1977-06-14 Regular 2117
FIRST REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY~ JUNE 14~ 1~77
The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, convened in regular
session in the Council Chambers at the City Hall, 0keechobee, Florida, at 7:00
P.M., on Tuesday, June 14, 1977.
President Russell V. Domer presiding.
Councilmen Edward W. Douglas and Larch Bass were present. Councilmen J~m
Knight and ~ytle Raulerson were absent.
Others present were: Audley Dunham, Mayor; Sandra Bennett, City Clerk;
Acting
David Conlon, City Attorney; Larry Mobley,~Chief of Police; L. C. Fortner, Jr.,
Director of Public Works; 01en Godwin, Fire Chief, and David Hunter, Humane
Officer, and Sylvia Christian, Deputy Clerk.
The Invocation was offered by Councilman Edward W. Douglas.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BID TABULATIONS - CENTRAL AIR AND HEAT
One bid was received for the purchase of two central air conditioners and
duct system from Emery Walker Company in the amount of $4,168.48. The bid listed
a condition that the ceiling be removed and dropped to accommodate duct work
without cutting beams. This would weaken building. Also electric panel is not
big enough, so there isn't any electric included. (Electrician's would not
bid). Everything else as per specifications.
Following discussion regarding the condition of Walker's
postponed awarding bid until meeting of June 28th and requested Director Fortner
to investigate cost of lowering the ceiling to accommodate the duct work and
electric work.
.ORDINANCE NUMBER 3,~7 - .WRECKING YARD - FINAL READING
Pursuant to a notice published June 2nd and 9th, a public hearing was held
to consider the adoption o~ Ordinance Number ~97, being an Ordinance defining
"Automotive Wrecking," "Automotive Wrecking Yard," and "Junk Yard"; pmovidi~
for the prohibition of future establishment of such activities within the limits
of the City of 0keechobee; regulating any automotive wrecking or automotive
wrecking yard or jun~ yard En. operation at the effective, dage~.¢'f this 0~dEnance
and declaring such facilities to be non-conforming; repealing other City
Ordinances in conflict herewith; providing a penalty for violation; and
an effective date.
President Domer asked if the~e were any objections or comments to this 0r-
dinance. No objections were heard or filed.
Councilman Douglas moved to adopt Ordinance Number 397, seconded by Council-
man Bass and passed.
ORDINANCE NUMBER 3~8 - SUBDIVISION - SECOND READING
President Domer submitted Ordinance Number 398 by title only which is
Ordinance Governing and Regulating the Subdivision of land in the City of
~ h I1~ ~ I i ~ ~ I i i ? I . k~lI iii i i I iii i i i
2118
0keechobee, Florida; ;Stating the purpose and intent of the Regulations; defining
certain terms; providing for preapplication procedure; providing for conditional
approval of preliminary plats and for approval of construction plans for re-
quired improvements; providing procedures for approval of final plats: Setting
Design standards for subdivisions; setting data required for submission at the
various s~ages of the subdivision process; providing methods for assurance of
completion of required improvements; providing penalties for violation of these
regulations; prividing a se~erability clause; repealing ordinances or parts of
ordinances in conflict herewith; and setting an effective date.
It was moved by Councilman Bass to waive second reading of Ordinance Number
398 and approve second reading by title only, seconded by Councilman Douglas
and carried.
ALLEYWAY
Mr. Doug Cassels appeared before the Council requesting that the cancellatio
clause which states" subject to the right of Lessor to terminate the lease
whenever the demised property shall be necessary or useful to Lessor in the per-
formance of public duties, or public interest or convenience shall require such
termination," and "that upon thirty (30) days from Lessor to Lessee be reg-
istered mail at 804 North Parrott Avenue, 0keechobee, Florida, 33472, this lease
shall be terminated and Lessee shall forthwith remove any structure promptly at
Lessee's own expense and to quit and deliver up the premises to Lessor, in as
good an order and condition (reasonable use and wear thereof excepted) as are
now or may be put into," to be removed from the ResolutiDn closing aapow~ion of
the alleyway 15 feet in width lying in block 49 because permanent structure wu
would be placed in the area.
Councilman Douglas moved to delete the cancellation clause, seconded by
Councilman Bass motion carried.
SUBDIVISION - REZONING
Mr. Jee porten, President of Lake Homes, Inc., and Jim Titzel, Engineer,
appeared before the Council submitting preliminary plans and documents for
approval of a subdivision to be located on the North side of 70 west next 'to
Holt's Restaurant.
Mr. Domer stated that the City was in the process of adoptin~ a Sub-
division Ordinance and New Zoning Ordinance and that the Council could accept the
plans for a study but not for approval and that they did not give legal rights to
proceed with plans until subdivision Ordinance is passed.
REZONING APPLICATION
President Domer, presented a rezoning application from Joseph W. Porten,
requesting the Council to rezone, the north 40 feet of the south 256.95 feet of
the west ½ of the south west ~ of the south east ~ of section 15, township 37
south, mange 35 east, Original Town of Okeechobee, from Agricultural to Commercial
2119
Councilman Douglas moved to instruct the Clerk to proceed with notification
to the owner and to advertise public hearings, seconded by Councilman Bass and
passed.
REZONING APPLICATION
President Domer, presented a rezoning application from Joseph W. Porten,
requesting the Council to rezone~ the west ½ of south west ~ of the south east
¼ of section 15, township D7 south range 55 east less the south 256.95 feet and
less the north 50 feet, Original Town of 0keechobee, from Agricultural to
Residential (R-l).
Councilman Bass moved to instruct the C~erk to proceed with notification to
the owner and to advertise public hearings, seconded by Councilman Douglas and
passed.
PUBLIC M_EARING
BID TABULATIONS - CHEMICALS
It being the hour of ~:30 P.M., bids were received opened and read for the
purchase of chemicals for the Water Department.
Following tabulation of the bids, Director Fortner recemmended that Apperson
Chemcials be awarded the contract.
It was moved by Councilman Douglas, seconded by Councilman Bass and carried
that Apperson Chemical Company be awarded the bid in the amount of $61,513.50.
GARBAGE FRANCHISE - RESOLUTION
Mr. Tare Waldron, appeared before the Council informing them Sf his objection
to Section 7 of the Garbage Franchise which, states that "The Franchise Holder shal
provide a dumping area for dispos~ of garbage which shall be made available to
the City for disposal of all City waste the City desires to transport to said
dump at no charge." He stated that he may not be able to furnish dumping area.
Following discussion, Councilman Douglas moved to adopt Resolution amending
Section 7 of Garbage Franchise, seconded by Co~cii~, Bass motion carried.
HUMANE DEPARTMENT
David Hunter~ Dog Warden, appeared before the Council reporting on the status
6f the Humane Departm~z~t. He recommended an increase of do~ fees from the County.
Chief Mobley reported that Elmer Waldron had volunteered to care for the
animals at $10.00 per day while M~. Hnnter is on vacation.
Following discussion the Conncil requested Mayor Dunham and Chief Mobley to
contact the County Commissioners to see if the County Dog Warden would take care
of the Department during this time and inform them of the situation of animals
taken from County into City dog pound
201 SEWER PROJECT
~r. Clyde Turner, Engineer, appeared before the Council informing them on
the status of Sewem System evaluation survey. He stated that the state has
approved the plans.
Councilman Bass moved to accept completion of St~p I of Phase I of 201
2120
Plan, seconded by Councilman Douglas motion carried.
RESOLUTION
President Domer read Resolution for 201 Facility P~an which states the
following: (1) That the City of 0keechobee agrees to participate with 0~eechobee
C~unty in sharing the cost of the Grantee's share of 25% of the total Step 2
Project cost provided that the Federal Grant will be 75% of the total cost.
(2) That the City of 0keechobee will pay its fair share of the said
costs, currently estimated at $39,000 to 0keechobee Cousty in periodical pay-
ments am required to reimburse the Project Engineer for his services, and said
payments to be made within 30 days after request for paymemt~y said County.
(3) That the City of 0keechobee's final fair sharer of the costs
will be adjusted on the basis of the Project Engineer's final estimates of
Phase I construction eosts and flow data and his recemmendations for eost
sharing as determined from the Step 2 Project documentation.
Attorney Conlon pointed out that the City should define share cost between
City and County.
Following further discussion, CounCilman Bass moved to adopt Resolution,
adding paragraph 4 w~ich reads as follows "That this Resolution shall become
effective on July 26th, 1977, if net revoked prior to this date," seconded
by Councilman Douglas and passed.
SCHOOL BOARD AGREEMENT
Council authorized Director Fortner to contact Engineer for study on water
aviilability to the new purposed school north on 441.
BEACH WATER ASSOCIATION
A meeting was scheduled for July 7th, 1977 for a joint meeting ~ith Beach
Water Association regarding Agreement between the Association and the City re-
garding the sale of water.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Acting Chief of Police, Larry Mobley, submitted the following for discussion or
approval:
1. MONTHLY REPORT
Acting Chief Mobley submitted the Police Department activity report for the
month of May, 1977.
2. EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATION
Ha informed the Council that two patrolmen had graduated from the
Police Academy.
He requested that Patrolmen Richard Walker and Gary Cannon salaries
be increased $450.00 dollars per year.
Councilman Bass moved to ~ive Cannon and Walker the $450.00 dollar
salary increase, seconded by Councilman Douglas and passed.
2121
5. JAIL CELL
Prices were submitted for renovation of Jail Cell #1.
Fortner Plumbing $215.OO
Echols Plumbing $265.00
It was,~moved by Councilman Bass that the lowest bidder, Fortner
Plumbing be awarded the contract in the amount of $215.00 dollars, seconded
by Councilman Douglas and passed.
4. PROTECTIVE SHIELD
Chief Mobley requested authorization to take new 1977 Police car to
Sebring to have Protective Shield installed in rear glass in the amount of
$150.00 dollars.
Councilman Bass moved to authorize newbsh~wlds~in both new cars,
seconded by Councilman Douglas and passed.
5. PLANS FOR NEW~POLICE STATION
Chief Mobley discussed applying for a 100~ Grant to construct a new
Police Station.
The Council authorized Ch~f Mob~ey to have plans drawn for new Police
Station if the Engineer will be willing to enter into an agreement whereby ~e
will draw up the plans with the stipulation that he would be paid only if the
City receives the grant.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE REPORT
Fire Chief 01eh Godwin submitted the monthly Fire Report for the month
of May, 1977.
2. WIRING RUN FOR NEW AIR CONDITIONING
Councilman Bass moved to authorize Chief to have new wiring fun for new
air condition~ in the Fire Station, seconded by Councilman Douglas and passed.
SCOT AIR TANKS
Chief Godwin requested authorization to take Scot AI~ Tanks for
prewentative maintenance for approximately $40.00 dollars each.
Councilman Bass moved to have Scot Air Tanks serviced, seoonded by
Councilman Douglas and passed.
4. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Chief Godwin requested authorization th purchase six new fire fighting
suits, priced at approximately $100.00 dollars per suit.
It was moved by Councilman Bass to allow Chief Go~in to purchase six
fire fighting suits, seconded by Councilman Douglas and passed
5. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION
Chief Godwin submitted an employment application on Louis Keith Tomey
for employment in the Fire Department.
It was moved by Councilman Douglas to employ Tomey as Fire Chief
Assistant subject to passing physical at $1o,5oo.oo dollars per year, seconded
by Councilman Bass and passed.
WATER, SEWER ~a~D STREET DEPARTMENTS
Director Fortner submitted the ~ollowing items for discussion or approval:
1. MONTHLY AND ANNUAL REPORT
Director Fortner submitted the Water, Sewer and Street Departments
monthly report for May and his annual report.
2. GENERATOR
Director Fortner submitted bids for hook-up of Generator at Water __~
Plant.
Councilman Bass moved to accept low bid from Florida Wiring of $3,600.00
dollars to hook-up new Generator at Water Plant, seconded by Councilman Douglas
and passed.
GENERATOR BUILDING - WATER
Director Fortner informed the Council that. Lacy Construction has com-
pleted Generator Building at Water Plant with the exception of three items, which
he plans to finish by the end of the week. He stated that Mr. Batton had re-
quested payment. The Council requested that an affividate of no liens be signed
by Lacy Construction.
It was moved by Councilman Bass to pay Lacy Construction upon com-
pletion of the job and upon the approval of Director Fortner and Building Official
Spray, seconded by Councilman Douglas and passed. ---
CITY CLERK
City Clerk, Sandra Bennett, presented the following items ~or discussion or
approval:
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULED
The City Clerk presented the schedule for the regular Council meeting
dates to be as follows:
July 12th and 26th, 1977
August 9th and 23rd, 1977
September 13th and 27th, 1977
2. REZONING APPLICATION
Clerk Bennett, presented a rezoning application from ~e Anita Sherman
Williams, rqquesti~g the Council to rezone "Beginning 611.5 feet south ~f North-
east corner of SE~ of Section 21 Township 37 South, Range 35 East, run West at
right angles ~61 feet more or less to east boundary of Parrott Avenue, south
ilon~ ~ast ~oun~ary o{ Parrott Avenue, 310 feet, east a~ right angles 361 feet
more or less to east boundary of section 21,north along east boundary of section
21, a distance of 310 feet more or less to point of beginning, being a part of
Government Lot 4, Section 21, Township 37 south, Range 35 East, 0keechobee County,
State of Florida, Original Town of 0keechobee, from Residential (R-l) to Com-
mercial.
2123
Councilman Bass moved go instruct the Cl.rk to procood with no~±f±cation
to the owner and to advertise public hearings~ seconded by Councilman Douglas
and passed
POST OFFICE PARKING LOT
President Domer read letter to Mr. Ron Pitts, RE: Traffic Problem caused
by ingress,~ress and lack of adequate parkin¢ area at the Post Office in '
Okeechobee, for the Councils approval.
Council approved.
DEP~TMENT OF TRANSPORTAT~0N
President Domer ~ead for the Councils approval a letter to Ms. Adele
Spielberger, Director of The Governor's Highway Safety Commission regarding the
City's traffic deficiencies on State Road 70 and U~S. 441. The letter pointed
out that a second bridge would help alleviate congestion, and requested a grant
if available.
Council approved and authorized forwarding the letter.
PENALTIES ON WATER BILLS
Councilman Bass discussed abolishing penalties on Water Bills for persons
65 or older. Based on a 60 day grace period.
Action postponed for further investigation of City Ordinance.
DISBNRSEMENTS
Vouchers on the following funds were approved:
General Fund 41,702.71
Water and Sewer 0perati~n and Maintenance 194,430.16
Water and Sewer Revenue Fund 279,383.37
Water And Sewer System Revenue Fund 1,943.44
Cigarette Tax 30,000.00
Federal Revenue Sharing Trus~ Fund 34,211.16
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further basiness, the Council adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
Russell V. Domer
President City Council
City of 0keechobee
Attest:
Sandra Bennett
City Clerk
City of 0keechobee