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1975-09-18 Recessed Upon motion the Council adjourned to meet Thursday, September 18, 1975 at 7:00 P.M. for a Public Hearing on levying tax millage rate in excess of the certified millage.~ ~~~/~---'~/ --. ATTE ST: CITY CLERK September 18, 1975 The City Council of the City of Okeechobee met in a recessed session for a public hearing at the City Hall on Thursday, September 18, 1975 at 7:00 P.M. with the following present: President Russell V. Domer, Councilmen: E. H. Hunt, Edward W. Douglas, Lavon Bass and Clif Betts, Jr. Also in attendance were City' Clerk, Sandra Bennett and Director of Public Works, L. C. Fortner, Jr It being the hour of Seven O'Clock and pursusuat toga Notice published in The 0keechobee News regarding a Public Notice on the City Council levying a millage rate in excess of the certified millage. President Domer stated that the Council is asking for $124,O00.00 for 1975-76 due to the growth of the City and raising costs of operating expenses. He also stated that the Council hasn't raised taxes in two years. President Domer asked if there were any objections or comments from the audience. No objections or comments were heard or filed. -'~ President Domer announced that a public hearing would be held October 3, 1975 at 7:00 P.M. to adopt a Resolution levying the tax millage and the General budget for 1975 and 1976. President Domer stated that due to an operational problem at Taylor Creek bridge on SR 70, the Department of Transportation was intenting to construct a five lane bridge with Federal funds as there was a continuous decline in State funds. In order to receive Federal funds, removal of parallel parking from SR 70 was necessary. The Department of Transportation has requested the Council to adopt a Resolution banning parking on SR 70. President Domer stated that the Resolution will not be in effect until the Federal Highway Administration authorizes the funds for construction. Director Fortner stated that all interested parties had been notified but it would only effect a few business offices on North Park Street. President Domer asked if there were any objections or comments from the audience regarding the Resolution. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence D~ Feldman of 0keechobee Army and Navy Surplus Store at 506 W.N. Park Street were recognized. Mr. Feldman stated that the discontinuance of parallel parking on SR 70 would effect his bmsiness due to his building not located along a side street. Councilman Hunt commented that he doesn't see how the Council can reject this project as Sh~ need to improve the traffic capacity and flow on certain portions of SR 70 was was urgent. Councilman Bass stated that due to construction wouldn't begin until 1977, he felt the Council should proceed with adopting the Resolution. Councilman Douglas presented Resolution providing for the discontinuance of parallel parking 1887 on certain portions of SR 70 and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Bass and carried. RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE DISCONTINUANCE OF PARALLEL PARKING ON CERTAIN PORTIONS OF STATE ROAD 70 WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the public to. improve the traffic capacity and flow on certain portions of State Road 70, lying within the City limits of the City of 0keechobee, Florida, and; WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation is desir3ur of expanding State Road 7o to four (4) lanes, and; WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation requires the discontinuance of parallel parking on certain portions of State Road 70 in order to proceed further with the process of expanding State Road 70 to four (4) lanes; WHEREFORE, the City declares that as of the date the Federal Highway Administration authorizes the funds for construction of the following portion of State Road 70, to-wit: East of Taylor Creek Bridge to Hancock Street; and West of Taylor Creek Bridge to State Road 700, (u.s. 98) It shall thereafter be unlawful to parallel park on State Road 70 between the above described East and West boundaries of State Road 70. DONE, RESOLVED, and made effective this 23rd day of September, 1975, at regular meeting of the City Council~ City of 0keechobee~ Florida. -- Russell Domer PRESIDENT CITY COUNCIL ATTESTED: - Sandra Bennett CITY CLERK Mr. Harold Price was recognized. He asked about the plans regarding the construction of a second bridge over Taylor Creek. President Domer re- marked that the present bridge had greater priori*y than a second bridge at the present time. Mr. Price also inquired about the traffic light at the intersec- tion of 5th Ave. and SR 7©. Director Fortner stated that parts for the light has been ordered but hasn't been received. Mr. William Beard was recognized. He stated that he had been informed that the City was in the process of determining water rate increases for 75-76. He requested a contract between himself and the City whereby he would be billed per gallon instead of each unit. President Domer informed Mr. Beard that the City is obligated through FHA bondin~ ordinance to increase water rates to meet the cost of production when necessary. He stated that when the City met in a workshop meeting to discuss the increase, he would be notified and could attend to submit his request. Director Fortner reported that Engineers, Robert E. Owens and Associa- tes, had forwarded the aerial photographs of SR 441 to the City for the purposed new main. He inquired if the Council was desirous to continue with the project by obtaining easements from property owners along SR 441. The Council agreed and authorized Attorney Conlon to proceed with the contracts. 1888 Director Fortner asked the Council for a decision on City employees holiday leave if said day falls within his or her vacation time. After dis- cussion, the Council tabled the matter for further investigation. A letter was read from Building Official of Ft. Pierce, Frank W. Hogan, regarding inspection of Marvin Wherrell Building on N.W. Park Street, 8R 70. Mr. Hogan stated in the letter that based on what he has inspected the building is a definite fire hazard and due to the fact that it is hurricane season that these immediate precautionary steps be taken. 1. Be sure the fuses in the main panel do not exceed its rated capacity 2. A competent electrician make immediate inspection of all wiring replacing where overloaded and obsolete. ~. Top all the large Australian pines to not less than 20 feet that exist on the west and east of the structure. (Large. limbs falling or an entire tree could easily rupture electric line~ within the building.) 4. Immediately check the two west cables making sure they are secure, install a new cable on the south-east corner and secure the one on the northeast corner to a deadman. Mr. Hogan also suggested after the hurricane or rainy season~ the second floor could be removed, lessening the changes of the structure blowing over. He recommended fire-rated drywall on all inside walls and ceiling. Ail wiring should be in conduit in spite of the fact it is permitted in the National Electric Code. Mr. Hogan also commented that if an amicable solution cannot be worked out voluntarily with the owner, the overall situation is such that he belived the City's Building Official is in a position to take precautionary steps as life and property are at stake. The owner and leassee could be notified by registered mail or through police delivery that the electrical service to the structure would be cut off within a reasonable time, i.e., seven days if the entire electrical system is not in compliance with the National Electric Code and/or put in a safe condition. A statement in the amount of $]00.00 was also enclosed in the letter from Mr. Hogan for Travel Time 1½ hours, Inspection time 1½ hours and report 1 hou~ @ $25.00 per hour. President Domer announced meetings scheduled for regn/lar meeting to be held September 25, 1975 at 7:00 P.M. and a public hearing October 2, 1975 at 7:00 P.M. to sonsider adopting a resolution levying a tax millage in excess of certified millage. There being no further business, President Domer announced that the Council would adjourn to the ~lerk's office for budget session. Preliminary work was done on the 1975-76 General and Water and Sewer Budget. A merit system was discussed for the General and Water and Sewer Departments and approved whereby each Department Head would evaluate his or her employees and recommend an increase in their salary during the 75-76 year if the employee meets the requirement. $400.00 maximum per employee for the year was agreed upon. Salaries for the Department Heads were discussed President Domer . 889 suggested that each Councilman study the matter and present their recommendations at the next budget meeting. Councilman Betts pointed out that last year, the Council had increased Director Fortner's salary and had agreed to release the responsibiiity of the Street Department from Director Fortner. Director Fortner remarked that at the time he had agreed to shoulder the responsibility until the Council appointed a Supervisor for the Department President D~mer suggested the Council investigate the matter further for a possible solution. The Council discussed and approved an additament to the sick leave policy.whereby any employee working for the City for five years or more will earn eight hours per month instead of four hours. Upon motion, the Councib recessed to meet Thursday, September 2D, 1975 at 6:30 P.M. CITY CLERK September 2~, 1975 The City Council of the City of 0keechobee, Florida, convened in regular session at the City Hall on Tuesday, September 23, 1975 at 7:00 P.M. with I the following present: Mayor Audley Dunham, President Russell V. Domer, Co'~ucil- man: E. H. Hunt, Edward W. Douglas and Clif Betts, Jr. Councilman Lavon Bass ~;~s absent Also in attendance were: City Attorney, David Conlon, City Clerk Sandra Bennett and Director of Public Works, L. C. Fortner, Jr. President Domer asked Councilman Douglas to open the meeting with prayer. It being the hour of Seven O'Clock and pursuant to a notice published in the 0keechobee News regarding a public hearing to consider re-zoning the following described real property; Lots 1 through 6, Block 29, McMullins Wood- land Park, Original Town of 0keechobee and Lot 1, Block 44, Vickers Woodland Park Original Town of Okeechobee, from Residential (R-I,~ to Residential (R-2), President Domer asked if there were any objections to the requested rezoning. Mrs. Melba Louthan was recognized. She stated that she owned two lots that borders the north side of said property and her sister owns 9 lots that borders the west side. She expressed her objections that in the present zoning structure a change would devaluate the property She also pointed out that the property surounding maid property is underveloped and in the future she could forsee the property purchased and rezoned to Residential (R-2). Mr. Louis R. DeMicco was recognized. He stated that the duplex cost $60,000.00 to construct and he didn't see how it devaluated the property. He remarked that his parents would live in one side and he would rent the other side. He also plans to build another duplex on the other section.