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2004-09-21 Regular MeetingCITY OF OKEECHOBEE SEPTEMBER 21, 2004 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION PAGE 1 OF 4 103 11 AGENDA III COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE 11 I. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor: September 21, 2004, Regular City Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m. II. OPENING CEREMONIES: Invocation by Pastor Sally Bull, Okeechobee Presbyterian Church Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor. III. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - City Clerk. Mayor James E. Kirk Council Member Noel A. Chandler Council Member Lowry Markham Council Member Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Council Member D. Clayton Williams, Jr. City Attorney John R. Cook City Administrator Bill L. Veach City Clerk Lane Gamiotea Deputy Clerk Melisa Eddings IV. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS. A. Proclaim the week of September 17 through 23, 2004 as "Constitution Week." Mayor Kirk called the September 21, 2004 Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council Member Watford offered invocation, in the absence of Pastor Sally Bull. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Kirk. City Clerk Gamiotea called the roll: Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Mrs. Ruth Lawson and Mrs. Sarah Price of the Daughters of the American Revolution, were present to receive the proclamation. Mayor Kirk read the following proclamation in its entirety: "WHEREAS, September 17, 2004 marks the two hundred and seventeenth anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to officially recognize this magnificent document and the anniversary of its creation; and WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to officially recognize the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate the occasion; and WHEREAS, public law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17 through September 23 as constitution week; NOW THEREFORE,1, James Kirk, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, do hereby proclaim September 17 through 23, 2004 as CONSTITUTION WEEK in the City of Okeechobee, and ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideal the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787." 104 SEPTEMBER 21, 2004 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 2 OF 4 AGENDA COUNCIL ACTION DISCUSSION -VOTE V. MINUTES - City Clerk. 11 A. Motion to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Council Member Chandler moved to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Council Action for the Council Action for the September 3, 2004 Special Emergency September 3, 2004 Special Emergency Meeting and the September 7, 2004 Regular Meeting; seconded by Council Meeting and the September 7, 2004 Regular Meeting. I Member Williams. VOTE KIRK - YEA CHANDLER -YEA MARKHAM - YEA WATFORD - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA MOTION CARRIED. VI. WARRANT REGISTER - City Administrator. A. Motion to approve the August Warrant Register: Council Member Watford moved to approve the August 2004 Warrant Register in the amounts of: General Fund - two hundred ninety-two thousand, six hundred ninety-nine dollars and twenty seven cents ($292,699.27); Industrial General Fund ............................. $292,699.27 Development Fund - one hundred forty-one thousand, nine hundred sixteen dollars and thirty cents ($141,916.30); Industrial Development Fund ............ I .... $141,916.30 Capital Improvement Projects Fund - Vehicles - seventeen thousand, two hundred fifty dollars and zero cents Capital Projects - Vehicles Fund ................ $17,250.00 ($17,250.00); Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund - sixteen thousand, nine hundred nineteen dollars CDBG Grant Fund .......................... $16,919.96 and ninety-six cents ($16,919.96); Law Enforcement Special Fund - one hundred dollars and zero cents ($100.00); Law Enforcement Special Fund ................... $100.00 seconded by Council Member Markham. Council Member Watford questioned the expenditures of the Law Enforcement Special Fund. Police Chief Davis replied, they are allowable expenditures. VOTE KIRK - YEA CHANDLER -YEA MARKHAM - YEA WATFORD - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA MOTION CARRIED. 1 SEPTEMBER 21, 2004 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 3 OF 4 AGENDA COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE 105 VII. AGENDA - Mayor. A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today's Mayor Kirk asked whether there were requests for the addition, deferral, or withdrawal of items on today's agenda. agenda. New Business Item "B" was withdrawn, Item "C", was added as update from the Public Works Director related to hurricane clean up progress. VIII. NEW BUSINESS. A. Update pertaining to Mainstreet's certification - Councilman Dowling Council Member Watford noted that this item was deleted from the previous agenda due to other situations of more Watford. importance. He informed the Council of a conference call regarding Mainstreet's certification and thanked Council Member Markham for attending. He introduced Maureen Burroughs, OMS President, who read a draft copy of the news release stating that OMS received Full Certification. The news release will be sent to the media pending Secretary of State Hood's approval. OMS now has an office at the old Ink Well Building behind Eckerds. They have advertised, through One Stop Career Center, for the Mainstreet Manager position. A matter of concern were the awnings that had been damaged from the hurricane. The awnings were installed when the City received a CDBG grant for downtown renovations. However, as explained by Council Member Watford, the awnings are the owners responsibility. Mrs. Burroughs stated she would see what OMS could do by having the property owners meet and come up with a comprehensive plan that would work to get everyone's awnings repaired or replaced. B. Discuss the status of the negotiation of the City Administrator's This item was withdrawn from the agenda by Mayor Kirk contract - Mayor Kirk. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA - C. Update en the -progress of Hurricane Public Woms Director Robertson began by stating the progress for clean-up after Hurricane Frances is going well. As Frances Clean Up - Public Works Director Robertson. the Council was informed, all the debris was taken to the City Commerce Center to be burned. However, due to numerous complaints from area residents in Douglas Park, we have had to cease burning in the area. At another time, we will have to finish burning what was delivered there. The County has purchased an air curtain, and offered use to the City. We will be taking them up on that offer. The main problem that he is having is citizens piling their yard debris and construction type debris all together in the ditches and/or swales. This is causing the storm drainage to clog. We need the citizens to understand that they must put their yard debris as close to the road as possible without being in the road. Make sure it is not stacked on telephone boxes or fire hydrants. Debris from roofs, aluminum, etc. must be piled separate. At this time, DOT has turned the hauling over to a private company. 106 SEPTEMBER 21, 2004 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 4 OF 4 AGENDA VIII. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED. C. Update on the progress of Hurricane Frances Clean Up - Public Works Director Robertson Continued. IX. ADJOURN MEETING - MAYOR. Please take notice and be advised that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, helshe.may need to insure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and,evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. a tapes are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. ATTEST: James E. Kirk, Mayor Lane, ainiotea, Ci y Clerk COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE Citizens will need to be patient and realize the City, the DOT private hauler or Waste Management will be by to pick-up and clean-up. We are scheduled to make three passes to each street. Everyone needs to be patient and we will get this taken care of. Administrator Veach interjected and made a requested to the media representatives, the Okeechobee News and WOKC to please get the word out to the public. The City needs everyone to be patient and know the Public Works crews are working as much as possible and using every resource available to get the areas cleaned. Mayor Kirk, Council Members and Administrator Veach all stated again their thanks and appreciation to the Public Works Department for their outstanding performance. This is a huge undertaking to get things back to normal, and they are doing a remarkable job. In attendance was Ms. Maxine Darville (of 914 Southeast 151h Street, The Oaks at Blue Heron Golf and Country Club), Mr. and Mrs. John Boak, also of The Oaks, who asked the Mayor whether they could address the Council regarding issues of the Hurricane. Mayor Kirk yielded the floor. Ms. Darville explained of an on -going drainage problem they have in her area, and the hurricanes have compounded the problem. They asked whether there was anything the City could do to assist them. Director Robertson advised that was a project he was looking into, prior to the hurricane, but has not been able to focus on it since. Following ' Oaks, he understood that the clean p is a priority however he also wanted this issue to be a priority and see what needed to be done to assist with the drainage for the area. There being no further items on the Agenda, Mayor Kirk adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is October 5, 2004. Page -1- Tape 1 side A CITY OF OKEECHOBEE - September 21, 2004 - REGULAR CITY HANDWRITTEN MINUTES CALL TO ORDER - Mayor: Cou II. OPENING CEREMONIES: Invocation given by Council Member W Sally Bull, Okeechobee Presbyterian C Mayor. III. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - City Clerk. Prose Mayor James E. Kirk Council Member Noel A. Chandler Council Member Lowry Markham Council Member Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Council Member Clayton Williams City Attorney John R. Cook City Administrator Bill L. Veach Clerk Lane Gamiotea Deputy Clerk Melisa Eddings CIL MEETING- M. in the absence of Pastor Pledge of Allegiance led by Absent X X X X X X X X X IV. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS. A. Proclaim the week of September 17 through 23, 2004 as "Co Mrs. Ruth Lawson and Mrs. Sarah Price (Daughters of the American Rev( proclamation. Mayor Kirk read the following proclamation in its entirety: ' marks the two hundred and seventeenth anniversary of the drafting States ofAmerica by the Constitutional Convention; and WHEREAS, recognize this magnificent document and the anniversary of its crei and properto officially recognize the patriotic celebrations which will WHEREAS, public law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation United States ofAmerica designating September 17 through Septemi THEREFORE,1, James Kirk, by virtue of the authority vested in me as do hereby proclaim September 17 through 23, 2004 as CONS7 Okeechobee, and ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideal the Framers i V. MINUTES - City Clerk. A. Council Member Chandler moved to dispense with the reading Action for the September 3, 2004 Special Emergency Meeting Meeting; seconded by Council Member Williams. VOTE YEA NAY ABSTAIN ABSENT KIRK X CHANDLER X MARKHAM X WATFORD X WILLIAMS X MOTION: CARRIED. Week." ition) were present to receive the VEREAS, September 17, 2004 f the Constitution of the United is fitting and proper to officially ion; and WHEREAS, it is fitting Dmmemorate the occasion; and ich year by the President of the ,r 23 as constitution week, NOW ayor of the City of Okeechobee, rUTION WEEK in the City of `the Constitution had in 1787." approve the Summary of Council the September 7, 2004 Regular VI. WARRANT REGISTER - City Administrator. A. Council Member Watford moved to approve the August 2004 W rrant Register in the amounts of: General Fund - two hundred ninety-two thousand, six hundred nine cents ($292,699.27); Industrial Development Fund - one hundred sixteen dollars and thirty cents ($141,916.30); Capital Improver seventeen thousand, two hundred fifty dollars and zero cents ($17,'9 Block Grant (CDBG) Fund - sixteen thousand, nine hundred ninE ($16,919.96); Law Enforcement Special Fund - one hundred d( seconded by Council Member Markham. DW - law enforcement special fund, audit from last year, this expenditure is Yes sir. VOTE YEA NAY ABSTAIN ABSENT KIRK X CHANDLER X MARKHAM X WATFORD X WILLIAMS X MOTION: CARRIED. VII. AGENDA - Mayor. A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on item C, Update from Robertson on hurricane clean up. VIII. NEW BUSINESS. A. Update pertaining to Mainstreet's certification - Councilman Page -2- y-nine dollars and twenty seven arty -one thousand, nine hundred ent Projects Fund - Vehicles - i0.00); Community Development yen dollars and ninety-six cents lars and zero cents ($100.00); ething that is allowed? Denny 's agenda. Withdraw item B. Add Watford. Watford, we deleted from last agenda due to other situation, Mareen Burroughs from Mainstreet will also being addressing you. Had conference call, all went well, thanked Markham from attending. Burroughs, draft copy of news release read stating the Full Certification that was received. more than 90 communities since est. 1985, improving historic areas, reentergizing downtown areas, public and private reinvestment, more than 3,000 starts for new business. Background of the of the incorporation and development of the city. Main Street 4 point approach. Has to be approved by the Secretary of State. Advertised through one stop for the main street manager. Watford, conference call, very interesting, asked good questions, many comments made by the participates as to how well the application was done. Thoroughness of the application Office Space in the old Ink Well building behind Eckerds. Awnings belong to the individual property owners. Call a meeting and get type of comprehensive plan with the downtown owners to get the ball started. B. Discuss the status of the negotiation of the City Administrator's con�ract - Mayor Kirk. Withdrawn from the agenda by Mayor Kirk. C. Update from Public Works Director regarding clean-up after Hurricane Frances. Donnie - tons of debris, 5,000 cubic yard hauled yesterday, could not haul today due to the rain. Need to get a message out not to pile in storm drainage areas. Kirk, areas you've been through, making 2 more trips over the course of 0 days. Bill, if we could rely on media, get the word out, be patient, conside rate n t to block the street, but don't put it in the swale, may not move 100% first time, will take 3 passes. The ci y crews, and outside support are working as fast as they can, it will get cleaned up and will not happen ov might. DOT replaced by outside contractor. Wastemanagement is working mostly on the tin. Another point, wood debris separate from other debris. DW - several weeks? Waste management back to normal schedule? Stopped burning due to smoke going into douglas brown. County purchased air curtain, which is what we'll use now. Bill, can't stress enough what Donnie's guys have done, huge underta Kirk - get word out, Page -3- is the intent. Buring what we can. to get it all back to normal. DW - contract had to get in the ditches and left ruts, there will be damage, we'll get the addresses and go back over, do every effort to keep that damage within the city right of way. Donnie - help tremendous to get it in the street. Noel - some of the complaints I had were ruts on the right of way, but they maintain that city right of way. Kirk, seeing the progress being made, its tremendous, people don't always understand not taking all of it and they need to understand there will be 3 passes. Bill, people don't realize streets have been cleaned, because they pile it b ck out there just as fast as it gets cleaned up. Maxine Darville @ 914 SE 15`h Street, 45 year resident, know Okeechobee been hit very hard, flooding problem, not a new problem, building a lot of new homes being built, woul like to know what we're going to do about drainage. Cook when developed the homeowners were responsible for drainage. Markham, drainage wasn't put in by SFWMD approved, somehow SFWMD ont take responsibility, contractor gone now, they have no one to assist them now except the city. Probably goi g to have to do a joint agreement between SFWMD, golf course owner, and the City. Maxine - papers from 5 years ago, somebody needs to do something, the Donnie - spoke with John about it, told him as soon as we could focus on it, the deeds that swales are suppose to be in there. We will research it and t get attorney to look at what I'm looking at. Kirk - how did we allow this? Maxine, I was told the developer had someone in his back pocket. Lowry got to be an easement going back into that area, if its dedicated and ditches. ation is getting worse. we would. There is something in ry to provide something. Have to �ment, its got to be gone through Kirk, Donnie know you're busy, try to make a priority, we'll address it and do Oil we can. We got a direction and Donnie work with Bill and it and contact the homeowners and let them know. Bring back to Council and let us know. Will address this got to be a solution to it. IX. ADJOURN MEETING Mayor at 6:40 p.m. AFFI-DA Y'IT OF PUBLISI`IER OKEECHOBEE TIMES 106 S.E. 5th St., Okeechobee, FL 34974 (863) 763-7283 Published Weekly STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF OKEECHOBEE: Before the undersigned authority personally appeared James A. Hughes, Jr. who on oath says that he is publisher of the Okeechobee Times, a newspaper published weekly at Okeechobee in Okeechobee, Florida: that the attached copy of advertisement, being a PUBLIC NOTICE PO # 12650 in the matter of CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE 55 SE THIRD AVENUE OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974-2932 941-763-33 72 In the Court, was published in said newspaper in the issues of _09 16/2004 Affiant further says that the said Okeechobee Times is a newspaper published at Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida, and that said newspaper has heretofore been continuously published in said Okeechobee, Florida as a daily, weekly, or bi-weekly 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 he 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. James A. F41ughes, Jr., (Publisher) (� Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of,,N: �Lt A. D. 2004 (SEAL) Notary Public lee A. Brenr Commission #DD318 Expires: Jun 25, 21 ° Bonded Thru Atlantic Bonding Co., CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City o f O keechobee C ity Council will meet in Regular Session on Tuesday, September 21, ,2004, 6:0 0 pm City Hall, 55 SE 3rd Ave., Rm 200, Okeechobee, Florida. The public is in- vited and encouraged to attend. For a copy of the agenda contact City Administration at (863) 7K3-3372 x 212. ' - PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND BE ADVISED that if any person desires to ap- peal any decision made by the City Council 'with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, such interested person will need a ' record of the proceedings, and for such pur- pose may need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record in- ' eludes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Tapes are used for " tl* sole purpose of back-up for the Clerk's Office. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Florida Statute 286.26, persons with disabilities needing spe- -cial accommodation to participate in this pro- --ceeding should contact Lane Gamiotea, no later than two (2) working days prior to the 'proceeding at 863-763-3372 x 214; ifyou are hearing or voice impaired, call TDD 1-800- E2213448 (voice) or 1-888-447-5620 (TYY). BY: JAMES E. KIRK, MAYOR LANE GAMIOTEA, City Clerk PUBLISH 09/16/2004 OKEECHOBEE TIMES IV. a CALL TO ORDER - Mayor: OPENING CEREMONIES: CITY OF OKEECHOBEE SEPTEMBER 21, 2004 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OFFICIAL AGENDA September 21, 2004 City Council Regular Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Invocation given by Pastor Sally Bull, Okeechobee Presbyterian Church. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - City Clerk. Mayor James E. Kirk Council Member Noel A. Chandler Council Member Lowry Markham Council Member Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Council Member Clayton Williams City Attorney John R. Cook City Administrator Bill L. Veach City Clerk Lane Gamiotea PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS. A. Proclaim the week of September 17 through 23, 2004 as "Constitution Week". MINUTES - City Clerk. A. Motion to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Council Action for the September 3, 2004 Special Emergency Meeting and the September 7, 2004 Regular Meeting. PAGE 1 OF 2 SEPTEMBER 21, 2004 - CITY COUNCIL AGENDA - PAGE 2 Of 2 VI. WARRANT REGISTER - City Administrator. A. Motion to approve the August Warrant Register. General Fund $292,699.27 Industrial Development Fund 141,916.30 Capital Projects - Vehicles Fund 17,250.00 CDBG Grant Fund 16,919.96 Law Enforcement Special Fund 100.00 AGENDA - Mayor. A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today's agenda. NEW BUSINESS. A. Update pertaining to Mainstreet's certification - Councilman Dowling Watford. B. Discuss the status of the negotiation of the City Administrator's contract - Mayor Kirk. IX. ADJOURN MEETING - Mayor. 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 purposed 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 tapes are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. A SAMPLE PROCLAMATION Constitution Week 200 Whereas, September 17, 2004 marks the two hundred and seventeenth anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by t e Constitutional Convention; and Whereas, it is fitting and proper to officially recognize this magnificent document and the anniversary of its creation; and Whereas, it is fitting and proper to officially recognize the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate the occasion; and Whereas, public law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating Septembe 17 through 23 as constitution week; NOW, THEREFORE, I, ------------------, (Governor or Mayor) of the (State or City) of -- ----- do hereby proclaim September 17 through 23, 2004 to be CONSTITUTION In (State or City), and ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideals the Constitution had in 1787. PLACE STATE OR CITY SEAL HERE of the IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the (State or city) of ------on this seventeentt day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand fo and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty seventh and o the (Statehood) of ------ the ------ CITY OF OKEECHOBEE MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council DATE: September 149 2004 SUBJECT: Status Report FROM: Bill L. Veach, City Administrator Below is a brief summary of past and upcoming events. ADMINISTRATION Hurricane Related Issues — City Staff has been taxed by, but responded very well to AND GENERAL the demands of dealing with three hurricanes. Debris removal and permanent repairs to SERVICES damaged structures remain a priority at this time. Every City facility received damage to some extent, with the most expensive being the total loss of the 150 foot communication tower at the Fire Station. We are currently in the process of submitting reimbursement requests (to FEMA) for overtime expenditures, property damage and storm preparation. We are also working closely with PRM regarding insured losses. GRIT — John Cook has recently unsuccessfully attempted to initiate contact with potential re -insurance providers. He has notified GRIT's attorney that there has been no response from the re -insurance contact they provided. As part of the terms of the settlement with GRIT, they must provide us with viable re -insurance contact information. Industrial Park — Contractors continue to clearing, lift station, sewer and roadbed prep Robert Meyer has submitted sight plans and r moving along at a very rapid pace. We are receiving inquiries related to new bus as yet, no solid proposal has been presented. excellent progress. Earthwork, continue at an accelerated pace. preliminary approval. He too, is locating in the industrial park, but P ADMINISTRATION Downtown Streetscape Project — The project in the parks continues to move forward. AND GENERAL Benches have been placed and lighting is bein installed. Additionally, we have SERVICES received notification that the City will receive full ftmding for this project. This means CONTINUED we should be able to address parks 5 and 6. However, even though we've received this notification, the Governor has made it very clear that State budgets and funding may be redirected as needed with regard to addressing emergency services related to Hurricane Charley (and possibly Frances). Therefore, it may still be premature to assume we definitely have full project funding. The architect is working closely with Nancy P ps and has presented preliminary design for storefront modification. Nancy will be discussing the design proposals with the participants, staff and the City Council before final approval is requested from the State. Locating available contractors for this por ion of the project may be difficult in light of recent storm damage demands. Impact Fees — The RFP has been advertised. OUA — The City currently needs an alternate on the OUA Board. Florida Power and Light — Attorney Cook and met with representatives of FPL to discuss their franchise agreement, which will expire next year. We will be working together to develop a new contract, which should come before the City Council early next year. PUBLIC WORKS Hurricane cleanup has become the primary focus fPublic Works staff. They have also made multiple temporary (and some permanent) repairs to damaged City facilities. Donnie Robertson's staff continues with their effbrts related to modification of the 41h Street boat ramp. In working with DEP, a baffle box must be installed before the project can be completed. However, the ramp is, open for use. Work continues on this year's street projects. Th authorization was given for work to commence on June 6. All resurfacing work has been completed with only the SW 12`h Avenue project remaining to be done. Donnie is working with the contractor to facilitate this remaining portion of our contract. `+ FF 3 DEPARTMENT SYNOPSIS CODE Code Enforcement has recently focused on NE 9 Street with good results. This area ENFORCEMENT is currently being cleaned up by the property owi ters. Attorney Cook is preparing the documents related to foreclosure on Brantley property. He is also including a nuisance abatement element to the proceedings, which should enable the City to deal with the ongoing and growing problem while the foreclosure is being pursued. FINANCE The public hearing dates for the budget are sche uled for 5:01 p.m. on September 17 and September 28. Lola and Donna are at the forefront of hurricane related insurance and FEMA reimbursement issues. Lydia Williams has resigned and we anticipate hiring a replacement within the next 2 — 3 weeks. POLICE The Department continues to discuss with the City Attorney the difficulties related to DEPARTMENT noise complaints. FIRE Chief Smith is advertising to hire a replacement I or a probationary employee who has DEPARTMENT been dismissed. He is also working to gather information related to determining the best permanent antennae solution. CITY ATTORNEY The following are included in the items I have asked Attorney Cook to address. 1. GRIT related re -insurance issues. 2. Draft an enforceable noise ordinance. 3. Hamrick Trust — John is in discussion wit the County Attorney on this matter. 4. Research annexation issues. 5. LDR issues, such as conversion of forme residential structures to commercial and CBD site regulations and new development within the CBD. 6. Marvin Brantley's continuing situation. 7. Various LDR issues, including the commencement of site -work and sidewalk, curb and guttering issues. 8. Work with Administrator and FPL t ward a renewal of the franchise agreement.