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DRAFT 2019-11-19 MinutesNovember 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 1 of 5 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 19, 2019, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Watford called the regular session of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida. A. In the absence of Father Jim Shevlin of the Church of Our Saviour, the invocation was offered by Mayor Watford. B. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Watford. II. ATTENDANCE City Clerk Gamiotea called the roll. Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Council Members Wes Abney, Monica Clark, Bob Jarriel, and Bobby Keefe were present. CITY STAFF: City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca, City Clerk Lane Gamiotea, Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins, Fire Chief Herb Smith, Police Chief Bob Peterson, Public Works Director David Allen, and Finance Director India Riedel were present. City Attorney John Cook was absent with consent. III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. There were no requests for the addition, deferral, or withdrawal of agenda items. B. There were no Agenda Item Forms or Comment Cards submitted for public participation for any issues not on the agenda. IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS A. Mayor Watford and Chief Smith recognized and presented Mr. Gabe Littrell with a Civilian Certificate of Recognition, Meritorious Conduct Pin, and memorabilia with the Fire Department insignia for his quick thinking and unrelenting efforts that saved the life of his elderly neighbor. The certificate read “Certificate of Recognition, Gabe Littrell is awarded this certificate in recognition of Meritorious Award (Good Samaritan).” B. Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of November 20 through 27, 2019, as “Farm City Week.” He presented the document to Mr. Mickey Bandi and Miss Lexi Bandi representing Florida Farm Bureau, which was read into the record as follows: “Whereas, Florida farmers and ranchers help feed the world by producing a bounty of nutritious foods. To do this, they rely upon essential partnerships with urban and suburban communities to supply, sell and deliver finished products to consumers across Florida and around the globe; and Whereas, rural and urban communities working together have built our nation’s rich agricultural resources so that they contribute to the health and well-being of our country and the strength of our economy; and Whereas, during National Farm City Week, we recognize the importance of this cooperative network. Agriculture employs more than 2 million workers, including farmers and ranchers, shippers, processors, marketers, retailers, inspectors and others who contribute an annual impact of $127 billion to Florida’s economy; and Whereas, Farm City Week activities celebrate the mutually beneficial relationships that support the quality of life we all enjoy. This week, as we gather with family and friends around the Thanksgiving table, we count these relationships among our many blessings. Now, Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, do hereby proclaim November 20 through 27, 2019, as ‘Farm City Week’, and I do further call upon all citizens to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of all those who, working together, produce and supply our community, our nation, and the world with an abundance of agricultural products .” Mr. Bandi thanked the Council and invited everyone to the Annual Farm City Luncheon hosted by Farm Bureau and the local 4-H Clubs, at the KOA Campground on November 21, 2019, starting at 11:30 A.M. Tickets can be purchased at the local Farm Bureau office or at the door for $10.00. November 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 2 of 5 IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED C. Mayor Watford proclaimed November 30, 2019, as “Small Business Saturday.” He presented the document to Chamber of Commerce members Mrs. Paulette Wise (Chamber Executive Director), Ms. Mariah Parriott, Mrs. Jenny Pung, Mrs. Melisa Jahner, Mrs. Bianca Keefe, Ms. Raye Deusinger, and Mr. Mickey Bandi, which was read into the record as follows: “Whereas, Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010 by American Express and officially co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2015. Small Business Saturday has become an important part of how many small businesses launch their busiest shopping season; and Whereas, the City of Okeechobee believes that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the glue that holds communities together. According to the United States Small Business Administration, as of 2018, there are currently 30.2 million small businesses in the United States. They represent more than 99 percent of American companies, create two-thirds of the net new jobs, and generate half of gross domestic product; and Whereas, small businesses employ over 55 percent of the employees in the private sector in the United States; and 89 percent of consumers in the United States believe it’s important to support the local, small businesses they value in their community; and they agree that locally owned, independent businesses contribute positively through paying taxes and providing jobs; and Whereas, advocacy groups and public and private organizations across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. Now, Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, do hereby proclaim November 30, 2019, as Small Business Saturday and urge all residents of our community to join with us in this observance as we celebrate the accomplishments of small business owners and their employees and encourage the continued development of new small businesses on this Saturday and throughout the year.” Director Wise made an enthusiastic presentation imploring attendance and participation at this event. V. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Council Member Keefe to approve the consent agenda items A and B [approve the November 5, 2019, minutes; approve the October 2019 Warrant Register in the amounts: General Fund $614,940.73, Public Facilities Improvement Fund $16,347.76, Capital Improvement Projects Fund $13,360.74]; seconded by Council Member Abney. Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe voted: Aye. Nays : none. Motion Carried. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Ms. Megan Smith, President of the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC), provided a handout summarizing the progress since April 2019.Their purpose is to enhance and cause quality economic growth in Okeechobee’s economy. The information included the top objectives of OCEDC for 2019, which were to locate a site for a 300 to 500 acre industrial complex, research and determine a funding source for the industrial complex, implement a business retention and expansion program, populate the GIS planning portion of the OCEDC website, and develop and implement a Strategic Plan. She continued explaining the City is within the State designated “Opportunity Zone.” The OCEDC was awarded a $10,000.00 Enterprise Florida Grant that was expended to pay memberships fees to the International and Florida Economic Development Councils, to attend two training courses offered by the International Economic Development Council, and to advertise in the Expansion Solutions Magazine. The OCEDC is utilizing multiple platforms to market Okeechobee County; Ms. Smith participates with the Career Source Heartland, the Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity, Enterprise Florida, Florida Economic Development Corporation, Okeechobee Community Coalition, and the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County. Projects to date: existing industry expansion, the opening of Bautech USA manufacturing company in the County Industrial Park, two agribusiness companies, a heavy manufacturing company, service industry, the development of Big Cedar Lodge (tourism project), and the opening of a Kubota dealership service and retail company. November 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 3 of 5 VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED A. Mayor Watford thanked Ms. Smith for the update and her hard work for the community. Ms. Smith added her appreciation for the City’s monetary contribution to the OCEDC. B. Motion by Council Member Jarriel to approve the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agreement No. LPQ0007, Okeechobee Taylor Creek Southwest 4 th Street Stormwater Conveyance, in the amount of $300,000.00 as presented in Exhibit 1; seconded by Council Member Clark. Administrator MontesDeOca explained the City will design, permit, and construct a water quality baffle box with a drainage outfall to replace a direct drainage connection to Taylor Creek, inlets, curbing, roadway, piping, and manatee grate along Southwest 4th Street ending at the boat ramp. The Agreement term begins upon execution and expires June 30, 2022. Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe voted: Aye. Nays : none. Motion Carried. C. Mayor Watford provided an update on the Broadband (high speed internet service through fiber optics) Initiative for Okeechobee County by explaining as requested by Mr. Joe Charles of OK Corral, he with County Commissioner Burroughs, Administrator MontesDeOca, and County Administrator Chartier met to discuss the matter. Mr. Charles was accompanied by representatives from ITS Fiber and Precision Contracting Services, and voiced his concern with inefficient broadband service throughout Okeechobee. Representatives with ITS Fiber provided information on the infrastructure for broadband service in Martin and other Counties due to a public/private partnership with them, which includes providing broadband to their governmental agency facilities. The installation of fiber optics is expensive and would require an investment from the City and County. It was also discussed to include Indian River State College and Okeechobee County Schools. Mayor Watford added CenturyLink already provides the service in some areas. Due to proprietary reasons, the locations of this infrastructure have not been disclosed. The Administrator has been in contact with the local representative for CenturyLink to obtain the information so that services are not duplicated. Precision Contracting Services, along with ITS Fiber, will be presenting information to the Board of County Commissioners at their November 26, 2019, meeting. Mayor Watford encouraged the Council to attend or watch the livestream video, as this is an issue that is moving quickly; the more information the Council has will help them make informed decisions on this matter that will be forthcoming. No official action was requested. Additionally, on another topic, Mayor Watford noted that County Staff will be presenting information during this meeting regarding the Fire Service, at approximately 1:30 P.M. D. Mayor Watford provided an update on the 2020 Census explaining he was appointed to the Census Community Council, along with City Clerk Gamiotea and Chief Peterson, which is being led by the Okeechobee County Librarian Krista King. The initial meeting with representatives from the Census Bureau was held at the County Library on November 5, 2019. He stressed the importance of being counted for the 2020 Census, as the count could add a Congressional seat for Florida. The Federal Government relies on Census counts to award many programs and grants. The City relies on the counts for our portion of revenue sharing from the State. T he Census Community Council will be working with local churches to help reach portions of the populations that may otherwise not be counted. Cards will be sent to every address via USPS mail with instructions on how to be counted online. Local 4-H groups will be volunteering at the County Library to help individuals submit their information who do not have computers or internet. E. Motion by Council Member Keefe to approve the Fiscal Year End 2018 -19 Budget Adjustments as presented in Exhibit 2 with corrected pages 21 and 22 distributed at the meeting; seconded by Council Member Jarriel. November 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 4 of 5 VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED E. Administrator MontesDeOca provided a summarized version of the budget amendments. General fund revenues were up by over 9.3 percent, which includes ad valorem coming in $53,456.00 higher than budgeted. Sales tax one-cent revenue was lower than budgeted; however the half-cent sales tax revenue came in as targeted. Building permits and planning/zoning applications/petitions revenue increased by over $100,000.00 compared to the budgeted amount. The City also had $203,000.00 in earned interest. The revenue categories of electric utility tax and fines and forfeitures increased significantly. The overall General Fund expenditures reported 8.8 percent lower than the amended budget. None of the budget reserves of $845,215.00 were utilized for the operations expenditures of the General Fund, making this the second year that the proposed budgeted reserves were not needed to balance the General Fund Budget. Capital Improvement Projects Fund dollars were expended, some with a higher than anticipated cost and others coming in lower than expected. Overall these funds were expended less than budgeted. Department Heads were commended for the great job they continue to do with keeping costs to a minimum. Fund and Line Item Description Amended Budget Final Adjusted Budget General Fund Revenues Beginning Balance $4,315,500.00 $4,600,400.00 Ad valorem, other fees, intergovernmental, charges for services, fines and other sources $5,625,699.00 $6,149,410.00 Transfer-In from Public Facilities Improvement Fund $350,000.00 $350,000.00 Transfer-In from Capital Improvement Projects Fund $845,215.00 $0.00 Total General Fund Revenues: $6,820,914.00 $6,499,410.00 General Fund Expenditures 511 Legislative $210,591.00 $165,720.00 512 Executive $222,240.00 $210,475.00 2512 City Clerk $239,384.00 $225,183.00 513 Financial Services $331,341.00 $289,395.00 514 Legal Council $116,260.00 $79,370.00 519 General Services $384,484.00 $383,170.00 521 Law Enforcement $2,553,469.00 $2,374,070.00 522 Fire Protection $1,715,754.00 $1,577,970.00 541 Public Works $1,302,570.00 $1,150,350.00 Total General Fund Expenditures: $7,076,093.00 $6,455,703.00 General Fund Ending Balance: $4,060,321.00 $4,644,107.00 Public Facilities Improvement Fund Revenues Amended Budget Final Adjusted Budget Beginning Balance $535,905.00 $950,300.00 Total Public Facilities Improvement Fund Revenues: $904,782.00 $741,700.00 Total Public Facilities Improvement Fund Expenditures: $681,337.00 $293,000.00 Transfer-Out to General Fund $350,000.00 $350,000.00 Public Facilities Improvement Fund Ending Balance: $409,350.00 $1,049,000.00 Other Grants Fund Revenues Amended Budget Final Adjusted Budget Beginning Balance $37,490.00 $75,100.00 Stormwater Drainage Grant Revenue $183,630.00 $183,630.00 Total Other Grants Fund Expenditures: $50,000.00 $0.00 Transfer-Out to Capital Improvement Projects Fund $171,120.00 $171,120.00 Other Grants Fund Ending Balance: $0.00 $87,610.00 Capital Improvement Projects Fund Revenues Amended Budget Final Adjusted Budget Beginning Balance $4,344,644.00 $4,800,600.00 Total Capital Improvement Projects Fund Revenues: $226,500.00 $232,900.00 Transfer-In from Other Grants $171,120.00 $171,120.00 Total Capital Improvement Projects Fund Expenditures: $661,846.00 $533,700.00 Transfer-Out to General Fund $845,215.00 $0.00 Capital Improvement Projects Fund Ending Balance: $3,235,203.00 $4,670,920.00 Appropriations Grant Fund Revenues Amended Budget Final Adjusted Budget Beginning Balance $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Total Appropriations Grant Fund Revenues: $209,000.00 $0.00 Total Appropriations Grant Fund Expenditures: $210,000.00 $1,000.00 Appropriations Grant Fund Ending Balance: $0.00 $0.00 Law Enforcement Special Fund Revenues Amended Budget Final Adjusted Budget Beginning Balance $3,220.00 $1,200.00 Total Law Enforcement Special Fund Revenues: $500.00 $3,700.00 Total Law Enforcement Special Fund Expenditures: $3,500.00 $800.00 Law Enforcement Special Fund Ending Balance: $220.00 $4,100.00 November 19, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 5 of 5 VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED E. Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe voted: Aye. Nays : none. Motion Carried. VII. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Jarriel recommended everyone attend the Farm City Luncheon. Council Member Keefe thanked Staff for another great monthly status report. Council Member Clark invited everyone to attend the 90th anniversary wrap-up party being held at Glades A/C on November 21, 2019, from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. VIII. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 7:22 P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2019, at 6:00 P.M. Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor ATTEST: Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk 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.