1977-11-08 Regular 2181
RECESSED MEETING THURSDA¥,_NOVEMBER 5~ 1977
The City Council of the City of 0keechobee, Florida convened in a~Recessed
Meeting in the Council Chambers at the City Hall, 0keechobee, Florida~ at 7:00
P.M.~ November 3, 1977.
President Russell V. Domer presiding.
Councilmen Edward W. Douglas, Lavon Bass and Lytle Raulerson were present.
Councilman Jim Knight was absent.
Others present were: Sandra Bennett, City Clerk.
SPECIFICATIONS ON CONSTRUCTION OF 24 INCH CAST IRON PIPE WATER MAIN
Councilman Douglas moved to authorize approval to advertise for bids for
construction of 24 inch east iron pipe water main, seconded by Councilman Bass
motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the Council recessed at 7:04 until Thursday,
November 10~ 1977 at 7:00 ~,M.
Russ'e'll V. Do~er
President City Council
City of 0keechobee
ATTEST:
Sandra Bennett
City Clerk
City of 0keechobee
FIRST REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY~ NOVEMBERi.~ 8~ 1977
The City Council of the City of 0keechobee, Florida convened in Regular
Session in the Council Chambers at the City Hall, 0keechbbee, Florida, at .~:O0
P.M., November 8, 1977.
President Russell V. Domer presiding.
Councilmen Lavon Bass, Lytle Raulerson and Edward Douglas were present.
Councilman Jim Knight was absent.
Others present were: Sandra Bennett, City Clerk; L. C. Fortner, Director
of Public Works; Larry Mobley, Acting Chief of Police; David Conlon, City Attorney;
Richard B. Spray, Building Official; and Sylvia Christian, Deputy Clerk.
The Invocation was offered by President Russell V. Domer.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
Mr. Wiliiam E. Tipton, P.E., of Tipton Associates Consultant, Inc.l~appeared
before the Council to ~cuss a traffic operational safety and needs analas~s~o_
ject. He stated that his company would fill out the application for the City at
no charge. He stated that the project was fundable through the Governor's Highway
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Safety Program. The project will point out to the City the traffic operational
problem areas in the City and would identify what could be done at the problem
areas.
Following a lengthy discussion the Council agreed to authorize Tipton
Associates Consultant to make application for traffic safety assistance at no
cost to the City upon a motion by Councilman Bass seconded by Councilman Raulerson
· mtot~,on carried.
LANKFORD CONSULTANT
Mr. Phillip M. Sowa of Lankford Consultant, Private and Municipal Development
appeared before the Council informing them that his firm specializes in acquiring
grants for Cities and Towns. He advised the Council that the City is eligible to
make application for community development block plans.
He stated that under the new regulations there are two types of applications
to be completed: One is special one time project application. ~he other is the
Comprehensive Neighborhood Re~r~talization Application.
Following a lengthy discussion no action was takem.
CB CLUB - BAR - B - QUE IN THE PARK
Mr. Honsinger appeared before the Council to request authorization for the
Big Lake CB Club to have a Bar - B - Que in the park on November 19th, 1977 across
from the Piggly Wiggly.
Following a brief discuss6on the Council approved.
NEMEC _ OPENING 0KEECHOBEE AVENUE
Attorney Conlon stated that the Big Lake Title Company was unable to get the
abstract for 0keechobee Avenue. He stated that he would need authorization to
get the partial abstract drawn by Mike Barber.
Following discussion Conncilman Bass moved to authorize Attorney CQnlon to
get partial abstract on 0keechobee Avenue from Mike Barber, seconded by Conncil-
man Douglas motion carried.
· AXI CAB APPLICATION
Atto~n.~¥ Conlon submitted a Taxi Cab Application from Johnny Ellington. He
stated that the car was six years old and did not meet with the required fi~e
years in the Ordinance. I~' was brought out that his application was made before
the car was six years
Councilman Bass moved to approve Taxi Cab Application, seconded by Council-
mata Douglas motion carried.
POLICE DEPARTMENT _.~
Acting Chief of Police, Larry Mobley, submitted the following items for -. ,
approval:
1. MONTHLY REPORT
Acting Chief Mobley, submitted the Police Department Activity Report for the .
month of October, 1977.
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2. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION - POLICE
Acting Chief Mobley, submitted an employment application from Eugsne Francis
O'Neill as a Patrolman, starting salary at $9,650 on six months probation. He
stated that Mr. O'Neill is certified by the State.
Following discussion Councilman Bass moved to employ O'Neill, seconded by
Councilman Raulerson, motion carried.
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
Acting Chief Mobley requested authorization to go to Starke or Ft. Lauder-
dale to the Army Depots through the Civil Defense and purchase several file
cabinets. He stated that the price is approximately $25 dollars each. He
stated that he would try to get three for under one hundmed dollars. He stated
that he needed the Councils approval that they would reinburse the Civil Defense.
Councilman Bass moved to authorize Acting Chief Mobley to purchase three
file cabinets for himself and one for the ~lerk, seceded by Councilman Raulerson
motion carried.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
1. MONTHEYREPORT
Fire Chief 01eh Godwin, submitted the fire report for the month of October,
1977.
2. COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Godwin reported that the City Fire Department is cooperating
everyway they can with the Co~ty Fire Department.
President Domer stated that he would like to resta~e the position of the
Council on calling the Couney when a fire in the County is reported.i.I He stated
that the Council agreed for the County to be called each time a fire is reported.
President Domer requested Chief Godwin to get in touch with Jim Lashley con-
cerning the phone extensions for the City and County Fire Department.
L. P. GAS DEMONSTRA~ION
Fire Chief G~i~ requested the Councils approval for the L. P. Gas Company
to hold a demonstration on the 22nd ~f November, beside the Fire Department.
President Domer stated that he thought this demonstration would be very
helpful to the firemen.
4. FIRE TRUCK
Fire C~ief Go4win submitted a bill for $144.73 for parts for the Fire Truck.
Councilman Raulerson moved to authorize payment in the ~ount of $144.73
to Northwest Truck Parts, Inc., seconded by Councilman Bass motion carried.
5. FIRE HOSE
Chief Godwin reported that the Fire Department was in need of 500 feet of
1½ inch fire hose. He requested authorization to purchase 500 feet of 1½ inch
hose.
Councilman Raulerson suggested that Chief Godwin get prices for 200 feet of
1~ inch hose and compare te the price of 500 feet of 1½ ~n~h hose, if 200 feet
is sufficient.
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WATER~ SEWER AND STREET DEPARTMENTS
Director Fortner submitted the following items for discussion or approval:
1. ~ MONTHLY REPORT "~
Director Fortner submitted the Water, Sewer and Street Department report
for the month of October, 1977.
2. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Director Fortner submitted a ~etter from the Department of Transportation
informing the City of a meeting to gather information for a region-wide study
of elderly and handicapped transportation needs and services.
He stated that ~his meeting is to be held in Sebring on November 9, 1977
at 2:00 P.M.
5. NATER PLANT IMPROVEMENTS - NEW SLUDGE PIT
Director Fortner reported that the Water Plant was in need of a new sludge
pit. The approximate cost is $~00 dollars.
Councilman Douglas moved to ~mthorize new sludge pit in the approximate
amount of $500 dollars, seconded by Councilman Raulerson motion carried.
4. PURCHASE OF LAND AROUND SEWER PLANT
Director Fortner submitted prices on lots near the Sewer Plant. They are
as follows:
Lot 24, Block $; $5,000 dollars; owner R. H. Barber; Size 47.3 x 142.5 ft.
Lot l, Block K; $7,500 dollars; Owner Lowry Markham; Size 47.9 x 169.3 ft.
Councilman Douglas moved to purchase Lot 24, Block J in the amount of
$5,000 dollars out of Water & Sewer Revenue Fund, seconded by Councilman
Raulerson motion carried.
Councilman Douglas moved to amend original motion to authorize Attorney
Conlon to discuss title insurance with R. M. Barber, seconded by Councilman
Raulerson motion carried.
5. KISSIMMEE RIVER RESTORATION
Director Fomtner reported that a meeting was to be held in 0keechobee on
November 9, 1977 on Kissimmee River Restoration.
6. PENSION PLAN- RETIREMENT
Director Fortner stated that the City Attorney had spoken with Tony Young --~
about representing the City in correcting some 6f the Cities Retirmmemt. prob~mms.
Director Fortner stated that he had spoken with an Attorney in West Palm
Beach about a price f~r correcting these problems.
Atto,~n~ey Conlon stated that he thought the City should hire an Attorney
in town, because they would need to come to the meetings once a year.
Following a lengthy discussion the Council authorized Director Fortner to
gather more information and report at next regular meeting.
7. CETA
Director Fortner reported on the application submitted for CETA employees.
He stated that certain things had to be deleted such as mowing the grass at
the Water Plant, and painting and cleaning up, these sort of things they want
fund. He stated that they had asked for four in the Public Works and three
in the Fire Department and the Fire Department was deleted completely. There
.... were not enough funds to g~ around. He stated that a letter had to be written
saying that the City would meet these deletions.
8. S~ATE PURCHASING SEMINAR
Director Fortner reported that a Seminar for State Purchasing is to be
held in Orlando on November 15, 1977.
He requested Councils approval to attend.
Council approved.
CITY CLERK
City Clerk, Sandra Bennett, submitted the following items for discussion or
approval:
1. ULTRACOM
Clerk Bennett reported that she had received the five thousand bond frmm
UltraCom, Inc. as required by Franchise. She submitted copies of Ordinances
pertaining to this Franchise.
2. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EASEMENT
Clerk Bennett stated that Mr. Frye from Department 6f Transportation sub-
mitted a temporary easement for the City to sign. Copies of the easement were
submitted.Clerk Bennett stated that Director Fo~tner had l&oked at the easement
and he didn't think the property was in the City Limits. She stated that she
had called the County and it appears that the City Hall is in River Side Park.
President Domer stated that this would be just a temporary work easement.
Director Fortner stated that he did not agree with the description. He
pointed out according to the description the property easement was not located
in the City.
Attorney Conlon suggested telling Department of Transportation that the
..... City does not own this p~ece of property.
Councilman Raulerson suggested checking the Plat Book.
President Domer suggested finding out where the property is located before
signing the easement.
3. ANTI - RECESSION FUNDS
: i Clerk Bennett stated that allocations had to be made for the Anti-Recession
Funds. She stated that the City had received $61,463 and the City had spent
$20,057.06; she stated that $23,702.66 had been allocated which leaves $~,750.34.
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Attorney Conlon questioned how long the City had to allocatedthe
$37,750.34; Clerk Bennett stated that $10,000 had to allocated now.
Attorney Conlon suggested that each department head draw up a list of
items for maintaining basic services that they would like to see extra money
go to.
Council to study the needs of each department and continue discussion
att:next meeting.
0KEECHOBEE BEACHWATER
Clerk Bennett reported that she received the Beachwater 40% of Jobs 1-6
on Layne-Atlantic through Beachwater in the amount of $127,940.18.
LETTER FROM THE AUDITOR
Clerk Bennett submitted letter from the Auditor regarding the use of
Beachwater Monies beeause the City obligated Federal Revmnue Money for Water
Plant Improvements.
The Auditor felt it would be advisable for the City Council to pass a
motion to the effect that the Federal Revenue Sharing Funds tranMferred to the
Water and Sewer Fund were used to pay the following costs:
Total addition to plant property
and equipment during fiscal year
ended September 30, 1977. $431,519.97
Additional amount required to com-
plete Layne-Atlantic Contract No.
75-1156. 61,708.80
Engineering fees paid on Contract
No. 75-1156 prior to October 1, 1976. 58,730.63
$551,959.40
Less amount to be paid by 0keechobee
Beachwater Association. 200~000~00
Balance $351,959.40
Amount paid by Federal Revenue Shar-
ing Fund 324,815.67
Paid by Water and Sewer Fund $27,143.73
Following discussion Councilman Douglas moved to distribute funds in
accordance With the Auditor's suggestion, seconded by Councilman Raulerson
motion carried.
COPIER
Clerk Bennett requested authorization to purehase a copier from State
Purchasing in the amount of $4,300 dollars.
Councilman Douglas moved to authorize purchase of copier, seconded by
Councilman R~lereon motion carried.
FIRE AGREEMENT
Clerk Bennett Submitted a letter from the County Commissioners which
read as follows:
Th~s is~'~o,,inform you that the 0keechobee County Fire Department will be
in operation as of 12:01 A.M., Tuesday, N~vember 1~ 1977.
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The Board of County Commissioners want to express our appreciation and
that of the citizens of 0keechobee County for the service rendered us by the
0keechobee City Fire Department over the past years. It is our hope and desire
that the two department can continue to serve the people of 0keechobee County
and 0keechobee City as cooperating teams. Please be aware that we are ready
to help your department at any time and in any way we can. Feel free to call
upon us. We feel that with the two Fire Departments we now have, 0keechobee
City and 0keechobee County can justly be proud. We can compare favorably with
any area comparable to us.
Thank you sincerely for all your help and cooperation in the past years.
We look forward to the continuation of the ~ood relationships and joint common
effort in providing greater and better service to the people of 0keechobee City
and County. Signed Clyde R. Durrance, Chairman.
Clerk Bennett requested Councils approval to send County Commissioners a
statement for October, 1977 Fire Services based on the County,s calls. The
County's share totaled $7,775.52.
Council approved.
RESOLUTION - 201 FACILITIES PLAN
President Domer read "A Resolution of the City of 0keechobee, Florida
agreeing to participate with the County of 0keechobee in seeking a Step 1
Federal Grant increase in connection with the 0keechobee "201 Facilities Plan."
WHEREAS, the County of 0keechobee by Resolution has made a committment to
consider the second alternate site known as the Florida School for Boys site
as the Final site for locating ~astewater treatment facilities in accordance with
the adopted "201 Facilities Plan", and
WHEREAS, additional funds will be required to investigate a~d negotiate the
use of said site in accordance with state and Federal requirements as a part of
the Step i process, and
WHEREAS, the additional funds required are estimated to be $2,000 dollars
of which 75% or $1,500 ~olAars would be provided by the Federal Government
under the "201 Facilities Plan" grant a~pistance program and 25% or $500 dollars
to be provided by the grantee.
NOW, THEREFORE b~ it resolved, that the City of 0keechobee agrees to part-
icipate with the County of 0keechobee inseekiug a Step i ~rant increase of
$1,500 d~ars and further agrees to pay 50% of the grantee,s share or a sum
not to exceed $250 dollars.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Okeechobee this 8th
day of November, 1977.
Councilman Raulerson moved to approve Resolution, seconded by Councilman
Douglas motion carried.
CALCULATOR
Clerk Bennett requested authorization to purchase a calculator.
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President Domer suggested trying to purchase a calculator through State
Purchasing.
Councilman Raulersm~ moved ~ authorize Clerk Bennett to purchase calculator
through State Purchasing and not to exceed $~30 dollars, seconded by Councilman
Douglas motion carried.
ADRIAN'S GROCERY
Clerk Bennett stated that be Yates the gentleman wanting to open Adrian's
store came in to try and purchase license. He sta~ed that the police had been
down to the store and informed h~m that he could not operate without a license.
Attorney Conlon advised the Clerk to advise Mr. Yates that a license can
not be issued because the issue is in ligitation.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACT - ZONING - MEETING SCHEDULED
Meeting scheduled for November 17, 1977 at 7:00 P.M., with Dr. Bartley,
DRAINAGE DITCH
Attorney Conlon reported on ditch between Commercial Bank and Bar - B - Quo.
He stated that Haynes Williams had told him that he had special plans to submit
to the Council and Attorney.
Attorney Conlon to get back in touch with Haynes Williams.
DISBURSEMENTS
~ouchers on the following funds were approved:
General Fund $28,~17.09
Water & Sewer 0potation & Maintenance 18,190.28
Anti-Recession Fund -3,994.71'
Water ~ Sewer Revenue Fund 33,954.69
Water & Sewer System Revenue Fund 1,943.44
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
President City Council
City of 0keechobee
ATTE ST:
Sandra Bonnet t~
City Clerk
City of Okeechobee