Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
2016-06-07
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE JUNE 71 2016, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 55 SE 3RD AVENUE * COUNCIL CHAMBERS * OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974 SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION AGENDA CALL TO ORDER — Mayor Pro-Tempore June 7, 2016, City Council Regular Meeting, 6:00 P.M. II. OPENING CEREMONIES Invocation to be given by Mayor Pro-Tempore Watford; Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Mayor Pro-Tempore Watford. III. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - City Clerk Mayor James E. Kirk Council Member Noel A. Chandler Council Member Mike O'Connor Council Member Gary Ritter Council Member Dowling R. Watford, Jr. City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca City Attorney John R. Cook City Clerk Lane Gamiotea Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins Police Chief Denny Davis Fire Chief Herb Smith Public Works Director David Allen IV. AGENDA — Mayor Pro-Tempore A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today's agenda. V. MINUTES — City Clerk A. Motion to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Council Action for the May 17, 2016, Regular Meeting. PAGE 1 OF 5 COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE In the absence of Mayor Kirk and there being no objections, Council Member Watford, serving in the capacity of Mayor Pro-Tempore, called the June 7, 2016, Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. The invocation was offered by Mayor Pro-Tempore Watford; the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro-Tempore Watford. Deputy City Clerk Jenkins called the roll: Absent Present Present Absent Present (serving as Mayor Pro-Tempore) Present Present Absent Present Absent (Major Peterson was in attendance) Present Present Mayor Pro-Tem Watford asked whether there were any additions, deferrals, or withdrawals on today's agenda. There were none. Motion and second by Council Members O'Connor and Chandler to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Council Action for the Regular Meeting of May 17, 2016. There was no discussion on this item. VOTE: KIRK — ABSENT CHANDLER — YEA O'CONNOR — YEA RITTER — ABSENT WATFORD — YEA MOTION CARRIED. 543 JUNE 7, 2016 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 2 OF 5 644 AGENDA VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation of a plaque of appreciation from the Chamber of Commerce to the City of Okeechobee — John Gurney, Economic Development Director. B. Motion to approve the advertising and application packet for the Police Chief position — City Clerk (Exhibit 1). COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION — VOTE Mr. John Gurney, Economic Development Director for the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County, presented the City Council with a plaque that read: "The Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County representing the businesses throughout Okeechobee County commends the City Council of the City of Okeechobee that through their conservatively focused policies have enabled Okeechobee County to emerge from economic depression to gaining prominence and recognition as a potential future location for businesses in Florida." The City Council was provided with an economic development update. During the period of November 2015 through April 2016, the Chamber served a total of 86 companies for either new, expanding, and/or startup projects, of which 49 were completed through fruition, 24 are still active and moving forward, and 13 failed to materialize for various reasons. There were 164 jobs created with an average hourly rate of $13.25, with a $16,186,283.00 capital investment made Countywide. Career Source Heartland, of which our county is a member, earned the number one spot in the state for employment placement. The City Council graciously accepted the plaque and thanked Mr. Gurney for the update. No official action was required on this item. In order to advertise for the Chief of Police position, due to Chief Davis' retirement set for August 26, 2016, and in keeping with the standard procedures, City Clerk Gamiotea provided within Exhibit One a memorandum with research and listing seven items for consideration and/or discussion. The Police Chief is a department head position that is directly responsible to the City Council. Deputy Clerk Jenkins distributed a copy of Council Member Ritter's comments and suggestions to be included and considered during discussion, as he was unable to attend. In addressing the education and experience requirements within the revised job description presented, Council Member Ritter's written comment agreed with staff recommendation, to specifically list a Bachelor's Degree and minimum years of experience. Discussion between the City Council agreed, with the amendment to clarify paragraphs 1.a., b., and c., under the Qualifications section that the applicant may have a Bachelor's Degree in the fields listed, a minimum of five years' experience as listed, or any equivalent combination of training and significant experience in the positions listed may be substituted for the education requirements. The City Council, including Council Member Ritter's written comments, agreed that the salary range for advertising will be $58,455.67 but allowing for some negotiation. This is Step One of the current 2015/16 Fiscal Year Salary Step Plan. Based on the research provided, the starting salary is comparable to like size municipalities. City Clerk Gamiotea requested the deadline for applications not be during the 2016 General Election Qualifying Period, August 15 through 19, and that it should be open for at least 60 days after posting. The City Council deferred this decision to be made by Clerk Gamiotea and Administrator MontesDeOca. Council Member Ritter's written comment stated no objection to posting the job for 60 days or more. JUNE 7, 2016 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 3 OF 5 AGENDA COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION —VOTE VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED B. Motion to approve the advertising and application packet for the Police The City Council agreed to include within the application packet questions to which the applicants must respond in Chief position continued. writing. Clerk Gamiotea provided a list of six used on other similar applications. Council Member Ritter suggested adding one relating to leadership styles, examples of communication skills with staff and/or handling discipline of an officer. Council Member Watford recommended adding a question on how the applicant would encourage citizen and/or minority participation. As recommended, it was agreed the advertisements within newspapers should be kept to a minimum, such as the Okeechobee News and The Tribune (Stuart News), and utilize the various job bulletin boards on the internet. Council Member Chandler moved to approve the advertising and application packet for the Police Chief position (with specific additions and/or changes as noted above); seconded by Council Member O'Connor. The City Council agreed to defer appointing an Acting/Interim Chief to a later date. Additionally they agreed to defer appointing a selection committee until after the deadline. The number of applications will determine whether one is necessary. VOTE: KIRK — ABSENT CHANDLER — YEA O'CONNOR — YEA RITTER — ABSENT WATFORD — YEA MOTION CARRIED. C. Motion to approve a contract with Burton and Associates for a Fire Motion and second by Council Members Chandler and O'Connor to approve a Contract with Burton and Associates, Assessment Study utilizing a piggyback agreement with Okeechobee Inc. for Fire Rescue Fire Assessment calculation services by Piggyback Agreement with Okeechobee County, (for a County — City Attorney (Exhibit 2). fixed fee of $38,646.00). A summary of the contract's scope of services includes, but is not limited to, creating a project schedule and timeline; determine full costs of Fire Services and fair apportion assessable costs; develop assessment model to reflect defined benefit criteria, property classes, and assessment methodology components, including a five year projection of revenue and expenses, and capital improvement expenses; calculate assessment rates by property class and specific assessments for each parcel based on classification; proper application of the assessment rates; determine assessment rates in accordance with Florida case laws; prepare and present materials for City Council workshops and make adjustments based upon input and finalize analysis; prepare and distribute draft and final reports; develop and distribute implementation schedule with milestones and responsibilities; prepare and distribute draft and final ordinances and resolutions to implement the Assessment Program; develop and mail required Notices of Hearings; attend adoption Public Hearing; prepare assessment roll for certification to the Tax Collector. 545 DUNE 7, 2016 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 4 OF 5}% II AGENDA COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION — VOTE I VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED C. Motion to approve a contract with Burton and Associates for a Fire Assessment Study utilizing a piggyback agreement with Okeechobee County continued. D. Update on Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) cost analysis and activation date — City Administrator (Exhibit 3). Attorney Cook added, the deadline for advertising this assessment is 20 days prior to the Public Hearing, which has to occur before September 15, 2016. Mr. Burton assured the City, through correspondence, that his company can complete the required study within the time constraints for adoption. Attorney Cook reiterated his position from the October 20, 2015, City Council meeting, that implementing a Fire Assessment is a fair method, due to the large number of citizens in the City that pay less than one -hundred dollars in property taxes per year. Homestead exemptions do not apply to non -ad valorem assessment. (KIRK — ABSENT RITTER — ABSENT VOTE: CHANDLER — YEA WATFORD — YEA O'CONNOR — YEA MOTION CARRIED. At the April 19, 2016, City Council Meeting, the Council voted to co -locate City dispatch to the County facility for answering and dispatching of all emergency personnel. Administrator MontesDeOca provided the Council with an update on the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The initial cost to complete the co -location is $89,072.00, which includes $71,732.00 of future capital improvement budget items necessary. These items include replacing the current server and upgrades to software for the Spillman System as well as replacing the phone system, adding efficiencies to the existing communication services. Due to the long-term life span of the new phone system, which is expected to be over 5 years, the option of purchasing over leasing was selected by Staff, noting that the upgraded phone system is a stepping stone for additional facilities migration in the future. The current Spillman server is at almost twice its operational expectancy. The expected annual operational savings is $27,672.00 over five years. In response to Mayor Pro-Tem Watford's question, Administrator MontesDeOca stated July 19, 2016, is the moving date for Dispatch, which is a week sooner than originally set. Mayor Pro -Tern Watford then asked how the Police Department will handle citizens who need assistance within the building. Administrator MontesDeOca and Major Peterson explained, the non -emergency landline (863-763-5521) will continue to ring at the Police Department. The Records Clerks and Police Services Coordinator will respond to these calls during normal office hours, Monday through Friday, as well as serve citizens/visitors at the facility. A buzzer will be added in case neither one are at the desk. There will be a phone installed on the exterior of the building by the front door to handle weekend and evening citizens. This phone will connect to Dispatch and an officer will be sent, as necessary. Administrator MontesDeOca was instructed to send correspondence to the County requesting the City be included in future grants applications. Council Member O'Connor asked Major Peterson how the supervising of City employees will be handled when they are relocated. Major Peterson replied supervision will not change as they are still City employees. Mayor Pro-Tem Watford thanked everyone for their hard work. No official action was required on this item. JUNE %, 2016 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 5 OF 5 54f1 VI AGENDA NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED E. Consider changes to the Summer Meeting Schedule — City Clerk (Exhibit 4). VII. ADJOURNMENT — Mayor Pro-Tempore Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she may need to in a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon wh the appe is to be based. City Jerk r3edia are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. i ATTEST: James James E. Kirk, Mayor Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION — VOTE Council Member Chandler moved to approve as presented, the Summer Meeting Schedule, cancelling the meetings of July 5, 2016, and August 2, 2016; seconded by Council Member O'Connor. There was a brief discussion regarding the necessity of calling a meeting in order to meet all the requirements to implement the Fire Assessment. The Mayor has the authority to call Special Meetings, as necessary. VOTE: KIRK — ABSENT CHANDLER — YEA O'CONNOR — YEA RITTER — ABSENT WATFORD — YEA MOTION CARRIED. There being no further discussion, nor items on the agenda, Mayor Pro-Tem Watford adjourned the meeting at 6:55 P.M. 4 W WIM ANDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA INC. USA STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF OKEECHOBEE Before the undersigned authority personally appeared Katrina Elsken, who on oath says she is the Publisher of the Okeechobee News, a three times a week Newspaper published at Okeechobee, in Okeechobee County, Florida, that the attached copy of advertisement being a in the matter of in the 19th Judicial District of the Circuit Court of Okeechobee County, Florida, was published in said newspaper in the issues of 61-2-:�/(( Affiant further says that the said Okeechobee News is a newspaper published at Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida, and that said newspaper has heretofore been published continuously in said Okeechobee County, Florida each week and has been entered as second class mail matter at the post office in Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida, for a period of one year next preceding the first publication of the attached copy of advertisement, and affiant further says that she has neither paid nor promised any person, firm or corporation any discount, rebate, commission or refund for the purpose of securing this advertisement for publication in the said newspaper. Katrina Elsken Sworn to an"ubscribed b fore me this 3 1Zc� day of D AD Notary Public, State of Florida at Large ANGIE BRIDGES r' W COMMISSION # FF 976149 EXPIRES: April 20, 2020 •o; BOndod ThN Notq Public UnderKTil9fe Okeechobe 107 SW 17th St Okeechobee, Fl 863-763-3 � 2 L� 3 l ws f !!! Suith 0 j7 2016 t 3497 PUBLIC NOTICE CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council for the City of Okeecl o- bee will conduct a regular meeting on Tuet June 7, 2016 6 PM, or as soon thereafter as. possible, at Gty Hall, 55 SE 3rd Ave, Rm 2DO, Okeecho- bee, FL- The public is invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda may be obtained from cityofokeechobee.com or by calling the Office of the City Administrator, 863-763-3372 x212. - ANY PERSON DECIDING TO APPEAL anp dedsion made by the City councilwith respect to any matter considered at this meeting enll need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceeding is made and the record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal will be based. In aocor- d_nce with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person with a disability as defined by the ADA, that needs special accommodation to par- ticipate in this proceeding, contact the City Clerks Office no later than two business days prior to proceeding, 863-763-3372. BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or items to the Council in support or opposition to any item on the agenda, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item MUST be.provided to the City perk for the City's records. By: Mayor James E. IOrk 476378 ON 6/3y2016 V- uT iq IV. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor: OPENING CEREMONIES: CITY OF OKEECHOBEE 55 SE 3RD AVENUE ♦ COUNCIL CHAMBERS ♦ OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974 JUNE 73 2016 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 7, 2016, City Council Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Invocation Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor MAYOR, COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - City Clerk Mayor James E. Kirk Council Member Noel Chandler Council Member Mike O'Connor Council Member Gary Ritter Council Member Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Administrator Marcos Montes De Oca Attorney John R. Cook Clerk Lane Gamiotea Deputy Clerk Bobbie Jenkins Police Chief Denny Davis Fire Chief Herb Smith Public Works Director David Allen AGENDA — Mayor A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today's agenda. OFFICIAL AGENDA PAGE 1 OF 2 June 7, 2016 PAGE 2 of 2 V. MINUTES — City Clerk A. Motion to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Council Action for the May 19, 2016 Regular Meeting, VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation of a plaque of appreciation from the Chamber of Commerce to the City of Okeechobee — John Gurney, Economic Development Director B. Motion to approve the advertising and application packet for the Police Chief position — City Clerk (Exhibit 1). C. Motion to approve a contract with Burton & Associates for a Fire Assessment Study utilizing a piggyback agreement with Okeechobee County — City Attorney (Exhibit 2). D. Update on Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) cost analysis and activation date — City Administrator (Exhibit 3), E. Consider changes to the Summer Meeting Schedule — City Clerk (Exhibit 4). VII. ADJOURN PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND BE ADVISED that if any person desires to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this proceeding, such interested person will need a record of the proceeding, and for such purpose may need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. City Clerk recordings are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person with a disability as defined by the ADA, that needs special accommodation to participate in this proceeding, contact the City Clerk's Office no later than two business days prior to proceeding, 863-763-3372. BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or items to the Council in support or opposition to any item on the agenda; a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. City of Okeechobee, June 7, 2016 meeting Minutes taken during the meeting by B. Jenkins CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pro Tempore Watford called the Regular City Council Meeting to order on June 7, 2016, at 6:01 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Room 200 located at City Hall, 55 SE 3rd Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34974. II. OPENING CEREMONIES: The invocation was given by Mayor Pro Tempore Watford; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Pro Tempore Watford. III. MAYOR, COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - City Clerk Mayor James E. Kirk Absent Council Member Noel Chandler Present Council Member Mike O'Connor Present Council Member Gary Ritter Council Member Dowling R. Watford, Jr Attorney John R. Cook Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca Clerk Lane Gamiotea Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins Police Chief Denny Davis Fire Chief Herb Smith Public Works Director David Allen Absent Present Present Present Absent Present Absent (Major Peterson in attendance) Present Present IV. AGENDA — Mayor Pro Tempore A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today's agenda. There were none. V. MINUTES —City Clerk A. Motion and second by Council Members O'Connor and _Chandler to dispense with the reading and approve the summary of Council Action for the May 17, 2016, Regular Meeting. VOTE: KIRK — ABSENT CHANDLER —YEA O'CONNOR — YEA RITTER — ABSENT WATFORD — YEA MOTION CARRIED. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation of a plaque of appreciation from the Chamber of Commerce to the City of Okeechobee — John Gurney, Economic Development Director. Special Recognition plaque (1/2 year economic development direct Nov - Apr 86 businesses worked with, 49 completed, 24 working, 13 failed due tolack of capital. 164 jobs created with average wage of 13.25 per hour, career source heartland #1 spot in state for employment placement. Capital investment 16 million into County. Plaque of Excellence from Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Council accepted Plaque. Mayor Pro Tern Watford thanks Mr. Gurney for the presentation. B. Motion to approve the advertising and application packet for the Police Chief position — City Clerk (Exhibit 1). Motion and second by Council Members _Chandler and _O'Connor to approve the advertising and application packet for the Police Chief position VOTE: KIRK — ABSENT CHANDLER —YEA RITTER — ABSENT WATFORD — YEA O'CONNOR — YEA MOTION CARRIED. Page 1 of 3 C. Motion to approve a contract with Burton & Associates for a Fire Assessment Study utilizing a piggyback agreement with Okeechobee County — City Attorney (Exhibit 2). Motion and second by Council Members Chandler and _O'Connor to approve a contract with Burton & Associates for a Fire Assessment Study utilizing a piggyback agreement with Okeechobee County. VOTE: KIRK — ABSENT CHANDLER — YEA O'CONNOR — YEA RITTER — ABSENT WATFORD — YEA MOTION CARRIED. Discussion -Administrator bring us up to date regarding fire assessment procedure: Montesdeoca this agreement is to have an assessment done to possibly implement into FY16/17 Budget; includes mailouts Watford -do the study, what the recommended assessment it MDO-here is the assessment; Council to implement lower or increase Watford -Make before Budget Workshop yes Cook -Scope of services includes budget workshop presentation. Trend now is the methodology based on availability. What is unknown is the amojnt. Will have to be advertised 20 days prior to the hearing which has to occur before 9/15. Price seems to be a little high being that they are doing the same work for the county on other hand the benefit would be pretty substantial to the City. Justified by City not having an assessment already, County does. Appears to have provisions for a prominent law firm in the state that does this exclusively. They would do all of the legal work Watford -need to verify that scope of services calls for preparation of documents; county broke the ice on this subject and it was kind of controversial in the beginning; seems like assessment procedure itself is somewhat well perceived. For the assessment, homestead exemption does not apply; if no property taxes to pay, will still have to pay assessment. Cook -a large number of citizens in the city pays less than $100 in taxes; assessment seems to be fair for these citizens MDO-if you are a city resident (pay EMT assessment, no Fire) pay both assessments in County Watford: Apologize -failed to recognize finance director in meeting India -assessments due seem to be a fairer way to implement fire service fees instead of ad -valorem tax Cook-9/15 deadline; this is pretty much time sensitive Chandler -discussion with other people; just another tax but explained that this helps fund the fire dept; even though their value is not high enough for taxes. Watford -spreads this out to not just the tax payers D. Update on Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) cost analysis and activation date — City Administrator (Exhibit 3). MDO-items of concern — what we move over and time of implementation; capital improvements incur all at one time; phones are one of the items. Additional savings with Grid; purchase or lease a phone system, went with purchasing new phones. Watford-whats the timing for moving MDO — July 19 is our date that we'll be moving; County gave us a date of the 25rn Watford -ready to go? Peterson -once we get the phone system in place, we are ready to go in 2 weeks notice Watford -what have we worked out about people walking into the police department MDO-phone will be installed on exterior of building and dispatch will send officer to pd Watford -during the day at the PD? MDO- calling the 763-5521 number will go straight to dispatch. Peterson-Jeana and Terisa (one will be moved to the old dispatcher window); putting a buzzer in as a fail safe just in case someone is not at their desk Page 2 of 3 Watford -initial cost is what we'll be spending in this budget year? MDO-yes; spending $17,340 plus an additional $71,732 of future capital improvements this year Watford -so that's how you came up with the net cost annualized over 5 years M DO -yes Watford -any other questions OConnor-explain our conversation about the Grant that we didn't get a chance to utilize that the County did not include us on. That needs to be corrected so it doesn't happen to us again MDO-not trying to make excuses but think we have a better relationship with the county so either of us could be proactive in the future. OConnor-there was a grant that we could be a part of. Thinks administrator should write a letter requesting to be included in any grant processes in the future. Peterson -been dealing with this (PSAP) since being directed and have been well accepted with the SO on this. Foot note: saved money on this by utilizing the microwave system to link the two buildings since the City already owns the system. Watford -think this is going to work; very impressed with the tour of the EOC facility. Assume we will have just one dispatcher there? Peterson -yes sir but have 2 work stations available to us; does not anticipate any personnel issues. OConnor-Peterson, whos going to be in charge of our people that are in the County; will there be a City person over City employees? Peterson-Lt. Hagan will remain over dispatch Watford -Thank you for the update. Kind of a relief to have this over and completed. Thank the PD, FD and everyone who worked on this. E. Consider changes to the Summer Meeting Schedule — City Clerk (Exhibit 4). Motion to accept the schedule Chandler and O'Connor. Motion carried. India -may have to call a special meeting for Fire assessment Watford -if there are special things that come we will VII. ADJOURN meeting @ _655 p.m. Page 3 of 3 AV 55 C,� ,,Chamber of Commerce of C7kp ,p C606pe Cou" � Economilc Novennber 201 APHI 20 "It'l Okeechobee County City of Okeechobee John Gurney, Economic Development Director Board Member Of: 01(>f FHER0, CareerSource 61V HEARTLAND Ifietuded if) the e6UIW,A*I& pz*eisI0r-ffieJUne-71 Zcj& menhn� \ M`' ( Chamber of Commercef �� o f d�eec�ia�ee Cairr�� ` 4 Okeechobee Business Development Board Scorecard 2015 - 2016 Support to improve Capital Investment, Tax Revenue and Job Creation Through Recruiting New Businesses, assisting existing businesses and working with startups. Action Step Target Target Completed Reporting Period_ 11'eighting Composite Date I Ounutiry I YTD EOY Goals I EOY % Complete Score IEffectively market region to attract new investments Required Meetings Chamber of Commerce Board — Business Development Florida Heartland Economic Region of OpportutuEy (FHREO) FHr—RO EDO Coordination & Strategic Planning Committee CareerSource Heartland Board Florida Research Coast Economic Development Coalition Care, --,Source Heartland Business Enhancement Committee Economic Development Provide quarteriy updates to City on Economic Development efforts Pro%de quarterly update_ to County on Economic Development efforts Provide assistance to new business clients when locating to Okeechobee Annual Events and Conferences: FPL's ILuniination Event Site Selector Trips EFI Board & Stakeholder meetings TaLahassee Florida Economic Development Council Totals EOY 12 6 12 ;0.0°0 EOY 12 6 12 ,` EOY 9 4 9 44.44 0 6 QTR 4 2 4 0.0°0 EOY 4 1 4 26.000 6 OTR 4 1 2 4 50.v'. EOY 4 1 2 1 4 1 50.000 1 1 EOY 4 1 4 2;.040 15 EOY 60 40 60 66. % 20 EOY 1 1 1 100V 0 EOY 3 2 3 66.70i6 EOY 1 1 1 100.000, EOY 1 1 1 100.0%, 119 69 119 57.93% 100 ���.4 o � a i 2 Jq0 o 6q,o 13°0� 1.5% 3-S°,0 13.3° o MI;. € j ° o 0 0 ` 66%� : Chamber of Commerce P T rtu M 0 nmn 5 * 86 Companies served: New, Expanding Et Startup 0 49 Completed through fruition 0 24 Projects are still active and moving forward 9 13 Projects failed to materialize for various reasor • 164 Jobs were created $16 186,283 In Capitol Investments Chamber of Commerce �� of.0�eectio�ee GoU�� - Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity Board (FHERO) - FHERO EDO Coordination Ft Strategic Planning Committee - Florida Research Coast Economic Development Coalition (FRCEDC) - CareerSource Heartland Board - CareerSource Heartland Business Enhancement Committee - Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners - Okeechobee City Council - City Tech Review Committee - City Planning E Zoning Board: - Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce Board Chamber Business After Hours events - Main Street After Business Mixer events n $L: /f /- 4 `, Chamber of Commerce ilk of dkeecko6ee 0014n6j 0 - 1 /21 /16: FPL's Mary Dempsey on the Powering Florida website. - 1 /26/16: SBA's "Show Me The Money" workshop at IRSC. - 1 /27-29/16: EFI's Board Et Stakeholder meetings in Tallahassee. - 2/10/16: EFI's Marketing Chief Joe Hice in Clewiston. - 2/25/16: Guest speaker at Okeechobee Kiwanis Club meeting. - 3/2/16: Florida Public Utilities' Bill McGoldrick about Gas Utilities. - 3/3/16: Transportation Planning session at City Hall by CFRPC. - 3/10/16: US Economic DevelopmentAdmin's Innovative Strategies webinar. - 3/10/16: EFI's Grapefruit League Event at the Elliott Museum in Stuart. - 3/16/16: FPL's Powering Florida webinar. - 3/31 /16: Florida Business Conference 2016 in Sunrise. - 4/6/16: USDA Business Et Energy Grant workshop in LaBelle. - 4/7-8/16: FPL's Powering Florida Illumination event in Miami. - 4/20/16: Transportation Disadvantaged Board meeting in Okeechobee - 5/15-17/16: 2016 FEDC Conference in Palm Coast. Chamber of Commerce ��a f d�eec�iohee Gor�n� Economic Development "You cannot succeed � hour a piano©a s® plan iiri order t® succeed" TO: Mayor Kirk and Council FROM: City Clerk Gamiotea MEMORANDUM DATE: Exhibit 1 June 7, 2016 June 1, 2016 SUBJECT: Chief of Police Position Chief Davis retirement date is August 26, 2016. The City Council officially accepted his letter of retirement at the April 19 meeting. In order to proceed with filling the Chief of Police vacancy, I am in need of direction since it is under the authority of the City Council. Each time a department head position has become vacant, the City Council has handled the situation on a case -by -case basis; a history summary is provided at the end of this memo. 1. Approve the education and experience requirements within the job description. A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and five years' experience was the average found when researching this item. This falls in line with the City's direction to add college level education requirements for the Public Works Director, Fire and Police Chief's. The attached job description is a rough draft; please offer items you wish to discuss and/or add (ATTACHMENT #1). 2. What should the annual salary be? Current Salary Plan Information: -FY 2015/16 Salary Plan Step 1 $58,455.67 Chief Davis on Step 16 $73,083.16; on 8-24-2016 will go to Step 17 $74,179.40 -See attached salary research (ATTACHMENT #2). 3. What should the deadline be to receive applications? I recommend at least 60 days plus enough time to have the packets put together. I only ask that it not be during Election Qualifying Week, August 15 through 19. 4. Review the list of questions for inclusion in the application packet. Should any be deleted, reworded or added? (ATTACHMENT #3) 5. Advertising, my recommendation is to advertise in the local paper, and on a wide variety of government and law enforcement association's digital "Employment/Job Notices" boards. 6. Consider appointing an Acting/Interim Chief. The Council has appointed an employee to serve as the Interim/Acting Department Head until one could be hired. Depending on the deadline for applications, the Council many want to consider this now; or later, when we have a better idea of when the position will be filled. 7. Selection Committee designation. At times, the Council has designated a committee to review the applications and offer a ranking or short list. I would like to suggest waiting to appoint a selection committee until after the deadline. Should only a small number of applicants submit, a committee might not be necessary. Page 1 of 2 History of process for hiring the Police Chief: 1-7-1975 City Council Meeting: Applications were received for Police Chief, nominations offered were Sgt Larry Mobley and Mr. Dewitt Staats. Mr. Staats was appointed for a two year term, by a 3- 1 margin. Oath of Office administered by Judge G.E. Bryant, Jr. at the meeting. 8-26-1975 City Council Meeting: Chief Staats submits resignation effective 8-29-1975. Applications for Chief were received prior to the meeting from: Lt. Larry Mobley, Mr. Edward Chisholm, Mr. David Alford, and Mr. Ivan Beasley. Nominations offered were Lt. Mobley and Edward Chisholm, after a tie vote twice, Council President temporarily appointed Lt. Mobley Acting Police Chief until a full-time Chief be appointed. Two days later at the 8-28-1975 Recessed City Council Meeting, another application was added to the list, Mr. Robert Viers. Nominations were again offered for Lt. Mobley and Mr. Chisholm, with a unanimous vote to appoint Mr. Chisholm as Chief with a salary of $13,000/year. Additionally, Lt. Mobley was promoted to Captain and instructed to remain Acting Chief until Chisholm took office. 12-21-1976 City Council Meeting: Chief Chisholm submitted his letter of resignation effective December 31, 1976 at midnight. Captain Larry Mobley was appointed Acting Police Chief with only merit increases applied to salary. Eight months later, at the 8-23-1977 meeting he was promoted to permanent position of Police Chief and increase his salary $500.00/year. 8-7-1997 City Council Meeting: Chief Mobley submitted his letter of retirement and requested the City Council consider his second in command for the last 12 years as his replacement. Following discussion by majority consensus, Council decided to "advertise the position in the local paper and one major paper; take applications for two weeks to be accepted by a certain date, not postmarked; salary set at Chief's present salary and $5,000 less as the range ($35,000 to $40,000); do not make it a national search; just applications, no questions; City Clerk to carry this out and setup a Committee to review the applications for a short list to be Chief Mobley, Administrator Bradshaw and Mayor Kirk." 9-2-1997 City Council Meeting: 11 applications received by the City Clerk, arranged for Police Chief Review Committee to meet on August 27, and offered a short list ranked in order based on "true leadership skills." 1. Farrenkopf of Okeechobee, 2. Kelley Ammons of Okeechobee, and 3. Kim Halburian of Loxahatchee. Council approved the motion to "appoint Captain Farrenkopf as Chief effective the day after Chief Mobley's last day (912611997) at the current Chiefs salary $40,000/year. For a transition stage Captain Farrenkopf is to begin the duties of the Chief (91311997) with the guidance of Chief Mobley (each maintaining current salaries during transition)." Chief Farrenkopf's probationary period was for six months as provided within the Personnel Policies and Procedures. 7-18-2000 City Council Meeting: Chief Farrenkopf submitted letter of retirement effective 8/31/2000 and requested Council consider his second in command as his replacement. Approve motion to "accept Chief's recommendation and appoint Captain Denny Davis as Chief, effective 91112000, at the current Chief's salary, $42,500.00, and evaluation period being from 91112000 to 12/1/2000," (3 months) as provided in the Personnel Policies and Procedures. Additional discussion: "Council Member Watford agreed with the motion, however was concerned whether the position should be advertised. Discussion ensued. Council decided that the position does not need to be advertised and that they would not be setting a precedent since they have handled these items on a case -by - case basis in the past." Page 2 of 2 AITA CN MEMr--�-I POSITION TITLE: CHIEF OF POLICE LASiRensm M6-LGOKFFf Department: Police Type: Full -Time Reports To: Mayor & City Council Annual Salary: Step 1: $ Supervision Duties: Yes Opening Date: FLSA Status: Exempt Closin Date: The job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibility of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. The duties and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform essential functions. MAJOR FUNCTION: Chief law enforcement officer for the City of Okeechobee responsible for all operations of the Police Department and all administrative duties including personnel management and staffing, budgeting and fiscal management, and development of policies. The Police Chief directs and/or guides departmental, managerial, and operational staff toward achieving established goals and objectives. Work is performed with independence, discretion, and latitude in interpreting and applying policies, rules and regulations and statutes. Provides professional assistance and/or coordinating activities with other City departments and outside agencies in areas of expertise; fosters cooperative working relationship with citizen groups and other agencies on police matters. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Administrative: a. Perform and/or oversee departmental planning and develop the outline of work to be done. b. Establish methods for accomplishing departmental short and long range goals and daily objectives; ensure departmental goals and objectives are consistent and compatible with those set by the City. C. Frequently interacts with the Mayor and City Council, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Administrator, and other officials from various local, state and federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including representatives of local community organizations. d. Prepares annual operating and capital improvement budgets, submits budget requests, and maintains proper controls of adopted department budget. Performs financial and economic analysis necessary for effective program operation and fiscal management. e. Performs periodic review and offers updates to City Code of Ordinances, manuals, handbooks, and regulations. f. Responds to public and/or other inquiries relating to law enforcement, public safety, and department policies and procedures in coordination with the City Attorney and/or City Administrator. g. Maintains regular contact with, and fosters constructive and productive working relationships with, other municipalities, County, State and Federal agencies, professional and technical groups and the general public in connection with departmental activities and services. h. Monitors intergovernmental actions affecting the Police Department and takes action necessary to sustain and enhance the ability of the department to meet the needs of the community. i. Coordinates activities and provides assistance via personnel and equipment of the Department, where required or requested, with other City departments and/or governmental agencies. j. Oversees research for grant funding opportunities relative to law enforcement projects, including application for funding, managing projects, and ensures proper expenditures made for projects through grants awarded. 2. Supervisory: a. Establishes and organizes policies, standards, and/or procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of department personnel and operations. b. Supervises departmental personnel either directly or through subordinates; advises/assists police department personnel in non -routine criminal investigations and command difficult situations. C. Determines departmental work priorities, approves work schedules. d. Provides leadership and direction to department personnel for the safe and efficient care of the City's facilities, inventory, and equipment. e. Maintains harmony among workers and resolves grievances. f. Manages functions of department personnel for the purpose of hiring, annual performance evaluation, recommending salary increases/transfer/promotion and disciplinary action. Coordinating these functions with the City Administrator and City Clerk. Job Description Police Chief - Page 1 of 4 - 1Q g. Ensures proper following of the City Personnel Policies and Procedures, Drug Free Work Place Policy, and Workers Compensation Policy are carried out and administered consistently; including filing of proper forms, documentation and notifications to other City departments. 3. Management: a. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships, providing suggestions, advice, and support to department personnel, other City departments and residents. b. Resolves complaints in a prompt and courteous manner, communicating professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing. C. Exhibits behavior consistent with the values of the City through excellent customer service, creative problem solving,. decision -making, and stewardship of City resources. e. Provides public information on law enforcement and public safety in coordination with the City Attorney and/or City Administrator. f. Ensures the City Safety Policy is implemented and practiced to assure the safety of employees and the general public; provides updates and recommends changes to policy as necessary to Public Risk Manager; serves as a member of the City Safety Committee. g. Responsible for all departmental official documents and records; and coordination with the City Clerk's Office for appropriate records management and destruction of records. h. Attends and provides security (serving as the Sergeant at Arms) at City Council meetings. Times may be outside business hours. i. Attends Technical Review Committee meetings and serves as a voting member. j. Serves as staff on a variety of boards and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Includes, but not limited to Code Enforcement Board, Planning Board, Board of Adjustments, Design Review Board, other citizen boards as created by Council from time to time, Okeechobee County Emergency Management, or as directed by Florida Statutes. Meeting times may be outside business hours. k. Facilitates negotiation, preparation, and management of contractual agreements with other agencies and vendors for Department. Includes, but not limited to, the annual/bi-annual contracts for vehicle lease/purchase program, department equipment, software, and services, and security for City buildings and facilities. I. Attends seminars and workshops to keep abreast of current methods, technology and supervisory techniques. Delegates department employees' attendance of same, for training and continuing education and/or certifications. m. Provide assistance to neighboring governments per mutual aid agreements. Other: a. Able and willing to work the hours necessary accomplish assigned duties; attend evening meetings and/or critical events and activities. b. Travel out of town as necessary to attend and/or participate in workshops, conferences, seminars and meetings during work and non -work hours. b. Ability to maintain security and confidentiality. c. Perform duties as outlined in appropriate Florida Statutes. C. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience: a. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, public administration or a closely related field. b. Minimum of five years' experience in police administration, of which three years must have been in high-ranking command positions. c. Any equivalent combination of training and significant experience as a police chief, sheriff, undersheriff, major or captain may be substituted for the education requirements. Knowledge of: a. Principles, practices, and techniques of modern law enforcement, investigation, patrol, community services, and related police services. b. Principles and practices of organization, management, budget development and personnel administration. c. Occupational hazards of law enforcement work and the necessary safety precautions. d. Criminal laws, ordinances, regulations, statutes, and court interpretations including rights of citizens, apprehension, arrest, search and seizure and rules of evidence. -�� p )9 4, Job Description Police Chief - Page 2 of 4 t �j e. Laws, ordinances, regulations and/or statutes to be enforced by the police department. f. Community geography and demographics. g, Effective leadership principles and practices. 3. Ability to: a. Plan, evaluate, assign, and coordinate activities performed by the Police Department. b. Motivate, manage, and supervise employees with varying levels of education and work experience. C. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City departments, public agencies, the news media, and the general public. d. Communicate effectively, orally, and in writing, with the public, elected officials, members of boards and commissions, department heads, other employees of the City and employees of other governmental agencies. e. Apply good judgment to effectively and diplomatically deal with the subordinates and the public, reacting calmly and quickly in emergency situations. f. Perform job responsibilities in a timely manner in order to meet scheduled deadlines. g. Physically and mentally work independently. h. Coordinate, delegate and negotiate. i. Represent the City in public speaking requests and special events. May require outside office hours. j. Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate complex programs and operations activities. k. Maintain proficiency in the use of firearms, communications, automotive and other equipment. I. Analyze complex managerial and administrative problems, formulate innovative solutions and take independent unilateral actions. 4. Licenses, Certificates, Additional Requirements: a. Must meet qualifications as stated and outlined in Florida Statue 943.13. b. Certified by the State of Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as a Police Officer or qualified to be certified by the State of Florida after appointment. C. United States Citizen or a resident alien of the State of Florida. d. Valid Florida Driver's License. (1) Must possess and maintain a clean driving record. e. High School Diploma or equivalent. f. Within six months of employment, must be a resident of Okeechobee County, Buckhead Ridge area of Glades County or any areas lying outside the perimeters of Okeechobee County and that are issued Okeechobee addresses. g. Pass pre -employment substance screening and complete FDLE physical. h. Pass background investigation and reference check, including an FDLE criminal background check. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: The Police Chief is issued a City law enforcement vehicle, and must be capable of operating various models of light duty vehicles, police mobile radios and radio system, radar gun, handgun, tasar gun, and other firearms and/or weapons as required and customarily used by law enforcement, side handles baton, handcuffs, breathalyzer, pager, first aid equipment, small hand tools, and small machinery. Proficient in operating a personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheets, use of email, use of the internet, read digital files such as GIS Maps; capable of operating multi -line telephone system, cell phones, fax machines, 10-key calculator, copy machines, miscellaneous office equipment and accessories customarily used in an office environment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land developments, traffic and public safety, crime scenes, or police department facilities. Hand -eye coordination is necessary to operate computers, office equipment, firearms and/or weapons, hand tools and machinery. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, talk or hear. The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and smell. Must have sufficient physical strength and ability to independently and repeatedly lift, move and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds and to repeatedly lift, move and carry objects weighing more than 50 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities _)VA, Rm Job Description Police Chief - Page 3 of 4 -�, NIAFT-k— required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to low, except when the employee is performing outside duties, where the noise level is moderate to loud. EVALUATION PERIOD: Successful candidates will be on a probationary period for three months, to allow a time period for an evaluation of ability, work habits and conduct. The Mayor and City Council may task the City Administrator with conducting the probation evaluation of the Police Chief. BENEFITS: In addition to competitive salaries and the opportunity for continuing professional development, the City offers an excellent benefits package. Required Participation Benefits: Health Insurance (city pays 100% coverage for employee and contributes toward family/spouse premiums). Group Life and Disability Insurance (city pays 100% coverage for employee). Payroll Direct Deposit, and Police Officers Retirement System (city and employee contribute, this is a local defined benefits plan, not FRS). Job Connected Injury Benefits. Uniforms or Clothing Allowance. Cell Phone Reimbursement. Leave Benefits (paid annual, sick, civil, funeral, education or training Leave, personal unpaid leav6, administrative leave (paid), military leave (paid and unpaid). Additional variety of insurance and memberships may be obtained at group rates by the employee through payroll deduction. Examples are, but not limited to, legal, cancer, long term illness, vision, dental insurance policies, credit union memberships. WORK LOCATION AND HOURS: City Police Department, 50 SE 2°d Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Monday through Friday; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM REQUEST AN APPLICATION: Lane Earnest-Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk/Personnel Administrator 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 100, Okeechobee, Florida 34974 x- (863) 763-33 72 ext. 215 ® lgamiotea@citvofokeechobee.com �� _ Job Description Police Chief - Page 4 of 4 - -b PA Fr ATTACflMINT*2 RESEARCH OF POLICE CHIEF SALARIES, CITIES W/ SIMILAR POPULATION AMOUNTS ARE A LITTLE LESS THAN CURRENT DATA AS THEY ARE APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR OLD MUNICIPALITY POPULATION COUNTY SALARY STARTING AVERAGE CURRENT Arcadia 7,479 Desoto $43,461 $52,774 $62,086 Avon Park 9,513 Highlands $61,565 $74,757 $87,950 Bay Harbor Islands 5,785 Miami -Dade $95,956 $116,518 $137,080 Brooksville 7,687 Hernando $55,471 $67,357 $79,244 Clewiston 7,420 Hendry $47,307 $57,445 $67,582 Dade City 6,583 Pasco $46,441 $56,393 $66,345 DeFuniak Springs 5,387 Walton $62,322 $75,676 $89,031 Fellsmere 5,328 Indian River $34,877 $42,351 $49,825 Fort Meade 5,955 Polk $48,323 $58,678 $69,033 Fort Myers Beach 6,250 Lee $88,016 $106,877 $125,737 Green Cove Springs 7,030 Clay $62,405 $75,777 $89,150 Gulf Breeze 5,823 Santa Rosa $115,752 $140,577 $165,361 High Springs 5,533 Alachua $50,499 $61,320 $72,142 Inverness 7,193 Citrus $61,826 $75,075 $88,323 Islamorada, Village of Islands 6,212 Monroe $83,631 $101,522 $119,473 Kenneth City 5,011 Pinellas $62,025 $75,317 $88,608 Lake Alfred 5,127 Polk $52,648 $63,929 $75,211 Live Oak 6,850 Suwannee $42,093 $51,114 $60,134 Longboat Key 6,825 Manatee/Sarasota $192,379 $233,603 $274,828 Macclenny 6,375 Baker $56,517 $68,628 $80,739 Mascotte 5,329 Lake $51,984 $63,124 $74,263 Neptune Beach 7,112 Duval $114,525 $139,066 $162,607 Newberry 5,264 Alachua Miami -Dade $54,283 $65,916 $77,548 North Bay Village 7,851 $52,299 $63,506 $74,713 Pahokee 5,818 Palm Beach $31,086 $37,747 $44,408 Perry 7,069 Taylor $42,709 $51,861 $61,013 Sanibel 6,490 Lee $167,928 $203,912 $239,897 South Pasadena 5,106 Pinellas $66,306 $80,514 $94,722 Starke 5,536 Bradford $45,538 $55,296 $65,055 Surfside 5,722 Miami -Dade $95,956 $116,518 $137,080 Tequesta 5,629 Palm Beach $120,384 $146,181 $171,978 Valparaiso 5,246 Okaloosa $89,638 $108,846 $128,055 Wauchula 5,115 Hardee $43,816 $53,205 $62,594 Wildwood 7,252 ISumter $57,1231 $69,363 $81,604 yellow highlight denotes municipalities similar to our demographics 6/2/16-JS �TACuMENT#3 Potential Questions to include with the Police Chief Application packet. When researching other municipality packets, many had these types of questions for the applicant to respond in writing. Please consider adding, deleting, or rewording any or all of them: 1. Has your law enforcement certificate ever been suspended, revoked, relinquished or subject to discipline or investigation by the FDLE? 2. Indicate any special training or skills you possess and equipment you can use related to law enforcement work, including training/education with K-9's. 3. Describe three specific accomplishments in your law enforcement career that you consider to be the most significant. 4. Based on your knowledge of the City and its demographics, identify at least three programs or areas you would focus upon and describe how you would implement or undertake the task during your first six months on the job as Chief. 5. What is the most sensitive or critical issue and/or crisis that either affected or had the potential to significantly affect your relationship with the City Administrator/Manager or Elected Officials and the outcome. 6. Describe the most creative work -related project you have completed in your law enforcement career. pisfrihu-fed al - Bobbie Jenkins From: Gary Ritter <garyritter23@icloud.com>e �� 2,6 Ito Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2016 9:39 PM To: Bobbie Jenkins Cc: Lane Gamiotea Subject: Police Chief Position Bobbie, Lane, Below is my input on the following 7 items for discussion at Tuesday night's City Council Meeting 1. Approve the education and experience requirements within the job description. A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and five years' experience was the average found when researching this item. This falls in line with the City's direction to add college level education requirements for the Public Works Director, Fire and Police Chief's. The attached job description is a rough draft; please offer items you wish to discuss and/or add (ATTACHMENT #1). I feel strongly that we should follow the same direction and add college level education requirements for the Policy Chief's position. I believe, number 1 under Qualifications, Education and Experience a. b. and c. are well stated. I feel it's time to raise the standards by adding a Bachelor's Degree. We've certainly left the door open to equivalent combination of training and experience as a substitute since we didn't say minimum of a Bachelor's degree. 2. What should the annual salary be? Current Salary Plan Information: +Y 2015/16 Salary Plan Step 1 $58,455.67 -Chief Davis on Step 16 $73,083.16; on 8-24-2016 will go to Step 17 $74,179.40 -See attached salary research (ATTACHMENT #2). In review of the list of similar municipalities I feel we are right where we need to be in terms of a Step 1 salary of $58,455.67. 3. What should the deadline be to receive applications? I recommend at least 60 days plus enough time to have the packets put together. I only ask that it not be during Election Qualifying Week, August 15 through 19. Sixty days works for me although you could also specify the week after Qualifying week even if that's a little more than 60 days. 4. Review the list of questions for inclusion in the application packet. Should any be deleted, reworded or added? (ATTACHMENT #3) List of questions is good. I would also like to see a question or perhaps two on Leadership. For example: 1 A. What is your leadership style in dealing with day to day activities as well as mentoring and coaching to provide constructive feedback during sensitive personnel situations? Please provide specific examples. B. Provide examples of your day to day communication skills with staff. C. Have you ever had to discipline an officer and if so how did you handle it? 5. Advertising, my recommendation is to advertise in the local paper, and on a wide variety of government and law enforcement association's digital "Employment/Job Notices" boards. Good strategy. I have no other recommendations. 6. Consider appointing an Acting/Interim Chief. The Council has appointed an employee to serve as the Interim/Acting Department Head until one could be hired. Depending on the deadline for applications, the Council many want to consider this now; or later, when we have a better idea of when the position will be filled. Since Chief Davis' retirement date isn't until August 26th I would prefer waiting until the Council Meeting prior to the Chief's retirement date to appoint an interim department head. 7. Selection Committee designation. At times, the Council has designated a committee to review the applications and offer a ranking or short list. I would like to suggest waiting to appoint a selection committee until after the deadline. Should only a small number of applicants submit, a committee might not be necessary. I agree with this strategy, make a decision concerning whether or not to appoint a selection committee until after the application deadline. Exhibit 2 June 7, 2016 Exhibit 2 will be provided at the meeting DIS*Ibukd at Meeiih e0ibl�- 2 June 120* I BURTON & ASSOCIATES June 3, 2016 Ms. India Riedel Finance Director City of Okeechobee Re: Proposal to Develop a Fire Assessment Program Dear Ms. Riedel: As requested, I have prepared this proposal and I have also attached the bid document, our proposal and the contract with Okeechobee County for use in piggy -backing off of that selection. We have adjusted the work plan and cost estimate from the Okeechobee contract to reflect the fact that your assessment will be fire only and Okeechobee County was for fire and EMS. This work plan also recognizes that you do not now have a fire assessment and we will be required to develop an original assessment roll, whereas, Okeechobee County already had an existing assessment roll that only required updating. Based upon the attached Project Work Plan and Cost Estimate Schedule (Schedule), we propose to develop a fire assessment program for the City for a fixed fee of $38,646, inclusive of out- of-pocket expenses and the first class mailing of the required notice of hearing. Assuming we receive a notice -to -proceed by the end of next week, we can complete the study within the time constraints for the City to adopt the assessments by September 151h for inclusion in the Tax bill for next fiscal year. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call me at (904) 923-1466. Very truly yours, Michael E. Burton President Burton & Associates 200 Business Park Circle, Suite 101 • St. Augustine, Florida 32095 • Phone (904) 247-0787 • Fax (904) 241-7708 E-mail:nibnrion@bnrionandassociates.coni Page I City of Okeechobee, FL Fire Rescue Fire Assessment Calculation Project Work Plan & Cost Estimate Schedule BURTON &ASSOCIATES Estimated Labor Hours Technical Project Project BMOLegal Project Tasks Advisor Manager Consultant Counsel $210 $190 $125 $265 Houdy rotes T-1 Task Project Initiation 1.1 Prepare list of data requirements for City and County Property Appraiser and provide to City staff prior to kick-off meeting. 0 1 2 0 3 1.2 Conduct project kick-off conference call with City staff to discuss data requirements and to finalize project schedule and timeline. 2 2 2 2 8 1.3 Review data provided and request additional information/clarifications as appropriate. 0 1 2 0 3 Task 2 Calculation of Fire Rescue Assessments 2.1 Evaluate existing City documents, tax roll information, Fire Rescue call data, agreements, reports, levels of service, five-year budget requests, projected long-term capital needs and other data pertainingto the provision of Fire Rescue services. 0 1 2 0 3 2.2 Review existing Fire Rescue Financing 0 1 2 0 3 2.3 Determine the full cost of Fire Rescue service using the City's most current financial information, including direct and indirect cost allocations. Analyze property use categories and at least three years of Fire Rescue incident reports in order to determine and fairly apportion the assessable costs. 0 1 1 0 2 2.4 Identify and discuss with City staff alternative fair and reasonable methods of apportionment of costs and accurate classification of parcels 1 1 1 0 3 2.5 City to give direction as to the cost apportionment method to be used for Fire Rescue service 0 1 0 0 1 2.6 Develop Assessment Modelto reflect defined benefit criteria, property classes and assessment methodology components. Model will include a five year projection of revenue and expenses, including capital expenses and will calculate assessment rates by property class and will calculate specific assessments for each parcel based upon its classification and proper application ofthe assessment rates. Run alternative scenarios. 3 13 30 0 46 2.7 Identify alternative sources of revenue to fund the service delivery costs and determine the netservice delivery revenue requirement. 0 1 1 0 2 2.8 Conduct internal review and adjustment of models with consultingteam. 1 2 4 0 7 2.9 Determine assessment rates in accordance with Florida case laws for special assessments. 2.10 Conduct interactive work session with City staffto review preliminary model results 3 3 3 0 9 2.11 Make adjustments based upon input from the prior sub -task. 1 2 3 0 6 2.12 Conduct second interactive work session with City staffto review adjusted results. 2 2 2 0 6 2.13 Make adjustments based upon input from interactive work session. 0 1 2 0 3 Task 3 Review Results of the Study 3.1 Meet with City Management and staffto review preliminary results. 2 2 0 0 4 3.2 Make adjustments based upon input from City Management. 0 1 2 0 3 3.3 Prepare presentation for City Council workshop, review with City staff, and adjust as required. 1 2 0 0 3 3.4 Present results to City Council in workshop. 3 3 0 0 6 3.5 Make adjustments based upon input from City Council workshop as required and finalize analysis. 0 2 4 0 6 Burton & Associates 200 Business Park Circle, Suite 101 • St. Augustine, Florida 32095 • Phone (904) 247-0787 • Fax (904) 241-7708 E-mail: nrburton@burtonandassociafes.com Page 2 City of Okeechobee, FL Fire Rescue Fire Assessment Calculation BURTON &ASSOCIATES Proiect Work Plan & Cost Estimate Schedule Estimated Labor Hours Technlnl Project Project SMOLegal Project Tasks Advisor Manager Consultant Counsel $220 $190 $125 $265 Houdy rotes 4 T-1 Task4 Prepare Report ofthe Results 2 10 0 13 4.1 Prepare Draft Report and distribute to City stafffor review and comment. 1 4.2 Prepare Final Draft Report and distribute for review and comment. 1 2 4 0 7 4.3 Prepare Final Report reflecting all comments from City staff. 1 2 3 0 6 Tasks Implementation Assistance 1 a 0 2 3 5.1 Develop and distribute implementation schedule with milestones and responsibilities. 5.2 Prepare and distribute for review required draft ordinance and resolution for implementation ofthe Assessment Program. 0 0 0 12 12 5.3 Review draft ordinance and resolution and provide comments. 1 0 2 0 0 0 6 6 3 6 5.4 Incorporate comments and prepare and distribute final ordinance and resolution. 2 0 2 4 5.5 Develop required First Class Mail Notice of Hearing. 0 5.6 Coordinate the mail merge of the above referenced Notice of Hearing with Mailing Contractor (To Be Determined). 0 2 6 0 8 5.7 Conduct First Class Mailing of Notice of Hearing. -- Included in Expenses Below-- 5.8 Attend Public Hearing for consideration of adoption of the updated Assessment Programs. 2 2 0 2 6 5.9 Prepare assessment roll for certification to the Tax Collector. 1 2 0 0 3 27 59 86 26 198 TOTAL ESTIMATED MAN-HOURS $5,670 $11,210 $10,750 $6,890 $ $1,2 TOTAL ESTIMATED FEES $1,726 ESTIMATED TRAVEL EXPENSES $246 TOTAL FEE EXCLUSIVE OF FIRST CLASS MAILING COSTS $2,,400 ESTIMATED FIRST CLASS MAILING EXPENSES $38,646 TOTAL NOT -TO -EXCEED PROJECT COST Burton & Associates 200 Business Park Circle, Suite 101 a St. Augustine, Florida 32095 • Phone (904) 247-0787 a Fax (904) 241-7708 E-mail: nibttrton@burionandassociates.cont Page 3 Dls¢nbuicd 2t meehnq ib�+ EX�2 Juvle �; Zolb AGREEMENT TO PIGGYBACK A CONTRACT FOR SERVICES BID BY ANOTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY WHEREAS, Burton & Associates, Inc. a Florida corporation, entered into an agreement dated February 16, 2016, a copy of which is attached hereto, with Okeechobee County, 312 NW 3`d Street, Okeechobee, Florida 34972 a political subdivision of the State of Florida, for services procured pursuant to F.S. §287.057 (the "Contract"), and WHEREAS, the CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, a Florida municipal corporation (the "City") has the legal authority under Chapter Two, Section 2-289 of the City Of Okeechobee Code of Ordinances to "piggyback" onto a contract procured pursuant to F.S. §287.057 by another governmental entity when seeking to utilize the same or similar services provided for in the said contract; and WHEREAS, the City desires to "piggyback" onto the above referenced Contract between Burton & Associates, Inc. and Okeechobee County for utilization of the same or similar services (the "Work') and Burton & Associates, Inc. consents to the aforesaid "piggybacking;". NOW THEREFORE, having found it to be in the public interest, 1. BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. affirms and ratifies the terms and conditions of the above referenced Contract with OKEECHOBEE COUNTY and agrees to perform the services set forth therein excluding EMS Studyfor the City of Okeechobee in accordance with the terms of said Contract until the Work is completed. 2. The City agrees to utilize the services of BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. in a manner and upon the terms and conditions as set forth in the Contractwith OKEECHOBEE COUNTY until the Work is completed. Approved by the City of Okeechobee City Council this CITY OF OKEECHOBEE James E. Kirk, Mayor ATTEST: Lane Gamiotea, CIVIC, City Clerk REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: John R. Cook, City Attorney day of June 2016. Burton & Associates, Inc. Michael E. Burton As Authorized Agent STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF NOTARY PUBLIC, State of Florida The foregoing was executed before me this day of 2016, by Michael E. Burton, who personally swore or affirmed that he is authorized to execute this Agreement and thereby bind the Corporation. Seal/stamp: (Burton & Associates - Firel&VS Recalculation of Methodology for Municipal Services) INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR'S AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into this 16 day of February, 2016, by and between OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, hereinafter referred to as the "COUNTY" and BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC., a Florida Corporation, hereinafter referred to as "CONTRACTOR". WITNESSETH WHEREAS, the COUNTY is a political subdivision of the State of Florida, having a responsibility to provide certain services to benefit the citizens of Okeechobee County; and WHEREAS, CONTRACTOR is in the business of Calculation of Methodology for Municipal Services in Okeechobee County and elsewhere in the State of Florida; and WHEREAS, CONTRACTOR was the successful proposer of a project competitively bid and identified as "2015-21 Recalculation of Methodology for Municipal Services Benefit Units Fire Service and for EMS Services" which satisfies the COUNTY's purchasing policy. As such, CONTRACTOR agrees to provide such goods and services as more particularly hereinafter described and under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement as well as any specifications, drawings, schedules, lists and other similar supplemental material issued in connection with this project and more particularly identified below or by exhibit. NOW THEREFORE in consideration ofthepremises, and inconsideration ofthe mutual conditions, covenants, and obligations hereafter expressed, it is agreed as follows: Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and constitute a material inducement to the parties to enter into this Agreement. Said recitals are hereby ratified and made a part of this Agreement. 2. Specific Provisions. The parties hereby agree to the following specific provisions: a. Description of Work. CONTRACTOR shall provide and be responsible for providing the services described in the Proposal, which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference. Unless specifically excluded, CONTRACTOR shall provide ali permits, labor, materials, equipment and supervision necessary for the completion of the work described herein. Any conflict between the terms and conditions in the body of this Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth in Exhibit "A" shall be resolved in favor of the body of this Agreement. b. Payment. In consideration of the performance of this Agreement, the COUNTY agrees to pay CONTRACTOR for all work actually performed, at the rate or basis described in Exhibit "A", which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Progress payments, if any, will be made as set forth in said exhibit. The COUNTY reserves the right to ratably withhold amounts in the event of the nonperformance of all or part of CONTRACTOR's obligations. [7073-242727. WPD) (Burton & Associates - Fire/EMS Recalculation of Methodology for Municipal Services] CONTRACTOR shall, without additional compensation, correct and revise any errors, omissions, or other deficiencies in his work product, services, or materials arising from the error or omission or negligent act of CONTRACTOR. C. Commencement and Completion. CONTRACTOR shall commence work under this Agreement upon receipt of a Notice to Proceed and shall substantially complete the work not later than September 15, 2016 ("Completion Date"). d. Termination. i. Termination at Will: This Agreement may be terminated by the COUNTY in whole or in part at any time without cause by the COUNTY giving written notice to CONTRACTOR not less than 30 days prior to the date of termination; provided, that this provision shall not be construed to relieve either party from its rights or obligations of this Agreement through the date of the actual termination. Said notice shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, or in person with proof of delivery. ii. Termination for Cause: This Agreement may be terminated by either party for cause by the COUNTY or CONTRACTOR giving written notice to the other party not less than 10 days prior to the date of termination; provided, that this provision shall not be construed to relieve either party from its rights or obligations of this Agreement through the date of the actual termination. Said notice shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, or in person with proof of delivery. e. Project management. The Project Manager for CONTRACTOR shall be: Michael E. Burton. The Project Manager for the COUNTY shall be: Corey A. Wheeler, CPA, Budget Director. Notices. All notices to the parties under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent certified mail to: COUNTY: OKEECHOBEE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Attention: County Administrator 312 Northwest 3rd Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 CONTRACTOR: BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. Attention: Daniel McConviIle, President 200 Business Park Circle, Suite 101 St. Augustine, Florida 32095 g. Insurance. CONTRACTOR agrees to maintain such insurance as will fully protect both CONTRACTOR and the COUNTY from any and all claims under any Workers [7073-242727.A?D] [Burton & Dissociates - Fire/EMS Recalculation of Alethodology for Municipal Services] Compensation Act or Employers Liability Laws, and from any and all other claims of whatsoever kind or nature to the damage of property, or for personal injury, including death, made by anyone whomsoever, that may arise from operations carried on under this Agreement, either by CONTRACTOR, any subcontractor, or by anyone directly or indirectly engaged or employed by either of them. ii. In no event shall the insurance coverage required by the terms of this Agreement be less than the amounts described in the Bid Documents. Should either an insurance requirement or the amount of insurance not be stated in the Bid Documents, the amount of insurance required by the terms of this Agreement shall in no event be less than: (a) Workers' Compensation (unless exempt) with Employers' Liability with a limit of $100,000.00 each accident, $100,000.00 each employee, $500,000.00 policy limit for disease; (b) Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance with a limit of not less than $300,000.00 each occurrence; if such CGL insurance contains a general aggregate limit, it shall apply separately to this project in the amount of $600,000.00; CGL insurance shall be written on an occurrence form and shall include bodily injury and property damage liability for premises, operations, independent contractors, products and completed operations, contractual liability, broad form property damage and property damage resulting from explosion, collapse or underground (x, c, u) exposures, personal injury and advertising injury; fire damage liability shall be included at $100,000.00. iii. CONTRACTOR shall furnish the COUNTY with Certificates of Insurance, which are to be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. The COUNTY is to be specifically included as an additional insured and loss payee on all policies except Workers' Compensation. In the event the insurance coverage expires prior to the completion of the project, a renewal certificate shall be issued 30 days prior to said expiration date. The policy shall provide a 30 day notification clause in the event of cancellation or modification to the policy. All certificates of insurance must be on file with and approved by the COUNTY before commencement of any work activities. iv. Said insurance coverages procured by CONTRACTOR as required herein shall be considered, and CONTRACTOR agrees that said insurance coverages it procures as required herein shall be considered, as primary insurance over and above any other insurance, or self—insurance, available to COUNTY, and that any other insurance, or self-insurance available to COUNTY shall be considered secondary to, or in excess of, the insurance coverage(s) procured by CONTRACTOR as required herein. V. Nothing herein shall be construed to extend COUNTY's liability beyond that provided in section 768.28, Florida Statutes. General Provisions. The parties hereby agree to the following general provisions: a. Representations of the Contractor. CONTRACTOR represents that it has sufficient manpower and technical expertise to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement in a timely and professional manner consistent with the standards of the industry in which CONTRACTOR operates. [7073-242727. WPD) [Burton & Associates - Fire/EUS Recalculation of,Wethodologyfor Municipal Services] b. Representations of The County. The COUNTY represents that it is duly organized and existing as a political subdivision of the State of Florida. Further, the COUNTY has the full power and authority to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and has the ownership and/or control over the property which is the subject of this Agreement or which shall be serviced thereby. C. Personal nature of Agreement. CONTRACTOR hereby warrants that it has the necessary technical expertise and training to perform its duties as outlined in this Agreement. The parties acknowledge that the COUNTY places great reliance and emphasis upon the knowledge, expertise and personal abilities of CONTRACTOR. Accordingly, this Agreement is personal and CONTRACTOR shall not assign or delegate any rights or duties hereunder without the specific written consent of the COUNTY. In the event CONTRACTOR requires the services of any subcontractor or professional associate in connection with the work to be performed under this Agreement, CONTRACTOR shall obtain the written approval of the COUNTY Project Manager prior to engaging such subcontractor or professional associate. d. Independent contractor ii. iii (7073-242727. WPD) It is specifically agreed that CONTRACTOR is deemed to be an independent contractor and not a servant, employee, joint adventurer or partner of the COUNTY. It is further agreed that no agent, employee, or servant of CONTRACTOR shall be deemed to be the agent, employee, or servant of the COUNTY. None of the benefits, if any, provided by the COUNTY to its employees, including but not limited to, compensation insurance and unemployment insurance, are available from the COUNTY to the employees, agents, or servants of CONTRACTOR. CONTRACTOR will be solely and entirely responsible for its acts and for the acts of its agents, employees, servants, and subcontractors during the performance of this Agreement. Although CONTRACTOR is an independent contractor, the work contemplated herein must meet the approval of the COUNTY and shall be subject to the COUNTY's general right of inspection to secure the satisfactory completion thereof. CONTRACTOR agrees to comply with all Federal, State and municipal laws, rules and regulations that are now or may in the future become applicable to the CONTRACTOR, the CONTRACTOR's business, equipment, or personnel engaged in operations covered by this Agreement or accruing out of the performance of such operations. The COUNTY will not be held responsible for the collection of or the payment of taxes or contributions of any nature on behalf of CONTRACTOR. CONTRACTOR shall bear all losses resulting to it on account of the amount or character of the work, or because of bad weather, or because of errors or omissions in its contract price. CONTRACTOR agrees that it shall bear the responsibility for verifying the employment status, under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, of all persons it employs in the performance of this Agreement. [Burion & Associaies - Fire/EMS Recalculation of Melhodologyfor Municipal Services) e. Indemnification. i. CONTRACTOR shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the COUNTY and all of the COUNTY's officers, agents, and employees from and against all claims, liability, judgments, costs, damages, interest, penalties, loss, and expense, including reasonable costs, collection expenses, attorneys' fees, and court costs which may arise because of the negligence (whether active or passive), misconduct, or other fault, in whole or in part (whether joint, concurrent, or contributing), of CONTRACTOR, its officers, agents, employees or subcontractors in performance or non-performance of its obligations under the Agreement. CONTRACTOR recognizes the broad nature of this indemnification and hold harmless clause, as well as the provision of a legal defense to the COUNTY when necessary, and voluntarily makes this covenant and expressly acknowledges the receipt of such good and valuable consideration provided by the COUNTY in support of these indemnification, legal defense and hold harmless contractual obligations in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Compliance with any insurance requirements required elsewhere within this Agreement shall not relieve CONTRACTOR of its liability and obligation to defend, hold harmless and indemnify the COUNTY as set forth in this paragraph ofthe Agreement. Such indemnification shall be in addition to any and all other legal remedies available to the COUNTY and shall not be considered to be the COUNTY's exclusive remedy. ii. That in the event that any claim in writing is asserted by a third party which may entitle the COUNTY to indemnification, the COUNTY shall give notice thereof to CONTRACTOR which notice shall be accompanied by a copy of statement of the claim. Following the notice, CONTRACTOR shall have the right, but not the obligation, to participate at its sole expense, in the defense, compromise or settlement of such claim with counsel of its choice. If CONTRACTOR shall fail timely to defend, contest or otherwise protect against any suit, action or other proceeding arising from such claim, or in the event the COUNTY decides to participate in the proceeding or defense, the COUNTY shall have the right to defend, contest, or otherwise protect itself against same and be reimbursed for expenses and reasonable attorney's fees and, upon not less than ten (10) days notice to CONTRACTOR, to make any reasonable compromise or settlement thereof. In connection with any claim as aforesaid, the parties hereto shall cooperate fully with each other and make available all pertinent information necessary or advisable for the defense, compromise or settlement of such claim. iii. That the indemnification provisions of this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement. iv. Nothing herein shall be construed to extend the COUNTY's liability beyond that provided in section 768.28, Florida Statutes. f. Bid documents. Any request for proposals (RFP), request for qualifications (RFQ), bid specifications, engineering plans, shop drawings, material lists, or other similar documents issued for this project by the COUNTY, together with any addenda, are considered the "Bid [7073-242727. WPD] [Burton & Associates - Fire/EMS Recalculation of Melhodology for Municipal Services] Documents" and are hereby incorporated into this contract by reference. CONTRACTOR agrees to abide by all of the terns, conditions and requirements of the bid documents which are declared to be material part of this Agreement. g. Acceptance of work product, payment, and warranty. Upon receipt of a periodic work product, or notice that work has progressed to a point of payment in accordance with Exhibit "A" attached or the Bid documents, if any, together with an invoice sufficiently itemized to permit audit, the COUNTY will diligently review same. When it finds the work acceptable under this Agreement the installment payment, found to be due to CONTRACTOR, will be paid to CONTRACTOR within thirty (30) days after the date of receipt of the invoice, unless another payment schedule is provided in Exhibit "A". CONTRACTOR warrants that the data utilized by CONTRACTOR (other than as provided by the COUNTY) is from a source, and collected using methodologies, which are generally recognized in CONTRACTOR's industry or profession to be a reliable basis and foundation for CONTRACTOR's work product. CONTRACTOR shall notify the COUNTY in writing should it appear, in CONTRACTOR's professional judgment that the data or information provided by the COUNTY for use in CONTRACTOR's work product is incomplete, defective or unreliable. CONTRACTOR guarantees to amend, revise or correct to the satisfaction of the COUNTY any error appearing in the work as a result of CONTRACTOR's failure to comply with the warranties and representations contained herein. Neither inspection nor payment, including final payment, by the COUNTY shall relieve CONTRACTOR from its obligations to do and complete the work product in accordance with this Agreement. h. Public records. i. The CONTRACTOR is a "Contractor" as defined by Section 119.0701(1)(a), Florida Statutes, and shall comply with the public records provisions of Section 119.0701(2), Florida Statutes. ii. "Public records" is defined in Section 119.011(12), Florida Statutes, and includes all documents, papers, letters, photographs, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, made or received in connection with this Agreement. iii. Should CONTRACTOR assert any exemptions to the requirements of Chapter 119 and related law, the burden of establishing such exemption, by way of injunctive or other relief as provided by law, shall be upon CONTRACTOR. iv. CONTRACTOR consents to the COUNTY's enforcement of CONTRACTOR's Chapter 119 requirements, by all legal means, including, but not limited to, a mandatory injunction, whereupon CONTRACTOR shall pay all court costs and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by COUNTY. V. Failure by CONTRACTOR to grant such public access shall be grounds for immediate unilateral cancellation of this Agreement by the COUNTY. 4. Miscellaneous Provisions. The parties hereby agree to the following miscellaneous provisions: a. Discrimination. CONTRACTOR shall assure that no person shall be excluded, on the grounds of race, color, creed, national origin, handicap, age or sex, from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in any activity under, this Agreement. CONTRACTOR shall take all measures necessary to effectuate these assurances. (7073-242727.WPDl [Burton & Associates - Fire/EMS Recalculation of bfethodology for Municipal Services] b. Severability. Should any term or provision of this Agreement be held, to any extent, invalid or unenforceable, as against any person, entity or circumstance during the term hereof, by force of any statute, law, or ruling of any forum of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the Agreement shall remain operable, enforceable and in full force and effect to the extent permitted by law. C. Entire Agreement. This Agreement states the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes any written or oral representations, statements, negotiations, or agreements to the contrary. CONTRACTOR recognizes that any representations, statements or negotiations made by the County staff do not suffice to legally bind the COUNTY in a contractual relationship unless they have been reduced to writing, authorized, and signed by the authorized County representatives. d. Construction. Should any provision of this Agreement be subject to judicial interpretation, it is agreed that the court interpreting or considering such provision will not apply the Presumption or rule of construction that the terns of this Agreement be more strictly construed against the party which itself or through its counsel or other agent prepared the same, as all parties hereto have participated in the preparation of the final form of this Agreement through review by their respective counsel, if any, and/or the negotiation of specific language, and, therefore, the application of such presumption or rule of construction would be inappropriate and contrary to the intent of the parties. e. Attorney's Fees. In the event of any litigation to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs which are directly attributed to such litigation both at the trial and appellate level. f. Waiver. The indulgence of either party with regard to any breach or failure to perform any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of the provision or any portion of this Agreement, either at the time the breach or failure occurs or at any time throughout the term of this Agreement. The review of, approval of, or payment for any of CONTRACTOR's work product, services, or materials shall not be construed to operate as a waiver of any of the COUNTY's rights under this Agreement, or of any cause of action the COUNTY may have arising out of the performance of this Agreement. g. Force Majeure. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, the parties shall not be held liable if failure or delay in the performance of this Agreement arises from fires, floods, strikes, embargos, acts of the public enemy, unusually severe weather, out break of war, restraint of government, riots, civil commotion, force majeure, act of God, or for any other cause of the same character which is unavoidable through the exercise of due care and beyond the control of the parties. This provision shall not apply if the "Scope of Work" of this Agreement specifies that performance by CONTRACTOR is specifically required during the occurrence of any of the events herein mentioned. Headings. All headings are for clarification only and are not to be used in any judicial construction of this Agreement or any paragraph. [7073-242727. WPD] [Burton &- Associates - Fire/EUS Recalculation of bfethodology for Municipal Services] Binding Nature of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto. j. Law; Venue. This Agreement is being executed in Okeechobee County, Florida and shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Okeechobee County, Florida, shall be the venue of any action thereon. 5. Special Provisions, None. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed and sealed this agreement on the day and date first written above. ATTEST: - SHARON ROBERTSON, CL BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSI ERS WITNESS ATTEST: Corpo at cretary OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida By: FRANK IRBY, CHAI BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BURTON , SSOI�5; By: MICHAEL E. BURTON, AS AUTHORIZED AGENT - - (CORPORATE SEAL) 17073-242727.WPD1 (Rc�iscd 8107) Dbwkd af- Wth EXhibl+z J u net"►12616 BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Title: Recalculation of Methodology for Municipal Services Benefit Unit for the Fire Rescue and EN/IS Special Assessment Programs This Contract, made and entered into on the date last executed below, by and between BURTON & ASSOCIATES. INC. and OKEEC140BEE COUNTY, FL, hereinafter called "CLIENT", is for the services described under item 2 of this Contract. BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. Contact: Mr. Michael E. Burton, President Address: 200 Business Park Circle, Suite 101 St. Augustine, Florida 32095 Phone: (904) 247-0787 e-mail: mburtonna burtonandassociates cons CLIENT Contact: Ms. Corey A. Wheeler, CPA Budget Director Address: Okeechobee County 304 NW 2nd Street, Room 103 Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 763-9312, Option 4 e-mail: cwheelert(co.okeechobee.fl.us I. PROJECT: General Nature of Project — Recalculation of Methodology for Municipal Services Benefit Unit for the Fire Rescue and EMS Special Assessment Programs. The project will include recalculation of the methodology for the MSBU for Fire Rescue and EMS Special Assessment Programs, preparation of an assessment roll and implementation assistance to include the first class mailin- of notices for the Public Hearing. ` 2. SCOPE OF SERVICES: A description of the services to be performed by BURTON & ASSOCIATES. INC. is presented in Attachment B. 3. DURATION: This Contract shall become effective when executed by both parties and will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year, unless otherwise extended or terminated as provided herein. After the term of this Contract; annual one (1) year extensions can be made upon the agreement of both parties in writing. 4. TIME OF COMPLETION: Services called for herein shall be completed no later than September 15. 2016 unless otherwise extended by the agreement of both parties. 5. COMPENSATION: The compensation to be paid BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. for providing the services called for herein shall be a Fixed Fee of $66,185. inclusive of out-of-pocket expenses. 6. UNIT COST TIME CHARGES AND REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES: Unit cost time charges are defined as hourly rates specified in Attachment A, billed on a quarter-hour basis. Reimbursable costs include out-of- pocket expenses, which shall be included in the fixed fee or guaranteed maximum price for each Task Order. 7. INVOICE PROCEDURE: BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. shall submit monthly invoices to CLIENT requesting payment for work accomplished during each preceding calendar month. Payment of invoices will be made by CLIENT within 30 days of receipt of invoice. Invoices for fixed fee Task Orders will represent percentage work completed during each calendar month. 1 Processed C&M: 12/21/15 EXHIBIT "A" S. INSURANCE: BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. shall procure and maintain throughout the term of this Contract the following insurance with the limits set forth herein, and shall, upon executing this Contract, provide to CLIENT a certificate(s) of insurance evidencing same, and showing CLIENT as an additional insured: A. Worker's Compensation Insurance as required by law B. Unless otherwise provided for herein, Comprehensive General Liability Insurance including contractual liability with a minimum aggregate limit of S2,000,000, and liability arising out of the use of automobiles with a S1,000,000 Combined Single Limit (each .Accident). C. Unless otherwise provided for herein, Professional Liability Insurance with a minimum limit of $3,000,000 per claim and S3,000,000 annual aggregate. TERMINATION: This Contract may be terminated by either party by seven (7) days written notice in the event of substantial failure to perform in accordance with the terms herein by the other party through no fault of the terminating party. If this Contract is so terminated, CLIENT shall pay BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. compensation for work satisfactorily completed up to date of termination. CLIENT may terminate this Contract for convenience, or suspend the work called for herein for any business reason at CLIENT's sole discretion. In the event of such termination or suspension, CLIENT shall pay BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. for the work accomplished up to the date of termination or suspension. BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. may terminate this Contract for any business reason at BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC.'s sole discretion. In the event of such termination, BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC shall give CLIENT 30 days written notice and will complete all active Task Orders, unless agreed by both parties otherwise, and CLIENT will pay BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. for all work accomplished up to the date of termination. 10. ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Additional services may be performed under this Contract if agreed to by both parties in writing based upon the hourly rates presented in Attachment A. 11. PIGGYBACK PROVISION: Both parties agree that this Contract (including the County's RFP and Burton & Associates' proposal) can be used by other cities, counties, authorities or special districts as a basis for piggybacking a contract involving similar services at the hourly rates included in Attachment A. 12. ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT: This writing embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and there are no other agreements and understanding, oral or written, with reference to the subject matter hereof that are not merged herein and superseded hereby. No alteration, change or modification of the terms of the Contract shall be valid unless made in writing, signed by both parties hereto. Processed CM 12/21/15 For CLIENT.• Signed: Name: Title: ?ccC Date: :�L- 4 • � 3 For BURTON & ASSOCIATES, INC.: Signed: Name: Michael E. Burton Title: President Date: December 7, 2015 Processed CM 12/21/15 ATTACHMENT A - HOURLY BILLING RATES The hourly billing rates authorized Linder this contract for unit cost Task Orders and/or additional services are as follo%vs: FY 2015 Position Rate/Hour Burton & Associates: Technical Advisor $210 Project Manager S190 Project Consultant $125 Brvant. Miller & Olive: Attorney S265 These rates will be adjusted by an escalation factor of 3.0% per year on October 1 of each year during the term of the contract or as otherwise agreed to by both parties. 4 Processed CM 12/21/15 Ln W W W W W N Ut A W N ^ N w N N N N N N Ul A W N F+ O 1p CD V 01 W y L W N F+ x N W L. 1+ o n n r3i n fD m n u m ie' m o m o° n n a m e n r; Q E. d c 5 m Fi c o m o' a co o= o©> >? J a '^ r0 N < o o '" v N - in < v J �' J 3 0 0 n Obi H E Q n g g c n o c m e u c r<o ` N o3$ n a s n A ET a N _ a 3 3< ? J o J o o a o n >• o _ N c N c 5 S S g. JxS= c .• J n o 5 N.o a o o o n 3? c s< c T» m 3, 3 3 a n 3£ T. 3^ n O o n 0 3 3 c m o ~ J C in u w J 3 -` a C -� n. A O n ° T m" u' 3 0^ o o o oc c T o c< a o D m n a � oa N o a oo- > J -^ o n n o Enr u m n n 3 c 3 P =. £ c m n o J D a ;, 3 x^ c F 3, o� pO 1° n J m e c ^ E' 3 S;3 3 . D a 0o c D c ,'p N < D D Q r'"n o 3 u n n a c o « 3 n x n v m m 3� n 'o O ^ D o n n 2 3 n- o 00 c m m N m J p a n n n D J u_ c C 3 m N a _ o n u 3 m 3 0 a o n 3 s m n n n? N _. m 3 c- x a n N O c 3 '+ :' a o n c D n_ =ate c SL�o _ �� m�. EV J< 3 n J c 01 3 is u m � I 3 £ n o o " J y O w f+ O N O N F+ W �... p L •+ p O r+ a O o O N p „ an N W N •+ N N W 3 9 � 3 L O O N O •+ N N W W L A 6 � c - O O O O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O O O N O C O O M Ol Oi W W A W Ct O• tD V N O V+ A •+ W W W W Do W C M "4 O 2 13 N N O n N A ;. fD O A 3' O Cr rD M n O C r+ rt Processed C&M: 12/21/15 e \\\\\\ /;;ii, ZG !!: )()\k{ {0 0flyJ 7 ° ()/ )i(/\}}({0 / - - @§gSZ3 ) 122 /\((/\kj((( . \\}}\\} \}\\ \ :- (/\ _ \ \\ ) a { ƒ( 4 3 � 7 ( ) <\2 � \2 _ ■ ( 22§0 \ (D / Vr � » n k 2 / lw m � CL c 5-1 « § 0 z r k g (A X (D 0 Cr fD n 2 � c mdc k,22� 1/15 D D o E o m r m n X T -i n r 0 n Q 3a _ `° n < o D X rt 3• °� , CU (D (D T (D D rD rt .,� m rt O N 6 Q N (D � 3 v <• �n m rD cn m m o 0 0- (7 O D LA N T 3 n * ram°, Ln 0 r D , f (D X 3 — rD w < rD rD 3 z r+ O :3 < Q °' c rD N r m E -I o CO rD r+ 7o v u - W U v G c �. Z m a ( m n � 3 Q x o_ --I E o N Q m 3 -� m F, -a °+ O O z p rD rD V�- :3 z D o n '< N (i cn o F' U, O D C w g � � o O o m z c o oz CDD D r O CL N o r i� v� to to to to N r+ O ::3 m D r+ °' m T N' D n -1 m rD * 3 x F•-� N N Q- (� W N 01 O In O O O D C: W moo O O O o 0 0 o v r N m m 0 0 0 0o p0 0 0 n w n T - O N to to to to to to to v in r(D C O r+ F a 0 0 CU v Ln — � N W O 00 Ui O O O O to O O O O O CD�"� O O F-� CD In -r, O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N O rn 3 3 fD T t/1• t/) t/? t� L} {h ram+ �' N rD O FA 00 0�o O W O O O O O O O O O O F- O O O O O O Lo O O O O O O iR iA N O FA to 00 O PO p o O O O O O O O O N O O O O O O O O O O O O O c n Oi w P w w w o N 00 O Oo O O CD N tn0 I�f CD CD CD 0 CD •6, � •cn• tn. � �7 N N o rn 0 0 O O T' Exhibit 3 June 7, 2016 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marcos Montes De Oca, City Administrator Major Bob Peterson, Police Department India Riedel, Finance Director RE: Update on Dispatch/PSAP Council Directives Based on direction of Mayor and Council regarding State required updates and upgrades of current PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point), options were explored to provide optimum services as efficiently and effectively as possible. • Relocation of computers, radios, backup recorders, reconfiguring reception area, are currently in the works. • Use of the Microwave signal (currently used for our radios) for officer access to the CAD system along with Dispatch enables us to forego fiber optic costs previously estimated of over $30,000 plus $12,000 connectivity charges. • Redundant secure Ethernet is required to prevent downtime for officers in the field when communicating with dispatchers and police building. Items of Concern — Budget, Upgrades and Operation The immediate future budget of the police department included capital improvement items: • Replacement of a new server and upgrades of software within the Spillman software system. • Replacement phones with added efficiencies to the existing communication services. Implementing a new phone system is a necessity for the move. Replacing the server and upgrade of Window phase of the Spillman software is prudent at this time. In addition to the phone system replacement, after analysis of the budget, operational life span and future needs, the purchase option versus leasing was selected; primarily, due to the long term life span of the phone system expected to be over 5 years. The upgraded phone system is a stepping stone for additional City facilities migration in the future, including expected operational savings. Windows upgrade to the existing CAD system (Spillman), including a new server (current server is at almost twice its operational expectancy) as well as replacing antiquated phone system within the PD to enable communications, are currently underway. Use of the Microwave signal (currently used for our radios) for officer access to the CAD system, along with Dispatch, enables us to forego fiber optic costs previously estimated of over $30,000 plus $12,000. Redundant secure Ethernet is required to prevent downtime for officers in the field when communicating with dispatchers and police building. Summary of Cost Savings The cost of adding a PSAP unit with redundancy at the Police building annualized over the next 5 years had a price tag of $121,846 per year. Co -locating dispatch and including the future items on the table for the immediate future, $23,318 per year. Cost avoidance for this mandate totaling almost $100,000 a year or $492,000 for the first 5 years. ti ty.Of•OKEE-C �oT OPTION #1 Purchase of Phones Project Worksheet: Purpose: Date Provided: City of Okeechobee DishiWed 0- Me r)q Exhl 3 Junes 2�t'ly 1 Co location of dispatch based on the requirement of the State of Florida for Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Compliance with State of Florida regulations regarding 911, Dispatch, PSAP June 3rd, 2016 a: a 270 732 nn $ 67.700.00 $ 121,846.00„i. Anticipateo costlto,Haa:,r�r1r w�[f�re�uiivaivy at;r��uy croUiI m — -- -- Ranking Order of Product or Service Vendor need Initial Cost Future Budget CIP Annual Operational Savings Ongoing Operational cost Net Cost annualized over 5 yrs Contract Required Relocate computers/server, etc. Spillman 1 $ 2,700.00 $ $ - $ 540.00 Dispatch Radio relocation & Backup recorder Harris contractor/Comm Intl 1 $ 1,140.00 $ - $ $ 228.00 Ethernet connection between Police Dept. and EOC Center CenturyLink 1 $ 12,000.00 $ $ - $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00 3 yrs. X Spillman upgrade to windows based system (Includes new Server $4,000) Spillman 2 $ $ 43,000.00 $ (21,000.00) 5 yrs. include $ 4,400.00 5 yrs X Phone system replacement -Purchase Century Link 1 $ - $ 28,732.00 $ (6,672.00) $ 6,775.00 $ 5,850.00 Reconfigure Reception area of PD building Various 1 $ 1,500.00 $ - $ - $ 300.00 $ $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ $ X Items with 'X' indicate items which were to be bud eted within 1-2 years $ $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ 17,340.00 $ 71,732.00 $ (27,672.00)1 $ 18,775.001 $ 23,318.00 `K.OF.oKEf�. No OPTION #2 Lease of Phones City of Okeechobee Project Worksheet: Co location of dispatch based on the requirement of the State of Florida for Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Purpose: Compliance with State of Florida regulations regarding 911, Dispatch, PSAP Date Provided: June 3rd, 2016 n,.+;,.;.:.,c+A,4,4.o4ZAP with �f-Pnlira.Riii Hinn $ 27D732.00 $ 67.700.00 $ 121,846.00i Ranking Order of Product or Service Vendor need Initial Cost Annual Future Operational Budget CIP Savings Ongoing Net Cost Operational annualized Contract cost over 5 yrs Required Relocate computers/server, etc. Spillman 1 $ 2,700.00 $ - $ - $ 540.00 Dispatch Radio relocation & Backup recorder Harris contractor/Comm Intl 1 $ 1,140.00 $ - $ - $ 228.00 Ethernet connection between Police Dept. and EOC Center CenturyLink 1 $ 12,000.00 $ - $ $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00 3 yrs. X Spillman upgrade to windows based system (Includes new Server $4,000) Spillman 2 $ - $ 43,000.00 $ (21,000.00) 5 yrs. include $ 4,400.00 5 yrs X Phone system replacement -Lease Century Link 1 $ - $ (6,672.00) $ 12,444.00 $ 5,772.00 5 yrs Reconfigure Reception area of PD building Various 1 $ 1,500.00 $ - $ $ 300.00 $ - $ $ $ $ - $ - $ $ - X Items with 'X' indicate items which were to be budgeted within 1-2 years $ - $ $ - $ $ - $ $ - $ - $ 17,340.001 $ 43,000.00 $ (27,672.00)1 $ 24,444.00 $ 23,240.00 City of Okeechobee Project Worksheet: Co location of dispatch based on the requirement of the State of Florida for Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Purpose: Compliance with State of Florida regulations regarding 911, Dispatch, PSAP Date Provided: June 3rd, 2016 7Zo nn Q R7 Inn nn ,It 111 Inn nn Ranking Order of Product or Service Vendor need Initial Cost Future Budget CIP Annual Operational Savings Ongoing Operational cost Net Cost annualized over 5 yrs Contract Required Relocate computers/server, etc. Spillman 1 $ 2,700.00 $ $ - $ 540.00 Dispatch Radio relocation & Backup recorder Harris contractor/Comm Intl 1 $ 1,140.00 $ - $ $ 228.00 Ethernet connection between Police Dept. and EOC Center CenturyLink 1 $ 12,000.00 $ - $ $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000,00 3 yrs. X Spillman upgrade to windows based system (Includes new Server $4,000) Spillman 2 $ $ 43,000.00 $ (21,000.00) 5 yrs. include $ 4,400.00 5 yrs X Phone system replacement -Purchase Century Link 1 $ - $ 28,732.00 $ (6,672.00) $ 6,775.00 $ 5,850.00 Reconfigure Reception area of PD building Various 1 $ 1,500.00 $ - $ $ 300.00 Spillman upgrade of software integration w/County systems Spillman 3 $ 17,203.00 $ - $ 17,203.00 $ 3,440.60 Spillman upgrade of software for GIS Spillman 3 $ 17,845.00 $ - $ 17,845.00 $ 3,569.00 Integrated Fire software Other source $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - X Items with 'X' indicate items which were to be bud eted within 1-2 years $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ - $ - $ $ - $ $ 52,388.00 $ 71,732.00 $ (27,672.00)1 $ 53,823.001 $ 30,327.60 OF-OKEEC'Y � O MEMORANDUM dJ �1915� TO: Mayor Kirk & Council Members DATE: FROM: City Clerk Gamiotea,* Exhibit 4 June 7, 2016 June 1, 2016 SUBJECT: Summer Meeting Schedule Staff is recommending the City Council consider having one regular meeting for July and August. The Budget Workshops will be coordinated and presented with the Annual Budget Calendar. Please consider the following changes to the regular meeting schedule: Cancel the July 5 and August 2 meetings. Important Dates: JUNE 7 Council Mfg 6 PM 14 CEB Mtg 6:30 PM 16 PB/130A Mtg 6 PM 21 Council Mtg 6 PM JULY AUGUST 4 City Hall closed in observance 2 CE.D Council Mtg of Independence Day 9 CEB Mtg 6:30 PM W CANCELLED Cour:cil i1qtg 15 City General Election 12 CEB Mtg 6:30 PM Qualifying Week begins, Noon 19 Council Mtg 6 PM 16 Council Mtg 6 PM 21 TRC Mtg 10 AM Tentative Budget Workshop PB/130A Mtg 6 PM 18 TRC Mtg 10 AM PB/130A Mtg 6 PM 19 City General Election Qualifying Week ends, Noon Okeechobee News June 10, 2016 0," school now certified as a hurricane shelter By Charles M. Murphy Okeechobee News A better financial picture, whether golf carts should be free to drive on county roads and predictions for the 2016 hurricane season highlighted the agenda of the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners. TYeasure Island resident Maria Shotteitt asked commissioners Thursday, June 9, to make portions of that area a golf -cart friendly community. She said residents there use the carts for crime watch. The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) recently conducted an operation on the streets and issued warnings to those using golf carts. Commissioners agreed to consider a golf - friendly designation on streets in Treasure Island should there be enough neighborhood support. The board approved a petition to rezone 10 acres on the east side of Northeast 48th Avenue from agriculture to residential single family. The board also approved a small scale amendment to die comprehensive plan for the residential project The project would al- low up to 12 units per acre. Public water and sewer would be required for this density. Engineer Steve Dobbs said he did not re- view the costs of bringing water and sewer. He hinted if would not make financial sense. Commissioner Margaret Garrard -Helton said Okeechobee Gardens has a similar den- sity_ . Planning director Bill Royce said further public hearings would be required should the applicant decide to build more than five units City will By Charles M. Murphy Okeechobee News per acre. Clifton Larsen Allen presented the fiscal year 2015 audit. The county net liability in- creased by $14.3 million by mandate of the state. The state required the Florida Retire- ment System (FRS) net liabilities be included. Net assets of the county were reduced from $125 million to $110 million. AuditorJulieFowtersaid government funds have declined from $51.9 million in 2011, to $45.3 million in 2015. County expenses have declined from $54.1 million in 2011, to $44.3 million in 2015. The auditor issued a clean opinion with two material weaknesses in internal control. There was one significant deficency over the State Housing Assistance or SHIP program and the reporting of administrative costs. Au- ditor Brian Quinlan said the deficiency has been addressed. "It appears to be a very positive year," he told commissioners. Emergency Management director Mitch Smeykal told commissioners about a new phone app that provides alerts to residents. For example, on Thursday a flood watch was posted for Okeechobee County. Residents can contact the EOC for non -emergencies on the app, which then helps them stake a disas- ter plan and be better prepared for disasters. Mr. Smeykal reported the 2016 hurricane season is expected to be an average season. Experts predict 10 to 16 names storms, with four to eight hurricanes and one to four major storms for the season. There were I i named storms last year, with two of those making landfill in the U.S. Mr. Smeykal said the number of storms don't matter if one storm affects Okeecho- bee. He said the Red Cross has certified the Okeechobee Achievement Acadenry as a hurricane shelter, which irtc ceases the shelter space the county can offer. Mr. Snheykal said the county could shift the special needs shelter from the health depart- ment to the OAA. The commission scheduled a workshop to discuss new ISO or insurance ratings that impact fire insurance costs. That workshop is set for Thursday, July 28, a 2 p.m. Finance director Corey Wheeler said solid waste host fees significantly exceeded ex- pectations in the semrxi and third quarter of the fiscal year. She said gas tax revenues are down in the past year which is opposite to the state trends. Ms. Wheeler said tine Okeechobee Mu- sic Festival also had a positive impact on re- tail taxes collected. Fuel taxes increased by $57,000 in March, which represents a 25 per- cent increase over 2015. Local discretionary sales taxes showed year little impact from the festival. i didn't see any real affect," she offered. In other business, the BOCC Thursday • approved an agreement with the Flori- da Department of State Division of Elections to accept grad funds that total $69,696 over the next five years. • approved a voting system and man- aged services agreement with Dominion Voting Systems that expires in 2014 and will cost $456,574. Supervisor of Elections Diane Hagan said the state required an up- date to paper ballots for all voters by 2020. Only two qualified vendors provide the equipment The purchase cost is $415,486, but the county would also pay $10,000 per year for a licensing agreement. The vendor would include all maintenance and train- ing during the lease. • a8reed to apply for U.S. Department of Justice grants for $11,522 to purchase equipment and technology related to law enforcement and officer safety. County administrator Robbie Chartier reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would not uest reimbursement on grants of $574for the former ARC building if the county demolished fire building. Okeechobee Forecast Brouptht to you by Ll L[LL "(hrFoevs Is To Araks Y u Cuayorrubh" v QuantyACokee.com 467-1545 tToday: Thunderstorms likely. High around 85F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance 4- of rain 100%. Extended Forecast Saturday: A couple of heavy afternoon thunderstorms; otherwise, humid with in- tervals of clouds and suit Saturday Evening: Mainly clear and humid begin hunting for a new chief of police The Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce presented an award to the city and the council gave direction on a fire tax. City council members also announced at their Tuesday, June 7, meeting that a new chiefof police will be sought. Current: Chief of Rohm Denny Davis an- nounced he would retire in August which opened up the slot. The city has had just three police chiefs since 1976, The council also approved an advedise- ment and the qualifications for the chiefs position. A bachelor's degree was nnentioned as one of the desired qualities. The average salaries in this region for police chiefs ranged from $49,825 per year in Fetsmere, to $44,408 in Pahokee, $67,582 in Clewiston, $62,594 in Wauchula and $62,086 in Arcadia Coundinuan Dowling Watford said he would like to ask candidates about recruit- ment of African -American officers arrd the creation of a citizen's advisory aonuniittee for police. The council also debated experience and education needed for the new chief. "Experience in this job, to me, is more im- portant," Councilman Watford said. The council agreed to offer $58,455 for the starting salary. They, did support a salary based on qualifications. Councilman Mike O'Connor said the city must look at applications first and then con- sider salary. He said the council has to five with the person hired and he didn't support a citizens committee to recommend the new chief. City administrator Marcos Monies De OLa said he would oppose the council negotiating the salary of e erwne they hire. They expect to advertise the position for 60 days. The council also approved a contract with Burton & Associates to conduct a fire assess- ment study. The will utilize a study conducted by this firm for Okeechobee County Fw'Res- cue. Mr. Monies De Oca said a study is neces- sary to justify a fire tax for citizens. He said there could be time to irriude the fire tax in the 2016-17 fiscal year hudgct. The council would have. to determine the actual fire tax, or even if it will be enacted, be- fore the end of September. City attorney John Cook said workshops would be held and the tax must be enacted by Sept. 15, "The benefit of the assessnhent would be pretty substantial to the fill;" Mr. Cook add- ed. He went on to say the frost of the study ap- peared to be I dgh because most of the work was already done for the county. The county has fire and EMS assessments. Councilman Watford said the methodol- ogy used for the EMS tax was unfair because businesses were taxed. Homestead exemptions do not apply to assessments. "That is part of the justification for the tax. A large number of city citizens pay less than $100 per year in taxes," offered Mr. Cook. He said if the council wanted to do it this year the city had better get started. °Tine good thing about this is it spreads the cost out," Councilman Watford added. The fire assessment study fee is $38,646.00 and Includes preparation, mail -outs and addi- tional legal preparation. The city residents do pay die county EMS assessment. Special to the Okeechobee News The city received an award from the Chamber of Commerce for helping to rein- vigorate the local economy and create jobs. Left to right are city administrator Marcos Monies De Oca, Councilman Noel Chandler, Councilman Dowling Wat- ford, Chamber Economic Development director John Gurney, Councilman Mike O'Connor and city attorney John Cook.