Loading...
2019-03-19 Town Hall Meeting450 Of,OKE LL T O r CITY OF OKEECHOBEE MARCH 19, 2019, TOWN HALL MEETING OKEECHOBEE FRESHMAN CAMPUS AUDITORIUM * 610 SW 2ND AVENUE * OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974 SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION PAGE 1 OF 5 II AGENDA II COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION II CALL TO ORDER - Mayor March 19, 2019, Town Hall Meeting, 6:00 P.M. II. OPENING CEREMONIES Invocation; Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Mayor Watford. III. MAYOR AND COUNCIL ATTENDANCE - City Clerk Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Council Member Wes Abney Council Member Monica M. Clark Council Member Bob Jarriel Council Member Bobby Keefe IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Mayor A. If you wish to address the City Council with your public comments, complete and submit a comment card. You may also submit written comments without addressing the City Council. Citizen comments are limited to three minutes per speaker unless otherwise approved by the Mayor. Mayor Watford called the March 19, 2019, Town Hall Meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. He thanked the School Board, Superintendent Kenworthy and staff for the use of their facility. The invocation was offered by Pastor Hanna of the First United Methodist Church; the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Watford. City Clerk Gamiotea called the roll: Present Present Present Present Present Mayor Watford explained comment cards and written comment forms were located in the foyer area. For individuals wanting to address the Council, a comment card needed to be completed and turned into Deputy Clerk Jenkins. A time limit of three minutes would be given and Clerk Gamiotea would be keeping time. Once the time limit had been met, Mayor Watford would raise his hand to notify the speaker their time was up. The written comment forms were for individuals who did not wish to publicly speak. These forms were to also be turned into Deputy Clerk Jenkins and will be distributed to the Mayor and Council after the meeting. The City will follow-up on comments at a future Council meeting or by Staff, whichever is appropriate. Comment Card No. 1 was submitted by Mr. Noel Chandler, who commended the City Council for the efforts on hosting the Town Hall meeting. Comment Card No. 2 was submitted by Mr. Jim Clark, who voiced his concerns with vehicles speeding on Southwest 5th Avenue between Southwest 18th and 21St Streets, and did not believe installing speed bumps would solve the issue. He suggested utilizing the new police motorcycle unit to run radar. He also thanked the Council for their assistance with the School Resource Officer program; Officers Griesemer and Margerum have been a much needed, tremendous help. MARCH 19, 2019 - TOWN HALL MEETING - PAGE 2 OF 5 451 II AGENDA II COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION II IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS CONTINUED A. Comments continued. Comment Card No. 3 was submitted by Mr. Jonathan Bean, who addressed the drainage issues in the Tedders Park and Oak Grove subdivisions, specifically in th,; areas of Southwest 5th to 7th Avenues and 15th to 23rd Streets. He explained some of this area has not been connected to sewer and the continued ground saturation causes septic tank issues. He asked that the ditches be cleaned out, the size of the drainage pipes be inspected, and consider replacing the pipes with larger ones to alleviate the drainage problems. Comment Card No. 3A was submitted by Mr. Jeff Sumner, President of the Economic Council of Okeechobee. He briefly spoke on the subjects of government, general policies, transparency, aesthetics, and progressive posture. The Economic Council of Okeechobee also submitted a written comment form providing more detail on the topics Mr. Sumner discussed. This letter was read into the record at the end of the public comments (see page 4). Comment Card No. 4 was submitted by Mrs. Sandra Pearce, who explained she lives on Southwest 15th Street just before the boundary of the City limits and voiced her concerns with double taxation. She explained in years past she had spoken to former Okeechobee County Tax Collector Juanette Shirey asking for clarification on why City residents pay property tax to the City and County. The explanation given was "you use County roads." Mrs. Pearce would like the Council to provide her with more specific information on this subject. Comment Card No. 6 was submitted by Mr. Frank Irby, who thanked the Council for allowing public comments on any subject not on the agenda and for implementing a specific time for Council comments at regular meetings. He commended the City for the upcoming launch of the new website and for converting to a Magistrate to hear code enforcement cases. He also spoke of his concerns regarding infrastructure, specifically street paving and striping, and the lack of sidewalk maintenance. Lastly he asked that the City review a more cost effective way of providing services. Comment Card No. 9 was submitted by Mr. Bruce Jahner, who asked the City to consider implementing a one cent tax to help fund the police department, fire department, and education services. He explained school clubs are forced to fundraise to offset the lack of funding for after school sports and activities, He feels the additional one cent tax would help alleviate the lack of funding instead of having to rely on the same businesses for donations each year. Comment Card No. 10 was submitted by Mr. Gordon Mack "Hoot" Worley, who spoke on the topic of taxation without representation explaining he resides in the County but owns a business/property inside the City Limits. Since he is not a City resident he cannot vote for an individual who represents his interests. He asked that the exhibit items for Council meetings be provided at the meeting for the public to be able to follow along with the motions being made by the Council; currently the only thing provided is an agenda. Lastly, Mr. Worley voiced his disappointment in the way the City has handled code enforcement repeat offenders. One commercial property owner in particular has been in violation multiple times over the last 12 years and should be arrested each time the property is out of compliance as a violation of the court order. 452 MARCH 19, 2019 - TOWN HALL MEETING - PAGE 3 OF 5 AGENDA IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS CONTINUED A. Comments continued. COUNCIL ACTION — DISCUSSION Comment Card No. 11 was submitted by Ms. Paula Poskon, who explained she resides at 405 Northwest 10th Avenue. She was of the opinion that the Code Enforcement Officer should be able to find violations end not rely on residents to report them. She gave an example of household trash piled on property along Northwest 4th Street for several months. Ms. Poskon also mentioned the high volume of traffic and vehicles speeding through her neighborhood. Comment Card No. 12 was submitted by Mr. Bill Rose, who owns a business in the City. He asked that the process of renewing Business Tax Receipts be re-evaluated. He expressed his disappointment in the modification to the main intersection (Parrott Avenue and North Park Street) as it seems to be causing more traffic issues. He suggested code violations be handled more diplomatic. In closing, he asked that repairs be made to the roadway on North Park Street in front of Southeast 3rd Avenue (City Hall sign). Comment Card No. 13 was submitted by Mr. Brad Goodbread, who owns property but does not reside in the City. He asked the Council to look at finding a way for all City property owners to vote in City elections. Comment Card No. 14 was submitted by Ms. Raia Black. She graciously thanked the City Police Department and Detective Saum for their continued support and guidance in the formation of her neighborhood watch group in the Southwest section of the City. She suggested that others do the same in their respective areas to eliminate many of the concerns that have been raised. Mayor Watford reiterated the process of reviewing the issues raised tonight in that they would be addressed at a future Council meeting and encouraged the individuals who brought the issue up to attend. He added that the written comments could be submitted to the City Clerk's Office tonight and/or tomorrow as they would be distributed to the Council. After a brief discussion, Mayor Watford announced the written comments would be read aloud, as there were only two submitted. Mr. Steve Nelson's email was read by Mayor Watford as follows: "I will not be able to attend the meeting on Tuesday March 19, at 6pm due to a prior appointment out of town. I do have several concerns regarding the downtown business zone as well as the residential area that I reside. Down Town Okeechobee: 1. Parking in the vicinity of Okeechobee Discount Drugs on the side street of Southwest 2nd Avenue is impossible. Palmdale employees' occupy the majority of parking spaces on both sides of the Street. I realize that no business owns the parking spots on the side streets, but it is not fair for one business to monopolize all of parking spaces. The three other businesses North of Palmdale are also affected by the lack of parking spots. 2. Additional street lighting is needed on the side streets i.e. Southwest 2nd Avenue (back end of the Street). 3. There still is a problem of poor communication of what goes on in the parks. It would greatly help the downtown businesses if a quarterly calendar of events was provided to us. Additionally it would be of great benefit if we could revitalize the downtown district. There are too many empty stores and it seems each year all of the events that are held are getting smaller and smaller i.e. Speckled Perch Festival. MARCH 19, 2019 - TOWN HALL MEETING - PAGE 4 OF 5 453 AGENDA IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS CONTINUED A. Comments continued. COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION I can remember the days when all of the parks where filled when it came to special events held in the downtown area. Unfortunately there has been a steady decline of rot only vendors as well as public attendance. 4.Out of town food trucks as well as out-of-town vendors take away from the economy of Okeechobee. These out-of-town vendors are not held the same high standard of those of us who have businesses in Okeechobee. They are definitely not held the same health standards that we are and that is just not fair. Residential: It has been a constant problem of maintaining the waterways/canals that run parallel to Southeast 8th Avenue. It would help if spraying of the canal was on a permanent schedule and not on a schedule when people complain. The biggest problem that we have is that the canal is not navigable for boating. They are several, not many homeowners who live on the canal and have allowed vegetation from their property as well as trees from their property to protrude into the canal thus making navigation almost impossible. These homeowners should be held responsible for maintaining their property with respect of keeping the canal navigable. If the homeowners do not comply then the City should come in and clean up their property and place a lien on their property like other cities do. Several years ago Councilman Mike O'Connor, myself and one of my employees spent over a week cleaning out the vegetation. I personally spent several thousands of dollars to do so. Additionally the City of Okeechobee spent a sizable amount of money to have the canal dredged and all of the garbage thrown in there removed. Okeechobee is a boating/fishing community, let's get back on track, and make Okeechobee 'GREATT' Mrs. Jennifer Tewksbury submitted a letter on behalf of the Economic Council of Okeechobee. Mayor Watford read the highlights; the entire letter is included as follows: "On behalf of the Economic Council of Okeechobee, thank you for dedicating this time to receive input from your constituents regarding matters of public interest. Pursuant to your request for this input, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County submits the following requests for your consideration:1. Form of government and general policy: a. The city's legally -recognized form of government and internal policies and procedures should be clearly defined and reevaluated if necessary. We encourage you to consider: i, The adoption and implementation of an administrative form of government, or its equivalency, as is utilized by many Florida counties. ii. Any ordinance adoptions or charter revisions required for this implementation. iii. The implementation of an official City-wide policies and procedures manual, including the exposition of any unwritten policies governing the city. 2. Transparency: a. For the benefit of those residing in or conducting business with the City of Okeechobee, we ask you continue making open government a priority by: i. Finalizing the implementation of a modern city website. ii. Providing meeting materials and records to the public on this website well in advance of public meetings. iii. Pursuing measures necessary to provide video access to each and all of your public meetings. 3. Aesthetics: a. The first impressions our city leaves on visitors directly influences how long they choose to stay, whether they choose to return, and whether they will speak positively (or negatively) of our community to others. In an effort to prompt quality business opportunities for our community and to elevate property values, our quality of life, and general pride in the appearance of our city, we encourage: i. The development of a professionally organized and facilitated strategic plan for the city. ii. Investment in a professionally -designed landscaping plan for city property along Park Street, Flagler Park and all heavily -travelled thoroughfares to coincide with said strategic plan. iii. The consideration and adoption of facade ordinances necessary to re-establish our rural and historic charm. E67V MARCH 19, 2019 - TOWN HALL MEETING - PAGE 5 OF 5 AGENDA IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS CONTINUED A. Comments continued. V. ADJOURNMENT - Mayor 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 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. City Clerk media are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk. ATT ST: _,: R., Dowling R. Watf rd, Jr., ayor C�Sca Lane Ga m-iotda, CMC, City Clerk COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION iv. The implementation of a regular maintenance schedule and annual replacement of poor and/or dead landscaping in medians, especially those through the main thoroughfares. v. Adequate street striping, street sweeping, and general maintenance of city sidewalks, roads, signage and related infrastructure to make obvious to others the pride we have in our community. 4. Progressive posture: a. The City has recently moved forward with several initiatives which show prudent thought to the future and a receptiveness to conducting business in new ways, including: i. Shifting from a citizen code enforcement board to a magistrate. ii. Showing support for economic development. iii. Implementation of councilmember comments. iv. Transfer of code enforcement duties to the police department. v. And this very platform designed intentionally to receive public input. b. The Economic Council commends you on these strides and encourages the continuation of this open-mindedness regarding new ways to provide an increased benefit to taxpayers. I sincerely thank you for the time you dedicate to serving the residents and businesses in the City of Okeechobee," Mayor Watford provided an opportunity for additional comment cards to be submitted. There being none, Mayor Watford adjourned the Town Hall meeting at 6:49 P.M. 4 Lake Okeechobee News 107 SW 17th Street, Suite D 911DEPENDENT Okeechobee, Florida 34974 863-763-3134 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 Lake Okeechobee News, a three times a week Newspaper published at Okeechobee, in Okeechobee County, Florida,rtl}at the attached V copy of advertisement being a "t'-t iVLti�C 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 Affiant further says that the said Lake 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 and subscribed before me this I if 'Al day of R Wull 1. AD Notary Public, State of Florida at Large ,.��r iy' ANGLE BRIDGES *:� MY COMMISSION#FF976149 WIRES:ApM20.2020 i��� fordedTtwNotuyPuWUrwemritere KEECHOM PPUCrrYMC° aryCOUMMMEEfIIrW Change in Sdiedule NOIICEISfiQtFBYG1VENtliaktlie4Y YgfarMec19,2[M9,tasb�nm>o�ed. ned m�th9 3idA WinZ00,'60keed oraoo 20 snN aspossbie,atQyFA,55 Mmwdbea3bvn Fta1 MeetitgcnTbm Mar.Me,rft as 19,?D]9,6PNl,aassoott SW 2nd Ave, Okeediobee FL p is Y a �enww ged W atllend. ANY PERSON DE®ING TO APPFJU. arNoda — a tN the QY Candwihrespatt�a�y nercasHefedatihSm�tYxJw➢naedmar rya �n nmd upon w k made � in� rE ft wth the Amaimrs wth Deabgues Act (hkh PL14), an/pa wth a dsadAy as, defned b/ the ADA, that needs Tad �h. pad3dpale >n the pip oxAxttneayaaksarrnnouerewwotratriessdayspdor fp�g, 863-7Q337Zed 9514. ary BE ADWSM flat Ataild YOU keid to stgwof4 mer, amR1 or tens to the Card N support or a000sibn the the Qys nerk or tan MilSi be pmvidal 101M OlY CIAfar 3719240N 3/13/lmlW�ford,h CITY OF OKEECHOBEE 55 SE 3RD AVENUE ♦ OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974 TOWN HALL MEETING MARCH 19, 2019 OFFICIAL AGENDA LOCATION: OKEECHOBEE FRESHMAN CAMPUS AUDITORIUM 610 SW 2ND AVENUE ♦ OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974 PAGE 1 OF 1 IV V. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor: OPENING CEREMONIES ATTENDANCE - City Clerk Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Council Member Wes Abney Council Member Monica Clark Council Member Bob Jarriel Council Member Bobby Keefe PUBLIC COMMENTS — Mayor March 19, 2019, City Council Town Hall Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Invocation Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor A. If you wish to address the City Council with your public comments, complete and submit a comment card. You may also submit written comments without addressing the City Council. Citizen comments are limited to three minutes per speaker unless otherwise approved by the Mayor. ADJOURN MEETING — Mayor PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND BE ADVISED that if any person desires to appeal any decision made by the Cir; 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. nW .Of•OKpFCyOm m MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD PLEASE PRINT r 9 Name: Phone No.: E-mail: Topic/Location of comment: BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. � OF'OKf .CyOB m WRITTEN COMMENTS FORM _ MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING - a » 91 Written comments are being accepted by the City Clerk/Deputy City Clerk. These will not be read into the record at the March 19, 2019 Town Hall Meeting, but will be distributed to the Mayor and Council after the meeting. If you complete a Comment Card to make a presentation to the City Council, you do not need to complete this form on the same topic. PLEASE PRINT Name Phone No.: E-mail: Topic/Location of comment: BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. OPEN INVITATION TO A ... TOWN HALL MEETING The City of Okeechobee Mayor & Council want to hear from City residents, property & business owners in an informal setting. Do you have issues, concerns, or ideas pertaining to properties within the City limits? Have questions? Contact City Clerk Lane Gamiotea City Hall, 55 SE 3rd Ave, Rm 100 863-763-3372 X9814 Igamiotea@cityofokeechobee.coM City of Okeechobee Boundary , "SR M 1._ __i J ,-- T- - T 7 r _l ` BLUE 1 CENTER HERON f_..-.-.- AVTS WALFAART See You On - TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019 AT 6 PM at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium 610 SW 2ND Avenue (behind Golden Corral) ANY PERSON DECIDING TO APPEAL any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will 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 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 ext. 9834. Li� ot 0 - KaAbtQ,- M&�-h lqtg-oiq Toc�r� R � Q�ochoki¢. FiesF" �supc� Qua rt Ipl U OLu oCm(Y- 1 � +0 OxxCC9h, - CYlO� sir - Ag 0w-4fiau..� ses«oi f�a9� -Fov Cat -(6t&L% an - Chie�F Pa�t- Mmc& potU w sue_ V PW () al4lk- v wf-T- R(�34GLP� � P u� 1�, �O►�.u��4s t UJLQ tact 4t Up Chi 100AY- WtOf �.uk- Ym -a&uew t'll, ICear� 4�• W -S cd +-v qu�� �.p rwacln u11eGlU(�i �0 w b v-lc)DLu5 uz�-d bkA, , . . � o. �-- bok lam- am.,T, O uxd- 4-6 do ? -�t wto+--T-- w-Af 4-0�ejD LOk� b6�1-k t00O3., �oc,A� a� la roc�, 1a �5 Ti-ovk6� - I�.e c,�-e,�.�e .�9 + fA but cb NAVW� oj&d oui#AAk PG ccdc ,QMvk vKc- vcl9uav -Lko +D etk3 &A -.,\ow - (" M'09- K7�o-,� 41 4 �Qtoo �'Xu�p�gh�u," V"A4xmw+ a IC dau Wcww PdDea. �e� �w `izneAv,uv�e� an J�G�. Sid �{skew..- Pu.ud S�roe. �un� 12'¢hA �u.4 5yeiew� Q�j3 �jjh Sehu�/ ids, kde. FhGfii� l2unauneo� up A 1. M-A( �.; i � ♦ � � r JI -tAk1('�!,p7,�, 46 l�fu0o rT._ ', �IYa hW.? 1Tii�fl�w WPM rthn&�, �1W ID+._flJ2y Ifwi�e�-�a�Au�� CL/arA.�k Diu 0 � ►. � � ► ������ �it � ���I 'i �`� � � 1 I � i� WI►��• 1 1 - `Py5 UJn: ea�nwds �u- a 51iwk 4�1i�,-_Pnn�laiv�o-v�d�anccla4%' , OG.kd)��tiu�—�+_e rs P��llsudwP - (3u�afn Lij ell 4 i w wGaexwa�g2- i �U Al ad�,� c�r� h�ugw;� sIc po PuL A.y. wak 1 eJ-er) - --Wj,-l�li�9pi�v vy 41w ip City of Okeechobee, March 19, 2019 Meeting Minutes taken during the meeting by Bobbie Jenkins LP :D4 I. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Watford called the Town Hall Meeting to order on March 19, 2019, at P.M. at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium, located at 610 SW 2nd Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34974. II. OPENING CEREMONIES: The invocation given by f as-�( ; the Pledge of Allegiance was led by a or Watford. III. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ATTENDANCE - City Clerk Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Present Council Member Wes Abney Present Council Member Monica Clark Present Council Member Bob Jarriel Present Council Member Bobby Keefe Present City Clerk Lane Gamiotea Present Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins Present IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Mayor A. If you wish to address the City Council with your public comments, complete and submit a comment card. You may also submit written comments without addressing the City Council. Citizen comments are limited to three minutes per speaker unless otherwise approved by the Mayor. Comment Card # Approximate time addressing M&C Deferred to City Department / 1 $ -�0 1 - action dckrra.l 2 (D7 0q OK Rp ro ram- ns — ✓ 3 :ab Dona �6rin- ray cabkotisw5th 1'51* in -if sczQafdratn 6 4 (o: IIo Sandra Pear c r�stdmts- i 5 6 6..20 7 8 V 9 - o � fax usc$r P661 Qr amm him hyer- Fw1draist f 10 NMI WIN(�:2$- -busy fmilinWlno r rtscnt- E fit wA - ✓ 11 to,. 312 PAuLk on - - I E orb VI ons s i 12 0011 QbSe i rG r f - 13 6 q &OA W NOd. a PrOWNirl 6'tql I, irl t'oan 14 (P;qI _S -s 1 a r -PDworks red. 15 1 7 8 19 20 CA° 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 mno in .w �un...wrin rat ✓ .3� RiW",••G�t1(uttdi `a.isb roa�ur:sma u'ii„"s l"-"yicroacress Comment Card # Approximate time addressing M&C Deferred to City Department 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 Page 2 of 7 Comment Card # Approximate time addressing M&C Deferred to City Department 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 Page 3 of 7 Comment Card # Approximate time addressing M&C Deferred to City Department 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 Page 4 of 7 Comment Card # Approximate time addressing M&C Deferred to City Department 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 Page 5 of 7 Comment Card # Approximate time addressing M&C Deferred to City Department 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 Page 6 of 7 Comment Card # Approximate time addressing M&C Deferred to City Department 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 V. ADJOURNMENT - Mayor There being no further public comments, Mayor Watford adjourned the Town Hall meeting at �fl •�� P.M. Page 7 of 7 ty.OF•O/(EECyO� 1 c m MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD PLEASE PRINT Name: Noel Chaylj " Phone No.: E-mail: BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. I `Sy.OF.O2 KEEcyO MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD _ o _ a % PLEASE PRINT Name: Phone No.: (P y Z130 E-mail: Topic/Location of comment: wJU _-� �J t sa BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. m MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD PLEASE PRINT Name: 1 a, va-r-� f,4-I _i?x,--4-J Phone No.: ?b � 6,3q E-mail: a-thA ✓i -%,,,g 1,kyln. _. Topic/Location of comment: %IA-rz-/L BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD PLEASE PRINT Name: Jeff Sumner - Chairman, Economic Council of Okeechobee Phone No.: (863) 763-9474 (w), (863) 634-9474 (m) E-mail: Jeff@sumnerengineedng.com Topic/Location of comment: _ 1) Government form and general policies; 2) Transparency; 3) Aesthetics (landscaping, design and appearance standards, etc.) BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. `\tt•�F•OKPFry 4 c T MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD ° 9 \ PLEASE PRINT Name: —,_) CUL'19 r,:�b Cam, c�, Y 'C `, Phone No.: � C� `�" �OC lee4AV�� a rAll;�Ie, Topic/Location of comment: BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD f� y s 9 ' PLEASE PRINT Name: r_/Z 71n )1�- Z-/L Phone No.: E-mail: Topic/Location of BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. `ty.0F•0Kp1cy MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD 0 g PLEASE PRINT Name: z Phone No.: ct t/l� E-mail: Topic/Location of comm�eynt: BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. .OF.0jq CyO� m MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD 9 PLEASE PRINT Name tl Phone No.: lei3—&,i4 — 1-7 O E-mail: r Dd`" P6q nOi PA.-01.1 Ce&M Topic/Location of comment: 10 BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. W `y.OF•OKFF�yo� 11 c m MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD ' PLEASE PRINT Name: / eckl Phone No.: / 3 " E-mail: Topic/Location of comment: I` BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. 12 j T MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD •19 . PLEASE PRINT Name: Phone No.: E-mail: lC i��u ) / • Co-� Topic/Location of comment: V_ y s jg/w S ; %i sc c q5r- / SS0 R5 BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. �0m MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD 0 a 79"' PLEASE PRINT Name: Phone No.: `T E-inail: by— -iJ c. 6 Topic/Lo ation of comment: 19 T 1rIJ BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. °gym MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING COMMENT CARD LL PLEASE PRINT Name: Phone No.: E-mail: i Topic/Location of comment: BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. Lane Gamiotea From: Steven D Nelson <steven@okeedrug.com> Sent: Monday, March 18, 2019 7:31 PM To: Bobbie Jenkins Cc: Lane Gamiotea Subject: RE: Town Hall Written Comments March 18, 2019 To Bobbie Jenkins, Lane Gamiotea, and City Council members: I will not be able to attend the meeting on Tuesday March 19, at 6pm due to a prior appointment out of town. I do have several concerns regarding the downtown business zone as well as the residential area that I reside . Down Town Okeechobee 1. Parking in the vicinity of Okeechobee Discount Drugs on the side street of SW 2nd Avenue is impossible. Palmdale employee's occupy the majority of parking spaces on "both" sides of the street. I realize that no business owns the parking spots on the side streets, but it is not fair for one business to monopolize all of parking spaces. The three other businesses North of Palmdale are also affected by the lack of parking spots. 2. Additional street lighting is needed on the side streets i.e. SW. 2nd Ave. ( Back end of the street) 3. There still is a problem of poor communication of what goes on in the parks. It would greatly help the downtown businesses a quarterly calendar of events was provided to us. Additionally it would be of great benefit if we could revitalize the downtown district. There are too many empty stores and it seems each year all of the events that are held are getting smaller and smaller i.e. Speckled Perch Festival. I can remember the days when all of the parks where filled when it came to special events held in the downtown area. Unfortunately there has been a steady decline of not only vendors as well as public attendance. 4. Out of town food trucks as well as out-of-town vendors take away from the economy of Okeechobee. These out- of-town vendors are not held the same high standard of those of us who have businesses in Okeechobee. They are definitely not held the same health standards that we are and that is just not fair. Residential 1. It has been a constant problem of maintaining the waterways/canals that run parallel to SE. 8th Ave. It would help if spraying of the canal was on a permanent schedule and not on a schedule when people complain. The biggest problem that we have is that the canal is not navigable for boating. They are several, not many homeowners who live on the canal and have allowed vegetation from their property as well as trees from their property to protrude into the canal thus making navigation almost impossible. These homeowners should be held responsible for maintaining their property with respect of keeping the canal navigable. If the homeowners do not comply then the city should come in and clean up their property and place a lien on their property like other cities do. Several years ago Councilman Mike O'Connor, myself and one of my employees spent over a week cleaning out the vegetation. I personally spent several thousands of dollars to do so. Additionally the city of Okeechobee spent a sizable amount of money to have the canal dredged and all of the garbage thrown in there removed. Okeechobee is a boating / fishing community, let's get back on track, and make Okeechobee "GREAT"! Respectfully, Steve Read m�� �)e- record Steuen 0..Neban Consultant Pharmacist Okeechobee Discount Drugs 203 SW Park Street Okeechobee Florida, 34972 Email:steven@okeedrug.com P:(863)763-5100 F:(863)763-7550 Confidentiality Notice: This Email communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipients named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution or copying of it or its contents is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately by replying to this message and deleting it from your computer. Thank you. From: Bobbie Jenkins[ma iIto: bjenkins@cityofokeechobee.com] Sent: Monday, March 18, 2019 4:15 PM To: Steve Nelson (steven@okeedruci.com) Cc: Lane Gamiotea Subject: Town Hall Written Comments These are the email addresses to reply to when sending your written comments. Bobbie J. Jenkins Deputy Clerk City of Okeechobee 55 SE 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974 Phone: (863) 763-3372 ext. 9814 Direct: (863) 763-9814 Fax: (863) 763-1686 NOTICE: Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by the City of Okeechobee officials and employees will be available to the public and media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this office. Instead, contact our office by phone or in writing. �,�y.OF•�KFFcy WRITTEN COMMENTS FORM MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING Written comments are being accepted by the City Clerk/Deputy City Clerk. These will not be read into the record at the March 19, 2019 Town Hall Meeting, but will be distributed to the Mayor and Council after the meeting. If you complete a Comment Card to make a presentation to the City Council, you do not need to complete this form on the same topic. PLEASE PRINT Name: Economic Council of Okeechobee County, Inc. Phone No 863-467-0200 E-mail: Contact jennifer@economiccouncilofokeechobee.org Topic/Location of comment: Please see attached letter provided to each City Councilmember BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. E/"� O Economic Council of Okeechobee (v 1679 NW 9"' Street Economic Council of Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Okeechobee (863) 467-0200 March 191h, 2019 The Honorable Dowling R. Watford Mayor, City of Okeechobee 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Mayor Watford: On behalf of the Economic Council of Okeechobee, thank you for dedicating this time to receive input from your constituents regarding matters of public interest. Pursuant to your request for this input, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County submits the following requests for your consideration: 1. Form of government and general policy: a. The city's legally -recognized form of government and internal policies and procedures should be clearly defined and reevaluated if necessary. We encourage you to consider: i. The adoption and implementation of an administrative form of government, or its equivalency, as is utilized by many Florida counties ii. Any ordinance adoptions or charter revisions required for this implementation iii. The implementation of an official City-wide policies and procedures manual, including the exposition of any unwritten policies governing the city 2. Transparency: a. For the benefit of those residing in or conducting business with the City of Okeechobee, we ask you continue making open government a priority by: i. Finalizing the implementation of a modern city website ii. Providing meeting materials and records to the public on this website well in advance of public meetings iii. Pursuing measures necessary to provide video access to each and all of your public meetings 3. Aesthetics: a. The first impressions our city leaves on visitors directly influences how long they choose to stay, whether they choose to return, and whether they will speak positively (or negatively) of our community to others. In an effort to prompt quality business opportunities for our community and to elevate property values, our quality of life, and general pride in the appearance of our city, we encourage: Read into -the word. E^ O Economic Council of Okeechobee (v 1679 NW 9"' Street Economic Council of Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Okeechobee (863) 467-0200 i. The development of a professionally organized and facilitated strategic plan for the city ii. Investment in a professionally -designed landscaping plan for city property along Park Street, Flagler Park and all heavily -travelled thoroughfares to coincide with said strategic plan iii. The consideration and adoption of fagade ordinances necessary to re-establish our rural and historic charm iv. The implementation of a regular maintenance schedule and annual replacement of poor and/or dead landscaping in medians, especially those through the main thoroughfares v. Adequate street striping, street sweeping, and general maintenance of city sidewalks, roads, signage and related infrastructure to make obvious to others the pride we have in our community 4. Progressive posture: a. The City has recently moved forward with several initiatives which show prudent thought to the future and a receptiveness to conducting business in new ways, including: i. Shifting from a citizen code enforcement board to a magistrate ii. Showing support for economic development iii. Implementation of councilmember comments iv. Transfer of code enforcement duties to the police department v. And this very platform designed intentionally to receive public input b. The Economic Council commends you on these strides and encourages the continuation of this open-mindedness regarding new ways to provide an increased benefit to taxpayers. I sincerely thank you for the time you dedicate to serving the residents and businesses in the City of Okeechobee. Respectfully, Jennifer M. Tewksbury Executive Director Economic Council of Okeechobee County, Inc. ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee March 191h, 2019 Ms. Monica Clark City Council Member 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Councilmember Clark: Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9th Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 On behalf of the Economic Council of Okeechobee, thank you for dedicating this time to receive input from your constituents regarding matters of public interest. Pursuant to your request for this input, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County submits the following requests for your consideration: 1. Form of government and general policy: a. The city's legally -recognized form of government and internal policies and procedures should be clearly defined and reevaluated if necessary. We encourage you to consider: i. The adoption and implementation of an administrative form of government, or its equivalency, as is utilized by many Florida counties ii. Any ordinance adoptions or charter revisions required for this implementation iii. The implementation of an official City-wide policies and procedures manual, including the exposition of any unwritten policies governing the city 2. Transparency: a. For the benefit of those residing in or conducting business with the City of Okeechobee, we ask you continue making open government a priority by: i. Finalizing the implementation of a modern city website ii. Providing meeting materials and records to the public on this website well in advance of public meetings iii. Pursuing measures necessary to provide video access to each and all of your public meetings 3. Aesthetics: a. The first impressions our city leaves on visitors directly influences how long they choose to stay, whether they choose to return, and whether they will speak positively (or negatively) of our community to others. In an effort to prompt quality business opportunities for our community and to elevate property values, our quality of life, and general pride in the appearance of our city, we encourage: ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9"' Street Economic Council of Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Okeechobee (863) 467-0200 i. The development of a professionally organized and facilitated strategic plan for the city ii. Investment in a professionally -designed landscaping plan for city property along Park Street, Flagler Park and all heavily -travelled thoroughfares to coincide with said strategic plan iii. The consideration and adoption of fagade ordinances necessary to re-establish our rural and historic charm iv. The implementation of a regular maintenance schedule and annual replacement of poor and/or dead landscaping in medians, especially those through the main thoroughfares v. Adequate street striping, street sweeping, and general maintenance of city sidewalks, roads, signage and related infrastructure to make obvious to others the pride we have in our community 4. Progressive posture: a. The City has recently moved forward with several initiatives which show prudent thought to the future and a receptiveness to conducting business in new ways, including: i. Shifting from a citizen code enforcement board to a magistrate ii. Showing support for economic development iii. Implementation of councilmember comments iv. Transfer of code enforcement duties to the police department v. And this very platform designed intentionally to receive public input b. The Economic Council commends you on these strides and encourages the continuation of this open-mindedness regarding new ways to provide an increased benefit to taxpayers. I sincerely thank you for the time you dedicate to serving the residents and businesses in the City of Okeechobee. Respectfully, Wecutive bury Economic Council of Okeechobee County, Inc. ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee March 19`h, 2019 Mr. Bob Jarriel City Council Member 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Councilmember Jarriel: Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9 h Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 On behalf of the Economic Council of Okeechobee, thank you for dedicating this time to receive input from your constituents regarding matters of public interest. Pursuant to your request for this input, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County submits the following requests for your consideration: 1. Form of government and general policy: a. The city's legally -recognized form of government and internal policies and procedures should be clearly defined and reevaluated if necessary. We encourage you to consider: i. The adoption and implementation of an administrative form of government, or its equivalency, as is utilized by many Florida counties ii. Any ordinance adoptions or charter revisions required for this implementation iii. The implementation of an official City-wide policies and procedures manual, including the exposition of any unwritten policies governing the city 2. Transparency: a. For the benefit of those residing in or conducting business with the City of Okeechobee, we ask you continue making open government a priority by: i. Finalizing the implementation of a modern city website ii. Providing meeting materials and records to the public on this website well in advance of public meetings iii. Pursuing measures necessary to provide video access to each and all of your public meetings 3. Aesthetics: a. The first impressions our city leaves on visitors directly influences how long they choose to stay, whether they choose to return, and whether they will speak positively (or negatively) of our community to others. In an effort to prompt quality business opportunities for our community and to elevate property values, our quality of life, and general pride in the appearance of our city, we encourage: ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 91h Street Economic Council of Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Okeechobee (863) 467-0200 i. The development of a professionally organized and facilitated strategic plan for the city ii. Investment in a professionally -designed landscaping plan for city property along Park Street, Flagler Park and all heavily -travelled thoroughfares to coincide with said strategic plan iii. The consideration and adoption of facade ordinances necessary to re-establish our rural and historic charm iv. The implementation of a regular maintenance schedule and annual replacement of poor and/or dead landscaping in medians, especially those through the main thoroughfares v. Adequate street striping, street sweeping, and general maintenance of city sidewalks, roads, signage and related infrastructure to make obvious to others the pride we have in our community 4. Progressive posture: a. The City has recently moved forward with several initiatives which show prudent thought to the future and a receptiveness to conducting business in new ways, including: i. Shifting from a citizen code enforcement board to a magistrate H. Showing support for economic development iii. Implementation of councilmember comments iv. Transfer of code enforcement duties to the police department v. And this very platform designed intentionally to receive public input b. The Economic Council commends you on these strides and encourages the continuation of this open-mindedness regarding new ways to provide an increased benefit to taxpayers. I sincerely thank you for the time you dedicate to serving the residents and businesses in the City of Okeechobee. Respectfully, J n ' er M. T ksbury ecutive Director Economic Council of Okeechobee County, Inc. I ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee March 191h, 2019 Mr. Robert Keefe City Council Member 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Councilmember Keefe: Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 0 Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 On behalf of the Economic Council of Okeechobee, thank you for dedicating this time to receive input from your constituents regarding matters of public interest. Pursuant to your request for this input, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County submits the following requests for your consideration: 1. Form of government and general policy: a. The city's legally -recognized form of government and internal policies and procedures should be clearly defined and reevaluated if necessary. We encourage you to consider: i. The adoption and implementation of an administrative form of government, or its equivalency, as is utilized by many Florida counties ii. Any ordinance adoptions or charter revisions required for this implementation iii. The implementation of an official City-wide policies and procedures manual, including the exposition of any unwritten policies governing the city 2. Transparency: a. For the benefit of those residing in or conducting business with the City of Okeechobee, we ask you continue making open government a priority by: i. Finalizing the implementation of a modern city website ii. Providing meeting materials and records to the public on this website well in advance of public meetings iii. Pursuing measures necessary to provide video access to each and all of your public meetings 3. Aesthetics. a. The first impressions our city leaves on visitors directly influences how long they choose to stay, whether they choose to return, and whether they will speak positively (or negatively) of our community to others. In an effort to prompt quality business opportunities for our community and to elevate property values, our quality of life, and general pride in the appearance of our city, we encourage: ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 96 Street Economic Council of Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Okeechobee (863) 467-0200 i. The development of a professionally organized and facilitated strategic plan for the city ii. Investment in a professionally -designed landscaping plan for city property along Park Street, Flagler Park and all heavily -travelled thoroughfares to coincide with said strategic plan iii. The consideration and adoption of fagade ordinances necessary to re-establish our rural and historic charm iv. The implementation of a regular maintenance schedule and annual replacement of poor and/or dead landscaping in medians, especially those through the main thoroughfares v. Adequate street striping, street sweeping, and general maintenance of city sidewalks, roads, signage and related infrastructure to make obvious to others the pride we have in our community 4. Progressive posture: a. The City has recently moved forward with several initiatives which show prudent thought to the future and a receptiveness to conducting business in new ways, including: i. Shifting from a citizen code enforcement board to a magistrate ii. Showing support for economic development iii. Implementation of councilmember comments iv. Transfer of code enforcement duties to the police department v. And this very platform designed intentionally to receive public input b. The Economic Council commends you on these strides and encourages the continuation of this open-mindedness regarding new ways to provide an increased benefit to taxpayers. I sincerely thank you for the time you dedicate to serving the residents and businesses in the City of Okeechobee. gResctully, eewksbury Executive Director Economic Council of Okeechobee County, Inc. ECO Economic Council of Okeechobee March 191h, 2019 Mr. Wes Abney City Council Member 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Councilmember Abney: Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9"' Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 On behalf of the Economic Council of Okeechobee, thank you for dedicating this time to receive input from your constituents regarding matters of public interest. Pursuant to your request for this input, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County submits the following requests for your consideration: 1. Form of government and general policy: a. The city's legally -recognized form of government and internal policies and procedures should be clearly defined and reevaluated if necessary. We encourage you to consider: i. The adoption and implementation of an administrative form of government, or its equivalency, as is utilized by many Florida counties i i. Any ordinance adoptions or charter revisions required for this implementation iii. The implementation of an official City-wide policies and procedures manual, including the exposition of any unwritten policies governing the city 2. Transparency: a. For the benefit of those residing in or conducting business with the City of Okeechobee, we ask you continue making open government a priority by: i. Finalizing the implementation of a modern city website ii. Providing meeting materials and records to the public on this website well in advance of public meetings iii. Pursuing measures necessary to provide video access to each and all of your public meetings 3. Aesthetics: a. The first impressions our city leaves on visitors directly influences how long they choose to stay, whether they choose to return, and whether they will speak positively (or negatively) of our community to others. In an effort to prompt quality business opportunities for our community and to elevate property values, our quality of life, and general pride in the appearance of our city, we encourage: EC® Economic Council of Okeechobee Economic Council of Okeechobee 1679 NW 9"' Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 (863)467-0200 i. The development of a professionally organized and facilitated strategic plan for the city ii. Investment in a professionally -designed landscaping plan for city property along Park Street, Flagler Park and all heavily -travelled thoroughfares to coincide with said strategic plan iii. The consideration and adoption of fagade ordinances necessary to re-establish our rural and historic charm iv. The implementation of a regular maintenance schedule and annual replacement of poor and/or dead landscaping in medians, especially those through the main thoroughfares v. Adequate street striping, street sweeping, and general maintenance of city sidewalks, roads, signage and related infrastructure to make obvious to others the pride we have in our community 4. Progressive posture: a. The City has recently moved forward with several initiatives which show prudent thought to the future and a receptiveness to conducting business in new ways, including: i. Shifting from a citizen code enforcement board to a magistrate ii. Showing support for economic development iii. Implementation of councilmember comments iv. Transfer of code enforcement duties to the police department v. And this very platform designed intentionally to receive public input b. The Economic Council commends you on these strides and encourages the continuation of this open-mindedness regarding new ways to provide an increased benefit to taxpayers. I sincerely thank you for the time you dedicate to serving the residents and businesses in the City of Okeechobee. Respectfully, ;xecutive er M. ewksbury irector Economic Council of Okeechobee County, Inc. WRITTEN COMMENTS FORM MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING Written comments are being accepted by the City Clerk/Deputy City Clerk. These will not be read into the record at the March 19, 2019 Town Hall Meeting, but will be distributed to the Mayor and Council after the meeting. If you complete a Comment Card to make a presentation to the City Council, you do not need to complete this form on the same topic. PLEASE PRINT Name: n%i i&A) 6- Phone No.: Bel"3— 1�8 T -0068 E-mail: 1WuJC0A C /ADrY,91L• C i✓J Topic/Location of comment: S /+"� Alim - 4_leai C,( {lece,llid OW meefii�q Od oumPd, GUos hot 00d info BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. \S,.OF•OK,F, y I m WRITTEN COMMENTS FORM T 0 O MARCH 19, 2019 TOWN HALL MEETING Written comments are being accepted by the City Clerk/Deputy City Clerk. These will not be read into the record at the March 19, 2019 Town Hall Meeting, but will be distributed to the Mayor and Council after the meeting. If you complete a Comment Card to make a presentation to the City Council, you do not need to complete this form on the same topic. PLEASE PRINT Name: Ivlh..«`C'Ii'e., -arnn+ Phone No.: E-mail: fYl D--hkr sWce A-5 m -t-h iS r1 p s G h h() r y u od Recxmd A( (m ddl6U.Med, , rof a d in fD .ewra, BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video or item to the Council in support or opposition to any comment, a copy of the document, picture, video, or item must be provided to the City Clerk for the City's records. Okeechobee County School Board REQUEST FOR USE OF FACILITIES OR PROPERTY TO BE COMPLETED BY REQUESTER: NAME OF ORGANIZATION Ul INDIVIDUAL IN CHARGE sane G=10fea WORK #V-33ga 08W HOM # W-03+5 MAILING ADDRESS 55.SE 3rd heVIU& Okeecho►jee�, 3ggrlq (Street or P.O. Box) (City) (Zip) TYPE OF FACILITY REQUESTED OKeechobe Re:5hman &mousAudiforium _ PURPOSE OF USE P bfld Utz a b ty or ohfecba 2&& "Ta( n Hal! " /Yl P_eh i' 4 KITCHEN OR KITCHEN EQUIPMENT REQUIRED? # OF PA TICIPANTS anknOUJO- 6Uf 11 not eWC8*ah f . P6uce rf FreCh,efs W 1ll ,% In DATE(S) OF USE Mares 1% 20Iq TIME OF USE FROM: 5130 -A.M. OR� TO: 9:00 A.M. OI1M Cat/ evew sfarfs of to: co g1n. THE ORGANIZATION REQUESTING USE OF THE ABOVE FACILITY/PROPERTY HEREBY AGREES: (1) to provide a certificate of insurance from an A -rated carrier, as reported in Best's Guide of Insurance Carriers. The amount of coverage should be $1,000,000 combined limit for bodily injury and property damage. The Okeechobee County School Board must be named as an additional insured, except when the use is by other governmental agencies. (2) that there will be no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs sold, consumed or possessed on school premises. (3) to enforce state statutes and school policy regarding smoking in school buildings. (4) to return the facilities to the same condition as received. (5) to follow proper procedures in use of school equipment when approval has been granted to use such equipment. (6) to accept liability for damages to the facilities and equipment and to reimburse the School Board for all damages caused by persons using the facilities. (7) to pay the fee (as stipulated by the Superintendent in accordance with 8.70) and any additional charges by check made payable to the Okeechobee County School Board one week prior to the date the facility/property will be used. (8) to enforce the Okeechobee County School Board rules prohibiting bullying, harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, if otherwise qualified, social and family background or on the basis of the use of a language other than English by LEP students for admission to or access to services, programs or activities. The undersigned is an authorized agent of the above said organization and agrees to accept and assume full responsibility for the activities represented above and certifies that the organization's philosophies and beliefs or views will not be stated or inferred to be those of the Okeechobee County School Board. Failure to comply with any of the above will prohibit further use by the requester of the School Board's facilities or property. gnature of Requester O-SO-26 3/13 jq/aa/ao`9 Date Lane Gamiotea From: Melissa Henry Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2019 2:39 PM To: Lane Gamiotea Cc: India Riedel Subject: COI for OCSB Attachments: ACORD Form 20190226-132939.pdf, ACORD Form 20190226-142628.pdf Good afternoon Lane; I have attached the requested COI for the town hall meeting at Okeechobee Freshman campus. These copies are for your records, as originals have been sent to Okeechobee County School Board. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Melissa Henry Finance Clerk City of Okeechobee Direct: 863-763-9817 Main: 863-763-3372 Fax: 863-763-1686 mhenry@cityofokeechobee.com "NOTICE: Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by the City of Okeechobee officials and employees will be available to the public and media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this office. Instead, contact our office by phone or in writing." 1 ACORO® CERT�CATE OF LIABILITY INSUR9,' � DATE (M/2019 Y) 02/26/E 019 THIS CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED AS A MATTER OF INFORMATION ONLY AND CONFERS NO RIGHTS UPON THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT AFFIRMATIVELY OR NEGATIVELY AMEND, EXTEND OR ALTER THE COVERAGE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES BELOW. THIS CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE ISSUING INSURER(S), AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OR PRODUCER, AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. IMPORTANT: If the certificate holder is an ADDITIONAL INSURED, the policy(ies) must have ADDITIONAL INSURED provisions or be endorsed. If SUBROGATION IS WAIVED, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, certain policies may require an endorsement. A statement on this certificate does not confer rights to the certificate holder in lieu of such endorsement(s). PRODUCER CONTACT Jenna Jennings NAME: World Risk Management LLC a member of: PHONE N Ext : (407) 445-2414 AlC No): (407) 445-2868 Ballator Insurance Group E-MAIL Jennifer.Jennings@wrmlic.com ADDRESS: INSURER(S) AFFORDING COVERAGE NAIC # 20 N Orange Ave Ste 500 INSURERA: Public Risk Management of Florida 58159 Orlando FL 32801 INSURED INSURER B : City of Okeechobee INSURER C : INSURER D : 55 S.E. Third Avenue INSURER E : Okeechobee FL 34974 INSURER F: COVERAGES CERTIFICATE NUMBER: CL1882801516 REVISION NUMBER: THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE POLICIES OF INSURANCE LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE INSURED NAMED ABOVE FOR THE POLICY PERIOD INDICATED, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REQUIREMENT, TERM OR CONDITION OF ANY CONTRACTOR OTHER DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THIS CERTIFICATE MAYBE ISSUED OR MAY PERTAIN, THE INSURANCE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH POLICIES. LIMITS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY PAID CLAIMS. INSR LTR TYPE OF INSURANCE INSD WVD POLICY NUMBER POLICY EFF MMIDD/YYYY POLICY EXP MM/DD/YYYY LIMITS X COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY EACH OCCURRENCE $ 2,000,000 �/ CLAIMS -MADE OCCUR A PREMISES Ea occurrence 2,000,000 $ MED EXP (Any one person) $ Excluded PERSONAL aADVINJURY $ 2,000,000 A PRM018-005-047 10/01/2018 10/01/2019 GEN'LAGGREGATE LIMIT APPLIES PER: GENERAL AGGREGATE $ POLICY ❑ PRO - POLICY ❑ LOC PRODUCTS -COMP/OPAGG $ $ 2,000,000 OTHER: AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY MBINED SINGLE LIMIT (CFO, accident $ X BODILY INJURY (Per person) $ ANYAUTO A OWNED SCHEDULED AUTOS ONLY AUTOS PRM018-005-047 10/01/2018 10/01/2019 BODILY INJURY (Per accident) $ PROPERTY DAMAGE Per accident $ HIRED NON -OWNED AUTOS ONLY AUTOS ONLY X Comp/Coll Deductible $ 1,000 Comprehens X Collision UMBRELLA LIAB OCCUR EACH OCCURRENCE $ AGGREGATE $ EXCESS LIAB CLAIMS -MADE DID I I RETENTION $ $ A WORKERS COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY Y I N ANY PROPRIETOR/PARTNER/EXECUTIVE OFFICER/MEMBER EXCLUDED? ❑ (Mandatory in NH) NIA PRM018-005-047 10/01/2018 10/01/2019 STATUTE EORH E.L. EACH ACCIDENT $ 1,000,000 E.L. DISEASE - EA EMPLOYEE $ 1,000,000 If yes, describe under DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS below E.L. DISEASE - POLICY LIMIT 1,000,000 $ DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS / LOCATIONS / VEHICLES (ACORD 101, Additional Remarks Schedule, may be attached If more space Is required) RE: Town Hall Meeting - 03/19/2019 - 5:30pm - 9:00pm Location: Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium [610 SW 2nd Ave, Okeechobee, FL 32974] With respects to the listed coverages held by the named insured, as evidence of insurance. VANUr LLAI IUry SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE THEREOF, NOTICE WILL BE DELIVERED IN Okeechobee County School Board ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY PROVISIONS. 700 SW 2nd Ave AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE Okeechobee FL 34974 U 19BB-ZU15 ACUKU GUKPUKAI IUN. An ngnts reservea. ACORD 25 (2016103) The ACORD name and logo are registered marks of ACORD A`o ® CERTIFICATE OF PROPERTY INSURANCE DATE (M6/2019 Y) 02/26/2019 THIS CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED AS A MATTER OF INFORMATION ONLY AND CONFERS NO RIGHTS UPON THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT AFFIRMATIVELY OR NEGATIVELY AMEND, EXTEND OR ALTER THE COVERAGE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES BELOW. THIS CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE ISSUING INSURER(S), AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OR PRODUCER, AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. PRODUCER CONTACT Jenna Jennings NAME: World Risk Management LLC a member of: gHCC' Ext : (407) 445-2414 FAX No): (407) 445-2868 Ballator Insurance Group E-MAIL s: Jennifer.Jennings@wrmllc.com AMPE 20 N Orange Ave Ste 500 PRODUCER 00000037 CUSTOMER ID: Orlando FL 32801 INSURER(S) AFFORDING COVERAGE NAIC # INSURED INSURERA : Public Risk Management of Florida 58159 City of Okeechobee INSURER B : _ 55 S.E. Third Av3rue INSURER C : INSURER D : Okeechobee FL 34974 INSURER E: cn%/=0AnPQ r FaTIPIReTF NIIMRFR• CP1882800943 RFVISIAN Nt]MRFR- LOCATION OF PREMISES / DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY (Attach ACORD 101, Additional Remarks Schedule, if more space is required) THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE POLICIES OF INSURANCE LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE INSURED NAMED ABOVE FOR THE POLICY PERIOD INDICATED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REQUIREMENT, TERM OR CONDITION OF ANY CONTRACT OR OTHER DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE ISSUED OR MAY PERTAIN, THE INSURANCE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH POLICIES. LIMITS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY PAID CLAIMS. INSR LTR TYPE OF INSURANCE POLICY NUMBER POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE (MM/DD/YYYY) POLICY EXPIRATION DATE (MM/DD/YYYY) COVERED PROPERTY LIMITS A X PROPERTY CAUSES OF LOSS DEDUCTIBLES PRM018-005-047 10/01/2018 10/01/2019 BUILDING PERSONAL PROPERTY BUSINESS INCOME EXTRA EXPENSE RENTALVALUE BLANKET BUILDING BLANKET PERS PROP BLANKET BLDG & PP Auto Physical Dam $ $ BASIC BUILDING $1,000 $ BROAD $ CONTENTS $1,000 X SPECIAL $ X EARTHQUAKE $ X WIND 2% $ X FLOOD $2,500,000 X Comprehen $1,000 Ix $ 1,000 Deductible X Collision $1,000 $ A X INLAND MARINE OF LOSS NAMED PERILS Replacement Cost TYPE OF POLICY Property 10/01/2018 10/01/2019 X Deductible $ 1,000 CAUSES $ X POLICY NUMBER PRM018-005-047 $ X $ A X CRIME TYPE OF POLICY Fidelity & Crime PRM018-005-047 10/01/2018 10/01/2019 X Employee Theft Forgery/Alteration Money & Securities $ 500,000 X $ 500,000 X $ 500,000 BOILER & MACHINERY I EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN $ $ SPECIAL CONDITIONS I OTHER COVERAGES (ACORD 101, Additional Remarks Schedule, may be attached if more space is required) RE: Town Hall Meeting - 03/19/2019 - 5:30pm - 9:00pm Location: Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium [610 SW 2nd Ave, Okeechobee, FL 32974] With respects to the listed coverages held by the named insured, as evidence of insurance. CERTIFICATE SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE THEREOF, NOTICE WILL BE DELIVERED IN Okeechobee County School Board ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY PROVISIONS. 700 SW 2nd Ave AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE Okeechobee FL 34974 U 1995-ZU75 ACUKU GUKYUKAI IUM. An ngnis reserveu. ACORD 24 (2016/03) The ACORD name and logo are registered marks of ACORD C.�KEECHOBEE NEWS .__.— Vol. 110 No. Sd Friday, March 22, 2019 500 plats tape Comments sought on lake plan By Katrina Elaken Lake Okeechobee News The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is still accepting public: comments as input on the development of the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual. The publ c comrnerd period has been extended to April 22. See LAKE Town Hall meeting draws crowd City residents complain about double taxation By Cathy Womble Lake Okeechobee News "1've been waiting for this meeting for 50 years," said Sandra Pearce of the City Council's town hall meeting on Tuesday, March 19. Although her comment was said with humor, the general consensus in the room was that the meeting was long overdue, and many thanked the council for taking the time to hear the concerns of the citizens. There were no arguments or fisticuffs. Mayor Dowling Watford began the meeting by telling everyone know the council would not be replying to the comments during the meeting but that each issue raised would be addressed later either by the department it pe4ained to or in a future council meeting if that See CITY Page 5 Special tr, me Okeechobea Naws Brighton Bauman (right) of Okeechobee stands with her breakaway roping tNle at the Prlefert Patriot rodeo that took place in Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 25 through March t, Bauman wins Patriot rodeo By Richard Marion th ed breaks. The breaking of the string marks the Lake Okeechobee News end of the run. FORT WORTH, Texas — Okeechobee's Brigh- The championship at the Patriot rodeo is ton Bauman was crowned the 2019 breakaway another victory m what has been a success - champion at the Prfefert Patriot rodeo held in rodeo career so far for Bauman. In 2017 Fort Worth, Texas from Feb. 25 through March Bauman won the National High School Rodeo 4, Association Breakaway Roping Title in Gillette, Bauman placed first out of 183 Competitors in the open breakaway roping category with an th n that rodeo she finished near the topto average time of 8,84 seconds and was earned all I rounds and won the average with a $6.375 for her victory. total of 7.49 seconds. Bauman finished in 2.55 The Patriot is billed as America's richest seconds in the first round, and 2.38 seconds in combined equine event, with a expected the second round. She finished in 2.56 seconds - payout of $3.3 million over events such as team in the finals. roping, calf -roping, barrel raring and mounted "It was kind of just shock at fast, and then shooting. happiness when 1 realized 1 had vion iL" Breakaway roping is a variation of calf roping Bauman said shortly after winning that champi- where a calf is roped, but not thrown and tied. onship. The roper attempts to throw a lasso around a Bauman also won the Roy Cooper Junior calf while pursing it on horseback. Once the Calf Roping title at the 33rd annual Roy Cooper rope is around the calf's neck, the roper signals World Championship held in Decatur, Texas, in the horse to stop. When the caff hits the end of th fl' h d h 2017. Lake Levels 12.19 feet Last Yean 14.26 feet gSpoa ored By:. .`—»"`',`w'-*�it1 �Z. •^ y,S_---sue ' PoAey's Family 11miz uraW 9 S. Parrott Ave. 763-TZ22 Source:.Wah "—du Wow Managelne it oistria. Depth given in feel above sea level See Page 4 for Information about how to contact this newspaper. laketlkndwbfl�0�fiaw&S ansFaa craw a 1111111IIIIIIiIIIIIIIII111Il11 y e rope, a rope rs pu tog tan t e stnng See RODEO — Page 5 AUTO • Proven Experience In Okeechobee - Board err Appointments Available Steve ,•; • Fully Staffed Office on Patron Ave. Board Certified Civll7rlal Attorney � � A •Over34YearsFxc*hence of Hoskins INIURYATMRN J t I Call 357-5800 HoskLavv.c0{ri March 22, 2019 Lake Okeechobee News 5 Corps to reduce lake flows east and west By Katrina Flsken Franklin Lock is local basin runoff. For ex - Lake Okeechobee News ample, on March 20, the flow at the Moore The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jack- Haven lock from the lake was just 683 cis, and the flow at the Franklin Lock was 2,393 sonville District plans to step down releases cfs, so o cis was teem focal basin runoff to the Caloosahatchee River over the next into the C River. two'weeks while continuing to send water corps ill maint The corps will maintain current Flows to south from the lake. the St. Lucie estuary at 25 average sev- Starting Saturday, March 23, the corps pulse release of cis measured will reduce the release to the Caloosa- at the d D This at the St. Lucie Lock and Dam (5n hatchee estuarypulse to a seven-day average rate two decision will be reviewed again in lion of 1,400 cubic feet per second (cfs) from w�. Additional runoff from rain in the the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam (&79). The Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie basins could following week, on March 30, releases to occasionally result in flows that exceed one the Caloosahatchee will be stepped down or both targets. to a seven-day average pulse release of The St. Lucie Lock is 23.9 miles from the 1,000 cis. The 1,000 cis How is the dry -sea- Port Mayaca Lock, where water From Lake son flow that Lee County officials have Okeechobee enters the St. Lucie Canal. Part requested in order to prevent salt water of the flow at the St. Lucie Lock is from intrusion. The freshwater flow 1-. 9,000 cis, local basin runoff. For example, on March measured at the Franklin Lock; s :onsid- 20, the flow through the fort Mayaca Lock ered to be the optimum freshwater for the from the lake was just 28 cfs, and the flow Caloosahatchee estuary. at the St. Lucie Lock was 245 cfs, which The Franklin Lock is 43.4 miles frorn the means 213 cis was local basin runoff in the lock at Moore Haven where water from St. Lucie Canal. Lake Okeechobee enters the Caloosa- "We have been releasing water to hatchee River. Part of the How through the lower the lake during the dry season while affect the ability to deliver water to critical iJL u1W ecosystems and result insignificant environ- mental damage. Furthermore, this drastic Continued From Page 1 lowering would result in increased risk of The corps plans to change from the cur- saltwater intrusion into coastal well fields rent Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule -- harming freshwater supplies — and neg- (LORS), which tries to keep the lake level atively impact recreational and commercial between 12.5 and 15 feel, when repairs fishing on Lake Okeechobee." are complete to the Herbert Hoover Dike. Boaters have voiced concerns about At that time, the corps will regulate the Big navigation if the lake is below 12 feet If the Lake based on the new Lake Okeechobee level in Lake Okeechobee falls below 12 System Operations Manual (LOSOM). The feet, the South Florida Water Management dike repairs are expected to be completed District closes four locks on the lake's north in 2022. Meetings have been held around the shore: The S-135 structure at J&S Fish Camp; the G,36 structure at Henry Creek; the S-127 state to gather public input about the lake level schedule. structure at Buckhead Ridge; and, the S-t31 An Audubon study found levels above structure at Lake These locks are not P� 16 feet to be harmful 10 the take's ecology safe for boats with water below 12 feet. because high lake levels destroy the vegeta- If the lake falls below 11 feet, the tion in the marshy areas around the lake's SFWMD must also close the S-193 lock edges. The marshes help filler the lake at 7`dylor Creek. At the 10.5-foot level, the water, and provide spawning areas for fish Lake Okeechobee Waterway would not be and habitat for wading birds. navigable. Lake Okeechobee area community lead- Those who were not able to give their ers have called for decisions to be based on comments at public meetings may still do "science, not politics." so by mail or email. According to the Corps Congressman Brian Mast has pushed for a plan that would bring the lake to 10.5 of Engineers, emailed and written com- feet before the start of the wel season, ments will be given the same consideration as comments given at the public meetings. which he claims will allow enough capacity in the lake for wet season flow to prevent Email comments to: LakeOComments(a� the need for harmful discharges to coastal usace.army.mil. estuaries during the wet season. Submit comments by mail to: Dr. Ann Palm Beach County passed a resolution Hodgson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ' in opposition to Congressman Mast's plan Jacksonville District, P.O. Box 4970, Jack - "as it would induce drought conditions, sonville, FL 32232-0019. RODEO Boney, started working as a cowboy in Okeechobee at the age of 4 and her uncles Continued From Page I Clint and Elton both have experience work - Bauman comes from a long fine of ing and competing in rodeos. Florida cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo com- Her mother, Tory Bauman, grew up pelitors. riding cutting horses and competing in Her grandfather, Lloyd "Boosty" barrel races. monitoring conditions in the lake and in the f measures will allow the lake's recession estuaries," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Reynolds, to continue, but at a rate that minimizes deputy commander for South Florida. "At impacts across the system." this time we are seeing good recession on Thursday's lake stage was 12.19 feet. the lake. We will step down releases'lo the Caloosahatchee Estuary while moving During the past week, lake levels were as much water south as possible. We will reduced by 0.14 feet, with an overall 0.65 maintain water releases to the St. Lucie at fop( reduction fit the past 30 days, accord - current rates. Combined, we believe these ing to the corps press release. CITY Continued From Page 5 seemed to be the best way to handle it As each comment or issue was mentioned, it was carefully recorded by City Clerk Lane Gamiotea for later review. Each commenter had a time limit of three minutes, and for the most part, that seemed to be plenty of time. Former Councilman Noel Chandler start- ed the ball rolling by saying he was very glad that business owners would be given a chance to have their voices heard since they don't have a vote. Later in the meeting, County Commissioner Brad Goodbread made a similar comment, slating he owned property within the city limits but lived outside the limits which made him ineligi- ble to vote. He said he thinks people who pay taxes in the city should have the right to vote on city matters and asked if there was a way to make this happen. Sandra Pearce asked about double taxa. tion. She explained she lives in the city but for 50 years has been paying both city and county taxes. Her comment was greeted with many exclamations of "YEAH!" "YES!" and "RIGHT!" She said many years ago, she went to the county to ask why she had to pay two sets of taxes and was told she was paying for use of the county roads, but She believes people who are not paying city taxes are using city roads, too. She knows county taxes pay for fire department services and law enforcement but said that in the city, the city fire department comes and the police department comes, so she questions why she is paying for both, Jonathan Bean mentioned the drainage problems in the southwest section behind the library. He said water accumulates there and saturates the area, and many homes in that area are still on septic tanks, so this is not a good situation. He requested someone please clean out the ditches and review the size of the drainage conduits in that area. Paula Poskom and several others mentioned code enforcement. She believes violations. She thinks the code enforcement officer should drive around and see the violations himself. "If you want people to come here," she said, "you have to clean it UP." Several comments involved codes not being enforced, and Hoot Worley was particularly offended by one code offender he said was let off the hook ee*e edJy for 12 years. "It's unconscionable you would collect everybody's taxes for 12 years and not do your job with this man," he said. Bill Rose would like to see code enforce- ment handled differently. He said the code enforcement officer has stood outside his establishment taking pictures and then left, leaving him to wonder what he did wrong, rather than just come in and talk to him like a regular person. He also said one time he came back to find several of his banners just gone, removed with no explanation or warning. He would like a friendlier relation- ship. He doesn't understand why it has to be like that. Bruce Donner suggested a I -cent sales tax to be used for funding police, fire and education. "We are strapped to pay for services in our community" he said. He believes educators are spending too much of their time fundraising, and this tax could help with that. Other comments involved speeding on Southwest Fifth Avenue, dusting off the city's charter to see if it is still applicable, updating the city's website, video access for council meetings, sidewalk repairs, traffic lights at main intersections, parking near Okeechobee Drug Store, lighting on side streets, out-of-town vendors and the fact that in the southwest section of Okeechobee, there is a neighborhood watch group. At this time, there are no plans to hold another town hall meeting, but Mayor Watford said the public is welcome at the regular meetings and there is always a time is not her job to have to call and report for public comments curing me meetings. Free tax preparation & E-1711ing with help from AMW Free tax preparation & E-Filing by AARP certified taxaide volunteers will be available on Mondays and Tuesdays front 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Feb. 11 at the American Legion, 501 S.E. Second St. No appointment is necessary first come, first serve. Doors open at 8:4.5 a.m. and the last sign -in is at 1:30 p.m. Must bring a picture identification, Social Security cards for all dependents, last year's tax return if possible and all 2018 financial papers. For information, call or text Sandy at 863-801-7281, or Neile at 863- 357-1694, or text 561-635-7004. Please do riot call the American Legion.