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1978-01-10 Regular22O4 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Russell V. Domer President City Council City of Okeechobee ATTEST: Sandra Bennett City Clerk City of Okeechobee 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 Official, 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 dumpsters 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- tative approval.President Domer requested Mr. Waldron to check price rates and submit these rates to the Council for amendment to the Garbage Franchise. 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 } Okeechobee Heights. Mr. Madonna stated that the lot was only 76 feet wide by ll7 feet deep. President Domer questioned why the lot was under sized. Mr. Spray, Building Official, stated that the lot was platted this size. ........ i' il .... Ii President Domer questioned if there was a road or ditch right of way taken from this piece of ground to cause it to be the size it is. Mr. Spray stated that it was platted that size. He also stated that it was a corner lot and that land could not be purchased to go with the lot to make it larger. President Domer stated that in their sessions with Dr. Bartley, Zoning Consultant, he informed him that a variance can not be issued on a lot size like this unless there was some unusual circumstance that made the lot smaller. President Domer stated that a 90 day Building Permit could be issued if a building would be built now, but it would have to be used in 90 days. Following further discussion the Council stated that if Mr. Butts decided to build a building, then the Council could take further action. SPECIFICATIONS - INSURANCE BIDS Attorney Conlon submitted specifications for approval for advertising for bids on January 24, 1978 at 7:00 P.M. on the following: A. Comprehensive Insurance including Comprehensive General Liability, Automobile, Inland Marine and Property. B. Workmen's Compensation. C. Blanket Position Bond. D. Group Life Hospital Plan. Councilman Bass moved to approve specifications for advertisement~ seconded by Councilman Knight motion carried. POLICE DEPARTMENT Acting Chief 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 December, 1977. 2. PROMOTION - POLICE Acting Chief Mobley requested Sergeant Phillip Purvis for promotion to the position of Lieutenant with an immediate salary increase of $725 dollars and after six months probation period to $12,700 per year as budgeted. Acting Chief Mobley also requested additional $250 dollars per year above the $12,700 for salary incentive for completion of Supervisors school that is required by the State to be paid. Councilman Douglas recommended that the $250 dollars for incentive should be a part of the $12,700 due to this amount placed in the Budget. The salary should be $12,450 plus $250 salary incentive. Following a lengthy discussion, Councilman Bass moved to promote Sergeant Purvis to Lieutenant with a salary increase of $725 dollars and after six months probation, salary will be $12,700 plus $250 dollars ~ for salary incentive. The motion died for a lack of a second. Councilman Douglas moved to promote Sergeant Purvis to Lieutenant with salary increase of $725 and after a six months probation, salary will be increased to $12,450 plus $250 dollars for salary incentive, ~ seconded by Councilman Bass. Councilman Knight voted "nay". President Domer voted "yea". The vote was carried. PROMOTION - POLICE Acting Chief Mobley requested Patrolman Jesse Aldridge be promoted to Sergeant with an immediate salary increase to $10,630 dollars and after six months probation period to $10,910 dollars. Councilman Bass moved to promote Patrolman Jesse Aldridge t0 Ser- geant with an immediate salary increase to $10,630 dollars and after a six months probation period to $10,910 dollars, seconded by Councilman Douglas and vote carried. 4. PROMOT~0N - POLICE Acting Chief Mobley requested Patrolman Jon Rucks be promoted to Sergeant with an immediate salary increase to $10,280 dollars and after I six months probation to $10,910 dollars. Councilman Bass moved to promote Patrolman Jon Rucks to Sergeant with an immediate salary increase to $10,280 dollars and after six months probation to $10,910 dollars, seconded by Councilman Douglas and vote carried. 5. RESIGNATION - POLICE Acting Chief Mobley submitted a letter of resignation from Patrolman Kenneth W. Miller effective January 8, 1978. Councilman Bass moved to accept Miller's resignation, seconded by Councilman Douglas and vote carried. 6. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION Acting Chief Mobley submitted an employment application from Jim --~ Keadle for Patrolman, salary at $9,650 dollars plus $500 dollars super- visors school. The difference of $500 dollars and what was budgeted was discussed Acting Chief Mobley stated that he could handle the amount in his budget. Councilman Bass moved to employ Keadle as Patrolman, salary at $9,650 dollars plus $500 dollars supervisors school, seconded by Council- man Douglas and motion carried. 2207 7. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION Acting Chief Mobley submitted an employment application from Ed Creel for patrolman, salary at $9,650 dollars. Councilman Bass moved to employ Ed Creel as Patrolman salary to be $9,650 dollars per year, seconded by Councilman Douglas motion carried. 8. CONSTRUCTION - JAIL CELL - POLICE DEPARTMENT Acting Chief Mobley submitted plans and estimates to rebuild the old jail block into office space and holding cell for the Police Department. The South back part would still be used for storage. Estimates were submitted from Attaway Lumber Company and Croslyn Electric in the amount of $794 dollars if the Police employees did the work themselves, Jack Richmond in the amount of $1,775 dollars and Abney and Abney in the amount of $2,050 dollars. Mobley stated that h'e would have the money in the Police Department due to the fact that $2,750 dollars for uniforms budgeted would be paid out of the anti-recession fund. Following further discussion, Councilman Bass moved to authorize the expenditures of $794 dollars to rebuild the old jail block, the work to be done by the Police Department employees, seconded by Councilman Knight and vote carried. 9. ANTI-RECESSION FUNDS Acting Chief Mobley requested authorization to use anti-recession funds to pay for the following in the amount of $731 dollars: Repairs on Patrol Car $330.84 Film, flash cubes and film developing 5o.78 Uniform Clesaaing 550.20 $731.82 Following further discussion, Councilman Bass moved to allocate $731.82 for Police Department Expense to be expended through the anti-recession funds, seconded by Councilman Douglas and vote carried. FIRE DEPARTMENT 1. MONTHLY REPORT Fire Chief Godwin submitted the fire report for the month of December, 1977. 2. EQUIPMENT Chief Godwin reported a need for fire hose to replace hose that had not passed the pressure test. He questioned if anti-recession funds could be used to purchase the hose. Following discussion, the Council requested Clerk Bennett to contact The Office of Revenue Sharing and request clarification on whether anti- recession funds can be used to purchase Fire Department hose that has proved unsafe by testing and to replace hose to maintain basic service. 2208 3. SUPPLIES Chief Godwin questioned if anti-recession funds could be used to purchase twelve batteries for the Fire Department Portable Radios. He --~ stated that the useful life on the batteries was six weeks. Purchasin~ battery char~er instead of batteries was discussed. Action was postponed for further study. 4. SUPPLIES Chief Godwin requested authorization to purchase tools and a tool box in the amount of $588 dollars. Following~discussion, action was postponed for further discussion. BUILDING DEPARTMENT 1. QUARTERLY REPORT Building Official Spray submitted the quarterly report, for the months of October, November and December~ 1977. WATER~ SEWER AND STREET DEPARTMENTS Director Fortner submitted the following items for discussion: 1. MONTHLY REPORT Director Fortner submitted the Water, Sewer and Street Departments report for the month of December, 1977. 2. CITY'S RETIREMENT - TRUSTEES Director Fortner reported that it was time to re-appoint and appoint new members to the Board of Trustees for the City's Retirement Plan. It was moved by Councilman Bass, seconded by Councilman Knight and vote carried to appoint the following for a one and two year term: MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES 1. John Bennett - reappointed - 1/1/78 to 1/1/80 2. L. C. Fortner - reappointed - 1/1/78 to 1/1/80 FIRE RETIREMENT FUND 1. 01en Godwin- reappointed- 1/1/78 to 1/1/80 2. Ed Reutebueh - reappointed - 1/1/78 to 1/1/80 3. Herman J. Rhymes replacement - 1/1/78 to 1/1/79 (replaces Don Metzcher) POLICE RETIREMENT FUND 1. Phillip Purvis - reappointed - 1/1/78 to 1/1/80 2. Shirley Logston - reappointed - 1/1/78 to 1/1/80 STOCK ITEMS FOR WATER DEPARTMENT Director Fortner presented stock items needed for the Water Department in the amount of $2,700 dollars. Councilman Douglas moved to approve the purchase of stock items in the amount of $2,700 dollars, seconded by Councilman Bass vote carried. 22O9 4. WORKSHOP - WATER DEPARTMENT Director Fortner requested authorization to attend a workshop supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the techniques for removal of inorganic contaminants, turbidity, organic contaminants and radioactive contaminants on Monday and Tuesday, January 30th and 31st, 1978 in the amount of $110 dollars. Councilman Knight moved to authorize Director Fortner to attend the workshop with all expenses paid, seconded by Councilman Douglas and vote carried. 5. TRAFFIC PLANNING Director Fortner submitted a letter from Adele D. Spielberger, Chief of Bureau of Highway Safety informing Director Fortner that a review had been made of The City's request for an operational and signing needs analasys and that there was no funds available for the current fiscal year to do studies of this nature. Enclosed in the letter was a copy of the criteria for funding" warning and regulatory sign grants. Ms. Spielberger stated in the letter that funds are available to Cities who have already completed a sign inventory for the purchase of materials needed for the installation and up-grade of warning and regulatory signs off the Federal-Aid System. 6. SEWER LINE Director Fortner informed the Council that in the process of testing the Sewer Lines it was discovered that the old Elementary School roof drain was draining into the City's sanitary sewer system which was creating problems in the sewer plant by overloading during rainy periods. He stated that the Department of Environmental Protection Agency wanted to know what the City was going to do to correct the situation. Director Fortner informed the Council that there is a street drainage in the same area that the school could drain into that line. He questioned who would be responsible for payment of having the work done as it would involve tearing up a paved street. Following further discussion, the Council authorized the City Attorney to contact the School Board by letter informing them of the situation and advising them to disconnect their drain line from the City's sewer line. 7. RELOCATING WATER AND SEWER LINES ON STATE ROAD 70 Director Fortner reported a meeting with The Department of Transportation January 14, 1978 in Fort Lauderdale to make provisions on relocating the existing water and sewer lines running across Taylor Creek when the Department of Transportation starts widening State Road 70. 2210 8. 24" WATERWORKS IMPROVEMENTS TRANSMISSION LINE-EDA-LPW-CHANGE ORDER #] Director Fortner submitted change order #1 from LaGrow Irrigation Inc. to add an additional 2~" x 8" Tee, valve and anchor coupling to ~ service the new shopping center, cost at $1,167 dollars. Councilman Douglas moved to approve change order number 1, seconded by Councilman Bass and vote carried. 9. 24" WATERWORKS IMPROVEMENTS TRANSMISSION LINE - EDA - LPW - CROSS ~ Upon the suggestion of Director Fortner, Councilman Douglas moved to request Don Shepherd, Engineer, to draw the plans for a change order on the 24" Waterworks Transmission Line to install a cross in the main which will be 24" x 16" with valves to allow expansion of the system in the future at Wolff Road, seconded by Councilman Bass and vote carried. 10. 24" WATERWORKS IMPROVEMENTS TRANSMISSION LINE-EDA-LPW-PAYMENT REQUEST #] Director Fortner submitted a letter from A.F. Meeks, Engineer re- conmmending payment in the amount of elev'en thousand, one hundred seventeen and 34/100 ($11,117.34) for estimate no. 1 to LaGrow Irrigation Systems. Councilman Douglas moved to authorize payment of eleven thousand, one hundred seventeen and 34/100 for estimate no. 1 as recommended by Engineer, A.F. Meeks, seconded by Councilman Bass and vote carried. 11. STORAGE ~ Director Fortner questioned Councils decision on a storage area as the Police Department was rebuilding half of the jail block for office expansion. Following discussion, the Council requested Building Official Spray to get prices on constructing a building on the concrete slab in back of the number 2 fire building. 12. ALLEYWAY OPENING Director Fortner questioned Councils decision on opening the 15 foot alleyway running east and west in Block 173. He stated that it would require shell and the removal of several trees. Following discussion, the Council requested Director Fortner and Councilman Knight to investigate further. __~ CITY CLERK City Clerk, Sandra Bennett, submitted the following items: 1. HUMANE DEPARTMENT Clerk Bennett stated that since a new dog pound was budgeted, did the Council want to have specifications drawn. I~ Following discussion, the Council requested Councilman Raulerson and Building Official Spray to draw up the specifications. , ii L illl iI III I I II i 2211 2. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACT - ZONING - MEETING SCHEDULED The City Clerk announced a meeting scheduled with Dr. Ernest Bartley on the Comprehensive Planning for Thursday, January 12~ 1978 at 7:00 P.M. 3. REZONING APPLICATION Clerk Bennett submitted a rezoning application from Donald and Kathleen Fales, requesting the Council to advertise and rezone from Re- sidential (R-l) to Commercial Lots 17 and 18, Block 37, North West 9th Street, West Parrott Avenue. Councilman Douglas moved to instruct the Clerk to proceed with not -- ification to the owner and to advertise the public hearing as required by State Law, seconded by Councilman Bass and vote carried. 4. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY Clerk Bennett submitted a letter from Sharon Flora, Foster Care Worker, State of Florida, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. She stated in the letter that it was brought to her attention that the City of Okeechobee had several bicycles in its possession that were located at the Police Department and requested that the City consider the possibility of sharing the bicycles with foster children. Councilman Bass moved to donate the unclaimed bicycles to The Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, seconded by Councilman Douglas and vote carried. 5. LEGISLATIVE HEARING Clerk Bennett submitted a memorandum to all City Officials from Senator Tom Gallen, Delegation Chairman, advising the City Council that the Legislative hearing for 0keechobee County will be held Monday, February 6, 1978 at 10:00 A.M. at the Commissioners Room. FIREMAN SALARY The salary for the new fireman, Watt Gragg, who was hired at the December 13, 1977 meeting was discussed. Councilman Bass stated that after reviewing Gragg's qualifications he moved to clarify the intent of the City Councils action of December 15th for fireman Gragg's salary to be $8,125 dollars, retroactive to date of employment, plus $500 dollars after six months probation, seconded by Councilman Knight and vote carried. STREET LIGHT REQUEST Councilman Knight reported a request from Charles Breland for a street light at 100 south east 14th street and a request for a light at south, west llth avenue and south west 5th street. /~ne Council agreed to place the requests on the list. 2212 DISBURSEMENTS Vouchers on the following funds were approved: General Fund $ 26,199.59 -'~ ~ti-Recession Fund $ 1,417.85 Water & Sewer Operation & Maintenance Fund $206,940.84 Water & Sewer System Revenue Fund $ 1,943.44 Water & Sewer System Bond md Interest Sinking Fund $ 25,500.00 Water & Sewer Revenue Fund $228,954.69 I & S Refunding Bonds $113,555.41 ~JOURNMENT There being no further business, President Domer declared the meeting Recessed at 10:35 P.M. until Thursday, J~aury 12, 1978 at 7:00 P.M. for a meeting with Dr. Ernest Bartley on the Comprehensive Planning. Russell V. Domer President City Council City of 0keechobee ATTEST: Sandra Bennett City Clerk City of 0keechobee RECESSED MEETING THURSDAY~ JANUARY 1~ 1978 The City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida convened in a Recessed Meeting in the Council Ch~bers at the City Hall, 0keechobee, Florida, at 7:00 P.M., J~aury 12, 1978. President Russell V. Domer presiding. Councilm~ Edward W. Douglas, Jim Knight and Lytle Raulerson were present. Councilman Lavon Bass was absent. Others present were: S~dra Bennett, City Clerk; Sylvia Christie, Deputy Clerk ~d Ernest R. Bartley, Planing Consultant. LOCAL GOVERNMENT CO~REHENSIVE PLANNING ACT - ZONING Dr. Ernest R. Bartley~ AIP ~d Carter McDowell~ Student at the Uni- versity of Florida, appeared before the Council for further discussion on the draft text of the new zoning Ordinance. ~JOURNMENT There being no further business, the Council Adjourned. RusSell V. Domer President City Council City of 0keechobee