1979-07-24 Regular Meeting 2485
BUDGET WORKSHOP SESSION TUESDA¥~ JULY 1,7,~, 1979
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida~ convened in a
Budget Session in the Clerk's Office at the City Hall, Okeechobee, Florida,
at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 17, 1979.
President Edward W. Douglas presiding.
Councilmen Lytle Raulerson~ Oakland Chapman and Jim Knight were
present. Councilman Donald Burk was absent.
Others present were: Bonnie S. Thomas, City Clerk; Larry Mobley,
Police Chief and Sylvia Christian, Deputy Clerk.
?9-85 1979-1980 GENERAL EXPENSES AND GENERAL REVENUES
The Council entered into Budget Session for 1979-1980 City of Okee-
chobee General Expenses and General Revenues.
HIRING OF A MECHANIC
The feasibility of hiring a City mechanic for repairs of City vehicles
and equipment was discussed.
?9-69 POLICE DEPARTMENT ~BUDGET
The Police Department budget was discussed. Items were entered for
final approval. The only item the Council felt would require further study
was the Blue prints for a new Police department.
This issue was entered with a question for later discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
City of Okeechobee
ATTEST:
' , ../__
Bonnie S. Thomas
City Clerk
City of Okeechobee
SECOND REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY~ JULY 24~ 1979
The City Council of the City of 0keechobee, Florida, convened in a
Re~tlar Meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, Okeechobee, Florida,
at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 24, 1979.
President Edward W. Douglas presiding.
Councilman Oakland Chapman, Jim Y~tight~ Donald Burk and Lytle Raulerson
were present.
Others present were: Bonnie S. Thomas~ City Clerk; David Conlon, City
Attorney; Richard B. Spray, Building Official; L.C. Fortner, DirectOr of
Public Works; Keith Tomey, Fire Chief; Larry Mobley, P~lice C~ief and Sylvia
Christian, Deputy Clerk.
The Invocation was offered by Councilman Knight.
79-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilma~ Chapman moved to accept the minutes of the July 10, Regular
Meeting and the July 1~, Budget Session, seconded by Councilman Raulerson
vote carried.
79-86 DOUG CASSELS - BUDGET ON CONSOLIDATION COMMISSION
Mr. Doug Cassels was present to discuss the budget on Consolidation
Commission. He a~ked the Council to consider a request to pay one third (1/3)
of the bill to 0keechobee News for the publication of the proposed Consolida-
tion Plan.
Mr. Cassels read a letter to the Council reviewing the procedures used
when setting up the Consolidation Commission last February, 1978. On
January 16, 1979, the Consolidation Commission voted eleven to two (11-2) to
smd the results of its work to the legislature, and then published the
proposed Consolidation Plan along with explanatory foot notes as a public
service to the people of 0keechobee.
The County Commission has declined to pay their one third (1/3) share
from the Consolidation Committee Budget due to the explanatory foot notes.
Because of this the County has refunded Eight Hundred Nin~-Four and ll/1OOths
Dollars ($894.11) to both the Chamber of Commerce and the City Council.].
The amount requested to be paid is Six Hundred Thirty-Nine and 41/lO0ths
Dollars ($639.41) to the 0keechobee News. This amount would come from the
refund rendered the City from the original budget.
Councilman Raulerson asked if the plan was not published before legisla-
tion had studied it and made changes. Mr. Cassels noted it was published as
the proposed plan prior to legislation approval.
Attorney Conlon, with several questions to Mr. Cassels, tried to
determine the County's exact position on thus matter. If it is illegal for the
County to pay for publication it may also be illegal for the City.
Councilman Burk suggested waiting until the August 14 meeting to make a
decission On this issue. If one governmental body feels there may be some-
thing illegal, the City Council should postpone a deci~iei to enable the City
Attorney to research this subject. If nothing is found to be illegal then go
ahead with payment.
Mr. Raymond Berry, Secretary of the Consolidation Commission, commented
on the County's action on this matter. Mr. Berry had delivered the last state-
ment to the County Commissioners requesting them, because the County felt it
- ! I' 'iii' I .... "
2487
was illegal, to cite in writing the basis for their feelings. The
Commissioners agreed to do this. As to this date no letter of reasons has
been received. The County seems to be evading the issue.
The Council instructed the City Attorney to research this matter for
discussion and decision at the next Regular Meeting.
79-43 HENRY SILLS - L.P. SANITATION
Citizen Henry Sills appeared before the Council requesting the garbage
at Piggly Wiggly be picked up more than once a week.
Building Official Spray noted he and Jay Huffman went to Piggly Wiggly
prior to this meeting to determine how serious the situation was. He dis-
covered the garbage bin is located under the building eaves which causes the
rain running off the roof to fall into th~ bin. Building Official Spray
recommended the store owner put a roof over the ~arbage area to prevent the
mess the rain makes.
Jay Huffman of L.P. Sanitai~on asked that it go on record that he was
reluctant to discuss the garbage situation at Piggly Wiggly. He has dis-
cussed the situation with the co-owner of the store. If the matter is
resolved the men will quit, they now refuse to pick up the garbage,
Mr. Huffman offered to supply a four (4) yard dumpster with a pick up
of three (3) times a week at the twice a week rate of Seventy-Three Dollars
($73.00) per month.
Mr. Sills agreed to these terms, provided it will be sufficient.
79-58 MUZAFFAR HUSAIN~ M.D. - REZONING REQUEST APPEAl,
Dr. Muzaffar Husain appeared before the Council asking that his rezoning
application be reconsidered to enable him to build his residence near his
effice. When he began practi~ing in 0keechobee in 1973 he had his office and
residence near the hospital. Now that the hospital has moved it has created
problems.
On ~une 26, 1979, he was granted a rezoning application to build his
office on his property near the hospital. But his second request of July
to build his residence there has been denied.
After lengthy discussion the Council instructed Attorney Conlon to re-
search whether it is constitutional to disallow a person the right to build
his residence on his property. The Council then instructed the City Clerk
tO advQr~ise £or public hearing on September 11, to discuss this matter.
79-87 RAYMOND BERRY - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Citizen Raymond Berry appeared ~efore the Council to inform them the
Chamber of Commerce has received a grant in the amount of One Thousand Three
Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($1,375.OO).
This is an advertisement grant for encouraging small industries to locate
in 0keechobee County. The Chamber has established the Industrial Development
2488
Committee of which Jim Lashley is Chairman and Raymond Berry is Secretary.
79-74 COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS
A. CITY ATTORNEY -'~
1) Attorney Conlon informed the Council ha had received the information
from the title company regarding the Hamrick-City property and has written
the Attorney General for an opinion on the legal status. He should receive
a reply before September 11.
2) Attorney Conlon reminded the Council he will attend the Planning Board
Meeting of August 7, for the public hearing on the amendment to Ordinance #402.
79-63 B. FIRE CHIEF
1) PAINTING OF FIRE HOUSE
As requested at the July 10, meeting Chief Tomey presented bids for
pain~ing the Fire station. The bids submitted were as follows:
Charles Whidden - $985.00
James Holley - $975.00
Chief Tomey recommended the 'Council accept the Charles Whidden bid.
Councilman Knight moved to accept the bid of Charles Whidden in the
amount of Nine Hundred Eighty-Five Dollars ($985.00), seconded by Councilman
Chapman and vote carried.
2) PA GERS FOR MEN
As requested at the July 10, meeting Chief Tomey presented a break down
on the cost of pagers for the firemen. Cost is as follows:
15 Pagers @ $224.00 each = $3,360.00
1 Incoder 3~?.40
$3,757.40
Councilman Knight moved to authorize Chief Tomey to purchase the pagers
and incoder for a total of Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-Seven and 40/100t~s
($3,757.40) for the Fire Department, seconded by Councilman Chapman and vote
c arri ed.
3 ) RESIGNATION
Chief Tomey presented a letter of resignation from Jody ~hymes. The
Chief recommended to accept the resignation effective July 24, 1979.
Councilman Knight moved to accept the resignation of Jody R~.ymes, seconded
by Councilman Chapman and vote carried.
4 ) EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION
Chief Tomey presented an application for employmmnt of Peter Charles
Winder as fireman. C~ief Tomey recommended hiring Winder as replacement for
Jody Rhymes.
Councilman Knight moved to hire Peter Charles Winder as fireman at the
annual salary of Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Dolls_rs ($8,700.00), seconded
by Councilman Chapman and vote carrie4.
2489:1
5) HEATER EOR FIRE STATION
Chief Tomey informed the Council of the need for up-dating the hea~r at
the fire station. The Chief reported Glades Gas Company has a 70,000 BTU
heater with safety switch, thermostat and blower for Two Hundred Eighty-Five
and 38/100ihs Dollars ($285.38).
Councilman Knight moved to purchase the 70,000 BTU heater in the amount
of Two Hundred Eighty-Five and 38/100the Dollars ($285.38), seconded by
Councilman Chapman and vote carried.
79-65 c. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
1) MEMORANDUM #1
Director Fortner presented Memorandum #1 regarding the Sewer Plant lab
equipment. The items were approved on July 10, 1979, at the price of Five
! Hundred Forty-Six Dollars ($546.00) but due to a price increase on the new
State Purchasing Contract they could not be shipped. Director Fortner noted
he was unaware of a price increase at the time of the original request.
Councilman Burk moved to purchase the Dissolved Oxygen Meter and Dis-
solved Oxygen at the new price of Seven Hundred Fo~y-Two and 50/lO0ths Dollars
~$742.50), seconded by Councilman Raulerson and vote carried.
2) MEMORANDUM #2
Director Fortner presented Memorandum #2 regarding the repair of the City
Hall roof. Director Fortner received only one bid from McKuhen & Sons
Construction in the amount of Five Hundred Fifty-Four Dollars ~$554.00).
Councilman Burk moved to accept the bid from McKuhen & Sene Construction
to repair the City Hall roof at a cost of Five Hundred Fifty-Four Dol~rs
($554.00), seconded by Councilman Chapman and vote carried.
9) MEMORANDUM #9
As discussed at the June 12, and July 10, meetings, Hubert Harden has
requested that Northwest 7th Avenue and Northwest 7th Street be opened to
enable him to build eight (8) homes in Block 71. ~ill dirt and shell is needed.
As previously requested Director Fortner received estimates.
Rock-A-Way $10,132.50
(Ail materials hauled by Rock-a-Way)
Baker Haalin~ $ 5,430.00
(½ to be hauled by City trucks)
Baggett Construction Co. $6,604.00
(~ to be hauled by City trucks)
The Council deci4~d, after discussion, to ~et assurance from the builder
that the eight (8) homes will be built before the City accepts a bid.
Councilman Knight stated he would check with Hubert Harden and get a
letter of assurance.
4) MEMORANDUM #4
Director Fortner pmesented bids as requested for repairing and'improving
Southwest 18th Street. The bids were as follows:
79-65 Rock-a-Way $2,820.00
(All materials hauled by Rock-a-Way)
Baker Haulin~ $1,381.00 --~
(½ to be hauled by City trucks)
Ba~Kett Construction Co. $1,547.OO
~½ to be hauled by City trucks)
After brief discussion Councilman Burk moved to accept the bid from
Baker Hauling in the amount of One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-One Dollars
($1,381.OO), secmnded by Councilman Knight and vote carried.
5) KELLY TRAILER PARK LIFT STATION AND FORCE MAIN
Director Fortner presented a letter from Robert E. Owen & Associates,
Inc. regarding the Kelly Trailer Park Lift Station and Force Main.
Per Engineers instruction there is an additional cost of Four Hundred
Seventy Dollars ($470.00) to raise the Lift Station and Valve Box with Brick-
ing.
After discussion, the Council decided to notify J.G. Kelly family of this
additional cost and postponed approval until the next Regular Meeting on
August 14.
6) KISSIMMEE RIVER SURVEY REVIEW
Director Fortner presented a letter regarding the Corps Public Meeting
for the Kissimmee River Survey Review. Director Fortner just wanted to bring --~
it to the Council's attention.
7) EMPLOYEE EVALUATION
Director Fortner presented au Employee Performance Evaluation on Steve
Figley. The probationary period has been completed and Director Fortner re-
commended an increase in salary of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).
Councilman Burk moved to classify Stephen Figley as a regular employee
with a raise in salary of Five Hundred Dollars 45500.00) annually, seconded
by Councilman Raulerson and vote carried.
8) NORTHWEST 7th AVENUE DRAINAGE
Director Fortner presented plans for the Northwest 7th Avenue and North-
west 2nd Street drainage. At the Regular Meeting, July 10, 1979, the Council
agreed to correct the existing drainage problem if it did not create another,
so the County could pave the road.
Councilman Burk moved to authorize Director Fortner to purchase and
install three (3) culverts on Northwest 7th Avenue and Northwest 2nd Street,
secnnded by Councilman Raulerson and vote carried.
9) PARK LIGHTS
Director Fortner informed the Council work continues in the parks. But
location of the electrical service is needed.
After brie~ discussion, the Council decided to let Director Fortner and
Councilman Knight determine where the electrical systems are to go.
2491
79-42 D. CITY CLERK
1 ) BUDGET FIGURES
Clerk Thomas informed the Council that Sylvia Christian is going to
up'date the Budget figures on the nine (9) month report.
2) DOG AND CAT TAGS
Clerk Thomas informed the Council that dog and cat tags were in and
are ready to be sold beginning August 1.
79-71 COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCILMEN
A. OAKLAND CHAPMAN
1) NEW TENNIS COURT
The Council budgeted Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) last year for new
tennis courts ~r the 0keechobee City Recreational Center.
There was brief discussion on where to locate the new facilities, possibly
the old football field. No decision was made.
2 ) HEART PATH
Councilman Chapman brought up for discussion the possibility of a heart
path for joggers. The funds would come from the American Heart Association.
Chairman Douglas stated he would che~k on the possibility of acquiring
funds for this project.
B. LYTLE RAULERS 0N
Councilman Raulerson inquired as to how the bills are paid that are
incurred during the last month of the budget year.
Clerk Thomas noted there were several options. She will check with the
auditor as to the best way.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 10~zl5 P.M. until
the Budget Session, July 26, 1979.
Edward W. Dofiglas /
President City Councit
City of Okeechobee
ATTEST:
Bonnie S. Thomas
City Clerk
City of 0keechobee
AGENDA
SECOND REGULAR MEETING
JULY 24, 1979
7:00 P.M.
1. Invocation
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting July 10, and Budget Session
July 17, 1979.
3. Doug Cassels - Budget on Consolidation Commission
4. Henry Sills - L.P. Sanitation garbage pick -up
5. Mrs. Durrance - Dog Ordinance
6. Open for Citizens not appearing on Agenda
7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS
A. Attorney Conlon
B. Building Official
C. Police Chief
D. Fire Chief
E. Director of Public Wdrks
F. City Clerk - 1) U.S. Army Corp of Engineers wishes to use
Council Chambers for meeting 1 -5 August 7.
8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCILMEN
A. Edward W. Douglas
B. Oakland Chapman
C. Jim Knight
D. Donald Burk
E. Lytle Raulerson
9. ADJOURNMENT