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2020-05-19 Handwritten MinutesCITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA MAY 19, 2020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY LANE GAMIOTEA I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order ars Tuesday, May 19, 2020, -at—' '�� P.M. in -thy; City Council Chambers, 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida. The meeting was also broadcasted by means of using Zoom.com Meeting ID 2459713294 with the Host computer operated by Executive Assistant Robin Brock. The video, audio, and digital comments are recorded and retained as a permanent record. - A. The invocation was offered by rd. B. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Watford. II. ATTENDANCE B. Council Member moved to approve the agenda as seconded by Council Member IT) Mayor �fWatford Council Members Abney, Clark Jarriel , Keefe 1 Motion " arri d/Denied. C. There were no agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public - j q participation for any issues not on the agenda. G►7 L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 1 of 8 PRESENT ABSENT VIA ZOOM? Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr. Council Member Wes Abney Council Member Clark Council Member Jarriel Council Member Keefe City Attorney John Fumero City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca Police Chief Bob Peterson Fire Chief Herb Smith Public Works Director David Allen -- Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins Executive Assistant Robin Brock - - Finance Director India Riedel III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. Requests for the addition, deferral, or withdrawal of agenda items. B. Council Member moved to approve the agenda as seconded by Council Member IT) Mayor �fWatford Council Members Abney, Clark Jarriel , Keefe 1 Motion " arri d/Denied. C. There were no agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public - j q participation for any issues not on the agenda. G►7 L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 1 of 8 i IV. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS - A. V. Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of May 17 through 23, 2020 as "National Public Works Week." The document was presented to (5_01Y Fer U L4U, and was read into the record as -follows: "Whereas, public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the citizens of the City of Okeechobee; and Whereas, these infrastructure, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers and employees at all levels of governments and the private sector, who aTe responsible for rebuilding, improving and protecting our nation's transportation, water - supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and Whereas, it - - - -- is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children in the City of Okeechobee to gain knowledge of and -to maintain a progressive interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and Whereas, the year 2020 marks the 60th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association/Canadian Public Works Association; and Whereas, this year's theme is `The Rhythm of Public Works' as we celebrate the hard work and dedication of the many public works professionals throughout the world. Now Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, do hereby proclaim the week of May 17 through 23, 2020, as `NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK' in We City of Okeechobee, and call thupon all citizens to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and quality of life." i'�u t 2�.w� -rb UYvLC1�u.yly +-�Gt �I''�-�..��,�--%�' t- h.� �Y�ftJ11�- � CONSENT AGEND���-Z����:� A motion was made by 8ouncil Member i to approve the consent _`agenda items -A through B [March 11, 2020, Town Hall meeting mimes; April _ 2020 Warrant Register in the amounts: General Fund $571,611.71, Public " Facilities Improvement Fund $47,698.62, Capital Improvement Projects Fund $1,765.00, and Law Enforcement -Special Fund $150.00, the complete list is included in the minute file; seconded by Council Member Ij (' Mayor Watford `i Council Members Abney � Clark,, Jarriel_, Keefe. Motion,Carrie Denied. VI. NEW BUSINESS Update from Tiffany Collins, Florida Department of Health Okeechobee County, regarding COVID-19. -- .1e` k1 i?lily 01 elo 1 r ^f o r oQ L. Garniotea Handwritten Minutes Page 2 of 8 c�,Q op, \► •1111MIM . ` � E r s .��< <►!tet' � owl.AWM .�c �1 m— ITwWalm LC B. Appoint a new Planning Board/Board of Adjustment/Design Review Board Alternate Member [as provided in Exhibit 1].- . Council Memberi` moved to appoint Michael C-�€oeeer]oseph Papasso-) as an Alternate Member for the Planning Board/Board of Adjustment/Design Review Board, term being May 20, 2020 through April 30, 'I 2023; seconded by Council Member Mayor( Watford Council Members A ney�, Clark Y , Jarriel Keefe , Motion Carried/Denied. C. Discuss Public Works asphalt sidewalk and striping work plans [asrovided Uu- r p in Exhibit 2]. - Public Works Director Allen explained in a memorandum, included with Exhibit 2,1 that the paving plan is based on a survey that he completed by driving all City streets in February 2020. The ranking is subjective based on conditions he experienced in the field. He has included a calculation of the annual cost to resurface all the roads in the City based on a 50 -year cycle. The City currently piggyback's an Okeechobee County Agreement with C.W. Roberts. r rThe sidewalk plan was based on a survey completed by Maintenance-- - ---=- --- Foreman Marvin Roberts. The plan includes two recommended projects as well as an assessment of adding Americans with Disabilities Act ramps in the downtown area. The striping plan is based on a cycle of every two years for the primary streets in the downtown area and a four year cycle for streets in other areas of the City. QCCeo ,�- ILN.. �. (� �� IS 11-� .,<� II IIS►► � ' ��! �I t IM-4 IIPage of _1 )JA- Amend Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget as presented [as provided in Exhibit 3]. A motion was made by Council Member to approve the proposed [Mid -yeah Amended Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget [as provided in Exhibit 3]; seconded by Council Member Proposed Amendments Adopted Amendment Total Supplies and Other Services Page 1 - General Fund $82,800.00 Beginning Fund Balance $4,342,501.00 Total Revenues $7,568,165.00 Expenditures: Legislative $334,722.00 Expenditures: Executive $250,420.00 Expenditures: City Clerk $281,875.00 Expenditures: Financial Services $342,075.00 - Expenditures: Legal Counsel $145,500.00 Expenditures: General Services $535,227.00 Expenditures: Law Enforcement $2,803,334.00 -Expenditures: Fire Protection $1,642,577.00 Total General Expenditures $7,568,165.00 -Fiscal Year Ending Fund Balance $4,342,501.00 Page 55General Fund, Legislative Operations & Supplies 3400 Other Contract Services $95,500.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $222,190.00 Grand Total for Department $334,722.00 Page 7 --General Fund, Executive Supplies & Other Services 4609 R&M Equipment $1,600.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $36,990.00 Grand Total for Department $250,420.00 Page 9 — General Fund, Clerk Supplies & Other Services Mid -Year $4,342,503.00 $7,568,167.00 $339,722.00 $250,970.00 $282,475.00 $350,975.00 $170,125.00 $551,967.00 $2,809,734.00 $1,710.651.00 $7,699,054.00 $4,211,616.00 $100,500.00 $227,190.00 $339,722.00 $2,150.00 $37,540.00-- $250,970.00 37,540.00 -$250,970.00 4609 R&M Equipment $10,115.00 $10,715.00_ Total Supplies and Other Services $82,200.00 $82,800.00 Grand Total for Department _ $281,875.00 $282,475.00 Page 10 — General Fund, Legal Services Supplies & Other Services $535,227.00 2300 Health Insurance $10,850.00 $2,675.00 3100 Professional Services $80,000.00 $112,800.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $145,500.00 — $170,125.00 Grand Total for Department $145,500.00 $170,125.00 Page 12 — General Fund, Finance Supplies & Other Services 3400 Other Contractual Services $40,500.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $132,065.00 Grand Total for Department $342,075.00 Page 14 — General Fund, General Services Supplies & Other Services $49,400.00 $140,965.00 $350,975.00 3400 Other Contractual Services $90,260.00 $104,260.00 4609 R&M Building Equipment $29,773.00 $32,513.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $364,877.00 $381,617.00 Grand Total for Department $535,227.00 $551,967.00 Page 16 — General Fund, Police Supplies & Other Services 4609 R&M Equipment $27,550.00 $33,950.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $433,364.00 $439,764.00 Grand Total for Department .-----$2,803,334.00 $2,809,734.00 Page 17 — General Fund, Fire Personnel Cost 1400 Overtime $51,600.00 $59,100.00 2100 FICA $70,850.00 $71,424.00 Total Personnel Costs $1,420,350.00 $1,428,424.00 Page 18 — General Fund, Fire Sup-priess —& Other Services 4901 Education $11,000.00 $71,000.00 Total Supplies and Other Services -- $222,227.00 $282,227.00 Grand Total for Department $1,642,577.00 $1,710,651.00 L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 4 of 8 'ages 2 to 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, and 19 to 20 of the General Fund Budget include no changes, is the proposed amendment amounts presented mirror those of the October 1, 2019 adopted amounts. Page 21 – Public Facilities Improvement Fund 301-549-6301 Scop Improvements $532,488.00 $554,955.00 Total Expenditures $1,047,988.00$1,070,455.00 Ending Fund Balance $885,631.00 y $863,164.00 Page 22 of the Public Facilities mp`I ravement Fund reflect no C anges from those of the October 1, 2019 adopted amounts. Page 23 – Capital Improvement Projects Fund �Ut'` 304-511-6400 Administration Capital-- -$6,000.00 $8,000.00 304-519-6400 General Services Capital $57,400.00 $58,750.00 304-521-6400 Law Enforcement Capital $341,540.00 —m- $169,540.00 304-549-6401 Parks Capital Improvement $87,000.00 $168,000.00 Total Expenditures $790,940.00 $703,290.00 Ending Fund Balance $2,249,349.00 $2,336,999.00 Page 24 – Capital Improvement Projects Fund Specific Projected Costs/Estimates The Administration Capital increased by $2,000.00 which reflects the purchase of additional laptop software and security; General Services Capital increased by $1,350.00 which reflects the Security 101 change order and the purchase of a laptop; Law Enforcement Capital decreased by $172,000.00 which reflects the change in purchasing vehicles and equipment; and Parks Capital increased by $81,000.00 due to the additional costs of the Centennial Park Pavilion and Restroom Bid amount. Mayor Watford Y , Keefe Mo Carried enied. 9UA�-&4"L lo 4- (/ t 0,1 N 4 Council Members Abney_ L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 5 of 8 �� W Oek� &La�o Px-x4ryic.u,J nsider a letter of support from the- Cattlemen's Association to increase gotiated cattle purchases [as provided in Exhibit 4]. F. Discuss Fire Services Interlocal provided by Okeechobee Countv fas provided Exhibitin y ■I � / _ r Nr-:. -A W1 I • /I� • j Lei `� I � EmsEll I `l JIM . Rn 73 L�, I L-.1• 1 L��. 4� s� NOT r—I ion A � � .�'!t� � � '>t 11,E ' �.%�....�•. ���Wffodw MUM lic .1 0' I 144 J L. Garniotea Handwritten Minutes Page 6 of 8 I I a -- IM "ArMNAW1,09 MTM OR 1 -M., W�w w 1� G ..5F S, n �ornn�� i. �04AV� _PCLV ■Var�l% 1 � ' � � 1 � 1 � " L..w � __ _ ^ + �• ' � �� � 111 RX ME C iW MPA ° o (A CL ren s, 7)- MWIT-71 W-1 a 1 �' El - "A ct Ai) LlaA&:'LN a Ann Conduct the City Administrator's Annual Evaluation. L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 7 of 8 COUNCIL COMMENTS VIII. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 8 of 8 _ m CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA _ a MAY 19, 2020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING • „5. HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY BOBBIE JENKINS i I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida. The meeting was also broadcasted by means of using Zoom.com Meeting ID 2459713294 with the Host computer operated by Executive Assistant Robin Brock. The video, audio, and digital comments are recorded and retained as a permanent record. A. The invocation was offered by Council Member Jarriel. B. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Watford. II. ATTENDANCE City Clerk Lane 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 Attorney John Fumero, City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca, Police Chief Bob Peterson, Fire Chief Herb Smith, Public Works Director David Allen, Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins, Finance Director India Riedel, and Executive Assistant Robin Brock were present. III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. New Business Item VI.E was withdrawn. B. Council Member BJ moved to approve the agenda as amended; seconded by Council Member MC. Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe voted: Aye. Nays: none. Motion Carried. C. There were no agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public participation for any issues not on the agenda. IV. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of May 17 through 23, 2020 as "National Public Works Week." The document was presented to Director Allen, and was read into the record as follows: "Whereas, public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the citizens of the City of Okeechobee; and Whereas, these infrastructure, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers and employees at all levels of governments and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving and protecting our nation's transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and Whereas, it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children in the City of Okeechobee to gain knowledge of and to maintain a progressive interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and Whereas, the year 2020 marks the 60th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association/Canadian Public Works Association; and Whereas, this year's theme is `The Rhythm of Public Works' as we celebrate the hard work and dedication of the many public works professionals throughout the world. Now Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, do hereby proclaim the week of May 17 through 23, 2020, as `NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK' in B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 1 of 14 V. VI the City of Okeechobee, and call upon all citizens to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and quality of life." DA -thanked the Mayor and Council. This is my time to brag on my people, I'm proud that they're always willing to step up. Cleaning the picnic tables in the morning, no matter what we ask them to do they will do it. Trash on the main highways picked up, put together a playground, rewarding to see the children playing. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Council Member _MC to approve the consent agenda items A through B [March 11, 2020, Town Hall meeting minutes; April 2020 Warrant Register in the amounts: General Fund $571,611.71, Public Facilities Improvement Fund $47,698.62, Capital Improvement Projects Fund $1,765.00, and Law Enforcement Special Fund $150.00, the complete list is included in the minute file; seconded by Council Member _BK Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe voted: Aye. Nays: none. Motion Carried. NEW BUSINESS A. Update from Tiffany Collins, Florida Department of Health Okeechobee County, regarding COVID-19. 6:30 pm -Just a quick update, so the governor sent out 20-123 whole state of florida in full phase 1, opens of FL to 50% restaurants, barbershops, retail open, social distancing guidelines. DOH FL 46944 cases, in state, 2052 desaths 4.4%, hospitalization 8494, in Okee 45 cases, 1169 tested (not included 2nd round of nursing home, grand oaks), communicable tab will be updated tonight. 3.8% positivity rate but not including the nursing home, grand oaks. Recovery data is still not being posted to the dashbaoard. The CDC looking to get a consistent agreement on what day each state would want the info updated, 14 days after symptoms minus deaths is the consensus. Cases in US over 1.5 million, locally ] Looking to expand testing, updated symptom criteria (add the same as last time). Please be sure to call med provider or DOH FCHC, Urgent Care and Walmart testing site. Private organization providing testing. We are continuing to trying to prevent covid in community through social distancing, masks, hand washing, etc. Protecting elderly and vulnerable population. DW -thanks for the update, saw your post on Facebook about keeping vigilant with social distancing. One question, 8 cases from yesterday, do you know is there any particular reason? TC -8 cases may have included from our particular outbreak and DJJ facility and just individuals in the community. Not necessarily all 8 from DJJ, continue to be vigilant with social distancing and recommendations from CDC. 6 -ft apart, wash hands at least 20 seconds, hand sanitizer 60% alcohol. DW -no other questions from Council. DW -Tiffany not with us by Zoom, no update. I did notice our cases were up substantially today. Local SOE extended until this meeting. Would we like to extend the local state of emergency, county extending on a weekly basis. Resolution follows the governors new extended local state of emergency to July 1, 2020. Council Member _BK_ moved to approve proposed Resolution No. 2020-06 extending the local State of Emergency to July 1, 2020, unless the Mayor terminates it earlier; seconded by Council Member _MC "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA EXTENDING THE PUBLIC HEALTH ENERGENCY DUE TO CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19) THROUGH JULY 1, 2020; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE." There was no discussion on this item. MDO-trying to get a hold of Tiffany. DW -if she does come on, will work that in. Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe voted: Aye. Nays: none. Motion Carried. B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 2 of 14 B. Appoint a new Planning Board/Board of Adjustment/Design Review Board Alternate Member [as provided in Exhibit 11. DW -We will be presenting mr. mccreary with a certificate at a later date, but he would not like to attend the meeting. Council Member _BK_ moved to appoint Joseph Papasso as an Alternate Member for the Planning Board/Board of Adjustment/Design Review Board, term being May 20, 2020 through April 30, 2023; seconded by Council Member BJ No discussion on this item. Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe voted: Aye. Nays: none. Motion Carried. C. Discuss Public Works asphalt, sidewalk, and striping work plans [as provided in Exhibit 21. BK -thank you to David and public works for putting this together, harped on MDO a few times. Constituent have been asking and I feel its very crucial to have a plan in place for maintenance and its informative and helpful with budget. You're always gonna have issues come up, but a plan to follow and goal set will make us proactive. I've wanted this discussion, I added because I had some questions and to make it public. DA -start with pavement plan. Methodology: it all depends on how much money to spend, and we elected not to go down those roads. Did personally drive all streets in the City. It was based on getting out n the field and looking at the conditions. $140k per year reoccurring costs. Look at when we start the budget process next year. Im working with CW Roberts, there's some quantities we are going back and forth on. SW 21St street where they went and did the drainage program and theres a lot of dips in the road. SW 9t" Ave and NW 9t" St, serious problems with asphalt separting. Sidewalks-formean identified priorities. Trying to balance the need for ADA parking and some projects that we have coming on line. Again trying to valance the various needs. Striping -we set an aggressive schedule. I sat in my office eand divided things up and looked at it, I will admit I was pretty optimistic. Waiting about 4 months for a new pump on our sprayer. Definitely paying attention to the downtown area. DW -I would like to echo CM BK comments. Very detailed and good plan. I have one question on South Park Street ADA Ramp installation West 500 Block, Pg 64 of 120, but I see there's no, on the south side of park street, theres no ADA ramp in that block. MDO-in front of Gladys, Nutmegs, OUA DW -yes, I assume the red grid lines is the handicap ramp? So im just wondering if there's some reason why we don't have one there or is there a need? I know we lose some space because of the driveway behind OUA. BK -ADA ramps at the beginning of each corner, and its half way. WA -the markings that you have in the center of the park (CR8 on the West 500 block) add a handicap parking space? DW -in the middle of the block MDO-yes and that's what we talked about. We are going to lose a couple of spaces. WA -have we determined how many spaces we need per park? DW -basically adding one and each side of ghe aprk MDO-we will be close to and exceed the requirements for ADA, the side street parking counts toward it. WA -so we need to add those to meet the minimum MDO-correct B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 3 of 14 A DA -we are also incorporating adding ADA spots with the FDOT resurfacing grants. DW -business owners understand that they are goingt o lose some spots, I happened to be at one the places that needed a ramp. WA -do we have a timeline on when all of this is going to be done, and what is priority? DA -with the downtown, start at 441 and move west. It doesn't make much sense to me to hodge podge. All the downtown park ramps 3-4 years to do them all, ADA does not require how quick to get them down, program safeguards the city with ADA. We want to do the ramps anyway but we are looking at liability wise. BK -scrolling back up to the sidewalk projects, I appreciate you adding in 2ndary and future projects. SE 6t" Ave 1000 linear feet from the new centennial park. Could possibly completed this year? DA -problem with that is getting the Easements from property owners to complete that segement. Have already talked to the Attorney. MDO-we currently meet ADA now and overall parking with the North South, the concern is from the citizens to access the park. When we put them in, it will be the center or the ends. There may be a little discussion for loss of parking. Lose 2 spaces for every one. We meet them for Park Street collectively. WA -so if we have enough parking spots for th park, why are we putting the parking spot at the center, the crossing is at the end. MDO-idea to add ADA access to the siedwalks, and the business side is shorter distance to ADA access DW -basically adding more to both sides of the park to give access to the park. MDO-when we close the stretees, we lose handicap. DA -bid for sidewalks, Attorney is finalizing, should be about another week, include ada ramps, concrete and sidewalks. Public Works Director Allen explained in a memorandum, included with Exhibit 2, that the paving plan is based on a survey that he completed by driving all City streets in February 2020. The ranking is subjective based on conditions he experienced in the field. He has included a calculation of the annual cost to resurface all the roads in the City based on a 50 -year cycle. The City currently piggyback's an Okeechobee County Agreement with C.W. Roberts. The sidewalk plan was based on a survey completed by Maintenance Foreman Marvin Roberts. The plan includes two recommended projects as well as an assessment of adding Americans with Disabilities Act ramps in the downtown area. The striping plan is based on a cycle of every two years for the primary streets in the downtown area and a four year cycle for streets in other areas of the City. Amend Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget as presented [as provided in Exhibit 3]. A motion was made by Council Member _BJ_ to approve the proposed [Mid- year] Amended Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget [as provided in Exhibit 3]; seconded by Council Member _WA_ Proposed Amendments Adopted Mid -Year Amendment Page 1 - General Fund Beginning Fund Balance $4,342,501.00 $4,342,503.00 Total Revenues $7,568,165.00 $7,568,167.00 Expenditures: Legislative $334,722.00 $339,722.00 Expenditures: Executive $250,420.00 $250,970.00 Expenditures: City Clerk $281,875.00 $282,475.00 Expenditures: Financial Services $342,075.00 $350,975.00 Expenditures: Legal Counsel $145,500.00 $170,125.00 Expenditures: General Services $535,227.00 $551,967.00 Expenditures: Law Enforcement $2,803,334.00 $2,809,734.00 Expenditures: Fire Protection $1,642,577.00 $1,710.651.00 Total General Expenditures $7,568,165.00 $7,699,054.00 Fiscal Year Ending Fund Balance $4,342,501.00 $4,211,616.00 Page 5 — General Fund, Legislative Operations & Supplies 3400 Other Contract Services $95,500.00 $100,500.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $222,190.00 $227,190.00 Grand Total for Department $334,722.00 $339,722.00 B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 4 of 14 Page 7 — General Fund, Executive Supplies & Other Services 4609 R&M Equipment $1,600.00 $2,150.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $36,990.00 $37,540.00 Grand Total for Department $250,420.00 $250,970.00 Page 9 — General Fund, Clerk Supplies & Other Services $535,227.00 4609 R&M Equipment $10,115.00 $10,715.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $82,200.00 $82,800.00 Grand Total for Department $281,875.00 $282,475.00 Page 10 — General Fund, Legal Services Supplies & Other Services 2300 Health Insurance $10,850.00 $2,675.00 3100 Professional Services $80,000.00 $112,800.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $145,500.00 $170,125.00 Grand Total for Department $145,500.00 $170,125.00 Page 12 — General Fund, Finance Supplies & Other Services 3400 Other Contractual Services $40,500.00 $49,400.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $132,065.00 $140,965.00 Grand Total for Department $342,075.00 $350,975.00 Page 14 — General Fund, General Services Supplies & Other Services 3400 Other Contractual Services $90,260.00 $104,260.00 4609 R&M Building Equipment $29,773.00 $32,513.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $364,877.00 $381,617.00 Grand Total for Department $535,227.00 $551,967.00 Page 16 — General Fund, Police Supplies & Other Services 4609 R&M Equipment $27,550.00 $33,950.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $433,364.00 $439,764.00 Grand Total for Department $2,803,334.00 $2,809,734.00 Page 17 — General Fund, Fire Personnel Cost 1400 Overtime $51,600.00 $59,100.00 2100 FICA $70,850.00 $71,424.00 Total Personnel Costs $1,420,350.00 $1,428,424.00 Page 18 — General Fund, Fire Supplies & Other Services 4901 Education $11,000.00 $71,000.00 Total Supplies and Other Services $222,227.00 $282,227.00 Grand Total for Department $1,642,577.00 $1,710,651.00 Pages 2 to 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, and 19 to 20 of the General Fund Budget include no changes, as the proposed amendment amounts presented mirror those of the October 1, 2019 adopted amounts. Page 21 — Public Facilities Improvement Fund 301-549-6301 Scop Improvements $532,488.00 $554,955.00 Total Expenditures $1,047,988.00 $1,070,455.00 Ending Fund Balance $885,631.00 $863,164.00 Page 22 of the Public Facilities Improvement Fund reflect no changes from those of the October 1, 2019 adopted amounts. Page 23 — Capital Improvement Projects Fund 304-511-6400 Administration Capital $6,000.00 $8,000.00 304-519-6400 General Services Capital $57,400.00 $58,750.00 304-521-6400 Law Enforcement Capital $341,540.00 $169,540.00 304-549-6401 Parks Capital Improvement $87,000.00 $168,000.00 Total Expenditures $790,940.00 $703,290.00 Ending Fund Balance $2,249,349.00 $2,336,999.00 Page 24 — Capital Improvement Projects Fund Specific Projected Costs/Estimates The Administration Capital increased by $2,000.00 which reflects the purchase of additional laptop software and security; General Services Capital increased by $1,350.00 which reflects the Security 101 change order and the purchase of a laptop; Law Enforcement Capital decreased by $172,000.00 which reflects the change in purchasing vehicles and equipment; and Parks Capital increased by $81,000.00 due to the additional costs of the Centennial Park Pavilion and Restroom Bid amount. IR -not exactly the best news I'm going to be presented. I am asking to increase it. Thank Chief Smith and the FF"s keeping the podium clean. What you have before you, tried to make it very concise, listing what the current budget was on specific line items, what the change is, with the proposed on the end. We can go page by page or refer to consolidated. We will add the $300K grant. Reviewed expenditure changes page 2 of exhibit. Most adjustments are based on COVID- 19, we will be requesting refund of these funds. Show FEMA. Presently only have 6 FF's attending (6*6000=36000) **add in Grant Fund info. B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 5 of 14 E F MDO-centennial pavilion did not spend those dollars last year, carried forward to this year so that's why the amount looks so high. Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe voted: Aye. Nays: none. Motion Carried. ITEM WITHDRAWN - Consider a letter of support from the Cattlemen's Association to increase negotiated cattle purchases [as provided in Exhibit 4]. Discuss Fire Services Interlocal provided by Okeechobee County [as provided in Exhibit 5]. Dw-thought perhaps the best thing to do and handle this, is to let the Administrator go over his memo and discuss that with us, then let each council member maybe give their thoughts and then open it up for public comment. That way the public can hear our discussion and possibly answer their questions or generate others. Remind you we received an email from ECOK, copy of hard copy as well. Provided public comments that were given to the clerk and we will read those into the record during the public comment section. Before we begin any discussion, I just want to be sure we have a consensus of the council to continue (yes). MDO-just in summary the memo, and I had some discussion with staff (finance, hr, legal) and to get back to the management operation. Go item by item, more of a managerial review, come from a policy decision, standpoint from Council as discussed with Fumero, Council's pleasure how ever you want to start.. DW -like for you to give us, not the long version, MDO-highlights Page 1 Page 2 -inspections, BTR plan review, open end on dates and times, so those reviews and inspections need to be timely, turn out very quickly and I want whoever provides the service, we keep the high level, references with us and OUA, if we're not going to be in the fire service, we're not going to be in the hydrant testing service either, request the fee schedule to review and adopt, if they are collecting fees, if we're paying for the inspector those fees come back to City. Timeline changed due to COVID and FF's completion of paramedic certification. They double count and tell us how each increase is added, seem to be included already. Payments for us, one lump sum at the beginning of the year, rather be quarterly due to ad valorem revenue, just like other services ie animal control. Only avenues for increases, no options for negotiations, or decrease. One of the items they proposed overall increase and divide by 7 for the union negotiations. Page 4 -personnel one of the items the council have directed us to provide preference in hiring city employees regardless of county of residency because we have some who don't live in okee county. MDO NEEDS MORE DIRECTION FROM COUNCIL AS THESE ARE HIS PERSONAL ITEMS. DW -particular comments on particular items you'd like to address. As I did mention, we do have recommendations from the ECOK. We will start with WA. WA -Start off with Page 1 going section by section, don't know how productive that will be. Just go page by page? Page 1 -adding Whereas, WA ok with that. BK -mentioned same level of fire protection, we haven't defined that, when I first read it, to me it sounded like we're insinuating that the OCFR isn't as good as OCF. Then isn't ISO generated for automatic aid agreement, does that effect our ISO rating, if so we can't expect them to maintain that. DW -that is one factor they consider. I think we were told by the county one of those discussions was the ISO rating, the rating would not change if this was to go through. HS -that's what they indicated but I don't know how you can predict something like that. BJ -we were told it would continue to be a 3 or go lower and it would not affect h/o insurance. DW -1 guess we have a consensus that the Whereas is ok? Page 2 -do we agree with the time of 7 days for an inspection? B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 6 of 14 MDO-BTR review. WA-does the City have a minimum in writing MDO-not in writing but administrative standpoint 30-days is unacceptable. BK-1 agree there should be an expectation. Just wanted to be sure we're not. DW-14 days HS-we provide 7-10 MC-county doesn't provide that WA-im good with 14 DW-OUA good with that? Skip effective date. DW-ECOK suggest do a 5year contract BK-agree 5 year is more appropriate, majority of commissioners commented about the time frame Wa-fine with 5 year BJ-their attorney said 3 yr is short term, 5 yr is more appropriate DW-leaning toward 5 year WA-discuss the base pay. I remember throughout this whole process, we've gotten spreadsheets. I know that the County has a fee schedule that they go off of and the assessment that they use and it seems to work for them, whatever their calculation they use in the County for assessment, why not use the same calculation for the city and use that cost. DW-amount the fire tax would generate in the city would be the fee. Instead of doing all this calculation. WA-that's it, there wouldn't be any extras. DW-no adjustments, maintenance, 10% of building. Basially suggesting what the eCOK provides? WA-yes BJ-1 think that we be much fairer to do that. I don't think we should lease this equipment, it should be their responsibility, I don't want to cover maintenance or replacement ro a building, we just need to go with a fee. BK-agree MC-agree DW-so we are agreeing then, takes care of vehicles, insurance, building, WA-we do need to discuss the vehicle themselves, do we sell them for a $1, at some point, not now DW-interlocal, leasing $1 per yeaer. Consensus was what the Council wanted to do, we didn't want to sell them, we gave he county that direction. WA-1 apologize but I don't recall a consensus on leasing the equipment but I may be wrong, DW-do you have a suggestion WA-I say we sell the equipment at a fair price, legal way of doing it, DW-not a $1 WA-that I don't know yet] BJ-more in favor of giving the equipment to the county. They've already paid for it so why pay twice. Don't want to see them pay for anything twice. DW-bsaically give it BK-I agree with BJ and I like ugh CM Abney, my memory is horrible, but regardless if we did have a consensus it was certainly before this ame. Purchase amount being $1 and hand over everything. MC-clarify that we're talking about one ladder truck, fire engine, MDO-ladder truck, engine, bunker gear, radios, air packs MC-i agree if we're goingn to do this contract that equipment goes with the contract DW-do we all agree, your recommending that we don't give them a vehicle for th einspector MDO-correct, we could give them one of the public works trucks, but it may be difficult in the coming years. DW-is everyone in agreement with that. Other comments MC-can I go back to the comments about the money that WA was referring to regarding the assessment collection. I would like to say NTE that. Cover 300 fire calls and $700k seems like a lot of money for that. Pretty expensive, if youre spreading it over the county, there should be a maximum amount Dw-make a comment, I think everybody knows my feelings. I have said from day 1 if we were going to do this, it should be done doing a fire tax, tell the county we are getting out of the fire business as of this date and have the fire tax assessed B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 7 of 14 to city businesses. That saves us the entire fire budget basically. Now um since we've discussed this, its been suggested to me that if we do it this way and they accept that, that at some point you can convert to do that. I agree with MC 100% if that were done, that should lower the fire tax for everybody. Now whether it would or onot, that's up to the County. MC -i think people need to understand that the reason we can't do the fire assessment in the county because we asked for referendum, and the county said legally that they are not interested in doing a referendum as FS requires. DW -since then, I have been told that theres another way to do it. I believe it was zephryhills and they disbanded their FD effective Jan 1, then the County was liable for Fire Protection so it did not take a referendum. Legal advice on that, but understand that is how it could work. Referendum is another ball of wax. BK -I have one other question regarding base payments, couple months ago did we pay for the addition of the city area to be included in the County fire study? MDo-council's direction was not to move forward BJ -if this proposal went through, they'll have to do a fire assessment next year? DW -1 think they have a fire assessment study in the works, I don't know if its currently being updated do to requirements. MDO-1 know they're doing an assessment not inclusive of the City. My understanding, I don't think we can do an assessment next year. But we'll verify. MC -can I ask a uestion regarding that, part of contract that at end of certain time frame, direct that, at the end of 3 yers goes to fire assessment. JF -create a cooperative process with the County to come to a decision, then you get into the current commission binding a future commission, and they can not. Agreed on a process to get to a referendum. They can't say we will do one in 5 years because it's up to the elected officials at that time. MC -if we are still in contract, can you do a fire assessment without an active fire department JF -I don't know, will look into. MC -people keep saying they want to vote on it but the county said no. DW -we said we wanted a contract by consensus too. MDO-employees WA -retirement plan liability: City still? Want some clarification on that. Something the city would pay for regardless. BK -they're on a different retirement plan, so we'd be liable for that. WA -section 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 — who pays for those costs? DW -we are obligated and liable. MDO-right now we have asked the fire pension to do a study right now to give us that liability. Let the Council know that it is over 100% funded, the earned benefit they have when they leave they keep. When it comes to reports, records retention, etc. I'll defer to the Attorney. JF -any of those liabilities or responsibilities will remain from the City. WA -Section 5 page 4 of 10, county saying they would be hiring 6 FF/paramedic and 1 inspector. There is no guarantees that they will take our city FF's. I know we've sent 6 to paramedic school. I'd like to somehow address that to where that they will give us some guarantee that they will take our ff's longevity as well. DW -there reasoning is because of their collective bargaining agreement with their fire union that they can't provide that wording/guarantee. I have no idea what theyre CBA says but apparently they're attorney drew this up. III ask the attorney JF -I have not reviewed their CBA, that appears to be a limimtation. You need to give us a direction of what your priorities are and what's important. DW -one of the tiems should be that they give our FF's preferential hiring and somewhere close to their experience.e BJ -definitely want to protect the firemen. Palm Beach County can't hire and bring them in at a different level than what they advertise for. BK-protectino of FF"s is tpo priority. Going forward, no barriers or obstacles, I think our direction to staff should be to negotiate all of our ff's should be taken on with time in service and rate of pay, the union represents them and lets go from there. MC -i agree and I would like to include the inspector in that so a total of 7, with their years of service. What I understand is when PB County took over, they did bring them in at their current rank and pay, new positions at entry level. BK -page 3 of memo eluded to page 6 section 16, green light? Did we give him guidance. Make sure we are giving guidance. B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 8 of 14 MDO-with that when it comes to time, do we still want reports, that was also referenced in the memorandum. Im just tying the two together. Gives me what the reports are quarterly, it would be in that quarterly report. BJ -I think we should, consensus yes BK -I don't want the administrator to ask again or delay because we don't. Page 6 Section 9 use of bays and building for storage. Guidance needed MDO-previous discussions I would prefer the County not be here, but if its recommended. BK -I think its appropriate to add that language, not appropriate to be running calls, don't agree with quarterly payments if we go away with the building. MDo-formulate the comment. When you do a fire assessment, the number incorporates everything, the citizens are already paying for it. The county should have the funds in the assessment to build the building, purchase equipment, etc. BK -charge them for usage of bay? If we're not paying for the building DW -don't mind year but don't want to charge them, and no running calls BK -yes MC -paying for utilities, insurance, and costs for using that space, and if we are already paying them for the use of buildings, why would we incur another costs to house equipment. MDO-operationally next year, we are still going to have a cost for that building. BK -she clarified. DW -leave it in there. MC -overall I get emails, and I asked if the others were getting emails from constituents. (get monica email). JF -the 4.2 performance metric, wanted that in the default section if it's a base to get out of the contract, or a goal? DW -other whereas, I think it should fit under somewhere where we're maintaining a high level of service, or the 2nd whereas, or the next one, or maybe its under one of the terms. JF -just wanted to be sure its not under the default section. Has the city ever formally requested in a letter to BOCC, we would like to have this placed on a referendum and this is why or has this been a conversation. BJ -joint workshop brought up DW -1 think it seems to me that some of their discussions in their meetings, to answer no we have not sent such a request. I think its been understood that they didn't want to do that. MC -i received an email that said that with them...... JF -those are informal MC -so no we have not had an official decline BJ -we don't have paramedics, we've always had the county provide the ems service, 87% of the calls were covered by our fire truck and their truck, but Saturday I met with a lady who owns a business in the city and they're still not open. The taxes are $18000 a year in the City, so when we look at this, we care bout the firemen but we care about the people in the community, with all the money the federal government is spending, we're gonna pay that back, our grandkids, we're gonna do our best to make sure our city residents pay lower taxes. DW -quote Sonny Williamson, loved to watch him conduct a meeting, wish I had the skill level to conduct a meeting. I've heard Sonny Wiliamson ask a question, and he knew the answer, but just to see what he got. He would always say "first of all, we appreciate your comments, please rememver youre addressing the Council, not anyone in the audience, please address your comments to the council. Secondly please don't comment on somebody elses comment, cheer clap boo, very disruptive, appreciate your indulgence. We would like for you to keep your comments civil. Chair does reserve the right to ask you to leave or not make your comments if theyre out of line. Clerk will need your name for the record. Come to the podium. Lalo Rodriguez -my question to the council is I've come to you before about some of these issues, maybe including the fire assessment tax? Am I hearing you right? The county already receives an ems assessment from City residents, if we implement the program, the assessments would negate the costs of the department. DW -I know you made a very good presentation, I can say the way this process is going right now, that's probably something the council idoesn't want to consider B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 9 of 14 at this point, if they were to mege the fire department, that's not a service we would be able to provide. Fellow council, does that go along with what you're thinking. BK -I agree with your statement, just want to express to captain rodriguez, you've presented a very good plan and the presentation was well put together, my concern is the additional costs, the upfront capital expenditures would need to take place, wow, and right now we're now receiving revenues that we budgeted for due to COVID crisis. I apologize if you felt that we dismissed you or shunned you when you made your presentation, the kicking the can comment was directed toward going back and forth with the county. Your comment and presentation is valid, my concern is the upfront costs. How many additional paramedics would we have to hire, vehicles, maintenance, there's a lot more than wha'ts discussed at this level. That's my concern is piling on more costs to the city. I know you expressed revenue from running the ambulance service. I just think there is more long term costs that haven't been discussed. DW -please understand that I agree with their position, but that is their position. Lalo-talked about contract, fire assessment that the county would receive from the City, bring it here instead of giving it all away. DW -I agree if we do not go all the way through this process, if you decide not to do the contract, then we'd address the proposal you gave us. Its premature, because if we're going to merge the fire department, there's no need to discuss adding this for a department we don't have. Frank Wesley Williamson III -thank you for the comments about my dad. Ive been fortunate to get a little bit of his wisdom. Just a couple of issues, $600,000 a year savings, lets not forget about that. We don't know how long the COVID-19 pandemic is going to continue. The city may need that money. I'm vice chair of the economic council, we feel very strongly that the number the county has presented is the number. We think that's a fiar number and hopefully it will drive the entire county fire assessment down. Josh Borgstrom IAFF 2918 President -this contract is not a merger, you keep using the term merger, if this goes through, the doors downstairs close, our chief has already said that they have to go through the process like a new employee. There needs to be something in writing saying that. There's no way we should lose emkployees, we need as many Fireman on the road doing the job they are trained to do in this time. If this contract goes through how it was written, the longevity would be lost to season firefigthers. This has happened everywhere, we need to look at having a true merger and not an interlocal agreement where members of th union will be losing jobs and not guaranteed a job at the County. The Vice President is watching from Zoom and will provide some insight on other processes with history of merging departments, extreme knowledge with contracts throughout the Nation. She's done this a lot. Appreciate you guys having this tonight under the circumstances. We've got to maintain all of our members, make sure they have security if this is to happen, just remember they're still gonna help you if you need it. BK -question, appreciate your stance, all of our intentions never harm any of our FF's, think this boils down to our desire having all of FF's walk across the street, rank, time in service, pay, and I even mentioned the union. Contracts that were like a merger but the FF's merged from the municipality over to the county, great, love to see that agreement to learn from it. In my opinion fo this situation it boils down to a CBA that the county has with the local 2918, so the county's CBA precludes them from hiring/merging our fff's over? Currently in negotiations with the County to make that happen? What is your stance as the president? Josh -100% be willing to open that article, but there is a lot of moving parts, definitely on our radar at this time, not opposed and more than willing to do it. DW -comments from several commissioners that they aren't anxious to open up negotiations, it can be some what delicate. I get the impression from the commissioners that they aren't willing to do that. Josh -pure fact is if we don't ask them, these employees will not be guaranteed a job. Matthew Buxton -Um I would hope that nobody would argue with my ongoing commitment to the community. I am one of the businesses that pay a large amount in taxes. I was told that if you ever want to dabble against somebody, B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 10 of 14 touch their wallet. There a lot of unknowns in this entire plan. What's going to happen in 5 years? My taxes get cranked? I talked to a gentleman who was working with some numbers and it looks like his taxes will go up $6000. 1 try to keep my costs low, and if the taxes go up, I can't afford to do those things. The employees, we want everyone to go, look at 6 maybe 7, these are all of my friends too. When we had a heartattack and death at the masonic lodge and they were extremely fast. County takes 30 minutes to get there. Numeruos times a family member has gone down and the city is there extremely fast. If emails go out, and if we're going to say its our fiscal responsibility to look at every avenue, we need to look at lalo's if its valid. If you're saying that you're not interested in that, then sign the contract, its done. When everything is all said and done, what is my taxes going to be. What is my insurance going to be. Again, the wallet is one thing, emkployees are the other and I know the dedication that these men and women have put into this community. Karyne Brass -jump right to the point that I can't get past. Default scenario that we are gonna farm out for a service that came with the incorporation of the city. Its taken good care of us, our department responds immediately. They're response time is unbelievable. We expect them because we receive them. What does County assess for fire, I know? What's the reduction in taxes if the fire department is eliminated? I have never received a letter from a governing body saying their lowering my taxes. They may assure us a number for the first few years. Five years is a long time to suffer when it comes to something as important as essential services. We question economic development, at the end of the day the ECOK presents $600,000 savings, but I fail to see how it's a valid number, but we've never addressed the licenses to be more viable. If they have a work plan that is viable, lets give them a chance to prove that they can bring the viability of services and provide them to the residents. Continue to base our desirability for quality of life, now we're gonna throw a rock at it. If we're looking to alleviate a crunch, look at polie department, that's more, lets consolidate. Terhe's other savings that can be employed. It's a responsibility to provide essential services, but if there is power in those numbers, you're gonna have a heck of a time picking it back up. But at the end of the day you an't tell me that we can throw this opportunity away when the city can provide the essential services. If the county is tht powerful, close the doors and lets give it to them. If they can do this better, what can't they do better. Precludes the fact that we have a wonderful city and maintained for many years, and been part of our pride. Its amazing that you've taken the time to say there's stipu;ations, we should demand certain considerations that aren't there. SO yes, we need to push back, but don't stop short, if they say theyre not going to do it, if we give the department a chance, at least there will be an earnest effort to retain the service we are accustomed to. Give this serious consideration, things will change 3 or 5 years down the road, its not going to look like it does today if we hand this over. I don't see the churches paying a large amount of money, we can work toward solvency without doing anything brash. We have potential here to retain these services and make that department efficient. They're already walking dow the road to bring fiscal viability. They'll protect us if we'll stand behind them. Bj-we take this very seriously. We're trying to get figures from the county so we can make an intelligent decision. I keep hearing that taxes are going to incurease, we don't have those numbes. We've reduced the taxes, we're paying for certifications. 8:29 recess for a few minutes. 8:38 called back to order. Ms. Tammy R. Barbour emailed: "I am emailing in reference to the City Council Board meeting that is being held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 @ 6:OOpm. It has been brought to my attention that there will be limited seating due to capacity levels, the meeting will also be streamed through Zoom, and concerns and/or comments may be emailed and then read aloud during the meeting by the City Clerk. I would like to add my concerns and comments to be read during said meeting; I have done a little research on several issues with the closure of The City Fire Department. I have read over the proposed contract agreed on by the BOCC that has been forwarded back to The City Council for agreement. I do have several questions regarding this closure. Is not the purpose of the City Council to look after the best interests of the City of Okeechobee residents? Yet, the B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 11 of 14 residents will not have any say so regarding this decision of closing their fire department? Does putting 13 people out of work even cause you to toss and turn at night? This is 13 families that will no longer have this income, 13 families that are going to become the statistic of unemployment. Granted, according to this proposal contract, OCFR will hire six (6) new employees, which NONE of those new positions are guaranteed to any of the 12 firefighters losing their jobs. Sure, they can go elsewhere, which has been said a time or two, where exactly? Fire departments look for recruits fresh out of school that will eventually retire from their station, it's not likely they hire firefighters that are over a certain age. Yes, some of these firefighters have 15-20 years on the job, some even more, however, that also means they're at least 35-45 years old; (if they started this career at 18). How is that looking out for the best interests of your city employees? The OCFD hasn't went over budget in five years, why are they the first to cut because the City of Okeechobee has budget issues? How is it that the current City Attorney came in at a higher bid, but got the job anyway, if the City of Okeechobee is so over budget? Which we can't say "because they are already familiar with everything" because so is the OCFD. Why is the City Fire Captain's proposal not even being seriously considered instead of being tossed away like an obstruction to some backroom plan to shut down the OCFD? Which leads to this; the Florida State Statute 112.313 Section 7A, states; 7) CONFLICTING EMPLOYMENT OR CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIP. (a) No public officer or employee of an agency shall have or hold any employment or contractual relationship with any business entity or any agency which is subject to the regulation of, or is doing business with, an agency of which he or she is an officer or employee, excluding those organizations and their officers who, when acting in their official capacity, enter into or negotiate a collective bargaining contract with the state or any municipality, county, or other political subdivision of the state; nor shall an officer or employee of an agency have or hold any employment or contractual relationship that will create a continuing or frequently recurring conflict between his or her private interests and the performance of his or her public duties or that would impede the full and faithful discharge of his or her public duties. Therefore, I am curious as to how several of the City Council Board Members, do in fact have personal relationships with businesses in Okeechobee and yet sit on the City Council able to vote on such decisions effecting the City of Okeechobee? In closing, I am asking this question for nearly 500 Okeechobee residents (at the time of writing this email), that have signed a petition that was posted on one Facebook page, and shared over a hundred times, have absolutely no say in this decision? Is this not their fire department? Are those not their firefighters? Doesn't the fire trucks and equipment being used belong to them? After all, it is the "tax payers" money that buys such things, is it not? currently do not reside in Okeechobee anymore, but I have many family members that do. I personally know people that are employed by OCFR as well as OCFD, I understand how both departments operate, I also personally know people that have been employed by both departments. When I was made aware that the City of Okeechobee's City Council Board intends to close the Okeechobee City Fire Department, I became very concerned for my children, my grandchildren, many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and their safety. I am also concerned with response times being longer if my family needs assistance. I am concerned for taxes they will now have to absorb because of this closure, and I am concerned for the City of Okeechobee's history being erased as of it never happened. Things such as the OCFD, the City Park, the buildings on park street, the livestock market, these things all make Okeechobee what it is, why is it so important to become "modern" anyway? Why put 13 people in an unemployment line just stop "kicking a can" or "keep up with times"? Ask your residents. This issue, at the very least should be implemented on a ballot for the citizens of Okeechobee to decide, not left up to five people on a board, that claim to have the best interests of these citizens as their main priority. It doesn't seem as if the citizens interests are not even being considered at all." Ms. Alyssa Weeks emailed the following comment: "I am emailing the City Council Board in reference to the possibility of the City Fire Department closing. I am a city resident and have three small children, one whom is asthmatic. My main concern of course would be the amount of time it will take for the county fire department to reach my home verses the amount of time it will take the city fire department to reach my home, if needed in an emergency situation. The county B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 12 of 14 fire department is always so busy handling accidents, medical situations, and all other emergency calls, that it seems they are always stretched thin. Okeechobee County is a very large area to have to provide emergency services for. Which is why I feel that I, personally can only benefit from the city fire department remaining open and servicing the city limits within Okeechobee County." Zoom Chat: get email from Lane Tori Fatjo via Zoom: Field District Service Rep of District 12 for IAFF. Met with administrator 2 weeks ago, commend the council for spending the amount tof time on it. Doing a good job addressing issues. Concerned with he union members working for the city. I am from Broward County, retired as local president. 29 years on the executive board. Broward County has 6 cities that have done interlocal agreements (cooper city, Lauderdale lakes, hollindale beach, dania beach) Merge with the county system. Work under Broward sheriff's office. The same arrangement that you are looking to do. County also has two enterprise funds, they also have contracts and interlocal agreements with the county. City of Weston, that was nevera merger, served when unincorporated, but contracted when incorporated. Think its important to know, in all of these scenarios, all of these members have come into the departments with seniority, rank, and pay. Nothing was lost. But I wanted to ensure you it can be done. We're more than willing to provide you with the resources needed from the IAFF, Broward Chief willing to answer questions. All municipaliites did realize saings, long term savings by regionalizing the department. Cooper city and lauderlakes were one station department. Although they did realize some savings when it was time to use capital funds to buy trucks, they didn't have to buy more than one. Broweard county's ystem is larger, over 800 FF's in service, using this economy of scale for purchasing that force long term savings for the city to see, is coming off the back of the ff's. offer resources, here to help, here for members, seen it over 6 timres. Referenced Palm Beach County same approach but a little differenct. Merged tax basis due to taxing districts. That was kind of different and not this scenario because they merged the district. Our resources are here, consider the members and their lives and seniority and time. Mrs. Jennifer Tewksbury, Executed Director for the Economic Council of Okeechobee submitted a letter via email, which reads as follows: "Mayor Watford: The Economic Council of Okeechobee continues to support the merger of our local fire departments to reduce redundant local spending without compromising our public safety. Attached you'll find additional documents from the ECO relative to your discussion on the interlocal agreement with Okeechobee County for fire rescue services. Also included is a revised agreement as proposed by the ECO Board of Directors. In summary, the proposed revisions provide for the following: Maintaining the contract execution date as January 1, 2021 while extending the term to 5 years; The County to purchase all necessary City fire equipment for use, eliminating the lease alternative and obligation to repair and maintain equipment; Removal of the obligation to fund 10% of the construction costs of a new fire station; Total cost to not exceed that which would be generated by the existing County Fire/EMS fee structure if applied to City properties. Please keep in mind, moving forward with an agreement of this nature will eliminate $6.7 million in redundant spending in the City over the course of the next decade. The Economic Council appreciates the City Council's continued efforts to seek the most effective ways to keep the public safe with our limited tax dollars. We also thank you for consistently keeping the public informed of this discussion. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions on the statement provided." WA -Josh and Tori reach out to them at a staff level to see if they can be an advocate for us. MDo-we continue to do so. BK -would it be appropriate, there are questions, I feel its appropriate to answer any questions. DW -contingency to get vehicles back, lease get vehicles back if default. BK -consensus was to sell, DW -if we sell, then we'd have to buy them back or purchase new. Conflicting relationship will be deferred to attorney. Do not know of any conflicting relationship. JF -the writer misunderstands the state ethics law. Having a friendship with someone rather than a business relationship is different. Suggests certain council members have relationships, and is ok. B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 13 of 14 1l� Nit BK -just didn't want to have any member of the public feel left out. Mentioned somewhere petition posted on facebook, change.org. Obviously it comes from an emotional standpoint. "without any consideration of the public" -we meet in the sunshine, agendas posted online, public meetings, information requests available. We haven't done anything without considering the public. 13 people unemployed" our intent to have all employed. "None of the City employees will be given preference" Not entirely correct. "claims has to do with budget" entrusted with taxpayers money, do whats right by all citizens. Eludes to captain rodriguez's alternative plan being shut down -that's why I apologized. "kicking the can" back and forth with the county. "public comments being shut down" I can't recall us shutting down a citizen when they're talking. "ballot on vote" covered this evening as well. Just wanted to bring this up and comment back to it in this public meeting, unfactual comments. DW -clarify one thing, thought of this earlier. Referendum. Ask attorney, referendum using the term as a fire tax, referendum by both entities. City could put anything on the ballot. JF -yes sir, you can also take a straw poll. DW -inefficient way to run government, that's why we're elected. MC -clarify what you're saying is, if we wanted to do a straw vote to see if the city residents want to merge the fire departments, we can? DW -yes, but there is a cost to that MC -i understood the question we merge. JF -the mayor is talking about a straw poll, you can. Do you get a sense if only 20% votes. DW -this is why we get elected. BJ -you have what we want to do, rightJohn? JF -I think MDO and I have a good sense of putting together a red line version? BJ -come back to Council at the next meeting JF -yes I would like to red line it and bring it back. G. Conduct the City Administrator's Annual Evaluation. DW -normal procedure, give the average score and to discuss with the Administrator. DW -4.6 WA -2.8 MC -3.9 BJ -4.6 BK -3.8 Average is 3.9 is Satisfactory. COUNCIL COMMENTS basically you all have had the opportunity Wa-none BJ -thank each one that came, controversial, looks at differently proud to serve on Council, proud of how we address issues and we handle it like the council should handle it. BK -none MC -none. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at _9:12_ P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 14 of 14