1975-03-11 Regular1820
~ch 6, 1975
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, met in a recessed session at
the City Hall on the above date at 6:30 P.M. with the following present: Mayor Audley Dunham,
President Rassell V. Domer, Councilmen: E. H. Hunt, Edward W. Douglas, Lavon Bass and Clif
Botts, Jr., City Clerk, Sandra Bennett, Attorney David Conlon and Director of P~blic Works,
L. C. Fortner, Jr.
Members of the 0keechobee Beach Water Association, Inc., Attorney George Butler
and Engineers, Mr. J. H. Weaver and Mr. C. A. Myers of Robert and Company were present discussing
proposed changes at the water treatment plant and proposed contracts between the City and Beach
Water Association.
After discussion, the City Council agreed to allow Okeechobee Beach Water Association.
to install a) Allitude valves with concrete vaults at the base of each of the two water storage
tanks, b) A transmitter at the Treasure Island Water tank,c) A set of controls at the water plant
d) A new motor with appropriate controls, coupling and coupling guard and a new impeller with
shaft, shaft sleeves, bearings, packing and case wear rings at the water plant.
Raising the Beach Water's water rates was discussed. The 0keechobee Beach Water
Association, Inc. agreed to the water rate increase from .35~ per thousand to ~5~ contingent
upon Farmers Home Administration approval.
The Council also agreed to authorize Robert E. Owen Associates and Robert and
Company Associates to work up a preliminary estimate for new raw water intake and pumps for
City waterworks a~d evaluate proposal by Beach Water ~ssociation for water service.
Art Meeks, Engineer of Robert E. Owen and Associates was recognized. He explained
the "201" area facility planning program and the steps involved in submitting application for
the seventy-five percent Federal funding.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
March 11, 1975
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, met in regular session on
Tuesday, March ~l, 1975 at 7:00 P.M. The following members were present: President Russell V.
Donor, Councilmen: E. H. Hunt, Edward W. Douglas, Lavon Bass and Clif Botts, Jr. Also in
attendance were: City Clerk, Sandra Bennett, Attorney David Conlon and Director of Public Works,
L. C. Fortner, Jr.
President Domer opened the meeting with prayer by Councilman Douglas.
Vouchers on the following funds were approved:
General Fund ......... $ 24,693.40
Water & Sewer Operation & Maintenance Fund ~ i5,698.35
Water & Sewer Revenue Fand ~ 39,111.08
Okeechobee Water & Sewer System Bond and Interest Sinking Fund -$ 2,109.00
i /'.
Pursuant to notice published in The Okeechobee News regarding a public hearing to consider
rezoning from Residential (R-2) to Residential (R-3), Lots 3, 4, 5 and 6, Block 1 26, Original Town
of Okeechobee, President Domer asked if there were aay objections to the rezoning. No objections
were heard or filed. Councilman Betts moved to rezone the above described property from
Residential (R-2) to Residential (R-3), presenting the following Ordinance and moved its adoption
and upon being seconded by Councilman Douglas was put to a vote and unanimously adopted.
O~DI~ANCE NO. 271 - (104)
ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 271, BELONG AN ORDINANCE
ESTABLISHING ZONING REGOLATI0~S FC~ TH~ CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA, AND PROVIDING FOR THE ~ISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT
AND AMENDMENT T~EOF P~RSUANT TO TEE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER
1 76, FLORIDA STATUTES, 1953.
WHEREAS, application has been made by Manuel G. Garcia requesting this
Ceuncil to rezone from RESIDENTIAL (R-2) TO RESIDENTIAL (R-3), Lots 3, 4, 5
and 6, Block 1 26, Original Town of Okeechobee, and
WHEREAS, notice of intention to amend City Zoning Ordinance No. 271,
regarding said application was duly published according to law,, and
WHEREAS, on the 11 th day of March, 1975, a public hearing was held
in the City Council room pursuant ti saud bitucem and
WHEREAS, it is deemed to the best interest of the City of Okeechobee
to grant said application; now therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA:
SECTION I. That Lots 3, 4, 5 and 6, Block 1 26, Original Town of
Okeechobee, be and is hereby rezoned from Residential (R-2) to Residential (R-3)
effective March 11, 1975.
SECTION 2. That the application requesting rezoning and proof of publication
to amend Zoning Ordinance No. 271 published in connection with the above application
be attached to this Ordinance and become a part hereof.
SECTION 3. That the City Clerk make the appropriate change on the City
Zoning Map in accordance with this Ordinance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 11 TH DAY OF MARCH, 1975.
Russell V. Domer
PRESIDENT CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST: Sandra Bennett CITY CT.E~K
APPROVED BY ME THIS 11 TH DAY OF MARCH~ 1975.
-- Audle~ Dumham ,
MAYOR
Rick Roberts, Representative of the Bankers Life and Aetna Insurance Company, was
recognized. Mr. Roberts presented the Council with proposals on group life insurance.
Dan Sherman, Vice President of Okeechobee Citizens Recreational Association was
recognized. Mr. Sherman requested financial help for Little Leaque and Football insurance.
He stated that the cost would be approximately $2,000.00. After discussion, President Domer
.... I - 'l' !'1 ' '! I
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requested Mr. Sherman to check back with the Council in April after the second quarter financial
report has been received.
Steve G. Kohn, Commercial Manager for United Telephone Compar~ was recognized. Mr.
Kohn presented copies of a new proposed telephone franchise and present franchise for the Councils
consideration. President Domer stated that they would review the proposed franchise,and set up
a workshop meeting in the future.
Pursuant to notice published in The Okeechobee News - Notice of Letting - Invitation to Bid- on
the following wat?r meters:
150 - 5/8" x 3/4" Water Meters
15 - i" Water Meters
5 ~ ~''
- -.~' Water Meters
5 - 2" Water Meters
Bids were received, opened and read from the following:
?.adger Meter, Inc. $36.95 $78.88 $170.50 $252.95
Rockwe 11 International 33.20 73.04 146.08 219.12
Hersey-Sparling ~.~eter Company 36.47 85.48 175.27 260.96
Southern Meter & '3~pply Company 27.22 67.36 122.24 181.73
Gamon/Calmet Worthington 33.11 72.60 !62.54 248.29
The Council requested Director Fortner to tabulate bids and return a recommendation.
Afterwhich Director Fortner returned and recommended the bid from Rockwell International be
accepted. Upon recommendation of Director Fortner, Councilman Hunt moved to accept the bid from
Rockwell International for the purchase of water meters as listed above, seconded by Councilman
Betts and unanimously carried.
Richard B. Spray, Building Inspector, discussed with the Council the City's policy on
cleaning the park after the Speckled Perch Festival. President Domer stated that in the past the
Council paid L. P. Sanitation to clean the park. After discussion, action was postponed for
further inve st igat ion.
A request from The Chamber of Commerce for permission to install a fence around the
monument in the p.~rk was reported. No action taken.
A letter from Emil M. Allwelt, Representative of Max Davis Associates was read request-
ing the City to purchase a yearly service contract at a cost of $175.00 for the Savin 220 Copier
machine. After discussion the Council agreed not to purchase the contract.
President Domer arhnounced that a 200-hour minimum Education course is prescribed by the
State of Floricla Fire Fighter Standards Council to give the fire fighter a practical knowledge
of basic fire fighting techniques utilized in basic fire fighting operation. This course is
required of all newly appointed fire fighters. President Domer stated that the course would be
starting April 7 through May 23, 1975 at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce for a fee
of $5.00 plus classroom supplies. President Domer recommended the City authorize Don Metzcher and
Robert C. Dezun no~..~? firemen to attend these classes. After discussion, Councilman Douglas moved to
provide Metzcher ~nd Dean physicals, fuel for transportation, fees.~and salary while attending
Indian River Co[mnunity College, seconded by CoUncilman Betts and carried.
Pursuant to Notice published in The 0keechobee News- Notice of Letting - Invitation to
Bid on the purchase of the fo!]o~,~ing fire hydrants:
12 - Improved A~..~A Type Fire Hydrants with counter-clockwise opening
Bids were rece~.ved, opened and read from the follo~.~zing:
Mue 1 le r Company $ 314.25
Davis M~ter & SUpply division 304.45
Southern Meter & Supply Company, Inc. 239.28
Riverview Utilities Supply, Inc. 236.00
Kennedy Valve Mfg. Company, Inc. 247.15
Americs~n-Darling Valve & Manufacturing 265.00
The Council requested Director Fortner to tabulate the bids and return a recon~nendation.
-ifter~.ich Director Fortner retuz~]ed and recommended the bid from Riverview Utilities Supply, Inc.
be accepted. Upon recommendation of Director Fortner, Councilman Hunt moved to accept the bid
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f~om Riverview Utilities for the purchase of Fire Hydrants as listed above, seconded by Council-
man Bass and carried.
Tom E!more, owner of Lake Dodge-Plymouth was recognized. Mr. Elmore stated that
Baslow-Hentschel, a Mercedes Benz and Volvo distributor was permitted to set up operations with-
out a City license or State "State license". Presidez~ Domer informed Mr. Elmore that he re-
ceived the request on short notice from Baslow-Hentschel and gave them permission to display
Mercedes .3nd Volvos as the City's Attorney was out o~ town. Attorney Conlon was asked to report.
He stated that President Domer took the right action.
Proposals on group life Insurance was presented to the Council for consideration from
Agents: Richard Stokes - Metropolitan Life, Don Walker - Liberty National and John Ward of
Gulf Life.
President Domer read a letter from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
requesting permission to place a mobile State Driver license office in The City limits of Okee-
chobee for the purpose of conducting ~fritten and driving exams for the citizens on Lots 10, 11
~nd 12 of Block 1C3. The Division of Driver License ~cill, with the approval of thc City furnish
their own septic tank, electricity and ~ater hook ups. President Domer requested Attorney
Con!on tc~ read Ordinance #374 permitting Goverrm~ental units to locate house trailers on gove~-
mental property for temporary Governmental purposes.
Attorney Conlon read Ordinance #374, an Ordinance -amending Ordinance No. 294 (Chapter 19)
of the Cede of Ordinances of The City of Okeechobee, Florida, Which prohibits House Trailers
'~ithin the City except as set forth therein, tc add a new Section 5 (Section 19-4) of Chapter 19
to enable the City Council upon proper application to permit Governmental units to locate house
trailers (or other Mobile Housing units) on Governmental property for temporary Governmental
purposes, by Resolution setting forth the time limit, use permitted and other conditions. Council-
~374 upon the first reading, seconded by Councilman Bass and
nmn Bettg moved to adopt Ordinance ~
carried.
Lieutenant Larry Mobley presented the Police Department activity report for the month
of February. He requested permission to draw up specifications on two new police cars. After
discussion the Council instructed Chief Staats to get estimates on the cost of two cars and
report at next ~neeting.
Chief Staats requested permission to attend a Statewide project Officers' conference
Tuesday, ~.~rch 25, 1975 at the Sheraton - Tampa Motor Hotel-in Tampa, Florida at no expense to
the City. Councilman Bass moved to authorize Chief Staats to attend the conference, seconded by
Councilman Betts and carried.
The Fire report for the month of February and annual fire report was presented to the
Counci 1.
The Water, Sever and Street Department report for February was presented by Director
Fortner.
Memorandum #1 - Estimated cost per 1000 gallons of water in the clearwell for February
1975 and the total gallons pumped.
Memorandum #2 - 11 culverts needed for stock at $739.36. Councilman Douglas moved to
authorize Director Fortner to purchase the culverts at $739.36, seconded by Councilm~n Bass and
carried.
Memorandum #3 - Monthly cost of existing telephone system for the offices of ghe 7~.~lyor,
City Clerk, Water Dept., Building Official and Director of Public Works - $48.34 and the rates for
the key system that would combine all telephone numbers and telephones in the 0keechobee City
Ilall into one large system - monthly rates $276.95 - installation fee $406.00.
Memorandum {~4 - Proposed telephone system using key telephones and connecting the
follo~Rng offices together with an inter-eom system: }layor, City Clerk, Water Dept., Building
Official and Director of Public Works. Monthly rates $51.01 and installation fee $162.00.
No action taken for further investigation.
Memorandum #5 - Replacement of a high pressure hose on the sewer cleaning machine -
500 feet ~ 1" heavy duty hose ~ $~.35 - $1,175.00. The Council instructed Director Fortner to
draw up specifications to advertise for bids.
Memorandum Z?6 - Stock items needed at the water plant at a cost of $719.50. Councilman
}{,ant m~ved to authorize Director Fortner to purchase items as listed on Memorandum ~76, seconded
by Councilman Bass and carried.
IS24
Director Fortner presented specifications on chemgcals for the Councils approval to
advertise for b~ds. Councilman Hunt moved to authorize Director Fortner to advertise for bids,
seconded by Councilman Betts and carried.
CITY OF 0KEECHOBEE
NOTICE OF LETTING - INVITATION TO BID
Sealed bids ;,~ill be received by the City Council of the City of
Okeec~qobee, Florida at the City Hall until 7:00 0'Clock P. bi. ,
April 10, 1975, at which time the bids duly submitted ;,~11 be
opene~ and read, for the purchase of the following Chemicals: .4.,000 - Bags of Aluminum Sulfate
°,000 - Bags of Hydrated Lime
40 - Bags of Copper Sulfate
600 - Bags of Activated Carbon
10 - Drums of 70 % Powdered Chlorine
30 - Ton Tanks of Chlorine
Detailed specifications may be obtained from the office of the
City Clerk in City Hall.
The CJ ty of 0keechobee reserves the right to reject any or all.
bids or to accept the proposal deemed most advantageous to the
City.
Russell Domer
PRESIDENT OF CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF 0KEECHOBEE
ATTEST: Sandra Bennett CITY CLERK
PUBLISH IN THE 0KEECHOBEE NEWS ~IRRCIt 20 and 27, 1975.
Director Fortner requested permission to draw up specifications on two heavy duty
submersible sewage pumps for the lift station at the corner of N. E. 5th Ave. and N. E. Park
Street. Councii:~mn Betts moved to authorize Director Fortner to draw up specifications for the
Councils approval, seconded by Councilnmn Betts and carried.
Director Fortner reported that Jimmy Minnehan had asked to purchase the fence wire
that had been re~noved from the water plant area. The Council agreed to sell the wire and
instructed Director Fortner to investigate prices of new wire and charge 25% of cost.
Director FortDer reported receiving complaints from residences at E1 Mir Sol Subdivision
on S.R. 70 West of the City limits on low water pressure. He stated that before ~!e addition
of the 6" water feed main could be installed by the City , plans and specifications had to be made
by Engineers to ~eet State Health Department requirements. He also stated that Robert E. Owen &
Associates, Inc. would prepare the plans per diem not to exceed $1,000.00 for witness pressure
and leakage test and disinfection procedure and call. for appropriate clearance by the Health
Authorities. Co~anciln~n Hunt moved to authorize Robert E. Owen & Associates, Inc. to prepare
the plans and specifications , seconded by Councihnan Douglas and carried.
Direct'>r Fortner stated that before specifications can be drawn up on the aerator the
Council had budgeted for.1975, a survey by the City's Engineers will be needed to detez~nine what
type of Aerator ~s required. Councilman Hunt moved to a~tnorzze~ ' ' Robert E. Owen & Associates, Inc.
to prepare pla~s .mhd specifications for the aerator, seconded by Councilman Betts a~nd carried.
Direct~r Fortner reported that the Dog Warden's thick needs extensive repair before it
will pass inspection and had requested the use of one of the water Department trucks., lie stated
that the Water Department was using the t~ck at the thne. Aft-~r discussion, Councilman Bass
was requested to investigate the cost of repairing the Dog's Wardens t~ack a~d report at the next
meeting.
Director Fortner presented a at~sfactor~ =
S ' ~ zmpl~vee Perfornmo~ce Evaluation on Doug
Holden a~d reque~ted his salary be increased to $8,200.00 per year. Co~n~cilman Hunt ~Dved to
increase Holden' s salary to $8,200.00 upon Director Fortner' s reconmmndation, seconded by Council- '
man Bass and carried.
A satisfactory Employee performance evaluation was also presented by Director Fortner
on Doug ?75~att, Trainee at the Water Plant operator. He co~raended in the eva~tuation that Doug
Wyatt is proving to be a good employee and is willing to do anything he is told to do. Director
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Fortner r2conraended his classification be changed to permanent employee and his salary be increased
to ,.~6,800.00 per year effective January 22, 1975. Councilman Hunt moved to change Wyatt's
classificntion to permanent employee and increase his salary to $6,800.00 per year effective
January 2'~, 1975, seconded by Councilma~ Betts and carried.
Director Fortner also presented a satisfactory employee performance evaluation on
Floyd Selph, trainee in the Street Department and recommended his salary be increased $6,600.00
March 23, 1975 after completion of his six months probation period. Councilman Douglas moved to
increase Selph's salary to $6,600.00, seconded by Councilman Bass and carried.
The City Clerk was asked for her items of business. She presented the agreement be-
tween Okeechobee Beach Water Association and The City of Okeechobee ~fnich allows The Okeechobee
Beach Water water rate increase from .35¢ per thousand galloms to .45¢ retroactive to February
20, 1975. This agreement also allows Beach Water to proceed with improvements upon City property
that was previously requested. Councilman Hunt moved to authorize Mayor Dunhmn to execute the
agreement, seconded by Councilman Bass and carried.
A copy of the City of Okeechobee Audit Report for 1974-75 was presented to the Council,
~,~th I.i~tlpin, Curtis & 0'Ilaire C.P.A's recommendations for their consideration. The Council
instnmted Attorney Conlon to help draft a reply to be send to the Auditor General.
An application for City occupational license from Cecil Gore for an amusement palor
at 1018 g. E. Park Streetcars presented to the Council for approval. After reviewing the applica-
tion, The Council instructed the Building Inspector to inspect the building to see if it meets
the rules and regulations of the State Health Department.
The City Clerk presented an,~application for employment on Bettye M. Matthews for the
City Clerk's office for the Councils consideration. After reviewing the application, Councilman
Betts moved to employ Matthews~for thmee months, seconded by Councilman Bass and carried.
Minutes of the meeting held February 11 and 27, 1975 were read and upon motion by
Councilman Douglas and seconded by Councilman Betts the~.minutes were accepted as read.
The Council recessed to Thursday, March 20, 1975 at 6:30 P.bl.
PRESIDENT CITY COL~C-IL
CITY CLERK
March 20, 1975
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, met in a recessed session at the
City Hall on the above date at 6:B0 P.M. with the following present: Mayor Audley I~anham,
President Russell V. Domer, Councilmen: E. H. Hunt, Edward W. Douglas, Lavon Bass and Clif Betts,
Jr. tlso present were: City Clerk, Sandra Bennett, Attorney David Conlon and Director of Public
~-forks, L. C. Fortner, Jr.
The City Council discussed a key telephone system which would combine all telephone
n~mbers and telephones at the City Hall into one large system. Action was postponed for further
investigation.
The new proposed telephone franchise was discussed. Attorney Conlon was asked to report.
He stated, that he: had rev~.ewed the franchise and found it to be a sound contract. After more
discussio:~, the Council tabled action ~or.further investigation.
Chief Staats requested permission to advertise bids on two new Police cars. He stated
that the Frice for a smaller car would run approximately $4,700.00. After discussion, Councilman
B:-~ss moved to authorize Chief Staats to draw up specifications contingent upon his approval
seconded ~,y Councilma~ Betts and carried.
Chief Staats presented an unsatisfactory emplo:ee performmnce evaluation on Jack
Lakore, R:'dio Dispatcher. Chief Staats comm~:nted in the evaluation that Lakore had been caught
sleeping :,n the job on several cccassions and had ~een warned. Chief Staats reco~m~ended he be
terminate:~. Councilmmn Eass moved to tenninate Lskore upon Chief Staats recommendation, seconded
by Counci]~nn Betts and carried.
.~ satisfactory employee performance evaluation was also presmnted by Chief Staats on
.... Radio DJ. spatcher and stated that he has completed his six months probation
James ~a~n~ Terry,