1981-04-23 Workshop2828
WORKSHOP THURSDAY~ APRIL 23, 1981
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, convened in a Workshop session
in Council Chambers, at City Hall, Okeechobee, on Thursday, April 23, 1981, at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Edward W. Douglas presided with the following Councilmen present:
Dowling Watford, Jr., Oakland Chapman and Donald Burk. Councilman Jim Knight was absent.
Others present were: City Clerk Bonnie S. Thomas, Administrative Assistant Richard C.
Fellows and Deputy Clerk Janice M. Mann.
The workshop meeting was called to order by Chairman Douglas.
81-39 GARBAGE FRANCHISE
Chairman Douglas noted the purpose of the Workshop session was to discuss the
garbage franchise, the fees and the problems now existing with garbage and trash pickup.
Chairman Douglas then called for a review from Assistant Fellows of the projected financial
data of the L.?. Sanitation operation.
Assistant Fellows summarized his findings for the Council, afterwhich he added, "if
the Council granted an increase a stipulation should be agreed upon to review the figures
again in a few months because, very likely, mandatory garbage pickup will increase the
profits of the franchisee."
Council discussed at length the type of service the citizens are presently receiving
and a possible franchise rate increase. Councilman Burk stated the trash pickup service
has never been adequate. To increase the franchise fee while receiving substandard service
would not be fair to the citizens. Burk, however, stated he would agree to a maximum
increase of fifty cents (50~ to the franchisee, with the City retaining the remainder
of the One and 50/100tbs Dollar ($1.50) increase f~r billing purposes.
Councilman Watford stated he had not seen or experienced any problems with L.?.
Sanitation and felt a One Dollar ($1.00) increase to the franchisee would be fair to
combat the increased costs due to the new landfill site.
Councilman Chapman agreed with Councilman Burk that the service was poor and felt
L.P. Sanitation should get a maximum increase of fifty cents (50~).
Clerk Thomas noted Councilman Knight telephoned her office and stated "under no
circumstances would he agree to an increase for L.P. Sanitation."
Councilman Burk noted he had polled approximately twenty (20) citizens as to their
feelings on mandatory pickup and the possibility of the City taking over the garbage and
trash service. He learned that ten to one the citizens would like for the City to take
over the service and all were in favor of mandatory pickup.
Council discussed the pros and cons of mandatory pickup and the possibility of the
City taking over the garbage and trash service.
Administrative Assistant Fellows listed possible changes in the franchise:
2829
1) A penalty clause
2) A 90 day cancellation clause
3) Rates and mode of payment to franchise
In regards to billing, Fellows suggested collecting a month in advance, and asked for
the opinions of the Council.
Council agreed on all three factors to be instilled in a new franchise agreement.
In regard to a rate increase, Councilman Burk stated he changed his mind and agreed
with Councilman Knight, that no increase should be granted.
Council discussed the problems that may arise if Jay Huffman refuses to remain the
franchisee with the denial of an increase. Assistant Fellows stated the Council should
seriously consider taking over the service as soon as possible.
Assistant Fellows stated if the performance bond was increased to Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($50,000.00) many of the problems with the poor service would be corrected. At
present there is only a Two Thousand Dollar ($2,000.00) performance bond.
Councilman Burk asked that the City Attorney research whether the franchisee can
break the franchise agreement legally. With the attorney not present, Assistant Fellows
stated he would instruct the attorney to check into the matter.
Citizen Marvin Wheeler was present and agreed with Councilman Burk that the trash
pickup service is terrible. Mr. Wheeler felt a rate increase to the franchisee was not
warranted.
81-39 WINTER RESIDENTS
Clerk Thomas reported that citizens have begun contacting her office as to the fact
they will be gone and for what period of time.
Councilman Watford noted the provision in the new garbage ordinance whereby citizens
are to report their absence to the City Clerk's office so they will not be charged for
garbage pickup.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Ed~ar~-W. Douglas /'
Chairman/Mayor /
City of Okeechobee
ATTEST:
Bonnie S. Thomas
City Clerk
City of Okeechobee