1981-09-08 Regular Meeting2926
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REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1981
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, convened in regular session at 7:00
P.M. on Tuesday, September 8th, 1981, in Council Chambers, Okeechobee, Florida.
Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas presided with the following Councilmen present: Dowling
Watford, Jr., Jim Knight, Donald Burk and Oakland Chapman.
Others present were: City Clerk Bonnie S. Thomas, Administrative Assistant Richard C.
Fellows, Director of Public Works L. C. Fortner, Jr., and Fire Chief Keith Tomey.
Chairman Douglas called the meeting to order. Councilman Burk offered the invocation.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION REQUESTING
FUNDING FOR 201 PROJECT
Chairman Douglas opened the floor for discussion on the adoption of a Resolution to the
Honorable L. A. "Skip" Bafalis requesting appropriate funding for the construction of the
Okeechobee City 201 area wide waste water treatment plant.
Assistant Fellows stated that Director Fortner received a letter from Washington making
inquiry as to the reserve capacity that is provided in the application. Fellows further stated
that it appears the Administration is going to provide monies to build waste treatment plants to
serve existing populations but do not intend to provide monies for the reserve capacity to
serve future populations.
After brief discussion among Council members, Councilman Watford moved to accept the
Resolution requesting appropriate funding for the construction of the 201 Project. Seconded by
Councilman Burk.
Chairman Douglas read the Resolution in its entirety:
WHEREAS,
of developing
WHEREAS,
expended over
The City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee County joined together for the purpose
a 201 area wide waste water treatment plant and
the city and county have completed the step one and step two process and have
$60,000 of local funds for the development of same and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency in its role of assisting in the financing
of step one and the step two process has expended approximately $200,000 of Federal funds and
WHEREAS, it is the understanding of the officials of the City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee
County, at the current time no funds have been budgeted for the 201 waste water treatment
plant and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee as lead agent is prepared to file its step three application
for the construction funds necessary to complete its program and
WHEREAS, the lack of assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency would mean the
wasting of Federal, State, and Local Funds since the city and the county would be unable to
complete the program without State or Federal financial assistance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, as
follows:
1. That. the Honorable L. A. "Skip" Bafalis, Member of the Congress from the Tenth
District and representing the area of Okeechobee City and Okeechobee County be,
and he hereby is, respectfully requested to introduce the necessary legislation
to include funding in the new House Budget Resolution to be adopted on
September 15th, 1981 so as to provide the necessary 85% financing for the City
of Okeechobee to complete the construction of its area wide waste water treatment
plant for the coming fiscal year.
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2. That certified copies of this resolution be furnished to the Honorable L. A.
"Skip" Bafalis.
3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Introduced and adopted in regular session assembled this 8th day of September
1981.
Council voted unanimously to adopt the Resolution.
FIRST READING
REZONING OF PROPERTY AT
207 S.W. 5th AVENUE
Chairman Douglas informed the Council of the first reading of an Ordinance to rezone property
at 207 S.W. 5th Avenue and set a Public Hearing for October 13, 1981.
Councilman Knight moved to read this Ordinance by title only. Seconded by Councilman Burk.
Motion carried.
Chairman Douglas read the Ordinance by title only:
ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 402, BEING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE
WHICH ESTABLISHES ZONING REGULATIONS FOR THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA, AND
PROVIDES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT, AND AMENDMENT THEREOF. AMENDMENT
CHANGES CLASSIFICATION OF SPECIFIED LAND FROM RG -2 TO COMMERCIAL.
Councilman Knight moved to advertise and set the Public Hearing for October 13th. Seconded
by Councilman Watford. Motion carried.
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD VACANCY
Chairman Douglas stated that because of an oversight of the Council, Mr. Herbert Nix must be
replaced on the Code Enforcement Board.
Councilman Burk moved that Mr. Jim Attaway be appointed as successor to Mr. Nix. Seconded
by Councilman Knight. Motion carried.
MR. RICHARD KELTON
DOUBLE TAXATION
Mr. Richard Kelton, President of Kelton and Associates, Inc. appeared before the Council to
discuss some general problems involved in the matter of double taxation.
Mr. Kelton explained that Kelton and Associates is a firm specializing in local government
management services in the state of Florida providing services for City and County governments
and went on to elaborate on several cases and studies his firm has recently made.
Councilman Burk questioned Mr. Kelton about his findings with fire services and County roads
vs City streets. Mr. Kelton explained that he had found problems in both areas in most
municipalities.
After further discussion between Council members and Mr. Kelton, Chairman Douglas thanked
Mr. Kelton for making this presentation to the Council.
Councilman Knight moved to table the discussion until the next meeting. Seconded by
Councilman Watford. Motion carried.
UNITED FEED CO -OF REQUEST
TO CLOSE AND VACATE A PORTION
OF NORTHWEST 3rd AVENUE
Mr. Bill Stratton, Production Manager for United Feed Co -Op, Mr. Tommy Rucks, President of
the Co -Op and Mr. Jim Enrico, a member of the Co -Op appeared before the Council stating that the
i T ET T
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Co -Op is anticipating an expansion and feel they may run very close to the property lines.
Mr. Rucks presented a drawing showing the location of the expansion and the present
property lines.
Following discussion between Council members and Co -Op representatives, Attorney Conlon
instructed Mr. Stratton to file an application through the Clerk's office for a variance which
could be granted by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Conlon further stated that if the
Board of Adjustments and Appeals deny their request, the Co -Op could then come back to the Council
with a request to lease a portion of Northwest 3rd Avenue.
NORM HANSEN, FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT
HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM STREET LIGHTS
Mr. Norman Hansen, Senior Service Planner for Florida Power and Light, appeared before the
Council to discuss the location of new high ' pressure sodium street lights. Mr. Hansen informed
the Council of the goals of energy conservation of Florida Power and Light their plans for meeting
these goals in regard to street lighting.
Mr. Hansen stated that all Florida Power and Light street lighting customers contract for
services through a street lighting agreement, which the City has, and went on to explain the
terms of the agreement. The Conservation Lighting Conversion Agreement is to supplement the
existing agreement. This agreement clarifies the condition of the conversion for both parties
and provides for a term of 10 years, which allows for the recovery of the investment made.
All customers requesting a conversion of their street lights must enter into this agreement.
Any request by the City for replacement or additional, other than those provided under Exhibit
D (existing street lights are covered under this contract and will be converted to sodium vapor
lights) this must be in writing in accordance with Paragraph 1. This is Florida Power and
Light's own proposal. The City should be in concurence with this. Florida Power and Light will
require a written notice of the City's acceptance of this proposal.
Mr. Hansen stated that the first area Florida Power and Light is proposing to convert is
Parrott Avenue from the railroad on the North to 8th Street on the South and gave statistical
figures of savings to the City if the change is made.
Chairman Douglas asked Mr. Hansen to leave a copy of the agreement and contract for
Attorney Conlon to review.
MR. ANDREW RUBIN
PAVING OF CITY STREETS
Mr. Andrew Rubin appeared before the Council stating that the item of double taxation is
very interesting but was glad to see it tabled for the present time.
Mr. Rubin read the following list of streets located within the City of Okeechobee:
S.E. 3rd Avenue
Avenue B
S.E. 6th Street
S.E. 12th Street
S.E. 11th Avenue
S.E. 9th Avenue
S.E. 6th Avenue
S.E. 2nd Street N.E.
S.E. 5th Street N.E.
S.E. 4th Avenue West
S.E. 7th Street N.E.
N.E. 5th Avenue West
N.E. 15th Avenue N.E.
N.E. 2nd Street N.E.
3rd Street
4th Street
end of N.E.
7th Street
end of N.E.
12th Avenue
11th Street
West end of N.E. 12th Street
N.E. 13th Street
5th Street East end of N.E. 15th Street
N.E. 14th Street
10th Street N.E. 2nd Avenue
N. E. 7th Street
N.E. 3rd Avenue
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N.E. 4th Avenue
N.W. 10th Avenue
N.W. 5th Avenue
N.W. 3rd Street
N.W. 2nd Street
S.W. 7th Street
S.W. 6th Street
S.W. 4th Street
S.W. 2nd Street
S.W. 12th Avenue
S.W. 10th Avenue
S.W. 5th Avenue
S.W. 4th Avenue
S.W. 9th Street
S.W. 11th Street
S.W. 13th Street
S.W. 2nd Avenue
S.W. 14th Street
S.W. 15th Street
S.W. 6th Avenue
S.W. 19th Street
Mr. Rubin stated that these are streets which are not paved, and there is a possibility
some have been left out. Rubin further stated this is the second time he has appeared before
the Council requesting the development of a paving program and he feels this should be the
highest priority on the proposed budget. He, along with other taxpayers of the City would like
to know why there is no paving program if the City is going to have a paving program and why
is it not included in the upcoming budget.
Councilman Watford stated that is is sure Mr. Rubin is aware of the problems the City has
had with the County and the County has an Attorney General's opinion on their side about what
money is to be used. Watford further stated that the City is working on identifying which
streets are the City's responsibility and which are the County's responsibility. The City
will eventually have a paving program; however, not in the immediate future.
FIRST READING
AMENDING ORDINANCE 402
Chairman Douglas informed the Council of the first reading of an Ordinance amending the
schedule of District regulations providing for the elimination of the permitted uses of structures
allowing the construction of wholesale warehouse storage distribution facilities to be set for
Public Hearing October 13, 1981.
Councilman Burk moved to read the Ordinance by title only. Seconded by Councilman Chapman.
Motion carried.
Councilman Knight moved to set this item for Public Hearing October 13, 1981, seconded by
Chapman.
Councilman Watford questioned where this amendment originated.
Attorney Conlon stated that this item came up at a Planning and Zoning Board meeting in
August. Conlon explained that the fact that anybody with industrial property could store
flammable liquids and under the present schedule it took no application to them at all. The
Planning and Zoning Board felt that for the public's safety and interest, there should be input
from the Public Safety Department and the public and therefore it could be shifted to a
permitted use.
Chairman Douglas read the Ordinance by title only:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 402, SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT REGULATIONS; THE PROVIDING
FOR THE ELIMINATION OF ITEM FOUR UNDER PERMITTED PRINCIPAL USES AND STRUCTURES
ALLOWING THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHOLESALE, WAREHOUSE, STORAGE OR DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES,
INCLUDING BULK STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND PROVIDING THIS USE MAY BE GRANTED
ONLY BY SPECIAL EXCEPTION AFTER DUE PUBLIC NOTICE AND HEARING AND THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF APPROPRIATE SAFEGUARDS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion to set this Ordinance for Public Hearing on October 13, 1981, carried.
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81-1-25
REQUEST FROM THOMAS AND WEYANT, ARCHITECTS,
ENGINEERS AND PLANNERS TO CONNECT WITH CITY
WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES
Chairman Douglas informed the Council of a request from Thomas and Weyant, Architects,
Engineers and Planners to connect with the City's water and sewage facilities for a proposed
development in the northwest section of the City.
Director Fortner stated that the City is presently pumping about 50% capacity through sewer
and it does peak at times to 75 %. The developers have requested 18,000 gallons additional flow
each year for a period of three years to develop 62 single family resident units and 120 rental
apartment units.
Assistant Fellows stated that in the proposed budget, there are two items, a revenue item
and a transfer item called "impact fees ". It was the intention that the City should consider
setting a policy for each 1,000 gallons per day of sewer reserve capacity. A developer would
have to pay X- number of dollars, which would go into a trust fund for the purpose of expanding
the plant capacity.
After further discussion among Council members, Councilman Burk recommended that the Council
consider a workshop to meet with these people so as to keep the lines of communication on the
project open. The consensus of the Council was to discuss the matter further in a workshop session
PERSONNEL HANDBOOK
MATERNITY LEAVE
Chairman Douglas informed the Council there is a need to make a change in the maternity
leave portion of the personnel handbook.
After brief discussion of the change, Councilman Chapman moved to amend the City of
Okeechobee Personnel Handbook to read maternity leave same as sick leave. Seconded by Councilman
Knight. Motion carried.
FRANCHISE NEGOTIATIONS WITH
L. P. SANITATION, INC.
Assistant Fellows informed the Council there is a need to decide whether the Council wishes
to negotiate a new franchise with L. P. Sanitation, Inc. or discuss the possibility of the City
setting up their own garbage collection system.
Attorney Conlon suggested that the Council could immediately negotiate an agreed upon clause
with L. P. that while the City is negotiating with them, they give the City a 90 -day clause that
at the expiration of their franchise we have the right to extend it by 90 days by giving them
at least 90 days notice before the end of thier clause. Mr. Fellows stated that if the firm goes
bankrupt, the City has no protection. Therefore, the City should require a $200,000.00 Performance
Bond.
Councilman Burk stated that based on current performance factors, he would have no problem
with beginning negotiations with L. P. Sanitation, Inc. and so moved that Assistant Fellows and
Director Fortner be authorized to begin negotations with the Hoekstras. Seconded by Councilman
Chapman. Motion carried.
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FLOURIDATION OF CITY WATER
Chairman Douglas stated that the time had come for the City to make a decision on the
flouridation of City Water. Results of the straw vote are:
CITY: For: 618
Against: 399
OKEECHOBEE BEACH WATER: For: 171
Against: 221
Councilman Watford stated that he had received a call from the Health Planning Council in
West Palm Beach in support of flouridation.
Councilman Chapman stated that the Council should go with the results of the straw vote.
Chapman asked Director Fortner if the water could be separated and the flouride be left out of
water going to Beach Water users. Fortner stated that this could be done if necessary.
Councilman Burk stated that the Council wanted to hear from the public and therefore called
for a straw vote. The results of the straw vote indicated that the public wanted flouride and
therefore moved that the City of Okeechobee place flouride in the drinking water. Seconded by
Councilman Chapman, motion carried.
Councilman Watford moved that the City request the Board of Directors of Beach Water
Association instruct the City about flouridation of their water. Seconded by Councilman Burk.
Motion carried.
FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES
ANNUAL CONVENTION
Chairman Douglas informed the Council that the Florida League of Cities Annual Convention
is to be held October 22 - 24, in Orlando and authorization is needed from the Council to allow
Assistant Fellows to attend the Convention.
Councilman Knight moved to allow Mr. Fellows to attend the Convention and name him as
the voting delegate from the City of Okeechobee. Seconded by Councilman Burk, motion carried.
Attorney Conlon requested authority to attend the one day of the Convention that is set up
for City attorneys. Councilman Burk moved to authorize Attorney Conlon to attend the one day
of Convention dealing with legal aspects. Seconded by Councilman Watford. Motion carried.
FRED VOTION, JR.
REQUESTING PERMISSION TO HAUL OWN GARBAGE
Chairman Douglas called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the Council. Mr. Fred
Votiono, owner of Votiono's Pizza Kitchen, appeared before the Council requesting that he be
permitted to pay the $75.00 fee and haul his own garbage.
After questioning Mr. Votino, Assistant Fellows stated that he felt it would be to Mr.
Votiono's advantage to check into the possibility of sharing a dumpster with someone and
continue the use of the dumpster.
There being no further discussion on the matter, Councilman Watford moved to grant Mr.
Votino a permit to dispose of his own garbage. Seconded by Councilman Knight. Motion carried.
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CORRESPONDENCE FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS
A) CITY ATTORNEY
1) INTRODUCTION OF NEW ATTORNEY IN FIRM
Attorney Conlon introduced Mr. Jerry Lefebvre to the Council. Mr. Lefebvre is a new
attorney in the firm and Mr. Conlon has asked him to attend Council meetings periodically to
remain abreast of City business in the event he would have to attend a meeting in Conlon's
absence.
B) ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
1) LONG RANGE COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN WORKSHOP
Assistant Fellows reminded Council members of the workshop to be held Thursday, September
17th, on the Long Range Comprehensive Plan. The second workshop is scheduled for October 1, 1981.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM COUNCILMEN
A) OAKLAND CHAPMAN
1) STRIPING OF PARKING AREAS
Councilman Chapman stated that is has been brought to his attention that there are certain
areas within the City were there is a need for new stripes for parking. Councilman Chapman stated
that something needs to be done and suggested sending a letter to the County Commissioners and
the Road Department requesting help in getting this item taken care of.
After further discussion, including faded center lines, the consensus of the Council was to
send a letter to the County Commissioners and the Road Department.
B) DONALD BURK
1) PARKING IN AREA OF OKEECHOBEE LIQUOR STORE
Councilman Burk reported that there about four no parking signs in the area of the
Okeechobee Liquor Store; however, the signs are not being enforced and there is a problem there.
Burk stated that he would like for the Council to instruct the Police Department to enforce the
no parking signs.
C) DOWLING WATFORD, JR.
1) CENTRAL FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
Councilman Watford stated that he had attended the Central Florida Regional Planning Council
meeting on August 26th. The Council at that time reviewed some development in Polk County.
Mr. Watford stated that there had been some controversy over the Country Club of Champions
that the Regional Planning Council approved with some recommendations and it was changed
drastically. The County Commissioners voted 4 to 1 to approve it, and it appears that the
Planning Council will appeal to the Governor because the density was increased quite a bit.
2) SOUTHERN STANDARD BUILDING CODE
Councilman Watford questioned the Council taking any action on the Southern Standard
Building Code in regard to the fire official acting in the absence of the building official.
After discussion of the matter, Councilman Burk moved to ratify and confirm the amendment
to the Southern Standard Building Code whereby the fire official will werve as the building
official in his absence to -wit: The building official shall designate as his deputy the Fire
Official employee of the department who will exercise all the powers and duties of the building
official during his absence or disability. Also, confirm the deletion as set out in the
Southern Standard Building Code Section 102.3 DEPUTY. Seconded by Councilman Watford. Motion
carried.
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KEITH TOMEY - DIRECTOR
OF THE FLORIDA FIRE CHIEF'S
ASSOCIATION
Councilman Watford congratulated Chief Tomey for being named as a Director of the Florida
Fire Chief's Association.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Douglas informed the Council that immediately following the Public Hearing on
September 17th, the Council would go into a workshop session with representatives of the
Thomas and Weyant Firm.
A motion was made by Councilman Burk to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Councilman Watf ord.
Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 F. M.
ATTEST:
onnie S. Thomas
City Clerk
City of Okeechobee
ward W. Douglas
Chairman /Mayor
City of Okeechobee
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1981
The City Council of Okeechobee Florida, convened in regular session in the City
Council Chambers at City Hall, Okeechobee on Tuesday, September 22, 1981, at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Pro -Tem Donald Burk presided with the following Councilmen present: Oakland
Chapman and Dowling Watford. Chairman /Mayor Edward W. Douglas and Councilman Jim Knight
were absent.
Others present were: City Clerk Bonnie S. Thomas, Administrative Assistant Richard
C. Fellows, City Attorney David Conlon, Director of Public Works L. C. Fortner, Jr., and
Fire Chief Keith Tomey.
Chairman Pro -Tem Burk called the meeting to order. Councilman Watford offered the
invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Watford stated that a word in the minutes of August 25, 1981, (Page 2908,
Paragraph 3) in regard to the Change of Ownership of L. P. Sanitation, Inc. should be changed
from Council to County.
There being no further corrections in the minutes, Councilman Watford moved to approve
the corrected minutes of August 25th and September 8th regular meetings and the August 27th
Budget Workshop. Seconded by Councilman Chapman. Motion carried.
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 8, 1981
7:00 P.M.
1. Invocation
II. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of August the 25th, 1981
and the budget workshop of August the 27th, 1981.
III. Adoption of resolution to the Honorable L.A. "Skip" Bafalis
of the United States House of Representatives requesting
appropriate funding for the construction of the Okeechobee
City 201 area wide water waste treatment plant.
IV. First reading of an ordinance proposing to rezone property
at 207 Southwest 5th Avenue from RG-2 to commercial (C)
for a proposed antique shop and the setting of a public
hearing for Tuesday, October the 13th, 1981.
(Planning and Zoning Board recommends approval)
V. Action by the Council to name a replacement to the Code
Enforcement Board to fill the position vacated by
Contractor Herbert Nix.
VI. Appearances:
a) Mr. Richard Kelton, President of Kelton and Associates,
to discuss some general problems involved in the matter of
double taxation.
b) Mr. Bill Stratton, Jr., Production Manager of United Feed Co-op,
with a request to the Council to close and vacate a portion of
northwest 3rd avenue.
c) Mr. Norm Hansen, Senior Service Planner, Florida Power and
Light Company, to discuss the wishes of the Council in regards
to the location of the new high pressure sodium street lights.
d) Mr. Andrew Rubin to discuss with the Council a matter
involving street paving and city taxes.
VII. First reading of an ordinance amending the schedule of district
regulations of the zoning ordinance to provide that wholesale,
warehouse, storage, or distribution facilities, including bulk
storage of flammable liquids may only be used in an industrial
area by special exception and the setting of a public hearing
for October the 13th, 1981.
VIII. Discussion and action by the Council on a request from Thomas
and Weyant, Architects, Engineers and Planners to connect with
the city's water and sewage facilities for a proposed development
in the northwest section of the city.
IX. Discussion by the Council in regards to the personnel policy
handbook as it relates to provisions for maternity leave.
X. Authority for the Director of Public Works and the Administrative
Assistant to negotiate with the new owners of L.P. Sanitation, Inc.
regarding the terms of a proposed new franchise agreement.
XI. Discussion by the Council in regards to the results of a
straw ballot taken on the matter of flouridating the city
water supply.
XII. Action by Council to authorize attendance by Members of the
Council and Administrative Assistant to attend the Florida
League of Cities Annual Convention to be held in Orlando,
October 22nd thru the 24th, 1981 and naming of voting
delegate.
XIII. Mayor to call on anyone in audience wishing to address the
Council.
XIV. Mayor to call on City Clerk, City Attorney, Administrative
Assistant and Councilmen regarding requests and/or reports.
XV. Adjournment.
NB 9195
TO _Councilman
DATE September 4, 19 81
SUBJECT
MI: Finance Director September Warrant Register
uJ
Warrant_Ragistermin_be_ready for the September 212_2 1981 meeting
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Bonnie S. 'Thomas
City Clerk
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MADE I N U S A
FROM
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September 3, ioPl
Memorandum
To: City Council
From: PCF
Status Peport
Jtem 1: AL the Augn.ut 27th meeting the Fund o: County Commissioners,
r0r,011-e
Hoard' they had boon unable to lind
anvthihd ih the minutes relati,.'e to the policy 0: the county In furnishing
fire services (To tho citA, ,)1 keeehonee. ii sugyested the Roan1 oiyld
wish to make that A policti and include IL in
1L::; :dhute.:-.; at that tlie.
No act on won taken by the l3oard in regards Le flih matler.
in other action, the Bodrd approved raising the taxing level for the
construction of a $240,000 adricu/tural center and set: their new millage
rate at 10 mills.
Item 2: On Monday, August 31st, the 911 dispatcher in the Sheriff's
office received a ca11 concerning a fire and as she had been instructed
to do, patched the call thru to the county EMS and fire number. The
airl was a new dispatcher and had only been working here in the city
for a couple weeks, but the resulting response of the County Fire Tiepartment
to a city fire caused "flub Pub" amend officials of the Citt; Fire Department.
Tuesday morning, .1 met: with r r cu! Li or , 0.1. IR,Au t'r:...501).„:111(1 101111 YOUllq
,).(1 A IM,It.,(!..?r in )ly 1;c; the cost of ext raditi ;ir city t.iirlsoners. Chief 1.3 rrY
to tOc 111Cc't100 and 'w,.‘ (L'Ilt'd til0 p1esent,1t (011
( 1 which in essence WJ0 j request for the city to consider
budyetin approximately tWO thousand dollars a year tor the cost: el
extraditing city prisoners. A legal question is inyolved here in as
much as 1 )j] c'' once J prihoherlh booked thru the county jail and
integrated into the county court system, he becomes a county prisoner
and the countn is liable tor all expenses involved with same.
Following this discussion, the Sheriff proceeded to "noad" on me in
regards to Oiler Tomey's alleged behavior in "dressing down" one of
his dispatchers for patching the citu fire call over to the county in
the early morning hours of the 'List.
In reading account or the incident provided by the Sheriff's
September 3, 1981
Statua Noport
Page Two
dipatcher, l noted she had been im3tr2icti to patch Clen to the county.
t asked Sheriff' Collier directly ir the policy of tho county sheriffs
dcpartroont was to patcb ,.merdency calls thru firt to the countY
or county fire department whore a decision was then made as te whether
It was a city call or a county call. Both Sheriff Coilier and 0.B. Raulerson
indicated this was the policy after Midnight because, in their words, the
late night dispatcher was not as familiar with the city as those who work
the regular shifts. r told them it seemed to me that such a system frustrated
the intent of the 911 emergency calling system and they should have a fully
detailed city/county map in the Sheriff's 911 office and the determination
as to which agency was to get the call should be made as the call is
received in the Sheriff's office and not passed onto another agency. Some
of our county/city fire problems are coming about as the result of this
apparent policy. We are working on trying to resolve it.
1 tom 3: Pocently the Circuit Court. in Palm Reach Citunty released it:.-•;
decision in the Palm Beach County double taxation trial with Circuit
.tudge Wessel indicating the Se rV COS contcrsti:,d by the MU 11 Li .7 itle ded
no real or substantial bone ri t " to the municipal". t , 2 17d ordered
(7. h county to develop an appropriate mechanism to run,/ the;c,
The co rites Lod ser 010e5 r n m 13e'/ ("ou n t 2, ;•:( Er. t h' :?'e r roId pat:iul
the Sheri tcctive it vvst 7 r t .1 VC d Cs) , 0 ontc nd eonstructio:
of tho local road system, and neighborhood parks. This ruling marks the
rirst time 15 the hitorY ,74 this double tA'ation liticatien that
municipalities h:lve been to present evidence sutricient to pTove the
Sherirf's patrol and inve.,:tidative services do not proide real ari !
substantial benefit (TO mupicipal residents and taxnapers.
Richard Kelton of Kel ton and Associates, the management group that did the
double taxation study for orange Park, also played an important role in the
Palm Peach County case. Bichard Kelton will be doing some work in Port
Saint Lucie next week and has agreed to appear at the City Council meeting
Tuesday night to discuss in very general terms some of the very real
and vexing problems involved in the issue of double taxation. He would
also be willing to un(1('rtsIo 5 lull audit of Okeechobee County and present
i,cpert
1,tt,co,
to the City Council of Okeechobee a full report on t11c: extant, if any, of
double taxation existing within Okeechobee Coun His fee for preparing
the report and doing the study analysis would he $6,000 which is very
reasonable .for the extensive study and investigation required for the
development of such a report.
.Item 4: We have received by mail today a letter from Thomas and Weyant,
Architects, Engineers, and Planners requesting aoprova7 btt the o thi to
connect to the existing sewer collection system and water distribution
system for a proposed development in the northwest
development will consist o1 slxtu -two sln le family
The r 'reposed
and One
hundred and twLrnt y apartment and rental units and will require approximately
three years to construct and
the ('s fac::.
Sinq an estimated SC'WJ0C flow 01 approximately eig
lions each hear for three .neers on behalf of 1. Pay
.111 construction will be at the
devt_•ic>eOJ's expense and all public f.ici.71ties will be dedicated to they city
The company
Hatton indicate their understand'
for maintenance upon completion. They also
they Jr., aware Chat all
design and construction must be approved by the City Public Works Department
and our consulting engi neers. We are referring the letter to Public Works
Director, Fortner who will make a recommendation to the Council.
Item 5: During the budget discussions there was some concern expressed that
when the fire department was responding to a tire, no one was on duty to
answer their regular business telephone line which is 763 -4423. We have
r.esolced that rllat1e.r for all practical purposes and within the next
ce dispatching office to
day or so
should have the ability fo.
,:InSIvl r that r;hlrnber when the fire statior -1 is vacant clue- to responding to a
tire eai1.
Sj nc0 we
11,'10 trl )p,,21.: any f.irl._l1lcid.1 assistance 1 r'orn
the County School t.ioaid 0: the County Sher' the sc!Ioo! crossing /wards
wh.ic/: the cite; " will be necessary tor us to provide the fun dmy
them ret rvrct_i ve Lo
county tr.)
crua rd
:,choel , which w:it; ,.uctnst 24th.
0 1,rllhl0( 1 t he 0! Llw It , . 441 guar[ U;' to parity with the
ice of $00.00 per week with the
the elementary school to receive $65.00 per week. These s,Ilary
0 or/ icons at
flat 00
September 1, 1),M
Status Report
Page Four
figures would be retroactive to August 24th, 1981 and have been provided for
in the new budget.
Item 7: Mallette Westbrook, Zoning Administrator and Building Official
will be on vacation next week and during his absence building inspection
will be provided at no additional cost by the Fire Chief. An action by
the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. amending the
Southern Building Code to provide the Fire Chief would be deputy
building inspector provides the authorization and transfer of responsibility
during this period.
Item 8: Ann Purnell, Management Coordinator for Morrow, 111C. has written
to advise C)unci1 construction ill the new Tang7ewood Apartments is getting
underway on ninth street. She point's out there will be six one bedroom,
twelve two bedroom and eiOt three bedroom apartments each with electric
range, central heating and air conditioning, wall to wall carpeting and
refrigerator. Rents will start at 5 .785.00 a month and anyone knowing
a person or persons looking for an apartment can get an application for
same by contacting Morrow, inc. , Post Office Box 5714, Lakeland, Florida
33803.
Item 9: The Florida Teague of Cities Datagram indicates the funding
allocation for the 201 program was zero in the recently passed Budget
Reconciliation Bill. We are further advised that Congress is scheduled
to pass its second budget resolution bill by September /5th and the League
of Cities is urging City Councils to contact their Representatives and
Senators to urge them to support the inclusion of $2.4 billion for the 201
program in the second budget resolution to be passed by September 1 5th, 1981.
We are providing a resolution to this effect since considerable monies
have already been spent to get us to the step three point. It will be an
agenda item fur diseassion Tdau nit/ht.
Item 10: Mr. Stra Len or United Peed has indicated a desire to approach
Council rela-'ve Lc the possible V,iCdtlUfl Or d portion 01 third avenue
dead-ending at his plant. e have asked him to provide L.C. with the
necessary sketches showing the existing conditions and just what is
proposed. We hope to have this documentation ready for inclusion with
fla 12c7c'rt.
Page Five
the status report, but in the event we are unable to get it in time, it
will be sent to you prior to the meeting Tuesday night.
Item 11: The Planning and Zoning Board heard two requests for rezoning
Tuesday night. ;1 request from John Brooks and others to rezone property
from industrial (I) to commercial (C) at the west end of Flagler Park'
wa withdrawn after it was learned that the proposed retail drive thin
convenience store could be constructed 3nd.operated in the industrial
Toni' w.7 t: /IOU t Jilt/ rt:,zon I ng .
The Planning and Zoning Board took testimony on a request for rezoning
property at 207 Southwest 5th Avenue from RG -2 to commercial (C) for
proposed antique shop. Presently the property is crrandfathered in and
is being operated as an arts and crafts store bY a Mrs. '_iercc. <'he
complained that when the T'artleyZoning Plan was adopted, her commercially
zoned property was rezoned RG -2. Following a discussion of the matter, the
Planning and Zoning Board recommended the request be forwarded to the Council
for their approval of the rezoning. This will be up for first reading and
the setting of a public hearing for Tuesday, October the 13th, 1981.
The Planning and Zoning Board also received the request of the City
to investi_1ate the need if any for some additional commercial zoning
districts providing less intensive uses than the existing single commercial
designation.
Item 12: If the Council agrees, it would be in order to name a replacement
on the Code Enforcement Board for contractor Herbert Nix. We have made several
attempts to dcvo 1op an interest in this position by former Councilman Cowboy
Rnulerson and have left several calls, but he has been unable to contact us
for one reason or another. Jim Attaway has been contacted and has agreed
to serve. If it please the Council, Mr. Attaway could be named as the new
Code Enforcement hoard member. This will be an 1t:ern for Tue_sdat1 night
consideration.
I ea _>: We have received notice from the State of Florida Department of
Comm-rce that our app 1 cation for construction funds for an industrial access
feeder road has been received and the application is the type that will receive
September 3, 1981
Status Report
Page Six
consideration for funding. Some type of priority list will be developed and
I assume we will hear something further on this in the near future.
Item 14: At the last tact ?tlno some discussion was uncle taia zi in reqard :;
to i1our.ida tion. We .furnished Council the last information we had in rcgd: is
to the 1 400 ballots we had received back. Six hundred and eighte ,r.i persons
sons
on thy: straw vote are in favor of flour_i.dation and three hundred and :Linty
nine are against. Since those in Okeechobee Beach Water- .Association are
against fiouridat:ion it would appear if the Council decides to flour,,03te
the city water supply, Okeechobee Beach Water Association will have to be left
out. This wi.1l be an agenda item for consideration at the meeting on Tuesday.
Item 15: In order for the Council to make a determination on whether or
not they need to provide for a sanitation division budget in the corning
fiscal clear, I think it important for us to begin negotiations imnediatel y
on a new franchise with the Floekstras. With the authority of the Council,
L.C. Fornter and 1 will attempt to negotiate .:t new franchise to become effective
as desired by the Council. We would .like to get some feedback on this at the
meeting on Tuesday night relative to whether or not to trig to negotiate a
new five year arrangement or something shorter. The Jioekstras are probably
not e ;ing to be interested in a short term arrangement. if the Council decides
this is the only type arrangement they are interested in, it will be necessary
for us to develop a budget to set up our own sanitation division.
Item 16: The personnel pc l 1cti handbook has a section in it in reference
to maternity leave that is in conflict with the present federal law and
statues reyardlnt! same. IL is the recommendation of the administrative
staff after studs/ at the staff meeting on Wednesday, the Council amend the
personnel police handbook to provide that maternity leave shall be handled
in the same manner as sick leave.
Item 17: Some inquiries have been made regarding why the city does not
have some kind of a mosquito spraying program. We are checking into this
for costs, etc. and will keep the Council advised.
September 3, 1981
Status Report
Page Seven
Item 18: We have received a letter from the Department of the Navy
eiLh some rather good news. lt seems the Navy Seabees Construction
PatLa:ion Vourteen is very much interested in the okee-ilahchre Park
nroject and Commander L.1. Bennett is forwarding a recommendation
to the Navy Seabees , 3 project packege be worked np certaining the
basic elements o! nunpower, equipment, berthing and weesing regairemente
with the anticipated planning for the projet to take three or four months.
Keep your fingers c:ossed for if this goes thru, we can construct our
access ways, parking lot, bridge and picnicking areas without any labor
costa and wil7 have to pay only !Cr the necessarry shell, construction
material, etc. We wi71 keep you advised.
Item 19: After a conference with NCR on Tuesday, we learned at the
staff meeting Wednesday, the hardware for the computer should begin
arriving the last week of October. The governmental budgeting system
will be the first item put on the computer. Payroll will he developed
for a January lst start and the utility billing will be developed last.
We are confident the Council is going to be well pleased with the results of this
very progressive step forward. Bonnie and Judy Huffman, our technical consultant
will be attending an NCR seminar in Orlando on September 15th. This is a
seminar for general computer users which 1 may also attend depending on my
schedule.
Item 20: Chief harry Mobley is recommending Patrolman Kelly Ammons be
premeted te the pw:Ition ol t;creeent to replace Henry Hancock. Ammons
has Ik'ON in the department since 1975 and thru InquIr/y 1 am lead to feel that
he
1)3 1 matured recentia and could provide the type o1 leadership the department
needs. In any event, he will be on a probationary status during the first six
menthe during which time his performance can be evaluated. If Council hes no
oblections, we plan to follow thru with the recommendation of Chief Mobley.
The salary for Ammons will be changed from $12,087 to $12,709. The promotion
will be effective on September 7th, 1981.
Item 2 : Our continuing contract with Broome, Van Ostran is still being
worked on by David Conlon. Once the wording of the contract is acceptable
to him, wo will have it executed by the Mayor and the principals of Broome,
Van Ostran. Our report on Jim Broome is good one day and bad the next, but
September 3, 1981
Status Report
Page Eight
at this point, L.C. and 1 feel the best course of action is to sit tight,
utilize the firm on the basis the contract provides for and see what develops
as far as Jim Broome is concerned.
in this regard, one of the representatives of Biscayne Engineering who was
named number two in the negotiations will be at the Council meeting on Tuesday
night and it is my understanding he is going to come there to continue
promotion of his firm.
Item 22: In regards to the 201 step three application. We have been advised
by the State HRS Office in Tallahassee documents and agreements reached more
than three years ago have to be reworked in order to be up to date. We
therefore are proceeding with Mr. Wes Brazzel at the Florida Boys School to
get confirmation on the use of the land by the school, following which we will
hand carry his letter thru the HRS District Nine Office in West Palm Beach and
then be in a position to finalize our lease agreement with the officials in
Tallahassee and Atlanta. Keep your fingers crossed and we will keep you
advised.
Item 23: We have some important dates to remember during September and
October. You may want to mark them on your calendar. The first date of
significance other than the regular council meetings on the eighth and the
twenty second will be the first public hearing on adoption of the city's
comprehensive plan which will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, September
the 17th. This meeting will be followed by another special meeting on
Thursday, October the 1st at 7:00 P.M. when we will have the final hearing
and complete the adoption of our local government comprehensive plan.
During October, we have two special meetings scheduled in connection with
the budget. The first meeting will be on Monday, October the /9th at 7:00 P.M.
for adoption of our tentative budget and millage and the second meeting will
be a special meeting on Monday, October the 26th to adopt our final budget
and final millayc. The Code Enforcement Board meeting during September will
be on Monday, September the 21st and will be held thereafter the third
Monday of every month at 7:00 P.M.
Item 24: The Planning and Zoning Board has made an additional recommendation
September 3, 1981
Status Report
Page Nine
to the City Council for amending the District Regulations of the Zoning
Ordinance in regards to a permitted use in an industrial district. In an
industrial district, it is permitted to establish wholesale, warehouse,
storage or distribution facilities including bulk storage of flammable liquids.
The Planning and Zoning Board is recommending the Council adopt an ordinance
amending the zoning ordinance to remove this item as a permitted use and
provide for it as a special exception to be granted only after a public
hearing due to the hazardous nature of the materials involved. If the Council
deems it appropriate, they may adopt the ordinance on first reading at the
meeting on Tuesday night and set it for public hearing and final hearing at the
first meeting in October, which would be October the 13th.
Richard C. Fellows
RCF /mh