1982-11-09 Regular Meeting3199
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ATTEST:
: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
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Councilman Burk moved that the proposed Election Board be accepted as presented,
seconded by Councilman Chapman.
Brief discussion by Council on the charges. Total cost of the Election Board and
setting up of the machines being Six Hundred Twenty -Five Dollars ($625.00).
Chairman Douglas called for a vote. Motion to accept the Election Board carried.
AGENDA ITEM #IV - FIRST READING - OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Chairman Douglas presented for introduction and first reading an ordinance
amending the Occupational License Ordinance to clarify exemptions for Disabled Veterans.
Councilman Knight moved that the ordinance be read by title only, seconded by
Councilman Chapman. Motion carried.
The title was read as follows;
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ORDINANCE CODE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA: AMENDING CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE I SECTION 10 -3 TO CLARIFY
EXEMPTIONS FOR DISABLED VETERANS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Councilman Knight moved to set a second and final hearing for November 23, 1982,
and so advertise, seconded by Councilman Burk. Motion carried.
AGENDA ITEM #V - BIDS - PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
Chairman Douglas presented the bid tabulations for petroleum products for the next
twelve months, as follows:
Gilbert Oil Co.
Okeechobee, Florida
Lake Petroleum
Okeechobee, Florida
Hart & Sons
Winter Haven, Florida
$51,778.06
$52,139.90
$50,919.20
Chairman Douglas opened the floor for discussion. Council discussed the benefits
of retaining a local company.
Councilman Chapman moved to accept the bid of Gilbert Oil Co. in the amount of
Fifty -One Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy -Eight and 06 /100ths Dollars ($51,778.06),
seconded by Councilman Burk. Motion carried.
AGENDA ITEM #VI - EXCESS FEDERAL REVENUE FUNDS
Clerk Thomas summarized the requests received at the Administrative hearing held
October 26, 1982, for possible uses of the Seventy Thousand Two Hudnred Twenty -Six and
04 /100ths Dollars ($70,225.04) Federal Revenue Funds left over from Entitlement 13.
The funds had been allocated for the discrimination suit settlement but not needed.
The proposed uses were as follows:
Road Paving
Recreation Trust Fund
R.G. Orman & Associates
Contribution to City
Retirement Fund
Contingency
$40,000.00
$20,000.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 3,805.00
$ 4,921.00
Council discussed street paving, the completion of the discrimination suit
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requirements (Dean's Court sidewalks), landscaping the Parks and road medians, and
the development of a Recreation Park.
Councilman Burk commented that street paving, sewer problems, etc., were a higher
priority than a recreation facility.
Councilman Watford noted that citizens have approached him and are requesting
recreation facilities. Councilman Watford stated that any effort by the City would
strengthen our relationship with the County. At least Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00)
should be set aside for recreation; either on the Brahman Theater property or the area
next to the public swimming pool.
Councilman Knight noted that the County Recreation Director Darrell Enfinger has
had plans drawn up for over two (2) years to develop the Brahman Theater site. Knight
stated he would like to see the funds designated for that specifically, and the project
developed at one time. Also, some type of agreement should be drafted stating the City
will contribute and the County will maintain the facilities upon completion.
Chairman Douglas expressed reservations concerning the allocation of the funds
without receiving input from the County Commissioners. Douglas did not want the monies
"tied up" for a year if the County was not going to pursue the development of the
recreation facility.
Following further discussion on the possible uses, Councilman Knight moved that
Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) be held in reserve for the development of the
recreation park pending County participation, seconded by Councilman Watford.
Councilmen Chapman, Knight, Watford and Douglas voted yes. Councilman Burk opposed.
Motion carried.
Councilman Chapman moved that Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) be allocated for
paving and road construction, seconded by Councilman Knight.
Councilman Burk suggested that the balance of funds be allocated for paving.
Councilman Watford asked that the Four Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($4,900.00)
designated for contingency be used instead for landscaping of the parks.
No further comments, Chairman Douglas called for a vote on the motion to allocate
Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) for street paving. Motion carried.
Councilman Watford moved to allocate One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00)
for R.G. Orman & Associates; Three Thousand Eight Hundred Five Dollars ($3,805.00) for
the City retirement plan; and Four Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty -One Dollars ($4,921.00)
for the Parks, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried.
AGENDA ITEM #VII - BIDS - STREET PAVING
Chairman Douglas presented the bid tabulations relative to the paving of additional
streets within the City, as follows:
Dickerson, Inc.
Stuart, Florida $85,834.26
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Ft. Pierce Contracting
Ft. Pierce, Florida
Rock -A -Way
Okeechobee, Florida
Weekly Asphalt
Hallandale, Florida
Coburn Paving
Okeechobee, Florida
Highway Pavers
Lake Placid, Florida
$84,350.80
$81,979.68
$77,924.40
$70,703.20
$59,283.06
Council discussed the bids and the possibility of the County contracting to do the jobs.
Administrator Fellows noted that County Road Superintendent Milton Rhoden stated the
County could do the work for Seven or Eight Dollars ($7 -8.00) a square foot.
Administrator Fellows continued, "our only problem with the County would be that
when the City decides it is going to let a contract for paving we would like to get it
done. We need to have some understanding with the County that if we contracted with
them we would expect the same expeditious service that we would receive from a commercial
contractor."
Director Fortner noted, "under these specifications we are requiring the contractor
to grade and remove seven inches (7 ") of existing shell, etc. and put in new; six and one -
half inches (62 ") shell and quarter inch (4 ") asphalt. The County, in the past, has
always just added shell to what is there already, raised the level of the road and created
additional problems. Also, they (the County) use a different type of asphalt (a lesser
grade), consequently the difference in price."
Council discussed the possibility of the City doing the base work and the County doing
the paving.
Administrator Fellows pointed out that, "if we do part of the work, the County does
part of the work, and something is not right, it will be difficult to pin -point the
responsibility. I think we ought to either contract it out or contract the whole thing
to the County."
Councilman Knight moved to accept the low bid of Fifty -Nine Thousand Two Hundred
Eighty -Three and 06 /100ths Dollars ($59,283.06) from Highway Pavers of Lake Placid,
Florida, seconded by Councilman Chapman.
Councilman Watford asked if the City was going to investigate the situation with
the County. No decision was made.
Chairman Douglas called for a vote. Councilmen Knight, Chapman and Burk voted yes,
Councilman Watford voted no. Motion carried.
Director Fortner asked for Council input concerning the possibility of paving the
aprons, drive -ways, etc., to the property lines and setting a City policy.
Council discussed several alternatives, the pros and cons and the need to protect
the street paving.
Council agreed unanimously to pave a two foot (2') apron on drive -ways to protect
paved roads for both residential and commercial.
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AGENDA ITEM #VIII - FINAL HEARING - ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 419 -
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
Chairman Douglas presented for second and final hearing, an ordinance amending the
General employees Pension Plan to clarify the definition of continuous service.
Councilman Watford moved to read the ordinance by title only, seconded by Councilman
Knight. Motion carried.
The title was read as follows:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 419 OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA;
SAID ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE RETIREMENT OF EMPLOYEES FOR THE CITY
OF OKEECHOBEE; AMENDING SECTION 1, SUB - PARAGRAPH I TO REDEFINE CONTINUOUS
SERVICE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
No comments or objections voiced by citizens present.
Councilman Watford moved to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Chapman.
Motion carried.
AGENDA ITEM #IX - BIDS - SURPLUS PATROL CAR
Chairman Douglas presented the bid tabulations and recommendation relative to a
surplus police car.
Bids were the following:
Jim's Parts Place $558.00
Glen Bohn $351.00
Lin's Auto Salvage $751.00
Recommendation of Police Chief Larry Mobley that the Council accept the bid from Lin's
Auto Salvage.
Councilman Chapman moved to accept the highest bid from Lin's Auto Salvage in the
amount of Seven Hundred Fifty -One Dollars ($751.00), seconded by Councilman Burk. Motion
carried.
AGENDA ITEM #X - MAYOR TO CALL ON AUDIENCE
Chairman /Mayor Douglas called on persons in the audience wishing to address the
Council.
Citizen Andy Rubin commented on the Ordinance regarding Disabled Veterans and
reminded those present of the up- coming ceremony to be held in the Park on Veterans Day.
Rubin commended the Council for the additional funds allocated for paving out of
the Federal Revenue Funds.
AGENDA ITEM #XI - MAYOR TO CALL ON CITY ATTORNEY, CITY CLERK, CITY ADMINISTRATOR, AND
COUNCILMEN FOR REPORTS AND /OR REQUESTS
Administrator Fellows reported on whether any provisions could be made to allow
property owners in the City, who do not reside in the City, to vote in City elections.
Florida League of Cities advised Fellows that, "many Charters, at one time, provided
that Bond elections could only be voted on by property owners. The Supreme Court ruled
that that was unconstitutional. Therefore, in the opinion of Claude Mullis, Florida
League of Cities, the reverse, is true; that if you have property owners in the City who
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do not reside in the City, the Charter can be changed by referendum to provide that
availability of an election for those people."
Council discussed the possibility of putting such a referendum on this year's
election ballot. Questions were raised regarding the legal time frame allowed.
Attorney Conlon and Administrator Fellows were instructed to research the time -
frame needed to possibly get this issue placed on this year's ballot. A special
meeting could be called if needed.
Regarding the possibility of Districts and /or numbering the Council seats for
election, Administrator Fellows advised that, in his opinion, the City of Okeechobee
was too small to be divided into Districts. The seats, however, could be numbered that
way a candidate would have to identify the seat he or she was running for, thus
creating the possibility of a run -off and additional expense.
Council discussed the advantages and disadvantages of numbered seats. Councilman
Watford suggested the seats be numbered but the top vote getter being elected for
each seat. Council to consider the alternatives further.
Administrative Fellows reminded those present of the City Employee picnic to be
held at the Civic Center on Saturday, November 13th.
As noted in the Status report, Administrator Fellows informed the Council of the
request of the Fire Chief to have the Council approve a change in his administrative
rules relative to grooming. Fellows noted, "there has been a Supreme Court ruling that
Fire Departments can provide rules and regulations relative to grooming. This has led
many departments to set rules and regulations relative to beards because of the
alledged safety factor with air breathing apparatus (ie: masks will not fit properly
over facial hair, therefore, gases and smoke can be inhaled through the sides of the
mask)."
Administrator Fellows stated the Fire Department wishes to implement rules and
regulations addressing this matter.
Fire Chief Tomey noted the Police Department presently has the same guidelines in
their handbook adopted by the Council.
Council discussed at length the issue receiving input from Fire Chief Tomey and
the volunteer firemen present. Council concluded that the paid firemen could be
regulated on grooming and safety standards, however, they questioned the legality of
including volunteers.
Chief Tomey expressed the need to maintain the unity between the paid men and the
volunteers, noting separate grooming standards could cause discord in the department.
Councilman Burk agreed that grooming standards should be kept within the limits of
safety. Councilman Watford agreed with the safety aspect. However, even though the
Council may have the authority to set standards, Watford felt they did not need to.
"If it got to the point where a volunteer refused to put on a mask because it wasunsafe
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because of his beard, then, by not doing a required job, he should no longer be a
member of the department."
Chief Tomey asked for action by the Council. The Council decided to give the issue
further consideration before arriving at a conclusion.
Director Fortner elaborated on a memorandum regarding the alternatives to achieve
the DER requirements and remove the discharge into Taylor Creek. Considering all
factors, Fortner reported, the minimum cost per connection will be sixteen dollars
($16.00).
Farmers Home has offered the City a Million Dollar ($1,000,000.00) grant, provided
the City borrow additional funds from them and from the bond market Approximately Two
Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) possibly can be saved by building the new
six hundred thousand (600,000) gallon sewage treatment plant on the City's one hundred
fifty (150) acre parcel and then utilize the balance of the monies available to complete
as much of the residential lateral sewer program as possible.
Council discussed at length; the Boy's School site as opposed to the City's parcel
and the effect a large sewer bill will have on City residents.
Director Fortner noted that inasmuch the City will be constructing most of the
planned 201 Facility under this program, the Council may want to approach the County
Commissioners for their promised allocation of approximately One Hundred Ninety -Three
Thousand Dollars ($193,000.00), or Council may want to limit the sewer to the City
limits.
Director Fortner advised that if the City is going to apply, the Engineer must make
a supplement .engineering report showing the areas the City is planning to serve, how the
City is going to accomplish the treatment of it, etc., the total plan, by November 15th.
After lengthy discussion concerning the proposed alternatives, it was the concensus
of the Council to proceed with the Boy's School site and seek the possibility of additional
funds up to Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00).
Council discussed the recommended areas for sewer hook -ups, and approved them as
presented.
Director Fortner asked if Council wished to approach the County for their funds,
which, in essence, would set aside a certain volume to be allocated for County connections.
Councilman Knight suggested possibly if the County and City each apply for a grant
more funds will be allocated. Administrator Fellows noted if the County is approached
then there is no incentive for someone adjacent to the City limits to annex.
Council discussed the pros and cons of limiting sewer hook -ups to City residents
only (requiring annexation before hook -up or having a person agree to be annexed if and
when the City limit boundaries reached them). Council deemed it necessary that further
study was needed prior to making any decision.
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Administrator Fellows noted the up- coming Veterans Day holiday and the Thanks-
giving holiday for City employees. Council discussed the possibility of the
employees being off both Veterans Day and the day after Thanksgiving.
Following discussion, Council agreed for the employees to choose to have either
Veterans Day off or the day after Thanksgiving.
Councilman Chapman asked for a progress report on the problem concerning the
Hopkins Meander line. Administrator Fellows advised that the only response so far
has been from Gordon Leggett and he has tentatively agreed to give twenty feet (20')
on his side.
AGENDA ITEM #XII - ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
ATTEST:
/
Bonnie S. Thoma`, CMC
City Clerk
City of Okeechobee
Edward W. Doug as,
Chairman /Mayor
City of Okeechobee
THERE IS A TAPE OF THIS MEETING IN ITS ENTIRETY ON FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE.
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 23, 1982
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, met in regular session at
7:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 23, 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
Coucilmen 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
L.C. Fortner, Jr., Director of Public Works
James Broome, Consulting Engineer
Janice M. Mann, Depty Clerk
i
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 9, 1982
7:00 P.M.
I. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
II. Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meetings of Tuesday, October 12th
and Tuesday, October 26th and special meetings of Wednesday, October 20th and
Wednesday, November 3rd.
III. Council action to appoint inspectors and Clerk for the city election, December 7th.
IV. Introduction and first reading of an Ordinance amending the Occupational License
Ordinance to clarify exemptions for Disabled Veterans and setting a public hearing
for November the 23rd.
V. Receipt of bid tabulations and recommendations for petroleum products for the next
twelve months and action by the Council to award contract for same.
VI. Action by the Council authorizing appropriations for unallocated Federal Revenue
Sharing Funds in the amount of $70,226.04.
VII. Receipt of bid tabulations and recommendations relative to the paving of additiona
streets within the city and action by the Council to award a contract on same.
VIII. Public hearing and final reading of an Ordinance amending the General Employees
Pension Plan Ordinance to clarify the definition of continuous service.
IX. Receipt of bid tabulations and recommendations relative to a surplus police car
and action by the Council to authorize disposition of same.
X. Mayor to call on anyone in audience wishing to address the Council.
XI. Mayor to call on City Attorney, City Clerk, City Administrator and Councilmen with
reports and /or requests.
XII. Adjournment.
+9, AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 9, 1982
7:00 P.M.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meetings of Tuesday, October 12th
and Tuesday, October 26th and special meetings of Wednesday, October 20th and
Wednesday, November 3rd.
Council action to appoint inspectors and Clerk for the city election, December 7th.
Introduction and first reading of an Ordinance amending the Occupational License
Ordinance to clarify exemptions for Di abled Veteran nd setting a public hearing
for November the 23rd. /Lc 'f-
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Receipt of bid tabulatilauttendat ons or petroleum products for the next
twelve months and action by the Council to award contract for sazne.C.kevott../Sw„.04)
Action by the Council authorizing appropriations for unallocated Federal Revenue
Sharing Funds in the amount of $70,226.04.
Vil Receipt of bid tabulations and recommendations relative to the paving of additional
streets within the city and action by the Council to award a contract on same.
hearing and final reading of an Ordinance amending the General Employees •
Plan Ordinance to clarify the definition of continuous service. 2'7v<-,Vqr
lxiat )4,t,) . eV-02c,
eceipt of bid tabulations and recommendations relative to a surplus police car I
action by the Council to authorize disposi.tion of same.t:
1-'Ma yor
144,04,1 11p r2
to call on anyone in audience wishing to, address the Council.
Mayor to call on CitQ,frftorney, Ci
reports and/or requests. _-
XII. Adjournment.
City Administrator and Councilmen with
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