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1977-12-13 Regular Ill 2197 RECESSED MEETING THURSDAY, ~ DE~~...8., 197Z The City Council of the City of 0keechobee, Florida, convened in a Recessed Meeting in the Council Chambers at the City Hall, 0keechobee, Florida, December 8, 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: Sylvia Christian, Deputy Clerk and Richard B. Spray, Building Official. LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACT - ZONING Dr. Ernest R. Bartley, A.I.P., appeared before the Council for further discussion on the draft text of the new Zoning Ordinance. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the Council Recessed at 9:15 P.M. until Tuesday, December 20, 1977 at 7:00 P.M. Russell V. Domer President City Council City of Okeechobee ATTEST: Sandra Bennett City Clerk City of Okeechobee FIRST REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY~ DECEMBER 13, 1977 The City Council of the City of 0keechobee, Florida convened in Regular Session in the Council Chambers at the City Hall, 0keechobee, Florida at 7:00P.M., ~uesday, December 13, 1977. President Russell V. Domer presiding. Councilmen Lavon Bass, Edward W. Douglas, Jim Knight and Lytle Raulerson were present. Others present were: Sandra Bennett, City Clerk; Larry Mobley, Acting Chief of Police; David Conlon, City Attorney; L. C. Fortner, Director of Public Works; Olen Godwin, Fire Chief~ Richard B. Spray, Building Official; and Sylvia Christian~ Deputy Clerk. The Invocation was offered by Councilman Jim Knight. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Councilman Bass, seconded by Councilman Raulerson and vote carried that the minutes of October 6, 11, 17, 20; November 22 and 1977 be approved as recorded. !2198 PUBLIC HEARING ZONING ORDINANCE - ARD AND BERGER - FINAL HEARING President Domer presented the final reading on rezoning of property described as "Lots 11,12,13, and 14, Block 2, Original Town of 0keechobee", from present classification to Commercial. President Domer asked if there were any objections to the requested rezoning. No objections were heard or filed. Councilman Knight moved to rezone the above described property as requested and to amend Ordinance Number 271, seconded by Councilman Bass motion carried. LOCAL GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMITTEE Steve Kohn and Doug Cassels were present informing the Council of the Local Government Study Committee and inviting the Council to a noon luncheon meeting to be held at.the Ranch Buffet Restaurant, Friday, December 16, 1977. They stated that Florida State Representative William "Bill" Taylor will be the ~uest speaker at said meeting. Mr. Doug Cassels and Mr. Kohn also expressed their appreciation for all the help given the Committee by the City Council and the City Staff. RESOLUTION - PROPOSED DEDICATION OF STREET RIGHT - OF - WAY Attorney Conlon submitted Resolution as follows: WHEREAS, the City of 0keechobee, Florida is in need of additional Right of Ways for transportation and for drainage, and; WHEREAS, R. E. Hamrick, Sr. is the real owner of certain Right of Ways lying within the corporate limits of the City of 0keechobee~ Florida, and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of 0keechobee, Florida that the proposed dedication by R. E. Hamrick, Sr. to the City of 0keechobee of Right of Ways by quit- claim deed shall be accepted by the City of 0keechobee upon the recording of said deeds and that the cleaning of Right of Ways duly owned by the City by Mr. Hamrick are also acknowledged. DONE, RESOLVED, and made effective this 13th day of December, 1977, --~ at a Regular Meeting of the City Council, City of 0keechobee, Florida. Following discussion Councilman Douglas moved to adopt Resolution, seconded by Councilman Knight motion carried. STREET - BLOC~ 195 - EAST AND WEST Mr. Dwight Smith appeared before the Council requesting a 99 year lease on the alleyway running east and west in Block 195, to begin construction on building. President Domer questioned if this was the alleyway that the Council agreed to give a 10 year lease to the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. He questioned Director Fortner as to the status of this alley for I / / 2199 future water lines and sewer lines. Director Fortner stated that the alley dosen't run all the way through the block, it stops short because of the old railroad right of way. The proposed sewer lines are in the streets south of the alley, which would be 6th street. Attorney Conlon stated that if the City gives the Church a 99 year lease without putting a clause in it for ownership to revert back to the City then the City is just giving the alley up. He questioned if Colonel Hamrick had the reversion rights to this piece of property. He stated that if Mr. Hamrick would give the Church a quit-claim deed on the alley then the City will close the alley. Following discussion, Councilman Douglas moved to lease the alleyway for 99 years for $1 dollar per year to the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, seconded by Councilman Bass motion carried. POLICE DEPARTMENT Acting Chief of Police, Larry Mobley, submitted the following items for discussion or approval: 1. MONTHLY REPORT Acting Chief Mobley submitted the Police Department Activity Report for the month of November, 1977. 2. EMPLOYEE EVALUATIONS - POLICE Employment evaluations on John Ed Garrard and Richard W. Walker were submitted by Acting Chief Mobley for the Councils approval. Both men have been employed with the City one year. Councilman Bass moved to promote Patrolman John Ed Garrard to Patrol- man I with salary incentive increase of $300 dollars and to promote Patrol- man Richard W. Walker to Patrolman I with probation salary increase of $400 dollars and $300 dollar salary incentive, seconded by Councilman Douglas motion carried. HUMANE DEPARTMENT Acting Chief Mobley stated that he could purchase uniforms for the Humane Officer cheaper than renting them. He stated that it cost the City $53.95 per.month to rent his uniforms. He stated that he can buy him 5 uniforms at a cost between $22.60 and $25 dollars per uniform at a total of $125 dollars. He would do his own laundry. Councilman Bass moved ~o approve ~he purchase of uniforms for the Humane Officer, seconded by Councilman Raulerson motion carried. 4. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY · Acting Chief Mobley reported that for over two years he has had six unclaimed bicycles in storage in the Police Department. He requested 2200 authorization to donate them to a charitable organization. Councilman Knight moved to authorize Acting Chief Mobley to donate the bicycles, seconded by Councilman Bass and vote carried. -'~! 5. POLICE VEHICLE REPAIR Acting Chief Mobley informed the CounCil of the 1977 Chevrolet Impala Police Vehicle which was involved in an accident on December 1977 and submitted traffic accident report and repair bills from Custom -.- Paint Creations for $66.00; Gilbert Chevrolet Company, Inc. for $62.00; and Dave's Body Shop for $93.60. He stated that he wanted the Council to be aware of the cost and the accident. LITIGATION - FEDERAL SUIT Attorney Conlon reported that he had filed an answer to the complaint to Washington on the litigation between The Florida East Coast Chapter of The Associated General Contractors of America, Inc., a non-profit Corporation; Nero Construction, Inc., a corporation; and Gorham Con- struction Company, a corporation, Plaintiffs, vs Secretary of Commerce of The United States Department of Commerce; Okeechobee County; The City of 0keechobee; and the Economic Development Administration, Defendant re- garding the Federal Grant received from the City through the Public Works Employment Act. NEMEC - 0KEECHOBEE AVENUE Attorney Conlon stated that he was preparing a suit to have Nemec move his building off the City's right-of-way. He stated that he needed more time to do research on the title. He stated that it was complicated because the descriptions are wrong. He stated that he thought it was up to the City to go ahead and open the street. He informed the Council that he had talked with Mike Barber and it would cost a large sum of money for the City to have him locate all the documents. He recommended that pictures be taken of the vacant lot and then for the City to go ahead and clear the road for traffic. Building Official Spray stated that the Gable in the Wall is not tied back into the roof structure and if a dozer got to close to the wall it could collapse. Following further discussion, the Council postponed action for further investigation of the area. FIRE DEPARTMENT 1. MONTHLY REPORT Fire Report for the month of November, 1977 was submitted by Chief Godwin. 2. RESIGNATI 0NS Chief Godwin submitted letters of resignation from Don Metzcher effective December 8, 1977 and Keith Tomey effective December 6, 1977. Following discussion Councilman Raulerson moved to accept re- signations, seconded by Councilman Bass motion carried. 3. EMPLOYEE TERMINATION - FIRE DEPARTMENT Chief Godwin informed the Council of Fireman Sam Thomas~ Jr. failing his state examination mad inquired if the Council desired to allow Sam Thomas, Jr. to attend school the second time or terminate him. President Domer questioned if Thomas could stay on and work with the Fire Department if he wasn't certified. Chief Godwin stated that he could take the examination over. He stated that Thomas was willing to go back to school at his own expense. Following discussion Councilman Raulerson moved to give Fireman Thomas two weeks notice of his dismissal and not be obligated to pay the City back for school expenses, seconded by Councilman Bass motion carried. Councilman Raulerson also moved to establish a policy whereby any employee working for the City in any Department where it is mandatory for schooling, fails to pass his required courses will be given two weeks termination notice, seconded by Councilman Bass and vote carried. 4. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION - FIRE DEPARTMENT An employment application on Watt Horton Gragg was submitted by Chief Godwin for Fireman in the Fire Department for the Councils approval. Chief Godwin stated that Watt Gragg was already a certified fireman. He stated that he would start out as Fireman II on six months probation at starting salary for Fireman II. It was moved by Councilman Raulerson, seconded by Councilman Bass and vote carried, to employ Gragg as Fireman on six months probation. 5. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Chief Godwin stated that the Firemens Auxiliary requested permission to place Christmas Decorations on City Hall Yard instead of on the Fire Station Roof. Council approved. 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 Departments report for the month of November, 1977. 2202 2. ALLEYWAY OPENING Director Fortner reported a request to open the 15 foot alleyway running east and west in Block 175. Following discussion, the Council requested Councilman Knight and Director Fortner to investigate and report at the next meeting. 5. ITEMS FOR NEW TRUCKS Director Fortner requested authorization to purchase two tool boxes for $200 dollars and to have new trucks Ziebart rustproofed at a cost of $228 dollars, total cost of $428 dollars. Councilman Douglas moved to authorize purchase in the amount of $428 dollars, seconded by Councilman Bass motion carried. 4. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR WATER PLANT LAB Director Fortner requested authorization to purchase the following: 1. PH Meter 500.00 2. Balance Weights 104.52 3. Filters 110.55 4. Chemicals 100.00 5. Glassware 250.10 6. Supplies 186.69 7. Lab Furniture 520.00 $1,571.86 Following Discussion Councilman Douglas moved to authorize items in the amount of $1,571.86 dollars, seconded by Councilman Bass motion carried. 5. OFFICE SUPPLIES - ANTI-RECESSION Director Fortner requested authorization to purchase Office Supply Stock for all Departments in the amount of $715 dollars out of the Anti- Recession Fund. Councilman Douglas moved to authorize purchase, seconded by Council- man Raulerson motion carried. 6. CULVERTS - ANTI-RECESSION Director Fortner requested authorization to purchase culverts for stock in the amount of $1,000 dollars with anti-recession funds. Councilman Raulerson stated that if the culverts were being purchased to put in stock they would be inventory~ but if they were being bought to replace old culverts then it would be continuing a basic service. Director Fortner stated that he did not need all the culverts now. Following discussion Councilman Knight moved to purchase culverts as needed with anti-recession funds to continue drainage service, seconded by Councilman Bass motion carried. 2203 7. HOLIDAYS Director Fortner stated that some employees would like to have the Christmas Holiday changed from Friday, December 23, 1977 to Monday, December 26, 1977. Council Agreed. 8. RICHMOND COMPANY Director Fortner reported that the City was still holding 10~ of the payment from Richmond Company for the completion of the Water Line to the new school. He stated that there was still a few line items that need to be completed. Attorney Conlon stated that there was a performance bond on the contract. Following discussion the Council authorized Attorney Conlon and Director Fortner tO contact Richmond Company by letter. CITY CLERK Clerk Bennett, submitted the following items for discussion or approval: 1. GLADES GAS COMPANY Clerk Bennett submitted a letter from Glades Gas Company to the City Council thanking them for their cooperation in staging the L.P. Gas Dem- onstration. Signed by J.D. Cassels. 2. AUDIT REPORT Clerk Bennett presented the City of 0keechobee's Financial Statement for the year ended September 50, 1977, audited by McAlpin, Curtis and Associates, Certified Public Accountants, and a report with their recomm- endations for the Councils consideration. 5. HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENT Clerk Bennett stated that Mr. Phillip M. Sowa of Lankford Consultants had called inquiring the Councils decision on filing application for Com- munity Development Block Plans. The Council instructed Clerk Bennett to inform him that the City was not interested aS this time. DISBURSEMENTS Vouchers on the following funds were approved: General Fund $ 29,457.06 Water & Sewer Operation and Maintenance 31,015.80 Water & Sewer System Revenue Fund 1,943.44 Water & Sewer Revenue Fund 161,894.87 I & S Refunding Bonds Fund 2,012.00 Anti-Recession Fund 2,145.38 2204 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meetin~ adjourned. President City Council City of 0keechobee ATTEST: Sandra Bennett City Clerk City of 0keechobee FIRST REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY~ JANUARY 10~ 1978 The City Council of the City of 0keechobee, Florida convened in Regular Session in the Council Chambers at the City Hall~ 0keechobee, Florida, at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 10, 1978. President Russell V. Domer presiding. Councilmen Lavon Bass, Edward W. Douglas and Jim Knight were pre- sent. Councilman Lytle Raulerson was absent. -.- Others present were: Sandra Bennett~ City Clerk; Audley Dunham, Mayor; David Conlon, City Attorney; L. C. Fortner, Director of Public Works; Larry Mobley, Acting Chief of Police; 01eh Godwin, Fire Chief; Richard B. Spray, Building 0fficial~ David Hunter, Humane Officer and Sylvia Christian~ Deputy Clerk. The Invocation was offered by Councilman Edward W. Douglas. GARBAGE FRANCHISE Mr. Tare Waldron appeared before the Council submitting information on dumps/ers to be either sold of rented to his business customers. He requested permission to add the price to the customers garbage monthly pick up bill. He stated that he had purchased a truck to pick up these dumpsters. Following discussion~ Councilmen Bass, Douglas and Knight voiced-ten- tatiYe approYal.President Domer requested Mr. Waldron to check price rates and submit these rates to The Council for amendment to the Garba~ Franehise. LOT SIZE Mr. Tony Madonna and Mr. Jack Butts appeared before the Council re- ~-~ questing authorization to build a residential house on lot 5 in block 3 0keechobee Heights. Mr. Madonna stated that the lot was only 76 feet wide by 117 feet deep. President Domer questioned why the lot was under sized. Mr. Spray, Building Official, stated that the lot was platted this size.