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1979-11-27 Regular Meeting2552 79-69 2) POLICE DEPARTMENT Councilman Chapman informed the Council the storage room at the Police Department will be converted into a briefing room which is greatly needed, if agreeable with the Council. Council had no objections. The Police Department has set up a committee to draw up a department manual setting up guidelines to be followd. C~ JIM KNIGHT 1) QUARTER BACK CLUB Councilman Knight stated the Quarter Back Club contacted him regarding the sign to be put on the concrete pole at the main intersection. They request permission from the Council. Director Fortner noted the pole is the property of the Department of Trans- portation (D.O.T.), so they would have to be contacted. 2) OKEECHOBEE ESTATES BRIDGE Councilman Knight noted the bridge in Okeecbobee Estates on Eighth Avenue needs widening, it is a traffic hazard. Council asked Director Fortner to check into the dedication and have City Attorney determine who owns the bridge. DISBURSEMENTS Water & Sewer Operation & Maintenance $32,087.88 --~ Water & Sewer System Revenue Fund $1,983.32 Water & Sewer Revenue Fund $400,064.05 Federal Revenue Sharing Trust Fund $139,265.81 Anti-Recession Fund $886.35 Cigarette Tax Fund $682,317.07 General Fund $38,042.67 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Meeting adjourned at 11:30 P.M. Edward W. Do~las- J - President City Counc~ City of Okeechobee ATTEST: Bb-~nnie S. Thomas City Clerk City of Okeechobee SECOND REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27~ 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, November 27, 1979. President Edward W. Douglas presiding. 2553 Councilmen Oakland Chapman, Jim Knight and Donald Burk were present. Councilman Lytle Raulerson was absent. Others present were: Bonnie S. Thomas, City Clerk; David Conlon, City Attorney; L.C. Fortner, Jr., Director of Public Works; Richard B. Spray, Building Official; Keith Tomey, Fire Chief; Larry Mobley, Police Chief and Sylvia Christian Deputy Clerk. The Invocation was offered by' President Edward W. Douglas. 79-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Knight moved to accept the minutes of the September 25 and the October 1, 1979, meetings, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried. PUBLIC HEARING SEALED BIDS - TWO 1980 PATROL CARS It being the hour of 7:00 P.M., and pursuant to a notice published, sealed bids were received, opened and read for two 1980 automobiles, standard police package. Bids were as follows: OKEECHOBEE MOTOR CO. 2 1980 LTD 4 door sedans - $13,030.00 (includes trade-in of 2 1977 models) OKEECHOBEE CHRYSLER - DODGE~ INC. 2 1980 4 door sedans - $14,026.58 Less trade-in of 2 cars - 1~300.00 Net bid 812,726 58 After the bids were read, President Douglas instructed Chief Mobley to check the specifications as advertised. Councilman Chapman moved to accept the low bid from Okeechobee Chrysler- Dodge of Twelve Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty-Six and 58/100tbs Dollars ($12,726.58), seconded by Councilman Burk, vote carried. PUBLIC HEARING REZONING REQUEST - ROOSEVELT BUTLER - SECOND AND FINAL HEARING President Douglas read for second and final hearing the rezoning request of Roosevelt Butler to rezone from Residential, General to Commercial Lots 4 and 5, Block 26, City of Okeechobee, (809 N.W. llth Street). President Douglas called for comments from citizens for or against the reques' Roosevelt Butler appeared before the Council and presented the blue prints of the store to be built, also, a petition signed by citizens wanting the request to be approved. After brief discussion Councilman Knight moved to grant the request of Roosevelt Butler to rezone from Residential, General to Commercial Lots 4 and 5, Block 26, City of Okeechobee, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried. REZONING REQUEST - JAMES D. LASHLEY - SECOND AND FINAL HEARING President Douglas read for second and final hearing the rezoning request of James D. Lashley to rezone from Holding to Residential, Single Family Ail of Blocks 5 and 6, City of Okeechobee (between N.W. 1Bth and N.W. 14th Streets). President Douglas called for comments from citizens opposing the request. There being no objections, Councilman Burk moved to rezone from Holding to Residential, Single Family All of Blocks 5 and 6, City of Okeechobee, seconded by Councilman Knight, vote carried. DONATIONS A) DOUG HOLDEN, VICE YRESIDENT~ O.C.R.A Doug Holden, Vice ?resident of O.C.R.A. appeared before the Council request- ing a donation of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00), and presented a break down of the proposed budget for the up coming year. O.C.R.A. has grown and has plans for expanding all facetes of the organiza- tion which will require additional funds. ?9-87 B) AL STOKES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE A1 Stokes, ?resident Chamber of Commerce appeared before the Council request- ing a donation of Two THousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00). Mr. Stokes presented an itemized list of last year's expenses. Funds are used solely for Christmas lights within the City limits. C. ?HYLLIS VALEt ?UBLIC LIBRARY Phyllis Vale of the ?ublic Library appeared before the Council requesting a donation of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). Ms. Vale presented copies of --~ the top priorities. 79-68 D. DONALD MARTIN - HUMANE SOCIETY Donald Martin of the Humane Society appeared before the Council to seek a solution to a problem that has arisen. Since the enactment of the Dog and Cat Ordinance there has been a tremendous increase in the number of animals being fed and cared for at the pound. The feed bills are increasing, the Humane Society needs additional financial aid. After lengthy discussion, Councilman Burk suggested the City pay the differ- ence in the feed bill for the next three months then monitor and see if the percentage of dogs being picked up in the City decreases. Council agreed. MUZAFFAR HUSAIN, M.D. - ADDITIONAL ROADWAY Dr. Husain appeared before the Council to request an additional two hundred (200) feet of roadway on Northeast 13th Street. Builder Tommy Walker was also present to explain the difficulties they have been confronted with before they can begin construction of Dr. Husain's home. Council instructed Director Fortner to investigate approximate cost and a decision will be made at a later date. ~ HIRAM HOGG - WATER BILL Citizen Hiram Hogg and Ernest Evans appeared before the Council seeking a decision on the unexplained large water bill of Hiram Hogg. 2555 Councilman Burk felt all facetes were checked and rechecked to no avail. The City could not justify to the rest of the customers a reduction in one particular residence's bill. Therefore, Councilman Burk moved to deny Mr. Hogg any adjustment on his water bill, seconded by Councilman Knight, vote carried. 79-14 LA GROW CLEARWELL As per the Council's request Mr. Kenneth LaGrow appeared before the Council regarding the clearwell leaks and the payment request that has been denied. In his opinion the problem with the leakage has been solved. Mr. LaGrow noted a contract exists with the City that provides that once the clearwell is accepted the guarantee is for one year. Don Sheppard, engineer for LaGrow, also, the City engineer, was present to answer questions. He assured the Council that all materials met specifications, yet the cracks occured. As engineer for the City, Mr. Sheppard stated the tank is under no structural stress, the cracks have been sealed and feels the year warranty is adequate. If the clearwell is in operation for one year without any new cracks developing, it wii1 last 75-t00 years. After lengthy discussion, Sheppard agreed, to have his 'structural engineer inspect the reservior once again inside and out and submit his report to the Council. ?9-?4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEFARTMENT HEADS A. CITY ATTORNEY 1) ELMORE -rs- CITY Attorney Conlon informed the Council the hearing was set for December B, 1979 on the Elmore vs City case in the Circuit Court of Okeechobee. This matter stems from a 1975 incident. 2) OLEN GODWZN -vs- CITY In the Industrial Claims Court the final hearing was set in the matter of former Fire Chief Olen Godwin for November 21, and has been cancelled. The case has been continued. ?9-62 B) NEMAC CASE In the Fourth District Court of Appeals the City has filed a Notice of Appeal in the Nemac case and documents will be filed on that matter. 79-100 4) DISCRIMINATION SUIT In the Federal Court the City Attorney has filed for a motion for enlarge- ment of time within which to respond and filed a proposed order for the Court to enter in it. This gives the City until the 18th of January, ].980, to file. 5) COUNTY FIRE HYDRANTS The County has proveded the City Attorney with a proposed agreement on the fire hydrants. The agreement, unsigned at this point, states the County will 2556 take over payment on the County fire hydrants for the fiscal year 1979-80. The Attorney pointed out some changes needed in the wording of the agree- ment before signing. --~ 79-41 6) WHERRELL BUILDING Attorney Conlon informed the Council that Mr. Wherrell has decided not to enter into any agreement with the City regarding the demolition of the Wherrell Building. He is simply going to be responsible, take charge of destroying his own building and bear full expense. B. BUILDING OFFICIAL 1) ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR Building Official Spray requested permission to hire a part-time electrical inspector. He asked the Council to consider hiring Donald Wells. The Council suggested Building Official Spray and Councilman Raulerson meet to work out the details, then present it at a later date for a decision. 2) MAYOR'S OFFICE Due to the hiring of an assistant for Director Fortner, the office space has become crowded upstairs. President Douglas offered to share the Mayor's office with Building Official Spray. The Council deemed it an excellent suggestion. C POLICE CHIEF 1) LETTER OF RESIGNATION Chief Mobley presented a letter of resignation from Richard Walker effective November 23, 1979, and recommended the Council accept the letter. Councilman Chapman moved to accept the resignation of Richard Walker, seconded by Councilman Burk, vote carried. D. FIRE CHIEF Y9-63 1) JACKETS FOR FIREMEN Chief Tomey requested permission to purchase jackets for the firemen for the cool weather at a cost of One Hundred Ten Dollars ($110.00). Councilman Burk suggested Chief Tomey and Councilman Knight meet to decide on this matter. Council agreed. ?9-56 2) CETA EMPLOYEES Chief Tomey requested permission to have a CETA employee (secretary) come to the station four hours a day from 3:30 to 7:30 to work on the training manual. The Council granted permission. E. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS 1) PENSION PLAN Director Fortner informed the Council of the retirement meeting of the Board of Trustees, Thursday afternoon at 3:00 P.M., November 29, 1979. 2) PENSION PLAN TRUSTEE Director Fortner recommended replacing Jody Rhymes (no longer employed) with 2557 Watt H. Gragg as trustee for the balance of the term. Councilman Knight moved that Watt H. Gragg replace Jody Rhymes as Fire Department trustee, seconded by Councilman Chapman. 3) WAL?OLE - FIRE HYDRANTS Director Fortner noted Ed Walpole was not present but is requesting an ex- tension of the water main to DeBerry Gardens. Councilman Burk suggested advising Mr. Walpole to come to the Workshop on December 6, to answer questions and discuss the issue. Council requested that Mr. Walpole bring a proposed contract and a written agreement from the County regarding the fire hydrants. F. CITY CLERK 1) WORKSHOP Clerk Thomas reminded the Council of the Workshop With Dr. Bartley Thursday, November 29, 1979, at 7:00 P.M., to discuss the Comprehensive Plan. 79-99 2) AETNA INSURANCE Clerk Thomas presented a letter from Aetna Insurance regarding the Age Discrimination Employment Act. Councilman Burk moved to instruct the Clerk to comply with the Age Discrimi- nation Act and increase coverage to age 70, seconded by Councilman Knight, vote carried. OFFICE FLOOR Clerk Thomas informed the Council there is no ventiiation under City Hall consequently the office floors stay damp. The Council suggested having Councilman Raulerson check into the matter and also check the water lines under the building. 79-71 COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCILMEN A. EDWARD W. DOUGLAS 1) CHRISTMAS BAR-B-QUE President Douglas suggested having a Christmas bar-b-que for all the City employees. Department heads and Council chip in on the basic expense and let each family bring a covered dish. The Council agreed on December 9, 1979, for the bar-b-que and appointed Police Chief Mobley as coordinator. 2) LETTER FROM CENSUS BUREAU President Douglas presented a letter from the Census Bureau wanting to know if the City is interested in coordinating a census program for them with CETA. Councilman Burk suggested the City pass it by as in years past. The Council concurred. B. OAKLAND CHAPMAN 1) 441 TIME SAVER Councilman Chapman requested the Street Department' mow the growth of weeds near the 441 Highway Time Saver. It creates a hazard for school children. C. DONALD BURK 1) CLEARWELL --~ Councilman Burk expressed continuing concern over the cracked clearwell and asked the Council to consider an independent structural examination by another engineering f~rm. Council instructed Director Fortner to check for an engineer 79-42 CITY CLERK 1) AGENDA City CIerk requested setting up a Friday, 5:00 P.M. cut off time for Agenga items. Councilman Burk moved to adopt an Agenda cut off time of Friday, 5:00 P.M., for the meetings on the following Tuesday, effective immediately, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried. 2) SEMINAR Clerk Thomas reported on the Seminar she attended in Boca Raton. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting Recessed at 10:20 P.M., until the Workshop on November 27, 1979. Edward ~. Dougl~ President City CounCil City of Okeechobee ATTEST: Bonnie S. Thomas City Clerk City of Okeechobee RECESSED MEETING - WORKSHOP THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29~ 1979 The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, met in a Workshop Session on the Comprehensive Plan in the Council Chambers at City Hall, Okeechobe . Florida, at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, November 29, 1979. President Edward W. Douglas presiding. Councilmen Oakland Chapman, Jim Knight, Donald Burk and Lytle Raulerson were present. Others present were: David Conlon, City Attorney; Bonnie S. Thomas~ City Clerk:and Dr. Ernest Bartley, Plan Consultant. 79-16 LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACT __~ Dr. ERnest Bartley, Consultant, Urban, Planning and Zoning of Gainesville, Florida, led the discussion outlining steps toward a completed comprehensive plan for the City of Okeechobee as follows: