1973-09-25 Recessed revised. Mr. Spray answered that there were other projects he was planning to
present to the Council for their consideration. After discussion, President
Domer suggested Mr. Spray submit all recommendations for the Councils study after
he had combined all purposals.
President Domer reported that the price for the two walkie talkies to
be purchased from 50% of Federal Funds has increased from the original cost. He
stated that the State has new cost coming out in the near future and Motorola
has requested permission to present a bid on the walkie talkies.
President Domer also stated that the Fire Department requested a
frequency change on the base station as the Water and Street Department were on
the same frequency. He reported that Motorola had suggested the height of the
antenia be increased and submitted a cost of $218.00~to change the frequency
and to extend the antenia. No action taken.
The Clerk was called upon for her items of business. She presented a
a statemtn from Engineers, Robert E. Owen & Associates, Inc. in the amount of
$171.00 for Item 2 - Witness p~essure and leakage test and disinfection procedure
and call for appropriate clearance by the Health Authorities, Job number 75-
1055. Councilman Hunt moved tc authorize payment, seconded by Councilman
Douglas and carried.
A letter from Terry
City in the field of Urban planning or Urban Adininistration. The Clerk was
directed to file the application.
Councilman Douglas requested that several members of the Council
meet with the Florida Power & Light to go over the street light request.
Councilman Betts reported that Mr. Marvin wherrell wanted to meet with
the Council at the September 25ith meeting to discuss his building on N.W. State
Road 70.
Upon motion, the Council recessed to meet Thursday, September 25, 1975
at 6:30 P.M.
ATTEST: ~~//~/~z~~~~~ President City Council
City Clerk
September 25, 1975
The City Council of tl~e City of 0keechobee, Florida, met in a recessed
meeting and budget session on T~ursday, September 25, 1975, at 6:30 P.M. at the
City Hall with the following prl~sent: President Russell Domer, Councilmen:
E. H. Hunt, Edward Douglas and ~lif Betts, Jr. Councilman Lavon Bass was absent.
Also in attendance were City Ati~orney David Conlon, City Clerk Sandra Bennett,
Building Official Richard B. Spl?ay and Director of Public Works L. C. Fortner, Jr.
Richard B. Spray, Bui].ding Official, was recognized. He stated that
the Council requested that Mr. l'rank Hogan, Building ~mfpe~m~r, of Fort Pierce,
1893
inspect and report on the building, owned by Mr. Marvin lgherrell, on S.W. SR 70.
Mr. Spray stated that Mr. Hogan had listed numerous deficiencies and reocmmended
repairs. Mr. Spray felt that the City should comply with Mr. Hogans recommenda-
tions. President Domer remarked that the Council had requested Mr. Hogan's
inspection to eliminate any question of a personality conflict between the
Building Department and Mr. Wherrell. He stated that according to the City
Charter, the Council does not pass on questions concerning the Building Depart-
ment's condemnation proceedings. He remarked that Mr. Wherrell could repair
the condemed building if he desired.
It was pointed out by Attorney Conlon, that Adrian Rggers, operator
of the store, is building a new store. Marvin Wherrell~was recognized. He
informed the Council that he appreciated the Council getting another opinion
on the building and he was willing to comply with Mr. Hogan's recommendations
on items one through four but not to removing the second floor of the building
or installing fire-rated drywall on all inside walls and ceiling because as
he understood it, it was only a suggestion. Mr. Spray remarked that if Mr.
Wherrell complied with all recommendations, including the drywall and removing
the second floor, he would approve the building, otherwise, he would condem the
building. He informed the Council that in 1973, when he had notified Mr. Wherrell
of the buildings condition and would be condemed if certain repairs weren't
done, he had given Mr. Wherrell thirty days to appeal.
At this time, President Domer read Mr. Hogan's letter· Mr. Wherrell
remarked that there were other buildings in 0keechobee that were in the same
shape but hadn't been condemed. He felt that the same law should apply to
everyone· He stated that he would sue Mr. Spray because his actions are
different to everyone. Mr. Wherrell also stated that he didn't know the
building wms condemed. Mr. Spray informed Mr. Wherrell that he send a certified
letter through the mail which he didn't pick up so he had the police department
to deliver it personal and he had posted the list of condemnations on the
building. He further stated that he had send a certified letter to Adrian Rogers.
After more remarks and discussion, Attorney Conlon suggested Mr.
Spray allow Mr. Wherrell thirty days to make repairs afterwhich, Mr. Spray
agreed to Attorney Conlon's suggestion· Mr. Junior Rogers was recognized. He
inquired if Mr. Wherrell complied with the first four items will the building
be approved. Attorney Conlon stated that if Mr. Wherrell repared the four
items, then he would re~mmend outside Council for their opinion He also
stated after further investigation, he would submit his statement.
There being no further business, President Domer announced that the
Council would adjourn to the Clerk's office for budget session.
Salaries for Department Heads were discussed and agreed on the
following:
John Bennett $10,450.00
1894
Frank Bennett, Street Supervisor $ 9,800.00
Director of Public Works, L.C. Fortner 14,100.00
Sandra Bennett, City Clerk 10,1OO.OO
Richard Spray, Building Official 9,740.00
It was agreed to leave Attorney Conlons's salary at $9,000.00
Clerk Bennett recommended additional $400.OO be added to Bernice
Elders salary as she is Oecretary to the Mayor, Building Official and Director
of Public Works. She is also bookkeeper for the water department. The Council
agreet with Clerk~Bennett's recommendation.
Director Fortner reported that Melvin Lamb had operated the back hoe
but had been removed and promoted Forest Gainer to the position. The Council
agreed to pay Gainer $7,700.00 for the 75-76 year and to leave Melvin Lamb's
salary at $7,700.00.
The Council discussed increasing water and sewer rates, tappage fees
and deliquent fees.
Director Fortner inquired if the Council wanted to place the purchase
of the air conditioner in the Council room on bids. The Council directed
Director Fortner to place the air conditioner on bids.
Director Fortner also inquired if the Council wanted to proceed with
installing the new telephone system. The Council directed Director Fortner to
proceed with the system.
No further business the Council recessed to meet Thursday, October
2, 1975 at 7:00 P.M.
CITY CLERK
October 2, 1975
The City Council of the City of 0keechobee met in a recessed session
for a public hearing at the City Hall on Thursday, October 2, 1975 at 7:00 P.M.
with the following present: President Russell Domer, Councilmen: E. H. Hunt,
Edward W. Douglas, Lavon Bass and Clif Betts, Jr. Also in attendance was
City Clerk, Sandra Bennett.
President Domer asked Councilman Douglas to open the meeting with
pr~yer.
It being the hour of Seven O'Clock and pursuant to a Notice published
in The Okeechobee News regarding a Public Hearing on the City Council considering
adopting a Resolution levying a millage rate in excess of the certified millage,
President Domer read the Resolution and asked if there were any objections or
comments from the audience.
Mrs. Faye Lukacs of 904 N.W. 4th Street was recognized. She stated
that she didn't object to the Council adopting a Resolution levying a millage
rate but she had several complaints she wanted to make about the condition of