2020-06-16 Approved MinutesMA
CITY OF OIKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
JUNE 16, 2020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee
to order on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber, located at 55
Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida. Pursuant to Executive Order
No. 20-69 issued by Governor DeSantis on March 20, 2020, and extended by Executive
Order No. 20-139 effective June 5, 2020, the meeting was conducted utilizing
communications media technology (CMT) as provided by Florida Statutes
120.54(5)(b)2, by means of Zoom.com Meeting ID 2459713294. The Host computer
was operated by Executive Assistant Brock. The audio file is retained as a permanent
record'. The invocation was offered by Mayor Watford, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Council Member Keefe.
if. 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 in the
Chamber.
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, and Executive Assistant Robin Brock were also
present in the Chamber.
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added,
deferred, or withdrawn; New Business Item VII.G. was added.
B. Council Member Abney moved to adopt the agenda as amended; seconded
by Council Member Jarriel.
®DOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
C. Clerk Gamiotea advised 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. On behalf of the City, Mayor Watford presented Mr. William Saum, who was
accompanied by his wife Gail and several family members, with a framed
retirement certificate which read "Whereas, Mr. William J. Saum, fondly known
as Bill, began his public service career in the Street Division of the Public
Works Department as a Motor Equipment Operator on April 24, 1981. The
notes from his April 13, 1981, interview with Director L.C. Fortner provided
him as the top applicant based on his seven years' experience in driving
tractors, three and a half years' experience in lawn maintenance, and two
months experience driving trucks; and Whereas, on October 2, 1982, a
request to transfer to the Police Department to fill a Dispatcher position
was approved by Chief Mobley. Then on May 27, 1985, his title changed to
Patrolman Trainee, as the City Police Department sponsored Bill to enroll
in the Police Academy at the Indian River Community College. He attended
from October 7, 1985, until achieving his lifelong goal of becoming a Police
Officer on December 18, 19135. He proudly served as an Officer assigned to
the Road Patrol until June 30, 1997, when he transferred to the Detective
Division for the remainder of his tenure. His commendable professionalism
as a Detective and Department Liaison for several Neighborhood Watch
Programs is evidenced by the many letters of commendation and
correspondences of appreciation issued from the Office of the State
Attorney and citizens of the community; and Whereas, education has been
an important key to Bill's leadership.
June 16, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 1 of 8
45
ITEM A. OF PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS CONTINUED: During
his 35 years as an Officer he obtained 132 certificates of completion for
attending seminars, conferences, training, and continuing education
classes; and Whereas, being admired by his co-workers as impartial and
fair, Bill was selected to represent the Department on the City-wide
Employee Grievance Committee for many years, serving from 1990 to 1995,
2002 to 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2014 to 2016; and Whereas, during his 38
years in the Police Department, Bill served under the guidance of Police
Chief Larry Mobley, Rehmund Farrenkopf, Dennis Davis, and Robert
Peterson; all of whom have described him as an asset to the City due to his
dedication and willingness to go above and beyond to care for the well-
being of the citizens and his fellow Officers. Now, Wherefore, this Certificate
is being presented this 16th day of June, 2020, upon 39 years of faithful
public service, in recognition of Bill's Retirement as of June 30, 2020.
Retirement is a time to look back with admiration and look forward with
anticipation. Your City family wishes you all the best on your next chapter!"
Police Chief Peterson shared a fond story about Detective Saum's introduction
to becoming certified with the breathalyzer, followed by a prideful presentation of
his retirement badge. Detective Sergeant Taylor then lead the majority of the
Police Department members in presenting him with a large acrylic plaque
featuring the City police badge, the historic and new police patches, and his dates
of service.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Keefe to approve the consent
agenda items A through C [May 19, 2020, and June 2, 2020, Regular Meeting
Minutes; May 2020 Warrant Register in the amounts: General Fund $442,683.88,
Public Facilities Improvement Fund $15,164.44, Capital Improvement Projects
Fund $15,327.70, and Law Enforcement Special Fund $75.00 (the complete list
is included in the minute file); Temporary Maintenance Easement located at 703
Southwest 6th Street, as provided in Exhibit 11; seconded by Council Member
Clark.
VOTE; Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:29 P.M.
A. A motion was made by Council Member Clark, and seconded by Council
Member Keefe, to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1212, regarding
Comprehensive Plan Small Scale Future Land Use (FLIT) Map Amendment
Application No. 20 -002 -SSA, submitted by Loumax Development, Inc. on
behalf of the property owner Nemec Children's Trust, reclassifying
approximately 2.87 acres located in the 500 to 600 blocks along Southwest
(SW) 7th Avenue (AVE), from Single Family Residential (SFR) and Multi -
Family Residential (MFR) to Industrial (IND) [as provided in Exhibit 2; Legal
Description: All of Blocks 190 and 191, OKEECHOBEE, Plat Book (PB) 5, Page (PG) 5, public
records of Okeechobee County, Florida (FL); together with a portion of the FL East Coast Railway
Company right-of-way (ROW), since abandoned, and of North Curve Street (ST), since
abandoned, as shown on Plat of FIRST ADDITION TO OKEECHOBEE, FL, as recorded in PB 5,
PG 6, of the public records of Okeechobee County, FL, and being more particularly described as
follows: Commence at the intersection of the North ROW line of SW 6th ST with the West ROW
of SW 7th AVE; thence North 00°08'53" West along the West ROW line of said SW Th AVE, a
distance of 76.17 -feet (FT) to the point of beginning (POB); thence South 89*4.9'42" West, a
distance of 199.99 -FT to the intersection with the northerly extension of the West line of Block
251 of said Plat of FIRST ADDITION TO OKEECHOBEE; thence North 00°08'48" West along
said northerly extension a distance of 693.57 -FT to the intersection with the westerly extension
of the North ROW line of SW 41h ST; thence North 89°47'29" East along said westerly extension,
a distance of 60.00 -FT to the Northwest (NW) corner of SW 411 ST; thence South 00°08'48" East
along the West ROW line of SW 41h ST, a distance of 100.00 -FT to the NW corner of Lot 1, Block
190, OKEECHOBEE, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in PB 5, PG 5, of the public
records of Okeechobee County, FL; said point being a point of curvature of a curve to the left and
having for its elements, a central angle of 27°36'08 and a radius of 1,230.00 -FT; thence
Southeasterly along said curve, an arc distance of 592.55 -FT to the Southeast (SE) corner of
Block 191 of said Plat of OKEECHOBEE; thence South 00°08'53" East along the West ROW line
of said SW Th AVE, a distance of 23.65 -FT to the POB].
June 16, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 2 of 8
ITEM A. OF PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED: City Planning Consultant Mr. Ben
Smith of LaRue Planning and Management Services presented the Planning
Staff findings together with the Planning Board's review on May 21, 2020; both
recommended denial. According to those findings, the Application was found to
be inconsistent and incompatible with the Comprehensive Plan and adjacent
uses. The current surrounding FLU designations are IND to the North, SFR to the
East, and MFR to the South and West. The surrounding zoning districts are IND
to the North, and Residential Multiple Family (RMF) to the East, South and West.
The existing surrounding uses are an industrial manufacturing plant to the North;
single family homes and vacant property to the East; a childcare facility to the
South; vacant property and a proposed apartment complex to the West. The
traffic impact statement provided an estimated 1,144 additional vehicle trips.
Should the FLU Application be approved, it would be necessary to provide an
additional assessment of the traffic impact on the adjacent streets and properties
at the time of the site plan submission.
Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comment. The Applicant's Agent, Mr.
Steve Dobbs of 1062 Jakes Way, Okeechobee, addressed the Council by
explaining how traffic impact studies are formulated for IND uses. He championed
for the Applicant's need for expansion, citing the business which is located
immediately North of the subject property has been consistently growing for 19
years. He also referred to the five-page handout that he distributed prior to the
meeting, which included the Applicant's plan to buffer the property. The
Applicant's real estate agent, ;Mr. Jim Fowler, 470 SW 87th Terrace, Okeechobee,
explained the property has been listed with an agent for approximately three
years, but has been for sale for over 10 years. The current inconsistencies
between the FLU and zoning maps for this property has made it difficult to sell.
Mr. Fowler also championed for the Applicant by providing the number of
employees the company retains, and the expected number of new positions the
expansion will generate. He addressed the question of how the expansion will
impact local traffic by explaining semi -trucks will no longer temporarily park along
SW 7th AVE, but from the proposed loading docks on site. The Applicant, Loumax
Development's President Mr. Neal Markus, 1110 Oysterwood ST, Hollywood, FL
also provided a brief history of his business, and a current list of customers.
Should the application not be approved, Mr. Markus anticipated he would have
to relocate to another County that could accommodate his growing business.
Mayor Watford recessed the meeting at 7:20 P.M. due to CMT difficulties,
and reconvened at 7:23 P.M.
Attorney Furnero responded to Mayor Watford's procedural question that to cure
the issue of not reading the proposed Ordinance No. 1212 by title only prior to
opening discussion, it should be done at this time: "AIV ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FL; AMENDING THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, ORDINANCE NO. 635 AS AMENDED, BY
REVISING THE FLU MAP ON CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN FROM SFR AND MFR TO IND
(APPLICATION NO. 20 -002 -SSA), PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION OF
ORDINANCE AND REVISED FLU MAP IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.,,
The discussion then turned to the possibility of amending the Code of Ordinances
to allow manufacturing as a special exception in a heavy commercial zoning
district. Planner Smith explained a text amendment could be an option, but it
could create compatibility concerns within the zoning district. This particular
industrial use may not have resulted in any complaints, but other uses may.
Should the Council decide to explore and approve a text amendment, the
Applicant would be required to submit a petition for a zoning change. Should the
zoning change be approved, then he would petition the Board of Adjustments for
a special exception, which may or may not be approved. It was also conveyed
that should Mr. Markus sell the existing 1.60 site, any IND use could go into
operation.
June 16, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 3 of 8
47
ITEM A. OF PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED: Attorney Fumero explained the
Council is required to establish for the record the basis for overturning the
Planning Board's recommendation. The Council noted their findings accordingly:
the Application is found to be consistent and compatible with the
Comprehensive Plan as it does not increase density, it protects the uses
and values of adjacent properties, there are adequate public facilities to
serve the proposed use, and there are no environmental impacts.
MOTE: Ayes -Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -Mayor
Watford. Motion Carried.
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VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Mayor Watford explained the update on COVID-19 would not be provided as Mrs.
Tiffany Collins had to leave due to the length of time the previous items had taken.
B. Ms. Jennifer Codo-Salisbury, Central Florida Regional Planning Council
(CFRPC) Deputy Director, presented the Council with an overview of the draft
Economic Development Strategy and Disaster Resiliency Plan [as provided in
Exhibit 3]. A project website has been created to allow the public to review and
provide comments regarding the draft Plan, www.cfrpc.org/okeechobee-florida.
The top assets of Okeechobee were listed as Lake Okeechobee, location,
quaintness, available land, and agriculture. The overall goal provided in the
presentation was "strengthen and grow a resilient Okeechobee economy while
improving the quality of life for all citizens."
Ms. Salisbury continued her presentation by providing the following detailed goals
that will assist in achieving the overall goal. GOAL ONE -Support and expand
opportunities for existing local and new businesses: A) Establish and expand
partnerships between local business community and community/civic
organizations to support the City's economic development efforts; B) Investigate
funding opportunities to assist new and existing local businesses; C) Develop
social media campaigns and community events highlighting local businesses; D)
Increase collaboration with local, county, and regional economic development
organizations, Main Street Programs, Chambers of Commerce, CareerSource,
the CFRPC and other Stakeholder organizations; E) Collaborate with traditional
and new partners to bring new businesses to the City; F) Investigate incentive
opportunities for new businesses and retention of existing businesses; G)
Promote the availability and use of the business incubator program at Indian
River State College; H) Develop and implement a City-wide marketing plan to
encourage existing businesses to invest in expansions and to attract new
businesses; 1) Coordinate with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT),
Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization, and other agencies to
expand and enhance the transportation network in Okeechobee to provide
improved access to commercial and industrial locations; J) Maintain an inventory
of developable industrial land, free of significant development constraints to
accommodate new development.
GOAL TWO -Support opportunities for the future workforce: A) Increase support
for stronger K-12 education, vocational programs, workforce training and
retraining, higher education, and other programs to meet needs of businesses,
employees, and residents; B) Develop and maintain partnership with Indian River
State College, CareerSource, and local businesses to implement job and
education fairs; C) Encourage partnerships with local businesses and
CareerSource to develop and implement training and internship programs; D)
Encourage development of a mix of housing types to meet the needs of the
community's workforce. Implement regular communication and collaboration with
representatives of educational institutions and workforce development
organizations.
GOAL THREE -Support Okeechobee's outdoor adventure and historic tourism: A)
Consider formation of a Special Events Committee to develop new community
events and promote existing events.
June 16, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 4 of 8
GOAL THREE OF NEW BUSINESS ITEM B. CONTINUED: B) Create a package
of events like: Bass fishing tournament, Bird watching, BBQ competition, and
other events on Lake Okeechobee; C) Investigate possibilities for repurposing
buildings in downtown; D) Create a Historic Downtown Map to be linked to various
websites and historical forums for use by visitors and residents; E) Use the City's
murals and Florida Story Map to encourage visitors to explore Okeechobee; F)
Coordinate with Visit Central Florida and develop a video storytelling of
Okeechobee; G) Market and publicize special events and recreational
opportunities through social media platforms and the City website as well as
stakeholder and partner websites and social media pages; H) Consider using
Florida Story to create a walking tour of downtown; 1) Develop wayfinding or
locational signage for areas of interest.
GOAL FOUR -Support quality of life: A) Support and maintain recreational
amenities, areas, and opportunities including walkable neighborhoods,
playgrounds, and parks; B) Encourage new development that includes aesthetic
quality and safety features; C) Consider creation of a Revitalization Committee to
address property maintenance and improvements and effective code
enforcement policies; D) Encourage development of affordable housing options;
E) Partner with economic development and other organizations to promote City
amenities, events, recreational opportunities, and downtown businesses.
GOAL FIVE -Celebrate Lake Okeechobee by promoting Okeechobee as a
destination location: A) Promote Ecotourism; B) Promote existing events and
create new special events in the City; C) Implement branding; D) Partner with
Visit Florida and Destination Lake Okeechobee to promote the City of
Okeechobee.
GOAL SIX -Fund Strategic Public Investment: A) Ensure and evaluate availability
of infrastructure to support new businesses; B) Continue communication and
coordination with the state- and federal agencies for new updates and
opportunities; C) Review sidewalk network and parking challenges; D) Explore
grant funding opportunities for capital infrastructure improvements; E) Support
the FDOT "Complete Streets" and "Context Classification" programs to improve
roadway conditions serving properties along the corridors.
GOAL SEVEN -Emphasize Strategies the City and its partners will take to ensure
that Okeechobee is equipped to address current and future challenges: A)
Educate and engage residents about risk reduction and preparedness so they
can be self-sufficient for at least 7 to 14 days after a major event; B) Develop
additional pathways to employment and the delivery of financial tools to support
our most vulnerable residents; C) Cultivate leadership, stewardship, and equity
with young residents; D) Reduce health and wellness disparities across
neighborhoods; E) Equip government with technology and data to increase
situational awareness and expedite post -disaster recovery; F) Grow public,
private, and philanthropic partnerships increasing resources dedicated to building
resilience.
Through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Community Planning
Technical Assistance Grant the City was awarded, the CFRPC will assist in the
implementation of the Plan by identifying any inconsistencies between the FLU
and Zoning Maps; draft amendments to support economic development; draft an
economic development element for the Comprehensive Plan; draft Land
Development Regulation amendments to address disaster resiliency, while also
drafting amendments to address signs; and schedule future public meetings and
hearings as needed. The Council thanked Ms. Salisbury for her presentation. No
official action was required or requested on this item.
C. A motion was made by Council Member Jarriel and seconded by Council
Member Clark to read proposed Ordinance No. 1213 by title only, regarding
Rezoning Petition No. 20-001-R submitted by Loumax Development Inc. on
behalf of the property owner Nemec Children's Trust, to rezone
approximately 2.87 acres located in the 500 to 600 blocks along SW 7t" AVE
from RMF to IND [as provided in Exhibit 4; Legal Description. All of Blocks 190
June 16, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 5 of 8
ITEM C. OF NEW BUSINEE3S CONTINUED: and 191, OKEECHOBEE, PB 5, PG 5,
public records of Okeechobee County, FL; together with a portion of the FL East Coast Railway
Company ROW, since abandoned, and of North Curve ST, since abandoned, as shown on Plat
of FIRST ADDITION TO OKEECHOBEE, FL, as recorded in PB 5, PG 6, of the public records of
Okeechobee County, FL, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the
intersection of the North ROW line of SW 6th ST with the West ROW of SW 7th AVE; thence North
00°08'53" West along the West ROW line of said SW 7th AVE, a distance of 76.17 -FT to the POB;
thence South 89°49'42" West, a distance of 199.99 -FT to the intersection with the Northerly
extension of the West line of Block 251 of said Plat of FIRST ADDITION TO OKEECHOBEE;
thence North 00°08'48" West along said Northerly extension, a distance of 693.57 -FT to the
intersection with the Westerly extension of the North ROW line of SW 41h ST; thence North
8947'29" East along said Westerly extension, a distance of 60.00 -FT to the NW corner of SW 41h
ST; thence South 00°08'48" East along the West ROW line of SW 41h ST, a distance of 100.00 -
FT to the NW corner of Lot 1, Block 190, OKEECHOBEE, according to the Plat thereof as
recorded in PB 5, PG 5, of the public records of Okeechobee County, FL, said point being a point
of curvature of a curve to the left and having for its elements, a central angle of 27°36'08 and a
radius of 1,230.00 -FT; thence Southeasterly along said curve, an arc distance of 592.55 -FT to
the SE corner of Block 191 of said Plat of OKEECHOBEE; thence South 00°08'53" East along
the West ROW line of said SW 7th AVE, a distance of 23.65 -FT to the POB].
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1213 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FL; AMENDING THE
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OI- THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING
CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN,
FROM RMF TO IND ZONING DISTRICT (PETITION NO. 20-001-R),
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY, PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE: DATE."
Council Member Clark moved to approve the first reading, and set a Final
Public Hearing date of July 7, 2020, for proposed Ordinance No. 12139
seconded by Council Member Jarriel.
Planner Smith provided the review of the Planning Staff Report and explained the
Planning Board has recommended denial. This Petition is for the same property
as the previous approved Public Hearing Item A, Ordinance No. 1212, Application
No. 20 -002 -SSA. Mayor Watford opened the floor for questions or comments
from the public; there was none.
VOTE: Ayes -Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -Mayor
Watford. Motion Carried.
D. A motion was made by Council Member Abney and seconded by Council
Member Jarriel to read proposed Ordinance No. 1214 by title only,
regarding Rezoning Petition No. 20-002-R submitted by the property owner
Best Value Real Estate, LLC:, to rezone approximately 0.50 acres located at
204 East South Park ST, from RMF to Central Business District (CBD) [as
provided in Exhibit 5; Legal Description: CITY OF OKEECHOBEE beginning at the Northeast
(NE) corner of Lot 2, Block 171, TOWN OF OKEECHOBEE, PB 5, PG 5, public records of
Okeechobee County, FL, and run South along the East line of Lot 2, aforesaid a distance of
142.50 -FT. Thence West parallel to South Park ST to the intersection of the West line of Lot 3,
Block 171 extended South; thence North along said extended West line a distance of 142.50 -FT
to the South boundary of South Park ST; thence East along the South boundary of South Park
ST to the POB. Said lands also described as follows: Lots 2 and 3, Block 171, TOWN OF
OKEECHOBEE, PB 5, PG 5, public; records of Okeechobee County, FL, also that part of North
Curve ST and part of the former but: now abandoned FL East Coast Railroad ROW as shown on
Plat of FIRST ADDITION TO TOWN' OF OKEECHOBEE, recorded in PB 3, PG 26, public records
of St. Lucie County, FL, lying South of and adjacent to said Lots 2 and 3, together with Lot 4,
Block 171, TOWN OF OKEECHOBEE, PB 5, PG 5, public records of Okeechobee County, FL.
Also that part of North Curve ST as shown on Plat of FIRST ADDITION TO TOWN OF
OKEECHOBEE, recorded in PB 3, PG 26, public records of St. Lucie County, FL, lying South of
and adjacent to said Lot 4, and lying North of the following described line: commence at the NE
corner of Lot 2 of said Block 171; thence South 00°01'50" West, a distance of 142.50 -FT; thence
South 90°00'00" West, a distance of 100.00 -FT to the Southerly extension of the East line of said
Lot 4 and the POB; thence continue South 90°00'00" West, a distance of 34.64 -FT to the Point of
Terminus].
June 16, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 6 of 8
50
ITEM D. OF NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED: VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford,
Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -none. Motion
Carried.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1214 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FL, AMENDING THE
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING A
CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN,
FROM RMF TO CBD (PETITION NO. 20-002-R)., AMENDING THE ZONING
MAP ACCORDINGLY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Council Member Keefe moved to approve the first reading, and set a Final
Public Hearing date of July 7, 2020, for proposed Ordinance No. 1214;
seconded by Council Member Jarriel.
Planner Smith explained the Applicant recently purchased an existing medical
practice together with the property. When an existing commercial or industrial
use property that is non -conforming is transferred or sold, it must come into
conformance. The existing medical practice has been in operation at this location
well over 30 years, prior to the adoption of the Land Development Regulations.
The request has been reviewed based on the criteria the Code of Ordinances
provides, and it has been found to be compatible and an appropriate place for
the current medical practice. The Planning Board and Planning Staff are
recommending approval. Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comments;
there was none.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
E. Attorney Furnero provided a brief overview of the Charter Review process [as
provided in Exhibit 6], and confirmed that the Charter has not been fully revised
since approximately 1965. He posed three threshold issues for the Council to
consider: scope of charter review; the process; and the timetable.
The consensus of the Council was to begin the review process with a
template model Charter; appoint a review committee by the citizen board
application process requiring members be a resident or property owner
within the City; advertise for approximately 60 -days; public input
throughout the process will be vital; the timetable will be one year.
Direction was given to the ,Attorney and Administrator to ensure discussing
expectations for this committee and any additional requirements is placed on a
light agenda in the near future. The City Clerk was tasked with providing notices,
advertisements, and processing the citizen board applications for Council to
make the appointments.
F. Mayor Watford entertained the option to conduct one meeting in July and/or
August for the summer meeting schedule. After a brief discussion it was
determined that the meeting schedule would remain unchanged.
G. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA. Mayor Watford provided a brief update on the
outcome of the meeting held on June 10, 2020, regarding the Fire Services
Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the County. Those in attendance were himself,
Okeechobee Board of County Commission (BOCC) Chair Terry Burroughs, the
City and County Attorneys, Administrator MontesDeOca, and County
Administrator Robbie Chartier. Representatives of the Local 2918 Fire Union
were not present at this meeting as the City and County Attorneys determined
their participation would have violated the sunshine law. Council Member Abney
requested a copy of that determination in writing. It was recommended that a
Joint Workshop between the BOCC and City Council be held to present the
progress by this group. The BOCC approved and set a Joint Workshop for June
25, 2020 at 6:30 P.M.2 to be held in the BOCC chambers. The consensus of the
Council was to accept the invitation.
June 16, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 7 of 8
51
VIII. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Abney voiced his concerns with the complaints he has received
regarding the quality of the Zoom meeting videos. Administrator MontesDeOca replied
Staff is currently working to resolve technical issues.
Council Member Jarriel expressed his satisfaction with how the Council supports City
businesses.
Council Member Keefe stated, "I wanted to publicly commend our citizens, and local law
enforcement for the recent peaceful demonstrations conducted here locally. While
across the nation and the globe, there have been riots and stand-offs between citizens
and law enforcement, here in Okeechobee we have a community that can peacefully
stand for their beliefs and share in the current activism of our nation. I appreciate the
community standing in solidarity. The black lives matter movement has spurred a sense
of unity across the nation that extends beyond color, race, or religion. I look forward to
it growing to a sense of all of humanity standing together as one. A day when race or
ethnicity are not instigators of controversy, because there is a unified belief that we are
all equal and members of only one race, the human race. And to promote a community
sense of inclusivity, I want to highlight another community that has been mistreated,
oppressed, and even attacked, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or
questioning (LGBTQ) community, and I am sad that we have not announced publicly yet
that June is pride month. Many municipalities across the state and nation issue
proclamations declaring June as pride month. This simple act speaks volumes to those
in the community, as it shows that they are recognized, accepted, and included. June
2020 marks the 50th anniversary of annual LGBTQ pride traditions. The first pride march
in New York City was held on June 28, 1970 on the one-year anniversary of the
stonewall uprising. Society has come far since then, but as we can see with the current
events, there is more work to be done to get to a place of complete acceptance and
inclusion, of all races, all genders, and all sexualities."
Council Member Clark requested an update on the funding available to the City from the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Administrator
MontesDeOca explained the County is currently maneuvering through the details.
Information will be distributed once received. She then requested the information on the
City providing its own ambulance services be an item on the July 7, 2020, agenda to
compare to the proposed information to be provided at the Joint Workshop.
IX. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at
9:11 P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 7, 2020, at 6:00 P.M.
Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane amiotea, 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.
1 The video file became corrupted due to technical difficulties during the meeting, combined with software setting
changes that discontinued the digital backup.
2 The time of the Joint Workshop was changed to 6:00 P.M. by the BOCC.
June 16, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 8 of 8