1979-09-25 Regular Meeting 2523 1
FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING
There being no citizens in attendance for public input on Federal Revenue
Sharing, Councilman Knight moved to adjourn at 7:00 P.M., seconded by Councilman
Burk, vote carried.
?9-88 BUDGET WORKSHOP SESSION
LAND PURCHASE
Councilman Raulerson informed the Council while anticipating the land
purchase, the Council will have to determine what improvements are to be made on
the land and establish a budget item accordingly.
Councilman Burk suggested the Council consider the possibility of the south
portion of the one hundred fifty-four (154) acres be used for an Industrial Park,
bordering the railroad.
The Council made no de¢ission on establishing a line item for road improve-
ments.
1979-80 WATER & SEWER BUDGET
The Council discussed the 1979-80 Water and Sewer Budget to prepare it for
adoption at the October 1, 1979, meeting.
EMPLOYEE PAYROLL PLAN
Several of the City employees are paid out of both the General Fund and the
Water and Sewer Fund.
The Council decided, as suggested by the auditor, Mr. Thomas, beginning
January 1, 1980, those employees will be paid out of one account only.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting Recessed at 8:30 P.M.
City of Okeechobee
ATTEST:
Bonnie S. Thbmas
City Clerk
City of Okeechobee
SECOND REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1979
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, convened in a Regular
Meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, Okeechobee, Florida, at 7:00 P.M.,
Tuesday, September 25, 1979.
President Edward W. Douglas presiding.
Councilmen Donald Burk, Oakland Chapman, Lytle Raulerson and Jim Knight were
present.
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Others present were: Bonnie S. Thomas, City Clerk; David Conlon, City
Attorney; Larry Mobley, Police Chief; Keith Tomey, Fire Chief; Richard B. Spray,
Building Official; L.C. Fortner, Jr., Director of Public Works and Sylvia --~
Christian, Deputy Clerk.
The Invocation was offered by Councilman Burk.
79-1 .APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Knight moved to approve the minutes of the August 23rd, 28th
and BOth, 1979, meetings, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried.
79-58 REZONING REQUEST - HUSAIN
Attorney Burton Conners appeared before the Council on behalf of Dr.
Muzaffar Husain. He requested the Council grant a continuance on the rezoning
of Lots 21 and 22, Block 2, from Holding to Residential, Single Family. Dr.
Husain was unable to appear in person to present his case. Also, Mr. Conners
was retained the day of the meeting and has had no time to research the
proceedures.
Councilman Burk moved to grant the continuance, seconded by Councilman
Chapman, vote carried.
RENNIE BERRY
Citizen Rennie Berry appeared before the Council and read a statement
previously delivered to the County Commissioners. --~
The statement was an appeal to the City Council and County Commissioners
to begin working together on certain issues as set forth in the Consolidation
Plan.
Councilman Knight moved to have a monthly meeting between the City Council
and the County Commissioners to solve any problems and discuss topics of mutual
interest, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried.
The Council instructed Clerk Thomas to write a letter to the Commissioners
requesting such a meeting.
79-74 COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS A. CITY ATTORNEY
1) GOLDEN CORRAL STEAK HOUSE
Attorney Conlon had nothing new to report regarding the status of the
Golden Corral Steak House.
2) LAND PURCHASE
Attorney Conlon stated if the Council adopt a tentative budget prior to
October 1, and if that budget has the land purchase allocated, the matter could
be closed within the first seven to ten days of October.
79-35 3) OKEECHOBEE BEACHWATER ASSOCIATION
Attorney Conlon noted the Council needed to discuss and instruct the City
Attorney as to their wishes regarding the issue with Okeechobee Beachwater
Association.
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79-75 4) DOG ORDINANCE SUMMONS
Attorney Conlon informed the Council an amendment to the Dog Ordinance will
have to be drawn up providing a bond to avoid the mandatory court appearance as
it stands now.
Attorney Conlon suggested setting up a Workshop with Chief Mobley, Assistant
State Attorney Young and himself to work out the details.
5) TAX MILLAGE
Attorney Conlon informed the Council that whether the tax millage is increased
or not the fact has to be advertised as a five per cent (5%) increase.
6) NOISE ORDINANCE
The finalization of the Noise Ordinance is still hinged on a demonstration of
a decible meter.
B. FIRE CHIEF
1) HAZARD INSURANCE
Chief Tomey informed the Council that the fire department building has no
insurance coverage. This was discovered when damage incurred due to hurricane
David.
After brief discussion, Councilman Knight moved to request Berger Insurance
to attend the meeting on October 9, 1979, regarding coverage of the Fire Depart-
ment, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried.
C. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
1) OKEECHOBEE LIMITED
Okeechobee Limited, a previously approved new development between Northwest
5th Avenue and Northwest 12th Street, is requesting that Northwest 12th Street
between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue be opened for a second entrance to the develop-
ment.
There is seven hundred fifty (750) feet between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue
that would have to be opened, graded, shelled, etc.
After lenghty discussion of the lack of shell due to the rain, the Council
decided to wait for further development before putting in a second-access road.
Reason being there already exists one entrance and there are only four (4) un-
occupied homes in the development.
79-14 2) LA GROW
Director Fortner presented a request for payment to LaGrow on change order at
the water plant in the amount of Twelve Thousand Seven Hundred Fourteen and
31/100tbs Dollars ($12,714.31).
If this payment is approved the City will still be holding Eleven Thousand
Four Hundred Thirty-Two Dollars ($11,432.00) or twenty-three percent (23%) of the
change order and Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Five Dollars ($25,645.00)
or ten per cent (10%) of the clearwell.
Councilman Burk moved to deny payment to LaGrow until defects in clearwell
are repaired, seconded by Councilman Raulerson, vote carried.
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3) G.E. BRYANT
Attorney Conlon informed the Council that Judge G.E. Bryant is requesting
that the dirt mounds created from the dredging of the drainage ditch be removed. --~
He is unable to gain access to his back pastures from 7th Avenue.
Council instructed Director Fortner to investigate and report his f~ndings
at a later date.
D. CITY CLERK
1) 201 FACILITY PLAN REQUEST PAYMENT #6
Clerk Thomas presented a letter for 201 Facility Plan Request Payment #6 -
Step 2 in the amount of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Eighty-Six Dollars ($7,586.00)
After brief discussion, Councilman Knight moved to pay Request #6 of the
201 Facility Plan in the amount of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Eighty-Six Dollars
($7,586.00), seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried.
Y9-74 COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCILMEN
A. EDWARD W. DOUGLAS
United Feed Mills requested Northwest 2nd Avenue be opened from Northwest
6th Street to the mill.
The mill is willing to furnish the culvert needed if the City would grade
and shell the road.
The Council postponed a decision on this matter until Director Fortner
checks into the cost and the rains stop so shell can once again be obtained.
B. OAKLAND CHAPMAN
1) CATTLE TRUCKS
Councilman Chapman informed the Council the problem with the cattle trucks
parking in the residential area has been solved.
2) CURREN ELECTRIC
Bill Curren is going to install cement bumpers in his parking lot to keep
customers from using the alley for anything other than an exit.
3) DEAN COURT - SCHOOL BUSES
To solve the problem of children waiting for school buses on the streets
in Deans Court, a patrolman will be assigned to that area to educate the
children to be orderly.
?9-68 4) HUMANE SOCIETY
Councilman Chapman informed the Council that conditions regarding the dog
pound have improved greatly.
The Humane Society has a few problems to work out such as road to pound and
more pens.
President Douglas read the Humane Society Resolution as follows:
WHEREAS, The ARA Humane Society of Okeechobee County has met with the
City Council of the City of Okeechobee and made a formal proposal; and
WHEREAS, the Humane Society is an appropriate agency to operate the Dog
Pound;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Okeechobee,
Florida, that:
1. The ARA Humane Society of Okeechobee County is authorized to operate the
Dog Found for a period of one year.
The Humane Society shall see to it that all animals kept in the facility are
fed, cleaned, humanely disposed of when necessary, and that the facility is kept
in a clean condition. The Humane Society shall, on a monthly basis, present to
the City copies of paid bills for food, disinfectant and other supplies now used
by the City facility and the City shall reimburse for the year not to exceed the
budgeted amount by the City for dog pound use for that fiscal year.
2. The ARA Humane Society of Okeechobee County is aware of City Ordinance
No. 410 and will abide by its provisions.
3. The City dog control office shall deliver impounded animals to the care
and control of said Humane Society.
4. The Humane Society shall keep separate records for the costs incurred for
animals impounded by the City and shall keep separated City animals from other
animals.
5. This resolution may be revoked by the City of Okeechobee after giving the
Humane Society notice that the matter will be heard at its next regular meeting.
6. This resolution is effective upon adoption.
Fassed and adopted this day of , 1979.
Councilman Chapman moved to adopt the resolution ad read, seconded by Council-
man Burk, vote carried.
5) DOG AND CAT LICENSES
Councilman Knight moved to use newspaper advertising to remind public of
deadline for dog and cat licenses, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried.
C. DONALD BURK
79-35 1) OKEECHOBEE BEACHWATER
Councilman Burk recalled the motion passed at a previous meeting to the
effect, since Okeechobee Beachwater owed the City Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars
($75,000.00) the City would not make connections to the new service until the
amount was paid. The intent of the motion made by Councilman Burk was "no strings
attached", no addendums or amendments.
Beachwater Association has sent a check to pay the amount owed but has put
certain conditions upon depositing the check.
Councilman Burk moved to instruct the Mayor to send a letter to Okeechobee
Beachwater Association advising them their check in the amount of Seventy-Five
Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) cannot be deposited to the City's account with
any existing documents where there are contingents.
Councilman Raulerson suggested the Council return the check, tell Okeechobee
Beachwater to revert back to the original contract. When the requirements of the
contract are met, then renegotiate.
Councilman Burk withdrew his motion.
Councilman Raulerson moved the City return the Seventy-Five Thousand Dollar
($75,000.00) check, inform Okeechobee Beachwater the City is refering back to the
original contract, when the requirements of the original contract are met then
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renegotiate, seconded by Councilman Burk, vote carried.
79-14 2) NEW CLEARWELL PUMP
Director Fortner noted in the agreement signed August 7, 1977, it was
agreed to permit the Association to install a new finished water pump in the
clearwell at their own expense. Director Fortner inquired if the new motion
allows them to do so as anticipated.
Councilman Burk reminded Director Fortner of the former motion noting the
hook-up will be made when the Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($?5,000.00) is
received and deposited. The motion stands.
D. LYTLE RAULERSON
1) BUDGET CALENDAR
Councilman Raulerson reviewed the dates for public hearings on Budget and
Federal Revenue Sharing as follows:
9-24-?9 - Public Hearing was held to discuss the use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds
10-1-79 - Scheduled hearing on Federal Revenue Sharing to be
presented to the governmental body responsible for its
enactment.
10-4-79 - Proposed Budget to be published in the Okeechobee
News that will include a summary showing intended use
of Federal Revenue Sharing.
10-15-79 - Public Hearing - citizens to comment on relationship
of Revenue Sharing Funds to the entire Budget. Also, --~
Budget hearing for adoption.
2) TAX MILLAGE
Council has discussed, at previous Budget Sessions, the Tax Millage in
regard to the new budget. Millage for 1978-79 was 3.94 for the General Budget.
The City has receJ, ved certification from the Tax Assesor of 4.017, which ac-
cording to the Florida Statutes is an increase in taxation.
According to Florida Statutes the City must advertise a tax millage increase
Also, the City tax revenues shall not exceed one hundred-five per cent (105%) of
the tax revenue of the previous year.
Attorney Conlon reviewed the dates for public hearings on Tax Millage and
Budget as follows:
10-4-79 - ¼ page ad proposed millage increase hearing on October 10, 1979.
10-10-79 - Tax millage hearing.
10-11-79 - Advertise final hearing of tax increase on October 15.
10-15-79 - Second and final hearing on millage tax increase.
79-94 Ordinance for Budget:
10-1-79 - Read Budget Ordinance by title only.
10-4-79 - Legal advertisement of Budget Ordinance for October 15, meeting.
10-15-79 - Budget second and final hearing - then adopt the Tax
Millage Ordinance.
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Councilman Burk suggested the Council instruct the Clerk to advertise
97-94
October 4, for public hearing on October 10, and advertise October 11, for public
hearing on October 15, on proposed tax millage increase, Council concurred.
TEMPORARY OPERATING BUDGET
After lengthy discussion, Councilman Raulerson moved to adopt the emergency
Budget Ordinance for the General Fund, seconded by Councilman Burk, vote carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Meeting recessed until Monday, October 1,
1979, at ?:00 P.M.
~E~dward W. Dou'glas
President City Counc
City of Okeechobee
ATTEST:
Bonnie S. Thomas
City Clerk
City Of Okeechobee
RECESSED MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1979
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, convened in a Recessed
Meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, Okeechobee, Florida, at 7:00 P.M.,
Monday, October 1, 1979.
President Edward W. Douglas presiding.
Councilmen Donald Burk, Jim Knight, Oakland Chapman and Lytle Raulerson were
present.
Others present were: David Conlon, City Attorney; Janice M. Mann, Secretary
and Sylvia Christian, Deputy Clerk.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE - PROVIDING FOR THE LEVYING AND
79-95 COLLECTING OF TAXES - FIRST HEARING
President Douglas read by title only the proposed ordinance for levying and
collecting of taxes:
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVYING AND COLLECTING
OF TAXES FOR THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA, FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1979, AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 1980.
Councilman Knight moved to accept the first reading of the Ordinance for the
Levying and Collecting of Taxes, seconded by Councilman Raulerson, vote carried.
PROPOSED BUDGET ORDINANCE - GENERAL FUND - FIRST READING
President Douglas read the proposed Ordinance adopting a budget for the
General Fund as follows:
AGENDA
SECOND REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 25, 1979
7:00 P.M.
1. Invocation
2. Approval of Minutes:: August 23, 28 and 30, 1979, meetings
3. Muzaffar Husain, M.D. - Rezoning request from Holding to RSF
Lots 21 & 22, Block 2, City of Okeechobee
4. Open for Citizens not appearing on Agenda
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENTS HEADS
A. City Attorney
B. Building Official
C. Police Chief
D. Fire Chief
E. Director of Public Works
F. City Clerk - Payment request #6
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCILMEN
A. Edward W. Douglas
B. Oakland Chapman
C. Jim Knight
D. Donald Burk
E. Lytle Raulerson
7. Adjournment
7,586.00 Step 2 - 201 Facility