2020-05-05 Proclamationsorrice or the mayor
Okeechobee,
S, the City of Okeechobee is committed to recognizing that our growth and strength depends on the safety and
economic value of the homes, buildings and infrastructure that serve our citizens, both in everyday life and in times of
WHEREAS, our confidence in the structural integrity of these buildings that make up our community is achieved through the
devotion of vigilant guardians—building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders,
tradespeople, design professionals, laborers, plumbers and others in the construction industry—who work year-round
to ensure the safe construction of buildings; and
WHEREAS, these guardians are dedicated members of the International Code Council, a U.S. based organization, that br
together local, state and federal officials that are experts in the built environment to create and implement
highest -quality codes to protect us in the buildings where we live, learn, work, play; and
WHEREAS, our nation benefits economically and technologically from using the International Codes that are developed by a
national, voluntary consensus codes and standards developing organization, our government is able to avoid the high
cost and complexity of developing and maintaining these codes, which are the most widely adopted building safety
and fire prevention codes in the world; and
iS, these modern building codes include safeguards to protect the public from natural disasters such as hurricanes,
snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires, floods and earthquake; which, according to a FEMA -commissioned study by
the National Institute of Building Sciences, provide $11 in future mitigation benefits for every dollar invested; and
WHEREAS, Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council to remind the public about the critical role of
our communities' largely unknown protecrors of public safety—our local code officials—who assure us of safe,
efficient and livable buildings that are essential to America's prosperity; and
WHEREAS, 'Safer Buildings, Safer Communities, Safer World," the theme for Building Safety Month 2020, encourages all
Americans to raise awareness of the importance of safe and resilient construction; fire prevention; disaster mitigation,
and new technologies in the construction industry. Building Safety Month 2020 encourages appropriate steps
everyone can take to ensure the safety of our built environment, and recognizes that the implementation of safety
THEREFORE, 1, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee,
Florida, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2020 as 'Building Safety Month."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, on May 5, 2020, 1 have
set my hand and caused this seal to be affixed
E�
Office of the Mayor �'-�•_.._
Okeechobee, Florida
WHEREAS, Code Enforcement Officers provide for the safety, health and we fare of ti
citizens in this community through the enforcement of building, zoning, housing, anim
control, fire safety, environmental and other codes and ordinances; and
WHEREAS, Code Enforcement Officers are often not credited for the jobs that they do
saving lives and improving neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, every day, assisted by support and program staff, they attempt to provide guali
customer service to the public for the betterment of the community; and
WHEREAS, too many times their efforts go unnoticed, even after code compliance has bei
accomplished due to their efforts and expertise; and
WHEREAS, Code Enforcement Officers are dedicated, well trained, and highly responsib
individuals who take their jobs seriously and are proud of their department and the loc
government within which they serve; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Association of Code Enforcement has declared the first week of Jul
be set aside by local government to honor and recognize their Code Enforceme�
Officers.
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 June 1-5, 2020, as "Code
Enforcement Ofacers'Appreciation Week" in the City of Okeechobee.
In witness whereof, on May 5, 2020, 1 have set
my hand and caused this seal to be affixed
Dowling,K. Watford, JP., Mayor
Attest:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
Office of the Mayor
Okeechobee, Florida
Whereas, the mental health of every citizen, family, business owner and resident of
Okeechobee is a critical factor in its emotional and economic stability; and
Whereas, mental health is as essential to maintaining overall health as physical
health; and
Whereas, everyone encounters periods of stress and fear in their lives, but should
have adequate, ample, accessible resources to mental health care when it's
needed; and
Whereas, only 5o percent of Americans with a serious mental health illness seek
treatment, while loo percent of illnesses are treatable; and
Whereas, stigma is often the key limiting factor to treatment; and
Whereas, we the Mayor, City Council and Citizens of Okeechobee strive to be a
community who supports mental wellness, including greater access to
treatment, increasing educational tools and resources for our citizens, and
continually supporting those citizens with mental health illnesses.
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 the
month of May 202o, as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in the City of
Okeechobee.
In witness whereof, on May 5, 2020, I have
set my hand and caused this seal to be affixed
Dowlin � atf d, ., ayor
Attest: �'t�_-
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk