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1983-02-08 Regular Meeting3243 3 83 -2 Councilmen present were Dowling Watford, Jr. and Oakland Chapman. Councilman Watford advised those present that Mayor Douglas was called away due to a death in the family, Councilman Thomas was ill and would not be in attendance. Watford stated the Council was waiting for Vice Chairman Knight to chair the meeting. At 1:30 Councilman Watford announced that with only two Councilmen present there was no quorum, consequently the meeting was cancelled. All items listed on the agenda for this special meeting will be discussed at the next regular meeting, Tuesday, February 8, at 7:00 P.M. ATTEST: onnie S. Thomas, CMC City Clerk City of Okeechobee Edward W. Douglas, D.C. Chairman /Mayor City of Okeechobee REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1983 The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, met in regular session in Council Chambers, 55 Southeast Third Avenue, Okeechobee, at 7:00 P.M. Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas called the meeting to order with the following Councilmen present: Edward W. Douglas, Chairman /Mayor Dowling Watford, Jr. Oakland Chapman Oscar Thomas Vice Chairman James H. Knight was absent. 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 L. Keith Tomey, Fire Chief Larry Mobley, Police Chief J. Mallette Westbrook, Building Official Janice M. Mann, Deputy Clerk AGENDA ITEMS #II & #III - INVOCATION AND PLEDGE The invocation was offered by Director of Public Works L.C. Fortner, Jr. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ITEM # #IV - APPROVAL OF MINUTES With no additions, deletions or corrections needed, Councilman Watford moved to approve the minutes of the January 25, 1983, regular meeting as presented, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried. 3244 • • ., 83-19 83-9 AGENDA ITEM #V - SECURITY FENCt WATER PLANT itf Chairman Douglas noted that-the PUblic Works DepOtment was asking for authority • to seek competitive bids for the installation of secu ty fencing at the City water plant, due to the recent publicity reggrding persons dumping hemical.Sfinto city water supplies. Director Fortner advised Council the plan was torect a SIX foot (6') fence with barbed wire on top around the front of the water plaA The monies were not budgeted Councilman Thomas suggested to seek bids for an aght foot (8') fence as well as 4 a six foot (6') fence. Councilman Chapman moved that the Public Works D4artment be authorized to seek for this particular item but can be made available. competitive bids for a six foot (6') and eight foot (6') fence around the water plant, seconded by Councilman Thomas. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM #X - ELEVATOR AND/O CHAIR-LIFTS Chairman Douglas moved to item #X on the agenda openedthe floor for discussion by the Council relative to elevators and/or chair-lifi for thejlandicapped, for access to the second floor of City Hall. Administrator Fellows adviSed that according to the Florida Board of Codes and Standards in Tallahassee, "it is their opinion that a.wo-story building, of the type we are building here, does not require an elevator. Apd that actually it is up to the determination of the Building Official. It is a modification of an existing building." *-t Fellows continued, "we alsb discussed this with . Jack Terue, of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in Miami. He is unaware of any Federal regulations 4, requiring elevators in public bUildings at this point. In regards to the installation of a chair-lift oOthe existing stairway, Fellows advised he has determined the cost for this would be a proximately Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00). The cost of an elevator being ibstalled at the other building would be approximately Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,04.00) with a walkway adjoining the two structures at an additional approximate cost 4 Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00). Council discussed the two.Possibilities. CouncilOan Chapman felt the Public Works Department should move downstairs, the Administrator istairs and the City should go ahead with an elevator and covered walkway. Attorney Conlon advised that the City would have To bid out the elevator but could do a change order for the elevator shaft. Councilman Watford stated the Council should fir4 determine which department is to utilize which space, then decide whether or not an 4levator is needed. Council discussed various possibilities', receiving input from Administrator Fellows, Chief Tomey and Engineer Proome. . .re ArT 3245 83 -9 83 -9 83 -20 Administrator Fellows suggested the City advertise for elevator bids, which would give the Council the opportunity to compare prices. Council agreed to instruct the City Engineer and Administrator to prepare specifi- cations and advertise for bids, for further discussion at a later date. AGENDA ITEM #VI - RESOLUTION - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NOTE Chairman Douglas advised Council of the need for adoption of a resolution authorizing the issuance of a Capital Improvement Note in the amount of Ninety -Five Thousand Dollars ($95,000.00) for the addition of a second story to the Okeechobee City Fire Station and other renovations and improvements. Administrator Fellows noted a wording change in the resolution, page one, item number one, last five lines. Beginning with, "shall mature in ten (10) equal semiannual installments of principal together with accrued interest, thereof, at the rate of seven percent (7 %) commencing November 1, 1983, and every six (6) months thereafter, until paid in full." The same wording change on the second page of the Capital Improvement Note, second paragraph. Also, the name of the bank should be changed from Okeechobee County Bank to Flagship Bank of Okeechobee, each time it appears. Attorney Conlon advised that the note will not be executed until March 1, when it is ratified by ordinance. Councilman Chapman moved that the resolution be adopted as amended, seconded by Councilman Watford. Motion carried. Citizen Andy Rubin asked for clarification. Attorney Conlon advised that it is a construction loan. The City will draw the money as it is needed; whatever the total amount used, will be the amount of the loan. Rubin asked to go on record stating, as President of the Taxpayers Association, we are opposed to the resolution and loan. AGENDA ITEM #VII - RELOCATION OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS Chairman Douglas opened the floor for discussion by the Council relative to the proposed re- location of the Planning, Zoning and Building Department and the Public Works Department. Council discussed various possibilities with each member expressing his viewpoints. All the members present agreed that the Police Department would occupy the second floor of the new addition; the Fire Department would remain on the bottom floor; the Public Works Department would move into the old Police Department offices and the City Clerk would expand into the Building Department office. AGENDA ITEM #VIII - 201 FACILITY FUNDING Chairman Douglas called for an update summary by the Director of Public Works and City Engineer, regarding the City's application for 201 funding assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and ratification of the authority to expand an amount not exceeding Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($9,500.00) to modify plans and specifications as required. 3246 Administrator Fellows advised that, "at the last County Commission meeting there were a group of people from R -Bar Estates, who raised some questions relative to the location of the proposed sewage treatment plant. Following that meeting Mr. Lashley met with Mr. Broome, Mr. Fortner, Mr. VanLandingham and myself along with four or five residents of R -Bar Estates. We indicated to them at that time that we would look at whatever alternatives might be available to respond to their concerns. The aerial photograph displayed this evening is a part of that response, as well as additional information." Director Fortner reviewed the aerial map of the 201 Facility program for everyone present. Fortner noted that the entire area of Phase I will be surrounded by a levy to contain the water from the spray irrigation [approximately eighty (80) to one hundred (100) acres]. "Any questions pertaining to health, drainage, etc. will have to be fully addressed and approved by EPA or DER," Fortner added. The Council discussed the closeness of the project to R -Bar Estates; the problems of odor; the disposal of sludge on the property (approved by DER); and the expansion of the proposed plant for future growth. Engineer Broome commented on the need for the modification of the plans to break out the plant and spray irrigation equipment from the pumping stations and interceptor sewers since the possible EPA grant will only cover the plant and spray irrigation equipment. Also, a portion of the Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollar ($9,500.00) fee will be used to prepare applications for permits. Broome stated he would like to start on the permitting process so it will stay in line with the sewer line project. Council discussed briefly the need for the Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollar ($9,500.00) expenditure. The Chair recognized Citizen Dale Barrett, a resident of R -Bar Estates. Mr. Barrett stated that the residents of R -Bar Estates have proposed to DER and the South Florida Water Management that they discontinue the project. The proposal for discontinuation is based on several factors 1) possible ground water contamination, 2) Cemetary Road being the only access to the proposed plant and to R -Bar Estates, 3) future expansion of the spray irrigation areas will come within five hundred feet (500') of the R -Bar development, 4) the homes in R -Bar Estates are in the One Hundred Thousand Dollar ($100,000.00) range, with high property taxes, the depreciation would over balance the One Million Dollar ($1,000,000.00) grant proposal. Mr. Barrett stated that the residents would like to see another review by DER since R -Bar Estates has been developed, and would like their questions answered before anv action is taken. 3247 83 -21 83 -22 Councilman Watford assured Mr. Barrett that the City's staff will be able to respond to these points at a proper time. Attorney Conlon and Engineer Broome concurred. Councilman Watford felt that many of the issues and questions raised will be addressed in the permitting process, therefore, moved to authorize the Engineer to begin the permitting process and authorize expenditures not to exceed Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($9,500.00) for the process, seconded by Councilman Thomas. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM J /IX - STATE OF FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM Chairman Douglas called for discussion by Council on issuing authority for a letter to be directed to the State indicating an interest in the Florida Retirement System. Following brief discussion, Administrator Fellows was instructed to obtain the necessary information from the State and prepare a cost breakdown (budget impact) for Council to study. AGENDA ITEM 1XI - LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION Chairman Douglas opened the floor for discussion and action by the Council to approve the letters to the Legislative Delegation relative to HOmestead Exemption and appointment of members to regulatory agencies. Upon review, Council agreed to present the letter to the Legislative Delegation and also encourage an increase in funding of sewer projects. AGENDA ITEM #XII - MAYOR TO CALL ON AUDIENCE Mayor Douglas opened the floor for anyone in the audience wishing to address the Council. Citizen Frank Wilbur, a member of the Taxpayers Association, questioned the building expansion project, noting many of the things discussed should have been decided prior to putting the project out for bids. Mayor Douglas explained the procedures and steps taken to date. AGENDA ITEM 1XII - MAYOR TO CALL ON CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY ADMINISTRATOR AND COUNCILMEN FOR REPORTS AND /OR REQUESTS Councilman Chapman asked when the sidewalks in the Dean's Court area are to be paved. Director Fortner advised that the heavy rains have postponed the paving temporarily and also, the Public Works Department has not yet received a permit from Seaboard Coast- line Railroad to cross the tracks. Councilman Chapman asked for a status report on the Hopkins Meander line issue. Administrator Fellows advised that it was still pending, waiting for one property owner to agree. AGENDA ITEM #XIV - ADJOUNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M. e ;e2.9!: j- t ,4 Edward W. Douglas, DEC/ Chairman /Mayor City of Okeechobee 3248 83 -2 83 -6 ATTEST: Bonnie S. Thomas, CMC City Clerk City of Okeechobee THERE IS A TAPE OF THIS MEETING IN ITS ENTIRETY ON FILE IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1983 The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, met in regular session in Council chambers, 55 Southeast Third Avenue, Okeechobee, at 7:00 P.M. Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas called the meeting to order with the following Councilmen present: Edward W. Douglas, Chairman /Mayor James H. Knight, Vice Chairman Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Oscar Thomas Oakland Chapman 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 Larry Mobley, Police Chief L. Keith Tomey, Fire Chief J. Mallette Westbrook, Building Official Janice M. Mann, Deputy Clerk AGENDA ITEMS #II & #III - INVOCATION AND PLEDGE The invocation was offered by Councilman Dowling Watford, Jr. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ITEM #IV - APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon a motion by Councilman Watford, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote unanimous, the minutes of the February 8, regular meeting were approved as presented. AGENDA ITEM #V - FINAL HEARING - ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - RESIDENTIAL USE CPO DISTRICT - SPECIAL EXCEPTION Chairman Douglas presented for second and final hearing an Ordinance amending the District Regulations for Commercial /Professional /Office Districts to allow residential uses as a special exception when approved by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Douglas noted that the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval, then read the ordinance by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPENDIX A IN THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE; AMENDING THE SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE FOR RESIDENTIAL USE BY SPECIAL EXCEPTION IN CPO /COMMERCIAL- PROFESSIONAL - OFFICE DISTRICTS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Chairman Douglas called for comments or objections from those present in the audience, none were voiced. The Chair then called for discussion from the Council. 1 1 I TAI L I AGENDA CITY OF OKEECHOBEE COUNCIL CHAMBERS REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 8, 1983 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order Invocation - Councilman Jim Knight Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Edward Douglas IV. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 25, 1983. V. Authority for the Department of Public Works to seek competitive bids for the installation of security fencing at the city water plant. VI. Adoption of a Resolution authorizing the issuance of a Capital Improvement Note in the amount of $95,000.00 for the addition of a second story to the Okeechobee City Fire Station and other renovations and improvements. VII. Discussion by the Council relative to proposed re-location of Planning Zoning and Building Department and Public Works Department. VIII. Update summary of the city's application for 201 funding assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency and ratification of authority to expend an amount not exceeding $9,500 to modify plans and specifications as required. IX. Discussion by the Council on issuing authority for letter to be directed to the State indicating an interest in the Florida Retirement System. X. Discussion by Council relative to elevators and/or chair lifts for access to second floor of City Hall. XI. Action by the Council to approve letters to Legislative Delegation relative to Homestee Exemption and appointment of members to regulatory agencies. XII. Mayor to call on anyone in the audience wishing to address the Council. XIII. Mayor to call on City Clerk, City Attorney, City Administrator and City Councilmen for reports and/or requests. XIV. Adjournment.