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1981-01-27 Regular Meeting2765 33 81 -21 81 -2 Councilman Chapman moved to authorize Assistant Fellows to send a letter indicating the approval of the Council for the Sheriff to take over the two City school crossing guards, seconded by Councilman Knight, motion passed. 2) NATIONAL STANDARD FIRE PREVENTION CODE The National Standard Fire Prevention Code, adopted by the City, provides for a Board of Adjustments and Appeals in regards to matters involving public safety as it relates to fire. Rather than creating another Board, Assistant Fellows asked Council to consider the possibility of amending Zoning Ordinance 402 to provide that the Board of Adjustments /Planning Board also act as the Fire Prevention Code Board. Attorney Conlon to research the legality. WORKSHOP Chairman /Mayor Douglas, with Council approval, set a Workshop for Thursday, February 5, 1981, at 7:00 P.M. Matters to be discussed are Zoning Ordinance 402 amendments and setting a street closing policy. Planning Board to have a representative present to discuss amendments. ATTEST: Bonnie S. Thomas City Clerk City of Okeechobee Edward W. Dougla Chairman /Mayor City of Okeechobee SECOND REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1981 The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, convened in a Regular Session in Council Chambers at City Hall, Okeechobee, on Tuesday, January 27, 1981, at 7:00 P.M. Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas presiding with the following Councilmen present: Oakland Chapman, Donald Burk, Jim Knight and Dowling Watford, Jr. Others present were: City Clerk Bonnie S. Thomas, Administrative Assistant Richard C. Fellows, Director of Public Works L.C. Fortner, Jr., Police Chief Larry Mobley and Deputy Clerk Janice M. Mann. The Invocation was offered by Councilman Dowling Watford, Jr. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Watford noted the name of J.W. Pursell was spelled incorrectly in the minutes of January 13, 1981, meeting. With no other corrections needed, Councilman Watford moved to approve the minutes of the January 13, 1981, meeting, seconded by Councilman Knight, motion passed. 1l T 2766 81 -22 81 -23 VICE CHAIRMAN Councilman Chapman nominated Councilman Burk to serve as Vice - Chairman /Mayor. No other nominations were made, vote to appoint Burk as Vice - Chairman /Mayor was unanimous. APPLICATION FOR TAXI SERVICE Citizen Allen Aldridge submitted an application for taxi service to the Council for consideration, as required by Ordinance #375. Aldridge noted he had read the ordinance thoroughly and understands the requirements. Council accepted the application and refered same to the Chief of Police for investiga- tion. STEP 3 FEDERAL GRANT 201 FACILITY PLAN Council discussed at length the adoption of a Resolution authorizing the City to apply for a Step 3 Federal Grant in furtherance of the 201 Facility Plan. Councilman Knight moved to authorize the City Clerk and Mayor to execute the appropriate application form for the grant, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried. Chairman Douglas read the Resolution of authorization as follows: A RESOLUTION COMMITTING THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE TO APPLY FOR A STEP 3 FEDERAL GRANT IN FURTHERANCE OF THE "201 FACILITIES PLAN" AND TO DESIGNATE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AS THE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE MATTER. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, that: WHEREAS, the Okeechobee "201 Facilities Plan" has been completed and accepted by the State of Florida and is in accordance with the future pollution abatement plans for Okee- chobee County; and WHEREAS, the County of Okeechobee has agreed to participate with the said City in the Step 3 process prescribed under Public Law 92 -500 and is willing to pay its fair share of the Grantee's share of the total Step 3 project cost; and WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary to designate an authorized representative for the City of Okeechobee to administer the Step 3 grant process. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida: 1) That the City of Okeechobee apply for a Step 3 Federal Grant under Public Law 92 -500 in the amount of $3,134,698. or the equivalent of 85% of the total Step 3 project costs as currently authorized by said law. 2) That the Grantee's share of 15% of the total Step 3 project costs be divided proportionally between the City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee County, currently estimated to be $359,568. and $193,614., respectively, based on wastewater flow data estimated in the "201 Facilities Plan ", and estimated costs of construction; and 3) That the final fair share for each participant will be adjusted on the basis of the final costs for Phase I construction and inspection. 4) That L.C. Fortner, Jr., Director of Public Works for the City of Okeechobee, is hereby designated the authorized representative for the City of Okeechobee to execute all documents in connection with the Step 3 grant application and any grant amendments or agreements subsequent thereto, and to supervise the execution of Step 3 project work and to furnish information as state and federal agencies may reasonable request in connection with the step 3 grant process. DONE this 27th day of January, 1981. Councilman Chapman moved to adopt the Resolution as read, seconded by Councilman Watford, motion passed. 2767 33 ; -23 81 -23 81 -24 81 -24 81 -25 NON - DISCRIMINATION AGREEMENT Council was given copies of a Non - Discrimination Agreement in connection with Step 3 Construction Grant for the 201 Facility Plan. Councilman Knight moved to authorize the execution of the agreement, seconded by Councilman Chapman. Councilman Watford asked if there would be any difficulties meeting all the require- ments. Director Fortner noted the City has complied with the regulations on past projects (i.e. 24" water main). Chairman Douglas called for a vote on the motion, vote unanimous. 201 FACILITY PLAN - FREDERICK BELL ENGINEER Council tabled, for further study, an engineering agreement between the City and Frederick Bell, Consulting Engineer, regarding the 201 Facility Plan. 701 PLANNING GRANT Councilman Knight presented for discussion a joint City /County participation in a feasibility study for a by -pass road through or near the City's 151 acre tract. With a joint application by the City and County a 701 Planning Grant is possible. The City's portion of cost would be One Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($1,700.00). The study would determine the need for a by -pass road, the best location, the economic impact on the City business district, etc. Councilman Chapman moved to authorize the expenditure of One Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($1,700.00) as the City's share of the feasibility study, seconded by Councilman Knight. Councilman Watford inquired as to where the funds would come from. Assistant Fellows stated the Central Florida Regional Planning Council has agreed to complete the City's Comprehensive Plan at a Cost of Four Thousand One Hundred Seventy -Five Dollars ($4,175.00) rather than the budgeted amount of Six Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($6,800.00), Contractual, Services (515.32). The savings is more than enough to pay for the feasibility study. Council agreed. Chairman Douglas called for a vote on the motion, unanimous. COMMITTEE - FEASIBILITY STUDY Assistant Fellows suggested two members be chosen for the 701 Feasibility Study committee. Councilman Chapman moved to appoint Councilman Knight and Assistant Fellows as committee members, seconded by Councilman Burk, vote carried. BID TABULATIONS WATER PIPE AND FITTINGS The bid tabulations for "Water Pipe and Fittings" were presented as follows: 1) Riverview Utility Supply 2) B & H Sales, Inc. (including 2% - 10 days discount on pipe only) $42,036.01 $43,156.48 2768 81 -26 81 -27 3) Southeastern Municipal Supply (including 2% - 10 days discount) 4) Davis Meter & Supply 5) Florida Utility Supply $43,234.22 $44,872.98 $45,387.16 Director Fortner recommended Council accept the bid from Riverview. Councilman Knight moved to accept the lowest bid of Forty -Two Thousand Thirty -Six and O1 /100ths Dollars ($42,036.01) from Riverview Utility Supply, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried. BID TABULATIONS CULVERTS The bid tabulations for "Culverts" were presented as follows: 1500 ft. 1500 ft. 15 6 15 "x16 G. 18 "x16 G. 15 "x16 G. 18 "x16 G. Culverts Culverts Bands Bands Culvert Manufacturing Co. P.O. Box 457 Pinellas Park, Fla. 33565 5.04 /ft. $7,560.00 5.89/ft. $1,060.20 5.04 ea. $ 75.60 11.78 ea. $ 35.34 Palm Beach Tank & Culvert P.O. Box 15345 West Palm Beach, Fla. 33406 4.68/ft. $7,020.00 5.85/ft. $1,053.00 9.36 ea. $140.40 11.70 ea. $ 70.20 Total bids: Culvert Mfg. Co. $8,731.14 Palm Bch Tank & Culvert $8,283.60 Councilmen Watford and Knight received comments regarding the company submitting the lowest bid. Director Fortner stated if any question exists, Council could throw out all bids and rebid. Councilman Burk moved to accept the low bid of Eight Thousand Two Hundred Eighty -Three and 60 /100ths Dollars ($8,283.60), seconded by Councilman Chapman. Councilman Watford asked if it is standard procedure to inspect the culverts when received. Director Fortner stated it was and if they did not meet the specifications they would be returned. No further discussion, Chairman Douglas called for a vote on the motion. Councilmen Burk, Chapman and Knight voted yes, Councilman Watford voted no. Motion passed. RESOLUTION - FOUR LANING U.S. 441 A Resolution was presented urging the legislative delegation to vote for the appropria- tion of sufficient funds to the Florida Department of Transportation so as to expedite and complete the construction of improvements to State Road 70, the construction of a new bridge over Taylor Creek on State Road 70, and the completion of the four laning of U.S. 441 from the City limits of Okeechobee to the lake as recommended in the Department of Transportation's five year funding program. Councilman Watford moved to adopt the Resolution and encourage the County Commissioners to adopt a similar Resolution, seconded by Councilman Knight, vote unanimous. Chairman Douglas read, for the record, the Resolution as follows: WHEREAS, vehicular traffic in and through the City of Okeechobee and its urbanized area has increased tremendously just in the past five years, and 2769 33 81 -28 81 -29 81 -21 WHEREAS, Okeechobee County and the City have consistently asked for assistance from the State Department of Transportation in improvements to U.S. 441 and State Road 70, one of the most heavily traveled intersections in the state, and WHEREAS, the last improvements to U.S. 441 were made almost 22 years ago, and WHEREAS, for the safety and welfare of the community it is necessary that immediate improvements be undertaken on these two thoroughfares which include the completion of the four laning of U.S. 441 from South Eighth Street to Lake Okeechobee and construction of a bridge over Taylor Creek with the four laning of State Road 70 from East Fifth Avenue, East approximately one mile to Orange Avenue, and WHEREAS, both of these projects have warranted inclusion in the State Department of Transportation five year program but have not been undertaken because of lack of funds, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS: 1. That the legislative delegation for Okeechobee County consisting of the Honorable Pat Neal, the Honorable Dale Patchett, and the Honorable William G. (Doc) Meyers be, and they hereby are, respectfully requested during the coming legislative session to support the necessary funding for the Department of Transportation which would allow these very much needed improvements to be undertaken. 2. That certified copies of this Resolution be furnished to each member of the legislative delegation, the District Engineer of the Department of Transportations's District Office in Ft. Lauderdale and the Honorable Board of County Commissioners for Okeechobee County. 3. That this Resolution shall take effect as provided by law. INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in regular session assembled this day of January, 1981. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN Council discussed the need for an Affirmative Action Plan for the City of Okeechobee designed to offer employment opportunities for women and minorities. Councilman Watford moved to adopt the Affirmative Action Plan, seconded by Councilman Burk, vote unanimous. MUNICIPAL CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD Assistant Fellows elaborated on the appointment of members to a Municipal Code Enforce- ment Board as authorized by Chapter 166.051 of the Florida Statutes. The purpose of the Board would be to aid in enforcing some parts of the zoning ordinance which the County Court is unable to review, due to over loaded docket. Because of the magnitude of this item and its long reaching effects, Councilman Burk suggested this matter be put on a Workshop agenda for further study and discussion. Council concurred. STANDARD FIRE PREVENTION CODE Council to consider an ordinance to amend Section 2 of the Standard Fire Prevention Code to reduce the number of members on the Board of Adjustments from seven to five. Councilman Knight moved to have the proposed ordinance read by title only, seconded by Councilman Burk, vote carried. Chairman Douglas read the title as follows: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2.01 OF THE STANDARD FIRE PREVENTION CODE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS REQUIRED BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS OF AD- JUSTMENTS FROM SEVEN TO FIVE; PROVIDING THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS MAY ACT AS THE STANDARD FIRE PREVENTION CODE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 2770 81 -21 Councilman Watford moved to instruct the Clerk to advertise for second and final hearing on February 10, 1981, seconded by Councilman Knight, motion passed. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE 402 Council was presented a proposed ordinance to amend Zoning Ordinance 402 allowing the Zoning Board of Adjustments to hear appeals in connection with regulations of Standard Fire Prevention Code. Councilman Knight moved to refer the proposed amendment to the Planning Board for their review and consideration, seconded by Councilman Chapman, vote carried. 81 -23 COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS A. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS 81 -20 81 -18 81 -19 Regarding preparation of plans for lateral sewer lines away from the main trunk lines of the 201 Facility, Director Fortner asked if Council wished for him to obtain additional figures. Assistant Fellows asked for time to study the possibility of obtaining an engineer other than Frederick Bell. Assistant Fellows feels Frederick Bell may be over charging the City for his services. Council instructed Fellows to investigate and report his findings. B. CITY ATTORNEY 1) DISCRIMINATION SUIT Attorney Conlon reported he had met once again with David Lipman, Attorney for the defense, to discuss the discrimination suit. C. CITY CLERK 1) FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING FUNDS Clerk Thomas read a memo regarding Federal Revenue Sharing Funds as follows: "In December I filed a report for the City to the Office of Revenue Sharing making us eligible for Federal Revenue Sharing Entitlement 12 if and when it became available. As I reported to Council at the previous meeting we were notified the allotment had been sent. Federal Revenue Sharing Office in Washington sent the City a varification report stating the initial allocation will be $91,151.00. The first quarterly payment of Entitlement 12 was made to the City January 7, 1981, in the amount of $22,787.00. Council needs to set up FRS hearings as prescribed by law for the use of these funds. If Council wishes I will proceed with plans for this. City Clerk and Attorney to review the time schedule for advertisement of public hearings regarding the allocations. 2) ANNUAL AUDIT REPORTS Clerk Thomas presented the Council their copies of the Annual Audit Reports for Fiscal year October 1, 1979 - September 30, 1980. 3) COMPUTER STATUS Clerk Thomas reported to the Council that representatives of various computer companies are making an analysis of the City's needs, in preparation for determining bid specifications suitable to our accounting requirements. Advertisement for bids will start soon. 2771 33 81 -9 81 -15 81 -30 81 -17 D. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 1) SELF INSURANCE PROGRAM Assistant Fellows reported he had contacted Florida League of Cities regarding a Self Insurance Program covering Workman's Compensation, liability, etc. Fellows has received a proposal, Councilmen's copies to follow for review at a later date. 2) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN As reported previously, the Central Florida Regional Planning Council has agreed to complete the City's Comprehensive Plan by July 1 at a cost of Four Thousand One Hundred Seventy -Five Dollars ($4,175.00) a savings to the City. 3) BID LIMIT Assistant Fellows asked Council to consider authorization of drafting of an ordinance to increase the bidding limit (State Statutes limits the bidding to $1,000.00). Councilman Burk was concerned with the legal aspect of such an increase. Conlon to study. Chairman Douglas suggested increasing the Bid limit to $5,000.00 as opposed to the present $1,000.00 limit. Councilman Knight noted the School Board's limit is set at $2,000.00. Council to study bid limit increase and set a reasonable amount. Assistant Fellows asked permission to draft an ordinance leaving the amount blank, to be determined later. Permission granted. 4) WORKSHOP Assistant Fellows reminded those present of the Workshop set for Thursday, February 5, 1981, at 7:00 P.M. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCILMEN A. OAKLAND CHAPMAN Councilman Chapman commended the City Police Department for working with the County Sheriff Department on a recent case. However, Chapman noted improvement is needed on the communications system. Assistant Fellows and Chief Mobley will check into the cost of a new system. B. DONALD BURK Councilman Burk commented on the appointment of the City Clerk as Finance Director. Before assigning the position it would be the responsibility of the Council to make plain to the City Clerk what her duties would be as Finance Director. Then determine if an elected official can be appointed to an additional position. Councilman Burk asked that this matter be workshopped to go into depth. Clerk Thomas stated she felt she is qualified to do the job properly, but feels additional study is needed by the Council regarding the job description. C. DOWLING WATFORD, JR. 1) SEMIIJAR Councilman Watford reported on his attendance to a seminar for newly elected officials 2772 81 -5 held in Orlando on Thursday, January 22, 1981. Watford returned with Form 3A "Interest in Competitive Bid for Public Business ", to be filed with the City Clerk. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:17 P.M. Edward W. Doug as Chairman /Mayor City of Okeechobee ATTEST: Bonnie S. Thomas City Clerk City of Okeechobee WORKSHOP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1981 The City Council of Okeechobee, Florida, met in Workshop session at the City Hall Council Chambers, 55 S.E. 3rd Avenue, Thursday, February 5, 1981, at 7:00 P.M. Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas presided with the following Councilman present: Donald Burk, Oakland Chapman, James Knight and Dowling Watford, Jr. Others present were: City Clerk Bonnie S. Thomas, Administrative Assistant Richard C. Fellows, Assistant City Attorney Dean Tooker, and Director of Public Works L.C. Fortner, Jr. Also present was Planning Board Chairman Dale Burk. The advertised workshop was for the purpose of discussing amendments to Zoning Ordinance 402 and to draft a possible street closing policy. NARROWING RIGHT -OF -WAY / S.W. 5th AVENUE Discussion ensued regarding the feasibility of narrowing a- portion of South West 5th Avenue right -of -way from one hundred (100) to seventy (70) feet. This reduction would be between South West 15th Street and South West 18th Street and would standardize the entire length of South West 5th Avenue. Councilmen Chapman and Burk asked if there were any objections from the audience to the right -of -way reduction. There were no objections. Director of Public Works Fortner distributed copies of a map indicating the exact location of the proposed reduction. Councilman Burk asked if the Council should hold hearings for citizens input concerning giving away public property along 5th Avenue. Assistant Attorney Tooker responded with the comment of no. The City would simply be relinquishing the property to its owners, providing the road was dedicated originally. Discussion of an existing house on the right -of -way resulted in a recommendation by Councilman Burk to have the owner remove his house back off the City property. DRAFT Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Okeechobee Okeechobee, Florida We have completed our examination of the financial statements of the City of Okeechobee for the year ended September 30, 1980 and submitted our report thereon as of December 2, 1980. During the course of.our examination, we observed the accounting pro- cedures and system of internal control and offer the following recommenda- tions for your consideration. / Cancelled Bonds and Interest Coupons e AJ Bonds and interest coupons cancelled should be recorded in the registe of bonds issued. Cancelled bonds and coupons should be retained in an orderly manner. Fixed Assets The City should consider implementing policies and procedures to accurately record and control the cost of fixed asset additions and retirements. A complete invent° o fixed pssetA. uld be taken and maintained on a no current bars. - Utility Deposits / Customer utility deposit r&iords should be reconciled to the general ledger on a regular basis.- --, Fire Hydrant Charge The charge to the general fund for fire hydrant service by the Water and Sewer Fund should be clarified to provide for an effective date on which the hydrants in use are computed. Accounts Receivable Procedures The practice of not posting collections on accounts receivable received while the bills are being prepared causes additional time to manually check and correct the bills. We recommend that collections on accounts be recorded daily, as received, prior to processing the monthly bills. Additionally, the bills can carry the wording "payments received after are not reflected on this bill." DRAFT Page 2 Payroll Procedures Consideration should be given to changing to a bi-weekly payroll peFiod. The payroll withholding tables used in the computer program are not the ones Y/ currently used by the Internal Revenue Service. Insurance withheld from employees' payshould be reconciled to premium statements from insurance carriers on a regular basis. Collateral Requirements 1 Our computation of collateral required to secure all City funds (including 7. pension deposits) revealed that pledged collateral from one bank was deficient t. by $138,000 at September 30, 1980. A computation of collateral required should // be made on a monthly basis. Check Signing Consideration should be given to the following: Regular Checks: 1. Authorize City Clerk and mayor's assistant - less than . li ,i,r).,,,, ,‘i f.,-. o , 2. Require dual4signature on checks over $'2-5-107 to include 1,4.0.„..i,,,,.., ; ,s,,„,:., . ,.i...a...4 L , one scaugw.i.i'man and City Clerk .Q4.; thayor's assistant" Payroll Checks: sign checks 1. Restrict payroll checks to maximum limit of a resonable amount. f, 2. Require signature of City Clerk and mayor's administra- tive as i tant. Suggest that City Clerk and a councilman or muor's assistant review pfty.,Turn register when they do not sign the checks. Bookkeeping and Accounting System Bookkeeping can be simplified by: 1. Closing the cigarette tax bank account and using the general fund account. 2. the recording process to eliminate possible duplication of cash journals. D R A F T Page 3 We will be glad to discuss these recommendations with you further if you wish to do so. We would also like to thank the City employees for their cooperation during the audit. McAlpin, Curtis & Associates Certified Public Accountants February 10, 1981 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL CITY OF OKEECHOBEE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 2nd REGULAR MEETING January 27, 1981 7:00 P.M. 1. Invocation Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 13, 1981. Nominations for and election of member of Council as Vice Mayor. IV. Notice of receipt of application and fee for taxi permit from Allen AJEidge and action by Council to refer same to Chief of Police for investigation. V. Adoption of Resolution authorizing the city to apply for a Step 3 Federal Grant in furtherance of the 201 facilities plan and author- izing the Mayor and Clerk to execute the appropriate application form for the grant. VI. Action by the Council to authorize execution of a non discrimination agreement in connection with the 201 facilities plan. VII. Authority for the Mayor and Clerk to execute engineering agreement between the City and Fred Bell, Consulting Engineers, for the engineer- ing work in connection with the 201 facilities plan. VIII. Council action to authorize participation with Okeechobee County in preparation and filing of a grant application for 701 Planning Funds for a feasibility study in connection with a possible bypass road and other studies in connection with the development of the city's 150 acre tract and authorizing the expenditure of $1,700 as the city's share of the feasibility study costs. IX. Receipt of bid tabulations for drainage culverts and water pipes and fittings for drainage and water improvements in Dean's Court, Douglas Park and DeBerry Gardens. X. Adoption of resolution urging the legislative delegation to vote for the appropriation of sufficient funds to the Florida Department of Transpor- tation so as to expedite and complete the construction of improvements to State Road 70, the construction of a new bridge over Taylor Creek on State Road 70, and the completion of the four laning of U.S. 441 from the city limits of Okeechobee to the Lake as recommended in the Depart- ment of Transportation's 5 year funding program. XI. Action by the Council to approve an Affirmative Action Plan for the City of Okeechobee designed to offer employment opportunities for women and minority persons. XII. Appointment of members of Municipal Code Enforcement Board as authorized by Chapter 166.051 Florida Statutes. XIII. First reading of an ordinance amending section 2 of the Standard Fire Prevention Code to reduce the number of members on the Board of Adjust- ment from 7 to 5 and setting a public hearing for February 10, 1981. XIV. Introduction of an ordinance to amend ordinance 402 to allow the Zoning Board of Adjustment to hear appeals in connection with regulations of Standard Fire Prevention Code and referring to the Planning and Zoning Board for public hearing and comment. XV. Mayor to call on audience for anyone wishing to address the Council. XVI. Mayor to call on Councilmen, City Attorney, City Clerk, and Administrative Assistant for reports and/or comments. XVII. Adjournment