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1983-03-08 Regular Meeting3256 83 -2 83 -27 83 -20 REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 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 James H. Knight, Vice Chairman Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Oakland Chapman Oscar Thomas Others present were: Bonnie S. Thomas, City Clerk Richard C. Fellows, City Administrator David Conlon, City Attorney L.C. Fortner, Jr., Director of Public Works James Broome, Consulting Engineer Larry Mobley, Police Chief L. Keith Tomey, Fire Chief Rosemary Miller, Executive Secretary Steve Figley, Assistant Public Works Director Janice M. Mann, Deputy Clerk AGENDA ITEMS #II & #III - INVOCATION AND PLEDGE The Invocation was offered by City Clerk Bonnie Thomas followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ITEM #IV - APPROVAL OF MINUTES With no deletions, corrections or additions needed, Councilman Watford moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 22, 1983, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Vote unanimous. AGENDA ITEM #VIII - FIRST READING - ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE VICE MAYOR TO SIGN CHECKS Chairman Douglas introduced for first reading an ordinance amending Chapter II, Article I, Section 2 -2 of the City Code to provide the Vice Mayor may sign checks in an emergency where the Mayor or his designee is unavailable. The Chairman read the title as follows: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER II, ARTICLE I, SECTION 2 -2 TO PROVIDE THE VICE MAYOR MAY SIGN CHECKS IN AN EMERGENCY WHERE THE MAYOR OR HIS DESIGNEE IS UNAVAILABLE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Chapman moved that the proposed ordinance be set for public hearing on March 22, 1983, seconded by Councilman Watford. Citizen Andy Rubin disagreed with the term "designee" and felt it should be specified. With no further discussion, Chairman Douglas called for a vote. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEMS #XVIII THROUGH #XXIII - FmHA GRANT APPLICATION - WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Chairman Douglas opened the floor for discussion and action by the Council relating to an application for Federal assistance to the Farmers Home Administration for addi- 1 :3257 tional loan funds to be used in connection with the EPA Grant for construction of the City's new Wastewater Treatment Plant. Chairman Douglas noted this was "basically a repetition of the initial application on the lateral sewer system. This is on the plant itself." Agenda Item #XIX, authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agree- ment for Engineering Services for the second phase of the sewer plant. Agenda Item #XX, authority to execute the Farmers Home Administration Equal Opportunity Agreement. Agenda Item #XXI, authority for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and Assurance Agreement with Farmers Home Administration for the funds in connection with the construction of the City's sewage treatment plant in the amount of One Million Two Hundred Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($1,212,900.00). Agenda Item #XXII, action by Council on authorizing the signature of the Loan Resolution by the Mayor and City Clerk. Agenda Item #XXIII, Council to adopt a Resolution applying for the maximum federal grant for the City's new Wastewater Treatment Plant. Councilman Watford asked that the Administrator summarize the various phases of the project. Administrator Fellows stated, "the agreements that the Council executed with the Farmers Home Administration previously were identical to these except that they were for a sewage collection system; and consisted of a One Million Dollar ($1,000,0000.00) grant and a Two Million Dollar ($2,000,000.00) loan, with approximately Two Hundred Twelve Thousand Dollars ($212,000.00) in engineering fees which included One Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($140,000.00) for design of the lateral sewer system and approximately Twenty -Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for aerial photos which will be used in connection with the City -wide drainage system. These documents are for the second phase. An additional Two Million Dollar ($2,000,000.00) project of which we anticipate receiving approximately One Million Dollar ($1,000,000.00) grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and another loan from the Farmers Home Administration of One Million Two Hundred Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($1,212,900.00). Our total commitment, therefore, will be for just over Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00). The engineering on the second phase is One Hundred Twenty Thousand Four Hundred Twenty -Six Dollars ($120,426.00) and consists of the resident inspection, the prepara- tion of as -built drawings as the plant is completed and the other preliminary engineering that will be necessary to provide the EPA with the documents." Engineer Broome explained to the Council that EPA and DER have raised some very specialized and technical questions on the spray irrigation system other than what 3258 83 -29 83 -30 the previous engineering firm of Frederick Bell has provided. Consequently, Broome VanOstran has had to seek expertise outside their firm. Any fees will be paid for out of monies already approved. Broome stated, "these two packages should be the total engineering costs baring any further work on the spray irrigation system." Attorney Conlon brought up for Council's consideration, requiring professional liability insurance and the amount the Council will require from Broome, VanOstran and Associates. The Council discussed various points and instructed Administrator Fellows to check into estimated costs and needed coverage and report back to the Council at the next meeting. Councilman Knight moved to accept and proceed with items eighteen (18) through twenty -three (23) of the Agenda, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEMS #IX, #X AND #XI - RESOLUTIONS CHANGING MEETING DATES Chairman Douglas stated that Items #IX, #X and #XI deal with the meeting dates of the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Board and the Code Enforcement Board. Douglas noted that due to a conflict of meeting dates for Councilman Knight, the need has arisen to change the Council meetings to another night. It has been suggested to change to Thursday's or Monday's. Administrator Fellows stated for the convience of the public, all the City board meetings should be scheduled for the same day of the week. Following brief discussion, Councilman Knight moved to set the Council meetings for the first and third Mondays of each month, seconded by Councilman Thomas, motion carried. The Council agreed that the Planning and Zoning Board should decide to change to Mondays if they so desire. AGENDA ITEM #XII - FIRST READING - ORDINANCES CHANGING MANNER OF ELECTING CITY COUNCILMEN Chairman Douglas introduced for discussion an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances changing the manner of electing City Councilmen: providing that City Council- men shall run by seat number beginning with the general election of December, 1984. The Chairman explained that the ordinance designates seats so that in the next election (and every election thereafter) persons desiring to run for the Council will have to identify the seat they wish to run for. Councilman Knight moved that the proposed ordinances be set for second and final hearing on March 22, 1983, seconded by Council Chapman. Before a vote on the motion, Chairman Douglas read the titles of the two ordinances as follows: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ORDINANCE CODE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING ARTICLE III, ELECTIONS TO CREATE A NEW SECTION 10 (a) TO PROVIDE THE MANNER OF ELECTING COUNCILMEN; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ORDINANCE CODE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 6, SECTION 6 -3 PROVIDING FOR THE METHOD OF QUALIFYING FOR CANDIDATES; AMENDING SECTION 6 -8 PROVIDING FOR A DETERMINATION OF WHO ELECTED; RESOLUTION OF TIES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3259 83 -31 83 -19 83 -32 The floor was opened for comments. Citizen Andy Rubin suggested the City combine its election day with the County, which would save the citizens both time and money; and possibly increase the voter turn out. With no further discussion, Chairman Douglas called for a vote on the motion setting the final hearing date. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM #XV - BID TABULATIONS - WATER PIPE AND FITTINGS Chairman Douglas noted the receipt of the bid tabulations for the purchase of various sizes of water pipe and fittings. Director Fortner recommended the low bid. Fortner explained that DOT has accepted bids on the box culvert at the north City limits and prior to construction the water and sewer line has to be rerouted around the construction area then upon completion has to be put back into the right -of way. Following brief discussion, Councilman Knight moved to accept the low bid from Southeastern Municipal Supply in the amount of Five Thousand Two Hundred Twenty -Seven and 22/100ths Dollars ($5,227.22), seconded by Councilman Thomas. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM # XVI - BID TABULATIONS - CHAIN LINK FENCE Chairman Douglas stated the next item for discussion were the bid tabulations to fence the City's water treatment plant property. After brief review of the bids, Councilman Thomas moved that the Council accept the low bid from Martin Fence Company in the amount of Six Thousand Five Hundred Twenty -Six Dollars ($6,526.00) for the eight foot (8') fence, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM #XVII - TITLE SEARCH - SECTION BETWEEN SOUTHWEST SEVENTH AND EIGHTH STREETS AND ELEVENTH AVENUE Chairman Douglas advised that action was needed by the Council to authorize a title search to resolve questions regarding property disputes west of Southwest Eleventh Avenue between Southwest Seventh Street and Southwest Eighth Street. Upon the request of Chairman Douglas, Administrator Fellows explained that several of the property owners brought the problem to the attention of the City Building Department. It appears that portions of the lots in Block 15 have been separated by a street. The property owners feel that many years ago the City closed that street and gave it to one property owner. Fellows continued, "in discussion the matter with the Building Official and the Attorney it was determined the best way to remedy the situation is to have a title search of the area undertaken. The costs will be approximately Sixty Dollars ($60.00) of which the property owners have agreed to share." Following brief discussion, the Council agreed to authorize the attorney to conduct a title search. 3260 83 -28 83 -9 83 -24 AGENDA ITEM #V - FINAL HEARING - ORDINANCE REPEALING ARTICLE X RELATIVE TO LOANS, TIME WARRANTS AND BONDS Chairman Douglas presented for second and final hearing an ordinance repealing Article X relative to loans, time warrants and bonds; rewriting Article X to conform with Chapter 166, Part III, municipal borrowing; providing that borrowing may be by Resolution or Ordinance and ratifying existing debt. The title was read by Chairman Douglas as follows: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; REPEALING ARTICLE X RELATIVE TO LOANS, TIME WARRANTS AND BONDS; REWRITING ARTICLE X TO CONFORM WITH CHAPTER 166, PART III, MUNICIPAL BORROWING; PROVIDING THAT BORROWING MAY BE BY RESOLUTION OR ORDINANCE; RATIFYING EXISTING DEBT; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The floor was then opened for comments from the public, none were voiced. Councilman Watford moved that the ordinance be approved, seconded by Councilman Thomas. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM 4IVI - FINAL HEARING - ORDINANCE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NOTE Chairman Douglas presented for second and final hearing an ordinance providing for the issuance, by the City of Okeechobee, of a Capital Improvement Note in the amount of Ninety -Five Thousand Dollars ($95,000.00) to the Flagship Bank of Okeechobee, to provide construction funds for the expansion and renovation of the City Hall complex. The Chair opened the floor for comments from those present. Charles Allen Robertson asked if bids were received from the other banks. Chairman Douglas advised that all the local banks were contacted and the lowest interest rate bid was received from the Flagship Bank. With no further discussion, Councilman Watford moved that the ordinance be approved, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM #VII - FINAL HEARING - ORDINANCE PHASING IN SYSTEM CAPACITY CHARGES Chairman Douglas presented for second and final hearing an ordinance relative to system capacity charges to provide for the phasing in of said charges over a three (3) year period. The title was read as follows: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE II, SECTION 18 -35 RELATING TO SYSTEM CAPA- CITY CHARGES FOR CONNECTION TO THE CITY'S WATER SYSTEM; PROVIDING FOR THE PHASING IN OF SAID SYSTEM CAPACITY CHARGES OVER A THREE YEAR PERIOD; AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE III, SECTION 18 -48 RELATING TO SYSTEM CAPACITY CHARGES FOR SEWER CUSTOMERS; PROVID- ING FOR THE PHASING IN OF SAID SYSTEM CAPACITY CHARGES FOR SEWER CUSTOMERS OVER A THREE YEAR PERIOD; PRO- VIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The floor was opened for discussion. Charles Allen Robertson spoke on Taylor Cove, a platted sub - division, noting that previous policy required a developer to install water, sewer and paved streets at his cost. Now, even though it cost the City nothing, they are going to require the buyers (new customers) to pay a system capacity charge to tap into the system. Robertson felt this was unjust. 1 T 1 1 li I II 3261 3 Mary Gullege asked if everyone will be required to connect to the sewer system. Chairman Douglas advised those present that Florida State Statutes mandate that every- one within one hundred feet (100') will have to connect. David Horkott felt that even with the refund he will be receiving, the new charges are still too much to pay to connect to a city's water system. The secretary of the Contractors Association asked that the entire proposed ordinance amendment be read. Chairman Douglas read the ordinance as follows: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I: Chapter 18, Article II, Section 18 -35 of the City Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to read as follows: CHAPTER 18 WATER, SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL ARTICLE II WATER Section 18 -35 System Capacity Charge A system capacity charge shall be paid by all new customers on the City of Okeechobee water system in the following amounts: 1983 1984 1985 a) 5/8" x 3/4" water meter $250 $350 $600 b) 1" water meter $625. $875 $1,500 c) 1 %" water meter $1,250 $1,750 $3,000 d) 2" water meter $2,000 $2,800 $4,800 e) 3" water meter $4,000 $5,600 $9,600 For service outside the city limits add 25% System capacity charges on water meters larger than three (3) inches shall be set by the City Engineer and Director of the Department of Public Works and shall be based on the amount_ necessary to expand and enlarge the city's water treatment and distri- bution system to replace the capacity being taken by the new customer. SECTION II: Chapter 18, Article III, Section 18 -48 of the City Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to read as follows: CHAPTER 18 WATER, SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL ARTICLE III SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL Section 18 -48 System Capacity Charge A system capacity charge shall be paid by all new customers on the City of Okeechobee sanitary sewer system in the following amounts: 1983 1984 1985 a) Residential customers with 5/8" x 3/4" water meter $400 $450 $500 3262 1983. b) Residential customers with 1" water meter 1983 1984 1985 $1,000 $1,125 $1,250 c) Commercial sewer customers: Minimum system capacity charge $300 $335 $370 For sewer discharge flows exceeding 200 gallons per day $1.50 per gal $1.67 /gal. $1.85 /gal. For service outside the city limits add 25% SECTION III: This ordinance shall take effect retroactive to October 26, 1983. Introduced on first reading and set for public hearing this 22ND day ofFEBRUARY Councilman Thomas asked if the water and sewer rates were governed by the Public Service Commission. Attorney Conlon advised that the City of Okeechobee is not regulated by the Public Service Commission, a municipality sets its own rates under the statutes. Herb Nix stated that the new system capacity charges will be a detriment to the development of the City of Okeechobee and asked that the Council reconsider the rates for the betterment of Okeechobee. Director Fortner distributed a breakdown of expenses and explained briefly how he arrived at his findings. Fortner also listed various charges of other cities similar to Okeechobee. Councilman Knight asked that Director Fortner explain the purpose of the new charges. Director Fortner states, "the idea was to accumulate additional funds to build or replace the facilities that were being taken up by new customers connecting to the system. Otherwise the City would have to float a bond and raise the rates accordingly. In summary, this is to prepare for future growth." Herb Nix stated that if the citizens are going to pay for new lines, expansion, etc., why not charge five (5) or ten percent (10 %) more on all the water bills so everyone can pay, and not put the burden solely on new customers. Councilman Watford explained to those present that the Council was reconsidering the original charges with this proposed amendment. Watford continued, "the new rates may still be too high, however, they are necessary. I am firmly in favor of the impact fees. New growth should pay for the increased capacity of the plant. The old customers have paid over the years for the present capacity. If it was just for what we (the old customers) use the plant would never have to be enlarged. The old customers should only pay for maintenance of the existing lines and system. I firmly believe we need the new charges. I think the newly revised figures are on line of what they should be." John Abney thanked the Council, Director Fortner and Mr. Fellows for meeting with 3263 3 _ the Contractors Association on the 17th of January and reconsidering. "We are all concerned with growth. I understand and follow the theory of Councilman Watford." Abney asked, if possible, that Director Fortner and Engineer Broome show the contractors the formula which they used to arrive at the cost workup (ie: actual cost per foot of pipe, expense to run the lines, cost of the water plant, etc.). Abney asked if the monies were to be put into a separate fund and if so was the accumulated interest taken into consideration. Administrator Fellows advised that a separate account has been set up for both the water and sewer charges, and the interest will be put back into the account. John Abney commented, "as far as existing developments such as Taylor Cove, Ousley Estates, Echo Estates, ets., the developer has already included these fees to come up with the specifications of water lines, sewer lines, etc., that the City requires. I think you should consider the developer, who has already installed these lines, and possibly give them a variance for the costs. The Council discussed at length the possibility of making allowances for the sub - divisions that have installed the water and sewer lines at no cost to the City. Council received input from several of the contractors present and Director Fortner. Emory Walker stated that not enough consideration has gone into the establishment of these charges. "It all happened too fast, I don't think any of us are against it." Walker asked, "what percent of the water is used by Okeechobee Beachwater Association? Does the usage fee go up with the more they use ?" Conlon advised that Beachwater has a fixed contract. Fortner added, "we charge them based on our monthly cost. When they increase to a half a million gallons average per a period of time then we renegociate the contract or the ten years period of time which ever expires first." Chairman Douglas stated that with the last water plant expansion Beachwater paid forty percent (40 %) of the costs, in essence a system capacity charge. Darrell Scovell asked if any of the new system capacity charge monies are going to be used to repay the loans for the new sewer plant. Chairman Douglas advised that monies have already been allocated for the repayment. The system capacity charges will be for additional plant capacity created by the additional water usage. Mr. Scovell then asked if the Council has projected how much these charges will generate. Fellows advised it had not been discussed, however, according to a financial capabilities report to EPA the growth rate has averaged approximately two point one percent (2.1 %) over the past ten (10) years. If that is applied to the charges discussed tonight it will generate less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) per year. Kevin Foster asked how soon will an expansion of the water plant occur. Director Fortner stated that during the peak months we are exceeding eighty percent (80 %) of plant capacity. Therefore, within the next three (3) years an addition will be needed i 1 I 1 3264 83 -33 City. Council discussed the growth pattern being towards the County as opposed to the Charles Robertson asked the Council consider, prior to the adoption of the ordinance amendment, the individual areas where the developer has installed the water and /or sewer lines at no cost to the City. "Prior to the development of the land the taxes were practically nil. Now the revenues received from improved properties is considerably greater than undeveloped land." Councilman Knight stated a Workshop is needed to consider several of the items, comments and objections discussed this evening. Councilman Thomas agreed. Councilman Chapman agreed the charges are needed, however, felt the rates were still too high. Administrator Fellows stated the rates could be phased in over a longer period of time thereby reducing them. Chairman Douglas stated that due to the requests and all the discussion, a workshop is needed. Further discussion ensued. In order to lower the existing charges before working out the details of the other matters, Councilman Knight moved to amend the proposed ordinance by deleting the phasing in increases of 1984 and 1985; to state 1983 and thereafter for both the water and sewer rates, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Charles Robertson asked for a specific time limit for an answer on the Taylor Cove situation, is sixty (60) days reasonable. Chairman Douglas agreed to have an answer within sixty (60) days. Vote on the motion carried. Councilman Knight moved to adopt the proposed ordinance as amended, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Councilman Watford stated that this was a compromise. John Abney, as president of the Contractors Association of Okeechobee, stated, "we appreciate you (Council) working with us. We are not up here as a vigilante group we are here to work with the City." Herb Nix thanked the Council also. Chairman Douglas called for a vote on the motion to adopt the ordinance. Motion carried. The meeting recessed for ten (10) minutes. AGENDA ITEM #XIII - GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES Chairman Douglas called for discussion and action by Council on the provisions in the Employee Handbook for the establishment of a Grievance Committee. Chairman Douglas states that some employees had approached him and reminded him that the handbook provides for a grievance committee, and asked that it be discussed. 3265 3 83 -34 Council discussed the possibility. Administrator Fellows states, "my concern in getting people not connected with the City, the impartiality is fine, but you are getting into the area of a Civil Service Board. You actually are interposing another political group between the Council and the employees. Personally, I think every employee should be advised of their right to talk to the Mayor, any Councilman, the City Administrator individually or collectively any time they want to." Fellows suggested the grievance committee be composed of the Mayor, Administrator and three rank -in -file employees. The Council discussed it further. Councilman Knight felt the problems should be worked out with the Mayor, Administrator and the Department Head; then if it can't be worked out the person should have the right to come before the Council. The City Clerk agreed with Councilman Knight. Councilman Chapman felt the most employees would not do it for fear it may jeopardize their job. Steve Figley, Assistant Public Works Director, appeared before the Council and stated he would welcome such a committee. In certain situations peer review is needed. "In light of this, I spoke with Mr. Keesee who prepared the handbook. He stated that Federal law mandates that employees have an independant review board for which to voice their grievances." Council discussed the issue further receiving input from Chief Tomey and Chief Mobley. Tomey noted it would create a checks and balance system. Figley continued, "as I understand it after talking with Mr. Keesee, the grievance committee does not take any power away from the Council. It does however, take a load off the Council by determining which complaints have merit and which have not. I want that check on my work. Mr. Keesee also had quite a few recommendations as to the composition of the committee, which I have put in memorandum form. Also in the memo, the Federal law and court rulings in regard to cities who did not have such a committee." Following discussion, Councilman Knight suggested that Fellows contact other areas as to how they approached the matter. Council agreed for Fellows to report back at the next meeting. AGENDA ITEM #XIV - LANDSCAPING Due to the length of the agenda, the discussion on the landscaping of the median located on Southwest Fourth Street just south of Parrott Avenue was postponed until March 22, 1983. AGENDA ITEM #XXIV - MAYOR TO CALL ON AUDIENCE Chairman /Mayor Douglas called for comments from those present in the audience. Mary Gullege, a member of the Real Estate Board, thanked the Council for working with the contractors and urged them to continue. T T T H _ T 3266 83 -9 83 -13 83 -15 83 -18 Andy Rubin asked the Council to refrain from showing disrespect to the County citizens in the audience. J.L. Lawson appeared before the Council to discuss the contract for the City Hall expansion and the fact that su- contractors have been allowed to come on the site and porpose bids for other phases of work before his phase is completed. Lawson objected because the sub - contractors are not required to put up a proformance bond, etc. Council discussed at length. Fellows explained the Building Department was only seeking quotations on materials to complete the job. When it is put out for bids Lawson will be allowed to bid. Engineer Broome presented two change orders totaling approximately Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) 1) widening the stairs two feet (2') to allow for a larger generator in the future, and 2) a fire excape door on the second floor. Councilman Thomas moved to accept the two proposed change orders, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM #XXV - MAYOR TO CALL ON CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY ADMINISTRATOR, AND COUNCILMEN FOR REPORTS AND /OR REQUESTS Clerk Thomas presented the Warrant Registers for Council approval. Attorney Conlon presented the executed easement agreement with Darrell Ferneau and the City. Clerk to see that it is recorded. Attorney Conlon reported on the LaGrow suit. Administrator Fellows presented a letter from the County Commissioners stating "the Council on Aging and the Rehabilitation Center are located on County owned property. It is our position that they should be considered agencies of the County for the purpose of an exemption under this Statute." Attorney Conlon advised that the letter does not clearly state they are an agency of the County. The letter should bluntly state that fact then they would automatically be exempt. Fellows was instructed to contact the County once again. Director Fortner informed the Council that Randall Smith has requested to be able to tie onto the pump station at the lake to burn four (4) mercury vapor lights at night. It would be metered and they would pay the costs. Fortner advised it would not jeopardize the pump station in any way. Council agreed unanimously to allow the hook -up. After questioning a payment to Frederick Bell for a copy of the 201 Project specifications, Councilman Watford moved that the Water & Sewer Warrant Register in the amount of Seventy -Seven Thousand Six Hundred Twenty -Seven and 29/100ths Dollars ($77,627.29); and the General Fund Warrant Register in the amount of One Hundred Seventy -Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty -Three and 52/100ths Dollars ($179,863.52) be approved as presented, seconded by Councilman Knight. Motion carried. 1 lir it 3267 3 - AGENDA ITEM #XXVI - ADJOURNMENT All There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M. A Edward E. Dougl.s, D.C. Chairman /Mayor City of Okeechobee ATTEST: AI Al : ! ..011_' ILewe" i!1 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. 1 1 1 111 T AGENDA CITY OF OKEECHOBEE COUNCIL CHAMBERS REGULAR MEETING MARCH 8, 1983 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order Invocation - Bonnie Thomas, City Clerk Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Edward Douglas IV. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of February 22, 1983. V. Public hearing and final reading of an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Okeechobee, Florida; repealing Article X relative to loans, time warrants and bonds; rewriting Article X to conform with Chapter 166, Part III, municipal borrowing; providing that borrowing may be by Resolution or Ordinance; ratifying existing debt; providing an effective date. VI. Public hearing and final reading of an Ordinance providing for the issuance by the City of Okeechobee, Florida of a Capital Improvement Note in the amount of Ninety Five Thousand Dollars ($95,000.00) to the Flagship Bank of Okeechobee, to provide construction funds for the expansion and renovation of the Okeechobee City Fire Department and City Hall. VII. Public hearing and final reading of an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances relative to system capacity charges to provide phasing in of said charges over a three year period. VIII. Introduction of an Ordinance amending Chapter II, Article I, Section 2-2 of the City Code to provide the Vice Mayor may sign checks in an emergency where the Mayor or his designee is unavailable and setting of a public hearing for March 22, 1983. IX. Introduction and action by the Council on a Resolution setting the Council meeting dates for the first and third Thursday of each month. X. Introduction of a Resolution and action on same by City Council relative to the setting of Planning and Zoning Board meetings for the second Thursday of each month. XI. Introduction of a Resolution and action by the Council on same relative to setting of meeting dates for the Code Enforcement Board on the fourth Thursday of each month. XII. Introduction of an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Okeechobee; changing the manner of electing City Councilmen; providing City Councilmen shall run by seat number beginning with the general election of December, 1984 and setting for a public hearing on March 22nd. XIII. Discussion and action by the Council on provisions in the Employee Handbook for the establishment of a Grievance Committee. XIV. Discussion and action by the Council on a proposal to authorize the landscaping of the median located on Southwest 4th Street just south of Parrott Avenue. XV. Receipt by the Council of tabulations and recommendations for the purchase of various sizes of water pipe and fittings. XVI. Receipt by the Council of tabulations and recommendations relative to fencing of the city's water treatment plant property. XVII. Action by the Council to authorize title search to resolve questions regarding property disputes west of Southwest llth Avenue between Southwest 7th Street and Southwest 8th Street. XVIII. Authorization for the Mayor to execute an application for federal assistance to the Farmers Home Administration for additional loan funds to be used in connection with the EPA Grant for construction of the city's new Wastewater Treatment Plant. ri& AGENDA FOR MARCH 8, 1983 (continued) XIX. Authorization for Mayor and Clerk to execute agreement for Engineering Services for jointly funded projects in the total amount of $120,426.00. XX. Authority for the Mayor and Clerk to execute Farmers Home Administration Equal Opportunity Agreement in connection with the city's application for funds to construct a new Sewage Treatment Plant. XXI. Authority for Mayor and Clerk to execute an Assurance Agreement with the Farmers Home Administration for funds in connection with the construction of the city's sewage treatment plant. XXII. Introduction of a Loan Resolution and action by the Council on authorizing signature of the Resolution by Mayor and Clerk authorizing the loan of $1,212,900.00 from the Farmers Home Administration for construction of the city's new Sewage Treatment Plant. XXIII. Action by the Council to adopt a Resolution applying for the maximum federal grant for the city's new Wastewater Treatment Plant. XXIV. Mayor to call on anyone in the audience wishing to address the Council. XXV. Mayor to call on City Clerk, City Attorney, City Administrator and City Councilmen for reports and/or requests. XXVI. Adjournment.