr. Orman explained the three basic components of the application package being
submitted, totaling a Five Hundred Thousand Dollar ($500,000.00) grant.
a) Housing rehabilitation - purpose is to make repairs that are
health and safety related. Matching funds requirement for
landlords; while privately owned homes could receive up to
Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).
Process for providing such grants:
1) City receives funds from HUD and placed in an appropriate
account.
2) City would hire a program administrator /coordinator to inspect
needed jobs; pre - qualify a number of bidders per job.
3) Contractors bid on the jobs.
4) Upon completion of the job, it will be inspected by the
appointed administrator afterwhich a check is issued in both
the Homeowner's and Contractor's name.
b) It addresses the sewage collection system survey in the Dean's
Court area, an estimated cost of One Hundred Forty Thousand
Dollars ($140,000.00), which includes the cost of engineering
and inspection of installation of the system.
c) Program planning and administration provides funds for mis-
cellaneous costs and administration of the grant not covered
in item "a ".
Councilman Knight expressed apprehention regarding the grant noting careful
scrutinization will be needed when allocating funds. Attorney Conlon discussed the
possibility of recovering a portion of the sewage hook -up costs.
Councilman Watford noted the receipt of a Resolution from the Planning Board
supporting the grant application. Two points important to consider: 1) the City
has been under pressure to enter into a low income housing program; a grant would meet
some of the need and criticism in the Comprehensive Plan, and 2) a grant will free
up some of the City's capital for other projects.
Councilman Watford asked if there was any possibility of making this a loan
rather than a grant. Dr. Orman stated it could be done but is favored in HUD adminis-
tration as a grant program.
Further points discussed by Dr. Orman were the basis of the application, the
possibility of development of the Industrial Park with follow -up applications.
Councilman Watford noted three items brought up at the Planning Board meeting he
attended the night before, 1) careful administration of the project, 2) the idea of
absentee owners or landlords, and 3) the idea of loan -vs- grant. Councilman Watford
felt all three items had been addressed and adequately answered by Dr. Orman this
evening.
Andy Rubin asked to go on record as "not being against the grant program ", however,
was "against rushing into this." Rubin noted "the City presently has qualified
personnel that can pursue grants when there is more time."
Councilman Burk stated the City has applied for numerous grants but always were
turned down. "I perceive this not as an end result of a grant program, but the first
step in a program that might become an on -going thing, and finally get the City a
grant," stated Burk.
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Councilman Chapman asked that if the City receives the grant and not all the monies
are needed or requested by Dean's Court residents, can the funds be utilized in other
needy housing areas?
Dr. Orman explained, "yes, by amending the grant application to allow another area
to be served. If you exhausted all the housing in Dean's Court, people were not taking
it and there was money left, we could probably make it eligible in another area."
Administrator Fellows clarified for the Council and those present, "the reason
for the short term situation was caused by the Federal government. Cities could not
apply for these funds until after September 23rd. Therefore, the Council felt it
necessary to contract with a firm that is experienced in putting together applications
quickly."
AGENDA ITEM #II - RESOLUTION
Chairman Douglas read a Resolution for filing the application, as follows:
WHEREAS, The City of Okeechobee wishes to file an application with the Department
of Housing and Urban Development for a Small Cities grant pursuant to the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; and
WHEREAS, a proper application requires that the City Council authorize the sub-
mission of the application;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE City Council of the City of Okeechobee,
Florida as follows:
1. That the City Administrator is authorized as its official representative of the
City to submit a final statement (application), all understandings and assurances
contained therein, and directing and authorizing the City Administrator to act in
connection with the submission of the final application and to provide such additional
information as may be required.
special
Introduced and adopted in Pegiiiat2 session assembled this 3RD day of
NOVEMBER , 1982.
Chairman Douglas called for comments and /or action by the Council.
Councilman Chapman moved that the Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman
Burk.
Councilman Watford asked the City attorney if all the certifications in the last
section of the application can be met. Attorney Conlon assured him they can.
Chairman Douglas called for a vote on the motion to adopt the Resolution. Vote
on motion carried.
Chairman /Mayor Douglas presented a signed copy of the Resolution to Dr. Orman along
with a copy of the Planning Board Resolution supporting the grant. Both Resolutions will
be sent along with the application.
AGENDA ITEM #III - ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilman Burk moved to adjourn at 8:10 P.M.,
seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried.
dward . Douglas, D.0
Chairman /Mayor
City of Okeechobee
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ATTEST:
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:onnie S. homas, CMC
City Clerk
City of Okeechobee
THERE IS A TAPE OF THIS MEETING IN ITS ENTIRETY ON FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE.
REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1982
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida met in Regular Session at
7:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 9, 1982, in the City Council Chambers at 55 Southeast
Third Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida.
Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas called the meeting to order with the following
Councilmen present:
Edward W. Douglas, Chairman /Mayor
Donald Burk, Vice Chairman
Dowling Watford, Jr.
Oakland Chapman
James H. Knight
Others present were:
Bonnie S. Thomas, City Clerk
Richard C. Fellows, City Administrator
L.C. Fortner, Jr., Director of Public Works
James Broome, Consulting Engineer
David M. Conlon, City Attorney
L. Keith Tomey, Fire Chief
Janice M. Mann, Deputy Clerk
AGENDA ITEM #I - INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
The Invocation was offered by Councilman Burk followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ITEM #II - APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings of October 12th, October 20th, October 26th and
November 3rd, 1982, were presented for approval.
Councilman Watford moved that the minutes be approved as presented, seconded by
Councilman Burk. Motion carried.
AGENDA ITEM #III - PROPOSED ELECTION BOARD
City Clerk Bonnie Thomas presented the proposed Election Board for Council's
approval, as follows:
Clerk - Doris Carden
Inspectors - June N. Boromei
Yvonne Prevatt
Violet B. Briney
Pat Dillard
Myrna Davis
Alternate - Ruth Jeffers
Deputy - Elzie Prevatt
Machines transported and set up - Tony Ard
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
SPECIAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 3, 1982
7:30 P.M.
1. Public hearing relative to receiving comments for a Community Development
Block application.
Adoption of resolution for filing the application.
Adjournment