1973-12-11 Regular December 11, 1973
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, met in regular session on the above
date at 7:00 P.M. at the City Hall with the following present: President Donald L. Burk, Councilmen:
E. H. Hunt, Edward W. Douglas, Cliff Betts, Jr., with Attorney J. Edward Curren, Acting City Clerk
Sandra Bennett, Director of Public Works, L. C. Fortner, Jr., Fire Chief 01en Godwin and Building
Official, Richard B. Spray.
President Burk opened the meeting with prayer.
The following bills in the amount of $ 14~3~2.~8 ,$ 17~480.84 ,$ 11,900.00
$ 6.520.00 &$ 20.O00.QO were approved and ordered paid when funds are available:
Florida League of Cities $ 15.O0
Social Security Contributions Trust Fund 1,440.26
Okeechobee County Sheriff's Department 300.00
United Telephone Company 250.15
American Family Life Assurance Company 3.80
Florida Combined Insurance Agency, Inc. 302.31
Petty Cash 3.09
Okeechobee County Bank 2,01 2.20
City of Okeechobee - Employees Pension Trust 95.85
City of 0keechobee - Fire Dept. Employees Wension 87.50
City of Okeechobee - Police Employees Pension Trust 100.05
Richard B. Spray 1 75.00
Dewitt H. Staats 29.80
Rayford Henry Stone 6.95
Norman T. Grant 7.45
Larry Mobley 7.45
Richard B. Spray 6.10
Radio Dispatchers - Uniform Allowances 60.00
Plreman Uniformam for Firemen 30.00
Leyron M. Baker 16.45
Board of Adjustments and Appeals 1 25.00
Councilmen F~pense 300.00
Audley Dunham monthly expense 1 00.00
Olen Godwin 296.87
Edmond H. Reutebuch 296.88
Policemen Court Days - Fees 80.00
Policemen Uniform Allowance 150.00
Florida Power and Light Company 1,355.51
Associates Capital Services Corporation 150.43
Motorola, Inc. 58.59
The National Cash Register Company 228.00
George Stuart, Inc. 63.44
The Okeechobee News 4.49
Okeechobee Hardware & Furniture Company 14.46
Fry Hardware Company, Inc. 11.94
Moses Auto Parts Company 32.55
City Products Corporation 2.50
W. W. Grainger, Inc. 57.47
Wberrell Auto Parts 5.48
Kelley's Garage & Machine Shop 89.70
Bennie's Auto Supply, Inc. 25.16
Smith's Supply Company 190.00
Rubin Construction Company 1 54.45
Palm Beach Tank & Culvert Company, Inc. 248.16
National Chemsearch 96.10
M Berger Company 59.50
Williams Asphalt & Contracting Corporation 10.00
Dude, s "66" Service Station 5.00
Attaway Lumber Company 5.80
Okeechobee County Commissioners 336.00
Minton Equipment Company 171.74
McCain Sales of Florida, Inc. 292.69
L. P. Sanitation 733.33
3M Company 1,1 74.40
Tausch & Free Printing, Inc. 98.05
Jones Equipment Company 1 43.55
Martins Uni for,~s 256.45
John,s Towing Service 85.00
Parrott, Inc. 78.49
Touchton Drugs 23.79
Okeechobee "66" Service 17.29
Okeechobee Ambulance Service 25.00
Phil' s American Service 298.05
Jeff ers TeXaco $ 6.00
Everson - Ross Company 2.91
Pitney Bowes 22.50
Hunt Brothers Grocery Company 30.56
AA Fire Eouipment 260.00
Glades Gas 28.57
Revenue Sharing Advisory Service 45.00
E & E Automotive Clinic 66.11
Meekins 49.28
Fountain Fire & Safety Equipment 696.59
Okeechobee Volunteer Fire Department 1 52.50
The $elig Chemical Industries 70.84
Sandra Bennett 61.00
Total $14,392.58
'WATER AND SEWER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FUND
Social Security Contributions Trust Fd.$ 754.12
Colonial Life & Accident Company 4.00
United Telephone Company 38.25
Water Deposit Refunds 617.83
American Family Life 1 5.20
Florida Combined Insurance Agency, Inc. 189.30
Petty Cash 228.98
Okeechobee County Bank 1,096.90
· mployees Pension Truat Fund 221.30
Robert F. Glenn, Postmaster 111.24
Florida Power and Light Company 2,378.41
Motorola, Inc. 25.16
The National Cash Register Company 197.40
The Okeechobee News 18.16
Okeechobee Hardware & ~hrntture Co. 48.14
Fry Hardware Company, Inc. 14.91
Moses Auto Parts, Inc. 31.50
City Products Corporation 6.00
W. W. Grainger, Inc. 136.01
Wherrell Auto harts 88.63
Kelley' s Garage & Machine Shop 6.00
Bennie' s Auto Supply, Inc. 1 4.52
The Sel~g Chemical Industries 217.80
AA Fire Equipment 130.00
Southeastern Municipal Supply 435.90
Curtin Matheson Scientific, Inc. 1 2.40
Water Pollution Control Federation 25.00
Apperson Chemicals Inc. 4,01 7.30
Rusco 3,140.30
Winta Rentals 11.00
0urttn Scientific Company 1 42.35
Davis Meter & Supply Division 508.85
Terminal Transport Co., Inc. 22.17
Halsey & Griffith Inc. 1.19
Okeechobee Bus~ Station 1.90
Rockwell International 1,788.62
WOKC 40.5O
Formulabs, Inc. 19.05
Ernest Evans 686.31
George Stuart, Inc. 38.24
Total $1 7,480.84
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE - CIGARETT TAX FUND
General Fund $20,000. O0
Transfer of funds
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE -
Water and Sewer ~peratio~ and Maintenance Fund
Transfer of funds $15,000.00
F~DERAL REVUE SHARING TRUST FUND
Ok~chobee County B~mk $11,900.00 ..~
WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM CONSTRUCTI0~ ~dND
Big Four Construction $ 6,520.00
Pursuant to notice published in The Okeechobee News to accept bids for the purchase of
regular gas, High Test Gas, Diesel Fuel ~2, Series 3 Motor Oil, Gear Oils, Lithium Soap Multipurpose
Grease and Outboard Motor Oil, no bids were received. The Council authorized Director Fortner to
negotiate with local businesses on suppling gas for the City.
Pursuant to notice published in The Okeechobee News regarding a public hearing to consider
rezoning of Lots 1, 2, 3, 2, 5 and 6, Block 29, McMullin Woodland Park and Lot I, Block ~, Vickers
Woodland Park from Residential (R-1) to Residential (R-3)o President Burk asked if there were any
objections to the requested rezoning. Mr. G. E. Bryant, Jr., Mr. Ronnie Watts, Contractor, Elmer
Sills and Melba Louthan were present stating their objections that in the present zoning structure
a change would downgrade property in their area. After discussion, Councilman Betts moved to deny
the rezoning request, seconded by Councilman Douglas and carried.
A re-zoning application was received from William L. Tomlinson requesting that Lot 2 of
Block 176, City of Okeechobee be rezoned from Residential (R-3) to Commercial. Councilman Douglas
moved to accept petition for rezoning and authorize the notice of public hearing to be published
in The Okeechobee News, seconded by Councilman Betts and carried.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO AMEND CITY ZONING ORDINANCE #271
NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida,
a municipal corporation, will consider rezoning from Residential (R-3) to Commercial
and to amend accordingly the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance #271 adopted November 21,
1 955, the following descirbed real property, situate, lying and being within the
corporate limits of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, to-wit:
Lot 2 of Block 176, Original Town of Okeechobee
and that a public hearing in relation thereto will be held at ?:35 O'Clock P.M. on
the 8th day of January , 197_~ in the City Council room, City Hall, Okeechobee,
Florida, at which time all parties in interest and citizens shall have an opportunity
to be heard.
PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELVES ACCORDINGLY.
Donald L. Burk
Donald L. Burk
President City Council
0keechobee, Florida
ATTEST: Sandra Bennett
Acting City Clerk
Okeechobee, Florida
PUBLISH IN THE O}~ECHOBEE NEWS: DgCEMBF2~ 20, 1973
A rezoning application was presented from H. S. Conrad, Jr. requesting that Lot 10 and
~.% of Lot 11, Block 10~, Original Town of 0keechobee be rezoned from Residential (R-1) to Commercial
for the purpose of opening a Christian Supply Store. CounciLman Hunt moved to advertise Notice of
Public Hearing to consider rezoning of the above described property, seconded by Councilman Douglas
and carried.
NOTICE OF IN.2ENTION TO AMEND CITY ZONING ORDINANCE ~71
NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida,
a municipal corporation, will consider rezoning from Residential (R-1) to Commercial
and to amend accordingly the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance ~271 adopted November 21,
1955, the following described real property, situate, lying and being within the
corporate limits of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, to-wit:
Lot 10 and ~*~ of Lot 11, Block 109, Plat Book 1, Page 10,
Public Records of Okeechobee County
and that a public hearing in relation thereto will be held at 7:30 O'Clock
P.M. on the 8th day of January , 197_~4 in the City Council room, City Hall,
Okeechobee, Florida, at which time all parties in interest and citizens shall
have an opportunity to be heard.
PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELVES ACCORDINGLY.
Donald L. Burk
Donald L. Burk
President City Council
Okeechobee, Florida
ATTEST: Sandra Bennett
Acting City Clerk
Okeechobee, Florida
PUBLISH IN THE OKEECHOBEE NE~S: December 20, 1973
Mr. Donald R. Atwell, President of UltraCom of Florida, Inc. was present in regards to
franchise agreement The City of Okeechobee granted to Ultracom and to explain the reason why
they had been remiss about compling with the regulations of the franchise. The Council stated
that Ultracom had agreed to accept the franchise and perform by obtaining certification for
three channelcoverage but they had failed to perform on any of the provisions stated in the
franchise. ~. AtWell commented that · he would not recommend that his company expend funds
on the present franchise but that they were now applying for a waiver from the Federal
Communications Commission to carrY 5 local stations. The Council agreed to call a workshop
meeting to discuss the situation with The Councy Commissioners. and Weul~ moti~y.~Mr. Atwell of
the decision.
Warren Preville and Lester Jennings appeared before the Council to discuss the City
furnishing a water line extension to their property at N.E. 4th Street which consist of 63
acres. Mr. Jennings stated that they were co~Sidering developing part for a residential
subdivision and selling part near the "~ailroad to a prospective Industry interested in locating
in the Okeechobee area. After discussion the Council advised Mr. Preville and Mr. Jennings that
they would hold a workshop meeting to study the request when plans were more tangible.
Gino Boromei was present requesting the Council to sign a re-plat of lots 18J, Block
252 in order to clear an apparent error on the title to his property. The Council authorized
Attorney Curren to research state laws governing the matter.
~. Ken Adams was present regarding the sewer treatment plant ordor. Director Fortner
stated that the test had been passed by The Florida State Beard of Health and that they were using
ordor control, and that he had notified The Pollution Control Board of the problem.
Tare Waldron was present requesting the Council to grant him the authorization to increase
his service fees. The Council suggested a workshop meeting to discuss the request when Mr. Waldron
had deCided on the amount of the increase. The Council ~scussed the e~emsive amount of debri
behind U~Sa~e~~ · , and requested Mr. Waldron to work something out with the manager. Also
discussed was the Covering of the trash as they deliver it to the dump.
Fire Cheil Olen Godwin presented the Fire report for the month of November, 1973.
Attorney Curren submitted a new F.H.A. payment authorization form to be signed by the
Mayor or City Clerk. Councilman Betts moved to authorize Mayor Dunham or City Clerk to sign the
checks, seconded by Councilman Hunt and carried. Attorney Curren confirmed the second week of
January for closing of the loan, reported on transferring of City owned tax sale certificates and
tax rolls by January l, 1974 to The County Tax Collector, transferring the Citys complete listings
of registered voters to The Counby by January 1, 1974 and having received the 1973 annual Financial
report of units of local Government due by December 31, 1973.
President Burk requested Attorney Curren to contact the Attorney General by phone concerning
Mrs. Lorena Spivey returning to The City.
Director Fortner presented ~ater, Sewer and Street Department reports for the month of
November, 1973, including the following Memorandums.
Memorandum No. 1. Purchase of pipe and fittings for extension of 6" Water Main to serve
new houses built by Lawson Construction Company on N.~. 7th Court and N.~W. 11th Avenue at $1,557.68.
Councilman Hunt moved to authorize the purchase of pipe and fittings, seconded by Councilman ~)ouglas
and carried.
at $2,899.86
Memorandum No. 2. Purchase of Stock items for the ~ater Plant. Councilman Hunt moved
to authorize the purchase of items listed, seconded by Councilman Betts and carried.
Director Fortner also submitted in his report letters from the following:
Mr. Donald M. Shepherd of the Division of Health, acknawledging receipt of certification
on the old filters and approving them for use.
From Apperson Chemicals, Incorporated informing The City that they must start collecting
cylinder deposits. The Council requested Director Fortner to contact other Water companies to see
if they are paying cylinder deposits.
From J. E. Spooner, Jr. of the Commercial Bank of Okeechobee agreeing to pay one-half of
the cost of running sewer line to the vincinity of their building site at 81 5 South Parrott Ave. at
an approximate figure of $1,500.00. Director Fortner reported that the required pipe had been
ordered.
Also from Ray Sabin, Sales Engineer of Industry Equipment Sales, Inc. of Hialeah, Florida,
informing the City that it would not be possible to demonstrate their lift truck on bid in Okeechobee,
but would furnish Director Fortner transportation to Miami to see the truck on display. Director
Fortner reported that the truck in question was not the requested capacity stated in the bid.
Director Fortner submitted specifications on a new self-propelled, 3 wheel type street
sweeper. Matter referred to Workshop meeting.
Director Fortner reported receiving three job applications for Motor Operators
Eouipment number 1 trainees from Elmer H. Smith, Jr., Max Albert Mitchell and Howard Allan Courson, Jr.
After discussion Council_man Douglas moved to employ Courson, Smith and Mitchell at $6,000.00 per
year basic salary, seconded by Councilman Betts and carried.
Also submitted was Job application from Joseph P. Dixon for truck driver in the Street
Department. Councilman Betts moved to employ Dixon as truck driver in the Street Department,
seconded by Councilman Douglas and carried.
t k
Director Fortner reported a request for a no par~lng sign in fror~ of D & D Shopping Center
at 420 East North Park Street. Attorney Ourren advised that the City Couldn,t legally enforce the
parking regulation but would have to have authorization for the Department of Transportation. The
Council requested Director Fortner to contact The Department of Transportation.
Director Fortner stated that Commissioner L. E. Herbert requested the Council to remove
a billboard alone the city limit ditch on West 441. Council requested Director Fortner to make
inquiries regarding the billboards ownership and notify them to remove the sign within thirty days.
Also to inquire as to the ownership of the property.
Director Fortner reported on a Department of Transportation pre-construction meeting in
Fort Pierce. It was reported that Signal Construction Company of Jupiter, Florida was awarded the
contract to install the traffic signals at State Road 441 and State Road 70 and at 5th Ave. and
State Road 70. Director Fortner advised the Council that the Department of Transportation will
possibly install their own poles. The Council authorized Director Fortner to negotiate with
The Department of Transportation if existing poles are not utilized.
Director Fortner discussed the paving of the parking lot at City Hall. The Council
a~reed to postpone matter for further consideration and to call a workshop meeting for further
discussion.
Fire Chief Godwin reported that the 1953 Reo Water Truck was out of service due to a blown
engine and age. Chief Godwin advised the council that The Division of Forestry had a 1965 Kaiser
Water Truck they would use as a replacement if the City Council approved of the transaction.
Council advised Chief Godwin to set a date for the Council to inspect the truck. Attorney Curren
inf0rmedthe Council that the agreement states that the City agrees to go anywhere in Okeechobee
County upon request of a call from Division of Forestry local conditions permitting.
Councilman Betts commended Fire Chief God~in and Assistant Reutebuch on their promptness
on installing the fire extinguishers at the City Hall.
A letter was read from The Humane Society of Highlands County, Florida, Inc., dated
December 3, 1973 regarding reports of cruelty to animals. They stated that the Society had received
a number of reports of acts of cruelty by an impounding officer employed by either the County or
the City. The acts reported included a severe overcrowding of animals in the shelter, improper
feeding and watering of animals and disposal of animals by shooting at the local dump. After
discussion Councilman Betts was reeuested to investigate matter.
President Burk read a letter from 'Ihe Department of Administration, Division of State Planning,
regarding a notice of meeting of the Governor's Council on Criminal Justice, District IV, December
12 at 10:O0 A.M. in the City Hall Commission Chambers in Fort Myers. Matter referred to Mayor Dunham.
The Clerk reported that a check in the amount of $37,330.73 had been received from The
Florida Power and Light Company for 1973 6% franchise revenue in accordance with Ordinance No. 22_3.
Councilman Hunt moved to give each City employee $15.00 Christmas Bonus, seconded by
Councilman Betts and carried.
A letter was read from Farmers Home Administration requesting the date for the loan closing.
After discussion Councilman Hunt was requested to contact Mr. Wallace McCormick.concerning the date.
Upon motion by Councilman Betts the minutes of the meetings held October 9, 16, 25th and
th
NovemBer 6, ~31~ere read and approved as read, seconded by Councilman Douglas and carried.
There being no further business the Council adjourned.
PRESIDENT CITY COUNCIL
CITY CLERK