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2019-10-01 MinutesCITY OF OKEECHOBEE OCTOBER 1, 2019, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 55 SE 3RD AVENUE • COUNCIL CHAMBERS ♦ OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974 SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER A. Invocation B. Pledge of Allegiance II. ATTENDANCE III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. Requests for the addition, deferral, or withdrawal of agenda items. B. Public participation for any issues not on the agenda requires an Agenda Item Form or a Comment Card. Citizen comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker unless otherwise approved by the Mayor. IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS A. Acceptance of a donation from Gil and Marie Culbreth of an American Flag and Flagpole to be placed in Flagler Park. PAGE 1 OF 6 COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE Mayor Watford called the October 1, 2019, meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. The invocation was offered by Pastor Richard Barker of Westside Christian Church/Okeechobee Correctional Institute Chaplain. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Watford. Deputy Clerk Jenkins called the roll: Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr, Present Council Member Wes Abney Present Council Member Monica M. Clark Present Council Member Bob Jarriel Present Council Member Bobby Keefe Present City Attorney John R. Cook Present City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca Present City Clerk Lane Gamiotea Absent (with consent) Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins Present Fire Chief Herb Smith Present Police Chief Bob Peterson Present Public Works Director David Allen Present Mayor Watford asked whether there were any requests for the addition, deferral, or withdrawal of items on today's agenda; New Business Item VI.E. was added. Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comment on matters not on the agenda; there were none. On behalf of the Culbreth family, Mr. JD Mixon provided information on the donation of a flagpole with flag including four high -efficiency flood lights, and a monument honoring the late Colonel R.E. Hamrick and Annie B. Hamrick. The flagpole is 60 -feet tall adorned with a 15 by 25 -foot American Flag; the monument will be placed at the base of the pole. The pole and monument will be installed in FLAGLER PARK (Park 4). 6ita AGENDA IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED A. Acceptance of a donation from Gil and Marie Culbreth of an American Flag and Flagpole to be placed in Flagler Park continued. B. Proclaim the month of October 2019 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." C. Proclaim October 24, 2019 as "World Polio Day." OCTOBER 1, 2019 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 2 OF 6 COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE The estimated cost of the entire installation is $20,000.00 with the anticipated completion before the end of 2019. Mr. and Mrs. Culbreth and Mrs. Christa Luna were all present for the presentation. Administrator MontesDeOca explained the project will require a permit for liability purposes, but no fee will be assessed as this is a donation to the City. Council Member Clark confirmed the pole and monument will not conflict with handicap accessibility of the sidewalk. Mr. Culbreth added the flag will need to be replaced every three to four months to prevent tattering. The Council thanked the Culbreth Family for their generous donation. A motion was made by Council Member Jarriel to accept the flag, pole and monument donation as presented; seconded by Council Member Clark. VOTE: WATFORD — YEA ABNEY — YEA CLARK — YEA JARRIEL — YEA KEEFE — YEA MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Watford proclaimed the month of October 2019 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." The Proclamation was presented to Mr. Jonathan Bean and Ms. Shirlean Graham of Martha's House and read into the record as follows: "Whereas, one in every four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime; and Whereas, victims should have help to find the compassion, comfort and healing they need, and domestic abusers should be punished to the full extent of the law; and Whereas, fleeing domestic violence has caused women and children to be the fastest growing homeless population; and Whereas powerful partnerships exist locally between the City of Okeechobee and Martha's House Domestic Violence Services; and Whereas, the President of the United States and Congress as well as other federal agencies have expressed a commitment to eliminating domestic violence both nationally and internationally. Now Therefore, 1, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, hereby do proclaim October 2019 as `Domestic Violence Awareness Month' in the City of Okeechobee in recognition of the important work done by domestic violence programs and victims' service providers, and urge all citizens to actively participate in the scheduled activities and programs sponsored by Martha's House of Okeechobee and other community organizations to work toward the elimination of personal and institutional violence against women and girls." Mr. Bean thanked the Council and recognized Ms. Graham for her tireless efforts working on behalf of the victims of domestic violence. He also invited everyone to participate in the Walk in my Shoes event being held on October 26, 2019, in Flagler Park; free lunch will be provided. He also invited ladies only to the Brunch & Bubbly Event on November 2, 2019 at Freedom Ranch; tickets can be purchased at Martha's House and Everglades Pediatric Dentistry. Mayor Watford proclaimed October 24, 2019 as "World Polio Day." The Proclamation was presented to Rotary Club District Governor #6930 Ms. Donna Gaiser, Rotary President Mrs. Amy Daniels, and President Elect Mrs. Melisa Jahner. The Proclamation was read into the record as follows: "Whereas, Rotary is a global network of (CONTINUED) IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED D. Proclaim October 24, 2019 as "World Polio Day' continued. V. CONSENT AGENDA A. Planning Advisory Services Agreement with Central Florida Regional Planning Council to assist with the Competitive Florida Partnership Grant. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Motion to adopt proposed Strategic Plan and Mission Statement (Exhibit 2). OCTOBER 1, 2019 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 3 OF 6 Eqc COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem -solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in communities across the globe; and Whereas, the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, inspires members to provide humanitarian service, follow high ethical standards, and promote goodwill and peace in the world; and Whereas, Rotary in 1985 launched PolioPlus and in 1988 helped establish the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which today includes the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to immunize the children of the world against polio; and Whereas, polio cases have dropped by 99.9 percent since 1988 and the world stands on the threshold of eradicating the disease; and Whereas, to date, Rotary has contributed more than US$1.9 billion and countless volunteer hours to protecting more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries; and Whereas, Rotary is working to raise an additional $50 million per year, which would be leveraged for maximum impact by an additional $100 million annually from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and Whereas, these efforts are providing much-needed operational support, medical staff, laboratory equipment, and educational materials for health workers and parents; and Whereas, in addition, Rotary has played a major role in decisions by donor governments to contribute more than $8 billion to the effort; and Whereas, there are over 16,425 Rotary members in more than 584 clubs throughout this state of Florida that sponsor service projects to address such critical issues as poverty, disease, hunger, illiteracy, and the environment in their local communities and abroad. Now Therefore, 1, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, do hereby proclaim October 24, 2019 `World Polio Day' in Okeechobee and encourage all citizens to join me and Rotary International in the fight for a polio -free world." Council Member Jarriel moved to approve the consent agenda [Planning Advisory Services Agreement with Central Florida Regional Planning Council; seconded by Council Member Keefe. VOTE: WATFORD — YEA JARRIEL — YEA ABNEY — YEA KEEFE — YEA CLARK — YEA MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Watford recommended discussion take place prior to a motion being offered. Council Member Keefe voiced his appreciation for the suggestions Mr. Gary Ritter provided for the Vision and Mission Statement at the Strategic Planning Workshop held on July 9, 2019. The consensus of the Council was to adopt "The City of Okeechobee will maintain a vibrant and prosperous community built on our heritage, history, and our unique character" as the City Vision Statement and "The mission of the City of Okeechobee is to provide accommodating services that enhance the quality of life for our citizens and businesses in a fiscally sound matter" as the Mission Statement as recommended by Mr. Gary Ritter. 5,11 • nrl,i n ner mIrr i inu. AGENDA COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED A. Motion to adopt proposed Strategic Plan and Mission Statement continued. B. Motion to adopt proposed Resolution No. 2019-13, supporting a School safety Resolution enacted by the Okeechobee County School Board (Exhibit 3). Council Member Abney question the objectives and timeline for item b. Buildings, under the Ordinance section of the Plan, as it was blank. He encouraged creating an objective and timeline for "redevelopment of vacant buildings and properties." Mayor Watford explained while attending the Florida League of Cities Conference, he spoke with a vendor that provides retail strategy studies whose primary function is to look at existing buildings and businesses and devises a plan for the placement of businesses based on type. He suggested requesting information for further review, as this is something that could possibly aid in filling the vacant buildings. Administrator MontesDeOca explained the bulk of the one-year goals and objectives have been included in the budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20. He would like to revisit the Plan at the Town Hall meeting planned for 2020, which will provide direction to the City for the next two to five years. He also confirmed that the items listed under the Right -of -Way section are plans that are being created with the collaboration of the Public Works Director. The Comprehensive Plan Land Use Review is currently a work -in -progress and the Planner continues to work on the discrepancies when time allows. Council Member Jarriel moved to adopt the Vision and Mission Statements and proposed Strategic Plan as presented; seconded by Council Member Keefe. VOTE: WATFORD — YEA ABNEY — YEA CLARK — YEA JARRIEL — YEA KEEFE — YEA MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Clark moved to adopt proposed Resolution No. 2019-13, supporting a School Safety Resolution enacted by the Okeechobee County School Board; seconded by Council Member Keefe. Attorney Cook read proposed Resolution No. 2019-13 by title only as follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; SUPPORTING AND ADOPTING SCHOOL SAFETY RESOLUTION ENACTED BY THE OKEECHOBEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD ON AUGUST 1, 2019, IMPLORING THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO FUND THE STATE MANDATE TO PROVIDE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS AT EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE STATE; DIRECTING THE RESOLUTION TO THE GOVENOR AND LEGISLATURE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE." There were no comments from the public or discussion from the Council on this item. VOTE: WATFORD — YEA ABNEY — YEA CLARK — YEA JARRIEL — YEA KEEFE — YEA MOTION CARRIED. OCTOBER 1, 2019 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 5 OF 6 AGENDA COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED C. Motion to approve a School Resource Officer Agreement with Okeechobee County School Board (Exhibit 4). D. Discuss a Request for Proposal (RFP) and a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Legal Services. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA: E. Update on the 2020 Legislative Session by CAS Governmental Services, LLC. Council Member Keefe moved to approve a School Resource Officer Agreement with Okeechobee County School Board; seconded by Council Member Abney. VOTE: WATFORD — YEA ABNEY— YEA CLARK—YEA JARRIEL — YEA KEEFE — YEA MOTION CARRIED. The rough draft for Legal Services Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was distributed prior to the meeting. Mayor Watford opened the floor for the Council to make changes or comments. Council Member Keefe questioned the difference in the definition between contractual part-time and contractual contract in paragraph number one. The consensus of the Council was to clarify the paragraph. The reference to "town" in paragraph number 11 needs to be changed to "city." There were no objections noted to adding subparagraph 14.e. for an annual fee option. Council Members Keefe and Clark recommended removing subparagraph 15.a., Mayor Watford and Council Member Abney suggested rewording the subparagraph with input from Staff to include the possibility of set hours in lieu of mandated days. The consensus of the Council was to remove paragraph number 17 and all associated subparagraphs as benefits should be negotiated. The December 17, 2019, timeline was discussed without any modifications made. The matter will be brought back at the October 15, 2019, meeting for final approval. Any additional recommendations, questions or comments should be directed to the City Administrator. Ms. Connie Vanassche of CAS Governmental Services, LLC, provided a summary of the actions that took place in Tallahassee during the first Committee Week held September 16 through 20, 2019, The Senate and House Appropriations Committees presentations detailed the State is on the verge of an economic slow -down. Agencies were warned to be cautious over the next two years. There are two upcoming Session Committee Weeks; October 14 through 18, 2019, and October 21 through 25, 2019. The Legislature is heading away from the appropriation process and moving more toward a grant program. The Southeast 8th Avenue Stormwater Grant reports are due, and Ms. Vanassche is currently working with Staff on submission to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Administrator MontesDeOca announced that the Southeast 4th Street Boat Ramp Project has been approved for a $300,000.00 FDEP Grant. Ms. Vanassche closed her update by informing the Council that the delegation packets were submitted to Representative Pigman's office. There be a Legislative Delegation public meeting on Thursday, October 3, 2019, 9:00 A.M., at the Okeechobee County Historic Courthouse located at 304 Northwest 2nd Street. Legislative Session begins January 14, 2020. The Council thanked Ms. Vanassche for the update. 593 AGENDA VII. COUNCIL COMMENTS VIII. 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 ensure 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. ST: ane Gamiotea, Cfvt, City Clerk Dowling R. Walfefd, Jf", Mayor OCTOBER 1, 2019 - REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 6 OF 6 COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE Mayor Watford and Council Member Clark offered no comments. Council Members Abney and Jarriel thanked the Culbreth family again for their gracious donation, Council Member Jarriel reminded City residents and business owners of the upcoming Town Hall meeting scheduled for October 22, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Council Member Keefe asked for verification of procedure on appointing a Vice Mayor as the Charter dictates. Mayor Watford directed the Clerk's Office to research this and report back to the Council on the findings. There being no further discussion, nor items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 7:02 P.M. The next regular meeting will be held on October 15, 2019.