1975-10-02 Recessedi_894
Frank Bennett, Street Supervisor $ 9,800.00
Director of Public Works, L.C. Fortner 14,100.00
Sandra Bennett, City Clerk 10,100.00
Richard Spray, Building Official 9,740.00
Et was agreed to leave Attorney Conlons's salary at $9,000.00
Clerk Bennett recommended additional $400.00 be added to Bernice
Elders salary as she is Decretary 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. ~ ~
.~ PRESIDENT CITY COUNCIL
ATTE ST:
CITY CLERK
October 2, 1975
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee met in a recessed session
for a public hearing at the City Hall on Thursday, October 2, 1975 at 7:00 P.M.
wit~ 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 0keechobee 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
1895
the street in front of her house. She informed the Council that there were no
street lights or fire hydrants in her area, nor sidewalks. The streets weren't
paved and when it rained, the water flomded the street as the ditch was full of
weeds and brush. She also remarked that the people living across the street
from her keeps livestock. She stated that she didn't mind paying taxes if she
could get the benefits from it. President Domer informed Mrs. Lukacs that the
County maintained the streets but that her other complaints would be investigated.
Councilman Douglas presented Resolution as read and moved its adoption,
seconded by Councilman Bass and unanimously adopted.
RESOLUTION LEVYING A MILLAGE RATE IN
EXCESS OF THE CERTIFIED MILLAGE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 0KEECHOBEE
FLORIDA:
1. That the Annual General Fund Budget, both operatin~
and debt service, W~s taken up and considered for final adoption
at this meeting duly called and noticed for such purpose, and
such budget was duly agreed upon as the budget for fiscal year
October 1, 1975 to September 30, 1976 and a copy of such budget
was ordered attached to this Resolution of Adoption and by
reference made a part hereof, and a copy ordered published in
The 0keechobee News and by all such action being taken such
budget was duly adopted.
2. That the ad volorum tax revenue portion of such budget
be met by tax levy as follows:
For General Fund Operating budget a tax levy at the rate
of $4,5907 per $1,000 valuation against all taxable property in
the City of 0keechobee, Florida.
WHEREAS, the 1974 Tax Levy was at the rate of $4,5907 per
$1,000 valuation against all taxable property in the City of
0keechobee, Florida, and,
WHEREAS, the 1974 tax levy produced $112,000.00 in Revenue
and,
WHEREAS, the tax levy of $4,5907 per $1,000 valuation
against all taxable property in the City of 0keechobee,
Florida, for 1975 would produce $124,000 and,
WHEREAS, the Annual General Budget for October 1, 1975
to September 30, 1976 requires revenues from the tax levy
valuation against all taxable property in ihe City of
0keechobee, Florida, in the amount of $124,000.00.
WHEREFORE, the City Council has proposed, considered
and adopted a millage rate of $4,5907 per $1,000 valuation
as the tax rate for 1975.
This Resolution was proposed, considered and adopted
under the provisions of Section 166.041 (3) (b) Florida
Statutes, and was enacted by no less than a two-third
vote of the City Council.
DONE, RESOLVED and made effective this 2nd day of
October, 1975, at an adjourned regular meeting of the
City Council, City of 0keechobee, Florida.
Russell Domer
President of City Council
ATTEST: Sandra Bennett
City Clerk
APPROVED BY ME THIS 2nd DAY OF OCTOBER, 1975.
Audley Dunham
Mayor
1896
President Domer read a Resolution ~umber 397, providing Reserve fund
in General Obligation Bonded Indebted Fund. Councilman Betts presented the
Resolution as read and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Bass and
unanimously adopted.
RESOLUTION PROVIDING RESERVE FUND IN GENERAl,
OBLIGATION BONDED INDEBTED FUND
WHEREAS, there has accumlated in the General Bonded Indebted
Account in the City of 0keechobee, from interest earned and
principal refunded in conjunction with the sale of the City of
0keechobee General Refund Bonds of 1971, interest on certificates
of deposits on such funds and unanticipated excess income from
taxes levied in 1973 and 1974 and the present cash balance is
$98,300.17.
WHEREAS, Principal payments together with semi-annual
interest payments are due and payable on January 1st of each
year and addition interest payment is due July 1 of each year.
Taxes are due and payable from November 1st in each tax year
and are not deliquent until April 1st of the following year,
and consequently the total tax le~ry for ~ayment of January
1st Principal and Interest is not fully available at such
time for such purpose.
WHEREAS, it is determined to be in the best interest of
the bond holders and in the best interest of the City to
reserve such accumulated funds referred to above for the
purpose of always being availabe to meet the bonded obligations
as they fall due, and to meet any contingency that may arise.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of 0keechobee has
by Resolution dated this 2nd day of October, 1975, designated
a fund as General Obligation Refunding Bond Sinking Fund.
This Sinking Fund was created for holding and accumlating
funds for the purpose expressed above~ and if not expended
during the period of the bond issue shall be used to satisfy
the final year or years under the issue.
WHEREFORE, the City shall transfer and deem said $98,300.17
as an increase to the account of the "General Obligation Refunding
Bond Sinking Fund."
WHEREFORE, the City shall levy annually sufficient municipal
debt millage to pay principal payments, interest payments and
Baying Agent fees as they fall due.
This Resolution was proposed, considered, and adopted under
the provisions of Section 166.041(3)(b) Florida Statutes, and was enacted
by no less than a two-thirds vote of the City Council and takes effect
immediately.
DONE, RESOLVED and made effective this 2nd day of October, 1975,
at an adjourned regular meeting of the City Council, City of 0keechobee,
Florida.
Russell Domer
President of City Council
ATTEST: Sandra Bennett
City Clerk
APPROVED BY ME THIS 2ND DAY OF OCTOBER, 1975.
Audle¥ Dun_ham
.... I I I'I''?- '!
IS97
President Domer read Resolution Number 399 , Budget adoption and Tax
Levy and presented the 1975-76 General Fund Budget for the Councils adoption.
Councilman Bass moved its adoption and upon being seconded by Councilman Betts
was put to a vote and unanimously adopted.
RESOLUTION OF BUDGET ADOPTION AND TAX LEVY
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 0KEECHOBEE, FLORIDA:
1. That the Annual General Fund Budget, both operating and debt
service, was taken up and considered for final adoption at this meeting duly
called and noticed for such purpose, and such budget was duly agreed upon as
the budget for fiscal year October 1, 1975 to September 30, 1976 and a copy
of such budget was ordered attached to this Resolution of Adoption and by'
reference made a part hereof and a copy ordered published in the 0keechobee
News, and by all such action being taken such budget was duly adopted.
2. That the Ad Valorum tax revenues portion of such budget be
met by tax levy as follows:
For General Fund Operating budget a tax ivey at the rate of
$~,5907 per $],000 valuation against all taxable property in the City of
0keechobee, Florida.
For Debt Service budget a tax levy at the rate of $1.il per
$1,000 valuation against all taxable property, including homestead, in
the City of 0keechobee, Florida.
3. That the Tax Collector of 0keechobee County, Florida, be
furnished a copy of this Resolution as certification of tax millage for
collection for the tax year 1975.
~. This Resolution was proposed, considered and adopted under
the provisions of Section 66.0 1 (3) (b) Flor±da Statutes, and was
enacted by no less than a two-thirds vote of the City Council and takes
effect immediately.
DONE, RESOLVED and made effective this 2nd day of October,
1975, at an adjourned regular meeting of the City Council, City of
Okeechobee, Florida.
Russell Domer
President of City Council
ATTEST: Sandra Bennett
City Clerk
APPROVED BY ME THIS 2ND DAY OF OCTOBER, 1975.
Audl ey Dunh am
Mayor
1975-1976 CITY OF 0KEECHOBEE GENERAL BUDGET
ANTICIPATED REVENUES: 75-76 BUDGET
1975 TAXES $ 124,OOO.OO
STATE REVENUE SHARING 176,000.00
ADDITIONAL 2~ CIGARETTE TAX 47,000.00
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES 15~000.00
UTILITY TAX 71,000.00
FINES AND FORFEITURES 50,000.00
0KEECHOBEE COUNTY (FIRE DEPT.) 15,000.00
FEDERAL COST-SHARING ASSISTANCE (TITLE IV) 552.00
FRANCHISE FEE (FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT CO.) 61,000.00
1898
MOBILE HOME LICENSE TAXES ~ 2,500.00
BUILDING PERMITS ~,000.00
COMPETENCY CARDS 3,500.00
HUMANE DEPARTMENT FEES 200.00
INTEREST AND MISCELLANEOUS ~, 000.00
TOTAL ANTICIPATED REVENUES $ 594,752.00
ESTIMATED CASH BALANCE 600,000.00 ----
TOTAL AVAILABLE CASH FOR 1975-76 ~1,194,752.00
ANTICIPATED EXPENDITURES:
CITY COUNCIL SALARIES $ 5,400.00
CITY COUNCIL EXPENSE 3,600.00
MAYOR'S SALARY 1,200.00
MAYOR'S EXPENSE 1,200.00
MAYOR'S OFFICE EXPENSE lO0.00
AUDIT FEE 2,175.00
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FEES 1,500.00
CITY ATTORNEY SALARY 9,000.00
CITY ATTORNEY EXPENSE 300.00
ATTORNEY SPECIAL FEES 2,000.00
FEE FOR REVISING ORDINANCES 3,500.00
CITY CLERK'S SALARY 10,100.00
DEPUTY CLERK'S SALARY 7,740.00
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE EXPENSE 2,000.00
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE EQUIPMENT 4,500.00
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH 4,300.00
CITY HALL OPERATION & MAINTENANCE 7,500.00
NEW CONSTRUCTION AND ADDITIONS 5,000.00
PUBLIC SAFETY
POLICE DEPARTMENT SALARIES 121,300.00
POLICE INCENTIVE PAY 1,300.00
POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPENSE 30,000.00
INDIAN RIVER COMMUNITY CRIME LAB 1,886.78 ~
POLICE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES 5,000.00
COMMUNICATIONS EXPENSE 2,500.00
~IP~ DEPARTFfENT SALARIES 42,770.00
FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPENSE 11,710.00
FIRE HYDRANT DEMAND CHARGE 25,000.00
FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT 17,550.00
FIRE DEPARTMENT WALKIE TALKIES 1, 104.00
BUILDING OFFICIAL SALARY 9,740.00
BUILDING OFFICIAL EXPENSE ALLOWANCE 2,080.00 :
BUILDING OFFICIAL OFFICE EXPENSE 250.00
CIVIL DEFENSE 200 00
t899
P~I3IC ~S~ 7~- 76 BUDGET
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS SECRETARY SALARY $ ~.,750. 00
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS EXPENSE & EQUIPMENT 1,500.00
STREET DEPARTMENT ~ SALARIES 5~, ~ 00.00
S~ DEP~TMEN~ .~PENSE
D5,000~.0:~
ST~ET DEP~TMENT EQU~MENT ~,.~)00 00
STREET LI~N~
~IM~ POUND EXPENSE 2,000. O0
MISCELL~EOUS
DONATIONS 1 , 500.00
UTILITIES 1 ~ 700.00
HE~TH INSUR~CE 5 ~ 650.00
GENER~ INSUR~CE 15,000.00
PAYROLL T~ES ~ 6~000.00
U~MPLOYMENT TAXES 1 , 000.00
CITY CLERK RETIRE~NT ~, 739.25
PENSION PLAN PA~ENTS
D, 882.00
E~LOYEES CHRISTMAS B0~S ~65.00
0~RTI~ ~, 000.00
CONDE~ATI 0N PROCEEDINGS 500.00
MERIT S~IES FOR E~LOYEES 11 , 700.00
CONTINGENCIES
SUB TOT~ 59~,992.
TR~SFER T0 WATER ~D SE~R FUND
TOT~ ~, ~ D2,187.27
ESTIMATED CASH B~ANCE 62,56~.
TOT~ $1, 19~,752.00
.!9~-76 CITY 0F 0~ECHOBEE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDED INDEBTNESS
~TICIPATED ~VENUE:
i~5 T~ES ~ 37, 575.00
ESTI~AT]{I) CASH BALANCE
INTEREST 0N CERTI~CA'i~ES 0F DEPOSIT ~, 000.00
TOTAL AVAILABLE CASH FOR 75-76 1~9,902.
ANTICIPATED EXPENDITURES:
B0~ PRINCIP~ PAINTS 10,000.00
B0~ INTEREST PAY~NTS D 1 , 2 75 · O0
FEE FOR PAYING AGENT ~00.00
TOT~ EXPENDITURES ~1,575. O0
ESTIMATED CASH B~CE 75-76 98, D27.8~
TOT~ EXPENDITURES PLUS CASH RESERVE $ 1Dg, 902.8~
FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING TRUST FUND
ANTICIPATED REVENUE
FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING $ 73,979.00
INTEREST ON CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSITS 5,000. O0
ESTIMATED CASH BALANCE 169,000.00
TOTAL AVAILABLE CASH FOR 75-76 $ 247,979.0o
ANTICIPATED EXPENDITURES
WATER AND SEWER CAPITAL EXPANSION PROGRAM
AND DEBT SERVICE 247,979.00
Councilman Hunt presented the 1975-76 Water and Sewer Budget and ~mougd
i~e adoption-as read, and upon being seconded by Councilman Betts was put to a
vote and unamiously adopted.
1975-76 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE WATER AND SEWER BUDGET
ANTICIPATED OPERATING REVENUES ,1975-76 BUDGET
WATER REVENUES $ 250,000. O0
SEWER REVENUES 34,000. O0
FIRE HYDRANT CHARGE 25, OO0. OO
FUEL TAX REFUND 5OO.O0
TAPPAGE FEES 1 I , 000. O0
INTEREST ON C.D. 'S ,9,000.00
MISCELLANEOUS 6,0OO. OO
TOTAL $ 335,300.00
ANTICIPATED OPERATING EKPENSE
WATER SUPERVISOR SALARY 10,450.00
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS SALARY 14, 100 00
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS SECRETARY SALARY 3,750.00
WEEKLY SALARIES 71 , 240.00
BOOKKEEPERS SALARIES 22,200. O0
MERIT SALARIES 4,350.00
OVERTIME 7,000.00
AUDIT FEE 2,175 · O0
CHEMICALS 60,000. O0
ELECTRICITY 53,000.00
E~UIPMENT ] 0,000.00
FREIGHT CHARGES 800. OO
HEALTH INSURANCE 2,6OO. OO
GENERAL INSURANCE 7,000.00
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE EQUIP. & EXP. 400.00
OFFICE EXPENSE 6,0OO. O0
OFFICE EQUIPMENT 5,000. O0
TELEPHONE
&
TELEGRAPH
1 , 005. O0
RADIO MAINTENANCE 605.00
PAYROLL TAXES ( SOCIAL SECURITY) 7,800. OO
UNEMPLOYMENT TAXES 1 , 000. O0
PENSION PLAN PAYMENT 1,750.00
TRUCK EXPENSE 5,000. O0
WATER & SEWER REPAIRS 10,000. O0
CONTINGENCIES 9,500 · 00
~ TOTAL $316,725. O0
EXCESS REVENUES AVAILABLE FOR DEBT SERVICE
AND CAPITAL PROGRAM 18,575.00
DEBT SERVICE
WATER AND SEWER REVENUE BOND
PRINCIPAL PAYMENT $ 14,249.94
WATER AND SEWER REVENUE BOND
INTEREST PAYMENT 10,282.50
F.H.A. CONTRACT PRINCIPAL PAYMENT 9,377.68
F. H.A. CONTRACT INTEREST PAYMENT 468.88
ERNEST EVANS WATER LINE PRINCIPAL PAYMENT 7,289.48
ERNEST EVANS WATER LINE INTEREST PAYMENT 946.24
F. H.A. BOND INTEREST PAYMENT 19,884.52
F. H.A. BOND PRINCIPAL PAYMENT 3,750 · 00
TOTAL DEBT SERVICE 66,249.24
EXCESS REVENUES AVAILABLE FOR CAPITAL PROGRAM $ (47,674.24)
ANTICIPATED WATER DEPARTMENT CAPITAL PROGRAM
BALANCE PHASE ! 1 PLANT IMPROVEMENT $ 63,970.60
24" WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN 455,000.00
WATER INTAKE AND PLANT IMPROVEMENTS 323,000.00
OTHER CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 75-76
NEW MAIN EXTENSIONS 7,500. O0
NEW METERS AND METER BOXES 10,000.00
WATER PIPE, FITTINGS AND SUPPLIES 25,000.00
AERATOR 16,000.00
AIR BLOWER ( SEWER DEPT. ) 2,000. O0
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 902,47O. 60
TOTAL DEBT SERVICE AND CAPITAL PROGRAM $968,719.84
ANTICIPATED FUNDS FOR CAPITAL PROGRAM AND DEBT SERVICE
_ BALANCE ON HAND CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT $ 63,970.60
FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING TRUST FUNDS 247,979.00
GENERAL FUND TRANSFER 538,195.24
1975- 76 OPERATING REVENUE 18,575.00
PRIOR YEAR RESERVES 100,000. O0
TOTAL INCOME $968,719.84
Councilman Hunt moved, seconded by Councilman Betts and unanimously
carried, to authorize the Clerk to certify the City tax millage for the year
1975 to the 0keechobee County Property Appraiser, Mr. W. C. Sherman.
Police Chief, Ed Chisholm. presented specifications on a 1976 Police
car for the Councils approval. Councilman Bass moved to authorize Chief Chisholm.
to advertise for bids to be opened November 11, 1975 at 7:00 P.M., seconded by
Councilman Betts and carried ....
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the
City of Okeechobee, Florida will receive sealed bids
for the purchase of the following:
1 - 1976 Automobile
Conventional Body and Chassis, 4 door Sedan
Tinted glass (all windows) power disc brakes
minimum 350 cubic inch motor, three speed
hydromatic transmission, heavy duty shock
absorbers, light blue or dark blue metallic
in color, radio and heater, air conditioned,
power steering, all vinyl trim interior,
minimum ll6 inch wheel base, hydraulic valve
lifters, H-78 Fibra glass tiress or equal
60 AMP battery and heavy duty radiator,
2 BBL carb, single exhaust.
FORD TORINA - MALIBU CHEVROLET - OR EQUIVALENT
Said bids will be opened in the Council Chamber at the
City Hall in 0keechobee, Florida at 7:00 P.M. on
November 11, 1975. The Council reserves the right to
reject any and all bids or to accept the proposal
deemed most advantageous to the City.
Russell Domer
Russell V. Domer
President City Council
0keechobee, Florida
ATTEST: Sandra Bennett
City Clerk
Okeechobee, Florida
PUBLISH IN THE 0KEECHOBEE NEWS: OCTOBER 9 and 16, 1975
Chief Chisholm also requested authorization to purchase a two-way radio
for the new car. Councilman Bass moved to authorize Chief Chisholm to purchase
the radio, seconded by Councilman Betts and carried.
A letter was read from J. H. Arnold, Superintendent of Seaboard Coast
Line Railroad Company regarding railroad crossings located within the City
which are in need of repair. Mr. Arnold stated that he had the crossings checked
and as soon as the Seaboards work schedule permits, they propose to do the
necessary repairs.
Director Fortner presented specifications on one new diesel tractor --~
for the Councils approval. After reviewing the specifications, Councilman
Douglas moved to advertise for bids, seconded by Councilman Bass and carried.
t
City of 0keechobee, Florida
Notice of Letting - Invitation to Bid
Sealed Bids will be received by the City Council of the
City of 0keechobee, Florida, at City Hall, P. 0. Box
215, until 7:00 O'Clock P.M., November 11, 1975, at
which time the bids duly submitted will be opened and
read, for the purchase of the following equipment:
One-New diesel Tractor with a P.T.0.
horsepower range of 37 H.P. minimum
and'43 H.P. maximum; power steering;
9 forward speed and 2 reverse speed
transmission; 2 rear tires size
13.6-28, 6 ply, bar type; 2 front
tires, size 600-16, 4 ply, 540 RPM
live power take off; 12 volt electric
system with alternator; amp gauge; oil
pressure gauge, temperature gauge;
fuel gauge; hour meter; tachometer;
lights; 3 point hitch, category 11,
rear fenders; protection frame and
canopy; and with all other standard
equipment not listed above.
One- New Heavy Dudy 72 inch lift type Mower, 3 point
hitch; 540 RPM heavy duty gearbox; safety chains on
all openings.
The City of Okeechobee reserves the right to reject any
or all bids or to accept the proposal demmed most advantageous
to the City.
Russell Domer
President of City Council
City of 0keechobee
ATTEST: Sandra Bennett
City Clerk
PUBLISH IN THE OKEECHOBEE NEWS OCTOBER 16 AND 23, 1975.
Director Fortner also presented specifications on one-new air conditioner
unit for the Council room for the Council's approval. President Domer read the
specifications, afterwhich, Councilman Betts moved to advertise for bids, seconded
by Councilman Bass and carried.
City of 0keechobee, Florida
Notice of Letting-Invitation to Bid
Sealed bids will be received by the City Council of the City
of 0keechobee, Florida at City Hall, P. 0. Box 215, until
7:00 O'Clock P.M., November 11, 1975, at which time the
bids duly submitted will be opened and read, for the
purchase of the following equipment:
One-New High efficiency air-conditioner unit
3 ton with minimum 10 KW electric heat strip,
one thermostat; all duct to be made out of
fiberboard; all joints are to be stapled and
taped; cold air duct leaving unit to be
minimum 12" x 16" from unit to the first two
drops and then duct to be minimum 12" x 12" to
the end; 4 louvered air outlets with opposed
dampers to be installed in Council meeting room,
minimum 12" x 12" duct to supply each of the
four louvered air outlets; blower unit to be
mounted on the wall in a storage room next to
Council room with a minimum 18" x 24" return air
duct through the wall and connected to unit; one
18" x 24" filZer back return air grille; one
new condensate pump to be mounted on unit;
electric wiring to be done under sepe~ate
contract.
Contact Director of Public Works for any additional
information.
Russell Domer
~r~sid~t of ~it¥ Council mty o~-0keecnxooee
Attest; Sandra Bennett
City Clerk
PUBLISH IN THE 0KEECHOBEE NEWS OCTOBER 16, AND 23, 1975.
It being the hour of Seven Thirty P.M. and pursuant to a Notice published
in The 0keechobee News, regarding a Public Hearing to determine rates of Taxi
Cabs, President Domer announced that the Council would act as Hearing Officers.
He stated that to operate a taxi service is a public service like airlines and
railroads. All these public services are regulated f~r their own protection and
that of the public. The reason the Council passed the taxi ordinance was that it
had been called to the Council's attention by the Better Business Bureau, Chamber
of Commerce, Taxi Operators and numerous citizens that taxi services and rates
were not uniform. Many citizens complained of overcharge and questioned whether
the companies were properly covered with insurance and the vehicles properly
maintained. He further stated that the City's Attorney researched taxi ordinances
from cities of similar size to 0keechobee and gave comparisons of these ordinances
to the Council to help tailor these into an :~ordinance that most nearly fits
Okeechobee. He remarked that the Council doesn't want to regulate the taxi
companies just for the sake of regulations, but these rules will improve the
companies image and create public confidence. He indicated that he hoped the
Council and interested parties could arrive at a consistent rate of charge.
He asked the cab owners what rate they now charged. Mr. Phi~ Schoonmaker
remarked that their rates were the same as Fort Pierce. Mr, J. L. Smith was
recognized. He remarked that he didn't feel that 0keechobee was big enough
to have meters and that the people wouldn't be able to afford the meter rates
President Domer assured Mr. Smith that a rate would be approved to meet both
the people and taxicab owners needs. President Domer asked for comments from
the taxicab owners present if they were in agreement to approve the same rates
as Fort Pierce and Mr. Schoonmaker. All parties were in agreement. Councilman
Betts presented Resolution Number 400 and moved its adoption, seconded by
Councilman Bass and carried.
RESOLUTION 400 __.
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee, Florida, has enacted
Ordinance Number 375, which provides for the regulations of
automobiles for hire and amends Section 29 of Ordinance Number
230 and provides for fares to be recorded on a meter, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of 0keechobee,
Florida, has given legal notice and held a public hearing
concerning uniform fares, and
WPIEREAS, the City is desirous of setting uniform fares
for all automobiles for hire, within the City of 0keechobee,
Florida.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the
City of 0keechobee, as follows:
]. That all automobiles for hire, or profit, within the
1905
City of 0keechobee, Florida shall provide the transportation of
passengers on the following basis;
a.) $6.00 per hour for one or more passengers
b.) .60¢ on flag drop and .]0¢ for each 1/6th
of a mile or fraction thereafter for one
passenger. Plus .25¢ for each additional
passenger when meter fare is less than
Si.00. .50~ for each additional passenger
when meter fare is $1.00 or over.
c.) Waiting ti~ is .20¢ for each two minutes
or fraction thereof.
d.) No charge for package carried by passenger.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session of the City Council
of the City of 0keechobee, Florida, this 2nd day of October, 1975.
Russell Domer
PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
Sandra Bennett
CITY CLERK
APPROVED BY ME THIS 2nd DAY OF October , 1975.
Audley Dunham
MAYOR
Councilman Betts moved to allow taxicab owners sixty days from October
1, 1975 to purchase and install meters, but could apply for a permit, seconded
by Councilman Bass and carried.
President Domer recommended the Council allow more time for the paint-
ing of the vehicles and lettering as per Ordinance regulations. Councilman Betts
moved to allow sufficient time for taxicab owners to paint and letter their
vehicles until trade in if necessary, seconded by Councilman Bass and carried.
Councilman Betts reported that the School Board had requested informa-
tion on the amount that would be required on the purposed 8" water main to be
installed North 441 for the new school building. After discussion, the matter
was referred to the Water Committee for investigation.
President Domer reported that Mrs. Sarah Price had contacted him re-
questing authorization for the 4-H to place a banner across S.R. 441 in celebra-
tion of National 4-H week. Council agreed pending the Department of Transportation
approval.
President Domer also reported that Mr. Ardell Breland had informed him
that he had two 124 KW Unites Generators he would sell to the City for $5,000.00
each. After discussion, the Council requested Director Fortner to request
Engineer, Robert E. Owens and Anderson to check the size of the generators to
see if they were adequate.
Chief Chisholm reported that Prison Inspector, H. R. Ackett, had inspec-
ted the city jail October 1, 1975 and had informed him that the polyurethans
mettresses now used in the jail are highly inflameable, that the State Fire
Marshall is investigating the safetest and best mattress to recommend and will
contact them of their conclusions.
Chief Chisholm also reported that the Police Departments Inter City
radio was transmitting and receiving poorly. He informed the Council that for
proper transmission, they would need an antenia and cable. This would cost
approximately $700.00 ~ncluding labor. Councilman Bass moved to authorize Chief
Chisholm to proceed with installing the antenia and cable, seconded by Councilman
Betts and carried.
President Domer informed the Council that to be able to change the Fire
Department frequency on their radio, Motorola had submitted a lease cost of
$300.00 per month. No action taken.
The Clerk informed the Council that the three calculators in the Water
Department and Director of Public Works office is in need of repairs or replaced.
The Council authorized the Clerk to investigate trade-in allowances on the
present Unicoms and price for a new calculator.
There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
PRESIDENT CITY COUNCIL
~ITY CLERK
October 7, 1975
The City Council of the City of 0keechobee, Florida, met in regular
session on Tuesday, October 7, 1975 at 7:00 P.M. with the following present:
Councilmen E. H. Hunt, Edward W. Douglas, Clif Betts, Jr. and Lavon Bass.
President Russell Domer was absent. Also present were: City Clerk, Sandra Bennett
Attorney David Conlon and Director of Public Works, L. C. Fortner, Jr.
In the absence of President Domer, President Pro-Tempore, E. H. Hunt
presided over the meeting.
President Pro-Tempore Hunt asked Councilman Douglas to open the meet-
ing with prayer.
Vouchers on the following funds were approved:
General Fund $22,872.99
Water & Sewer Oper. & Maint. Fund 22,684.01
Water & Sewer Revenue Fund 109,145.66
Wa~r t ~ewer ~ystem Rev. l~und 2~109.OO
I & S Refunding Bonds Fund 7,000.00
Minutes of previous meetings held August 5, 7, 14, 26, 28, 1975 and
September 2, 4, and 9th, 1975 were approved on a motion by Councilman Betts,
seconded by Councilman Bass and carried.
First on the agenda was Mr. Tom Conely. He appeared before the Council
in regards to 0keechobee County School Board's request fdr water service to
purposed new school on N 441. He introduced Mr. Bill Gardner, 0keechobee County
School Superintendent. Mr. Conley requested information on the amount and