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1983-09-19 Regular Meeting3358 83 -69 REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1983 The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, met in regular session in Council Chambers, 55 Southeast Third Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Edward W. Douglas called the meeting to order with the following Councilmen present: Edward W. Douglas, Chairman 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 M. Conlon, City Attorney James Broome, Consulting Engineer L.C. Fortner, Jr., Dir. of Public Works Steve Figley, Asst. Dir. of Public Works Larry Mobley, Police Chief L.Keith Tomey, Fire Chief Rosemary Lear, Executive Secretary Janice M. Mann, Deputy Clerk AGENDA ITEMS JII & #III - INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was offered by Chairman Edward W. Douglas, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ITEM ##IV - PUBLIC HEARING - FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING Chairman Edward W. Douglas called the public hearing to order for the 1983/84 Budget re- garding the use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds for the fiscal year October 1, 1983, through September 30, 1984. Chairman Douglas noted the proposed intended uses of the estimate Federal Revenue Sharing Funds are: 1) $2,000.00 - Council on Aging 2) Remaining $88,000.00 - put into General Fund The floor was opened for citizens comment. Citizen Andy Rubin objected to the remainder of the funds being placed in the General Fund with no specific obligation. He felt the Eighty -Eight Thousand Dollars ($88,000 00) should be allocated for paving. Yvonne Chapman requested that Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) of the Federal Revenue Sharing Funds be allocated to the 'Humane Society. A concerned citizen urged the Council to correct the drainage problem that still exists in Dean's Court area. With no further citizen input, the Chair opened the floor for Council's comments. Councilman Watford moved that Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) be allocated to the Council on Aging and the remainder to the General Fund. Watford withdrew his motion and then moved that the entire estimated amount of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds be placed in the General Fund Budget, seconded by Councilman Knight, motion carried. 3359 83 -79 AGENDA ITEM dfVII- GREATER OKEECHOBEE ADVISORY COMMUNITY TEAM Due to the number of citizens present, concerned with the Council's actions on GOACT, the Chairman moved to Agenda Item #VII to discuss with members of the Greater Okeechobee Ad- visory Community Team, projects they wish to apply for under the Small Cities Community Block Grant Program. Lola Worthen, spokesperson for GOACT, recommended the following projects for Council's consideration: 1) A housing rehabilitation program (updating the map of the proposed area) 2) A sewer collection system through -out the Dean's Court area with the project grant to contain ample funds to actually make the house connection to the sewer, so as to not burden the home owners. 3) Development through the Community Development Block Grant Program or other appropriate agencies such as a Housing Authority for new housing, low rent or rent subsidy. Administrator Fellows summarized by explaining that one of the requirements of the Small Community Block Grant Program is to receive input from the recently formed committee. The City can apply for up to Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($650,000.00) in grants, 1) a housing grant which has as its primary purpose the rehabilitation and furnishing of new housing stock, and /or 2) commercial andneighborhood revitalization which has as its main purpose not only the rehabilitation of housing but the furnishing of water, sewer lines, paved roads, drainage improvements and the like. Fellows suggested the filing of two applications, one in the area of neighborhood and commercial revitalization and the other in the housing rehabilitation area; and apply for the maximum Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($650,000.00) Ms. Worthen asked, too, that the nine buildings earmarked for demolition be rebuilt with grant funds. Also, on the rental rehabilitation, the committee reuqests that the owners be re- quired to pay nothing. The original application requires the owner to pay two - thirds (2/3) and the grant pay one -third (1/3). Fellows explained that it was set up that way to spread the monies farther. Ms. Worthen addressed the Council with three problems unrelated to the grant application. 1) All the alleyways between Northwest Nineth Street and Northwest Twelveth Street need to be cleaned. 2) There is a mound of dirt on Northwest Tenth Street that is creating a hazard and Northwest Eighth Avenue and Northwest Tenth Avenue need to be paved. Director Fortner advised that the County Road Department plans to pave the Avenues in the upcoming budget year. 3) There is no drainage ditch on the south side of Northwest Nineth Street, a severe problem exists. Director Fortner advised that because Northwest Nineth Street is paved it is the County's responsibility for maintenance. On behalf of the citizens of Dean's Court, Ms. Worthen asked the Council to instruct the Street Department to cut a drainage ditch on the south side of Northwest Nineth Street. Discussion ensued pertaining to City /County responsibility. Engineer Broome advised the 3360 83 -70 County is accepting bids Thursday for repairing the street in question. Director Fortner stated the water could be diverted to the existing ditch onthe north side of the road using sixty to eighty feet of culverts, instead of a ditch on each side. Chairman Douglas instructed Director Fortner and Administrator Fellows to check with the County as to the drainage specifications in the road paving preparation. Councilman Thomas moved that the city apply for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant and set a second public hearing for October 3, 1983, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM lfV - PUBLIC HEARING - BUDGET AND MILLAGE Chairman Douglas announced the final hearing on the budget and millage for the City fiscal year beginning October 1, 1983, and ending September 30, 1984. - Proposed Millage Rate The proposed millage is 4.338 %, debt service .150 %. The floor was opened for comments. No citizen response. The Council discussed the need for a millage increase due to the affect the homestead exemption law has had on the tax base. It was noted the City of Okeechobee had decreased the millage rate for the past two years. Chairman Douglas read the millage resolution as follows: A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR ThELEVYING AND COLLECTING OF TAXES FOR THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1983 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1984; STATING THE MILLAGE RATE; STATING THE PERCENT THE ADOPTED MILLAGE RATE EXCEEDS THE ROLLED BACK RATE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA as follows: SECTION I: The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, hereby levies a tax of $4.338 per thousand dollars valuation on all real and personal property within the corporate limits of said city, subject to tax on the first day ofJanuary, 1983 provided, however, that such $4,338 shall not be levied upon property in the City of Okeechobee claimed and allowed as Homestead as granted under the constitution or general laws of the state. The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida hereby levies a tax of $0.150 per thousand dollars valuation onall real and personal property including Homesteads within the corporate limits of said city in accordance with the general obligation bond issue of the City of Okeechobee. SECTION II: That the City clerk is hereby instructed and directed to certify to the Okeechobee County Property Appraiser the above and foregoing enumerated millages to be levied for lal purposes for the year 1983/84 in the said City of Okeechobee, Florida pursuant to provisions of the Laws of the State of Florida. SECTION III: The millage rate herein levied exceeds the rolled -back rate by 15 %. SECTION IV: That the Tax Collecotr of Okeechobee County, Florida shall proveed to collect the above taxes according to the provisions of the laws of the State of Florida. SECTION V: That of the total $4.338 per thousand dollar valuation as designated in Section 1, hereof, $4,338 per thousand dollar valuation shall be used for the general city purposes in carrying on and conducting the government of the said city and $0.150 per thousand dollar valuation including Homestead shall be used to pay interest and principal on bonds maturing during said fiscal year, such levy to be collected in cash and such cash so collected to be kept in separate accounts for the purposes designated herein. SECTION VI: This Resolution was adopted under the provisions of the laws of Florida and was approved by no less than a four fifths vote of the City Council and shall become effective upon its adoption. Introduced and passed in regular session assembled this day of , 1983. Council discussed the increase further. Administrator Fellows explained that the total 3361 83 -69 83 -12 budget is up five to seven percent (5 -7 %). The reserves are being depleated, the increase is needed to replenish and maintain the reserve funds. Following lengthy discussion, Councilman Watford moved to adopt the resolution as pre- sented, seconded by Councilman Knight. Councilmen Watford, Thomas, Knight and Douglas voted Yes. Councilman Chapman voted No. Motion passed. - PROPOSED BUDGET Chairman Douglas read the resolution concerning the General Fund and Water & Sewer Budgets as follows: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A BUDGET OF ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND ANTICIPATED EXPENDITURES FOR THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE GENERAL FUND AND UTILITY FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1983, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1984; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,FLORIDA as follows: SECTION I: The budget for the City of Okeechobee General Fund and Utility Fund as attached hereto and made a part hereof is hereby adopted as the budget for the operations of the various departments of the city for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 1983 and ending September 30,1984. SECTION II: This Resolution was adopted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Florida and enacted by no less than a four fifths vote of the City Council and shall become effective upon its adoption. 1983. Introduced and passed in regular session assembled this 19TH day of SEPTEMBER 1 l lil T The floor was opended for citizens comments. Citizen Andy Rubin asked if the items he addressed at the first hearing were investigated for possible cuts, pointing out several items; 1) sewer allocations, 2) land purchase (154 acres); and 3) Federal Revenue Sharing funds should be specified. Council discussed the budget in depth. Yvonne Chapman, President of the Okeechobee Humane Society, appeared before the Council to request an additional Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) to cover the increasedd expenses of the Humane Society. Ms. Chapman repsonded to several sections of a report received from the State Reporsentative of the American Humane Society and reviewed the Humane Society budget. No further citizen input was received. The Chair called for discussion by the Council on the 1983/84 budget. Councilman Watford felt the half employee budgeted for the Clerk's office is not necessary. The current employee should remain part -time and the monies budgeted by put back into contin- gencies. Clerk Thomas responded to justify the need for another full time employee. The Council discussed increasing the Humane Society budget line item to Eighteen Thousand Dollars ($18,000.00). Councilman Watford moved to transfer the half employee funds back into contingency. Motion died for a lack of second. Councilman Thomas moved the transfer Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) addi- tional funds to the Humane Society budget line ite, seconded by Councilman Chapman. r 3362 83 -56 Lengthy discussion ensued as to the extent of the work and amount of supplies that were to be paid for by City funds, according to the original agreement. The Chair called for a vote on the motion to increase the Humane Society budget by Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars $2,500.00). Councilmen Thomas, Knight and Chapman voted Yes. Councilman Watford voted No. Motion carried. Councilman Watford moved to increase budget line item 522.1300 by One Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($1,300.00) and line item 572.6300 by Twenty -Four Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty - One Dollars ($24,921.00), seconded by Councilman Thomas. Councilmen Watford, Knight and Thomas voted Yes. Councilman Chapman voted No. Motion passed. Councilman Knight moved to adopt the final budget as amended, seconded by Councilman Watford. Councilmen Knight, Watford, Thomas and Douglas voted Yes. Councilman Chapman voted No. Vote carried. AGENDA ITEM #VI - SUN COAST PAINTING - WATER TOWER Mr. Carl Pickard of Sun Coast Painting appeared before the Council, as requested, in regards to the contract performance on the painting of the city water tower tothe east of City Hall. Mr. Pickard advised the council his company was asked to leave the job and prepare an invoice for work completed. Chairman Douglas explained that, according to the City's report the work was not performed according to the specifications of the contract. Mr. Pickard elaborated on the events that have taken place to date; being awarded the bid, surety bond, spot blasting outside of tank and painting. Mr. Pickard felt the areas in question on the tank are rust stains as opposed to rust spots, and questioned the credentials of Howard Green, independent tank inspector. In summary, Mr. Pickard maintained, "The job was well done, the inspector did not give a proper inspection. The fob was done right, the problems lie with the inspector ". Howard Green was present and detailed his qualifications for the Council. Green noted that they began painting prior to sand blasting. Councilman Watford noted, "The specs say no painting shall be done before surfaces are prepared and approved by the Director of Public Works ". Director Fortner advised that rust is already coming through the paint. The tank inspector used a mil gauge which indicated an insufficient amount of paint on the tank. A lengthy discussion took place with input frm Mr. Pickard, Mr. Green, Attorney Conlon and Director Fortner. Mr. Pickard stated, "If there are certain areas that deficient, we are willing to correct them. The overall tank is good. We will bring in our own expert inspectors if need be. We have improved the tabk and expect payment fot he work completed ". Chairman Douglas thank Mr. Pickard for his input and advised him a final decision will be made on October 3, 1983. 3363 3 83 -10 83 -11 83 -53 83 -81 AGENDA ITEM #VIII - PLANNING BOARD VACANCY The Chair called for further consideration of an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Board to serve the unexpired term of James Kirk through March, 1984. Chairman douglas advised that recently appointed Dr. Norman Koff will be unable to accept. He had been appointed to the Mental Health Board. Three applicants are Lula Worthen, Robert Francis and Tony Miller. Following brief discussion, Councilman Chapman moved to appoint Lula Worthen to fill the unexpired term through March 1984, seconded by Councilman Thomas. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM #IX - AMENDMENT TO ENGINEERING CONTRACT Chairman Douglas called for discussion by the Council on a request from Broome, Van Ostran and Associates to amend Appendix A of the current contract agreement between the City and the Engineering firm to provide a new schedule of fees. The contract is to be reviewed on a yearly basis. Engineer Broome noted the salaries have increased five percent (5 %). The firm has also invested in sophisticated equipment to better serve. With no further discussion, Councilman Thomas moved to grant the engineering contract agreement as stipulated in the status report, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM #X - STEEL TOWER AND SIREN The Council discussed various possibilities of relocating the steel tower and siren in the back of the City Hall. Administrator Fellows advised that the computer representative claims that because of the proximity of the tower to the building it attracts lightening, causing damage. Councilman Chapman suggested giving the siren back to the volunteer firemen. Councilman Thoams suggested the City Administrator talke with the volunteer firemen and the Civil Defense and work out a solution. Council agreed. AGENDA ITEM #XI - STREET LIGHT CHARGES - STATE ROAD 70 The chair called for discussion relative to accepting the responsibility for street light charges ont he new section of State Road 70 East. The Council agreed unanimously to accept theresponsibility of street light charges. AGENDA ITEM #XII - POSSIBLE EXCHANGE OF CITY PROPERTY The Council discussed, at length, the psosible disposition of four lots in the northwest section of the City. The lots in question about the State Department of Transportation's main- tenance yars, and are valued at Six Thousand Two Hundred Forth Dollars ($6,240.00) on the tax toll. The Council agreed to put the lots up for possible bids and /or trade. AGENDA ITEM #XIII - MAYOR TO CALL ON AUDIENCE The Chairman called on anyone inthe audience wishing to address the Council, with no response AGENDA ITEM #XIV - MAYOR TO CALL ON CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY ADMINISTRATOR AND COUNCILMEN FOR REPORTS AND /OR REQUESTS. 3364 83 -34 83 -20 83 -18 City Clerk - Meeting, Calendar Clerk Thomas presented the City Council meeting calendar: October 3rd and 17th, 1983 November 7th and 21st, 1983 December 5th and 19th (if needed), 1983 - Warrant Registers The Clerk presented the Warrant Registers for Council's approval. City Administrator - Florida League of Cities Administrator Fellows reminded the Council of the Florida League of Cities annual convention to be held October 13 -15. Councilman Chapman - Water Readings Councilman Chapman asked that the water readings for Homer Hayes and Buster Whatley be checked. Director Fortner to do so. Councilman Knight - Landscaping Councilman Knight asked for an up -date on the landscaping project. City Administrator Fellows stated that the Rehab Facility has been given the order to proceed and they are coordi- nating it with Director Fortner. Director of Public Works - 201 Facility - Land Lease Director Fortner reminded the Council of the Public hearing to be heldin Council Chambers on September 21, at 7:00 P.M. regarding the final lease of the 201 Facility site. Councilman Watford - Warrant Registers Councilman Warford moved to approve the Water & Sewer Wattant register in the amount of Thirty -Eight Thousand Three Hundred Eighteen and 24 /100ths Dollars ($38,318.24) and the General Fund Warrant Register in the amount of Nineteen Thousand Ninety -Two and 28 /100ths Dollars ($19,092.28), seconded by Councilman Knight. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEM #XV - ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to be brought before the Council, -the meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M. ATTEST: Bonnie S. Thomas'1�� City Clerk City of Okeechobee dward W. Do glas, Chairman City of Okeechobee THERE IS A TAPE OF THIS MEETING IN ITS ENTIRETY ON FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. l T _ 1 IF ■I I SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA FOR FINAL BUDGET AND MILLAGE HEARINGS CITY OF OKEECHOBEE I. Public hearing to finalize millage rate and city budget for the fiscal year beginnin October 1, 1983. II. Adoption of a Resolution setting the millage for the city fiscal year October 1, 198 through September 30, 1984. (the millage levy Resolution must be read in full prior to its adoption) III. Adoption of a Resolution providing for anticipated revenues and expenditures for the city fiscal year October 1, 1983 through September 30, 1984. (the budget Resolution must contain a statement relative to the percent, if any by which the millage rate to be levied exceeds the rolled-back rate. Current Millage Rolled-Back Millage Proposed Millage 3.913 3.773 4.338 Amount of Taxes Amount of Taxes Amount of Taxes $265,000 $269,215 $294,000 AGENDA CITY OF OKEECHOBEE COUNCIL CHAMBERS REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 19, 1983 7:00 P.M. I. Call to Order II. Invocation - Mayor Edward Douglas III. Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Edward Douglas IV. Budget Hearing regarding the use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds for the fiscal year October 1, 1983 through September 30, 1984. V. Final hearing on the Budget and millage for the City Fiscal Year October 1, 1983 through September 30, 1984. (see supplemental agenda) VI. Appearance of Mr. Carl Pickard of Sun Coast Painting in regards to the contract performance on the painting of the city water tower to the east of City Hall. VII. Appearance of members of the Greater Oceechobee Advisory Community Team to discuss projects they wish to apply for under the Small Cities Community Block Grant Program. VIII. Further consideration of an appointment to the Okeechobee Planning and Zoning Board to Serve the unexpired term of Mr. James Kirk through March 1984. IX. Discussion by Council on a request from Broome, Van Ostran and Associates to amend Appendix A of the current contract agreement between the city and the engineering firm to provide a new schedule of fees. X. Council discussion relative to relocating steel tower and siren in the back of the building. XI. Discussion relative to accepting responsibility for street light charges on new State Road 70 east. XII. Discussion by Council on the possible disposition of four lots in the northwest section of the city. XIII. Mayor to call on anyone in the audience wishing to address the Council. XIV. Mayor to call on City Clerk, City Attorney, City Administrator and City Councilmen for reports and/or requests. XV. Adjournment.