1980-12-02 Regular Meeting2749
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Councilman Burk introduced Mr. Fellows, recently hired as Administrative Assistant
to the Mayor. He stated that Mr. Fellows will serve as coordinator between the City
and the County. Mr. Fellows was welcomed.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Lashley asked if there were any more comments. There being none, the
meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
ATTEST:
..7
Bonnie S.
City Clerk
City of Okeechobee
homas
and W. Doug as
Chairman /Mayor
City of Okeechobee
FIRST REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1980
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, convened in a Regular Session in
the Council Chambers at City Hall, Okeechobee, on Tuesday, December 2, 1980, at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas presided with the following Councilmen present: Donald
Burk, Jim Knight, Oakland Chapman and Lytle Raulerson.
Others present were: Bonnie S. Thomas, City Clerk;Richard Fellows, Administrative
Assistant; L.C. Fortner, Jr., Director of Public Works; David Conlon, City Attorney and Janice
M. Mann, Deputy Clerk.
The Invocation was offered by Chairman Edward Douglas.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS
A. CITY ATTORNEY
1) 201 FACILITY
Attorney Conlon reported he met with Director Fortner and Assistant Fellows to try
to arrive at an up -dated engineering expense figure on the 201 Facility. This up -dated
figure will be presented to the Council for approval at the Workshop prior to presenting it
to the County Commissioners.
2) O.R.S. MEETING
Attorney Conlon advised, as requested by Office of Revenue Sharing, Mayor Douglas,
Assistant Fellows and Attorney Conlon met with County Commissioner Charles Harvey and County
Attorney Kyle VanLandingham regarding the drainage problem that exists in Dean's Court.
Commissioner Harvey advised those present (at the meeting) he would recommend to the
County Commissioners, the County clean out and maintain the main drainage ditch that supports
the Dean's Court run off.
B. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
1) APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT
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Director Fortner advised Council three of the applicants hired at the November 25th,
meeting did not report to work.
Director Fortner then presented new applications and recommended Council hire Juan
Tijerina and James Young as Equipment Operatorl at a beginning annual salary of Eight
Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty -Five Dollars ($8,965.00), and Terryl J. Wisener as Laborer at
a beginning annual salary of Eight Thousand One Hundred Twelve Dollars ($8,112.00).
Councilman Knight moved to hire the three applicants as recommended, seconded by
Councilman Chapman, motion passed.
2) TROUBLESOME SECTION OF ROAD
After a study by Police Chief Mobley, Assistant Fellows and Director Fortner of the
problem section of South West 5th Avenue, they recommended the City erect an "S" curve sign
at each end of the dangerous curve. Then if this does not remedy the situation check
into the possibility of guard rails.
Attorney Conlon further advised to enforce speed limits an ordinance is needed, and
suggested a safety engineer be obtained to determine a solution to the problem of lighting.
Councilman Knight suggested erecting the signs and have Attorney Conlon draft the
necessary ordinance for enforcement.
Councilman Burk added a request that the police patrol be increased in the problem area.
Also, have the lighting checked for adequacy. Council agreed.
3) "NO PARKING" SIGNS - 441 NORTH
Director Fortner suggested removing the "NO PARKING" sign located in the middle of the
block on 441 north. The owners of the motel located on that block are objecting to the
additional sign.
Councilman Chapman moved to removed the one "NO PARKING" sign on north 441, seconded
by Councilman Knight, vote carried.
4) 201 FACILITY
Councilman Burk moved to approve the funding for an up -date of the cost projection
of the 201 Facility Plan, to be done by Frederick Bell Engineering, seconded by Councilman
Raulerson, vote carried.
5) CULVERTS
Director Fortner asked what the City's policy is on replacing old culverts that are
damaged and creating drainage problems.
The one in particular needing to be replaced is on a secondary road.
Council, noting this is the County's responsibility, instructed Director Fortner to
contact the County by letter regarding the needed repair.
C. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
1) OVER -ALL OPERATION OF CITY
Assistant Fellows reported he had completed a tour of all the departments. He advised
the Council he intends to hold regular meetings with each department head beginning after
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the December llth, Workshop.
2) SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS
Assistant Fellows felt the salaries of the two school crossing guards were at their
peak, however, if Council wishes suggested a five percent (5 %) increase. Fellows advised
the Council paying one -half the salaries of the two guards, the School Board the other.
Councilman Knight moved to grant a 5% pay increase and write a letter to the School
Board requesting them to pay one -half the cost, due to the increase in taxes, seconded by
Councilman Chapman.
Councilman Burk suggested, when the new sheriff takes office, he be asked if his
department will provide the school crossing guards, since it is their responsibility.
No further discussion, Chairman Douglas called for a vote, motion passed.
3) FUNDING FOR PARKS /RECREATION SEMINAR
Assistant Fellows reported on the possibility of obtaining funding for parks and
recreation areas on the 151 acres.
Fellows stated a seminar is to be held on December 4th at 1:30 P.M. in Orlando, regarding
an up -date on the changes in acquiring recreation /park grants. He requested permission to
attend.
Councilman Chapman moved to have Assistant Fellows represent the City of Okeechobee
at the Orlando Seminar on Thursday, December 4th, seconded by Councilman Burk, vote carried.
4) SECRETARY
Assistant Fellows presented an application for employment of Rosemary Lear as secretary
at a beginning salary of Nine Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($9,100.00) annually.
Councilman Chapman moved to hire Rosemary Lear as secretary on a six (6) month proba-
tionary period, as recommended by Assistant Fellows, seconded by Councilman Knight, motion
passed.
5) ROAD AND BRIDGE TAX
Assistant Fellows presented a memorandum regarding the Road and Bridge Tax monies
possibly due the City. Chart of funds as follows:
Chapter 336.59 (1) Florida Statutes provides the County shall levy a tax not to exceed
10 mills for road and bridge purposes. Section (2) provides one -half the amount realized
from such tax on property in incorporated cities "shall be turned over to such cities . . .
to be used in constructing, repairing and maintaining the roads, streets and bridges . .
of such cities . . ."
November 25th, the Council asked that I inquire into the status of this fund and determine
what payments might have been made to the City. The results of the inquiry follow:
FY City Valuation R/B Millage City Share
1970/71 *12,891,881 .26 1,675.94
1971/72 *13,418,641 -0-
1972/73 *15,327,518 -0-
1973/74 24,927,786 .27 3,365.25
1974/75 *26,905,452 -0-
1975/76 *29,617,611 -0-
1976/77 31,612,255 .1555 2,457.85
1977/78 34,926,688 .65 11,357.17
1978/79 42,604,434 .463 9,862.92
1979/80 43,544,354 -0-
1980/81 55,989,407 .398 11,141.89
* From City audit report
Total Due $39,855.63
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Council to study memo prior to the December llth Workshop.
D. CITY CLERK
1) RESIGNATION IN BOOKKEEPING DEPARTMENT
City Clerk Bonnie Thomas notified the Council of the resignation of Clerk's office
bookkeeper, Sylvia Christian, effective December 19, 1980.
Clerk Thomas stated there is the possibility of promoting an individual in the office
to take over the duties of bookkeeper. However, the position will be advertised, and all
Applicants considered.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCILMEN
A. EDWARD W. DOUGLAS
1) NEEDED WORKSHOPS
Chairman Douglas briefly touched on the need for workshops on L.P. Sanitation, Compre-
hensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance #402.
CANVASSING THE 1980 ELECTION RESULTS
Chairman Douglas announced the Council would sit as a Canvassing Board to canvass the
election returns of the General City Election held, Tuesday, December 2, 1980.
The following is the count in accordance with the talley sheet as presented by Official
Election Clerk, Doris Carden. Upon motion by Councilman Burk seconded by Councilman Chapman
and vote carried, the count was accepted as per talley sheet prepared by the Official
Election Board:
FOR CITY COUNCILMEN
Jimmie H. Belk
J.H. Knight
Walter H. Mackin
Bette Oliver
Jerry E. Walker
Dowling R. Watford, Jr.
RESOLUTION
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Chairman Douglas read the following Resolution:
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, sitting as a board of
canvassers, has canvassed the returns of the General City Election held December 2, 1980,
and
WHEREAS, Dowling R. Watford, Jr. and J.H. Knight received the highest number of votes
for Councilmen.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
they are hereby declared elected for
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the
and deliver certificates of election
that Dowling R. Watford, Jr. and J.H. Knight be, and
four (4) years as City Councilmen.
City Clerk be, and she is hereby instructed to issue
to each of the above named persons.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session this 2nd day of December, A.D. 1980.
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
Assistant Fellows reported on the necessity of adopting a Resolution authorizing the
transfer of contingency funds to operating accounts. In checking with the auditor, Fellows
stated transfers can be made by a simple motion with explicit directions in the minutes.
FIRE CHIEF
1) NEW PUMP
Fire Chief Tomey reported Gator Emergency would install the pump on Truck #3 and supply
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the City with a written guarantee.
2) HOUSE FIRES
Chief Tomey reported on two separate house fires which occurred Monday.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M.
ATTEST:
nnie S. Thomas
City Clerk
City of Okeechobee
dward W. Douglas
Chairman /Mayor
City of Okeechobee
WORKSHOP SESSION
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1980
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee met in a Workshop session to discuss duties
of the Administrative Assistant and for processing the November disbursements. The meeting
was held on Thursday, December 11, 1980, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas presided with the following present: Councilman Lytle
Raulerson, Councilman Donald Burk, Councilman Jim Knight, and Councilman Oakland Chapman.
Also present were: City Attorney David Conlon, City Clerk Bonnie S. Thomas, Administra-
tive Assistant Richard Fellows and Director of Public Works L.C. Fortner, Jr.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT'S DUTIES
Chairman /Mayor Douglas opened discussion for determining the Administrative Assistant's
duties and authority. He asked for Council's input concerning Mr. Fellows' responsibilities
relative to assuming the basic administrative responsibilities of the City as the Mayor's
assistant.
Items discussed were: 1) General coordinator of all departments with the exception of the
City Clerk's office, 2) Eliminate Council heading of departments, 3) Coordinate entity that
department heads would go to. (These supervisors will work directly with Mr. Fellows - not
with individual Councilmen as in the past.), 4) The Administrative Assistant will prepare
all data for major department decisions and policies for presentation by him to the Council
at Council meetings, 5) Contacts and consultations concerning grants and funding thereof for
the City, 6) Property record management, 7) Purchasing, 8) Work as liaison for the Mayor
in discussing department head problems, and take care of certain situations for the department
heads unless it is of a nature that requires the Department Head to discuss the problem at a
Council meeting. In such case, the Council would expect the Department Head to make such
presentation directly to them, 9) Thus, reports of Department Heads would be coordinated and
presented to the Council through the Administrative Assistant. Chairman /Mayor Douglas,
T
Ir _I T
AGENDA
FIRST REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 2, 1980
7:00 P.M.
1. Invocation
2. COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS
City Attorney -
Director of Public Works
;IA 1„,
C. Adminirtrative Assistant - Hired Rose Mary Lear (cpy of application)
E.
City Clerk
3. comuNic ..NS FROM COtJNCTtMEN
.ayor Dou6ihs. C assing Board Resolution - election returns
01 Facility
r1TiU 1TUU
Workshop Set -
1) Thursday, December 11, 1930, Disbursements and Administrative
Assistant
Workshops D ussed but Not Set -
1) L.P. nitation
2') Compre4neive P
3) Zoning
B. Oakland Chapman
C. Lytle Raulerson
D. Jim Knight
E. Donald Burk
n (Dr. Bartley hasn't sent schedule yet)
#402